Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7 PM
City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
74 items of legislation were taken up.
- 27 approved
- 17 referred for recommendation
- 11 work completed
- 7 approved and sent for discussion
- 6 placed on file
- 4 ordinance ordained
- 2 withdrawn
Agenda 74 items
Notices from the agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:12 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.
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11.1.
That the Director of Parking replace the missing No Left Turn sign at the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Street and Perkins Street.
- 1. Opening Ceremonies
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1.1.
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1.2.
Remembrances.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\qj\f0\fs24 President Ewen-Campen and the entire Council requested a moment of silence in memory of Jim Ballantyne.\par Councilor Wilson, on behalf of Councilor Davis, requested a moment of silence in memory of Dr. George C. Galitis.\par Councilor Scott\tab requested a moment of silence in memory of Joseph F. Clark.\par Councilor Wilson requested a moment of silence in memory of Jean A. DeAmato.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 26, 2023.
- 2. Citations
- 3. Public Hearings
- 4. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
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4.1.
Celebrating the work of the Somerville Bike Kitchen and supporting their efforts to find a new home in Somerville.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 President Ewen-Campen gave some background on this all volunteer organization where bicycle repair and maintenance is taught. Hannah Goldberg was sponsored to speak. Ms. Goldberg stated that the organization\rquote s facility will no longer be available, so they are seeking a new location with at least 200 square feet of space, a slop sink and bathroom facilities by this August to service the 200 people/month that pass through their doors and she asked that this need be amplified. Councilor Kelly implored the administration to do more to keep people and organizations, such as this, to remain in Somerville.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.2.
That the Director of Health and Human Services create and distribute an outgoing participation survey for participants of the Teen Snow Shoveling program.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Strezo explained that this survey would provide information on the cost of the services being provided.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.3.
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4.4.
That the Director of Human Resources provide a written demographic breakdown, including the age, gender, and race/ethnicity of Customer Service Representatives in the Constituent Services Department (311).
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Strezo provided some back history saying that in 2020, a demographic breakdown of gender was 77% female. The breakdown is consistent and she thinks that this fact could be used to support the 311 operators\rquote efforts to join the SMEA\rquote s Unit B.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.5.
Conveying a report of the Children's Cabinet meeting of February 14, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Strezo reported that the Cabinet has been discussing out of school time, transportation, the lack of state infrastructure, online registration program barriers, before school time voids, school day ending time, program affordability, funding concerns, tuition assistance, the lack of available slots, space availability, limited staffing capacity, and lack of special needs programming.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.6.
That this Council discuss alternative emergency response methods with local mental health care providers.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\f0\fs24 See agenda item 4.7.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.7.
That this Council discuss alternative emergency response and/or other non-police emergency response methods that other municipalities have pursued.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Kelly intends to discuss this topic at the next Public Health and Public Safety Committee meeting. Councilor Wilson commented that this will be a positive step in the right direction and he would like to have trained clinicians in the field to respond to incidents.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.8.
That the Director of Finance provide a written report detailing all Stabilization Funds and the current balance in each fund.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Kelly noted that the city has $39 million in free cash and Councilor Burnley commented that it\rquote s important for the Council to exercise its oversight of the city\rquote s finances.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.9.
Supporting the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA) in its efforts to bring the 311 Operators into SMEA Unit B.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Clingan reported that an impasse has been reached and he feels that it\rquote s important to support the 311 operators. Ed Halloran, President of SMEA, was sponsored to speak. He thanked the Council for its support in this effort. A petition to unionize has been filed with the Division of Labor for the 311 operators to join SMEA Unit B. He said that there are similarities in the duties of the 311 operators and other members of Unit B. Councilor Strezo read 2 statements from 311 operators in support of joining the union\rquote s Unit B. Councilor Scott commented that, up until about 10 years ago, the 311 operators were members of SMEA Unit B. Councilor Kelly asked what the city\rquote s opposition is and Mr. Halloran said that the city feels that the operators should be placed in some bargaining unit, but not in Unit B.\cf1\f1\par }
- 5. Unfinished Business
- 6. Reports of Committees
- 6.A. Charter Review Special Committee
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6.A.1.
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on February 22, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott presented the Committee Report and stated that discussions continued on the balance of power issue. Long standing vacancies for boards and commissions were addressed as well as budgetary issues and the budget structure. Hiring of an independent auditor yearly was recommended. The next meeting of this committee will be on March 8\super th\nosupersub .\cf1\f1\par }
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6.A.2.
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to change the appointment of the independent auditor to the City Council and mandate the appointment.
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6.A.3.
Supporting the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee to implement a Capital Improvement Plan, amended to add “or reject” after “shall by resolution adopt” in Section 6-6.
- 6.B. Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
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6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 15, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Pineda Neufeld presented the Committee Report and commented on the appointments that were recommended for approval.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.B.2.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable.
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6.B.3.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Catello Battinelli II as Constable.
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6.B.4.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary Battinelli as Constable.
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6.B.5.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Deborah Haber to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
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6.B.6.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Pauline Downing to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
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6.B.7.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Harriotte Ranvig to the Commission for Person with Disabilities.
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6.B.8.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of F. Kelley Landolphi to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.
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6.B.9.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Potere to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.
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6.B.10.
That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on the number of current job vacancies and the number of positions filled in 2022.
- 6.C. Finance Committee
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6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 21, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-328\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2640\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson presented the Committee Report and said that several items were recommended for approval, including the Lease Agreement with the MBTA, which he said would not be a hinderance to future access points. The city will try to keep the path open after snow events, if possible. Safety concerns were discussed, e.g., call boxes (which are currently being installed). The main event of the meeting was the UCH-TIF discussion that would allow the mayor to enter into an agreement with the developer of the Winter Hill Star Market site. The city would receive taxes on the land, however, the buildings being built would receive a 20 year tax exemption. Councilor Wilson noted that the city would be able to tax the improvements until the UCH-TIF, which would trigger when a 92% occupancy rate is achieved, kicks in.\par \pard See agenda item 10.2 (item #23-0294).\cf1\f1\par }
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6.C.2.
Requesting approval of the Alternative Transportation Corridor Lease Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
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6.C.3.
Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Winter Hill.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 The administration submitted and amended version, as requested in Committee, and \cf0\f1 this item was placed on file.\cf1\f0\par }
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN UCH-TIF Cover Memo
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN Appendix A Draft Winter Hill UCH-TIF Zone and Plan
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN Appendix B WHURP UCH-TIF Agreement 299 Broadway
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN Appendix C Financial Consultant Memo
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN 20230217_UCH-TIF_RevisedDraftAgreement_wMemo
- 📎 02.21.23 FIN UCH-TIF Presentation
- ▶ Watch this item
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6.C.4.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,348.18 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the purchase of residential lock boxes.
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6.C.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $45,406.77 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for maritime related equipment.
- 6.D. Land Use Committee
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6.D.1.
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on February 16, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor McLaughlin presented the Committee Report and gave a brief summary of the items recommended for approval.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.D.2.
Planning Board proposing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances Section 15.1.3, Neighborhood Meeting.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
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6.D.3.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 6.1 Commercial Districts: Fabrication of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to permit additional uses for ground story commercial spaces fronting a Pedestrian Street.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
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6.D.4.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 10.8 Commercial Signs, of the Zoning Ordinances, to permit commercial signs by right.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
- 6.E. Legislative Matters Committee
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6.E.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 14, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report saying that amendments to several ordinances were discussed and those items were kept in committee to recheck for any conflicts/errors. Several traffic issues were also discussed. Councilor Wilson questioned the fine structure relating to sidewalks.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.E.2.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Section 1-11 (Penalties and violations), to codify Traffic & Parking fines.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
- 6.F. Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
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6.F.1.
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 16, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Burnley presented the Committee Report and said that electric vehicle charging and composting were discussed.\cf1\f1\par }
- 6.G. Public Health and Public Safety Committee
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6.G.1.
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on February 13, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Kelly presented the Committee Report and said that members were given a presentation on the eradication of medical debt. Safe consumption site timelines were discussed along with the services the city would like to offer. Finally, the committee discussed spiked drinks and the administration\rquote s response to the problem. Councilor Pineda Neufeld commented that an ABCC advisory was sent to drinking establishments last year. Councilor Strezo would like signage utilized, as is done in Cambridge, to make the public aware of the problem.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.G.2.
That the Director of Health and Human Services and the City Solicitor report to this Council on steps that may be taken to address the reports of spiked drinks in the region, including whether the city can require restaurants and bars to post warning signage, encourage vigilance, and detail the criminal consequences for tampering with another patron’s beverage.
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6.G.3.
Supporting the Eradication of Medical Debt.
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6.G.4.
That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the progress toward a Safe Consumption Site and provide a timeline for establishment.
- 6.H. Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
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6.H.1.
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on February 13, 2023.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Clingan presented the Committee Report and noted that the administration had made an announcement earlier that day regarding cable franchise fees, i.e., the full amount of fees would be given to the Somerville Media Center. Councilor Clingan noted that the fee amount has been decreasing each year. He also noted that the administration will be expecting to fund CityTV through the city\rquote s operating budget.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.H.2.
That the Administration update this Council on the cable franchise contract negotiations with Comcast and explain what the process entails.
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6.H.3.
That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the maintenance schedule of street and traffic lights, including the number damaged or burned out.
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6.H.4.
That the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on plans for household hazardous waste collection.
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6.H.5.
That the Administration provide an update on contract negotiations with local cable providers at the February 13, 2023 meeting of this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works.
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6.H.6.
That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires hanging from the pole and tied to the porch railing at 9 Pearl Street Place, and report to this Council who owns the pole.
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6.H.7.
That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately remove the wires wrapped around a telephone pole and in the street in front of 19 Church Street, and report to this Council who owns the pole.
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6.H.8.
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on current and future maintenance plans for the Armory building.
- 7. Communications of the Mayor
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7.1.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition Authorizing the City to Appoint an Alternate Member to the Somerville Licensing Commission.
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7.2.
Requesting approval of a multi-year lease agreement with Hanhal Realty for a West Somerville Police Substation.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.3.
Requesting approval of a three-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.4.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,847,374 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Account for supplemental funding for the Municipal Voucher Program.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.5.
Requesting the appropriation of $805,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to purchase and install prefabricated standalone public toilets.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.6.
Requesting the appropriation of $702,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.7.
Requesting the appropriation of $137,500 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department's Damages to Persons and Property Account to fund the settlement of Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.8.
Requesting the appropriation of $805,675 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the purchase and installation of outdoor prefabricated toilet facilities.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.9.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $306.05 from the IAM-Engineering Personal Services-Overtime Account to the Department of Public Works Custodians Personal Services-Overtime Account for DPW staff time related to Engineering work.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.10.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Colliers Project Leaders USA NE LLC for Owner's Project Manager Services on the Public Safety Facility project.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.11.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Consigli Construction Co. Incorporated for Construction Manager At-Risk Services on the Public Safety Facility project.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.12.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension to the contract with Context Architecture Incorporated for Architectural & Engineering Services on the Public Safety Facility project.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for staffing costs related to the post overdose support team program.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
- 8. Communications of City Officers
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8.1.
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Carlos Melo v. City of Somerville.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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8.2.
City Solicitor requesting to appear in Executive Session with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, to discuss Kathryn McDaid v. City of Somerville, et al.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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8.3.
Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management presenting the FY2023 Capital Investment Plan update.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading of items 7.2 - 8.3 and refer them to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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8.4.
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items 22-1771, 22-1645, and 23-0095.
- 9. New Business
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9.1.
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays May 13-October 28 from 6:45am to 2pm.
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9.2.
Somerville Stands Together submitting comments re: 311 employees' request to join the Somerville Municipal Employees Association (SMEA).
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9.3.
Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) submitting comments re: medical debt cancellation proposal.
- 10. Supplemental Items
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10.1.
That the Commissioner of Public Works install high visibility flexible bollards at all entrances to the Community Path from a vehicular road, to prevent the entry of non-authorized vehicles into the path.
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10.2.
Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan and Negotiated Agreement for Winter Hill.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Acting Director of Economic Development Rachel Nadkarni explained the changes that were made to accommodate the concerns of the City Council and that the developer has committed to keeping the property for the long term. A change section to 7.6 allows the city to review the occupancy rate of the development over time. Councilor Scott reflected that this has resulted in a huge win for affordable housing in the city. Councilor Clingan inquired if a condition could be imposed such that the developer would have to maintain a certain percentage of occupancy in order to continue receiving the tax breaks on the improvements over the 20 year period. Director Nadkarni replied that the concern is that an \lquote appropriate\rquote number is hard to predict and also that extenuating circumstances, e.g., COVID, could affect the occupancy rate. Damian Chaviano, a principal from the development company, commented that sometimes perception becomes reality, adding that if a minimum threshold was imposed that could cause the developer to default, it might make the project untenable for them. \par \pard Councilor Scott moved for approval of the item.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Absent
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10.3.
Finance Director conveying the FY 2023 Mid-Year Financial Report in accordance with Section 2-48 of the Code of Ordinances.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the reading and refer the item to the Committee on Finance.\cf1\f1\par }
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10.4.
Paul Collyer applying for a Public Event License for Race of Ireland 5K on March 19 from 7am to 1pm.
- 11. Late Items
- 12. Adjournment