Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7 PM
Remote Participation Special Meeting
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
11 items of legislation were taken up.
- 6 not approved
- 3 placed on file
- 1 approved as amended
- 1 withdrawn
Agenda 11 items
Notices from the agenda
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.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance Davis. Councilor Pineda Neufeld arrived at 8:04 PM and assumed the chair.
The meeting was Adjourned at 8:29 PM on a roll call vote of 9 in favor (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis Pineda Neufeld), 0 opposed, 2 absent (Mbah, Burnley).
Published May 1, 2025, 9:30 AM, Revised Published May 2, 2025 9:45 AM (location), Revised Published May 5, 2025, 10:30 AM.
NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5fRmwuJSQHWWTJMdo2okNw This Special Meeting of the City Council has been called by the President solely for the purpose of the city charter. Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
- 1. Opening Ceremonies
-
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
- 2. Citations
- 3. Public Hearings
- 4. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
- 5. Unfinished Business
-
5.1.
That the City Solicitor appear before this City Council to discuss the proposed Charter currently in the Mayor's office and update this Council on its progress.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Lance L. DavisAye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAbsent
-
5.2.
Proposing a Home Rule Petition to establish a charter for the City of Somerville.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott assumed the Chair to allow President Davis to speak on the item. Councilor Davis noted that there was still some ambiguity with Section 3-5 (b) and the section's interaction with Section 2-8 (a) relative to appointments. \cf1\f1\par Councilor Davis moved to amend Section 3-5 (b) by inserting "\cf2\ul and the provisions of such 2-8 (a) shall apply to both an appointment and reappointment\cf1\ulnone " before the previously inserted and adopted amendment \cf0 "provided however that a reappointment shall not be rejected except by negative vote of 8 members of the city council." The motion was approved on a roll call vote of 9 in favor (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis), 0 opposed, 2 absent (Mbah, Pineda Neufeld). \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0 Councilor Davis commented that he shares the frustration felt by some councilors during the process of negotiating a revised charter and with the inability of the Council to obtain a larger share of power, due largely to Somerville\rquote s form of government. He stated that he does not support the 4-year term question to be on the ballot but he accepts that the Council approved it, adding that he considers it a win with respect to the city attorney\rquote s position. \par Councilor Burnley spoke about the City Council changing its mind on items in the past and Councilor Sait commented that, although Councilors Scott\rquote s amendments are important, this is about the 4-year term for the mayor. Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that the proposed charter is a major improvement over the one in use today and said that he\rquote s happy with the outcome. Councilor Scott stated that he is proud of the process and engagement of colleagues but disappointed that it fell apart in the last 7 days. Councilor McLaughlin pointed out that the Home Rule Petition still needs to be signed by the mayor and make it through the state house in time to be included on the ballot by November. He remarked that the proposed charter is a huge gain for the City Council and for the city.\par Councilor Clingan gave credit to the Charter Review Committee for their work and said that he believes that Beacon Hill does not have the appetite for certain things. Liaison Hutter told the Council that the mayor\rquote s office is grateful for the Council\rquote s work on this matter.\par \pard\f1 Following approval of the item as amended, Councilor Ewen-Campen moved for reconsideration. The motion was not approved on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 10 opposed (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda Neufeld), 1 absent (Mbah). \par \cf1\par }
Roll call: 9 aye · 1 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottNay
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Lance L. DavisAye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
-
5.3.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to establish a charter for the City of Somerville.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Absent
- Naima SaitAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Lance L. DavisAye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- 6. Reports of Committees
- 7. Communications of the Mayor
- 8. Communications of City Officers
- 9. New Business
- 10. Supplemental Items
-
10.1.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to providing legal counsel for the City Council by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott withdrew this item.\cf1\f1\par }
-
10.2.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to the inclusion of the Chief Administrative Officer as a Charter office by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott stated that he was introducing a number of items to be placed before the voters for approval, saying that procedures matter and that a compelling argument was made a few weeks ago at another City Council meeting to not fast track ballot questions. He told his colleagues that legislative responsibility should not be abdicated, and he acknowledged that the implicit threat is that without the ballot issue regarding to the 4-year term for the mayor being tacked onto the charter, the charter reform process will take longer. He stated that if the Council agrees to remove that particular amendment and not place the question on the ballot, he will remove his proposed amendments.\par Councilor Ewen-Campen stated that he does not want to vote to reconsider the vote taken last week on that amendment and that he wants to pass the charter without further amendments since these were already approved by the Council and the mayor. He said that the sticking point is the term length for the mayor and he feels this should be a ballot question, but he does not support the other amendments being proposed by Councilor Scott tonight.\par Councilor Clingan agreed with Councilor Ewen-Campen and said that this compromise is the only path to success. Councilor Burnley commented that the mayor\rquote s office held up the charter to build in less accountability for themselves and that by allowing the mayor to put forth the ballot question, he believes that the Council is not in agreement and just gave in, as it has done repeatedly. He said that constituents want the City Council to be able to re-allocate funds to specific areas. He then spoke about the behavior of some councilors during meetings and how that manner of behavior has been allowed to continue. At this point, President Davis reminded Councilor Burnley to keep his comments to the matter currently being discussed. Councilor Burnley said that he would like to take up Councilor Scott\rquote s amendments individually.\par Councilor McLaughlin stated his readiness to vote, saying that he will not support Councilor Scott\rquote s amendments and that if the Council did vote to approve them, he feels that some of them would be deal-breakers for the mayor. He noted that the state legislature will have to decide on the Home Rule Petition and that they most likely won\rquote t bother with it if it contains multiple items to be decided by the voters. He also stated that the proposed charter gives the City Council power and the mayor only gets the possibility of a 4-year term.\par Councilor Scott assumed the Chair to allow President Davis to speak on the item. Councilor Davis said that he agrees with the process objections that Councilor Scott has and that from his perspective, the difference between the 4-year term item and Councilor Scott\rquote s items is that they (Councilor Scott\rquote s) will raise red flags on Beacon Hill, therefore, he won\rquote t support Councilor Scott\rquote s items. Councilor Davis then assumed the Chair.\par Councilor Burnley encouraged colleagues to consider if they would support the charter with this contentious language, saying that it\rquote s a document that should have unanimous support, as it did. He stated that he was surprised to see that the mayor rejected it and sent back it with changes that were then approved by the Council even though the Council had previously rejected them. \par \pard Councilor Scott then spoke regarding the Chief Administrative Officer saying that the position was created by the mayor and that it is still a matter of controversy. He recounted that the City Council was divided and very nearly eliminated the position last year, yet it voted to enshrine the position in the proposed charter.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
-
10.3.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to the City Council authority to redirect budget funds by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott noted that some of the impetus for charter reform was to revise the balance of power in the city and he recalled an incident where the Council favored funding a program which the mayor ultimately failed to fund. Councilor Burnley reiterated that a shift in the balance of power has been supported by the City Council in the past and he sees no reason to concede the issue to the mayor. Councilor Wilson commented that putting this ballot question language into the charter would amount to giving it a poison pill.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
-
10.4.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to reducing the voting age in municipal elections by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott commented that this amendment was a recommendation of the Charter Review Committee, however, some councilors believed that it might prevent the Home Rule Petition (HRP) from getting through Beacon Hill\rquote s legislative process. Councilor Burnley pointed out that the City Council previously supported lowering the voting age but then backtracked. Councilors Ewen-Campen and Clingan noted that said HRPs regarding reducing the voting age have been passed multiple times by the Council, but at this point, it should not be an obstruction to passing the charter.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
-
10.5.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to extending municipal voting rights to non-citizen residents by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Items #25-0913, #25-0914 and #25-0915 were discussed together.\par Councilor Scott commented that these items have broad community support.\par President Pineda Neufeld joined meeting and assumed the Chair.\par Councilor Burnley stated that he thinks non-citizens should have the right to vote and have a voice in local government. Councilor Scott acknowledged Councilor Burnley\rquote s frustration and commented that he appreciates the trust of his colleagues to call a fair game in this charter process.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
-
10.6.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to utilizing ranked choice voting for single-occupant offices by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Items #25-0913, #25-0914 and #25-0915 were discussed together.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
-
10.7.
That the proposed Charter be amended relative to expanding public availability of the annual budget by inserting a new section placing the question on the ballot.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx2760\f0\fs24 Items #25-0913, #25-0914 and #25-0915 were discussed together.\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 2 aye · 8 nay · 1 absent
- Wilfred N. MbahAbsent
- Jake WilsonNay
- Ben Ewen-CampenNay
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Matthew McLaughlinNay
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitNay
- Kristen StrezoNay
- Jesse ClinganNay
- Lance L. DavisNay
- Judy Pineda NeufeldNay
- 11. Adjournment