Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6 PM
Online only
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
22 items of legislation were taken up.
- 13 recommended to be approved
- 6 recommended to be marked work completed
- 1 accepted
Agenda 22 items
Notices from the agenda
Referenced Documents: • Finance - 2025-12-09 FY26 Annual Streets+West Pearl (with 25-1742, 25-1743) • Finance - 2025-12-09 Eversource Delinquent Bills Parks and Recreation (with 25-1747, 25-1748)
This meeting was held virtually via Zoom and was called to order at 6:01 pm by Chair Wilson and adjourned at 7:35 pm with a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Burnley,Jr., Clingan, Scott and Wilson), none opposed, and none absent. Also present: Ed Bean - Finance Director, Kimberly Hutter - Legislative Liaison, Emily Wisdom - Somerville Police Department Director of Finance and Administration, Catherine Lester Salchert - Assistant City Solicitor, Tom Galligani - Executive Director, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Anoop Malik - Health and Human Resources Finance Manager, Brian Postlewaite - Director of Engineering, Nikki Spencer - Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff, Michael Richards - Director of Finance and Administration, Christopher Hosman - SomerPromise Director and Delaney Fisher-Cassiol - Clerk of Committees
(Posted online: 12/5/25 at 2:00 PM)
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video 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. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DlYL0p9XQCSrRLiZhOEf2g 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.
Roll Call
Bonding
Appropriations
Funds and Accounts
Grant and Gift Aceptances
Contracts and Agreements
Transfers
Prior Year Invoices
Orders and Resolutions
Public Communications
- 7. Agenda item 7 was a duplicate item and removed from the agenda.
- 8. Agenda item 8 was a duplicate item and removed from the agenda.
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1.
Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of November 19, 2025.
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
2.
Requesting authorization to borrow $3,057,826 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the Fiscal Year 2026 Street Resurfacing Program.
{\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 25-1743.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
3.
Requesting approval to appropriate $3,000,000 from the Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing Stabilization Fund for the FY 2026 Street Resurfacing Program.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 As part of the FY26 Comprehensive Street Resurfacing Program, Michael Richards, Director of Finance and Administration, explained that this work aligns with the City\rquote s five-year capital investment plan. Using the Stabilization Fund helps ease the burden on bonding authorization. As noted in the attachment, \i Finance 2025-12-09 FY26 Annual Streets+West Pearl (with 25-1742 and 25-1743).pdf\i0 , these funds will be supplemented by five additional funding sources to support the street improvement projects. These appropriations will primarily fund the West Pearl Street Complete Streets project, which will include ADA improvements, with the main goals of traffic calming and public safety. Director Richards noted that this approach keeps the City on track with its long-term capital strategy.\par \par Brian Postlewaite, Director of Engineering, continued reviewing the attachment and noted that the City is preparing to go out to bid for the first half of the contract, which includes work on Holyoke Road. Because the gas line was recently upgraded and Holyoke Road ranks high on the prioritization list, the City is coordinating with Eversource to secure funding to complete roadway upgrades following the gas line work, minimizing construction time. This phase also includes improvements on Grandview Avenue and Aldersey Street. The second contract will cover the West Pearl Street reconstruction, with design expected to be finalized by the end of January and bidding anticipated in mid- to late-winter for a summer/fall construction cycle. Director Postlewaite added that if a street needing attention is not included in this year\rquote s plan, residents should contact 3-1-1 for more information on when it will be addressed.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
4.
Requesting the appropriation of $205,000 from the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Electricity Account for delinquent electricity bills.
{\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 25-1748.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
5.
Requesting the appropriation of $225,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Electricity Account for delinquent electricity bills.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief of Staff Nikki Spencer, speaking on behalf of Parks and Recreation, explained that there were many utility accounts set up across departments. Parks and Recreation had been holding these electricity accounts with the plan to transfer them to the Department of Public Works; however, because the department moved around several times, some bills were lost. The plan is to centralize the accounts. Chair Wilson mentioned a change in the Dillboy Enterprise Fund involving electricity. Finance Director Ed Bean shared that as of October 2024, Eversource became the supplier and Direct Energy was the transmitter. The Department of Public Works had been paying Direct Energy bills but not the Eversource bills. Department of Public Works Commissioner Jill Lathan added that late charges were waived on overdue bills. Director Bean also noted that department heads are expected to use the electronic mailboxes for managing these bills. Chair Wilson added that the City is transitioning to LED bulbs to increase energy efficiency and bring down costs moving forward. \par \par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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6.
Requesting the appropriation of $10,643 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund to recompense the fund for unallowable expenses.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott noted that, relative to the large amount of ARPA funds received, this represents just a small portion so he expressed appreciation that this was caught.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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7.25-1445 Order
That the City Solicitor update this Council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation requirements attached to forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative grants.
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8.25-1446 Order
That the Chief of Police or the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region representative update this Council on the strategy for applying for Urban Area Security Initiative or any other federal grants that require Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation.
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9.
Requesting approval to appropriate $6,750 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for additional duties related to the Out of School time activities for FY 2026.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Christopher Hosman, SomerPromise Director, explained that a previous Out of School Time support staff member left and was not replaced. The remaining Out of School Time Coordinator had a more limited role, and this funding will allow temporary support to cover the increased workload.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
10.
Requesting authorization to establish a consolidated Gift Account for the Veteran Services Department to accept donations for Veterans Holiday Season uses and veterans in need of financial assistance.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Anoop Malik, Health and Human Resources Finance Manager, shared that the department had received four donations, two last September and two more recently from the same donor, and that the use of the account would be in accordance with the donor\rquote s wishes to support veterans.\par \par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
11.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $370 gift from the Tufts University Softball team to the Health and Human Services Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for market needs.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Anoop Malik, Health and Human Resources Finance Manager, explained that the donation came from the Tufts Softball Team, who raised the money through a play. The funds were initially slated to be deposited into a Somerville Mobile Farmers Market account, but that account is restricted to EBT reimbursements and cash sales during the summer season, running from July through October with preparations beginning in June and ending in November. To honor the team\rquote s wishes and support their intended purpose the funds will be deposited into this separate account for the next season.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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12.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,570 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for mobile data terminals.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Emily Wisdom, Somerville Police Department Director of Finance and Administration, noted that these funds come from the state. The department requested five mobile data terminals and was approved to purchase three for the Somerville Police Department. These mobile data terminals are the computers installed in police cruisers.\par \par Councilor Scott noted his frustration that these terminals are not being directed to the Somerville Housing Authority cruisers where he believes they are most needed and Councilor Mbah concurred.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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13.
Requesting approval to accept a gift of real property located at 17 Inner Belt Road (9 New Washington Street) from Ralph C. DeVitto, Jr. and A Bram, Trustee, RCD Foundation.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Attorney Catherine Lester Salchert explained that the trustee wishes to retire, and under the terms of the trust, the property will be donated to the Council on Aging. The donation includes an entire complex with two buildings and 34,000 square feet of land. Tom Galligani, Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, noted that the Department of Public Works saw no major issues with the buildings and that the environmental site assessment was clear. Councilor Clingan added that the gift is intended to ensure the Council on Aging has a permanent home. Councilor Burnley emphasized the importance of the current and next administration proactively working with the building tenants to determine the future use of the property and how it can best serve the city and the public.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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14.
Requesting approval of a utility easement for NStar Electric Company at 0 Windsor Place (Boynton Yards).
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Attorney Catherine Lester Salchert noted that this request involves a portion of an electricity line that runs through 600 Windsor. NSTAR requires this easement, which is approximately 200 square feet, to operate their electric lines. Councilor Scott spoke in support, noting that it facilitates the Greater Cambridge Energy Project.\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
15.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $150 from the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account to the Somerville Public Schools Food Services Account for the Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Celebration.
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
16.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $147.86 using available funds in the Department of Health and Human Services Program Supplies and Materials Account for meeting snacks.
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jake WilsonAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
-
17.
In support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management.
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18.
That the Chief of Police present to this Council the financial implications of the Public Safety for All recommendations, specifically the costs to fund additional officers, acquire and utilize body cameras, and implement a co-response model.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Legislative Liaison Kimberly Hutter noted that the Public Safety for All Project program manager has recently started and has been meeting with staff to develop the next steps of the task force recommendations. Conversations are ongoing. Councilor Burnley clarified that the purpose of this item was to gain a better understanding of the financial implications of the program and encouraged that a memo be sent to the next Council. Councilor Scott expressed his intention to continue following up on this item with the next administration.\par }
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19.
That the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs coordinate with departments to assess which federal grants are likely to not be available in FY 2026 and discuss with this Council the potential impact on programs and services.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Legislative Liaison Kimberley Hutter noted that while there are no confirmed cancellations or freezes, there have been delays, particularly due to reductions in federal staffing, with additional delays resulting from the recent federal shutdown. Councilor Burnley raised concerns regarding a MassDOT grant for McGrath Highway and asked for clarification on how the funds will be distributed to carry out the project. In response, Legislative Liaison Hutter explained that the state has also faced some funding uncertainty, as a portion of the funding comes through the federal government.\par }
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20.
That the City Solicitor update this Council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation requirements attached to forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative grants.
{\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 25-1515.\par }
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21.
That the Chief of Police or the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region representative update this Council on the strategy for applying for Urban Area Security Initiative or any other federal grants that require Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation.
{\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 25-1515.\par }
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22.
Crystal Huff submitting comments re: items #25-1445 and #25-1446, Orders regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and ShotSpotter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Liaison Kimberley Hutter noted that they are waiting on the state, as the state was the applicant and would be responsible for distributing the funds. Chair Wilson emphasized that for these grant applications, the Law Department and the Mayor\rquote s Office need to carefully review all details to ensure that nothing is agreed to that is not aligned with the City\rquote s values.\par }