Monday, July 6, 2026 at 6 PM

Agenda 19 items

1. 1.
   26-0858 Committee Minutes Accepted

   Approval of the Minutes of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Meeting of May 4, 2026.

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Minutes - CAPM - 5-4-26 Full
2. 2.
   25-1423 Order Kept in committee

   That the City Clerk implement the hiring practices detailed within for positions in the City Council and City Clerk Departments.

   {\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 Chair Mbah reported that this matter is being discussed with the City Clerk and HR.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   • 📎 Hiring Practices
3. 3.
   26-0655 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Taylor Perkins to the Fair Housing Commission.

   {\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 Housing Director Lisa Davidson introduced the candidate and spoke of his deep knowledge of fair housing policy. Mr. Taylor spoke about his desire to expand outreach by making use of social and alternate media platforms to equip people with information that could be shared with their neighbors.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 T Perkins CV Redacted
   • 📎 T Perkins Statement of Interest Redacted
4. 4.
   26-1013 Order Recommended to be approved

   That this City Council appoints Rodrigo Badaro, Bea Gomez-Mouakad, Marianne Walles, Martin Sanchez, Yesenia Alfaro, and Marcy Goldstein-Gelb to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.

   {\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 City Clerk Courtney Henderson explained that these candidates were submitted by Councilor Davis on behalf of the City Council and she believes that his intent was to have the committee decide the term of office for each of them. Councilor Link commented that it might be easier to decide term lengths if the committee heard from each of the candidates. Chair Mbah noted that this new advisory committee will have 9 members (with 6 being put forth here) and that the terms of office are to be staggered, adding that he is open to suggestions. Councilor Ewen-Campen asked if there was any thought given on the terms and City Clerk Henderson stated that all of the candidates can be approved and then they (the candidates) could decide the terms among themselves. \par \par Councilor Ewen-Campen, saying that the term assignments should be random, made a motion \ul\b\i to assign the first two names listed to a one-year terms, the next two names listed to two-year term and the last two names listed to three-year terms\ulnone\b0\i0 . The motion was approved on a roll call vote of 4 in favor (Councilors Hardt, Link, Ewen-Campen and Mbah), none against and 1 absent (Councilor McLaughlin)\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
5. 5.
   26-1083 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jurett Mooltrey-Weathers to the Affordable Housing Trust.

   {\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 Housing Coordinator Sheniqua Roper informed the committee that the candidate was unable to attend this meeting. Ms. Roper asked for consideration of this appointment, tonight, due to the number of vacancies on the Trust. The position in question is reserved for a Somerville resident and Ms. Roper noted that this candidate, who has both professional and lived experience, has served as an advocate for the city\rquote s residents for many years. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Jurett MooltryWeathers_statement of interest
   • 📎 Jurett MooltreyWeathers_resume
6. 6.
   26-1085 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Calli Masters to the Fair Housing Commission.

   {\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 Housing Director Lisa Davidson introduced the candidate and noted her knowledge and professional experience with fair housing law. Ms. Masters spoke about ensuring that all tenants have rights and feels that additional outreach is necessary to meet that goal. She suggested leveraging social media, going to college campuses, meeting people where they are, involving the Council on Aging. etc., as ways to increase outreach. She also sees her job at the state level as an opportunity to engage with state lawmakers on fair housing issues. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Calli Masters_statement
   • 📎 Calli Masters_resume
7. 7.
   26-1086 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alexis Washburn to the Climate Action Commission.

   {\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 Director of Sustainability & Environment Steven Nutter reported that the candidates presented this evening represent an exceptional, multigenerational blended group. Forty-nine applications were received for thirteen vacancies and the candidates before the committee this evening are already doing climate work in the city in some fashion. Mr. Nutter explained that the Climate Action Commission (CAC) is a reiteration of a previous commission and is being built from scratch.\par \par Environmental Policy Manager Kate Bossingham explained that the CAC was created in 2025 to replace the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC) that was created in 2001. This new commission will have an expanded scope and an increased membership body.\par \par Alexis Washburn introduced herself to the committee and said that she served of the CEUCC and is proud of the city for its efforts relating to composting and the community choice energy program. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Alexis Washburn
8. 8.
   26-1087 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Corey Donahue to the Climate Action Commission.

   {\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 Environmental Policy Manager Kate Bossingham explained that Mr. Donahue was unable to attend this meeting. She then spoke of his work and dedication to the community through school decarbonization efforts and the climate ambassador program.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Corey Donahue_statement of interest
9. 9.
   26-1088 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Koslow to the Climate Action Commission.

   {\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 Ms. Koslow currently works as an affordable housing developer focusing on multi-family affordable housing and is passionate about Somerville and would like to harness her energy around decarbonization.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
   • Emily HardtAye
   • Jon LinkAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye

   • 📎 Courtney Koslow
10. 10.
    26-1089 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kenzie Ballard to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Ballard is the co-chair of Groundwork Somerville and enjoys teaching the city\rquote s youth how to be climate justice advocates. Her work also involves collecting and analyzing local climate data prior to providing recommendations to city partners to make land use changes for climate justice. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Kenzie Ballard_personal statement
11. 11.
    26-1091 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Zahra Atti to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Atti is a senior at Somerville High School and she wanted to get involved in things that can make people feel more comfortable here. She has participated in climate club to teach middle schoolers about climate change and what they can do to make a change.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Zahra Atti
12. 12.
    26-1092 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lauren Gunther to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Gunther is an architect and the Director of Sustainability at a Boston architectural firm and focuses on energy codes. She also has a background in passive house and would like the issue of resiliency brought to the forefront of climate issues. Additionally, she would like to see education and outreach in environmental justice.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Lauren Gunther Personal Statement
13. 13.
    26-1093 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ritika Philip to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Spoke about her experience and would like to focus on school decarbonization efforts and education around sustainability.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Ritika Philip
14. 14.
    26-1094 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paxti Martinez to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Mr. Martinez\rquote s undergrad education was in urban planning and he has a graduate degree from Harvard University. He is primarily interested in social infrastructure and systems and economics. He currently works for the non-profit Culture House.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Paxti Martinez personal statement
15. 15.
    26-1095 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Larry Yu to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Active in community orgs, some climate related, some not. Served on the board of the MA Climate Action Network and currently serves on the Charles River Watershed Association. He wants to listen to, engage with and activate as many residents as possible to be a part of the climate action and sustainability culture.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Larry Yu personal statement
16. 16.
    26-1096 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Monte Allen to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Mr. Allen told the committee that he is familiar with the workings of local government. He previously worked with the poverty elimination group CARE for 15 years where he persuaded them to view climate change as a driver of poverty. He feels that climate induced human migration is a huge issue. Mr. Allen said that he admires Somerville\rquote s approach to decarbonization and would like to help the city to get building owners on board to retrofit their buildings.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Monte Allen
17. 17.
    26-1097 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sierra Moll to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Moll works for the Commonwealth of MA doing outreach in the areas of clean energy and energy affordability and energy justice. She is excited to begin work to expand assets, education, pollinator gardens, native plant species.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Sierra Moll personal statement
18. 18.
    26-1098 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Bhavika Kalia to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Kalia is a Senior at Somerville High School and has been involved in a variety of climate initiatives at the local and state levels. She would like to bridge the gap between what the city is doing vs. what is being done in the schools.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Bhavika Kalia personal statement
19. 19.
    26-1099 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rio Hunter Black to the Climate Action Commission.

    {\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 Ms. Black experienced technical difficulties connecting to Zoom so she participated by audio. A recent graduate of Tufts University, she is dedicated to climate and health science. Her primary goal is to invest time/resources in collaborating between the city and local mutual aid organizations and to promote advocacy in young people. She also has an interest in city and community member policies with various hospitals.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

    • Matthew McLaughlinAbsent
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye

    • 📎 Rio Hunter Black personal statement