Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM
City Council Chamber 93 Highland Avenue 2nd Floor
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
10 items of legislation were taken up.
- 6 approved
- 4 placed on file
Agenda 10 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 10:33 AM by Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin.
The meeting was Adjourned at 11:05 AM.
The meeting recessed at 10:50 AM for the organizational meeting of the School Committee and reconvened at 11:01 AM.
President Davis shared that the addresses of the City Council President, the School Committee Chair and the Mayor will be delivered during tomorrow evening's inaugural ceremonies at Somerville High School at 6:00 PM.
Published December 18, 2025, 7:15 PM.
NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted and 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. 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.
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- 1. Opening Ceremonies
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1.1.
- 2. Certification of the City Council
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2.1.
Election Commissioner submitting the results of the City Election held on November 4, 2025.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 The certified November 4, 2025 election results were accepted. All elected individuals were then sworn in to their respective offices.\par }
- 3. Election of Officers
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3.1.
Election of a President for 2026.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Davis was nominated by Councilor Mbah, the nomination was seconded by Councilor Ewen-Campen. There being no further nominations, Councilor Ewen-Campen moved to close nominations, the motion was seconded by Councilor Link and approved on a voice vote. Councilor Davis was elected as President of the City Council for 2026. City Clerk Kimberly Wells administered the oath of office to Councilor Davis, who then assumed the chair.\par }
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Jon LinkAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Lance L. DavisAye
- Emily HardtAye
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3.2.
Election of a Vice President for 2026.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah was nominated by Councilor McLaughlin, the nomination was seconded by Councilor Clingan. There being no further nominations, Councilor Ewen-Campen moved to close nominations, the motion was seconded by Councilor Link and approved on a voice vote. Councilor Mbah was unanimously elected as President of the City Council for 2026. City Clerk Kimberly Wells administered the oath of office to Councilor Mbah. \par }
Roll call: 11 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Lance L. DavisAye
- Emily HardtAye
- 4. Recess for the Organizational Meeting of the School Committee
- 5. Addresses of Elected Officials
- 6. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
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6.1.
That this City Council adopts for 2026 the Rules of the City Council as approved on December 11, 2025.
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6.2.
That the bonds of the City Treasurer and Tax Collector be hereby accepted and approved.
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6.3.
That the City Treasurer is hereby authorized to appoint Deputy Tax Collectors.
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6.4.
That this City Council hereby commits pending business in Committees that have been eliminated by the amendments to the Rules of December 11, 2025, to updated standing committees, as attached.
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6.5.
In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's Standing Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2026.
- 7. Communications of the Mayor
- 8. Communications of City Officers
- 9. New Business
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9.1.
Drawing of seats.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Aptos;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Councilors Hardt and Link conducted the drawing of seats for 2026. The seat assignments are:\par 1. Councilor Ewen-Campen\par 2. Councilor Link\par 3. Councilor Scott\par 4. Councilor Clingan\par 5. Councilor Strezo\par 6. Councilor Sait\par 7. Councilor Wheeler\par 8. Councilor Hardt\par 9. Councilor McLaughlin\par 10. Councilor Mbah\par 11. Councilor Davis\f1\par \cf1\f0\par }
- 10. Supplemental Items
- 11. Adjournment