City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 23, 2024 7:00 PM City Council Chamber and Remote Participation Published May 21, 2024, 2:45 PM, Revised Published May 23, 2024, 12:15 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_-1hEv2YCR0yjoTqvjT7Ecg 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 # 24-0800) 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 24-0801) 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April (ID # 24-0802) 25, 2024. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0788) That this Council discuss how the lapse in consistent mail delivery in Somerville has affected municipal bill collection, reports of bills not received, or accounts marked delinquent. Page 1 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 4.2. Resolution By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0789) That the Postmaster share recent and ongoing efforts to adequately staff postal carrier routes and communicate any steps taken to address Post Office staff shortages in Somerville. 4.3. Communication By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0787) Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet. 4.4. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0790) That the Director of Engineering appear before the Committee on Land Use to discuss how required electrical equipment can modify the plans for already-approved new developments, such as at 379 Somerville Avenue. 4.5. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-0791) That the Director of Mobility begin a public process to determine how to manage traffic issues on Benton Road in light of the upcoming change of Central Street to a one-way from Summer Street to Highland Avenue. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. EQUITY, GENDER, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, (ID # 24-0703) Families and Vulnerable Populations, meeting on May 15, 2024. 6.A.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0477) That the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations conduct a Committee of the Whole Public Hearing to hear how the increases in water and sewer rates are affecting Somerville residents, and be it further Ordered that all relevant city departments be in attendance. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.A.3. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 24-0717) Davis, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration address its plan to prevent displacement in relation to water and sewer bills. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 2 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 6.A.4. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 24-0718) Davis, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration report to this Council the plans for the committed and unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and how much, if any, can be spent on current and future water and sewer bill relief for residents. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May (ID # 24-0705) 21, 2024. 6.B.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0627) $32,695 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Building Rental account for portable invoices. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 (ID # 24-0643) grant with no new match required from Home Energy Efficiency Team, Inc. to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a feasibility study to identify potential locations for geothermal networks. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.4. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $3,010,000 in a (ID # 24-0644) bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2024 Building Improvements program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to use available funds in the City (ID # 24-0654) Clerk Salaries account in the amount of $1,913.40 to fund a Legislative Services Manager position. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the (ID # 24-0655) Unreserved Fund Balance (“Free Cash”) to the Law Department Legal Services Account for anticipated outside legal counsel invoices. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 3 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 6.B.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0660) $70 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Division R&M Vehicles account for vehicle inspection invoices. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0661) $7,075 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Division Rental Buildings account for portable restroom rental services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 (ID # 24-0666) grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Recycle Dividend Program. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $80,000 from the (ID # 24-0668) Department of Public Works (DPW) Lights & Lines accounts to the DPW Grounds Professional and Technical account to cover year-end grounds maintenance expenses. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B.11.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend an up to (ID # 24-0669) $60,000 grant with no new match required, from the Low Income Housing Water Assistance Program through the City of Cambridge to the Water and Sewer Department for income eligible ratepayers who are directly billed for their service(s) and who have an arrearage. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting (ID # 24-0704) on May 20, 2024. 6.D. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, (ID # 24-0706) meeting on May 22, 2024. 6.D.2. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek (ID # 24-0609) Gyros, 215 Elm St, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 4 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 6.D.3. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Papa John's, (ID # 24-0635) 622 Somerville Ave, opening Sun-Thur until 1am, Fri-Sat until 2am for takeout and delivery services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.D.4. License New Garage License, BRE-BMR Assembly Innovation I (ID # 24-0692) LLC, 122 Assembly Park Drive, 306 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside for charging money to store vehicles and operating a tow, operating 7 days a week 24 hours. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.E. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, (ID # 24-0702) meeting on May 14, 2024. 6.E.2. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-0663) That the Environmental Health Coordinator appear before the Special Committee on Rodent Issues to present the 2024 Integrated Pest Management Plan. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting that this Council convene in Executive (ID # 24-0786) Session to receive an update on the status of collective bargaining negotiations with all municipal bargaining units. 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a conveyance and grant of (ID # 24-0656) easement for Leonard Grimes Park at 31 Tufts Street. 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to execute the Third Amendment to (ID # 24-0720) the lease agreement with Dana Family Series, LLC, for the Grove Street parking lot, through June 30, 2025. 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to settle a claim for $7,182 pursuant (ID # 24-0767) to Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances. 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $40,000 from the (ID # 24-0681) Kennedy Pool Electricity Account to the Kennedy Pool Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to increase employees for programs. 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $7,182 from the (ID # 24-0768) Unemployment Compensation account to the Law Department Judgments and Settlements account to settle a pending claim. Page 5 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 (ID # 24-0773) grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for traffic safety improvements at the Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway intersection. 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $75,000 (ID # 24-0774) grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for a multi-use trail at Blessing of the Bay park. 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $60,067 (ID # 24-0772) grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the traffic safety program. 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant (ID # 24-0775) with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Mobility Division for the National Association of City Transportation Officials Designing Cities 2024 Conference Registration. 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept a gift valued at $18,000, (ID # 24-0719) from Boston's Office of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for a generator. 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0785) $4,120 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical account for random drug screening and breath alcohol testing. 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0697) $385 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for transcription services. 7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0698) $250 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Professional and Technical Services Account for translation/interpretation services. Page 6 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 24-0784) $199.99 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training account for public relations training for first responders. 7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ellen (ID # 24-0712) Ellis to the Council on Aging. 7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Tania (ID # 24-0713) Medeiros Romanoff to the Council on Aging. 7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brad (ID # 24-0714) Bortner to the Council on Aging. 7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sari (ID # 24-0777) Kayyali to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Amanda (ID # 24-0778) Rychel to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.21. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Maria (ID # 24-0779) Salim to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.22. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Adrienne (ID # 24-0780) Agarwal to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.23. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Katharine (ID # 24-0781) Lange to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.24. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kathryne (ID # 24-0782) Benesh to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.25. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul (ID # 24-0783) Morgan to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 7.26. Mayor's Conveying the Surveillance Technology Impact Report Communication for exterior cameras at fire stations. (ID # 24-0693) 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Communication Madalyn Letellier to the position of Legislative Services (ID # 24-0696) Manager. 8.2. Officer's City Clerk submitting recommendations for adjustments Communication to certain fees charged by the City Clerk’s Office, (ID # 24-0798) effective July 1, 2024. Page 7 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 8.3. Officer's Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning & Communication Community Development reporting on recent workshops (ID # 24-0799) on housing development and filling office and life science spaces. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, N&M Excavating. (ID # 24-0721) 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Borges Sewer & Drain (ID # 24-0722) LLC. 9.3. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation (ID # 24-0723) Corporation. 9.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, McCourt Construction. (ID # 24-0724) 9.5. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, McGue Excavating LLC. (ID # 24-0725) 9.6. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's (ID # 24-0726) Pizzeria, 516B Medford St. 9.7. License New Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 (ID # 24-0793) Windsor Street, storing 3,549 gallons. 9.8. License Renewing Flammables License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie (ID # 24-0733) St. 9.9. License Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 (ID # 24-0728) Broadway. 9.10. License Renewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, (ID # 24-0735) 229 Lowell St. 9.11. License Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Gulf, 212 (ID # 24-0729) Broadway. 9.12. License Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 (ID # 24-0730) Broadway. 9.13. License Renewing Flammables License, Evocative, 50 Inner Belt (ID # 24-0741) Rd. 9.14. License Renewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, (ID # 24-0732) Inc., 583 Broadway. 9.15. License Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter (ID # 24-0739) Services, LLC, 23R Inner Belt Rd. Page 8 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 9.16. License Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter (ID # 24-0744) Services, LLC, 70 R Third Ave. 9.17. License Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter (ID # 24-0745) Services, LLC, 132 Washington St. 9.18. License Renewing Flammables License, Mercedes Benz of (ID # 24-0736) Boston, 259 McGrath Hwy. 9.19. License Renewing Flammables License, Metropolitan Pipe and (ID # 24-0740) Supply Company, 30 Inner Belt Rd. 9.20. License Renewing Flammables License, Pearl Street Auto Sales, (ID # 24-0742) 182 Pearl St. 9.21. License Renewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, (ID # 24-0727) 166 Boston Ave. 9.22. License Renewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, (ID # 24-0743) LLC, 101 South St. 9.23. License Renewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 (ID # 24-0737) Medford St. 9.24. License Renewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 (ID # 24-0731) Broadway. 9.25. License Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 (ID # 24-0734) Linwood St. 9.26. License Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul Company of (ID # 24-0738) Boston, 600 Mystic Valley Pkwy. 9.27. License Renewing Flammables License, Union Gulf Service (ID # 24-0747) LLC, 231 Washington St. 9.28. License Renewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil (ID # 24-0746) Change AB0001, 182 Washington St. 9.29. License Renewing Garage License, Sullivan Tire, 263 Beacon St. (ID # 24-0748) 9.30. License Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 (ID # 24-0749) Broadway. 9.31. License Renewing Garage License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 (ID # 24-0750) Linwood St. 9.32. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Cinema Taxi Inc, (ID # 24-0766) Med. #16 58. Page 9 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 9.33. Public Event Jodee Frias applying for a Public Event License for Tufts (ID # 24-0792) University Graduate Student Council 28th Annual 5K Charity Race on May 25 from 8am to 1:30pm (raindate May 27). 9.34. Public Event Alexandra Weiner applying for a Public Event License (ID # 24-0751) for Calvin Street BP on May 26 from 10am to 8pm (raindate May 27). 9.35. Public Event Veterans Department applying for a Public Event (ID # 24-0752) License for Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 27 from 9am to 11:30am. 9.36. Public Event Stephanie Galaitsi applying for a Public Event License (ID # 24-0794) for Josephine Ave BP and Mural Painting on June 1 from 7am to 2pm (raindate June 2). 9.37. Public Event Tracy Wilson applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0795) Walker St/Leonard St BP on June 1 from 2pm to 7pm (raindate June 2). 9.38. Public Event Rachel Powe applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0796) Leonard St/Walker St BP on June 1 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 2). 9.39. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0753) Nepali Culture Fest on June 1 from 2:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 8). 9.40. Public Event Marla Wessland applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0754) Wallace Street BP on June 1 from 3:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 2). 9.41. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0755) SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 2 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate June 9). 9.42. Public Event Todd Kaplan applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0797) Todd Kaplan Birthday Party on June 2 from 1pm to 5pm (raindate June 16). 9.43. Public Event Rishika Dhawan applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0756) CultureHouse Union Square BP on June 2 from 2pm to 8:30pm (raindate June 9). 9.44. Public Event Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0757) Annual Curated Vintage Market on June 2 and October 13 from 9am to 9pm (raindates June 9 and October 20). Page 10 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 9.45. Public Event Family Bike Ride/Community Pedal Power applying for (ID # 24-0758) a Public Event License for Family Bike Ride River Ride on June 8 from 11am to 11:30am (raindate June 9). 9.46. Public Event Ann Peralta applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0759) Warwick St. BP on June 9 from 2pm to 8pm (raindates June 15 and June 16). 9.47. Public Event Matt Timmins applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0760) Upper Bartlett BP on June 15 from 1pm to 10pm (raindate June 16). 9.48. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big (ID # 24-0761) Gay Dance Party on June 22 from 3pm to 9pm (raindate June 23). 9.49. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0762) Fourth of July Celebration on June 27 from 1pm to 11pm (raindate June 28). 9.50. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0763) ArtBeat: Wild on July 13 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 14). 9.51. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0764) SomerStreets: Strike up the Bands on August 4 from 12pm to 8pm. 9.52. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0765) Yart Sale on August 10 from 11:30am to 7pm (raindate August 11). 9.53. Public Green Cab Company, Inc. requesting an increase in the Communication taxicab meter rate to $3.80 for the first 1/8 of a mile, (ID # 24-0701) $0.50 for each additional 1/8 of a mile and $32 per hour waiting time. 9.54. Public Graham Davidson submitting comments re: residential Communication exemption. (ID # 24-0695) 9.55. Public Jeff Kaufman submitting comments re: Section 7-153 of Communication the Code of Ordinances. (ID # 24-0699) 9.56. Public Robert Bao submitting comments re: portable toilets at Communication PorchFest. (ID # 24-0700) Page 11 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda May 23, 2024 9.57. Public Mark Niedergang submitting comments re: item Communication #24-0641, a Zoning Map Amendment for the Young (ID # 24-0715) Men's Christian Association (YMCA). 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Matthew (ID # 24-0803) Kane to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 10.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael (ID # 24-0804) Finnegan to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 10.3. Mayor's Proclaiming April 2024 to be Arab American Heritage Communication Month. (ID # 24-0810) 10.4. Mayor's Proclaiming May 2024 to be Jewish American Heritage Communication Month. (ID # 24-0812) 10.5. Public Event Jamie Gouger applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0807) Garcia Hand Picked Bertha Pop Up on June 7 from 1pm to 8pm (raindate June 21). 10.6. Public Event Nicole Girouard applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0808) Classical Ideal: Celebrating Artistic Heritage of the Classical World on June 8 from 12pm to 4pm (raindate June 9). 10.7. Public Event Economic Development applying for a Public Event (ID # 24-0806) License for Gilman Park Community Event on June 15 through September 30 from 7am to 10pm. 10.8. Public Event Daniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-0809) Spring Oak Bolton Houghton BP on June 15 from 1pm to 6pm (raindate June 16). 10.9. Public Event Department of Racial and Social Justice applying for a (ID # 24-0811) Public Event License for Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 18 from 10am to 1pm (raindate June 17). 10.10. Public Aaron Weber submitting comments re: density bonus. Communication (ID # 24-0805) 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 12 of 12