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July 9, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 134 items

  1. 1 Published July 7, 2026, 1:15 PM, Revised Published July 9, 2026 2:15 PM
  2. 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.
  3. 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_-vPh6mOZTaaIklojIMATDQ 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.
  4. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES
  5. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES
  6. 3 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by At Large Councilor Wilfred Mbah The City Council entered recess at 7:21 PM and returned at 7:24 PM The City Council entered recess at 8:17 PM and returned at 8:24 PM The City Council entered recess at 8:53 PM and returned at 8:55 PM The City Council entered Executive Session at 10:24 PM The City Council returned to Regular Meeting Session at 11:25 PM
  7. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 26-1196 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:44
  8. 1.2. Remembrances. 26-1197 Approved ▶ jump to 1:28
  9. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 11, 2026. 26-1198 Approved as amended ▶ jump to 6:11
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending Jenneen Pagliaro on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after over 38 years of dedicated service. 26-1193 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:10
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 7 feet of conduit in Wheatland Street, from utility pole 141/2 to a point of pickup at 6 Wheatland Street. 26-1159 Referred for recommendation Fail ▶ jump to 8:45
  14. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 4.5 feet of conduit in Line Street, from utility pole 211/7 to a point of pickup at 62 Line Street. 26-1160 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 11:42
  15. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 199 feet of conduit in Elm Street, from utility pole 112/31 to manhole 18932, and additional conduit from manhole 18932 to a point of pickup at 199 Elm Street. 26-1161 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 14:20
  16. 13 Page Break
  17. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  18. 4.1. That the Strategy and Development Department and all relevant city departments conduct an economic analysis on the potential impact to the city's finances, including investigating all potential service providers, the impact of the city's bond rating and the cost of enforcing the proposed Ordinance amendment to Chapter 2, Article 7, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances. 26-1158 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 262:57
  19. 4.2. In support of the nurses and healthcare workers of Mass General Brigham Home Care and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 26-1181 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:28
  20. 4.3. In his capacity as President, cancelling the Regular Meetings of this Council scheduled for July 23 and August 13, 2026. 26-1186 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 273:41
  21. 4.4. Reaffirming this City Council's recognition of July as Disability Pride Month in light of the recent Supreme Court rulings and legal memorandum on the Olmstead decision from the Department of Justice. 26-1190 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 87:49
  22. 4.5. In support of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio in her efforts to audit the General Court. 26-1191 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:20
  23. 4.6. Conveying support for formally recognizing the Davis Square Neighborhood Council. 26-1157 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 17:41
  24. 21 Page Break
  25. 4.7. Conveying the protocol for consideration of appointments by the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. 26-1173 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 274:45
  26. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  27. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  28. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  29. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on July 6, 2026. 26-1177 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 275:04
  30. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Taylor Perkins to the Fair Housing Commission. 26-0655 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.3. That this City Council appoints Rodrigo Badaro, Bea Gomez-Mouakad, Marianne Walles, Martin Sanchez, Yesenia Alfaro, and Marcy Goldstein-Gelb to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee. 26-1013 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jurett Mooltrey-Weathers to the Affordable Housing Trust. 26-1083 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Calli Masters to the Fair Housing Commission. 26-1085 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alexis Washburn to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1086 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Corey Donahue to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1087 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Courtney Koslow to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1088 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kenzie Ballard to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1089 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Zahra Atti to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1091 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lauren Gunther to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1092 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ritika Philip to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1093 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paxti Martinez to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1094 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.14. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Larry Yu to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1095 Approved Pass
  43. 6.A.15. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Monte Allen to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1096 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.16. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sierra Moll to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1097 Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.17. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Bhavika Kalia to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1098 Approved Pass
  46. 6.A.18. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rio Hunter Black to the Climate Action Commission. 26-1099 Approved Pass
  47. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  48. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on July 7, 2026. 26-1178 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 263:45
  49. 6.B.2. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $231,635 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for a body-worn camera program. 26-0378 Laid on the table Pass ▶ jump to 267:03
  50. 6.C. HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND EQUITY COMMITTEE
  51. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on July 1, 2026. 26-1175 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 275:29
  52. 6.C.2. That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an update on upcoming inclusive playground accessibility plans and redesign projects. 26-0051 Work completed
  53. 6.C.3. That the Commissioner of Public Works and relevant departments discuss the future community use of Founders Rink for 2026 and beyond. 26-0052 Work completed
  54. 6.C.4. That the Director of Mobility provide an update on the Kensington Connector. 26-0059 Work completed
  55. 6.C.5. That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on the stock and condition of previously installed playground communication boards that assist nonverbal children in playtime. 26-0082 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 276:00
  56. 6.C.6. Director of Communications & Community Engagement conveying the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Accessibility Compliance update for city website and digital assets. 26-0973 Work completed
  57. 6.C.7. That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss the cost barriers and equity constraints that prevent low-income residents and local youth from accessing Somerville programs, such as public skate time at Veterans Memorial Rink on early school dismissal days. 26-1078 Work completed
  58. 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  59. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on June 30, 2026. 26-1174 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 277:46
  60. 6.D.2. That the Code of Ordinances be amended to prohibit the use of tax-payer funds for self-promotion. 25-1762 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 283:35
  61. 6.D.3. Conveying the 2025 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 26-0302 Work completed
  62. 6.D.4. Proposing an amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance, to further enhance civil rights protections in Somerville. 26-0522 Placed on file Pass
  63. 6.D.5. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of Somerville to regulate leases and tenancy at will agreements. 26-0797 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 283:49
  64. 6.D.6. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for the Smart Tree Inventory. 26-0878 Approved Pass
  65. 6.D.7. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 7 and Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances to require property owners provide a notice of building sale to tenants. 26-0882 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 285:41
  66. 6.D.8. Conveying the updated 2025 Surveillance Technology Annual Report. 26-0936 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 281:55
  67. 6.D.9. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras. 26-0999 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 287:50
  68. 6.D.10. Requesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for Body Worn Cameras. 26-1000 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 287:51
  69. 6.E. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  70. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on July 1, 2026. 26-1176 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 294:17
  71. 6.E.2. That the Director of Human Resources and the Chief of Police work with state officials to provide crossing guards on McGrath Highway. 26-0057 Work completed
  72. 6.E.3. That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers that provide free menstrual products in all city owned bathrooms. 26-0098 Work completed
  73. 6.E.4. That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers on each floor of City Hall that provide free menstrual products. 26-0099 Work completed
  74. 6.E.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works install privacy film and replace the shades of the women's bathroom on the second floor of City Hall. 26-0108 Work completed
  75. 6.E.6. That the City Council calls for an end to period poverty, and an end to barriers making it difficult for residents to be able to afford menstrual products in Somerville. 26-0125 Work completed
  76. 6.E.7. That the Director of Racial and Social Justice provide an update to this Council on the status of the Police Civilian Oversight Committee. 26-0243 Work completed
  77. 6.E.8. Conveying Public Safety for All findings and current initiatives. 26-0348 Work completed
  78. 6.E.9. That the Administration update this Council on the ordering and maintenance of firefighter equipment such as fire engines, ladder trucks and all other fire apparatus. 26-0647 Work completed
  79. 6.E.10. That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator submit a written report to this City Council regarding the timeline for ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 under Title II, and the plan for its completion. 26-0824 Work completed
  80. 6.E.11. 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. 26-0825 Work completed
  81. 6.E.12. That the Chief Information Officer provide this Council with a summary report on the current accessibility status of city-operated digital properties including websites, platforms, and portals, and share any plans to ensure new properties ​comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) using principles like “accessibility-first design." 26-0838 Work completed
  82. 6.E.13. That the Chief of Police provide documentation in writing regarding the circumstances surrounding cyclist traffic enforcement in Union Square on the morning of May 28. 26-0944 Work completed
  83. 6.E.14. That the Administration address the ongoing public health and safety concerns at the Broadway Salvation Army site. 26-0972 Work completed
  84. 6.E.15. That the Chief of Police report to this Council on the response to the recent upsurge in drug use and other drug-related activity in public spaces in and around Davis Square, including in Hodgkins-Curtin park. 26-1018 Work completed
  85. 6.E.16. That this City Council discuss the safety of the Summer Street bike lane design around or near Putnam Street to Benton Road and how and if additional safety modifications can be made. 25-1770 Work completed
  86. 6.F. SUSTAINABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
  87. 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on June 29, 2026. 26-1154 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 294:52
  88. 6.F.2. Michael Lenotto submitting comments re: item #26-0650, the draft Combined Sewer Overflow Plan. 26-1084 Work completed
  89. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  90. 7.1. Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss 90 Washington Street. 26-1187 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 200:29
  91. 7.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions. 26-0956 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 295:49
  92. 7.3. Requesting authorization to borrow $130,392,395 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount to participate in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage project. 26-1156 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 116:56
  93. 7.4. Requesting the appropriation of $834,595.05 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design and construction services. 26-1153 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 155:35
  94. 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $185,357.58 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services. 26-1152 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 155:54
  95. 7.6. Requesting approval to appropriate $50,000 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to establish a Police Detail Revolving Fund for Superior Officers. 26-1155 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 159:52
  96. 7.7. Requesting the appropriation of $204,400 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to the Department of Public Works School Custodians Personal Services Account to fund a Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union Chapter 3 - School Custodians. 26-1199 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 82:45
  97. 7.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rachael Drew to the Affordable Housing Trust. 26-1166 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:05
  98. 7.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Duncan Stuard to the Affordable Housing Trust. 26-1167 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:10
  99. 7.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Danielle O'Hearn to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-1168 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:11
  100. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jessica Resendes to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-1169 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:12
  101. 7.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Katie Andalcio to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-1170 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:15
  102. 7.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Phoenix Stoddard to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-1171 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:15
  103. 7.14. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jessie Gerson-Nieder to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-1172 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 296:16
  104. 7.15. Requesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for Body Worn Cameras. 26-1189 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 296:19
  105. 7.16. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras. 26-1192 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 296:22
  106. 7.17. Proclaiming July 2026 to be Disability Pride Month. 26-1195 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 87:45
  107. 7.18. Conveying responses to questions discussed by the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on June 30, 2026. 26-1194 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 298:34
  108. 106 Page Break
  109. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  110. 8.1. Director of Economic Development conveying an update on the 90 Washington Street Request for Proposals. 26-1179 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 163:09
  111. 8.2. Chief of Police conveying a bi-annual report, pursuant to Section 2-6(g) of the Code of Ordinances. 26-1180 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 298:45
  112. 8.3. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 26-1188 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 300:14
  113. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  114. 9.1. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game on July 11 from 10am to 6pm (raindate July 12). 26-1162 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 300:29
  115. 9.2. Paul Morgan applying for a Public Event License for Summer Cargo Bike Test Drive Event on July 26 from 9:30am to 12:30pm (raindate August 2). 26-1164 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 300:44
  116. 9.3. Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Clothing Store on August 22 from 7:30am to 4pm (raindate August 23). 26-1163 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 300:45
  117. 9.4. 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. 26-1165 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 17:47
  118. 9.5. 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. 26-1185 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 300:55
  119. 9.6. Ten individuals, including four residents, submitting comments re: body-worn cameras. 26-1182 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 301:12
  120. 9.7. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: bus network redesign. 26-1183 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 301:18
  121. 9.8. Joel Paul submitting comments re: Davis Square neighborhood plan. 26-1184 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 301:29
  122. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  123. 10.1. Renewing Garage License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue. 26-1203 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:41
  124. 10.2. New Livery License, Boston Elite Limo Service LLC, 20 Franklin Avenue, operating 1 vehicle. 26-1205 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:42
  125. 10.3. New Livery License, Centurion Executive Transport, 139 Broadway, operating 1 vehicle. 26-1204 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:43
  126. 10.4. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC, Med. #51,73,77,87. 26-1206 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:45
  127. 10.5. Public Library applying for a Public Event License for Comixcon 2026: Game On! on July 25 from 9am to 5pm (raindate August 1). 26-1207 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:46
  128. 10.6. Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Nepali Street Food Festival on September 5 from 11:30am to 9:30pm (raindate September 6). 26-1216 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:47
  129. 10.7. Communications & Public Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Civic Day on September 10 from 3pm to 7:30pm. 26-1215 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 301:48
  130. 10.8. Kate Doolittle submitting comments re: Mass General Brigham strike. 26-1200 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 302:19
  131. 10.9. Henry Edward Hardy submitting comments re: body-worn cameras. 26-1201 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 302:28
  132. 10.10. Kevin McIntosh and Gabrielle Wirth submitting comments re: item #26-1165, Davis Square Neighborhood Council recognition. 26-1202 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 302:50
  133. 10.11. Christopher Rosol submitting comments re: off leash dogs. 26-1208 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 302:49
  134. 11. ADJOURNMENT