City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 10, 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 7:00 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen. The Council entered into recess at 8:34 PM and returned at 8:45 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 24-1474) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Present: Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis 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 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 24-1475) RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 12, 2024. (ID # 24-1476) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS Page 1 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 34 feet of (ID # 24-1435) conduit in Foley Street, from an existing communications manhole to a point of pickup near 350 Assembly Row. Dave Flewelling, representing Comcast, 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 3.2. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit in (ID # 24-1436) Somerville Avenue, from Manhole 20647 to a point of pickup at 453 Somerville Avenue. 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. Order By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait (ID # 24-1464) That the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility install ALL-WAY STOP signs and safety measures at the Cedar Street intersection with the Community Path. AMENDMENT: That the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility install ALL-WAY STOP signs and safety measures at all the Cedar Street intersections with the Community Path. Councilor Sait noted that there have been many accidents at this intersection. Councilor Wilson moved to amend to add all intersections along the community path. The motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.2. Resolution By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Wilson (ID # 24-1463) That city departments ensure timely communication and coordination for field line painting. Councilor Mbah spoke about the lack of planning between the city and users of the city’s fields. He asked that the Resolution be read into the record. Councilor Wilson noted that this is a simple ask to have vendors reschedule the times that they paint fields. RESULT: APPROVED Page 2 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 4.3. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 24-1465) That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Street and the Community Path. AMENDMENT: That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at all the intersections of Cedar Street and the Community Path. Councilor Sait said that this is on a priority list, but probably won’t happen this fall. Councilor Wilson moved to amend to add all intersections along the community path. The motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED 4.4. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 24-1466) That the Director of Mobility explore ways to make the intersection of Gilman and Aldrich Streets safer, including adding clear signage and painting. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.5. Resolution By Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 24-1467) Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson In support of Ballot Question 2. Councilor Sait noted that the School Committee recently passed a similar resolution. She thanked teachers for working tirelessly to get this question onto the ballot and spoke about some of the reasons for eliminating MCAS testing in the state. She sponsored Michelle Anzalone, a para-professional in the Special Education Department in the Somerville Public Schools, to speak. Ms. Anzalone spoke about some students not being able to take the MCAS test for a variety of reasons. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an Open Space Access Easement at 5 Middlesex (ID # 24-1375) Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. This item was discussed with item #10.12 (24-1478). Director Galligani spoke on the item and said that the operational times have been changed. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE Page 3 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel (ID # 24-1469) Matters, meeting on October 2, 2024. Councilor Pineda Neufeld summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the 3 candidates presented for confirmation were all recommended for approval. The candidates were Shumeane Benford for the position of Chief of Police, Courtney Brunson for a position on the Somerville Redevelopment Authority, and Lynn Richards for a position on the Planning Board. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Shumeane Benford to the (ID # 24-1170) position of Chief of Police. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Brunson to the (ID # 24-1226) Somerville Redevelopment Authority. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynn Richards to the (ID # 24-1232) Planning Board. RESULT: APPROVED 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 # 24-1470) on October 3, 2024. Councilor Mbah summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee received an update on a municipal composting program and discussed the next steps for implementing the Climate Forward Plan. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis and (ID # 24-0042) Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide this Council with any updated plans and timelines for a municipal composting program. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 4 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 6.B.3. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 24-1198) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss with this Council the next steps for implementing the Climate Forward Plan. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on September (ID # 24-1468) 30, 2024. Councilor Clingan summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee discussed the current contract with the pest control company that administers the rat abatement program, measures taken at various sites where rat activity has been observed, certain sections of the city’s Rodent Control Ordinance, and the Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program. The committee also received an update on rodent control. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.2. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-0203) That the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the current contract with the pest control company that administers the city's rat abatement program. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.3. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-1035) That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the area at the intersection of Broadway and Glen Street for rodent activity. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.4. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Mbah and (ID # 24-1275) Councilor Sait That the City Solicitor review Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) and provide opinions for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues on 1. whether city inspectors may enter onto private property; 2. how much time must elapse subsequent to the issuance of a citation for the city to “cause the work to be performed and charge the owner of the property and place a lien against the property for expenses incurred"; and 3. the minimum amount of time that may be imposed pursuant to 11-038 (e). RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 5 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 6.C.5. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Mbah and (ID # 24-1277) Councilor Sait That the Environmental Health Manager prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program requests submitted from January 1, 2024 to date, including the average waiting time for inspections and bait station installation and a plan of action to expedite the process. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6-97 of the Code of (ID # 24-1457) Ordinances to change the effective date for the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of (ID # 24-1447) the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be permitted in the Urban Residence (UR) zoning district. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1 and 11.1 of the (ID # 24-1448) Zoning Ordinance to improve the regulation of bicycle parking. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 4-6, 8, and 9 of the (ID # 24-1460) Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for laboratory uses and buildings. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the (ID # 24-1461) Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee Page 6 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting that this Council rescind item #23-0977, an appropriation of (ID # 24-1458) $1,300,000, from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for a Feasibility Study. This item was discussed with agenda item #7.7 (24-1459). RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $1,300,000 from the Facility Renovation (ID # 24-1459) Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study to renovate or construct a new building to serve the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and that such new construction may also accommodate the enrollment needs of the Benjamin G. Brown School. Legislative Liaison Kimberley Hutter explained that the city is working with the MA School Building Authority (MSBA) and specific language required by the MSBA is needed to proceed. This item will replace a previously submitted version, which is being rescinded via item #24-1458. There are no changes to the dollar amount or purpose. Ms. Hutter noted that the feasibility study was originally approved on June 8, 2023, but has not started yet and Councilor Wilson explained that this is module 3 of the process and that the city would not have gotten to this point any earlier had the required language been part of the original request. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, 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 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to create the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions (ID # 24-1334) Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the fund of $262,000 from the Union Square RELP Master Developer LLC to satisfy special permit conditions. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION Page 7 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $262,000 from the Prospect Street (ID # 24-1335) Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund to implement the conditions of Planning Board case PB 2019-04. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $542,675 from the Community Preservation (ID # 24-1430) Act (CPA) Open Space Reserve Fund for the development of the ArtFarm park improvement project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $174,776 from the Community Preservation Act (ID # 24-1431) (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years (ID # 24-1374) with a new expiration date of 9/1/2027, for the Somerville Hispanic Association for community development for restoration of 59 Cross Street. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $310,100 grant with no new (ID # 24-1434) match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for resilience hubs. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 8 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $250,000 grant with no new (ID # 24-1377) match required, from MA Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for an East Somerville soundwall feasibility study. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $33,940.50 grant from Metro (ID # 24-1410) North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept a donation of equipment valued at $15,000 (ID # 24-1445) with no new match required, from the City of Boston Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Works for two trailers. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $48,930.22 using (ID # 24-1443) available funds in the Department of Public Works Electricity Account for solar net metering. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $24,802.06 using (ID # 24-1429) available funds in the Information Technology Cellular & Paging Services and Leased - Photocopier Equipment Accounts for cellular and copier services. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 9 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $60 using available (ID # 24-1444) funds in the Department of Public Works License Reimbursement Account for employee reimbursement for hoisting licensing. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $45.97 using (ID # 24-1417) available funds in the City Clerk Maintenance Contract Account for printer/copier service. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.21. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 24-1372) RESULT: WITHDRAWN 7.22. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 24-1376) RESULT: WITHDRAWN 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Solicitor responding to item #24-1275, an Order that the City Solicitor Communication review and provide opinions regarding Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) . (ID # 24-1433) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 8.2. Officer's SomerStat Director conveying an update on the Happiness Survey. Communication (ID # 24-1455) SomerStat Director Anna Gartsman spoke on the item and gave a brief presentation of the survey and the latest available data, from the 2023 survey. The survey has been conducted every 2 years since 2011 and some improvements to the survey will be coming in 2025. The survey is sent in several languages to 5,000 randomly selected people. From those surveyed in 2023, 1006 responses were received indicating that, overall, most people are happy but not very happy, according to the 5-point scale. Director Gartsman reported that people are mostly satisfied with Page 10 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 neighborhood beauty, pretty satisfied with the convenience of getting around the city, thrilled with social community events, satisfied with the availability of city information, not very concerned about crime and violence, unhappy about the cost of housing, street/sidewalk maintenance and childcare costs. The data indicated that people are most concerned about bike safety, rats, and being priced out of the city. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. (ID # 24-1437) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Ed's Used Auto Parts, 516 (ID # 24-1438) Columbia Street. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Mystic Auto Sales, 712 Mystic (ID # 24-1456) Avenue. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. Public Event Republic Fitness applying for a Public Event License for Republic Fitness (ID # 24-1450) Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Class on October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and November 23 from 9am to 11:30am. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. Public Event David Margolin applying for a Public Event License for Highland Road BP (ID # 24-1451) 2024 on October 13 from 3pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 20). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 11 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 9.6. Public Event Alexandra Feldman applying for a Public Event License for School Street (ID # 24-1462) BP on October 19 from 11am to 6pm (raindate October 26). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. Public Event Garlic Enthusiasts MetroWest applying for a Public Event License for Poly (ID # 24-1452) Pumpkin Spice Meetup on October 19 from 12:30pm to 5pm (raindate October 26). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. Public Event Daniel Wong applying for a Public Event License for Oak Street BP on (ID # 24-1439) October 19 from 1:30pm to 7pm (raindate October 20). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. Public Event Emily Hardt applying for a Public Event License for Endicott Avenue & (ID # 24-1440) Neighborhood BP on October 20 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 27). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Public Event Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Truck O' Treat on (ID # 24-1441) October 24 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate October 31). RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. Public Event Kelsey Coffin applying for a Public Event License for Partridge Ave (ID # 24-1453) Halloween Party on October 27 from 4pm to 10pm (raindate October 31). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Event Danielle Angelillo applying for a Public Event License for Halloween BP on (ID # 24-1442) October 31 from 3pm to 9pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 12 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 9.13. Public Event Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 24-1454) Free Clothing Store on November 16 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 17). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.9 and 9.11 through 9.13 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Harris Berenholz submitting comments re: ceasefire. Communication (ID # 24-1449) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-1479) In support of safety and transparency on public transit. Councilor Ewen-Campen spoke about an October 2 Green Line derailment and the way the MBTA failed to support those who experienced that incident. Councilor Burnley said the MBTA’s actions in frequently closing portions of the GLX are unacceptable and he wants to have protocols and safety procedures in place for incidents such as this. Councilor Ewen-Campen sponsored Ms. Margaret Norcross Devin to speak. Ms. Norcross Devin said that the train was moving too fast and that after the accident black smoke was filling the train. After exiting the car, passengers stood on a bridge while the train operator stayed with the train. After reaching an access path, passengers were told to walk straight ahead as shuttle busses would be there. Instead, she opted to walk home and started to feel unwell. She was dismayed that passengers weren’t interviewed by MBTA personnel at the scene. She contacted the MBTA and was referred to their Law Department and was told she would be sent a claim form. She was also told she could write a letter to the GM of the MBTA to express her concerns. She was contacted by the media and 3 days later, she was contacted by the Chief Operating Officer of the MBTA. She explained that she isn’t looking for compensation - she just wants stated protocols in place to ensure that MBTA personnel obtain information from passengers involved in an incident. Councilor Ewen-Campen requested the MBTA’s policy for this type of incident and, as yet, he has not received it. RESULT: APPROVED Page 13 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 10.2. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 24-1480) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville neighborhoods. AMENDMENT: That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville and Davis Square and Ball Square neighborhoods. Councilor Burnley spoke about available statewide funding in the amount of $15 million and he feels that Somerville should be on the cutting edge for securing a portion of those funds to meet the needs of its residents. Councilor McLaughlin noted that the city was bold enough to follow through on the need for more density by passing the triple decker ordinance. Councilor McLaughlin moved to amend to add Davis Square and Ball Square. The motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.3. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-1481) That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the streetlights along Mystic Avenue between the Medford line and Temple Street. Councilor Clingan said that the state wants to change lights on wooden street poles and he wants to know what the problem is, since there seems to be some conflict with the state. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.4. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-1482) That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs making the intersections of Temple Street and the following streets 4-way stops: Bailey Road, Governor Winthrop Road, Puritan Avenue, Putnam Street, and Ten Hills Road. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.5. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 24-1483) That the Director of Mobility install a flashing STOP sign on Puritan Avenue at its intersection with Temple Street. Page 14 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.6. Order By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson (ID # 24-1484) That the Director of Mobility install speed humps on Medford Street between Central and School Streets. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.7. Order By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 24-1486) That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s application to the Mass Architectural Access Board, on behalf of the City of Somerville, to circumvent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Councilor Clingan found out about this from a constituent and explained that the MBTA applied for a sidewalk variance and sent copies of the application to the appropriate entities, however, no letter from the city was included with the application and it was unclear if the city had any knowledge of this matter. Director of Engineering Brian Postlewaite spoke on the matter saying that the variance is not news to the city, as it came in over the summer months and has nothing to do with the Gilman Square T station, itself, but rather it has to do with the Medford Street bridge. The location of the variance is immediately adjacent to the abutment of the bridge, which is state owned, therefore it is outside of the jurisdiction of the city, therefore, a letter from the city stating that it does not own that property should suffice in moving the application along. Councilor Clingan disagreed, saying that this has everything to do with the station and he sponsored the Chair of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Holly Simione, to speak. Ms. Simione noted that it’s important that variances come to the commission for review and input. She commented on the slope of the sidewalk and feels that some city department should be telling any parcel owner working in Somerville’s domain when something is not right. Councilor Burnley referenced an attachment to this item and asked Director Postlewaite to comment on an image (figure 6). The Director explained that the drawing is from an earlier design of the project. When the project was cancelled and then re-booted, the design changed, however the variances were retained. The variance in question now, is to exceed the slope by an additional 1%. Councilor Burnley commented that the state often fails the city and Councilor Clingan asked the Director if the situation has a solution to bring it into compliance. Director Postlewaite explained that it would be extraordinarily difficult to make this particular sidewalk compliant although it’s not entirely off the table, but it would be challenging. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 15 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 10.8. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-1488) That the Director of Economic Development appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the immediate plans and short-term response efforts to best support and sustain small businesses, post-COVID. Councilor Strezo commented that some small businesses are desperate to secure resources and she would like to explore available opportunities. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 10.9. Order By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 24-1489) That the Chief of Police and the Director of Human Resources appear before this Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the current crossing guard staffing numbers and the recruitment plan for the 2024/2025 school year. Councilor Strezo noted that the city is still understaffed with crossing guards. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Housing and Community Development Committee 10.10. Communication By Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-1490) Conveying information regarding the Construction Advisory Group. Councilor Strezo gave a report on the first Construction Advisory Group meeting, sharing that the committee discussed process and responsibilities. The committee is still looking for members. She noted that the consultant spoke about planning for future meetings, via Zoom, but the committee wants meetings to be at least hybrid. Future meetings are scheduled for Nov 2 and Dec 9. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.11. Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the (ID # 24-1477) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.20 and 10.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.12. Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of an open space access agreement for 5 Middlesex (ID # 24-1478) Avenue and Harold Cohen Way. This item was discussed with agenda item #5.1 (24-1375). RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2024 AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, 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 Two City Councilor Scott 10.13. Public Event Ani Ajemian applying for a Public Event License for Halloween on Heath (ID # 24-1487) on October 27 from 1pm to 9pm. RESULT: APPROVED 10.14. Public Eileen Carranza submitting comments re: leaf blowers. Communication (ID # 24-1485) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:12 PM. Page 17 of 17