From the city's PDF, word for word.
City of Somerville, Massachusetts · City Council · Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 24, 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 7:03 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 8:17 PM and returned at 8:28 PM.
1.1. Roll Call
Call of the Roll.
(ID # 26-1438 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
- Present: Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
- City Councilor At Large Jon Link
- Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
- City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
- Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait
- 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 Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
1.2. Remembrances Remembrances.
(ID # 26-1439 ) RESULT: APPROVED
1.3. Minutes
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 27, 2026.
(ID # 26-1440 ) RESULT: APPROVED
2. CITATIONS
2.1. Citation
By Councilor Strezo
(ID # 26-1410 ) Commending Gonzalo Puigbo for his work as the Executive Director of Somerville Community Corporation.
RESULT: APPROVED
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 140 feet of conduit in
(ID # 26-1400 ) Newton Street, from the intersection of Prospect Street and Newton Street to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 31233.
RESULT: APPROVED
4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1. Order
By Councilor Wheeler
(ID # 26-1420 ) That the Director of Parking discuss with this Council the feasibility of considering vehicle size and weight when establishing residential parking
permit fees, so that permit costs may better reflect the amount of parking space used and the relative impact of different sized vehicles on city streets.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.2. Order
By Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Hardt and Councilor Sait
(ID # 26-1421 ) That, in view of the proliferation of rats in the city, the Director of Public
- Health and/or designees update this Council on the status of dumpster
license registration and enforcement, including: estimates of the numbers of licensed and unlicensed dumpsters in the city which regularly contain
discarded food; procedures for identifying unlicensed dumpsters and encouraging licensing; criteria for approval of dumpsters; staff capacity for dumpster inspection and enforcement; and current methods and best
- practices for excluding rodents from dumpsters.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee
4.3. Resolution
By Councilor Wheeler
(ID # 26-1419 ) That the Administration develop a procedure allowing the Parking
- Department, upon identifying a vehicle parked in a location such as a fire
lane where it poses a public safety concern, to arrange for the vehicle to be towed.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.4. Order
By Councilor Mbah
(ID # 26-1429 ) That the Director of Finance and the Director of Economic Development
report to this Council on the situation of financial bankruptcy, involving the investor funds, holding equity in the empty lab building at 808 Windsor
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
4.5. Resolution
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Clingan, (ID # 26-1428 ) Councilor Davis, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Link, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Sait, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wheeler
- In remembrance of Lobga Rangzen and in recognition of Somerville’s
- Tibetan Community.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.6. Communication By Councilor Mbah
(ID # 26-1395 ) Conveying his resignation from the City Council.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
4.7. Resolution
By Councilor Sait
(ID # 26-1422 ) That the Director of the Parking install drop-off/pick-up signage on Cherry
Street, across from the Kennedy School.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.8. Resolution
By Councilor Sait
(ID # 26-1423 ) That the Director of Mobility add bike racks at the Kennedy School.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.9. Resolution
By Councilor Sait
(ID # 26-1424 ) That the Director of Mobility paint bike markings in the bike lane on Elm
Street, across from the Kennedy school.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.10. Resolution
By Councilor Sait and Councilor Link
(ID # 26-1425 ) That the Director of Mobility install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Broadway and Cedar Street.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.11. Resolution
By Councilor Sait
(ID # 26-1426 ) That the Director of Mobility take the steps necessary to make the intersection of Vernon Street and Partridge Avenue safer.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.12. Resolution
By Councilor Sait and Councilor Link
(ID # 26-1427 ) That the Administration and relevant departments submit a memo to this
Council showing the cost of staffing Somerville High School to be used as a teen center after school hours.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
4.13. Resolution
By Councilor Hardt, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Link
(ID # 26-1430 ) That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council possible strategies to address safety concerns caused by large trucks using Weston Avenue as a
cut-through from Broadway to Clarendon Avenue, particularly the dangerous conditions created when these trucks make a right turn from
- Weston Avenue onto Clarendon Avenue.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.14. Resolution
By Councilor Link and Councilor Ewen-Campen
(ID # 26-1431 ) That the Director of Parking issue free temporary parking permits for
- residents who do not have a parking permit and whose driveways are
- temporarily obstructed by ongoing city construction projects.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee
4.15. Resolution
By Councilor Link, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
(ID # 26-1432 ) Strezo, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Sait and Councilor Wheeler
In support of the "Yes in God’s Backyard" (YIGBY) legislation.
RESULT: APPROVED
4.16. Resolution
By Councilor Link, Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott and Councilor Wheeler
(ID # 26-1433 ) In support of an act relative to preventing home insurers from forcing tree
removal.
RESULT: APPROVED
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
- 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
- 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 22, 2026.
(ID # 26-1435 ) RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $9,809.81 grant that requires a
(ID # 26-1221 ) match, from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Somerville Police Department for body armor vests.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $255,045 from the Transportation
(ID # 26-1240 ) Network Receipts Reserved Account to the Transportation Network
Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2027 Vision Zero efforts.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $215,919.15 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1254 ) match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health
- and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a
- Clinical Community Health Worker.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1320 ) match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for
emergency medical dispatch.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1322 ) match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for
E911 dispatcher personnel costs.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $159,754.04 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1323 ) match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for
training costs for E911 dispatcher certification and recertification.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Immigrant Legal
(ID # 26-1334 ) Services Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum
seekers seeking permanent residency.
RESULT: APPROVED
AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $80,852.95 using
(ID # 26-1341 ) available funds in various Department of Public Works accounts for various
services.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to enter into lease agreements with various tenants to (ID # 26-1354 ) provide commercial arts space at the Somerville Armory Building, 191
Highland Avenue.
RESULT: APPROVED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.B. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, (ID # 26-1441 ) 2026.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 15, (ID # 26-1434 ) 2026.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.C.2. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of (ID # 26-0956 ) Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union
positions.
RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.C.3. Ordinance
By Councilor Link, Councilor Hardt, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, (ID # 26-1111 ) Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait
- That Chapter 3, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be
- amended as detailed within.
RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.C.4. Public
Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments re: formal
Communication recognition by this Council as a neighborhood council under Chapter 7, (ID # 26-1165 ) Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.
RESULT: APPROVED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.C.5. 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: WORK COMPLETED
6.C.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to regulate anticoagulant
(ID # 26-1257 ) rodenticides.
RESULT: APPROVED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.C.7. Public
6 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1165, Davis Square
Communication Neighborhood Council recognition.
(ID # 26-1262 ) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED
6.C.8. 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.
RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE:
- Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
- At Large Link, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City
- Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
- 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 Two City Councilor Scott
6.D. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September
(ID # 26-1436 ) 23, 2026.
RESULT: APPROVED
6.D.2. License
New Extended Operating Hours License, Wings Over Somerville, 519
(ID # 26-1068 ) Somerville Avenue, for in-store, take-out, and delivery service until 2am.
RESULT: APPROVED
7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 15, Article III of the (ID # 26-1408 ) Code of Ordinances.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $2,082,498 in a bond, and to appropriate
(ID # 26-1397 ) $2,082,498 for the purchases of an Aerial Ladder Truck and a Rescue Truck
for the Fire Department.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $19,986 from the Salary Contingency
(ID # 26-1411 ) Account to Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a
collective bargaining agreement with Local 888 - Crossing Guards.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $153,987 from the Community Preservation Act
(ID # 26-1393 ) (CPA) Community Housing Debt Service account to the CPA Community
Housing Reserve.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $22,596.24 from the Community Preservation Act
(ID # 26-1392 ) (CPA) Historic Preservation Debt Service account to the CPA Historic
Preservation Reserve.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to establish a Grant Match Account with a $15,000
(ID # 26-1390 ) transfer from the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness
Division's Professional & Technical Services account to the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Special Items account for
- the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture's Fiscal Year 2027 Food
- Security Infrastructure Grant match requirement.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 2/15/2027 for
(ID # 26-1391 ) Utile Inc to complete any outstanding task related to our up zoning and five
year zoning review efforts.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,224.39 using
(ID # 26-1396 ) available funds in the Office of Housing Stability Ordinary Maintenance
Account for legal services.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $2,500 using
(ID # 26-1378 ) available funds in the People Operations Employee Training Account for
manager training.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,000 using
(ID # 26-1380 ) available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account
for pre-employment drug testing & physicals.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to a pay prior year invoice totaling $1,912.50 using
(ID # 26-1381 ) available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account
for a 111F record review.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $297,679 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1413 ) 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
7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $169,000 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1340 ) match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative to the Department of Public Works for equipment to strengthen school security systems.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $59,497 grant that requires a
(ID # 26-1386 ) match, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department - Community Wellness Division for
- the expansion of cold storage capacity of the Somerville Mobile Farmers
- Market.
RESULT: APPROVED
7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $57,925 grant with no new
(ID # 26-1412 ) match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police
- Department to fund the operation of the jail/arrest diversion program for
- Fiscal Year 2027.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee
7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ashley Tienken to the (ID # 26-1405 ) Affordable Housing Trust.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
- FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
- Committee
7.17. Mayor's
Conveying an update on the Civilian Oversight policy development process.
Communication
(ID # 26-1407 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee
8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1. Officer's
City Clerk requesting approval to hold a special election to fill vacancies in
Communication the Ward 2 and Ward 3 City Council seats pursuant to § 2-12 of the City (ID # 26-1437 ) Charter.
RESULT: APPROVED
8.2. Officer's
Director of the Office of Housing Stability conveying the 2025 Office of Communication Housing Stability Annual Report and accompanying Executive Summary, (ID # 26-1387 ) for informational purposes.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP: Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee
8.3. Officer's
City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.
Communication
(ID # 26-1406 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. License
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, Med #59.
(ID # 26-1401 ) RESULT: APPROVED
9.2. License
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81.
(ID # 26-1402 ) RESULT: APPROVED
9.3. Public Event Davis Square Neighborhood Council applying for a Public Event License for
(ID # 26-1403 ) Davis Square Neighborhood Yard Sale on September 27 from 12pm to 6pm
(raindate October 4).
RESULT: APPROVED
9.4. Public Event Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Italian Heritage
(ID # 26-1404 ) Month Flag Raising on October 15 from 4pm to 6:30pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
9.5. Public
3 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1006, 89 registered voters
Communication submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Police (ID # 26-1415 ) Body-Worn Cameras, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.6. Public
9 residents submitting comments re: agenda item #26-1165, Davis Square
Communication Neighborhood Council submitting comments regarding formal recognition.
(ID # 26-1416 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.7. Public
29 individuals, including 26 resident submitting comments re: agenda item
Communication #26-1185, 74 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public (ID # 26-1417 ) hearing regarding the proposed ethical procurement ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
9.8. Public
Stephanie Lee from Verizon submitting comments re: Verizon Copper
Communication Network Retirement.
(ID # 26-1418 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1. Order
By Councilor Davis
(ID # 26-1452 ) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management present on
- continued concerns related to exterior tiles on the Somerville High School
building, and provide updates on measures to identify and mitigate those concerns.
RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee
10.2. Public Event La Corsa Club applying for a Public Event License for The Autumn 5k Fun
(ID # 26-1446 ) Run on September 26 from 8am to 11:30am.
RESULT: APPROVED
10.3. Public Event Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Harvest
(ID # 26-1447 ) Festival on October 3 from 9am to 6pm (raindate October 4).
RESULT: APPROVED
10.4. Public Event Somerville Foundation and Ultimate Entertainment Group applying for a
(ID # 26-1448 ) Public Event License for Gurk McGurk Back to School Corps and Cars
Show on October 4 from 9:30am to 2pm.
RESULT: APPROVED
10.5. Public
Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re:
Communication Squires Bridge.
(ID # 26-1442 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
10.6. Public
Adrienne Naylor submitting comments re: bike lanes on McGrath.
Communication
(ID # 26-1443 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
10.7. Public
Frank Privitera submitting comments re: Magoun Square.
Communication
(ID # 26-1444 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
10.8. Public
4 residents submitting comments re: Warming Center.
Communication
(ID # 26-1445 ) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 9:17 PM.