I Know You Are a Leader

Are you or someone you know a leader in Somerville interested to help our community?  Participate and bring along a leader to this Thursday’s May 30^th one-hour info workshop on commissions.  We have awesome people working together on important projects. There’re vacancies available for qualified applicants.  Encourage a leader to attend this fast-paced and fun introductory session.

DATE:   May 30 (Thursday)

TIME:   6:00pm to 7:00pm

PLACE: 50 Evergreen Avenue (Annex) 

Call the Office of Commissions today to register at 617-625-6600 (x2400) or email commissions@somervillema.gov.

Regulating Campaign Finance

The following is a press release sent out by the City today. 

MAYOR, ALDERMEN Connolly, Cuff-Bastardi, Desmond, Heuston, O’Keefe, Sullivan, Trane PROPOSE ORDINANCE REGULATING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS IN CITY OF SOMERVILLE

Ordinance proposes $250 limit on campaign contributions by developers, contractors, lobbyists, City employees and others seeking to do business with the City including grants, loans, tax incentives or various city contracts.

SOMERVILLE – At the regular Board of Aldermen meeting on Thursday, May 23, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Aldermen Connolly, Cuff-Bastardi, Desmond, Heuston, O’Keefe, Sullivan and Trane introduced an ordinance that would set limits for campaign contributions made to any candidate or incumbent for public office in the City of Somerville by developers, contractors, lobbyists or individuals and organizations seeking to do business with the City including, financial assistance such as grants, loans or tax incentives from the City, or City contracts not awarded to the lowest bidder.

The ordinance proposes that applicants who made contributions in excess of $250 in the calendar year of an application or year prior would be ineligible for any such contract or financial assistance unless contributions were refunded in full. Any applicant, anyone attributed to the applicant, and any subcontractor used on any contract—with the exception of lowest bidder contracts—shall not make any contribution to any incumbent or to any candidate in excess of $250 per year for the following four calendar years or for the duration of the term of any contract, whichever is longer. Those found to be in violation of the ordinance would be subject to a $300 fine.

The ordinance also addresses the direct solicitation of contributions by any candidate to municipal employees, in addition to existing state campaign finance laws.  Lobbyists and municipal agents would now be required to file annual disclosure statements and give notice as to any matter pending before the city.

“The City of Somerville, particularly under this administration, holds a firm commitment to transparency, through government management and through public processes. Campaign finances and contributions, especially as they relate to potential municipal partners or employees, should be subject to the same careful scrutiny by members of the general public,” said Mayor Curtatone. “This proposal allows for more accountability and more reassurance for community members that we are fulfilling the duties incumbent on us as elected officials fully in the public interest.”

The ordinance applies to any person and their family members, and to a corporation, partnership or limited liability corporation, including officers, directors, members, managers, principles and shareholders in excess of 10% or any of its employees who have filed an application with the City of Somerville or any City-related agency in any of the following situations: (i) seeking to enter into a Contract, except where that contract is required by law to be awarded to the lowest bidder; (ii) seeking to acquire real estate from the City or any City-related agency; (iii) seeking financial assistance from the City; or (iv) seeking employment with the City, by contract or otherwise, union or non-union, civil service or non-civil service, as well as those currently employed by the City.

The ordinance was referred to the committee on legislative matters for further discussion. 

CITY RELEASES FIRST-EVER COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today the newest addition to the City of Somerville’s open government and cost-saving initiatives. The City has compiled its first-ever Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which presents a complete accounting of all government funds, investments, and operating activities. The CAFR complements the annual City budget by providing more detailed demographic and statistical information, as well as annual budget comparisons to help the reader better understand the financial condition of the City. The CAFR also has the potential to improve the City’s bond rating, which would reduce the cost of interest payments for the City over time.

The development of the CAFR is a significant continuation of Mayor Curtatone’s ongoing efforts to maintain open, transparent government. It contains information on real property and other fixed assets, long-term obligations, and investments held outside the government treasury. The CAFR also provides information that is used by investment companies such as Moody's Investors Services and Standard and Poor’s Corporation to determine the City’s fiscal integrity and set bond rates. By developing a CAFR, the potential for the City to improve its already high bond rating will increase. Currently, Somerville’s bond rating as determined by Moody’s is Aa2, the third highest rating. Moving to a higher bond rating would reduce borrowing costs for the City, which would eventually create savings on interest payments.

The 120-page City document, available at www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance, includes three sections: (1) Introduction, including a summary and transmittal letter; (2) Financial, including an independent auditor’s report, management discussion and analysis, financial statements and notes; and (3) Statistical, including additional financial, economic, and demographic information.

“We need more transparency and accountability in government so that people know how their money is being spent,” said Mayor Curtatone. “The CAFR is a thorough accounting to the citizens of Somerville on the use of public resources and funds. It assists users in assessing the level of services the government can provide and its ability to meet its obligations. At the same time, I’ve made smart cost savings and efficient delivery of services a central goal of my administration, and if an open government initiative also has the potential to reduce costs, this is a true win-win for the City.”

The CAFR also highlights interesting trends within City finances, displaying increases in the City’s fund equity, as well as detailing debt financing. The City’s fund equity, the difference between the City’s assets and liabilities, has been increasing dramatically over the last decade, going from just over $10 million in 2002 to over $40 million in 2013.  This is the key indicator that financial and lending institutions measure when determining the financial strength of a City. 

Taste of Somerville Happening Tonight

 

RESPOND, Inc. and the Somerville Chamber Dining & Nightlife Group, are proud to present the 2013 Taste of Somerville: the premier dining experience! We welcome local businesses, restaurants and community members to come together to create a fun-filled evening while also helping RESPOND work to end domestic violence in our community.

When:  Today, Tuesday, May 21st from 5:30 to 7:30
Where:  Holiday Inn - 30 Washington Street

For $35.00 (cash, check & credit card accepted) you get a taste of over 40 of Somerville's finest restaurants - soup to nuts / entrees to desserts and it's for a great cause.

27 Somerville establishments found to be 100% in compliance

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Office of Prevention (SOP) Director Cory Mashburn announced today that Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) and the Somerville Police Department conducted a successful minimum age alcoholic beverage purchase law compliance check in Somerville. The compliance checks are completed annually. 27 licensed establishments in Somerville were visited by members of SCAP, including student leaders, and the Somerville Police Department in April, and all were found to be in compliance.

Participating teenagers received training on how to help police conduct the checks, and were given a breathalyzer test before the start of the operation and again after the evening was over. The teams targeted package stores, bars and restaurants that had “all-forms” liquor licenses. Participating police officers included Warren Chaille, who is assigned to the Somerville Licensing Commission.

“These results are a testament to the education and knowledge that our licensees are receiving,” said Mashburn. “The licensees during this compliance check demonstrated that carding those who try to purchase alcohol in Somerville is a top priority.”

Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello said that routine undercover checks are a priority of the Police Department, and that he was pleased with the high compliance rate. “Most of our stores, bars, and restaurants take this responsibility seriously,” said Pasquarello. “We appreciate their cooperation, and their commitment to keeping alcohol out of underage hands.”

For more information, please contact Cory Mashburn, Director, Somerville Office of Prevention, at (617) 625-6600, x2570.

Memorial Day Parade

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, CEREMONIES SET FOR MAY 26

Parade steps off from City Hall Concourse at 1pm.; Morning ceremonies planned at VFW Posts across Somerville

SOMERVILLE – The annual Memorial Day Ceremonies, concluding with the largest Memorial Day parade in the region, are set for Sunday, May 26.  Sponsored by American Legion Post #19 in conjunction with the Somerville Allied Veterans’ Council, scheduled events will begin at 8 a.m. at American Legion Post #19, 124 Highland Ave., with a short procession down Highland Ave. to the Central Library and the placing of wreaths on monuments along Central Hill Park. The parade will step off from the City Hall/Somerville High School concourse at 1 p.m., and will proceed for 2.3 miles down Highland Ave. to the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Teele Square. The parade will conclude in Veterans Memorial Cemetery with a ceremony of remembrance for fallen Somerville veterans under the supervision of the Somerville Allied Veterans Council.

The parade will include 17 marching bands, including the 215^th Massachusetts Army National Guard Marching Band, along with a wide range of community and school groups, the popular specialty units of the Aleppo Shriners, and representatives from the Miss New England beauty pageant, as well as representatives of local veterans’, fire, and police units from surrounding cities and towns. 

Beginning at Somerville High School, the parade will continue along Highland Avenue, through Davis Square to Holland Street, and onto Broadway before ending at the Cemetery in Teele Square. Ceremonies will be held rain or shine.

This year, the City will present two Grand Marshals: James F. Legee, Jr., and John M. O’Leary. James enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1944. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and led the Allied advance under General George S. Patton. He earned three battle stars for conflicts in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Other awards and honors include the World War II War Service Medal by the nation of Belgium, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. Following his service with the U.S. Army, James worked as a building inspector with the City of Somerville for 18 years.

John O’Leary joined the U.S. Army in January 1946. He served in Japan with the 1^st Cavalry Division as part of the Allied Occupation Force. He was one of the few American Soldiers to cross the equator by sea during his military service, earning him membership in “Davy Jones’s Locker,” a fraternity usually open only to U.S. Navy personnel. His awards and honors include the World War II Victory Medal. John was discharged as a Technician, Fifth Grade, in April 1947. Since then, he has served the City of Somerville as a senior custodian in the Building Department for 29 years, and as a Library Trustee under Mayor Thomas August. Additionally, John served as Commander of American Legion Post 447 and AMVETS, and served as the City’s Veterans’ Liaison to the Mayor since 1990.

To accommodate the parade, the following streets will have parking restrictions from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and street closures beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m.  

• Highland Ave. (Walnut St. to School St.)
• Prescott St. (Summer St. to Highland Ave.)
• Putnam St. (Summer St. to Highland Ave.)
• Vinal Ave. (Summer St. to Highland Ave.)
• School St. (Medford St. to Highland Ave.)
• Walnut St. (Medford St. to Highland Ave.)
• College Ave. (Morrison Ave. to Davis Sq.)
• North St. (Powderhouse Blvd. to Broadway)
• Alewife Brook Parkway (to Dilboy)

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., there will also be no parking on either side of the following streets (and in front of the Somerville Veterans Cemetery from North St. to Route 16).  These restrictions will be lifted immediately following the parade:

• Highland Ave. (Walnut St. to Davis Sq.)
• Holland St. (Davis Sq to Teele Sq.)
• Broadway (Holland St. to Route 16)
• Dilboy Field
• Little Sisters of the Poor – 186 Highland Ave.

Please note that the Number 88 MBTA bus route to and from Clarendon Hill will not be running from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Veterans’ Services at 617-625-6600 ext 4700.