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April 23, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 125 items

  1. 1 Published April 21, 2026, 1:00 PM, Revised Published April 23, 2026, 1:30 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_rLZBk6MtTQmKgHqiAWGmVg 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 7:03 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:14 PM and returned at 7:17 PM. The City Council entered recess at 7:35 PM and returned at 7:40 PM. The City Council entered Executive Session at 9:56 PM and returned at 11:15 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 26-0716 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:23
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 26-0717 Approved ▶ jump to 1:35
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 12, 2026. 26-0718 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:39
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 2.1. Commending Gary Rogers, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Office of Housing Stability, and DeNovo Legal Services for their work with housing justice. 26-0714 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:48
  11. 9 page break
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 3,520 feet of conduit and 4 new Manholes 32441, 32442, 32443 and 32444 in Prospect Street, Charlestown Street, South Street, Windsor Street and Medford Street from 9 Medford Street to a point of pickup at 51 Prospect Street. 26-0659 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 14:11
  14. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 60 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street, from Utility Pole 122/1 to a point of pickup at 8 MacArthur Street. 26-0657 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 15:52
  15. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 49 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 20630 to a point of pickup at 737 Somerville Avenue. 26-0661 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 16:48
  16. 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet of conduit in Horace Street, from Utility Pole 173/3-1/2 to a point of pickup at 31 Horace Street. 26-0658 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 17:29
  17. 3.5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in Pearl Street, from existing Manhole 18868 to a point of pickup at 181 Pearl Street. 26-0660 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 21:35
  18. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  19. 4.1. That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on enforcement of the vacant properties ordinance. 26-0645 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 260:46
  20. 4.2. That the Mayor appoint a City Council representative to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-0646 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 262:07
  21. 4.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 47:37
  22. 4.4. That the Commissioner of Public Works invest in trash barrels with latches to address rodent issues. 26-0708 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 262:49
  23. 4.5. In support of the THRIVE Act, Senate Bill S.374, empowering students and schools to thrive. 26-0644 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 264:12
  24. 4.6. In support of Harvard Academic Workers. 26-0648 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 38:14
  25. 4.7. Withdrawn. 26-0711 Withdrawn
  26. 4.8. In his capacity as President, recommending the appointment of Courtney Henderson to the position of City Clerk. 26-0713 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 264:59
  27. 4.9. 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. 26-0710 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 265:43
  28. 4.10. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 265:47
  29. 4.11. In their capacity as Chair of the Finance Committee, conveying information on the FY 2027 budget review process. 26-0712 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 265:56
  30. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  31. 5.1. That the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works coordinate with local stakeholders, including the Somerville Garden Club and other community volunteers, to evaluate the feasibility of transforming the currently unused lawn space located at the small white church across from the West Branch Library into a community gardening space. 26-0642 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 267:00
  32. 5.2. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the appointment of special police officers. 26-0602 Withdrawn ▶ jump to 253:20
  33. 31 page break
  34. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  35. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  36. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 21, 2026. 26-0705 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 68:52
  37. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to the Public Library for library operations. 26-0506 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $300 gift from James and Linda Hyson to the Public Library for materials for the West Branch Library. 26-0507 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.4. Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension until 5/31/2029 for the Mystic River Watershed Association for the Community Preservation Act FY 2023 grant for design of the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park improvements. 26-0509 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.5. Requesting approval of a transfer of $325,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account to the Police Department Medical and Dental Services Account for medical procedures for current and retired employees injured in the line of duty. 26-0510 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $35,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account to the Police Department Animal Control Salaries Account for an expected deficit. 26-0511 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.7. Requesting approval of a five-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen. 26-0512 Withdrawn ▶ jump to 77:18
  43. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to appropriate of $46,500 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for FY 2026 Ash Tree treatments. 26-0513 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 75:15
  44. 6.A.9. Requesting authorization to borrow $8,284,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2026 Water Main Rehabilitation program. 26-0515 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 75:57
  45. 6.A.10. Requesting authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual FY 2026 Sewer System Rehabilitation - McGrath Corridor. 26-0516 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 76:38
  46. 6.A.11. Requesting approval of a transfer of $228,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve. 26-0517 Approved Pass
  47. 6.A.12. Requesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard. 26-0518 Approved Pass
  48. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to reduce the borrowing authorization for the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project from $2,000,000 to $1,600,000. 26-0519 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:17
  49. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,380 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for firefighter safety equipment. 26-0523 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,866.25 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative to the Fire Department for the purchase of a vehicle for the Fire Department Auxiliary. 26-0524 Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $125,000 grant that requires a match, from the Department of Energy Resources to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for light retrofitting at Dilboy Field. 26-0601 Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.17. Requesting approval of a transfer of $31,800 from the Communications and Community Engagement Salaries Account to the Communications and Community Engagement Professional and Technical Services and Printing and Stationary Accounts for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and program signage. 26-0603 Approved Pass
  53. 6.A.18. Alexandra Thorn and Daniel Wong submitting comments re: item #26-0378, grant for body-worn camera program. 26-0636 Work completed
  54. 6.B. HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND EQUITY COMMITTEE
  55. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on April 15, 2026. 26-0656 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 268:00
  56. 6.B.2. That the Director of Housing report to this Council how many new housing units have been approved for development, year-by-year, since adoption of SomerVision 2040, and of those numbers, how many are permanently affordable, and how the department defines affordability. 26-0049 Work completed
  57. 6.B.3. Fair Housing Commission conveying the FY 2024 Annual Report pursuant to Section 17-7 of the Code of Ordinances. 26-0141 Work completed
  58. 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  59. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on April 16, 2026. 26-0704 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 272:22
  60. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  61. 7.1. Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to receive an update on collective bargaining negotiations. 26-0689 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 172:12
  62. 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $719,817 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining settlement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit D. 26-0715 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:02
  63. 7.3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rafael Santos to the position of Police Officer. 26-0652 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:13
  64. 7.4. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brandon Pavao to the position of Police Officer. 26-0653 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:43
  65. 7.5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Carlven Gervais to the position of Firefighter. 26-0616 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:45
  66. 7.6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matteo Mustone to the position of Firefighter. 26-0617 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:46
  67. 7.7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Robert Paul Lyons IV to the position of Firefighter. 26-0618 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:47
  68. 7.8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Tsering W. Gesar to the position of Firefighter. 26-0619 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:49
  69. 7.9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Joseph Desmond to the position of Firefighter. 26-0620 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:50
  70. 7.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Zyair Bolling to the position of Firefighter. 26-0621 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:52
  71. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Timothy Joseph Cedrone to the position of Firefighter. 26-0622 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 274:52
  72. 7.12. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Dennis Sullivan to the position of Fire District Chief. 26-0698 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 274:54
  73. 7.13. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Sean Marquis to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 26-0701 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 274:55
  74. 7.14. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael J. Marino to the position of Fire Captain. 26-0702 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 274:57
  75. 7.15. Proclaiming April 2026 to be Arab American Heritage Month. 26-0651 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 24:24
  76. 74 page break
  77. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  78. 8.1. Planning Board conveying recommendations for item #26-0204. 26-0649 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 275:44
  79. 8.2. Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying the April 2026 draft Combined Sewer Overflow Plan. 26-0650 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 80:39
  80. 8.3. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 26-0703 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 275:57
  81. 8.4. Director of Economic Development conveying an update on the 90 Washington Street Request for Proposals. 26-0706 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 61:45
  82. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  83. 9.1. Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm Street. 26-0662 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:09
  84. 9.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, American Site Corp. 26-0663 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:13
  85. 9.3. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Ferrante Construction LLC. 26-0664 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:13
  86. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Garrett Construction Co Inc. 26-0665 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:15
  87. 9.5. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Garrick Santo Landscape. 26-0666 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:16
  88. 9.6. Renewing Drainlayer's License, J. Marchese and Sons Inc. 26-0667 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:17
  89. 9.7. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dakzen, 195 Elm Street. 26-0668 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:18
  90. 9.8. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Kitchen, 215 Highland Avenue. 26-0669 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:19
  91. 9.9. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dunkin Donuts, 282 Somerville Avenue. 26-0670 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:21
  92. 9.10. Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Gulf, 212 Broadway. 26-0671 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:21
  93. 9.11. Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway. 26-0672 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:22
  94. 9.12. Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville Avenue. 26-0673 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:24
  95. 9.13. Renewing Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street. 26-0674 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:25
  96. 9.14. Renewing Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street. 26-0675 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:26
  97. 9.15. Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul Company of Boston, 600 Mystic Valley Parkway. 26-0676 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:27
  98. 9.16. Renewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington Street. 26-0677 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:29
  99. 9.17. Renewing Garage License, GE Auto Repair, 631 Somerville Avenue. 26-0678 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:30
  100. 9.18. Renewing Garage License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood Street. 26-0679 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:30
  101. 9.19. Renewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista parking lot. 26-0680 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:31
  102. 9.20. Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Kay Jewelers Outlet #2962, 360 Artisan Way. 26-0681 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:34
  103. 9.21. Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Metamorphosis, 93 Holland Street. 26-0682 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:34
  104. 9.22. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60. 26-0684 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:35
  105. 9.23. Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Jean B. Victor, Med #85. 26-0685 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:37
  106. 9.24. Renewing Taxi Medallion, Jolina Taxi, Inc., Med. #52. 26-0683 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:38
  107. 9.25. Uncle Yak Global applying for a Public Event License for Blindfolded Bicycle Ride by Uncle Yak and his Magic Comeback on April 25 from 12:30pm to 2pm. 26-0700 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:39
  108. 9.26. Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2026 Calendar of Events from April to December for various times. 26-0690 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:40
  109. 9.27. Charles River Irish Collaborative applying for a Public Event License for Outdoor Session at Tunes on the Charles Traditional Irish Music Festival on April 30, May 1, May 2, and May 3 for various times. 26-0699 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:47
  110. 9.28. The Somerville Foundation applying for a Public Event License for Down in Davis every Friday from May 1 to October 16 from 5pm to 9pm. 26-0691 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:48
  111. 9.29. Mobility Division and Office of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Mossland Street Block Party on May 2 from 11:30am to 5:30pm (raindate May 3). 26-0693 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:51
  112. 9.30. Office of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Finished Compost Giveaway on May 5 from 11:30am to 6pm (raindate May 12). 26-0696 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:51
  113. 9.31. Communications and Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Slice of the City Series on various days from May 5 to June 3 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. 26-0694 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:52
  114. 9.32. Office of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Arbor Day Picnic in the Park on May 8 from 2pm to 7pm (raindate May 15). 26-0686 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:53
  115. 9.33. Bronwyn Restaurant applying for a Public Event License for Weihenstephan Tiny Biergarten on various days from May 14 to September 20 from 8am to 11:30pm. 26-0695 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:55
  116. 9.34. Somerville Sports Club applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Sports Club Holy Spirit Procession on May 17 from 10am to 1:30pm. 26-0697 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:56
  117. 9.35. Horizons Trio applying for a Public Event License for Horizons: An Exploration Through Music on June 13 and August 8 from 1pm to 3:30pm (raindate June 20). 26-0692 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:57
  118. 9.36. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat 2026 on July 18 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 19). 26-0687 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:58
  119. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  120. 10.1. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the appointment of special police officers. 26-0725 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 253:33
  121. 10.2. Requesting approval of a five-year lease, with option for renewal, with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen. 26-0726 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 78:46
  122. 10.3. Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for MOM's Run 5K Run and Walk for Cancer on May 10 from 7am to 2pm. 26-0720 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 276:44
  123. 120 The meeting was Adjourned at 11:41 PM.
  124. 10.4. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest 2026 on May 9 from 10:30am to 7pm. 26-0721 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 277:02
  125. 11. ADJOURNMENT