Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6 PM

Agenda 16 items

1. 1.
   25-1511 Committee Minutes Accepted

   Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of September 23, 2025.

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 Minutes - Finance - 9-23-25 Full
2. 2.
   25-1462 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with City Hall Systems for an additional two years until 12/17/2027, for online bill payment services.

   {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah asked if this contract costs more money, without another procurement process being engaged. Liaison Hutter was present and stated she would bring a response from staff at the next meeting. \par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 C# 230289 City Hall Systems
3. 3.
   25-1494 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to use available funds in the Law Department Personal Services accounts in the amount of $6,296.88 to increase the annual salary of the Municipal Hearing Officer.

   {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 City Solicitor Amara explained the request comes from the need to keep the previous Municipal Hearing Officer on, who was looking to retire and agreed to stay on for the extended amount of time for additional pay, until a new hire can be onboarded by the end of December. \par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
4. 4.
   25-1479 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $121,818.23 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services.

   {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Deputy Director Palazzo explained the various invoices are to address insufficient funds that were carried into FY 2026 and the invoices have been carried over and the Department of Public Works (DPW) is now looking to close them out. Councilor Scott asked about the amount of the Stanley tree contract, Superintendent Waldrip answered that the contract is about $444,000 per year, DPW has since overspent about $20,000 in Ward 2.\par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 Revised Prior Year 9-19-25
   • 📎 Always Green Landscaping Corp.
   • 📎 ECA Holdco I LLC
   • 📎 Revised Sunwealth Power Inc. Invoices
   • 📎 Solect Energy Lessee, LLC
   • 📎 Stanley Tree
   • 📎 Verizon Connect Fleet USA
5. 5.
   25-1419 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $159.96 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for picnic blankets.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Chair Wilson noted these items were for small dollar amounts and priority is to pay the vendors as quickly as possible.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 AmazonBusiness_Invoice_1PCH-6JHT-H17X
6. 6.
   25-1452 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $527 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Equipment Rental Account for truck rental.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #25-1419.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 Herc Rentals Invoice
7. 7.
   25-1453 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $94.75 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for carbon dioxide tank refill at Dilboy Pool.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #25-1419.\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 Airgas 6264
8. 8.
   25-1449 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for FY 2026 Vision Zero safety efforts.

   {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Rawson was present to speak on the item which is funds for calendar year 2024. He shared that 10cents per ride sharing trips, Lyft and Uber, that begin in Somerville are redistributed as revenue. It is required to use the funds in a way to mitigate the negative impacts of the ride sharing trips. In response to questions from Councilor Mbah Director Rawson clarified these funds are considered additional, complimentary, funds and are not anticipated within the operating budget.\par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
9. 9.
   25-1459 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.

   {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah asked if these were the last payments the city would receive. Liaison Hutter was able to confirm with staff that the $100,000 is an annual allotment for as long as the casino is in operation.\par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

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

   • 📎 Wynn-Somerville Surrounding Communities Agreement
10. 10.
    25-1447 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $54,400 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #24-1447.\par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

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

    • 📎 FY26 Cultural Council Allocation for Somerville Arts Council
11. 11.
    25-1418 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for post-overdose support.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Wisdom outlined the grant is received every year and is used for outreach and follow up on calls related to behavior health issues and any trainings officers may attend regarding overdose or jail diversion programs. Councilor Burnley asked what other departments deliver similar resources to residents, Director Wisdom clarified that more than just law enforcement can utilize the funds and that is a conversation that could happen in the future.\par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

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

    • 📎 3032129 - FY26 SPD Subrecipient Agreement - FE - $10,000
12. 12.
    25-1408 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $155,271.38 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for 911 certification.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Wisdom shared these funds allow the department to bolster the 911 department and pay for overtime costs that come with staff pursuing additional certification as well as the vendor costs, so these do not need to come out of the Police budget. \par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

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

    • 📎 FY26 TG - SOMERVILLE
13. 13.
    25-1409 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for enhanced 911 telecommunicator personnel costs.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #25-1408.\par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

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

    • 📎 FY26 S&I - SOMERVILLE
14. 14.
    25-1410 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for emergency medical dispatch.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #25-1408.\par \pard\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

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

    • 📎 FY26 EMD - SOMERVILLE
15. 15.
    25-1344 Order Recommended to be marked work completed

    That the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts that have remained unspent for three or more fiscal years and provide a report for each fund.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah asked the process to move around ear marked funds for projects that may no longer be happening. Liaison Hutter expressed that Director Bean has shared information in the submitted memo that discusses a process review that is underway to determine what should happen with earmarked funds and any future appropriations or re-purpose of funds must be approved by the Council so this conversation will be on-going. \par \par Chair Wilson discussed the public comment submitted by Bill Valetta and the importance of tracking, reviewing, and identifying accounts that have gone stagnant, or monitoring if accounts can be closed and how to better promote transparency to the accounts. Councilor Clingan echoed Chair Wilsons statements on the need for better transparency on the many accounts and the future of having more information and repurpose money in the future. \par \pard\f1\par }

16. 16.
    25-1514 Public Communication Recommended to be marked work completed

    Bill Valletta submitting comments re: item #25-1344, an Order that the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts.

    {\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\sl-284\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with item #25-1344.\par \pard\f1\par }

    • 📎 Valletta - stabilization funds