City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 24, 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 7:01 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. The City Council entered recess at 7:12 PM and returned at 7:16 PM. The City Council entered Executive Session at 7:37 PM and returned at 9:11 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 24-1521) Councilor Wilson arrived at 7:03 PM. Councilor Mbah arrived at 7:18 PM. 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 City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr. City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld Absent: Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 24-1522) RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2024. (ID # 24-1523) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Page 1 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Wilson (ID # 24-1514) That the Director of Libraries and other relevant departments discuss strategies and lay out safety protocols in advance to ensure a safe environment for everyone during events that may draw protests. Councilor McLaughlin referenced the recent disturbances at the library and would like to discuss safety strategies. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 4.2. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-1515) That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider the impact of park equipment that requires special parts that may take long periods to replace when creating future parks. Councilor McLaughlin spoke about delays in obtaining specialty parts. RESULT: APPROVED 4.3. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-1516) That the Director of Sustainability and Environment invest in rodent proof composting barrels in the upcoming composting pilot program. Councilor McLaughlin spoke about the fear of composting increasing rodent activity and he believes that this type of barrel would be acceptable. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Rodent Issues Special Committee 4.4. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-1517) That the Director of Engineering address rainwater runoff on Myrtle Street. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 22, 2024. (ID # 24-1508) Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that they received an update on ARPA grant encumbrances, created the Prospect Street Traffic Conditions Stabilization Fund and accepted a Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 payment for same, and approved four appropriations, one contract extension, one easement, one transfer of funds, payment of eight prior year invoice items, accepted a donation of equipment and approved acceptance and expenditure of three grants. Councilor Wilson moved to sever item #24-1477 from the report. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Singh stated that the Administration would like to withdraw that item. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 24-1300) That the Director of Grants Development and External Funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Director update this Council on ARPA grant encumbrances ahead of the obligation deadline of December 31, 2024. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and (ID # 24-1332) Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools. RESULT: APPROVED 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $220,120.80 from the Receipts (ID # 24-1333) Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero Safety efforts. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. 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. RESULT: APPROVED Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 6.A.6. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 6.A.7. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.8. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $160 using available (ID # 24-1378) funds in the Department of Public Works Administration License Reimbursement Account for commercial license employee expense. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $22,633.58 using (ID # 24-1379) available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Natural Gas Account for prior year balances on bills. RESULT: APPROVED Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 6.A.11.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,675 using (ID # 24-1380) available funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for Recycling Services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.12.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15 using available (ID # 24-1381) funds in the Department of Public Works Highway Rubbish Removal Account for disposal of break out material. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.13.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.14.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.15.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.16.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.17.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.18.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. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 6.A.19.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.20.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.21.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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.22.Mayor's Request Requesting acceptance of an easement for a pedestrian bridge over the (ID # 24-1477) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.B. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, (ID # 24-1507) meeting on October 21, 2024. Councilor Strezo summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee discussed items having to do with finding a permanent location and regular hours for the Teen Center, creating a Community Center as part of the new developments in Union Square and Boynton Yards, ways to provide small businesses with financial and technical support, and finally, the problem with missing United States Postal Service mail. With regard to assisting businesses, Councilor Mbah commented that it’s important for OSPCD to work with the committee so that members might provide input on ways to provide assistance. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Strezo (ID # 24-0146) That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) update this Council on current efforts to create a Community Center as part of the new developments in Union Square and Boynton Yards. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 6.B.3. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Strezo, Councilor (ID # 24-0902) Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah That the Administration hold a community meeting within the next 30 days to address the impacts of the missing United States Postal Service mail, and the overall lack of mail delivery in various parts of Somerville. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the (ID # 24-1506) Planning Board on October 17, 2024. Councilor McLaughlin summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that several public hearings were held, with one dealing with the removal of parking minimums. Those in favor of the amendment viewed it as a way to reduce traffic, to get cars of the street and to increase affordability of apartments. Those in opposition cited ADA and off-street parking concerns. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 15, (ID # 24-1505) 2024. Councilor Davis summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee discussed a change in the application and permitting processes for block parties. Beginning next year, those will be handled by the City Clerk’s Office and will not require City Council approval. The committee also recommended a change to the effective date of the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. Councilor Burnley commented on getting the word out to the public about the change in permitting for block parties. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.2. Resolution By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor (ID # 24-1269) Ewen-Campen That the Administration make it easier for residents to host block parties by simplifying and shortening the approval process, and take steps to provide monetary awards or grants of $100 for approved block parties. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.D.3. 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: ORDINANCE ORDAINED Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 6.D.4. Order By Councilor Davis (ID # 24-1510) That, effective January 1, 2025, the City Council shall no longer review and approve applications for block parties, and that the City Clerk shall assume responsibility for final approval of applications for block parties. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 23, (ID # 24-1509) 2024. Councilor Burnley summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that one New Garage License was approved and one Garage License Renewal was kept in Committee for further discussion. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E.2. License New Garage License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor St, 242 vehicles (ID # 24-1043) inside, 0 vehicles outside for storing vehicles only, 7 days a week 24 hours. RESULT: APPROVED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Deed, Easement and Grant of Maintenance (ID # 24-1503) License for 808 Windsor Street. Special Counsel Cathy Sachert explained the easement and the accompanying deed for the 1,000 square foot parcel. RESULT: APPROVED 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $940,000 from the tax levy to (ID # 24-1511) various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Local 76. See item #24-1512. RESULT: APPROVED 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $233,881 from the Salary Contingency, (ID # 24-1512) Salaries account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 76. This item was discussed with item #24-1511. Mayor Ballantyne addressed the Council regarding the collective bargaining agreement that was recently signed. The contract provided wage increases, advanced training, higher education benefits, new stipends for dedicated positions, and skill based procedures for career advances. She requested that the Council approve both items. Local 76 President Mike Jefferson thanked the mayor and the city for negotiating the contract. RESULT: APPROVED 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an extension for 15 months with a new expiration (ID # 24-1513) date of 3/31/2026, and an increase of $68,227.63, for the University of Massachusetts Boston for research and implementation services for the Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot. ARPA Director Erica Satin-Hernandez explained that the extension is to provide enough time to evaluate the pilot program. Councilor Strezo asked about discussions on steps after the pilot program ends. The Director said transition planning will be looked at for post ARPA funding opportunities. The discussions will involve partners and possibly participants in the program. Councilor Strezo requested that participants be involved in planning the next steps. RESULT: APPROVED 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new (ID # 24-1491) match required, from MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the Blessing of the Bay MassTrails improvement project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 and 7.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $171,000 grant with no new (ID # 24-1260) match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for a Special Response Team rescue vehicle. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 and 7.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Solicitor requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to Communication discuss a recent decision in Cobble Hill Center, LLC v. Somerville (ID # 24-1520) Redevelopment Authority. The Council voted to enter into Executive Session at 7:37 PM. The Council returned to the regular meeting at 9:11 PM. President Pineda Neufeld announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session, other than the vote to adjourn. RESULT: APPROVED 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 8.2. Officer's Director of Health and Human Services conveying the Board of Health Communication Annual Report for 2023. (ID # 24-1432) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, A & B Services, Inc. (ID # 24-1492) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation. (ID # 24-1504) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Lodging House License, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, 98 Professors (ID # 24-1494) Row. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Outdoor Goods License, 130 Broadway, LLC, 130 Broadway. (ID # 24-1495) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License New Second Hand Dealer License, Vintage Treasures, 482 Broadway. (ID # 24-1493) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street. (ID # 24-1497) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Brake, 45 Broadway. (ID # 24-1496) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Joy St Motors, 24 Joy Street. (ID # 24-1498) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Somerville Motors, Inc., 182 (ID # 24-1499) Washington Street. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Small Wireless Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for Facility facilities on an existing pole at 115 Pearl Street. (ID # 24-1519) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. Public Event Madeleine Finkenaur applying for a Public Event License for Fall Samhain (ID # 24-1500) Festival on October 25 from 6pm to 11:30pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Event Dominique Stassart applying for a Public Event License for Halloween (ID # 24-1501) Trick or Treat on October 31 from 3pm to 8pm. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.13. Public Event Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Henry (ID # 24-1518) Hansen Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 7 from 8:30am to 10:30am. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.14. Public Event Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 10th (ID # 24-1502) Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll on December 7 from 10am to 7pm (raindate December 8). Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.14 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Citation By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Davis, (ID # 24-1535) Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson and Councilor Mbah Commending Patricia Contente for sixteen years of dedicated service to the City of Somerville. Councilor McLaughlin commended Ms. Contente for her innovation during her time with the city and Ms. Contente related that she learned so much from her colleagues and from those who were being offered assistance. She thanked the Council for its support and for bestowing this honor upon her. RESULT: APPROVED 10.2. Order By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 24-1529) That the Chief of Police provide an explanation regarding why there was no police assistance or crossing guard coverage at the intersection of Curtis Street and Powderhouse Boulevard during school drop-off hours on October 23, 2024. Councilor Mbah noted the dangerous situation that occurred and would like to have a plan of action to avoid similar incidents. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.3. Order By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 24-1530) That the Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Director of Mobility, develop and present a plan to ensure that crossing guards are adequately stationed at critical intersections near schools during high-traffic hours and that, in the absence of crossing guards, police officers are deployed to ensure the safety of students and families. See item #24-1529. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 10.4. Communication By Councilor Mbah (ID # 24-1526) Conveying an update on the activities of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund (JCRT). Councilor Mbah reported that $300,000 was allocated for workforce development. Over $4 million has been expended by the trust since its inception. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 10.5. Communication By Councilor Mbah (ID # 24-1527) Conveying an update on the activities of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Councilor Mbah reported that a request for a housing grant was received and that approximately $5 to $6 million is available in the trust. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.6. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Davis (ID # 24-1536) Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week. Councilor Burnley noted that libraries are a critical need whose needs are not always met. He praised the Friends of Somerville Public Libraries for their programming and fundraising efforts. He sponsored Katie Kidwell, a Board Member of the Friends of Somerville Public Libraries, to address the Council. She explained that the goal of the Friends is to support the libraries, and she gave examples of their efforts to create opportunities for all ages at the libraries. Councilor Wilson urged people to donate to the libraries. RESULT: APPROVED 10.7. Resolution By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor (ID # 24-1528) Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait and Councilor Strezo That this Council hereby welcomes Nina Bear Ewen-Campen to Somerville, extends its best wishes to her very proud parents, and looks forward to Nina’s bright future in Somerville. RESULT: APPROVED 10.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Crossing Easement Agreement with the (ID # 24-1531) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Director Singh asked for immediate approval of this item which is replacing item #24-1477, which the Administration requested to be withdrawn. RESULT: APPROVED 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 10.9. Public Harvard University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report. Communication (ID # 24-1524) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024 10.10. Public Tufts University conveying its Fall 2024 Accountability Report. Communication (ID # 24-1525) Councilor Wilson noted that the student population continues to grow and that the amount of dormitory housing is unable to keep up with the growing student population, resulting in 1,600 students occupying 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in Somerville, making it difficult for families to compete for housing. Councilor Burnley noted that Tufts has opted to build a new dorm with non-union labor. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.11. Public 1,034 individuals, including two residents, submitting comments re: Communication ceasefire. (ID # 24-1534) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 11. LATE ITEMS 11.1. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 24-1542) That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Water and Sewer implement a minimum 24-hours notice policy prior to any planned water service interruption. RESULT: APPROVED 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 9:59 PM. Page 15 of 15