City of Somerville, Massachusetts · City Council · Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 27, 2026 · 7:00 PM
NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have · been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first · checking with the City Clerk.
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:03 PM and returned at 7:19 PM.
The City Council entered recess at 7:42 PM and returned at 7:44 PM.
The City Council entered recess at 8:04 PM and returned at 8:07 PM.
The City Council entered recess at 9:48 PM and returned at 10:24 PM.
1.1. Roll Call
Call of the Roll.
(ID # 26-1324 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
- Present: Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
- City Councilor At Large Jon Link
- Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
- Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
- City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
- City Councilor At Large Ben Wheeler
- Ward Seven City Councilor Emily Hardt
- Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin
- City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah
- Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Absent:
Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait
1.2. Remembrances Remembrances.
(ID # 26-1325 )
Salgado Araujo, who died as result of being detained by a federal immigration agency.
Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Ewen- Campen requested a moment of silence in memory of Lawrence “Larry” Aronson.
- Councilor Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of Michael
-
Chiapperini.
-
Councilor Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of William
-
Fitzpatrick.
-
Councilor Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of Jesse
-
Gregory.
-
Councilor Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of lives lost
- due to the extreme flooding in Nepal.
RESULT: APPROVED
1.3. Minutes
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 25, 2026.
(ID # 26-1326 ) RESULT: APPROVED
2. CITATIONS
2.1. Citation
By Councilor Ewen-Campen
(ID # 26-1251 ) Commending Dan Amelin for eight years of service in the Engineering
Division.
- Councilor Ewen-Campen presented Mr. Amelin with a citation recognizing
his work on several complex projects in the city. Mr. Amelin thanked his colleagues for their contributions to the successful completion of those
RESULT: APPROVED
2.2. Citation
By Councilor Mbah
(ID # 26-1312 ) Commending Ramón Bueno for his commitment to climate action.
- Councilor Mbah presented Mr. Bueno with a citation recognizing his nine
years of service to the City. Mr. Bueno thanked the Council for the recognition and reflected on his work under three city administrations.
RESULT: APPROVED
2.3. Citation
By Councilor Mbah
(ID # 26-1313 ) Commending Eliza Johnston for her commitment to climate action.
- Councilor Mbah presented Ms. Johnston with a citation recognizing her 17
years of service to the City. Ms. Johnston thanked the Council for the recognition and expressed her appreciation to city staff for their expertise and cooperation.
RESULT: APPROVED
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1. Grant of Location Lightpath applying for a Grant of Location to install 41 feet of conduit in
(ID # 26-1278 ) Grand Union Boulevard, from existing telephone conduit near the intersection of Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 29310 next to 188 Assembly Park Drive.
Jeffery Harrington, representing Lightpath, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
RESULT: APPROVED
3.2. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 208 feet of conduit in
(ID # 26-1275 ) Taylor Street and Sydney Street and one new Manhole 32883, from Utility
- Pole 387/4 passing through the new Manhole 32883 to a point of pickup at 9
- Taylor Street.
Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
RESULT: APPROVED
3.3. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 201 feet of conduit in
(ID # 26-1276 ) Charlestown Street and Allen Street, from proposed Manhole 32885 to a
point of pickup at 37 Allen Street.
Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
Councilor Scott asked why the right-of-way needed to be excavated. Ms.
Duffy explained that a new manhole was required to service the project.
- Councilor Scott requested that Eversource explore alternatives that would
- avoid opening the street, if feasible.
RESULT: APPROVED
3.4. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 51 feet of conduit in
(ID # 26-1277 ) Prescott Street, from Utility Pole 287/8 to a point of pickup at 53 Prescott
Street.
Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
RESULT: APPROVED
4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1. Order
By Councilor Davis
(ID # 26-1321 ) In his capacity as President, that this Council schedule a Public Hearing
regarding the establishment of an entity to provide civilian oversight of the Police Department.
President Davis reported that he had discussed civilian oversight of the Police Department with the Administration and stated that this item
- represents the first step in the process.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.2. Ordinance
By Councilor Hardt, Councilor Link, Councilor Clingan and Councilor
(ID # 26-1310 ) Mbah
That Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.
- Councilor Hardt explained that the ordinance would ban the use of certain
rodenticides and noted that these products are not effective in controlling rat populations. She invited Morgan Penny of Save Somerville Wildlife to speak on the matter. Ms. Penny discussed the harmful and often fatal effects of rodenticides on birds of prey and other wildlife and requested that the City pursue a Home Rule Petition to ban their use. Councilor Link spoke
about the need to control the rat population and emphasized the importance of protecting natural predators as part of that effort.
- Councilors Clingan, Councilor Scott, and Councilor Wheeler spoke about
the harmful effects of rodenticides, the need to protect wildlife, and the importance of eliminating rats’ access to food.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
4.3. Resolution
By Councilor Hardt, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1301 ) Link, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Clingan, Councilor
concern that collective wealth is being concentrated among the wealthiest individuals in the country. She reported that 91.5% of callers to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) were unable to reach the assistance they needed and noted that, due to limited capacity to process
- applications, Somerville’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program
(SNAP) caseload had decreased by 15%. Councilor Mbah spoke about the impact on households and noted that the resolution calls on the state to hire additional caseworkers to address the crisis.
- Councilor Hardt sponsored Ray Santana, President of the Mystic Tenant
Association, to speak on the matter. Ms. Santana spoke about the urgent need for DTA benefits and the challenges caused by under-staffing, including families going without food for weeks. She also read a letter from another association member describing the frustrations experienced while
- attempting to access benefits.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.4. Resolution
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1302 ) Scott, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Clingan
In support of a fair and dignified resolution for an international graduate student at Tufts University.
Councilor Mbah explained that the resolution is intended to address the ongoing consequences faced by the student involved. He stated that the City has a responsibility to uphold academic integrity, due process, and freedom from retaliation, and that the resolution therefore calls on Tufts University to mitigate the academic and financial harm the student has experienced as a
result of the matter. Councilor Hardt commented on the precarious position of international students. Councilor Wheeler noted that the Council does not have all of the particulars of the incident.
Councilor Mbah sponsored Chris Mollinari to address the Council. Mr.
Mollinari, a steward for the Tufts University Graduate Workers Union, described the circumstances surrounding the incident and reported that the student had decided to continue her education at another institution rather than remain at Tufts.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.5. Resolution
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1303 ) Link, Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Davis, Councilor
- Clingan and Councilor McLaughlin
In support of security officers in Greater Boston and airport service workers at Logan International Airport.
- Councilor Mbah explained that this resolution calls upon property owners
and security clients to support the security officers guarding their buildings and to publicly urge the security contractors they hire to bargain fairly and in good faith and to provide quality, affordable healthcare to these officers, and also calls on Massport to institute a policy requiring airlines and their
service contractors at Logan International Airport to provide quality, affordable healthcare to airport service workers.
- Councilor Mbah sponsored Stanley Warshen, a security guard, to speak on
the item. He spoke about the need for health care benefits, saying that bargaining negotiations are dragging on and he stated that workers are just asking for fair contracts with affordable health care.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.6. Resolution
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1304 ) Link, Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Clingan, Councilor
- McLaughlin and Councilor Davis
In support of Service Employees International Union 32BJ facilities workers at Tufts University.
Through this resolution, the City Council stands in solidarity with the Service Employees International Union 32BJ facilities workers at Tufts
University and urges Tufts University to reach a fair and timely agreement that provides family-sustaining wages, affordable healthcare, strong benefits, and appropriate workplace protections. Councilor Mbah sponsored James
Goode, grounds keeper at Tufts, to address the Council. Mr. Goode stated that the contract expired on July 1, and that the negotiations that began in April have not been productive. He asked for the Council’s support as his
union attempts to secure adequate annual wage increases and affordable healthcare.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.7. Resolution
By Councilor Strezo
(ID # 26-1305 ) That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the street
- harassment reported by abutters and pedestrians on Prescott Street, School
Street and the area surrounding the Warming Center (when it is open) and what steps are being taken to address this going forward.
- Councilor Strezo reported that, during a listening session for the warming
center, she became aware of reports of harassment on Prescott Street. She stated that young girls traveling to and from the high school in the mornings and afternoons had been subjected to sexual harassment and catcalling and, in some instances, had been followed down the block. She suggested that the matter be discussed with City departments to identify steps that could be
heard reports of troubling situations. Councilor Ewen-Campen reported that the after-action review was being completed and should be available shortly.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee
4.8. Order
By Councilor Link, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Scott and Councilor Mbah
(ID # 26-1306 ) That the Director of Inspectional Services provide a report to the City
Council detailing the number of 1) short-term rentals registered, 2) illegal short-term rentals reported during 2025 and 3) a high-level summary of the outcomes and enforcement actions taken.
Councilor Link is looking for data and information on what the city is able to do about short-term rentals.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee
4.9. Resolution
By Councilor Link, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Scott
(ID # 26-1307 ) That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of Constituent
- Services work together to update the short-term rental webpage with
reporting instructions, and to establish a designated 311 category for reporting suspected illegal short-term rentals.
- Councilor Hardt noted that this is a problem and despite the Inspectional
Services Department's enforcement efforts, something more needs to be done. Councilor Scott commented that enforcement would help to increase
the City’s housing stock. Councilor McLaughlin gave a brief history of operating an AirBnB in the city and the restrictions placed on owners to register them.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee
4.10. Resolution
By Councilor Link, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1308 ) Davis, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Scott, Councilor Wheeler and Councilor
That the Director of Planning work with this Council to increase accessible housing.
- Councilor Link commented that the City needs to do more to provide
accessible housing and this resolution asks that the City provide incentives to developers to accomplish that.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.11. Resolution
By Councilor Link and Councilor Clingan
(ID # 26-1309 ) That the Administration organize another city-wide neighborhood trash
pickup for public spaces this fall.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.12. Resolution
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, (ID # 26-1314 ) Councilor Hardt, Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Link
In support of retaining Route 80 service through Somerville.
- Councilor Ewen-Campen addressed the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
- Authority's (MBTA) proposed elimination of Route 80 service, which the
MBTA considers redundant due to the Green Line Extension (GLX). He noted that there are strong arguments to the contrary and that the MBTA was accepting public comments on this and several other proposed service
changes through September 8. He urged residents to submit comments and suggested searching online for “Better Bus Network public feedback” to find links to a survey, email, and mailing address.
Councilor Ewen-Campen sponsored Alessandra Seiter, Chair of Somerville’s Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), to address the Council. Ms. Seiter highlighted the importance of Route 80 to Somerville, including its connection between Magoun Square and East
- Somerville and its service to the future school building on Sycamore Street.
She noted that Route 80 provides reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation to key locations, including Gilman Square, Pearl Street Park, and Western Pearl Street, as well as to neighborhoods with some of the City’s most economically and socially vulnerable residents.
Ms. Seiter explained that under the MBTA’s ongoing bus network redesign, Route 80 is slated to be removed from Medford Street and Pearl Street, leaving the Gilman Square and East Somerville communities without an
accessible transit option for residents with disabilities or a service that meets the needs of neighborhood school populations. She encouraged members of the public to submit comments to betterbusproject@mbta.com.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.13. Resolution
By Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Ewen-Campen
(ID # 26-1317 ) That the Director of Mobility consider prioritizing the area near the intersection of Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace for street painting in several areas.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.14. Resolution
By Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Link
(ID # 26-1318 ) That pay for crossing guards be increased, both in recognition of the crucial
work that they do serving the children in our schools, and as a means to ensure the city is adequately staffed with crossing guards.
Councilor Strezo pointed out that some state roadways in the city don’t have crossing guards and she asked that efforts be made to secure them.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.15. Resolution
By Councilor McLaughlin
(ID # 26-1319 ) Supporting an application to create a state-authorized Cultural District in
East Somerville.
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to regulate anticoagulant
(ID # 26-1257 ) rodenticides.
Mayor Wilson spoke about the use of rodenticides on private property and noted that legislation to ban their use statewide has not yet been approved by the Legislature. He requested that the City submit a Home Rule Petition
asking the Legislature to prohibit the use of rodenticides on private property in order to protect raptors and other wildlife.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 1-11(b) of the Code of (ID # 26-1274 ) Ordinances to update enforcement personnel.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to create the Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization
(ID # 26-1249 ) Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $332,497 from the Unifirst
- Corporation to pay for cleanup and soil disposal costs associated with
- remediation work at 50 Tufts Street.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $937,409 from the Salary Contingency
(ID # 26-1253 ) Account to various Fire Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a
collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Association of Somerville, Local 76 Union.
- Mayor Wilson reported that a contract has been negotiated between the City
and Local 76. Mike Jefferson, President of Local 76 praised the City’s negotiating team for their respectful, open-minded approach and dedication
- to completing the negotiation process quickly.
RESULT: APPROVED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
- City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
- City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City
- Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin,
- City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City
- Councilor Davis
- ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait
7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $332,497 from the Tufts Street Soil
(ID # 26-1250 ) Project Stabilization Fund for remediation efforts at 50 Tufts Street.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to use available funds in the Police Salaries account in
(ID # 26-1234 ) the amount of $8,800 to fund Fiscal Year 2027 cost of living increases for
the Deputy Chief positions.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $315,000 from the Sewer Enterprise
(ID # 26-1226 ) Debt Service Account to the Morrison Avenue & Greater Davis Square Area
- Sewer Separation Design Capital Fund to fund required project
- expenditures.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,000 from the DPW-Admin Salaries
(ID # 26-1316 ) & Wages Temp Account to the DPW-Admin Professional & Technical
Services Account to support temporary clerical staffing.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer
(ID # 26-1223 ) Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Somerville Avenue Infrastructure
Improvement Sewer Capital Fund Union Square Sewer Bond Account to fund required project expenditures.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer
(ID # 26-1224 ) Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project
Design Capital Fund to pay for required project expenditures.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer
(ID # 26-1225 ) Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Poplar Street Pump Station Design
Capital Fund to pay for required project expenditures.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $366,729.25 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1248 ) match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Mobility Division, for new e-bikes, replacement batteries and two new
- docking stations as a part of the Bluebikes bikeshare system.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $284,700 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1241 ) match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Strategy and Development Department for Eastern Washington Street
- Transit Priority Project.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $187,200.00 Municipal
(ID # 26-1255 ) Vulnerability Preparedness Grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Public Space
- and Urban Forestry Division for the Green and Cool Somerville: Sustainable
- Sidewalk and Tree's project.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $85,933.60 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1243 ) match required, from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning
Organization to the Mobility Division for the Bluebikes state of good repair equipment replacement.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1219 ) match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police
Department for operational funding for the Metro Boston Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Center.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,239 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1256 ) match required, from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Police Department for overtime related to the Fédération Internationale de
- Football Association In World Cup 2026 summer games.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $12,000 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1220 ) match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police
- Department to partially fund the operation of the jail/arrest diversion
- program.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept a gift of 200 soccer balls with an approximate
(ID # 26-1252 ) value of $5,000 from the United States Conference of Mayors.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,572 using
(ID # 26-1242 ) available funds in the Professional & Technical Services Account for the implementation of ArcGIS Urban module.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.21. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Chanthan Neang to the (ID # 26-1235 ) position of Police Officer.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.22. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Isaiah Saint-Vil to the (ID # 26-1236 ) position of Police Officer.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.23. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Joshua Benson to the (ID # 26-1237 ) position of Police Officer.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.24. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christian Marsden to the (ID # 26-1238 ) position of Police Officer.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.25. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Odamarys Pamela Acosta to (ID # 26-1260 ) the position of Police Officer.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.26. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Avery to the (ID # 26-1296 ) Elections Commission.
- Election Commissioner Salerno reported that the Election Commission had
a vacancy that needed to be filled in advance of the primary election the following week. The item was approved. Councilor Mbah moved for
reconsideration, with the stated intent that the motion fail. The motion for reconsideration failed.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.27. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mary Otiato to the (ID # 26-1297 ) Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.28. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an exemption for Mark Antonelli as required by
(ID # 26-1239 ) Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, § 20(b).
RESULT: APPROVED
7.29. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for
(ID # 26-1272 ) Body Worn Cameras.
Discussed with item # 26-1273.
- President Davis noted that these items include some changes from previous
- versions and recommended they be referred to the Legislative Matters
Committee. Jon Hillman, Public Safety for All Manager, explained the changes requested by the Council.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
7.30. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for
(ID # 26-1273 ) Body Worn Cameras.
Discussed with item # 26-1272.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
7.31. Mayor's
Proclaiming July 2026 as South Asian Heritage Month in Somerville.
Communication
(ID # 26-1300 )
- Mayor Wilson presented the proclamation to representatives of the South
- Asian community and spoke about their contributions to the City.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.32. Mayor's
Proclaiming August 26, 2026 as Women’s Equality Day in Somerville.
Communication
(ID # 26-1299 )
Mayor Wilson presented the Proclamation to Alex Barbat, Chair of the Somerville Commission for Women who spoke on behalf of the commission. She commended the Mayor and City Council for the progress
- made in furthering the status of women in Somerville.
RESULT: APPROVED
8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1. Officer's
Planning Board conveying recommendations for item #26-0835.
Communication
(ID # 26-1233 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee
8.2. Officer's
School Committee Chair conveying the appointment of Ellenor Barish to the Communication Ranked Choice Voting Committee.
(ID # 26-1244 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
8.3. Officer's
School Committee Chair conveying the appointment of Jack Perenick to the Communication Ranked Choice Voting Committee.
(ID # 26-1245 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
8.4. Officer's
School Committee Chair conveying the appointment of Ilana Krepchin to Communication the Public Financing of Campaigns Committee.
(ID # 26-1246 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
8.5. Officer's
School Committee Chair conveying the appointment of Devon Moos to the Communication Public Financing of Campaigns Committee.
(ID # 26-1247 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
8.6. Officer's
City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.
Communication
(ID # 26-1298 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
8.7. Officer's
Director of Economic Development conveying the presentation materials for
Communication the update on the 90 Washington Street Request for Proposals.
(ID # 26-1315 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Public Event Somerville Public Schools applying for a Public Event License for 2026
(ID # 26-1283 ) Back to Fair on August 25th from 2pm to 7pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.2. Public Event Health and Human Services Office of Prevention Services applying for a
(ID # 26-1290 ) Public Event License for Overdose Awareness Day on August 27 from
5:30pm to 7:30pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.3. Public Event Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for
(ID # 26-1284 ) Brazilian Flag Raising on September 10 from 2:30pm to 5pm (raindate
September 14).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.4. Public Event Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Senior's Picnic on
(ID # 26-1292 ) September 10 from 7am to 6pm (raindate September 11).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.5. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: G26
(ID # 26-1293 ) Gilman Arts and Music Festival on September 12 from 9am to 7pm
(raindate September 13).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.6. Public Event Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Health
(ID # 26-1295 ) and Wellness Day on September 12 from 10am to 3pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.7. Public Event Society of S.S. Cosmas & Damian of Somerville & Cambridge applying for
(ID # 26-1285 ) a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on
September 13 from 3pm to 6pm (raindate September 14).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.8. Public Event East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Foodie
(ID # 26-1288 ) Crawl on September 15 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 16).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.9. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Legally Fluff on
(ID # 26-1287 ) September 19 from 10am to 7pm (raindate September 20).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.10. Public Event Davis Square Village applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square
(ID # 26-1286 ) Village Community Event on September 19 from 11am to 5pm (raindate
September 20).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.11. Public Event Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for Somerville
(ID # 26-1291 ) Underground Pop Arts Performance Showcase on September 19 from 12pm
to 6pm (raindate September 20).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.12. Public Event Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Latin
(ID # 26-1289 ) American & Caribbean Heritage Celebration on September 26 from 1pm to 6pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.13. Public Event Homeless Coalition applying for a Public Event License for Somerville 5k
(ID # 26-1294 ) Road Race on October 3 from 6am to 11:30am.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.14. License
New Drainlayer's License, J Busteed Construction LLC.
(ID # 26-1279 ) RESULT: APPROVED
9.15. License
Renewing Flammables License, Speedway #02513, 709 McGrath Highway.
(ID # 26-1281 ) RESULT: APPROVED
9.16. License
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B
(ID # 26-1280 ) Medford Street.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.17. License
Withdrawn
(ID # 26-1282 ) RESULT: WITHDRAWN
9.18. Public
Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting information re: item
Communication #26-1165, a request for formal recognition as a neighborhood council.
(ID # 26-1218 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
9.19. Public
6 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1165, Davis Square
Communication Neighborhood Council recognition.
(ID # 26-1262 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
9.20. Public
Maria Lisac submitting comments re: Magoun Square.
Communication
(ID # 26-1263 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.21. Public
Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee & Travis McGrath submitting
Communication comments re: pedestrian safety.
(ID # 26-1264 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.22. Public
Gilman Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments re: better bus
Communication project.
(ID # 26-1265 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.23. Public
Lisa Shatz submitting comments re: item # 26-1185, a petition a public
Communication hearing regarding the proposed ethical procurement ordinance.
(ID # 26-1266 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.24. Public
Joey O'Neill submitting comments re: illegal dumping.
Communication
(ID # 26-1267 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.25. Public
56 registered voters submitting comments re: Zoning Ordinance Sections
Communication 3.1.7c, 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.11c, 3.1.15a.i, 3.2.7c, 3.2.8c, 3.2.9c, (ID # 26-1268 ) 3.2.10c, 3.2.11c, 4.1.7c, 4.2.7c, 4.3.7c, 4.4.7c.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.26. Public
4 residents submitting comments re: body-worn cameras.
Communication
(ID # 26-1269 )
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.27. Public
Zach Farhm submitting comments re: Central Avenue.
Communication
(ID # 26-1270 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.28. Public
Anne Ryan submitting comments re: 90 Washington Street.
Communication
(ID # 26-1311 )
Councilor McLaughlin sponsored Anne Ryan to speak on the item. Ms.
- Ryan stated that the redevelopment plan for 90 Washington Street would
threaten important green space and negatively affect the quality of life of elderly residents of Cobble Hill, who rely on the existing berms and trees for noise reduction and relief from summer heat. She stated that community
efforts to preserve the green space had been dismissed as unrealistic and that zoning protections remained undefined. Ms. Ryan expressed concern that
- the project prioritizes financial considerations, including addressing the
City’s $29 million legal debt, over the well-being of a vulnerable and isolated senior community.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1. Public
Derek DuPont and Emily Sandler submitting comments re: item # 26-1268, Communication comments related to Zoning Ordinance Sections 3.1.7c, 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, (ID # 26-1327 ) 3.1.10c, 3.1.11c, 3.1.15a.i, 3.2.7c, 3.2.8c, 3.2.9c, 3.2.10c, 3.2.11c, 4.1.7c, 4.2.7c, 4.3.7c, 4.4.7c.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee
10.2. Public
Rocco DiRico submitting comments re: item #26-1302, in support of a fair
Communication and dignified resolution for an international graduate student at Tufts (ID # 26-1329 ) University.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 10:46 PM.