By George P. Hassett

Aldermen met for two hours 35 minutes Thursday. Ward Five Alderman Sean O’Donovan was not present.

Antonelli honored

Aldermen honored Water Superintendent Carol Antonelli for her 33 years of employment with the city. Antonelli started as an auditor for the city in 1978 and switched to the Department of Public Works in 1984. For the last five years she worked as superintendent of the water department.

Ward One Alderman Bill Roche said in her tenure Antonelli discovered illegal meters, water walls and water theft.

Mayor Joe Curtatone recognized Antonelli specifically for her role in working to lessen the impact of flooding in July.

Antonelli resigned to take a job in Wakefield.

Grants to help poor threatened

Because of budget cuts proposed by President Obama, funds to help the poor in Somerville may not be coming. Ward Two Alderman Maryann Heuston said the grant money often benefits more than just the city’s poorest residents.

“Anytime you walk in a local park, [grant] funding went to pay for that,” she said. “If you think it doesn’t affect you citizens of Somerville, think again.”