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City Council

Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7 PM

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

The City Council approved a Grant of Location for Eversource conduit on Newton Street, a $350,000 appropriation for immigrant legal services, $255,045 for Vision Zero, and a late-night license for Wings Over Somerville. It ordained a non-union salary amendment and a Chapter 6 amendment, and approved a special election for the Ward 2 and Ward 3 vacancies. It sent items on dumpster enforcement and the 808 Windsor Place bankruptcy to discussion, and referred a $2,082,498 fire truck bond to committee.

This meeting has happened. Minutes are not posted yet; actions below may still be incomplete.

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What happened

78 items of legislation were taken up.

  • 39 approved
  • 11 placed on file
  • 11 approved and sent for discussion
  • 11 referred for recommendation
  • 2 ordinance ordained
  • 2 work completed
  • 2 placed on file and sent for discussion

Agenda 78 items

Notices from the agenda

NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the City Council's minutes. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking with the City Clerk.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 8:17 PM and returned at 8:28 PM.

The meeting was Adjourned at 9:17 PM.

Published September 22, 2026, 3:15 PM, Revised Published September 24, 2026, 2:30 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_MB_smkPnQwKT_B7IX6TycA 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.

  1. 1. Opening Ceremonies
  2. 1.1.
    26-1438 Roll Call Placed on file

    Call of the Roll.

  3. 1.2.
    26-1439 Remembrances Approved

    Remembrances.

  4. 1.3.
    26-1440 Minutes Approved

    Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 27, 2026.

  5. 2. Citations
  6. 2.1.
    26-1410 Citation Approved

    Commending Gonzalo Puigbo for his work as the Executive Director of Somerville Community Corporation.

  7. 3. Public Hearings
  8. 3.1.
    26-1400 Grant of Location Approved

    Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 140 feet of conduit in Newton Street, from the intersection of Prospect Street and Newton Street to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 31233.

  9. 4. Orders, Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions of Members
  10. 4.1.
    26-1420 Order Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Parking discuss with this Council the feasibility of considering vehicle size and weight when establishing residential parking permit fees, so that permit costs may better reflect the amount of parking space used and the relative impact of different sized vehicles on city streets.

  11. 4.2.
    26-1421 Order Approved and sent for discussion

    That, in view of the proliferation of rats in the city, the Director of Public Health and/or designees update this Council on the status of dumpster license registration and enforcement, including: estimates of the numbers of licensed and unlicensed dumpsters in the city which regularly contain discarded food; procedures for identifying unlicensed dumpsters and encouraging licensing; criteria for approval of dumpsters; staff capacity for dumpster inspection and enforcement; and current methods and best practices for excluding rodents from dumpsters.

  12. 4.3.
    26-1419 Resolution Approved

    That the Administration develop a procedure allowing the Parking Department, upon identifying a vehicle parked in a location such as a fire lane where it poses a public safety concern, to arrange for the vehicle to be towed.

  13. 4.4.
    26-1429 Order Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Finance and the Director of Economic Development report to this Council on the situation of financial bankruptcy, involving the investor funds, holding equity in the empty lab building at 808 Windsor Place, Boynton Yards.

  14. 4.5.
    26-1428 Resolution Approved

    In remembrance of Lobga Rangzen and in recognition of Somerville’s Tibetan Community.

  15. 4.6.
    26-1395 Communication Placed on file

    Conveying his resignation from the City Council.

  16. 4.7.
    26-1422 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of the Parking install drop-off/pick-up signage on Cherry Street, across from the Kennedy School.

  17. 4.8.
    26-1423 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Mobility add bike racks at the Kennedy School.

  18. 4.9.
    26-1424 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Mobility paint bike markings in the bike lane on Elm Street, across from the Kennedy school.

  19. 4.10.
    26-1425 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Mobility install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Broadway and Cedar Street.

  20. 4.11.
    26-1426 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Mobility take the steps necessary to make the intersection of Vernon Street and Partridge Avenue safer.

  21. 4.12.
    26-1427 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Administration and relevant departments submit a memo to this Council showing the cost of staffing Somerville High School to be used as a teen center after school hours.

  22. 4.13.
    26-1430 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council possible strategies to address safety concerns caused by large trucks using Weston Avenue as a cut-through from Broadway to Clarendon Avenue, particularly the dangerous conditions created when these trucks make a right turn from Weston Avenue onto Clarendon Avenue.

  23. 4.14.
    26-1431 Resolution Approved and sent for discussion

    That the Director of Parking issue free temporary parking permits for residents who do not have a parking permit and whose driveways are temporarily obstructed by ongoing city construction projects.

  24. 4.15.
    26-1432 Resolution Approved

    In support of the "Yes in God’s Backyard" (YIGBY) legislation.

  25. 4.16.
    26-1433 Resolution Approved

    In support of an act relative to preventing home insurers from forcing tree removal.

  26. 5. Unfinished Business
  27. 6. Reports of Committees
  28. 6.A. Finance Committee
  29. 6.A.1.
    26-1435 Committee Report Approved

    Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 22, 2026.

  30. 6.A.2.
    26-1221 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  31. 6.A.3.
    26-1240 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  32. 6.A.4.
    26-1254 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  33. 6.A.5.
    26-1320 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  34. 6.A.6.
    26-1322 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  35. 6.A.7.
    26-1323 Mayor's Request Approved

    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.

  36. 6.A.8.
    26-1334 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  37. 6.A.9.
    26-1341 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $80,852.95 using available funds in various Department of Public Works accounts for various services.

  38. 6.A.10.
    26-1354 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to enter into lease agreements with various tenants to provide commercial arts space at the Somerville Armory Building, 191 Highland Avenue.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  39. 6.B. Legislative Matters Committee
  40. 6.B.1.
    26-1441 Committee Report Approved

    Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2026.

  41. 6.C. Legislative Matters Committee
  42. 6.C.1.
    26-1434 Committee Report Approved

    Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 15, 2026.

  43. 6.C.2.
    26-0956 Mayor's Request Ordinance ordained

    Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  44. 6.C.3.
    26-1111 Ordinance Approved

    That Chapter 3, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  45. 6.C.4.
    26-1165 Public Communication Approved

    Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments re: formal recognition by this Council as a neighborhood council under Chapter 7, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  46. 6.C.5.
    26-1218 Public Communication Work completed

    Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting information re: item #26-1165, a request for formal recognition as a neighborhood council.

  47. 6.C.6.
    26-1257 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to regulate anticoagulant rodenticides.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  48. 6.C.7.
    26-1262 Public Communication Work completed

    6 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1165, Davis Square Neighborhood Council recognition.

  49. 6.C.8.
    26-1310 Ordinance Ordinance ordained

    That Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.

    Roll call: 10 aye · 1 absent
    • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
    • Jon LinkAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAbsent
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Kristen StrezoAye
    • Naima SaitAye
    • Ben WheelerAye
    • Emily HardtAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Wilfred N. MbahAye
    • Lance L. DavisAye
  50. 6.D. Licenses and Permits Committee
  51. 6.D.1.
    26-1436 Committee Report Approved

    Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 23, 2026.

  52. 6.D.2.
    26-1068 License Approved

    New Extended Operating Hours License, Wings Over Somerville, 519 Somerville Avenue, for in-store, take-out, and delivery service until 2am.

  53. 7. Communications of the Mayor
  54. 7.1.
    26-1408 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 15, Article III of the Code of Ordinances.

  55. 7.2.
    26-1397 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting authorization to borrow $2,082,498 in a bond, and to appropriate $2,082,498 for the purchases of an Aerial Ladder Truck and a Rescue Truck for the Fire Department.

  56. 7.3.
    26-1411 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting the appropriation of $19,986 from the Salary Contingency Account to Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with Local 888 - Crossing Guards.

  57. 7.4.
    26-1393 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting the transfer of $153,987 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Community Housing Debt Service account to the CPA Community Housing Reserve.

  58. 7.5.
    26-1392 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting the transfer of $22,596.24 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Historic Preservation Debt Service account to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve.

  59. 7.6.
    26-1390 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to establish a Grant Match Account with a $15,000 transfer from the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Professional & Technical Services account to the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Special Items account for the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture's Fiscal Year 2027 Food Security Infrastructure Grant match requirement.

  60. 7.7.
    26-1391 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 2/15/2027 for Utile Inc to complete any outstanding task related to our up zoning and five year zoning review efforts.

  61. 7.8.
    26-1396 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,224.39 using available funds in the Office of Housing Stability Ordinary Maintenance Account for legal services.

  62. 7.9.
    26-1378 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $2,500 using available funds in the People Operations Employee Training Account for manager training.

  63. 7.10.
    26-1380 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,000 using available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account for pre-employment drug testing & physicals.

  64. 7.11.
    26-1381 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to a pay prior year invoice totaling $1,912.50 using available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account for a 111F record review.

  65. 7.12.
    26-1413 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $297,679 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.

  66. 7.13.
    26-1340 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $169,000 grant with no new match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative to the Department of Public Works for equipment to strengthen school security systems.

  67. 7.14.
    26-1386 Mayor's Request Approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $59,497 grant that requires a match, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department - Community Wellness Division for the expansion of cold storage capacity of the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market.

  68. 7.15.
    26-1412 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $57,925 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police Department to fund the operation of the jail/arrest diversion program for Fiscal Year 2027.

  69. 7.16.
    26-1405 Mayor's Request Referred for recommendation

    Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ashley Tienken to the Affordable Housing Trust.

  70. 7.17.
    26-1407 Mayor's Communication Placed on file and sent for discussion

    Conveying an update on the Civilian Oversight policy development process.

  71. 8. Communications of City Officers
  72. 8.1.
    26-1437 Officer's Communication Approved

    City Clerk requesting approval to hold a special election to fill vacancies in the Ward 2 and Ward 3 City Council seats pursuant to § 2-12 of the City Charter.

  73. 8.2.
    26-1387 Officer's Communication Placed on file and sent for discussion

    Director of the Office of Housing Stability conveying the 2025 Office of Housing Stability Annual Report and accompanying Executive Summary, for informational purposes.

  74. 8.3.
    26-1406 Officer's Communication Placed on file

    City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.

  75. 9. New Business
  76. 9.1.
    26-1401 License Approved

    Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, Med #59.

  77. 9.2.
    26-1402 License Approved

    Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81.

  78. 9.3.
    26-1403 Public Event Approved

    Davis Square Neighborhood Council applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Neighborhood Yard Sale on September 27 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate October 4).

  79. 9.4.
    26-1404 Public Event Approved

    Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Italian Heritage Month Flag Raising on October 15 from 4pm to 6:30pm.

  80. 9.5.
    26-1415 Public Communication Placed on file

    3 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1006, 89 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Police Body-Worn Cameras, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.

  81. 9.6.
    26-1416 Public Communication Placed on file

    9 residents submitting comments re: agenda item #26-1165, Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments regarding formal recognition.

  82. 9.7.
    26-1417 Public Communication Placed on file

    29 individuals, including 26 resident submitting comments re: agenda item #26-1185, 74 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding the proposed ethical procurement ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.

  83. 9.8.
    26-1418 Public Communication Placed on file

    Stephanie Lee from Verizon submitting comments re: Verizon Copper Network Retirement.

  84. 10. Supplemental Items
  85. 10.1.
    26-1452 Order Referred for recommendation

    That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management present on continued concerns related to exterior tiles on the Somerville High School building, and provide updates on measures to identify and mitigate those concerns.

  86. 10.2.
    26-1446 Public Event Approved

    La Corsa Club applying for a Public Event License for The Autumn 5k Fun Run on September 26 from 8am to 11:30am.

  87. 10.3.
    26-1447 Public Event Approved

    Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Harvest Festival on October 3 from 9am to 6pm (raindate October 4).

  88. 10.4.
    26-1448 Public Event Approved

    Somerville Foundation and Ultimate Entertainment Group applying for a Public Event License for Gurk McGurk Back to School Corps and Cars Show on October 4 from 9:30am to 2pm.

  89. 10.5.
    26-1442 Public Communication Placed on file

    Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: Squires Bridge.

  90. 10.6.
    26-1443 Public Communication Placed on file

    Adrienne Naylor submitting comments re: bike lanes on McGrath.

  91. 10.7.
    26-1444 Public Communication Placed on file

    Frank Privitera submitting comments re: Magoun Square.

  92. 10.8.
    26-1445 Public Communication Placed on file

    4 residents submitting comments re: Warming Center.

  93. 11. Adjournment