Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 6 PM
Online only
The Finance Committee recommended approval of all the Mayor's requests before it. These included creating a Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization Fund with a $332,497 payment from Unifirst Corporation and appropriating that amount for remediation at 50 Tufts Street, plus a $315,000 transfer for Morrison Avenue and Davis Square sewer separation design. It also backed several grants, including $366,729.25 for Bluebikes e-bikes and docking stations and $284,700 for the Eastern Washington Street transit project.
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
14 items of legislation were taken up.
- 13 recommended to be approved
- 1 accepted
Agenda 14 items
Notices from the agenda
(Posted online: 8/29/26 at 6:45 AM)
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video 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. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DczskNf3REW8HRT0S84yDw 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.
This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Wheeler at 6:03pm and adjourned at 7:05pm on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Link, Strezo, Hardt, Scott, and Wheeler), 0 opposed, and 0 absent. Others present: Alan Inacio – Director of Finance for Planning & Strateg, Michael Mastrobuoni – Budget Director, Megan Huckenpahler – Director of Finance & Administration of Public Works, Michael Richards – Director of Finance for Infrastructure & Asset Management, Madalyn Letellier - Assistant City Clerk.
Roll Call
DPW
Public Space and Urban Forestry
Strategy and Planning
Mobility
Infrastructure
Police Department
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1.
Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of July 7, 2026.
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
2.
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.
{\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 Director Huckenpahler shared there are three vacancies on the clerical staff and need the support to process the amount of work that is done in the department. Councilor Link, if these roles were in hopes to hire full time, Director Huckenpahler shared there were additional fees through the agency, and the current postings are only for temporary work. \par \cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
3.
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.
{\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 Director Inacio was present to discuss the grant. He shared the purpose of the grant is in conjunction with multiple departments and finding opportunities to expand the tree canopy and heat resiliency throughout the city. Councilor Hardt asked how sidewalks will be chosen, Director Inacio said suggestions are welcome but ultimately the departments are working with Engineering and Public Safety and Urban Forestry (PSUF) to determine the most viable locations. \par \cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
4.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Inacio shared the purchase order was sent with an incorrect contract and is approval of the item so the invoice can be paid.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
5.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Inacio stated this is part of an annual grant process, this year the award is for improvement to pedestrian and traffic safety off Sullivan Station.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
6.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Richards stated this is a procedural transfer to pay off terms associated with the short term bond agreement. \par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
7.
Requesting approval to appropriate $332,497 from the Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization Fund for remediation efforts at 50 Tufts Street.
{\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 This item was discussed with agenda item #26-1249. Director Richards shared these funds, will be accepted to apply to the contract to perform necessary soil remediation efforts that were not previously up to par to complete the construction. In response to Councilor Strezo\rquote s concern about exposure to the community during this work, Director Richards stated he would get back to the Council with additional information on the project plan. In response to Councilor Wheeler, Director Richards shared the legal agreement that was come to with the property owner can be shared out. \par \cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
8.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with agenda item #26-1250.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with agenda item #26-1243. Director Inacio shared the grant opportunities present to expand a station for e-bikes and to make upgrades to existing bike infrastructure throughout. The new stations will be focused on the Blessing of the Bay and Junction Park. \par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
10.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 This item was discussed with agenda item # 26-1248.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
11.
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.
{\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\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Mastrobuoni shared this is to reimburse for costs associated during the 2026 summer games for police officers.\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
12.
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.
{\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 Director Mastrobuoni shared this amount is to fund quarter 1 of a salary in Community Outreach, Help and Recovery Unit (COHR). Councilor Hardt asked if the Jail Diversion Clinical Coordinator role is full time, Director Mastrobuoni stated it is. In response to Chair Wheeler this request is just for quarter 1 and the full year grant applicant is currently being reviewed and should be brought in front of the Council.\par \cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
13.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Mastrobuoni stated this is another grant that has been awarded to Community Outreach, Help and Recovery Unit (COHR) and represents quarter 1 for the operational costs to the Metro Boston Training Center. An amended award for the full year will be presented in front of the full Council. Training is administered by Somerville officers to people throughout the Commonwealth. \par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye
-
14.
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.
{\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\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Director Mastrobuoni shared in the budget development process an opportunity for improvement that the Deputy Chiefs cost of living increase was not originally included. The increase is consistent with other non-union staff. \par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Jon LinkAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Emily HardtAye
- Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
- Ben WheelerAye