City Council
City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Agenda — 104 items
- 1 Published October 6, 2026, 2:15 PM, Revised Published October 8, 2026, 2:10 PM.
- 1 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.
- 2 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_wHgx6BF7S4GOKPikKMpDTg 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. OPENING CEREMONIES
- 3 The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:27 PM and returned at 7:35 PM. The City Council entered recess at 9:04 PM and returned at 9:13 PM.
- 1.1. Call of the Roll.
- 1.2. Remembrances.
- 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 27, 2026.
- 2. CITATIONS
- 2.1. Commending Nancy Paz for her work with Latino families in the community.
- 2.2. Commending Alejandra Bañuelos for her work with Latino families in the community.
- 2.3. Commending Maritza Perdomo for her work with Latino families in the community.
- 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
- 3.1. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 187 feet of conduit in Sycamore Street and Broadway and one new sidewalk vault, from the existing Comcast Manhole at the intersection of Sycamore Street and Broadway, passing through the proposed sidewalk vault, continuing to points of pickup at 382 Broadway and 386 Broadway.
- 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 346 feet of conduit in Newton Street, from the existing Manhole 4115, passing through the existing Manhole 4123 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 31223 next to 24 Webster Avenue.
- 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 15 feet of conduit in Fellsway West Street, from existing Manhole 1897 to a point of pickup at the demarcation line next to 49 Fellsway West.
- 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 266 feet of conduit in School Street, from existing Manhole 29855, passing through existing Manholes 13425 and 13085 to a point of pickup at 93 Highland Avenue.
- 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
- 4.1. That Section 12-111.1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed herein to protect private significant trees during construction.
- 4.2. That the Director of Inspectional Services clarify the permitting process for heat pump systems.
- 4.3. That Chief of Police provide an update to this Council regarding the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program.
- 4.4. That the Short-Term Rental Ordinance be amended as detailed within.
- 4.5. That the Director of Mobility add more secure bicycle parking at the Argenziano School.
- 4.6. That the Commissioner of Public Works, in consideration of children with sensory sensitivities, utilize electric leaf blowers when doing maintenance on school grounds during school hours.
- 4.7. In support of meeting spaces for Alcoholics Anonymous.
- 4.8. That the Director of Planning submit a plain-language explanation and fact sheet for each proposed zoning amendment, to be attached directly to the corresponding zoning amendment item.
- 4.9. Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of Somerville’s Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean communities.
- 4.10. That the Commissioner of Public Works repair all broken and inoperable plumbing, appliances and privacy treatments of the Winter Hill Innovation School bathrooms and provide regular work timelines in writing, detailing when work will be initiated to when work is anticipated to be fully completed.
- 4.11. That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately repair the urinal fixture, otherwise known as 'The Blaster', at the Winter Hill Innovation School and present written updated work timelines on a regular basis until the urinal fixture is entirely repaired.
- 4.12. That the Director of Inspectional Services Division simplify and clarify the permitting process for small-scale residential repairs and alterations that do not change a building’s structure or use.
- 4.13. Urging Governor Healey to end the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s 287(g) Agreement.
- 4.14. Expressing deep appreciation to the Somerville firefighters, firefighters from neighboring communities, and all first responders for ensuring the safe evacuation of every resident from the Teele Square fire and for successfully containing the fire to one side of the building.
- 4.15. In support of Head Start and Early Head Start and the vital role their programs play in the City of Somerville.
- 4.16. In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2026.
- 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
- 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
- 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 6, 2026.
- 6.A.2. 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.
- 6.A.3. 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.
- 6.A.4. Requesting the transfer of $22,596.24 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Historic Preservation Debt Service account to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve.
- 6.A.5. Requesting the transfer of $153,987 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Community Housing Debt Service account to the CPA Community Housing Reserve.
- 6.A.6. 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.
- 6.A.7. 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.
- 6.A.8. 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.
- 6.A.9. 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.
- 6.B. HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND EQUITY COMMITTEE
- 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on September 30, 2026.
- 6.B.2. Requesting approval of the 2026-2027 Housing and Urban Development One Year Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs.
- 6.B.3. That the Administration, the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Office of Housing Stability, engage with leadership of Saint James Church to explore opportunities for partnership between the city and the church to activate underutilized space for community-serving purposes.
- 6.B.4. Requesting approval of the 2026-2027 Housing and Urban Development One Year Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs.
- 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE
- 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 1, 2026.
- 6.D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
- 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on September 30, 2026.
- 6.D.2. That the Commissioner of Public Works invest in trash barrels with latches to address rodent issues.
- 6.D.3. Christopher Rosol submitting comments re: off leash dogs.
- 6.E. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
- 6.E.1. Report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee, meeting on October 6, 2026.
- 6.E.2. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council and the School Committee about safety improvements to security cameras, enclosed schoolyard fencing, balconies, and other infrastructure at the Argenziano School.
- 6.E.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on the improvements made to the temperature in the Edgerly Education Center Cafetorium and kitchen following the installation of the air conditioning unit.
- 6.E.4. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider snow clearing requirements to maintain inclusive winter use when selecting turf materials for the new Kennedy School inclusive playground.
- 6.F. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
- 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 5, 2026.
- 6.F.2. That the Director of Engineering provide an update on the construction of the Lowell Street and School Street crosswalks facing the Green Line stations.
- 6.F.3. That the Director of Mobility add additional signage helping users of the Community Path get through Maxwell's Green to the Community Path and add clear signage directing users to the ramp and stairs on Lowell Street.
- 6.F.4. Calling for traffic calming measures in the Prospect Hill neighborhood.
- 6.F.5. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: bus network redesign.
- 6.F.6. That the Director of Mobility take the steps necessary to make the intersection of Vernon Street and Partridge Avenue safer.
- 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
- 7.1. Requesting authorization to borrow $3,143,557 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for additional costs of design, construction, and equipping of the Poplar Street Pump Station.
- 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $384,000 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department - Other Lump Sum Payment Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
- 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $107,636 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Department of Public Works School Custodians Other Lump-Sum Benefits Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union Chapter 3 - School Custodians.
- 7.4. Requesting authorization to reduce the borrowing appropriation of $89,332,819 for the Poplar Street Project by $2,097,667.05.
- 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $308,504 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit A.
- 7.6. Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Racial and Social Justice Fund to implement the 2026 Community Grant Cycle.
- 7.7. Requesting the appropriation of $59,307 from the Salary Contingency Salaries account to various Department of Public Works School Custodians Personal Services Account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union Chapter 3 - School Custodians.
- 7.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for overtime/backfill to support officers and supervisors in obtaining/maintaining Crisis Intervention Team Training certification.
- 7.9. Requesting approval to enter into a lease agreement with the Center for the Arts at the Armory to provide commercial arts space at the Somerville Armory Building, 191 Highland Avenue.
- 7.10. Proclaiming that September 15 through October 15, 2026 to be Latin American Caribbean Heritage Month.
- 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Gaeta to the Board of Assessors.
- 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
- 8.1. City Clerk submitting an amendment to Chapter 1 of the Code of Ordinances to add a periodic review of the Code of Ordinances, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter.
- 8.2. City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst conveying information on the upcoming periodic review of the Code of Ordinances.
- 8.3. Commissioner of Elections conveying the Municipal Special Election Calendar for 2026-2027.
- 8.4. Fair Housing Commission conveying the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report pursuant to Section 17-7 of the Code of Ordinances.
- 8.5. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.
- 9. NEW BUSINESS
- 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, New England Construction Managers.
- 9.2. New Sign/Awning License, Assembly Connect, 355 Artisan Way, 8 Signs.
- 9.3. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for All City Fall Clean Up 2026 on November 7 from 9am to 1pm.
- 9.4. Boynton Yards LandCo LLC and Windsor Place Owner LLC requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend section 8.4.12.e.ii.
- 9.5. Barbara Phillips submitting comments re: Warming Center.
- 9.6. Digital Fourth submitting comments re: body-worn cameras.
- 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
- 10.1. Wilks Productions Consultancy applying for a Public Event License for Gurk McGurk Back To School Cops and Cars Car Show on October 18 from 9:30am to 2:30pm (raindate October 25).
- 10.2. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somerstreets: Monster Mash on October 18 from 10am to 7pm (raindate October 25).
- 10.3. Commission for Persons with Disabilities submitting comments re: item #26-0825, that the Administration submit a written report to this Council regarding the timeline and process for staffing the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator role and update this Council on the plan to process ADA complaints and accessibility coordination when this position is vacant.
- 10.4. 36 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.
- 10.5. 36 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.
- 10.6. 36 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 15.7.2.d Zoning Board of Appeals Board Rules.
- 10.7. 36 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 12.1.2 regarding affordable dwelling units.
- 11. ADJOURNMENT
- 102 The meeting was Adjourned at 10:28 PM
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