Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 6 PM

Agenda 22 items

1. 1.
   25-1253 Committee Minutes Accepted

   Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of July 8, 2025.

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Minutes - Finance - 7-8-25 Full
2. 2.
   25-1289 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Liaison Hutter explained that the request was for an appropriation to fund pension benefits for an individual, consistent with the recent agreement reached with the Police Department.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
3. 3.
   25-1280 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Alan Inacio explained that this represents the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) 50 percent allocation to the Housing Trust.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 CPC Final Funding Rec Affordable Housing Trust FY26
4. 4.
   25-1303 Mayor's Request Recommended to be withdrawn

   Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Liaison Hutter was present to state there was an error on this item and the administration will look to re-submit in the future.\par }

5. 5.
   25-1285 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new 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.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Manager Anoop Malik provided an overview of the Massachusetts Municipal Public Health Shared Services Grant Program, launched by the Department of Public Health in January 2020 with funding from the Fiscal Year 2020 state budget. Somerville and Cambridge are partnering in a multi-year collaborative grant, with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council serving as fiscal agent and contract manager through Fiscal Year 2027. To date, the program has funded a regional coordinator and a regional community health worker, both based in Somerville, and is in the process of hiring a regional vaccine nurse to be hosted by Cambridge. The two communities have also collaborated on a rodent mitigation initiative using non-poisonous bait stations.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 FY26 MAPC PHE Grant-Somerville HHS Contract
6. 6.
   25-1339 Mayor's Request Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation

   Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Alan Inacio presented the annual Massachusetts Gaming Commission block grant, through which the City was awarded $1.1 million. The funding includes three components: $775,000 for the Union Square Plaza design, continuation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advertising to promote local businesses on bus routes, and additional police patrols in the Broadway/casino area.\par \par Councilor Scott requested clarification regarding officer pay related to casino traffic enforcement. Manager Wisdom from the Police Department explained that approximately $308,000 has been allocated for overtime, equating to about 4,000 hours over a two-year period. This overtime will fund traffic enforcement and community engagement patrols, primarily Thursday through Saturday evenings, in areas most impacted by casino traffic. Patrols will be assigned in four-hour blocks to provide flexibility and coverage. Councilor Scott asked for additional details on the scope of community engagement patrols, and Manager Wisdom committed to providing a memo with maps and specifics.\par \par Chair Wilson requested that traffic enforcement, particularly in East Somerville, not be conducted by unmarked vehicles, citing concerns raised by immigrant communities. Councilor Mbah requested further information on this practice, and Manager Wisdom agreed to follow up in writing.\par \par Councilor Burnley noted that enforcement along Broadway would not fully address casino-related traffic impacts, suggesting Mystic Avenue as a more significant area of concern.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 FY-2026_Somerville_CMF Cover Letter
   • 📎 FY-2026_Somerville_Grant Document
7. 7.
   25-1300 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the Police Department headquarters.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Manager Wisdom explained that the funding is intended for critical infrastructure improvements. Councilor Burnley raised concerns about the use of such grants, noting that federal funding has at times required cities to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Director Wisdom clarified that this funding is from Fiscal Year 2023 and is subject to that year\rquote s guidelines, which did not include such requirements.\par \par Councilor Mbah requested clarification on the term \ldblquote target hardening.\rdblquote Manager Wisdom explained that it refers to measures designed to make an area more secure against potential threats, such as card access systems or security cameras. She emphasized that the project will not affect public access to the Police Department headquarters but will secure the area where cruisers are stored.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 UASI U23-2.1 Target Hardening 90K
   • 📎 UASI U23-2.1 Target Hardening 38.5K
8. 8.
   25-1304 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to accept and expend a $55,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1305.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 DMH CITT Grant
9. 9.
   25-1305 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Manager Wisdom requested to withdraw these items due to the amounts involved, noting that item 8 totals $301,000 for the full year and item 9 totals $50,000. She explained that the funding supports three positions within the department and also covers expenses related to operating the Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Center. The jail diversion portion of the grant covers 60% of the Clinical Coordinator\rquote s salary.\par \par Councilor Scott requested additional grant documents and reports. He emphasized that this funding supports current positions within the department and noted the importance of considering grants like these as part of overall police expenditures.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 DMH JDP Grant
10. 10.
    25-1299 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Manager Wisdom explained that this grant funds community youth programs, specifically the Youth Police Academy and basketball events, which have been successful in fostering positive relationships between officers and local youth. She noted that the current request is being made with Council concerns about overtime in mind and added that the department has begun applying for other grants to cover overtime expenses.\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Downloaded File - 2025-08-21T115536.926
    • 📎 FY25 Shannon Grant
11. 11.
    25-1298 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Manager Wisdom explained that, due to employee turnover, some vendors had sent invoices to former staff. She emphasized that it is now a departmental priority to have all invoices sent to a departmental email rather than personal accounts to ensure they are properly tracked and do not fall through the cracks.\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Prior Year Invoices
12. 12.
    25-1279 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software and Uninterruptible Power Supply hardware.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Information Officer Dave Goodridge explained that there were two invoices requiring payment. The first, for monitoring software, involved a misunderstanding that delayed payment for Fiscal Year 2025. The second, for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) hardware, resulted from a clerical error by a consultant. He noted that the department intends to pay the vendor for both invoices and is working with the Law Department to determine whether funds can be recovered from the consultant.\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 ePlus Tech Invoice Monitoring V2955390_04072025135732355
    • 📎 ePlus Tech Invoice UPS CITY117-V4727093R
13. 13.
    25-1301 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1302.\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 HRDept_FY24_CHA_022024_Redacted
    • 📎 HRDept_FY24_CHA_062024_Redacted
14. 14.
    25-1302 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for confidential shredding services.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Liaison Hutter explained that the invoice for $4,015, covered services rendered in February 2024 and June 2024. Payment was delayed due to discrepancies in the invoices, including incorrect rates that did not match the contract. Human Resources worked with the vendor to resolve these issues and prevent future discrepancies. Funding for this payment will come from the HR Department\rquote s Professional and Technical Services account. The invoice for $100.08, was for shredding services. Payment was delayed because the vendor had been acquired by another company, and the Human Resources Department was not notified. The purchase order address no longer matched, requiring a new purchase order in Fiscal Year 2026. With the updated information, the department can now process these payments. \par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 HRDept_FY25_VitalRecordsControl_06302025
15. 15.
    25-1283 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,497.50 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Civic Day event food.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This invoice is from Gerley\rquote s Ice Cream for Civic Day, an event that took place in April. Chair Wilson noted that timely payment was important especially to small businesses.\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 06.10.25 - Gerlys Ice Cream - 000020 - $1,497.50
16. 16.
    25-1274 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $840 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Slice of the City events pizza orders.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chair Wilson expressed his desire to take up the last 7 items together as they are all prior year invoives on small dollar amounts, he gave the opportunity for any discussion and there was none.\par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 05.01.25 - LEONE'S SUB & PIZZA - 5.1.25 - $96.00
    • 📎 05.05.25 - LEONE'S SUB & PIZZA - 5.5.25 - $372.00
    • 📎 05.06.26 - LEONE'S SUB & PIZZA - 5.6.25 - $372.00
17. 17.
    25-1284 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $925 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Equipment Rental Account for equipment rentals during Family Fun Day event.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Perfect Parties 41765147
18. 18.
    25-1271 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $323.75 using available funds in the CityTV R&M - Audio/Visual Equipment Account for on-site engineering services and travel expenses.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 07.08.25 - UNIQUE SCIENTIFIC INC - 3011250 - $323.75
19. 19.
    25-1277 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $91.62 using available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get Together event.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 06.25.25 - WB MASON - 255124643 - $91.62
20. 20.
    25-1286 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $98.39 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Athletic Supplies Account for tag belts for a teen flag football program.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Invoice 927257024
    • 📎 PO 20247779 - Sales Order
    • 📎 Invoice 926062051 = Paid
    • 📎 PO 20247779
21. 21.
    25-1309 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25.69 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 WB Invoice 255151252
22. 22.
    25-1332 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\nouicompat\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 10.0.19041}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was taken up with item 25-1274.\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 WB Invoice 255621193