By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Short-term Rentals Community Discussion, July 19
With the growing popularity of home-sharing and short-term rentals, the City is revisiting its policies and regulations. Join us for a community meeting where City staff will review current short-term rental regulations and lead a discussion about future regulation options. The first meeting was held on June 14, and this meeting was rescheduled from June 21.

When/where: Thursday, July 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Argenizano School Cafeteria, 290 Washington St.

Ethics Commission Vacancy Application Deadline July 27

The City of Somerville’s Ethics Commission is currently seeking a Somerville resident to fill a mid-term vacancy on the five-member board, with the initial term ending June 30, 2019, but subject to re-appointment following required approvals by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Ethics Commissioners serve three-year terms and are not term limited. Commissioners do not receive a stipend.

The Somerville Ethics Commission is charged with reviewing statements of interest filed with the Commission to determine whether the relevant rules and regulations have been fulfilled.

Interested residents should submit a brief statement of interest and a resume to the Elections Department by email to NSalerno@somervillema.gov, or by mail to Attn: Election Commissioner, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. Applications must be received no later than Friday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) and you will be notified if you are selected as a finalist. For more information about the AAC, please visit www.somervillema/gov/appointments. For more information about the Ethics Commission, visit www.somervillema.gov/departments/ethics-commission.

GLX Drop-in Q&A Sessions

In advance of planned bridge closures as part of the Green Line Extension Project (GLX), City staff along with staff from the MBTA, MassDOT, and GLX Constructors, are hosting a series of events and meetings throughout the summer and fall to provide information and answer questions about construction, which is already underway. Staff will be available at most summer events and have planned GLX-specific Q&A sessions and public meetings in the coming months. Please note the following schedule is subject to change:

• Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.: GLX Public Meeting (Medford City Hall)
• Thursday, July 26, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Drop-in Q&A Session (Magoun Square municipal lot, near CVS)
• Sunday, August 5, 2 – 6 p.m.: SomerStreets on Holland St.
• Saturday, August 11, 6 p.m.: Ignite Festival (Union Square)
• Saturday, August 18, 9 – 11 a.m.: Drop-in Q&A Session (Ball Square)

For the complete schedule of summer and fall events, as well as tentative bridge closure schedules and draft detour routes, please visit www.somervillema.gov/glx.

City Alerts

Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts. 

City Newsletter 

For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar

Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.