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May 28, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 121 items

  1. 1 Published May 26, 2026 4:45 PM, Revised Published May 28, 2026 1:45 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_yQtWB8OMQfatEuVsdtfnHA. 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. 3 The meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:53 PM and returned at 8:04 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 26-0932 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:21
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 26-0933 Approved ▶ jump to 0:58
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026. 26-0934 Approved ▶ jump to 2:45
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 11, 2026. 26-0935 Approved ▶ jump to 2:58
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending Jerry Cajuste and Medno Dawson for outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service as crossing guards in one of the busiest and most heavily trafficked neighborhoods. 26-0923 Approved ▶ jump to 3:14
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. Proposing an amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance. 26-0919 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 13:24
  15. 4.2. In support of voluntary recognition for Somerville Workers United. 26-0921 Approved ▶ jump to 20:50
  16. 4.3. That the Director of Mobility, the Director of Engineering, the Director of Parking and the Chief of Police appear before the Traffic and Parking Committee to review traffic flows and enforcement practices around schools citywide during drop-of and pick-up, as detailed within. 26-0917 Approved as amended and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 57:05
  17. 4.4. That the Administration share all the positions that were cut from the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and their departments, and explain how they align with the Mayor's equity agenda. 26-0916 Approved ▶ jump to 42:20
  18. 4.5. That the Administration appear before the City Council to present its organizational restructuring. 26-0918 Approved ▶ jump to 42:20
  19. 4.6. Requesting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of Route 16 and Woods Avenue. 26-0931 Approved ▶ jump to 61:39
  20. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  21. 5.1. Proclaiming May 2026 to be Jewish American Heritage Month. 26-0742 Approved ▶ jump to 5:14
  22. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  23. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  24. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2026. 26-0930 Approved
  25. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,660 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software Account for fingerprinting machine software. 26-0707 Approved
  26. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend an $11,000 grant and a $4,200 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire safety education and supplies for school children and senior citizens. 26-0732 Approved
  27. 6.A.4. Requesting approval of a transfer of $4,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve. 26-0733 Approved
  28. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to establish an Arts Council Furniture Account and to use $2,000 in available funds from the Arts Council Professional & Technical Services Account to purchase new desks and chairs for staff. 26-0738 Approved
  29. 6.A.6. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 5/22/2027 for the contract with UELContractors Inc. for the completion of improvements at Junction Park. 26-0740 Approved
  30. 6.A.7. Requesting approval of an amendment to the Assembly Square District Improvement Financing District Map and Program to include the Assembly Square Fire Station, 45 Middlesex Avenue, and improvements to the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Mystic Avenue. 26-0745 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to enter into a 60-month contract renewal term with Waste Management of Massachusetts Inc. for solid waste disposal. 26-0763 Approved
  32. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to appropriate $182,469 from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization fund for the Healthcare for the Homeless program. 26-0803 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to appropriate $999,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to the Building Improvements Bond Fund to pay down building renovation expenses. 26-0807 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,381,625 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Somerville Avenue Streetscape Bond Fund to pay down capital expenses. 26-0808 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to appropriate $320,000 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Union Square Streetscape and Plaza Bond Fund to pay down streetscape improvement expenses. 26-0810 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to appropriate $3,940,905 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Street Resurfacing Bond Fund to pay down street reconstruction and resurfacing expenses. 26-0818 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to appropriate $545,985 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to Fire Pumper Bond Fund 51855 for the purposes of funding a new fire pumper. 26-0819 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to appropriate $532,449 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to the Fire Pumper Bond Fund 5187 for the purpose of funding a new fire pumper. 26-0820 Approved Pass
  39. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  40. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 21, 2026. 26-0929 Approved ▶ jump to 73:30
  41. 39 Page Break
  42. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  43. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 19, 2026. 26-0927 Approved ▶ jump to 16:00
  44. 6.C.2. That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney remove the remaining uses of “without limitation” in the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances document to remain consistent. 26-0883 Approved
  45. 6.C.3. That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney include “religious expression" after “assembly” in (13) (B) (I) of the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances and resubmit to the Council. 26-0884 Approved
  46. 6.D. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
  47. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on May 21, 2026. 26-0928 Approved ▶ jump to 78:21
  48. 6.D.2. That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council, practical solutions to clearing snow from schoolyards without damaging play surfaces to allow students to access outdoor play areas. 26-0492 Laid on the table
  49. 6.D.3. That the Administration report to the School Committee and this Council, on indoor air quality conditions at the Kennedy School, specifically regarding mold and humidity levels, and outline steps being taken to address them. 26-0709 Work completed
  50. 48 Page Break
  51. 6.E. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  52. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 18, 2026. 26-0926 Approved ▶ jump to 82:51
  53. 6.E.2. That the Director of Mobility pilot the installation of dedicated bicycle YIELD signals to operate during the walk cycle at several intersections throughout the city, including Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, and Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. 26-0121 Work completed
  54. 6.E.3. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the intersection improvements at Webster Avenue and Prospect Street. 26-0123 Work completed
  55. 6.E.4. Conveying the 2026 Safe Streets Ordinance Annual Report. 26-0303 Work completed
  56. 6.E.5. That Director of Mobility evaluate opportunities for improved pedestrian safety at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street. 26-0363 Work completed
  57. 6.E.6. That this Council review construction-related parking in the area of Oak Street and Bolton Street. 26-0373 Approved
  58. 6.E.7. 64 residents submitting comments re: parking on Oak, Houghton, Bolton, and Prospect Streets. 26-0634 Work completed
  59. 57 Page Break
  60. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  61. 7.1. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 89:33
  62. 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $1,624,494 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account to reduce a year-end deficit. 26-0922 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  63. 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Unemployment Compensation Account to remediate a year-end deficit. 26-0920 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  64. 7.4. Requesting approval of a transfer of $455,000 from the Department of Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0893 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  65. 7.5. Requesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of Public Works Sanitation Rubbish Removal Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0903 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  66. 7.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $300,000 from the Department of Public Works Custodial Salaries Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0898 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  67. 7.7. Requesting approval of a transfer of $300,000 from the Department of Public Works Sanitation Recycling Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0899 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  68. 7.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $150,000 from the Department of Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0897 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  69. 7.9. Requesting approval of a transfer of $127,358 from various Office of Housing Stability Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the Housing Assistance Stabilization Fund for housing assistance programs. 26-0874 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  70. 7.10. Requesting approval of a transfer of $125,000 from the Department of Public Works Administration Salaries Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0885 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  71. 7.11. Requesting approval of a transfer of $110,000 from the Department of Public Works Buildings Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season. 26-0896 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  72. 7.12. Requesting approval of a transfer of $100,000 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for additional Fiscal Year 2027 tree planting and maintenance. 26-0872 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  73. 7.13. Requesting approval of a transfer of $4,966.16 from various Council on Aging Ordinary Maintenance Accounts and the Health and Human Services Salaries Account to various Council on Aging Personal Services Account to cover an expected year-end deficit. 26-0881 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  74. 7.14. Requesting approval of a transfer of $2,500 from the Planning, Preservation and Zoning Salaries Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Salaries Account to cover a year-end budget deficit. 26-0871 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  75. 7.15. Requesting approval of a transfer of $2,403.70 from the Planning, Preservation and Zoning Salaries Account to the Department of Public Works Highway Overtime Account for the Davis Square Activation project. 26-0875 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  76. 7.16. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 9/5/2028 for the contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for the Mystic River Outfall Sewer Separation design project. 26-0869 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  77. 7.17. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2028 for the contract with Symmes Maini & McKee for Owners Project Manager Services for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Capital Projects. 26-0853 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  78. 7.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for the Western Pearl Street construction project. 26-0879 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  79. 7.19. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $222,502 grant that requires a match, from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to the Mobility Division for Blue Bikes State of Good Repair project. 26-0744 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  80. 7.20. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $58,642 grant that requires a match, from Metro North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the YouthWorks Summer Program. 26-0876 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:08
  81. 7.21. 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. 26-0870 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 90:27
  82. 7.22. Conveying the appointment of Steven Tolman to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee. 26-0880 Placed on file ▶ jump to 91:11
  83. 7.23. Proclaiming May 2026 to be Older Americans Month. 26-0866 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 91:46
  84. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  85. 8.1. Condominium Review Board conveying the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, pursuant to Section 7-70 of the Code of Ordinances. 26-0873 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 92:37
  86. 8.2. Fleet Manager conveying an annual report, pursuant to Section 12-122(e) of the Code of Ordinances. 26-0925 Placed on file ▶ jump to 93:11
  87. 8.3. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 26-0924 Placed on file ▶ jump to 94:23
  88. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  89. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Albanese Brothers Inc. 26-0886 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  90. 9.2. Renewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell Street. 26-0887 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  91. 9.3. Renewing Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor Street. 26-0888 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  92. 9.4. Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. 26-0889 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  93. 9.5. Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco EF LLC, 250 Water Street. 26-0890 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  94. 9.6. Renewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South Street. 26-0891 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  95. 9.7. Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood Street. 26-0892 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  96. 9.8. New Extended Operating Hours License, Ever Fitness, 14 McGrath Highway, opening 24/7 for in-store. 26-0894 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  97. 9.9. Renewing Garage License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South Street. 26-0895 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  98. 9.10. Renewing Garage License, Automotive Transport Services Inc, 40 Joy Street. 26-0900 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  99. 9.11. Renewing Garage License, D.M. Auto Body, Inc, 48 Joy Street. 26-0901 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  100. 9.12. Renewing Garage License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. 26-0902 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  101. 9.13. Renewing Garage License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington Street. 26-0904 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  102. 9.14. Renewing Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Highway. 26-0905 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  103. 9.15. New Second Hand Dealer License, Mile Bee Ventures LLC, 21 Cherry Street. 26-0906 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  104. 9.16. Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from BAETDA Transportation to Skyline Taxi for Medallion #93. 26-0907 Approved ▶ jump to 95:12
  105. 9.17. 11 individuals, including nine residents submitting comments re: item #26-0257, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 2 and 9 Union Square, 286, 290, and 298 Somerville Avenue from Commercial Core 5 (CC5) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6). 26-0908 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 97:29
  106. 9.18. 27 residents submitting comments re: items #26-0330, #26-0329, #26-0328, and #26-0329, Zoning Text Amendments related to backyard cottages and affordable dwelling units. 26-0909 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 98:08
  107. 9.19. Diane Covino submitting comments re: item #26-0750, a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit next to 135 Hudson Street. 26-0910 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 98:42
  108. 9.20. Jonah Abrams submitting comments re: Davis Square. 26-0911 Placed on file ▶ jump to 99:11
  109. 9.21. Courtney Foster and Molly Fraust-Wylie submitting comments re: police presence in schools. 26-0912 Placed on file ▶ jump to 99:20
  110. 9.22. Blair Read submitting comments re: item #26-0287, a Zoning Text Amendment to amend sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. 26-0913 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 99:33
  111. 9.23. Christopher Rosol submitting comments re: off leash dogs. 26-0914 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 100:52
  112. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  113. 10.1. In his capacity as Chair of the Finance Committee, conveying information on the FY 2027 Public Hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, on Wednesday, June 10. 26-0937 Placed on file ▶ jump to 101:23
  114. 11. LATE ITEMS
  115. 10.2. Requesting the appropriation of $15,015 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Police Department Personal Services Salary Account to fund a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association. 26-0915 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 10:48
  116. 11.1. 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 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 104:46
  117. 10.3. Maninder Singh submitting comments re: water and sewer rates. 26-0938 Placed on file ▶ jump to 103:20
  118. 11.2. That this City Council extends its gratitude to Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi. 26-0945 Approved
  119. 12. ADJOURNMENT
  120. 11.3. That this City Council congratulates Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin on his graduation from Harvard University. 26-0946 Approved
  121. 116 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:57 PM.