Support for domestic violence awareness was one of many issues addressed by the Somerville City Council at their latest meeting last week.

By Lizzie Heintz

Beginning the latest Somerville City Council meeting with a call to action last Thursday, Council President Katjana Ballantyne addressed the city’s residents with a call to action.

“We are a compassionate community.” Ballantyne said. “Let’s further show our compassion by helping others find the help that is available here. You might save a life.”

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition of this, volunteers read the names of the victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts over the past year. A moment of silence was held for the aforementioned victims. President Ballantyne passionately urged all Somerville residents to share a link to one resource for victims on their social media.

Additionally, in the month of October, the Council approved the motion to recognize the second Monday of the month as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan addressed the fact that although Mayor Curtatone recognized the holiday last year, action should be taken to officially recognize the culture and history of indigenous groups.

Clingan cited a letter written to the council by Mahtowin Munro, a member of an indigenous community and creator of IndigenousPeoplesDayMA.org. The proposal for an annual celebration in Somerville on the second Monday of every October be implemented was put forward and unanimously approved by the Council.

Also addressed in the meeting were discussions between the Equity, Gender, Families, and Vulnerable Populations Special Committee regarding the creation of a local Title IX ordinance in Somerville focusing on sports and gender discrepancies in spending.

The creation of facilities and activities for non-binary community members, both youth and adults, to create an environment of acceptance within the community was also discussed at the meeting. The proposal was met with approval by all present Council members.

The Open Space, Environment, and Energy Special Committee discussed work completed on several long-term motions to get a clearer view of the use and restructure of green space throughout the city.

In other business, the Public Hearing portion of the meeting heard from a representative from Eversource Jacquie Duffy as well as Extenet representative Rosanna Ferrante on construction projects around Somerville. As a result, several hundred feet of conduit is to be put in place to supply power to several lines of construction via Eversource, and lamp posts at 479 Canal Street, 497 Broadway, and 75 Mystic Ave. are to be replaced with similar ones containing cellular antennas via Extenet. Any items sent to committee for further review were done so out of concerns for the safety and wellbeing of residents.

The next regular City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m.