Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 7 PM
City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
The Council ordained an amended Zoning Ordinance change on homeless shelters, approved the Assembly Square and East Somerville UCH-TIF zone and plan, and sent six Mayor's zoning amendments, including parking maximums and accessory dwelling units, to committee for recommendation. It approved a $332,497 Tufts Street soil remediation fund and a $315,000 sewer separation transfer, and referred a $350,000 immigrant legal services appropriation. It also accepted the resignations of Councilors Ewen-Campen and Scott.
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
79 items of legislation were taken up.
- 38 approved
- 16 referred for recommendation
- 14 placed on file
- 4 approved and sent for discussion
- 3 work completed
- 2 placed on file and sent for discussion
- 1 ordinance ordained as amended
- 1 withdrawn
Agenda 79 items
Notices from the agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:17 PM and returned at 7:18 PM. The City Council entered recess at 7:45 PM and returned at 7:47 PM. The City Council entered Executive Session at 8:05 PM and returned at 9:22PM.
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 10:44 PM.
Published September 8, 2026, Revised Published September 10, 2026 1:45 P.M., Revised Published September 10, 2026 2:20 P.M.(Committee Reports and Supplemental Items)
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_Eb_iIip3TyKo2dUgQ7pYPg Persons 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, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.
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11.1
Councilor Ewen-Campen resignation.
{\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\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Ewen-Campen informed the Council that he has submitted his letter of resignation from the City Council, effective December 31, 2026, to the City Clerk and he asked President Davis to submit an order for the next City Council meeting calling for a special election to fill the seat being vacated.\cf1\f1\par }
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11.2
Councilor Scott resignation.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott informed the Council that he, also, will be resigning from the City Council, effective December 31, 2026, and he asked President Davis to submit an order for the next City Council meeting calling for a special election to fill the seat being vacated.\cf1\f1\par }
- 11. Late Items
- 1. Opening Ceremonies
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1.1.
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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 Councilor Mbah and Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of Vijendra Kumar Pradhan.\par Councilor Strezo requested a moment of silence in memory of Mary Bedard. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 9, 2026.
- 2. Citations
- 3. Public Hearings
- 4. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
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4.1.
Recognizing the seriousness of myotonic dystrophy and expressing support for the designation of September 15, as ‘‘International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day’’.
{\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\tx722\f0\fs24 Discussed with item # 26-1366.\par Councilor McLaughlin sponsored Jim Nolan to speak. Mr. Nolan spoke about being misdiagnosed for a number of years and noted that the symptoms are not the same for everyone. He mentioned that there is no treatment or cure available to those afflicted with this illness and he thanked the Council for calling attention to this disease and for raising awareness about it. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.2.
In support of striking Encore Boston Harbor workers.
{\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 Clingan spoke about visiting the picket line and stated that he stands with Encore workers, many of whom live in Somerville. Councilor Clingan sponsored James Atkins and Fred Sanchez to speak. Mr. Atkins spoke about the difficulty of earning a decent wage at Encore and noted that there are 1,300 workers on strike. Mr. Sanchez Vasquez commented that the striking workers are asking to be paid according to the value of their work.\par Councilors Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Link, Scott, Mbah, Sait and Wheeler spoke in support of the workers.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.3.
That the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works the City’s current requirements for restoration of streets following utility and other permitted excavations, including whether the City has the authority and ability to require full-lane, expanded, or curb-to-curb restoration on streets that have passed the five-year street opening moratorium but remain in good condition.
{\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 Discussed with item # 26-1361.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.4.
That the Director of Engineering and Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works the feasibility of establishing a Street Preservation Offset Fee or similar pavement-degradation fee, modeled on programs such as Cambridge’s, to help offset the City’s costs associated with utility and other excavations in public streets.
{\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 Discussed with item # 26-1360.\par Councilor Clingan spoke about the city\rquote s street opening policy and suggested that Somerville implement a program, like Cambridge has, whereby utility companies are charged a fee to assist with costs associated with excavations of public streets.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.5.
That the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works, and the Chief Procurement Officer discuss with the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works the City’s current practices for establishing, monitoring, and enforcing construction timelines for municipal projects, including the use of project milestones, completion deadlines, contractor staffing levels, liquidated damages, and other tools to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner.
{\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 Discussed with item # 26-1363.\par Councilor Clingan spoke about the amount of time some projects take and he would like the city to be more proactive in the bidding process to ensure that work gets completed in a timely fashion.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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4.6.
That the Director of Engineering, the Commissioner of Public Works, and the Chief Procurement Officer explore best practices used by other municipalities and public agencies to encourage timely completion of public construction projects, including performance incentives, liquidated damages, milestone requirements, recovery schedules, and cost-plus-time or “A+B” bidding, and discuss which approaches could be appropriate for Somerville.
{\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\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Discussed with item # 26-1362.\cf1\par \pard\cf2\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 September 3, 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 Wheeler reported that the Finance Committee approved 7 grant acceptances and expenditures, 2 fund transfers, 2 fund appropriations, payment of 1 prior year invoice and the creation of 1 stabilization fund.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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6.A.2.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for operational funding for the Metro Boston Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Center.
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6.A.3.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $12,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police Department to partially fund the operation of the jail/arrest diversion program.
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6.A.4.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $315,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Morrison Avenue & Greater Davis Square Area Sewer Separation Design Capital Fund to fund required project expenditures.
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6.A.5.
Requesting approval to use available funds in the Police Salaries account in the amount of $8,800 to fund Fiscal Year 2027 cost of living increases for the Deputy Chief positions.
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6.A.6.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $284,700 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Strategy and Development Department for Eastern Washington Street Transit Priority Project.
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6.A.7.
Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,572 using available funds in the Professional & Technical Services Account for the implementation of ArcGIS Urban module.
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6.A.8.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $85,933.60 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to the Mobility Division for the Bluebikes state of good repair equipment replacement.
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6.A.9.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $366,729.25 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Mobility Division, for new e-bikes, replacement batteries and two new docking stations as a part of the Bluebikes bikeshare system.
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6.A.10.
Requesting approval to create the Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization Fund and accept a payment to the Fund of $332,497 from the Unifirst Corporation to pay for cleanup and soil disposal costs associated with remediation work at 50 Tufts Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 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. DavisAye
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6.A.11.
Requesting approval to appropriate $332,497 from the Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization Fund for remediation efforts at 50 Tufts Street.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 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. DavisAye
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6.A.12.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $187,200.00 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for the Green and Cool Somerville: Sustainable Sidewalk and Tree's project.
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6.A.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,239 grant with no new match required, from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Police Department for overtime related to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association In World Cup 2026 summer games.
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6.A.14.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,000 from the DPW-Admin Salaries & Wages Temp Account to the DPW-Admin Professional & Technical Services Account to support temporary clerical staffing.
- 6.B. Land Use Committee
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6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 3, 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-328\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Ewen-Campen reported that the Land Use Committee approved the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Assembly Square and East Somerville as well as an amendment to Section 2.1.1 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Homeless Shelters.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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6.B.2.
Requesting approval of the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone, Plan, and Form of Agreement for Assembly Square and East Somerville.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 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. DavisAye
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6.B.3.
Proposing an amendment to Section 2.1.1 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Homeless Shelters.
Roll call: 10 aye · 1 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. DavisAye
- 6.C. School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee
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6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 8, 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-328\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Link reported that the committee discussed custodial staffing, rodent control, temperature control, updates on the Winter Hill School plan, re-use possibilities for the Cummings School building and seeking space for a teen center. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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6.C.2.
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering explore the feasibility of establishing a teen center at the Cummings School, accessible via School Street, considering current building uses and provide this Council with an analysis on space availability, operational considerations, community impacts, and potential next steps.
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6.C.3.
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update to this Council on improvements made to custodial staffing at the East Somerville Community School.
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6.C.4.
Recognizing and expressing appreciation to the Department of Public Works, the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, and the Inspectional Services Department for their work in addressing rodent issues at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.
- 7. Communications of the Mayor
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7.1.
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to receive an update on collective bargaining negotiations.
{\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 The Council voted to enter into Executive Session to discuss this matter after being advised by Assistant City Solicitor/Labor Counsel Matthew Sirigu that the item to be discussed meets the criteria set forth in the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.\par \par The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM and the members moved into Executive Session.\par The regular meeting was reconvened 9:22 PM. President Davis announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session, other than the vote to adjourn.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.2.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.2.17, 4.1.15, 4.2.15, 4.3.15, 4.4.15, 5.1.16, 6.1.13, 6.2.14, 6.3.13, 6.4.16, 6.5.13 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to correct parking maximums.
{\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 Davis waived the readings of items 7.2 and 7.4 through 7.7 and referred them to the Land Use Committee.\par Councilor Wheeler asked if these items are being put forth by the Planning and Zoning Department. Councilor Ewen-Campen stated that these items will be referred to the Land Use Committee for a public hearing on October 1\super st\nosupersub , at which time each item will be explained in detail. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Amanda Nagim-Williams, explained that a majority of these items are to rectify omissions or to clear up language.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.3.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.4, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.10, 3.1.11, 3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 4.1.7, 4.2.7, 4.3.7, 4.4.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to remove ground story elevation requirements.
{\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 Discussed with item # 26-1373.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.4.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.1.5, 3.2.5, 6.3.5, 6.4.6, 7.3.5, 8.3.6, 10.10.3, 15.2.1, 15.3.2, 15.7.2 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to streamline the jurisdiction of review boards.
{\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 Davis waived the readings of items 7.2 and 7.4 through 7.7 and referred them to the Land Use Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.5.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.1.3, 3.1.6, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.11, 3.1.12, 3.1.13, 3.1.16, 3.2.6 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to align with State Law regarding protected accessory dwelling units.
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7.6.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.5, 3.1.17, 3.2.16, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.14, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.14, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.14, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.15, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.16, 6.1.12, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.14, 6.3.12, 6.4.9, 6.4.15, 6.5.7, 7.2.8 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to clarify requirements for principal entrances.
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7.7.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1.1, 2.4.5, 3.1.16, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.15, 4.1.3, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.10, 4.1.13, 4.2.3, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.10, 4.2.13, 4.3.3, 4.3.7, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.10, 4.3.13, 4.4.3, 4.4.7, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.13, 5.1.3, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.10, 5.1.11, 5.1.14, 6.1.3, 6.1.7, 6.1.8, 6.1.11, 6.2.3, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.9, 6.2.12, 6.3.3, 6.3.8, 6.4.3, 6.4.9, 6.4.11, 6.5.3, 6.5.7, 6.5.8, 6.5.11, 7.2.7, 7.2.10, 7.4.3, 7.4.6, 7.4.7, 7.4.8, 7.4.11, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.2.2, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.4.16, 8.4.17, 8.4.19, 9.1.7, 12.1.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6, 12.1.7, 12.3.5, 12.3.6, 12.3.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to update terminology for affordable dwelling units and commercial spaces.
{\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 Davis waived the readings of items 7.2 and 7.4 through 7.7 and referred them to the Land Use Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.8.
Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency.
{\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 Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.9.
Requesting approval to appropriate $255,045 from the Transportation Network Receipts Reserved Account to the Transportation Network Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2027 Vision Zero 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.10.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for E911 dispatcher 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.11.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $215,919.15 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a Clinical Community Health Worker.
{\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 Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.12.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $159,754.04 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for E911 dispatcher certification and recertification.
{\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 Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.14.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $9,809.81 grant that requires a match, from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Somerville Police Department for body armor vests.
{\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 Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.15.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $80,852.95 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\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.8 through 7.15 and refer them to the Finance Committee.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.16.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,687.50 using available funds in the Fire Department Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services.
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7.17.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $19.76 using available funds in the Immigrant Advancement Professional and Technical Services Account for on demand phone interpretation services.
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7.18.
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7.19.
Proclaiming that the week of September 10 through September 19, 2026 is Welcoming Week.
{\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\tx722\f0\fs24 Mayor Wilson commented that this is an opportunity to reflect and plan for the next phase of the city\rquote s welcoming work. He introduced the Director of the Office of Immigrant Advancement, Maria Teresa Nagel, who spoke about connecting with others. \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.20.
Proclaiming that September 15, 2026 is International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day.
{\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\tx722\f0\fs24 Discussed with item # 26-1217.\par \pard\qj Mayor Wilson informed the Council that he has proclaimed September 15, 2026, as International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day to raise awareness about this disease, which affects 1 in 2,100 people in this country, and to encourage continued medical research.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.21.
Conveying an update on Civilian Oversight.
{\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\tx722\f0\fs24 Jon Hillman, Public Safety for All Project Manager, provided a brief presentation on the development of Somerville\rquote s Civilian Oversight Initiative. The initiative has evolved over more than two decades, beginning with calls from the Human Rights Commission in the early 2000s and gaining momentum in 2020, when the City declared systemic racism a public health emergency. At that time, 81% of surveyed residents expressed support for civilian oversight. Recommendations from community groups and the City Council in 2021 led to the creation of a two-year Civilian Oversight Task Force process, which concluded in 2025 with detailed guidance regarding the mission, role, composition, and implementation of a civilian oversight body. The City is currently reviewing key resources, including the Task Force Report, Racial and Social Justice workshops, City Council analyses, and community policy recommendations. The City is also considering Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission requirements, collective bargaining considerations, policy development steps, and civilian oversight models used in other municipalities. Upcoming milestones include a September 10 overview and bargaining update, a September 24 administration update, a tentative September 29 Legislative Matters discussion, and an October public hearing.\par \par The item was laid on the table to allow item #26-1364, a request to enter into Executive Session, to be taken up. Following the Executive Session, the item was removed from the table for further discussion.\par \par Councilor Ewen-Campen stated that the City needs meaningful civilian oversight of the Police Department, including a significant role in investigations and disciplinary matters. He also noted that an oversight body should have the ability to obtain information and issue subpoenas, as well as make decisions and recommendations based on the information it collects. Councilor Scott noted that civilian oversight has been sought by both the City Council and residents for many years and cautioned against adopting policies that have not been effective in other communities. Councilor Sait stated that the civilian oversight body should have a strong role in disciplinary matters, the ability to conduct parallel investigations into complaints, and access to relevant information and video footage.\par \par Councilor Hardt asked whether all pertinent documents related to civilian oversight could be centralized to make the information easier for the public to access. Mr. Hillman stated that the documents are publicly available and that his department would work to make them available in one location, although he could not provide a specific timeline. President Davis asked to be informed of any obstacles that could prevent the documents from being centralized. Councilor Wheeler stated that civilian oversight should include ongoing review of police policies and practices, have access to funding for investigative support, and provide regular opportunities for collaboration between the oversight body and the Police Department.\par \par Councilor Mbah assumed the Chair to allow President Davis to speak on the item. Councilor Davis reiterated several points raised by the other Councilors and noted that civilian oversight bodies in other municipalities have, in some cases, not functioned as intended because they lacked sufficient authority or resources. He also stated that, in addition to the responsibilities discussed, there should be a clear process governing when and how information collected by the civilian oversight body would be released to the public. Councilor Davis encouraged members of the public to share their concerns and experiences with the City Council so that their input could be considered in developing the structure of the civilian oversight body.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.22.
Conveying the appointment of Lena Warnke to the Somerville Arts Council Board.
{\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 moved to waive the readings of items 7.22 through 7.26 and place them on file.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.23.
Conveying the appointment of Josh Breeden to the Somerville Arts Council Board.
{\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 moved to waive the readings of items 7.22 through 7.26 and place them on file.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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7.24.
Conveying the appointment of Sharon Lacey to the Somerville Arts Council Board.
{\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 moved to waive the readings of items 7.22 through 7.26 and place them on file.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.25.
Conveying the appointment of Bess Paupeck to the Somerville Arts Council Board.
{\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 moved to waive the readings of items 7.22 through 7.26 and place them on file.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.26.
Conveying the appointment of Christopher Oates to the Ranked Choice Voting 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 Councilor Mbah moved to waive the readings of items 7.22 through 7.26 and place them on file.\cf1\f1\par }
- 8. Communications of City Officers
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8.1.
Director of Emergency Management conveying the 2025-2026 Cummings School Winter Warming Center After Action Report and Improvement Plan.
{\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\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Amanda Nagim-Williams, explained that the city intends to use the Cummings School building as a warming center for the upcoming winter season and is actively searching for other locations to use in the future. The Administration has submitted a Memorandum of Understanding to the School Committee and looks forward to discussing it with the City Council. Several councilors commented on the previous problems encountered and the time spent in line waiting for access to the warming center.\cf1\par \pard\cf2\f1\par }
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8.2.
City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.
- 9. New Business
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9.1.
Theatre@First applying for a Public Event License for Iphigenia by Euripides on various dates between September 26 and October 11 from 3pm to 7:30pm.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.2.
Saint Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for Journey to World Youth Day 2027 Fundraiser on September 12 from 11:30am to 2pm (raindate September 19).
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.3.
Matthew Taylor applying for a Public Event License for 21st Honk! Festival on October 9, 10 & 11 for various times.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.4.
Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for Bow Market Renaissance Faire on November 7 from 8am to 8:30pm (raindate November 14).
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.5.
Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for 30th Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race on November 26 from 6am to 1pm.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.6.
Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for City Hall Truck O' Treat 2026 Spectacular! on October 29 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate November 5).
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.7.
New Drainlayer's License, Valor Excavation, LLC.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.8.
New Livery License, Lubana Coach, 2 Snow Terrace, operating 1 vehicle.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.9.
New Second Hander Dealer License, Somerville Communications, 52 Broadway.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.10.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Country Club Transportation Inc, Med. #3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,46.
{\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Hardt moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and approve them this evening.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.11.
Bruce Schulman submitting comments re: snow emergencies.
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9.12.
Marianne Walles submitting comments re: item #26-1268, comments related to Zoning Ordinance Sections 3.1.7c, 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.11c, 3.1.15a.i, 3.2.7c, 3.2.8c, 3.2.9c, 3.2.10c, 3.2.11c, 4.1.7c, 4.2.7c, 4.3.7c, 4.4.7c.
- 10. Supplemental Items
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10.1.
That Section 3.1.7.c of the Zoning Ordinances be amended 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 Discussed with item # 26-1259.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
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10.2.
Requesting approval to enter into lease agreements with various tenants to provide commercial arts space at the Somerville Armory Building, 191 Highland Avenue.
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10.3.
Veteran Services applying for a Public Event License for 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
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10.4.
Junkyard LLC applying for a Public Event License for Junkyard Davis Square on September 19 from 10am to 11:30pm.
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10.5.
New Drainlayer's License, Knight Excavation Co. Inc.
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10.6.
New Second Hand Dealer License, The Heartland Roadshow, 30 Washington Street.
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10.7.
President of Tufts University submitting comments re: #26-1302, in support of a fair and dignified resolution for an international graduate student at Tufts University.
- 12. Adjournment