Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7 PM
City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
76 items of legislation were taken up.
- 55 approved
- 10 placed on file
- 5 referred for recommendation
- 2 ordinance ordained
- 2 placed on file and sent for discussion
- 1 approved and sent for discussion
- 1 laid on the table
Agenda 76 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 Adjourned at 8:06 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah.
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Published February 24, 2026, 2:30 PM, Revised Published February 26, 2026, 12:45 PM.
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_Rx3F7ZfYRgu5l-wChyUAnQ 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.
Call of the Roll.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Clingan arrived at 7:14 PM. \par }
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1.2.
Remembrances.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 President Mbah requested a moment of silence in memory of Deborah Shanholtz Nutter.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2026.
- 2. Citations
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2.1.
Commending Director of Libraries Cathy Piantigini on her return to work following a medical procedure.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah spoke about Ms. Piantigini\rquote s work for the city at the libraries. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
- 3. Public Hearings
- 4. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
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4.1.
In support of Senate Bill S.237, an Act regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor McLaughlin spoke about his frustration with self-checkout stations in grocery stores and explained that this bill would establish reasonable limits on the number of self-checkout stations permitted in operation at any one time, require adequate staffing of manual checkout stations, and ensure appropriate employee oversight of automated checkout systems.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.2.
Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Mbah presented highlights of the report and commented that it\rquote s well documented online.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.3.
That the Director of Public Works and the Director of Mobility update this Council regarding plans to keep bike lanes, protected bike lanes, and other separated micromobility facilities clear and passable on major throughways, with particular attention to school routes, timelines after snowfall, staffing, and equipment capacity.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Link commented that, due to the recent snowstorm, travel was challenging this week, and he would like to know what the city can do to improve the conditions.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.4.
That the Administration report to this Council regarding whether the city maintains, or can establish, a process to identify vendors that materially support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as detailed within.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Link wants to make sure that we know who the city is doing business with. Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi recommended that Councilor Link connect with her off-line to discuss this item.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.5.
That this City Council reaffirms and recognizes the importance of the arts in Somerville and the role of the Arts Council in supporting artists, cultural organizations, and community arts programming.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Link spoke about recent changes to the Arts Council and wanted to make it clear that the City Council will continue to support the Arts in Somerville.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.6.
In support of Senate Bill S.1010 and House Bill H.1576, an Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Link explained that the legislation would create a statewide program for the development and construction of permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income buyers.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
- 5. Unfinished Business
- 6. Reports of Committees
- 6.A. Finance Committee
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6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 24, 2026.
{\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\qj\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler highlighted a few of the items discussed by the committee and he moved that item 6.A.22 (ID # 26-0156) be severed from the committee report. The motion was approved by unanimous consent.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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6.A.2.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $618,181.81 grant that requires a match, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Fire Department for the replacement of aging breathing apparatus.
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6.A.3.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $6,166.19 from the Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance Other Equipment - Not Capitalized Account to the Fire Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the required match for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
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6.A.4.
Requesting the appropriation of $420,566 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for continued restoration of 277 Broadway.
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6.A.5.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve for construction of improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard.
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6.A.6.
Requesting the appropriation of $480,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for continued preservation of 59 Cross Street.
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6.A.7.
Requesting the appropriation of $74,365 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Nicole Bairos for preservation of Buddy's Diner.
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6.A.8.
Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond for financing a portion of the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.9.
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2027 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administration fees for Junction Park.
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6.A.10.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $3,000 from the Communications Department Professional and Technical Services Account to the Somerville Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for consulting services related to the inaugural event.
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6.A.11.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,342.05 using available funds in various Police Departments Ordinary Maintenance Accounts for various services.
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6.A.12.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program.
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6.A.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000 grant that requires a match from the Massachusetts General Court and the State Historical Records Advisory Board to the Veterans Services Department for support of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the archival digitization project.
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6.A.14.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Recycling Dividends Program.
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6.A.15.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the contract with EB Rotondi & Sons Inc. for repairs to water main gate valves and appurtenances.
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6.A.16.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the contract with N. Granese & Sons Inc. for water distribution system maintenance and repair.
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6.A.17.
Requesting the approval of a transfer of $237,250 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve.
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6.A.18.
Requesting the appropriation of $306,250 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve for restoration of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and veterans monuments.
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6.A.19.
Requesting the appropriation of $124,331 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for improvements to Blessing of the Bay Linear Park.
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6.A.20.
Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Vida Real Church for exterior restoration of the building at 404 Broadway.
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6.A.21.
Requesting the appropriation of $50,000 from the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Housing Authority for improvements to the open space at the Mystic River/View developments.
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6.A.22.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,000 grant with no new match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the replacement of security cameras at fire headquarters.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to sever item #26-0156 from the Committee Report for further discussion. The motion was approved. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\cf0\f1 Councilor Wheeler explained that he severed this item because the committee had several concerns about it during its meeting. Since the night of the committee meeting, however, the Police Department has provided additional information which resolved the committee\rquote s concerns, and he would now like to have the item approved. President Mbah sponsored Crystal Huff to speak on the item. They spoke about concerns regarding interactions between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the city. They believe that the city has made its decision and they would like that decision to be reconsidered, since they don\rquote t want the city to integrate with DHS or ICE. They went on to say that the community is hurting because decisions have been made that make the city less welcoming and they asked the City Council not to accept money from DHS under the Trump Administration.\par \par Liaison Raddassi stated that the city\rquote s Law Department vets the requirements of all grants to the city to ensure compliance with the city\rquote s values. Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that there is language in the grants, themselves, that prohibits the city from cooperating with DHS or ICE. Councilor Strezo commented that she knows people are scared and assured everyone that we will get through this together. \par \pard\cf1\f0\par }
Roll call: 9 aye · 1 nay · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahNay
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.23.
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance License at 16-20 Medford Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.24.
Requesting authorization to borrow $1,530,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual FY 2026 Sewer System Evaluation and Infiltration/Inflow Assessment.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.25.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $87,848 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence to the Council on Aging for health, wellness, social, and educational programming.
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6.A.26.
Requesting the appropriation of $154,136 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Settlement of Claims Account to the School Department Legal Settlement Account for an insurance settlement.
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6.A.27.
Requesting approval for settlement of a claim for $10,400 pursuant to Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances.
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6.A.28.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 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.
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6.A.29.
Requesting approval to appropriate $324,360 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of four positions related to youth in FY 2027.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
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6.A.30.
Requesting approval to appropriate $299,910 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for a heat pump replacement project at 133 Holland Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.31.
Requesting approval to appropriate $26,759 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for weatherizing the basement and envelope of 133 Holland Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.32.
Requesting approval to appropriate $179,349 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for the addition of a solar array to the new roof of 133 Holland Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.33.
Requesting approval to appropriate $210,525 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to replace lighting at Trum Field.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.A.34.
Requesting approval to appropriate $299,460 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to replace the lighting at Dilboy Field.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- 6.B. Legislative Matters Committee
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6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 17, 2026.
{\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\qj\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that several Surveillance Technology Impact Reports were discussed. The committee also acted on some charter alignment issues to make the City Charter compatible with the rules of the City Council and with state laws.\par \cf1\f1\par }
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6.B.2.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras.
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6.B.3.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars.
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6.B.4.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras.
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6.B.5.
City Clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 91, relating to the appointment and removal of constables.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAbsent
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
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6.B.6.
City Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 10-20 of the Code of Ordinances to align the constable appointment process with the provisions of the revised City Charter.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAbsent
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.B.7.
City Clerk submitting an amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances to add a review of multiple-member bodies, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAbsent
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
-
6.B.8.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras.
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6.B.9.
Requesting approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars.
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6.B.10.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras.
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6.B.11.
City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter.
Roll call: 9 aye · 2 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Jon LinkAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Kristen StrezoAbsent
- Naima SaitAye
- Ben WheelerAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
- Lance L. DavisAbsent
- 6.C. Licenses and Permits Committee
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6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 25, 2026.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that a New Used Car Dealer License was recommended for approval and that a request for a Grant of Location was Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation to have a public hearing held on the matter. The item was Laid on the Table.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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6.C.2.
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, USA Auto Hub, 61 Prospect Street, 15 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed.
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6.C.3.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Utility Pole 291/12 to a point of pickup at 91 Prospect Street.
{\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 before the Council after being discharged with no recommendation. Councilor Hardt commented that it requires a public hearing, which will be held at the next City Council meeting. \par }
- 7. Communications of the Mayor
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7.1.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility, and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing projects.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red238\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\li1\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Ewen-Campen explained that this is the first set of amendments for the affordable housing overlay. He invited Gavin Robb, a member of Somerville Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY), to explain further. Mr. Robb commented that more durable, affordable housing is needed and that this amendment would provide an additional density bonus from seven to eight stories. \cf1\fs20\par \pard\cf2\f1\fs24\par }
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7.2.
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the Boynton Union Connect Transportation Management Association development site.
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7.3.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,700 from the Law Department Professional & Technical Services Account to the Executive Department Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to establish the position of Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Labor.
{\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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Mayor Wilson explained that this is a result of listening to labor unions and bringing negotiation work in-house rather than hiring outside counsel. The position will be part-time and paid on an hourly basis. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.4.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous Household Waste Facility.
{\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\qj\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.
{\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\qj\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.6.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $565.50 using available funds in the Police Department Professional & Technical Services Account for case management services and biohazard cleaning.
{\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\qj\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to approve this item.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.7.
Requesting approval of an extension to the temporary appointment of Kevin Klein as Interim Director of Inspectional 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott spoke about Mr. Klein\rquote s long history with the city and moved for approval.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
- 8. Communications of City Officers
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8.1.
Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying the Strategic Asset Management Plan report.
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8.2.
Director of Public Space & Urban Forestry conveying information regarding the Kennedy Inclusive Schoolyard renovation.
- 9. New Business
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9.1.
New Second Hand Dealer license, Nostalgia, 322 Somerville Avenue, selling used clothes, footwear, and accessories.
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9.2.
Bill Rogers Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk applying for a Public Event License for The Race of Ireland 5K Run/Walk 2026 on March 15 from 7am to 3pm.
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9.3.
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Farmers Market 2026 Saturdays from May 9 to October 31, from 6:30am to 2pm.
{\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\qj\tx2760\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler noted that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are matched at the farmers markets in the city.\par \pard\f1\par }
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9.4.
26 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m.
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9.5.
Elyse Best submitting comments re: item #26-0114, Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities.
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9.6.
Ida Kao submitting comments re: Arts Council.
- 10. Supplemental Items
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10.1.
Shannon Noel Curtis submitting comments re: snow.
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10.2.
Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: 2025 Annual Report.
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10.3.
Michael Steele submitting comments re: Arts Council.
- 11. Adjournment