Somerville public meetings in 2022
42 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Council will review a request to borrow over $89 million for the Poplar Street Pump Station construction project. Other items include an ordinance amendment regarding multilingual demolition notifications and various departmental payments. The meeting also includes confirming several board appointments.
- Ordinance amending the Demolition Review Ordinance to require multilingual tenant notification
- Authorization to borrow $89,332,819 for Poplar Street Pump Station construction
- Acceptance of a $53,200 grant from the Mass Cultural Council for the Arts Council
- Request to increase the retiree cost of living adjustment base to $16,000
- Payment of $224,473.60 for Department of Public Works maintenance invoices
Charter Review Special Committee
The Committee will hold a public hearing regarding charter review. Members will also discuss the committee's recommendations and proposed Charter text.
- Approval of November 21, 2022 meeting minutes
- Public hearing regarding Item# 22-1520, Charter Review
- Discussion of Committee recommendations and proposed Charter text
Finance Committee
The committee will review several mayoral requests, including a large bond for pump station construction and the dedication of Henry Hansen Park. The agenda also includes requests regarding retiree cost of living adjustments and various budget transfers or invoice payments.
- $89,332,819 bond authorization for Poplar Street Pump Station construction
- Dedication of Henry Hansen Park for perpetual recreational use
- Alternative Transportation Corridor Lease Agreement with the MBTA
- Increase in retiree cost of living adjustment base to $16,000
- $53,200 grant from Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
The committee will discuss municipal broadband and the implementation of the Somerville Internet Access Task Force. The agenda also includes reviewing recommendations from the 2019 Internet Access Task Force.
- Discussion regarding municipal broadband
- Implementation of the Somerville Internet Access Task Force
- Review of 2019 Internet Access Task Force recommendations
- Approval of October 11, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approval of November 16, 2022 meeting minutes
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
The committee will consider several mayoral requests to confirm appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Housing Authority. Councilors also requested updates on police staffing, family leave benefits, and Wage Theft Ordinance enforcement.
- Confirmation of appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Housing Authority
- Appointment confirmation for Matthew McCune as a Police Officer
- Discussion regarding city employee family leave benefits and Paid Family and Medical Leave feedback
- Report request on enforcement of sections 9-37 through 9-41 of the Wage Theft Ordinance
- Update requested on the Police Staffing Report and Human Rights Commission hiring
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee
The committee will discuss several orders regarding public health, police transparency, and immigrant services. Proposed items include reviewing the impact of the Dobbs ruling and requesting FY 2021 traffic citation data from the Police Chief. Members will also consider plans for preventive medicine clinics in immigrant communities.
- Discussion on reproductive health impacts following the Dobbs v Jackson ruling
- Request for FY 2021 traffic citation and demographic data from the Police Chief
- Proposed plan for preventive medicine clinics for immigrant communities
- Review of the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs' five-year language plan
- Proposal to eliminate equity barriers in Parks and Recreation program sign-ups
Legislative Matters Committee
The Legislative Matters Committee will discuss police reporting on ShotSpotter detections and false gunshot reports. The committee is also reviewing short-term rental ordinance compliance and a proposed registry amendment. Additionally, members will discuss updating demolition notification processes for residents.
- Police report on ShotSpotter communications regarding ambiguous or contested detections
- Police report on verified or suspected false reports of gunshots by ShotSpotter
- Housing Director update on Short-Term Rental Ordinance compliance
- Proposed amendment to add a registry component to the short-term rentals ordinance
- Update to Demolition Review Ordinance regarding resident notifications in native languages
Traffic and Parking Committee
The committee will discuss several proposed orders regarding transit services and road safety. These include an equity study for fare-free bus routes and exploring microtransit feasibility. Members will also review requests for traffic calming, signage updates, and intersection redesigns.
- Equity study of bus routes to determine targets for fare-free buses
- Feasibility and cost exploration of North-South microtransit routes
- Redesign plan for the Broadway and Main Street intersection
- Traffic calming measures on streets perpendicular to Washington Street
- Installation of a speed hump on Evergreen Avenue
City Council
The council will review several large financial requests, including an $89 million bond for the Poplar Street Pump Station and a $1.6 million appropriation to reduce the city's tax rate. Other items include supplemental funding for street resurfacing, fire department overtime, and school network upgrades. Public hearings are also scheduled regarding new utility installations on Trull Street and Broadway.
- $89,332,819 bond for Poplar Street Pump Station construction
- $1,616,575 appropriation from parking meter receipts to reduce the FY 2023 tax rate
- $949,338 supplemental appropriation for street resurfacing projects
- $650,000 supplemental appropriation for Fire Department Overtime
- Public hearing for Eversource to install conduit on Trull Street
Charter Review Special Committee
The Committee of the Whole will review recommendations and proposed text for the City Charter. The meeting also includes a vote to approve minutes from the November 9, 2022, meeting.
- Review of recommended Charter text and proposals
- Approval of November 9, 2022, meeting minutes
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is reviewing several mayoral requests for supplemental appropriations and contract amendments. Items include funding for street resurfacing, fire department overtime, and legal services related to 90 Washington Street litigation. The committee will also consider accepting grants for senior transportation.
- $1,616,575 appropriation from parking meter receipts to reduce the FY 2023 tax rate
- $949,338 supplemental appropriation for street resurfacing projects
- Contract amendment with Greenberg Traurig LLP for $300,000 regarding 90 Washington Street litigation
- $650,000 supplemental appropriation to the Fire Department Overtime Account
- $424,950.10 appropriation to replace Somerville Public School network equipment
Land Use Committee
The committee will discuss updates regarding MBTA Communities Act zoning requirements and a proposed arts workspace subcategory. Members will also receive an update on eminent domain requests for businesses at 182 and 118 Broadway. A request to rezone 34 Allen Street was referred for recommendation.
- MBTA Communities Act zoning requirement updates
- Proposed Arts and Creative Enterprise (ACE) use subcategory
- Eminent domain update for 182 Broadway and 118 Broadway
- Rezoning request for 34 Allen Street from NR to SB Overlay
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
The committee will review several items sent for discussion, including reports of unusually high water bill spikes. The meeting also includes updates on the property at 90 Union Square and staffing plans for a future fire station.
- Updates on the RFP for the property at 90 Union Square
- Addressing reports of unusually high water bill spikes
- Staffing plan for the future Assembly Square fire station
- Safety risks in municipal buildings without automatic sprinklers
- Policy for posting redevelopment information on property perimeters
City Council
The City Council will review several requests from the Mayor, including a $38.7 million federal grant and various supplemental appropriations for infrastructure and public safety. The agenda also includes public hearings for utility conduit installations and appointments to city boards.
- Acceptance of a $38,752,085.12 ARPA grant from the U.S. Treasury
- Request to use $1,616,575 in parking meter receipts to reduce the FY 2023 tax rate
- Supplemental appropriation of $949,338 for street resurfacing projects
- Public hearings for utility conduit installations by Eversource and Comcast
- Confirmation of several firefighter appointments
Charter Review Special Committee
The City Council Charter Review Special Committee will discuss communications from the Charter Review Committee. This includes reviewing recommendations and proposed text for the City Charter.
- Review of recommended Charter text and recommendations (ID # 22-1520)
Finance Committee
The committee will review requests to pay prior year invoices for parking fees and vendor services. They will also consider accepting a federal grant and discuss staffing for the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.
- Acceptance of $38,752,085.12 American Rescue Plan Act grant from the US Treasury
- Payment of $13,770.21 for Parking Department credit card fees
- Payment of $5,418.98 to Conduent State & Local Solutions for permit processing
- Discussion on assigning staff to support the Wage Theft Advisory Committee
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
The committee will review minutes from September 13 and October 6, 2022. It will also consider recommendations for several mayoral appointments to various city boards and firefighter positions.
- Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Sisia Daglian, Brian Cook)
- Appointment of Kelly J. Cooper to the Election Commission
- Appointment of Adeleine Mannion to the Somerville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
- Appointments of four candidates to Firefighter positions
Legislative Matters Committee
The committee will discuss updating the Demolition Review Ordinance to ensure residents receive demolition notices in their native languages. The agenda also includes proposals regarding vehicle towing for blocking crosswalks or bike lanes and amendments to neighborhood council designations.
- Update to Demolition Review Ordinance for native language notifications
- Order to allow towing of vehicles blocking crosswalks, bike lanes, or ADA ramps
- Amending ordinance regarding removal of poles, conduits, and wires
- Amendments to the Neighborhood Council Designation Ordinance
- Review of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 provisions
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee
The committee will receive updates on the School Building Systems Feasibility Study and preventive maintenance plans for all schools. Discussion includes Wi-Fi service issues, repairs for the East Somerville Community School facade, and concerns regarding Winter Hill School.
- Update on School Building Systems Feasibility Study status
- Preventive maintenance plans for all school buildings
- Ongoing Wi-Fi service issues in schools
- Planned repairs for East Somerville Community School facade failures
- Response to maintenance concerns at Winter Hill School
City Council
The Somerville City Council is reviewing several Mayor's requests, including large bond authorizations for water and sewer infrastructure. The agenda also includes public hearings for utility installations and various orders regarding local mobility and zoning. Many financial items have been recommended for approval by the Finance Committee.
- $7,110,000 bond authorization for the FY23 Water Main Rehabilitation program
- $4,390,000 bond authorization for the FY23 Sewer Improvements program
- Creation of the BikeShare Stabilization Fund and a $75,000 appropriation for a BlueBike station at 100 Chestnut Development site
- $200,000 grant from the City of Boston to the Police Department for portable radios
- Public hearing for Comcast to install conduit on Hawkins Street
Land Use Committee
The committee will review requests to amend the Somerville Zoning Ordinance regarding ground-floor commercial uses and adaptive reuse of buildings. Members will also discuss electric vehicle charging requirements and affordable housing plans for Union Square.
- Amendment to permit additional uses for ground-story commercial space on Pedestrian Streets
- Land Conveyance petition for Boynton Yards
- Discussion regarding EV charging station requirements in the Zoning Ordinance
- Zoning map amendment for 250-256 Somerville Avenue and 5-27 Allen Street
- Zoning map amendment for 34 Allen Street and parts of Allen Street
Finance Committee
The committee is reviewing several Mayor's requests for recommendation. These items include authorizing large bonds for water and sewer infrastructure and approving various grants and fund creations.
- Authorization to borrow $7,110,000 for the FY23 Water Main Rehabilitation program
- Approval of a $200,000 grant from Boston Office of Emergency Management for police radios
- Creation of the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund and related funding transfers
- Authorization to borrow $4,390,000 for the FY23 Sewer Improvements program
- Approval of a $75,000 developer contribution to establish the BikeShare Stabilization Fund
Housing and Community Development Committee
The committee will discuss resident displacement, rental assistance needs, and tenant rights in inclusionary housing units. Members will also review updates regarding the Arts at the Armory and crossing guard staffing for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Discussion on resident displacement and rental assistance requests
- Public hearing request for the Arts at the Armory building
- Update on hiring a consultant for the Armory
- Maintenance plan discussion for Arts at the Armory tenants
- Update on crossing guard staffing for 2022-2023
Legislative Matters Committee
The Legislative Matters Committee is reviewing several proposed amendments to the City of Somerville Code of Ordinances. These include changes to marijuana licensing, bereavement leave, and utility pole removal. The committee will also discuss police officer assignments for polling places.
- Amendment to bereavement leave (ID # 22-1461)
- Amendment regarding removal of poles, conduits, and wires (ID # 22-0835)
- Amendments to the Neighborhood Council Designation Ordinance (ID # 22-1293)
- Amendment to adult use marijuana licenses (ID # 22-0168)
- Police officer assignments at polling places per the VOTES Act (ID # 22-1320)
City Council
The Council will consider grants of location for new utility conduits on Hawthorne Street and near Winter, College, and Winslow streets. The agenda includes orders regarding traffic safety near the Healey School and the impact of utility costs on affordable housing tenants. Additionally, the meeting includes reports on personnel appointments and rodent control efforts.
- Comcast application for 35 feet of conduit on Hawthorne Street
- Cambridge Network Solutions application for 994 feet of conduit
- Order to discuss utility and heating bill impacts on affordable housing tenants
- Order to establish a traffic plan near the Healey School
- Confirmation of appointments for Police Sergeant and Firefighters
Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
The Public Utilities and Public Works Committee will discuss several orders regarding city infrastructure and maintenance. Topics include updates on a sinkhole near Medford Street and the Gilman Square water retention tank. The committee will also review requests for road repairs and tree well maintenance.
- Replacement of unsafe picnic tables at Somerville Media Center
- Update on sinkhole near 370 Medford Street
- Timeline for Gilman Square water retention tank installation
- Maintenance plan for new tree wells along Somerville Avenue
- Discussion regarding the city trash and recycling disposal contract
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
The committee will review requests to confirm three new firefighters and one police sergeant promotion. Members will also discuss updates to the recruitment process for boards and commissions. Additionally, the committee may discuss revising the process for reviewing appointments.
- Appointment of Mark Atwater as Firefighter
- Appointment of Zachary Avery as Firefighter
- Appointment of Joseph Nutile as Firefighter
- Promotion of Mackenzie Richardson to Police Sergeant
- Discussion on Board and Commission recruitment updates
Land Use Committee
The Land Use Committee will consider several requests to amend the Somerville Zoning Ordinance. These include proposals for adaptive reuse of commercial buildings and new uses for ground-floor spaces on Pedestrian Streets. The committee will also discuss a land conveyance petition for Boynton Yards.
- Proposed zoning amendment for adaptive reuse of commercial buildings in NR and UR districts
- Proposed additional uses for ground story commercial space on Pedestrian Streets
- Land conveyance petition for Boynton Yards by Boynton Yards LandCo LLC
- Request to rezone 34 Allen Street from Neighborhood Residential to Small Business Overlay
- Update request regarding MBTA Communities Act zoning requirements
Housing and Community Development Committee
The committee will discuss housing stability issues, including resident displacement and rental assistance needs. The meeting also includes updates on crossing guard staffing and a request for a legal opinion regarding non-disclosure agreements in leases.
- Discussion on resident displacement and rental assistance needs
- Review of the response to the end of the eviction moratorium
- Request for a legal opinion on non-disclosure agreements in leases
- Updates on crossing guard hiring and staffing for the 2022-2023 school year
- Discussion on prioritizing intersections for crossing guards
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee
The committee will review several orders regarding school building maintenance and infrastructure. Discussions include updates on playground designs, feasibility studies, and summer repair reports. The meeting also addresses power outages and communication signal issues at specific schools.
- Update on 2018 CPA grants for Brown School and West Somerville Neighborhood School playground designs
- Report on the September 7, 2022, power outage at West Somerville Public School
- Planned repairs for East Somerville Community School facade failures
- Updates on WiFi and cell reception fixes at Winter Hill School
- Reports on major summer repairs and 311 work orders in school buildings
Rodent Issues Special Committee
The Rodent Issues Special Committee will discuss orders to increase rodent control efforts in specific neighborhoods. The meeting also includes a discussion on addressing rodent issues and overgrowth in a public alleyway and an update on the SMART box program.
- Increase rat control from Vinal Avenue to Walnut Street and Highland Avenue to Summer Street
- Increase rat control from Fellsway West to Temple Street and Broadway to Jaques Street
- Increase rat control efforts from Wigglesworth Street to Dana Street
- Address rodent issues and overgrowth in the alleyway between Mt. Vernon and Mt. Pleasant Streets
- Update on the SMART box program and recent rodent control measures
Traffic and Parking Committee
The committee will discuss several orders regarding city mobility and safety. Topics include the Highland Avenue redesign, protected bike lanes on Broadway, and the Community Path extension. Members will also review parking permit policies and traffic enforcement.
- Highland Avenue redesign schedule
- Feasibility of protected bike lanes on Broadway
- Community Path extension timeline
- "Local preference" parking permit policy for Highland Avenue
- Enforcement of license plate cover ban
City Council
The City Council will consider requests to borrow funds for the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements project. The agenda includes public hearings for utility companies to install conduit in several locations. Additionally, several appointments to the Library Board of Trustees and Council on Aging are up for confirmation.
- Bond authorization of $993,132 for Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements
- Bond authorization of $662,088 for the Clarendon Hills Sewer project
- Public hearing for Comcast to install conduit on Lake Street and Sycamore Street
- Public hearing for Verizon to install conduit on Broadway
- Confirmation of appointments to the Library Board of Trustees
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is reviewing several requests regarding the Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements project. These items include recommendations for bond authorizations and a grant acceptance.
- $993,132 bond authorization for General Fund portion of Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements
- $662,088 bond authorization for Sewer portion of Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements Project
- $500,000 grant acceptance from the MA Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee
The committee will discuss several orders regarding public health, safety, and accessibility. Items include requests for data on rape kits and traffic citations, as well as updates on arts spaces and teen center planning.
- Discussion of the effects of the Dobbs v Jackson ruling on reproductive health
- Request for data on rape kits administered and used in court over the past five years
- Update on the Arts Space Needs Assessment and MAPC report
- Report on Parks and Recreation enrollment, staffing, and programs from the last five years
- Timeline and process for identifying a permanent Teen Center
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
The committee will discuss an update from the City Solicitor regarding a Civil Service Commission decision and its impact on the confirmation process. Members will also review the procedure for reviewing appointments and re-appointments. The agenda includes several mayoral requests to confirm individuals to city boards.
- Update on the impact of the Civil Service Commission decision in Fairchild, Matthew v. City of Somerville
- Review of the process for reviewing appointments and re-appointments
- Appointment of Neeraj Wadhera to the Council on Aging
- Appointments of Lamia Mamoon, Janaki Perera, and Mark Sternman to the Library Board of Trustees
Legislative Matters Committee
The committee is reviewing amendments to bereavement leave and the Surveillance Oversight Ordinance. Members will also discuss staff feedback on medical leave and recommendations for body camera use. A request regarding the Clean Energy and Offshore Wind Act is also up for recommendation.
- Amendment to bereavement leave ordinance (ID #22-1461)
- Adoption of Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave provisions (ID #22-1448)
- Request for HR report on staff feedback regarding Paid Family and Medical Leave (ID #22-1446)
- Recommendations for a body worn camera Use Policy (ID #22-1428)
- Amendment to remove body-worn camera exemption from Surveillance Oversight Ordinance (ID #22-1171)
Rules Special Committee
The committee will discuss orders regarding council procedures and report distribution. Members will also consider recommendations to update language in the rules and remove mandatory prayers.
- Requirement for 48-hour advance submission of significant presentation materials (ID # 22-0021)
- Provision of paper copies for reports before Council approval (ID # 22-0162)
- Amendment to include gender-neutral language in council rules (ID # 22-0502)
- Removal of mandatory prayer from Rule 31 (ID # 22-0503)
City Council
The City Council is reviewing several grant approvals, including funds for park renovations and emergency services. The agenda also includes public hearings for Eversource utility work and discussions on zoning amendments.
- $750,000 grant for the renovation of Conway Park
- Zoning amendment to permit backyard cottages in Residence Districts
- Eversource applications to install conduit on Columbia St, Webster Ave, and other locations
- $500,000 grant for Clarendon Hill Project infrastructure improvements
- Multiple grants for E911 emergency dispatch and training services
Finance Committee
The City Council Finance Committee is reviewing requests for bond appropriations and grant acceptances. Items include funding for Clarendon Hills infrastructure and Conway Park renovations. The committee will also consider paying several prior year invoices.
- $993,132 bond request for Clarendon Hills Infrastructure Improvements General Fund
- $750,000 grant for Conway Park renovation
- $108,226.71 MAPC grant for Public Health Shared Services
- State E911 grants for police dispatch, personnel, and training
- Payment of prior year invoices for DPW, Law, Fire, and Health departments
Land Use Committee
The Land Use Committee is reviewing several proposals regarding zoning ordinance amendments and map changes. These include requests to rezone specific properties and a proposal to allow backyard cottages as a permitted building type.
- Ordinance to permit Backyard Cottage accessory buildings by right
- Zoning change request for 14 White Street Place from NR to MR4
- Zoning change request for 82-84 Prospect Street from MR5 to UR
- Mayor's request regarding zoning compliance review procedures
- Zoning change request for 129R Highland Ave from UR to NR
City Council
The Somerville City Council is considering a home rule petition to establish net zero emissions standards for new construction and major renovations. The agenda also includes public hearings for several utility conduit installations by Eversource and Comcast. Other items include orders regarding housing, parking, and rat control.
- Home Rule Petition for a net zero emissions standard for new buildings and renovations
- Ordinance to amend the City's bereavement leave code
- Public hearings for Eversource conduit installations on Broadway, Middlesex Ave, and Warwick St
- Resolution requesting speed bumps on Wigglesworth Street
- Order to provide free menstrual products in all City building restrooms