Somerville Pilots New Rodent-Control Technology City partners with Modern Pest Services to deploy 50 SMART Boxes in strategic locations

SOMERVILLE – As part of Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s 100-Day Agenda and the City’s ongoing commitment to mitigating rodent activity, the City of Somerville is launching a five-month pilot program to bring the latest rodent-control technology to Somerville this week. Continue reading Somerville Pilots New Rodent-Control Technology City partners with Modern Pest Services to deploy 50 SMART Boxes in strategic locations

Updated:Looking for Public’s Help:Medford Hit & Run with Serious Personal Injury

Updated:On Sunday evening February 27, 2022 the person that was operating the vehicle that struck the young lady on Harvard Street. Turned himself into the Medford Police. The Medford Police also have his car that he was driving when the young lady was struck. This investigation is still ongoing, and charges will be sought against this person. We are not disclosing his identity at this time because he has not been officially charged yet.
     

 

On Saturday February 26, 2022 at approximately 11:30pm a 22-year-old female was struck by a passing motor vehicle as she got out of a ride share vehicle that was dropping her and her boyfriend off in the area of 125 Harvard Street in Medford, MA. Continue reading Updated:Looking for Public’s Help:Medford Hit & Run with Serious Personal Injury

ASSISTANT SPEAKER CLARK ANNOUNCES NEW FINDINGS FROM GAO STUDY ON EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CHILD CARE CREDIT: ONLY 11 PERCENT OF WORKERS HAVE ACCESS TO EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CARE

Clark requested an analysis of the employer-provided child care credit and the benefits employees receive from child care services eligible for the credit Continue reading ASSISTANT SPEAKER CLARK ANNOUNCES NEW FINDINGS FROM GAO STUDY ON EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CHILD CARE CREDIT: ONLY 11 PERCENT OF WORKERS HAVE ACCESS TO EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CARE

AUDIT FINDS CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED BY STATE’S PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION AGENCY DID NOT MEET WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION GOALS FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES

BOSTON – An audit released today by the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found inadequacies in the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) processes to ensure equal opportunity staffing requirements of its contractors for women and minority participation. Continue reading AUDIT FINDS CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED BY STATE’S PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION AGENCY DID NOT MEET WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION GOALS FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES

AUDITOR BUMP CERTIFIES STATE MUST PAY COMMUNITIES $2.08 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS

Recent re-precincting in 89 communities increased preliminary cost certifications by 11%

BOSTON – In a letter to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump determined and certified that the state must pay communities $2,083,736.08 to cover the cost of extra mandated polling hours for the September 2022 state primary and November 2022 general elections. Continue reading AUDITOR BUMP CERTIFIES STATE MUST PAY COMMUNITIES $2.08 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“Before deciding to impose new fees on riders, the MBTA should re-examine its fare collection contract, and adopt a Low-Income Fare that would save low-income people millions.”
— Collique Williams of the Public Transit Public Good Coalition on the failure by the MBTA board to create a Low-Income Fare for MBTA riders. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

ENCOURAGING SUICIDE

By Bob Katzen

ENCOURAGING SUICIDE Bill (S 1032) Imposes up to a 5-year prison sentence on a person who encourages another person to commit suicide.

The bill, called “Conrad’s Law,” is named after then- 18-year-old Conrad Roy III who, in 2014, killed himself after being pressured by then- 17-year-old Michelle Carter via a phone call following thousands of texts. Carter was convicted of manslaughter and served 12 months of a 15-month prison sentence. Continue reading ENCOURAGING SUICIDE

JFK HOLIDAY

By Bob Katzen

The State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee has recommended passage of a bill that would establish an official holiday in Massachusetts to commemorate the life of President John F. Kennedy and promote civic engagement and voter participation. The holiday would be officially observed annually on Election Day—the last Sunday in November in all odd-numbered years and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in all even-numbered years. Continue reading JFK HOLIDAY

PRIVACY OF AUDIO OF 911 CALLS

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would prohibit the release of the audio version of 911 calls to the public or media except when authorized by the caller; requested by law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes; or when a court order finds that the right of the public to the release of the recording outweighs the privacy interests of the individual who made the call. The measure does allow the release of a written transcript of the audio at any time. Continue reading PRIVACY OF AUDIO OF 911 CALLS

$75 MILLION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19

By Bob Katzen

The Baker administration announced the launch of a $75 million program, funded by money from the $4 billion American Rescue Plan, to provide grants to businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program provides $50 million toward businesses that employ between two and 50 people and which reach underserved markets and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, the disabled and people who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading $75 MILLION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19

SOMERVILLE SNOW EMERGENCY WILL END SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, AT 8 a.m.

MOVE CARS FROM CITY LOTS BY 10 a.m.

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end Saturday, February 26, at 8 a.m., and normal parking rules will resume at that time. Vehicles can be parked on the even side of the street starting at 8 a.m. To avoid ticketing and towing, do not move to the even side before 8 a.m. Saturday. Continue reading SOMERVILLE SNOW EMERGENCY WILL END SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, AT 8 a.m.

Medford Parking Department Will be Fully Operational as of February 28, Accepting Parking Permit and Other Online Applications for 2022

Pay By Phone Options Available in Business Districts

Enforcement Activities to Begin February 28
MEDFORD – The City of Medford Parking Department has fully transitioned from operations previously undertaken by ParkMedford and will begin formal enforcement and permitting operations this month, Parking Director Faye Morrison and Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced today. The Department, located on the first floor of City Hall, will begin issuing parking permits begin enforcement activities on February 28. Continue reading Medford Parking Department Will be Fully Operational as of February 28, Accepting Parking Permit and Other Online Applications for 2022

Somerville Traffic Board Public Hearing on Central Hill Parking Changes, February 24

The City of Somerville Traffic Board will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, February 24, 2022, regarding the one-year parking-regulation changes for City and school staff on Central Hill, near City Hall, Somerville High School, and the Central Library. These changes were approved at the Somerville Traffic Commission meeting on November 18, 2021 (Agenda Items 5a-d and 6).
Continue reading Somerville Traffic Board Public Hearing on Central Hill Parking Changes, February 24

Somerville/Medford Remembering Marcelin Olivier

Marcelin Olivier of Medford, MA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday February 17th at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, in Danvers, MA at the age of 87.
Born November, 23rd 1934 in Port au Prince, Haiti, he was the son of the late Marcel and Margot (Pardoviany) Olivier. Marcelin was a devoted family man of faith and hard worker. He had a career as an Health inspector in Haiti and later as an Commuter rail inspector for the MBTA in Brookline, Ma. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marcelin Olivier

Representative Barber’s Driver’s License Bill Passes in Landmark House Vote

BOSTON– On February 16, 2022 the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to pass bill H.4461 the Work and Family Mobility Act, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford and Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, enabling all state residents to apply for a standard MA driver’s license or identification card regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Representative Barber’s Driver’s License Bill Passes in Landmark House Vote

Rain Barrels Available Now Through May 3rd Through Partnership Between City of Medford, Great American Rain Barrels

MEDFORD – The City of Medford will be offering rain barrels at a highly discounted price again in 2022. In partnership with The Great American Rain Barrel Co., the City is working to safely provide residents with an opportunity to save money and help the city manage its water supplies. Continue reading Rain Barrels Available Now Through May 3rd Through Partnership Between City of Medford, Great American Rain Barrels

Mayor Ballantyne Announces Plan to Make City Boards and Commissions More Inclusive

Work will focus on recruitment, the appointment process, and barriers to serving on boards and commissions

SOMERVILLE – In an effort to diversify the City’s boards and commissions and provide equitable opportunity for residents to participate, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announced plans to address barriers to serving on Somerville’s boards and commissions through a comprehensive reevaluation process that will result in both amended and new standard processes. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announces Plan to Make City Boards and Commissions More Inclusive

MEDFORD BOARD OF HEALTH VOTES TO LIFT INDOOR MASK MANDATE FOR PRIVATE BUSINESSES

(MEDFORD)—The Medford Board of Health, citing a three week decrease in the City’s COVID-19 positivity rate, voted unanimously at its regular meeting on February 15 to lift the indoor mask requirement for private businesses. The Board of Health also voted to rescind the vaccination requirement for large-scale indoor entertainment venues like the Chevalier Theatre, though performers have the ability to require proof of vaccinations on a show-by-show basis. Both orders will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 16, 2022. Continue reading MEDFORD BOARD OF HEALTH VOTES TO LIFT INDOOR MASK MANDATE FOR PRIVATE BUSINESSES

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“The [Baker] administration’s announcement is an important step toward a true common application and will have a significant impact on hunger and food insecurity in our state.”
—Jamie Klufts of the National Association of Social Workers – MA Chapter on the Baker administration’s announcement of its plan to allow low-income households the right to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the same time they sign-up for MassHealth. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

GOVERNOR SIGNS INTO LAW “TRANSPORT INJURED POLICE DOGS – NERO’S LAW”

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law legislation that would require EMS personnel, if there are no people waiting for the service, to provide emergency treatment to a police dog and use an ambulance to transport the dog injured in the line of duty to a veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital. Continue reading GOVERNOR SIGNS INTO LAW “TRANSPORT INJURED POLICE DOGS – NERO’S LAW”

THE 2022 STATE ELECTION BEGINS

By Bob Katzen

Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced that nomination papers can now be picked up by candidates who are planning to run for office in the September 6th primaries and the November 8th general election. Offices on the 2022 ballot this year include Congress, state senator, state representative, governor, lt. governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, governor’s councilor, district attorney and sheriff. Continue reading THE 2022 STATE ELECTION BEGINS

REQUIRE REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO CITIES AND TOWNS

By Bob Katzen

The House 31-125, rejected an amendment to a section of the bill that prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles from disclosing personally identifying information and communications regarding any applicant for a Massachusetts driver’s license or learner’s permit, “including failure to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States,” unless specifically authorized to do so under regulations that are to be drafted by the attorney general’s office.
Continue reading REQUIRE REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO CITIES AND TOWNS

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Why is the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds still closed?

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Why is the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds still closed?

One Curtatone out, one more to go! While the rest of the state is back to work everyday, she is still on a two year paid vacation and continuing riding on the Covid 19 coattails on the taxpayer’s dime! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Why is the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds still closed?

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Robert LEBLANC (OUI Liquor)

On Monday, February 7, 2022, at approximately 1:20 A.M., Somerville Police control received a call from Sergeant Eli Kim (S-9) for a check condition at Elm St. and Mossland St. Sgt. Kim observed a vehicle at this intersection stopped for an extended period of time for at least 3 light cycles. At this point Sgt. Kim honked his horn at the driver operating the vehicle in-front of him, to which resulted in no response.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Robert LEBLANC (OUI Liquor)

RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would raise from $35 to $200 the fine for violating the traffic rule that provides when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same instant, the operator of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The proposal also imposes additional penalties and/or license revocation for up to six months for any of these violations that cause death, serious bodily harm or bodily harm.
Continue reading RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS

Medford Hires Federal Funds Manager to Help Guide ARPA Strategy

City Holding ARPA Community Meeting on March 9 at 6pm at City Hall and on Zoom

(MEDFORD)—Thanks to the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), over the next few years Medford will be investing nearly $50 million dollars into the community to restore and revitalize critical systems, facilities and institutions that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Medford Hires Federal Funds Manager to Help Guide ARPA Strategy

Naveo Credit Union announces three $1,500 scholarships are available for the 2022-2023 academic year through the Carlos Faria and Victor Da Silva Memorial Scholarship Fund

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union announced it would offer its annual Carlos Faria and Victor Da Silva Memorial Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Naveo is offering three scholarships of $1,500 each. Continue reading Naveo Credit Union announces three $1,500 scholarships are available for the 2022-2023 academic year through the Carlos Faria and Victor Da Silva Memorial Scholarship Fund

Somerville Armed Robbery

22005269: On 2/2/22 at approximately 3:07 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business in Assembly Row for a robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the reporting person who stated a black man, 6 feet tall, wearing a red, white, and blue winter hat, blue Adidas hooded sweatshirt, and light blue jeans entered the store and began to shoplift various items. When he approached the exit, he brandished a knife at the security guard. Continue reading Somerville Armed Robbery

Somerville Police Award Life Saving Medal to Police and Housing Officers

On Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Officers Kevin Goulart and Justin Buswell were on routine patrol in the area of the Dilboy Pool located on Alewife Brook Parkway. At 1:47pm they heard a radio transmission from Somerville Housing Officer Billy Rymill, who was on a nearby detail. He was alerting dispatch of a rollover involving a trailer truck in the area of Capen Court. Continue reading Somerville Police Award Life Saving Medal to Police and Housing Officers

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: James FLYNN (Motor Vehicle Vandalism, Attempt to Commit Crime)

On Monday, January 31, 2022, while working a First Half shift, assigned to marked unit West 7, at approximately 6:38 PM marked Unit West 6 (Officer Kevin Goulart) and I, were dispatched to 139B Alewife Brook Pkwy for a suspicious person call. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: James FLYNN (Motor Vehicle Vandalism, Attempt to Commit Crime)

Somerville/Medford Remembering Elinor T. McLaughlin

ELINOR’S OBITUARY

McLaughlin, Elinor Theresa – Born April 26th 1945, known to many as Petty, passed away January 26th 2022.
Elinor was born in Boston to parents Charles and Eleanor, survived by her brother Charles McLaughlin Jr and his three sons Brian, Kevin and Sean McLaughlin and their families.
Elinor was raised in Somerville, Massachusetts where she attended Somerville High School, Class of 1962. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elinor T. McLaughlin

ALLOW AMBULANCES TO BE USED FOR INJURED POLICE DOGS – NERO’S LAW

The House approved legislation that would require EMS personnel to provide emergency treatment to a police dog and use an ambulance to transport the dog injured in the line of duty to a veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital if there are not people requiring emergency medical treatment or transport at that time. The Senate has already approved its own version of the measure and the House version now goes back to the Senate for consideration. Continue reading ALLOW AMBULANCES TO BE USED FOR INJURED POLICE DOGS – NERO’S LAW

$101 MILLION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE


By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov.Baker a $101 million COVID-19 response bill. Key provisions include increasing the number of COVID-19 testing sites and COVID-19 tests; the acquisition and distribution of high-quality personal protective masks, including N95s and KN95s, to be distributed to health care workers and children and faculty in elementary and secondary public-school districts; increasing vaccination rates among kids ages five to 11 whose vaccination rates remain low in comparison to older residents; and recapitalizing the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program. The measure also mandates that the Baker administration pursue the highest allowable rate of federal reimbursement for the $101 million package. Continue reading $101 MILLION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE

SECURE VOTING MACHINES


By Bob Katzen

The House 29-128, rejected an amendment that would require that any voting software or voting machine that is used to process early, absentee or mail-in voting prior to Election Day must be secured at all times once the processing has begun. At the end of each processing period, the machine, software and ballots must be secured by a police officer and an election official either in a secured vault at the city or town hall or at the police station in a private cell—and must remain under video surveillance. Continue reading SECURE VOTING MACHINES

RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD

By Bob Katzen

The House 32-126, rejected an amendment to a current law that imposes up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to a 5-year prison sentence on anyone who knowingly engages in any type of voting fraud including illegally registering to vote; illegally voting or attempting to vote; voting more than once; and aiding and abetting a person who is illegally voting. The amendment would raise the fine to up to $20,000. Continue reading RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD

Medford Firefighters Local 1032 Updates

Posted on Medford Firefighters Local 1032 Facebook site on Sunday 02/06/22

Early this morning, Engine 1 and Ladder 2 responded to a rollover with entrapments at Roosevelt Circle onto Westwood Rd. Speed and icy road conditions led to the crash. Three people were extricated from the vehicle with transports to the hospital. Also responding were Armstrong Ambulance, Stephens Towing, Medford Police and State Police. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 Updates

90 Washington Street Redevelopment Public Meeting, February 16

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City of Somerville staff invite you to attend the second community meeting to discuss 90 Washington Street, a 4-acre site near the East Somerville Green Line station envisioned as the future home of a new Public Safety Building and a range of civic, commercial, and residential spaces. Continue reading 90 Washington Street Redevelopment Public Meeting, February 16

Somerville Launches Preschool and Child Care Financial Assistance Initiative

The City of Somerville is now accepting applications for full-day preschool and child care financial assistance through its new Child Care Access and Affordability Program. To qualify, children must be between 15 months and 4 years old by August 31, 2022, and families must meet income eligibility requirements outlined at somervillema.gov/somerpromise. Continue reading Somerville Launches Preschool and Child Care Financial Assistance Initiative

City of Somerville on Friday Morning Commute

We don’t plan to call a snow emergency, but we want to remind everyone to be careful on their Friday morning commute. Crews will be out tonight and tomorrow morning pre-treating the roads, but roads and sidewalks may be slippery in the morning so give yourself some extra time and go slow. You can help out your neighbors who rely on our sidewalks to get around by pre-treating them tonight.

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:The City of Somerville Handling of the DPW Employees During the Blizzard of 2022 Was a Farce

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

During this past blizzard that the city of Somerville became the grinch that stole livelihoods and trust by sneakingly taking away overtime from DPW workers. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:The City of Somerville Handling of the DPW Employees During the Blizzard of 2022 Was a Farce