City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 9, 2025 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. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 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 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 25-0073) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 25-0074) Councilors Ewen-Campen and the Entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of Florence McWatters. Councilor McLaughlin and the Entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of James Blanchard. Councilor McLaughlin and the Entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of President James Earl Carter, 39th President of the United States. Councilor Mbah requested a moment of silence in memory of the unhoused woman who died in a fire near Broadway and Alewife Brook Parkway. Councilors Wilson, Clingan and Strezo requested a moment of silence in memory of retired Somerville Firefighter Roger Matias Perez Jimenez. RESULT: APPROVED Page 1 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 26, 2024. (ID # 25-0075) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah, Councilor (ID # 25-0034) Clingan and Councilor Sait That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the consistent running of red lights during the weekday rush hour and repeated driver misuse of the Broadway bus lanes, including near the Temple Street and Broadway intersection. Councilor Strezo spoke on the item and emphasized that this section of Broadway is the site of numerous traffic violations and presents a dangerous situation for pedestrians and drivers. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0038) That the Chief of Police, the Director of Parking and the Director of Mobility discuss the previous and ongoing strategy for implementation and public education of drivers violating the NO LEFT TURN signage at the Somerville High School exit on Highland Avenue and Vinal Avenue. Councilor Strezo noted that there are two signs at the exit, which are continually ignored, directing drivers not to turn left. She has spoken on this matter before and wants this matter to be taken seriously, so that students are not endangered. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.3. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0035) That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss how uncleared and/or unsalted sidewalks and driveways are addressed and fined after it snows, including how much staff it takes to address community reports of uncleared private property. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 2 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 4.4. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0036) That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff to assist with City Council work and communication with constituents. This item was discussed with item #25-0037. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.5. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0037) That the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff in the form of paid internships to assist City Councilors with City Council work and communication with constituents. This item was discussed with item #25-0036. Councilor Strezo noted that constituents are highly engaged in the business of the city, and she feels it’s time to modernize councilors’ efforts to communicate with them. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.6. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0039) That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the availability and accessibility of free menstrual products in all city-owned bathrooms, including realistic sizes. Councilor Strezo would like to continue the conversation about this as she has been informed by some parents that some of the products being offered are the wrong size for their children. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.7. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0041) That the Director of the Council on Aging discuss how the Council on Aging can help support seniors dealing with grocery store inflation and how the city can help support their transportation to regional discount grocery stores. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee Page 3 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 4.8. Order By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Mbah and Councilor (ID # 25-0042) McLaughlin That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services provide an estimated timeline as to when the removed Veteran's memorial monuments on the City Hall concourse will be re-installed. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.9. Order By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-0043) That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Veterans Services install signage at the previous locations of Veteran Memorial landmarks, acknowledging the missing Veterans Memorials and conveying to the public a timeline and/or plan for their re-installation. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.10. Resolution By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-0040) That the Administration create a full time staff position within the Executive office, known as a Senior Liaison, who will work to prevent potential barriers within Somerville to growing older in place. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.11. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 25-0061) That the Director of Mobility install DRIVE SLOW - CHILDREN AT PLAY signs on Heath Street, between Edgar Avenue and Fenwick Street. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.12. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Davis, (ID # 25-0060) Councilor Wilson, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Sait That the Administration discuss the decision to stop the annual employee holiday breakfast at the Department of Public Works building. Councilor Clingan said he would like to know why this breakfast, as well as the DPW spring appreciation BBQ, were cancelled. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 4 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 4.13. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley Jr., (ID # 25-0062) Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration return the Vietnam and Korean War memorials to a new, public location as soon as possible rather than waiting for a comprehensive plan for all veterans memorials. Councilor Clingan noted that the mayor’s address indicated that some progress may be on the horizon and he would like a permanent home found for these memorials and Councilor McLaughlin commented that this is a sensitive issue for many veterans. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.14. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Sait (ID # 25-0063) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the timeline for constructing a new school building. Councilor Wilson reported that a complete projected timeline has been shared that indicates that a new school would be ready to open in 2031. Given the length of time that the Winter Hill School has been closed and the progress made by the city in the MSBA application process, he would like a full update on the dates. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.15. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan and (ID # 25-0064) Councilor Mbah That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained. Councilor Wilson commented that there are maintenance issues in some of the fire stations that need to be addressed and Councilor Clingan commented that he wants to focus on the things that are in place now, but not working properly, and get them repaired. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 4.16. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Scott (ID # 25-0068) That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on short- and long-term plans for the Founders Memorial Skating Rink. Councilor Wilson commented that the rink is idle, dark and empty during Page 5 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 the winter months and is only used in the spring and summer. Consequently, local ice time is being lost and he would like to have more information on this. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 4.17. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 25-0072) That the Director of Parks and Recreation update this Council on the progress of conducting a representative, multi-lingual survey of the community to determine recreational programming needs. Councilor Wilson noted that city staff are planning programs without knowing what the public actually wants and he thinks it would be beneficial to obtain input from the community. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee 4.18. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-0070) That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment discuss with this Council plans to connect more households with the new incentives in the 2025-2027 Mass Save Plan. Councilor Wilson noted that new incentives have been included in the plan and he wants to know what the city is doing to inform residents about them. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.19. Resolution By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Sait, Councilor Clingan and Councilor (ID # 25-0069) Ewen-Campen That the Administration form a Community Center Task Force to coordinate community uses of multiple planned and potential community center spaces in the city to guard against duplicative and incomplete addressing of needs. Councilor Wilson said that this task force would lead a coordinated effort for capturing the needs of the community and coordinating the creation of community spaces and create a Community Center Master Plan for the city. RESULT: APPROVED 4.20. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Scott and Councilor Sait (ID # 25-0066) That this Council discuss proposed amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance, as outlined in item #24-0493. Councilor Burnley would like this to be discussed in the legislative Matters Committee. Councilor Davis reported that he was informed that the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division has been working on this, and the administration may have a draft ready by the end of the month. Page 6 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 4.21. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 25-0067) That the Director of Parks and Recreation restore or replace the nearly 30 year old Nunziato Field plaque. Councilor Burnley noted that the plaque is in a sorry state and difficult to read and should be restored, replaced or moved to a more appropriate location. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.22. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 25-0065) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams. Councilor Burnley spoke briefly on the item saying that health care workers have been struggling to care for their patients due to administrative actions. He sponsored Dr. Madhuri (Maddie) Rao, a Primary Care Physician (PCP) at Mass General Brigham (MGB) to speak on the item. Dr. Rao spoke about the value of good primary care but commented that her job has become unsustainable due to the peripheral work placed upon her and her colleagues. She spends time outside of her working hours catching up on what there isn’t enough time for during her shifts. She noted that her situation is not unique and that several PCPs are leaving their jobs due to burnout from the workload and lack of autonomy, which make it difficult to provide quality patient care. MGB has refused to recognize the union and has prevented a number of clinics from being part of it. The union has filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election date. Dr. Row asked for the Council’s support. Councilor Strezo spoke about an article from the Boston Globe that listed several of the salaries for MGB executives and Councilor Clingan spoke about MGB putting money into branding rather than patient care. Councilor Burnley commented that approximately 75% of the employees had signed cards for union representation about two months ago, with no action forthcoming from MGB. Councilor Mbah spoke about the struggle facing these employees and having moral courage and Councilor Wilson said that all working people deserve a union. RESULT: APPROVED Page 7 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 4.23. Order By Councilor Davis, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Sait and (ID # 25-0071) Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering report to this Council on the failure of the boiler at the Brown School and the short- and long-term plans to address heating for the building. Councilor Davis commented that he has questions about the use of the heating unit placed outside of the school. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel (ID # 25-0044) Matters, meeting on January 8, 2025. Councilor Ewen-Campen summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee approved the confirmation of Ryan Westgate to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ryan Westgate to the (ID # 24-1762) position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $4,000,000 from the Overlay Surplus, as (ID # 25-0046) declared by the Board of Assessors, to the Judgments and Settlements Account to pay additional costs of purchasing the parcel of land known as 90 Washington Street. This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration. Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda Neufeld). RESULT: APPROVED Page 8 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 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 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $929,513 from the Salary & Wage (ID # 25-0052) Stabilization Fund to the Fire - Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76 Firefighters Union. This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration. Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda Neufeld). 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 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $472,854 from the Salary Contingency (ID # 25-0054) account to various Fire Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining settlement with the Local 76 Firefighters Union. This item was approved and Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration. Reconsideration failed on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 11 opposed (Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda Neufeld). 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 Page 9 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from Water Enterprise Fund (ID # 25-0047) Retained Earnings to satisfy a court judgment. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant with no new (ID # 25-0016) match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0018) match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a Community Heat Resilience Pilot Grant Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0020) match required, from the Executive Office of Economic Development to the Economic Development Division for a Small Business Success Technical Assistance program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0021) match required, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for a Senior Housing Bridge pilot program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 10 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept a gift valued at $3,594 with no new match (ID # 25-0013) required, of an evacuation chair from the Estate of Thomas F. Cahill to the Fire Department. Councilor Scott explained that this is a gift from a former firefighter and requested that this item be approved. RESULT: APPROVED 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $15,764.40 using (ID # 25-0017) available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and in the Information Technology Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.4 through 7.8 and 7.10 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as (ID # 25-0032) Constable. RESULT: APPROVED 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March (ID # 25-0050) 27, 2025. RESULT: APPROVED 7.13. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-0033) RESULT: WITHDRAWN 7.14. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-0048) RESULT: WITHDRAWN 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Peter Communication Forcellese, Sr. to the position of Legislative Clerk. (ID # 25-0014) RESULT: APPROVED Page 11 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 8.2. Officer's City Clerk requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Madalyn Communication Letellier to the position of Legislative Services Manager. (ID # 25-0015) RESULT: APPROVED 8.3. Officer's Director of Economic Development and Director of the Arts Council Communication conveying an updated draft Armory Master Plan. (ID # 25-0019) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 8.4. Officer's City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst conveying the City Clerk's Communication Office Manual on Legislative Drafting. (ID # 25-0022) Legislative and Policy Analyst Brendan Salisbury acknowledged that this manual is the result of working on legislation for the past three years. He spoke about why such a manual is needed and touched upon several topics, such as general principles and organization, different types of legislative action, special rules and when to use them, drafting standards and process. He stressed the need to keep language plain, precise and as simple as possible so that it may be understood. Mr. Salisbury noted that his purpose, in part, was to have this item read into the record, so that a deeper discussion might follow. Councilor Burnley asked about orders directed to the administration and Mr. Salisbury stated that orders should be addressed to a specific department, rather than to the administration. Councilor Strezo asked that this presentation be include in future Councilor’s Colleges and Mr. Salisbury replied that a similar version was included as part of the last Councilor’s College program. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 8.5. Officer's City Council Finance Analyst conveying FY 2025 second quarter spending Communication update. (ID # 25-0023) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy (ID # 25-0024) Street. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and Page 12 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 10.16 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Intercar, 39 Webster Avenue. (ID # 25-0025) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and 10.16 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 (ID # 25-0026) Washington Street. Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and 10.16 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, United Motors, 188 Broadway. (ID # 25-0027) Councilor Burnley moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.4 and 10.16 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. Public Cole Rainey-Slavick submitting comments re: broker fees. Communication (ID # 25-0028) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.6. Public Three residents submitting comments re: item #24-1580, draft Armory Communication Master Plan. (ID # 25-0029) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.7. Public Andrew Sessa submitting comments re: West Branch Library. Communication (ID # 25-0030) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.8. Public 1,186 individuals, including one resident, submitting comments re: Communication ceasefire. (ID # 25-0031) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 13 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Communication By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 25-0076) In her capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.2. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 25-0081) That the Director of Human Resources provide this Council with details of employee trainings provided and which are required. Councilor Clingan would like to have more information on employee training, including its frequency. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 10.3. Order By Councilor Clingan (ID # 25-0082) That the Director of Human Resources appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the city’s protocols for returning to work when an employee has been disciplined for an offense deemed sexual in nature. Councilor Clingan would like to know how these specific matters are handled. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 10.4. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 25-0083) That the Commissioner of Public Works make a change to the calendar by extending the yard waste collection by at least one week. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 10.5. Order By Councilor Sait, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Wilson, Councilor (ID # 25-0084) Burnley Jr. and Councilor Mbah That the Director of Mobility, Director of Engineering, and Director of Parking appear before this Council to present on the Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study. Councilor Sait noted that a brief discussion was held during last month’s Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of this topic and that the committee then requested that a presentation be made to the full Council. RESULT: APPROVED Page 14 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 10.6. Order By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Davis and Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-0085) That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 10.7. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0086) That the Director of Mobility update the Ward 1 City Councilor on the status of the Kensington Connector. Councilor McLaughlin pointed out that he has submitted this item every year for the past 10 years. He noted that the connector is poorly lit and that nothing has been done to address its condition. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 10.8. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0087) That the Director of Health and Human Services, Director of Housing, and Director of Housing Stability update this City Council regularly on progress towards addressing homelessness. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 10.9. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0089) That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator provide an estimate for the costs of upgrading 165 Broadway for ADA compliance. This item was discussed with items #25-0090, 25-0091, 25-0092, and 25-0088. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.10. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0090) That the Director of the Arts Council work with Teen Empowerment and other related city agencies to develop youth-led murals within the walls of 165 Broadway. This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0091, 25-0092, and 25-0088. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 15 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 10.11. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0091) That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the second floor of 165 Broadway of unused city materials to expand building uses for Teen Empowerment. This item was discussed with items # 25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0092, and 25-0088. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.12. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0092) That the Commissioner of Public Works address maintenance issues within 165 Broadway. This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0091, and 25-0088. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.13. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0093) That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the use of beet juice to address ice and snow during winter storms. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.14. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0094) That the Director of Parking allow public use of school parking lots during snow storms. Councilor McLaughlin commented that he has never received a good answer on this and he would like to know why the public can’t park in school lots during snowstorms. Councilor Davis recounted that there was an instance when schools had to remain closed for an additional day because cars were still in the school lots there. Councilor Clingan also noted that schools were ordered to close on the night before an impending snow storm, which never materialized, causing students to miss a day of school. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.15. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0088) That the Administration prioritize 165 Broadway for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to ensure full use of youth-related activities in the building. This item was discussed with items #25-0089, 25-0090, 25-0091, and 25-0092. Page 16 of 17 City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2025 Councilor McLaughlin spoke about working to get the space cleaned and ADA compliant so that it could be used as a space for teens. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 10.16. License New Drainlayer's License, Hunter Environmental Winter Storm Services. (ID # 25-0080) RESULT: APPROVED 10.17. Public Chris Dwan submitting comments re: Urban Forestry Committee Communication recommendations. (ID # 25-0077) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 8:49 PM. Page 17 of 17