The Tenth Regular Meeting, March 9, 2021 Tuesday

 

Medford City Council

Medford, Massachusetts

The Tenth Regular Meeting, March 9, 2021

City Council

Isaac B. “Zac” Bears

Richard F. Caraviello

John C. Falco, Jr.

Adam Knight

Michael J. Marks

Nicole Morell

George A. Scarpelli

Broadcast Live: Channel 22 (Comcast) and Channel 43 (Verizon).

“Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Medford City Council will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the City of Medford website, at www.medfordma.org. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to listen or watch the meeting may do so by accessing the meeting link contained herein. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the City of Medford or Media Community Media website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.”

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99765904146

Meeting ID: 997 6590 4146
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,99765904146# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,99765904146# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 997 6590 4146
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ab9okTbsyF

President Richard F. Caraviello called the Regular meeting of March 9, 2021 of the Medford City Council to order at 7:00 P.M. via Zoom.

ROLL CALL

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

RECORDS

The Records of the Meeting of March 2, 2021 were passed to Councillor Bears.

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

21-090 – Offered by Vice President Knight

Be it so Resolved that the City Administration adjust its proposed Capital Plan to reflect the resurfacing of City Roads, and the revitalization of Medford Square and Mystic Avenue as Year 1 priorities, and 

Be it further Resolved the Capital plan be adjusted to call for the resurfacing of no less than 10 miles of roadway per year.  

21-091 – Offered by Vice President Knight

Whereas, the roadway in front of 75 Governor's Avenue is a site where water pools excessively, 

Be it so Resolved that the City Engineer inspect the roadway in front of 75 Governor's Avenue and report back to the Council his findings.

21-092 – Offered by President Caraviello

Be it Resolved that the Medford City Council discuss the following letter of interest from a candidate for the Hormel Commission.

Brian Collins

[phone number redacted]

149 Jerome Street

West Medford, MA 02155

October 16, 2020

Medford City Council

RE: Hormel Commission

Dear Councilors,

I would like to express my interest for serving on the Hormel Commission. As a lifelong resident of Medford, I played Pop Warner football on that field and like many others, threw my graduating cap high in the air there upon graduating from Medford High School.

I give back to my community by serving on the boards of the West Medford Community Center and Arts Medford. I feel I could have a positive impact on the Hormel Commission if so selected.

If you have questions, please contact me by phone or by email at icesemail@gmail.com. I appreciate your time in considering my request. I appreciate your time in considering me for the Commission.

Sincerely,

Brian Collins [phone number redacted]

21-093 – Offered by Vice President Knight and Councillor Falco

Be it so Resolved that the Medford City Council schedule pre-budget hearings for the Legislative Department for the purpose of discussing a Legal Counsel line item for the City Council. 

21-094 – Offered by Councillor Marks and Councillor Scarpelli

Be it Resolved that the following department heads: Police, Fire & DPW appear before the Medford City Council on March 16th at 7pm to provide the City Council with a department update.

21-095 – Offered by Councillor Morell

Be it so Resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate Colette Bakery for their recognition as the top dessert spot in Massachusetts according to Yelp;

Be it further Resolved that the Medford City Council present a congratulatory citation to Colette Bakery commemorating this achievement.

21-096– Offered by Councillor Scarpelli

Be it Resolved that the City Administration work with Republic Parking on instituting an Amnesty policy in efforts to recover funds owed to the city.

21-097 – Offered by the Entire City Council

Be it Resolved that the Medford City Council offer its deep and sincere condolences to the family of Ellen Baglio on her recent passing.  Ellen was a valued and dedicated long-time employee and colleague at Medford City Hall.  Her presence in City Hall and in our community will be missed.

Be it further Resolved that the Medford City Council dedicate the March 9 City Council meeting in Ellen’s memory.

PETITIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND SIMILAR PAPERS

21-098 – Petition for Common Victualler License by Michael Lewis, 7 Heron Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053 for Café Services – Wellington Cafe, One Cabot Road, Medford, MA 02155.

ON FILE

Business Certificate #016 Letter of Compliance

Building Dept. State Tax ID

Fire Dept. Workmen’s Compensation

Police- Traffic Impact Petition

Health Dept. Treasurer

REQUIRED COMMUNICATION FROM STATE OFFICIALS

21-099 –

Dear Council President Caraviello and Members of the  Medford City Council:

 

This email serves as a notice to you under 301 CMR 51.00.  Please reply to this email with the information requested below.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through its Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has under consideration the acquisition of an easement interest in approximately 7,327 square feet of land, or other property interest therein, in the City of Medford.   The property is currently undeveloped open space along the banks of the Mystic River. The proposed use for the property will be a part of the Bikeway and Pedestrian Pathway to be known as the Clippership Connector.  Attached is a locus map marked “Exhibit A” which shows the property in which DCR is interested.

   

The applicable regulations require the disclosure of the Commonwealth’s reasons for the proposed land acquisition at a public hearing held in the city or town in which such real property is located. To comply with this requirement, we ask that the City Council announce that the Commonwealth is considering this acquisition for the above-stated purposes at its next regularly scheduled meeting.  The City Council does not need to take any formal action on its part.  Please document the announcement in the City Council’s meeting minutes and have the City Clerk reply to this email by copying and pasting the statement in the box below filled out appropriately in a reply email to me:

 

Certificate of Announcement pursuant to 301 CMR 51.07(2) DCR #P-000820, City of Medford I, Adam L. Hurtubise, Clerk of the City of Medford, Massachusetts, do hereby certify that on, March        ,2021, it was announced at a public meeting of the City Council that:   The Department of Conservation and Recreation may acquire an interest in a parcel of land located in Medford as shown on the attached locus map marked as “Exhibit A” for conservation and/or recreation purposes.

 

The applicable regulations require that, 120 days prior to a purchase, an agency must notify certain public official of its proposed action.  The notification is for informational purposes only. Should DCR decide to pursue this acquisition, it may be necessary to complete the transaction in less than the 120 day notice period.  We therefore ask that you agree to waive the 120-day notice period, and indicate your waiver by cutting and pasting the statement in the box below in a reply email to me from the City Clerk or the City Council Administrative Assistant:

 

 

120 DAY WAIVER STATEMENT DCR #P-000820, City of Medford Pursuant 301 CMR 51.07(1)(b), the  Medford City Council, hereby agrees to waive the 120 day notice period as required by said section as to a parcel of land of approximately  7,327 square feet of land in the City of  Medford, shown on Exhibit A attached hereto, in which the Department of Conservation and Recreation is considering acquiring an interest.  Such waiver was approved by City Council vote at the meeting held on  March         ,2021.

 

 

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, kindly contact Craig Cashman, Director of Government Affairs at Craig.R.Cashman@mass.gov.  For your information, DCR has sent a similar notice to Mayor Breanna Lung-Koehn, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen , Representative Paul J. Donato , and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. 

`Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Arthur C. George, Assistant General Counsel

Office of the General Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Department of Conservation and Recreation

251 Causeway Street, Suite 900

Boston, MA 02114

Home tel: [phone number redacted]   

arthur.george@mass.gov

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

21-100 –

March 5, 2020

Via Electronic Delivery

To The Honorable President and

Members of the Medford City Council

City Hall

Medford, MA 02155

Dear Mr. President and City Councilors:

I am pleased to put forth this Proclamation, A Proclamation of Gratitude to the Staff and Volunteers of the Medford Board of Health in Response to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic in recognition of the work of the Medford Board of Health, Director MaryAnn O’Connor, staff, and volunteers.

I welcome the Council to join me by adopting this Proclamation, as well.

Sincerely,

(SIGNATURE FILE/PAPER)

Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Mayor

A Proclamation of Gratitude to the Staff and Volunteers of the

Medford Board of Health in Response to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Whereas: The City of Medford, along with the nation and the entire world, has faced the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic since the beginning of 2020; and

Whereas: The virus has affected the lives of every single person in the City of Medford and has claimed the lives of over five-hundred thousand people in the United States alone; and

Whereas: The Medford Board of Health, in response to this unprecedented public health and humanitarian crisis, immediately and boldly took steps to protect public health, deliver aid, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community; and

Whereas: More than 120 residents in both medical and non-medical fields have consistently volunteered time and efforts through the City’s model “Are You OK?” program to provide food, medication, supplies, phone calls, vaccinations, and comfort to Medford residents; and

Whereas: Together with the “Are You OK?” volunteers and Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers, the Board of Health has been able to provide critical aid and support to the Medford community within the past year, including

• More than 10,000 initial calls made to seniors, with 2,500 additional calls for follow up;

• More than 2,500 deliveries for meals, medication and supplies;

• Contract tracing for nearly 5000 local cases of COVID-19, including daily case counts as high as 105;

• Created Medford’s first Multi-Language Resource Line to connect residents with resources and services related to food security, housing, mental and behavioral assistance, and other related needs, with nearly 2,000 calls received in just over two months; and

Whereas: In collaboration with administrators, staff, and health workers at Medford Public Schools, coordinated and provided support for over 20,000 individual and pooled COVID-19 tests in Medford Schools, allowing children to return to in-person learning safely and securely; and

Whereas: Despite limitations on supply from the Commonwealth, coordinated the direct vaccination of nearly 2,000 people thus far in the City of Medford,, including residents 75 and older during clinics and directly in homes for those unable to travel; and

Whereas: Working with the Medford Council on Aging, Medford Housing Authority, and West Medford Community Center, directly assisted more than five-hundred Medford seniors with making vaccine appointments, registration and transportation to state sponsored vaccine sites; and

Whereas: The Medford Board of Health, through Director MaryAnn O’Connor, the dedicated staff and countless volunteers, has, from the onset of the virus one-year ago performed above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the public health of the residents of the City of Medford regardless of language spoken, economic situation, race, gender, immigration status, ability, benefit eligibility, or religious affiliation; Now Therefore

Her Honor the Mayor, Breanna Lungo-Koehn, as Mayor of the City of Medford does hereby proclaim, with profound gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly to protect public health and in remembrance of those we have lost, that the City of Medford extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to the Medford Board of Health, Director MaryAnn O’Connor, and staff and volunteers of the Board of Health for their work in the past year on behalf of the people of Medford.

Signed,

Breanna Lungo-Koehn

Mayor, City of Medford

March 5, 2021

Date

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

19-502, 19-503 & 19-504 – March 1, 2021 Subcommittee on Business, Economic Development & Signs Report to follow.

20-568 – March 3, 3021 Committee of the Whole Report to follow.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Former Councillor Robert M. Penta

Zero Summit Road

Medford, MA 02155

Former Councillor Robert M. Penta is requesting that the issue of the water and sewer base fee charge since 2017 be discussed.

To participate remotely outside of Zoom, please e-mail AHurtubise@medford-ma.gov.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

20-425 Condolences for John Avenell

IN CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2020 TABLED

20-452 Chapter 382 of the Acts of 2002

IN CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2020 TABLED

20-635 Amend Fiscal 2021 Budget to Appropriate $740,000

IN CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 17, 2020 TABLED

20-600 National Grid Grant of Location Riverside Ave.

IN CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 8, 2020 TABLED

21-023 Deadline Discount Program Be Discussed

IN CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2, 2021 TABLED

21-044 Common Victualler License Medford VFW Post 1012, Inc.

IN CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2, 2021 TABLED

Reports Due/ Deadlines

16-574 – University Accountability Spring 2017-Report (Next Report Due in March, 2021)

17-606 – Evangelical Haitian Church 400 High St. 90 Day Review on Illumination- January 9, 2018 (Tabled)

19-037–90-Day Review Report on 7 – Eleven at Sunoco for a petition for a Common Victualler License (granted by the Council, as amended to require a 90-day report on February 26, 2019) (Report due May 28, 2019) ; 90 Day Review Report on 7 – Eleven at Sunoco for a petition for a Special Permit – Hours (granted by the Council, as amended to require 30-and-90-day report on June 25, 2019 and August 20, 2019)

20-050 –90-Day and 180-Day Review Report on Redefine Strength and Fitness, LLC for a petition for a Special Permit – Hours (granted by the Council, as amended to require 90-and-180-day report on May 18, 2020 and August 16, 2020)

20-066 –90-Day Review Report on Alewife Autowork for a petition for a Special Permit – Zoning (granted by the Council, as amended to require 90-day report on June 29, 2020)

20-085 –90-Day Review Report on 360 Health and Fitness, LLC for a petition for a Special Permit – Hours (granted by the Council, as amended to require 90-day report on June 29, 2020)

20-086 –90-Day Review Report on El Tacuba Cocina and Tequila Bar for a petition for a Special Permit – Hours (granted by the Council, as amended to require 90-day report period to begin on opening of restaurant)

20-562 – 30-and-60 Day Reviews on XSS Hotels (Fairfield/Marriott) for Reversal of Sign Denials for north facing signs abutting residential property (granted by Council, as amended to require a 30-day review on October 8, 2020 and a 60-day review on November 7, 2020)

20-563 – 30-and-60 Day Reviews on XSS Hotels (Fairfield/Marriott) for Reversal of Sign Denials for north facing signs abutting residential property (granted by Council, as amended to require a 30-day review on October 8, 2020 and a 60-day review on November 7, 2020)

20-586 – 30-and-60 Day Reviews on Greater Boston Donuts, LLC for a petition for a Common Victualler License (granted by Council, as amended to require a 30-day review on November 12, 2020 and a 60-day review on December 12, 2020)

20-639 – 90 Day Review on Last Light Tattoo Studio for a Special Permit to conduct a Body Art Establishment (granted by Council, as amended to require a 90-day review on February 8, 2021)

Records:

The Records of the Meeting of March 2, 2021 were passed to Councillor Bears.

Adjournment: