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February 26, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 97 items

  1. 1 Published February 24, 2026, 2:30 PM, Revised Published February 26, 2026, 12:45 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_Rx3F7ZfYRgu5l-wChyUAnQ Individuals 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 and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
  4. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES
  5. 3 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 26-0288 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:41
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 26-0289 Approved ▶ jump to 1:27
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2026. 26-0290 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:01
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 7 page break
  11. 2.1. Commending Director of Libraries Cathy Piantigini on her return to work following a medical procedure. 26-0284 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:11
  12. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  13. 10 page break
  14. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  15. 4.1. In support of Senate Bill S.237, an Act regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. 26-0283 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 39:18
  16. 4.2. Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 26-0275 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 41:18
  17. 4.3. That the Director of Public Works and the Director of Mobility update this Council regarding plans to keep bike lanes, protected bike lanes, and other separated micromobility facilities clear and passable on major throughways, with particular attention to school routes, timelines after snowfall, staffing, and equipment capacity. 26-0279 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 42:34
  18. 4.4. That the Administration report to this Council regarding whether the city maintains, or can establish, a process to identify vendors that materially support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as detailed within. 26-0281 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 43:58
  19. 4.5. That this City Council reaffirms and recognizes the importance of the arts in Somerville and the role of the Arts Council in supporting artists, cultural organizations, and community arts programming. 26-0280 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 45:06
  20. 4.6. In support of Senate Bill S.1010 and House Bill H.1576, an Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership program. 26-0282 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:34
  21. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  22. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  23. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  24. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 24, 2026. 26-0276 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 14:48
  25. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $618,181.81 grant that requires a match, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Fire Department for the replacement of aging breathing apparatus. 26-0055 Approved Pass
  26. 6.A.3. Requesting approval of a transfer of $6,166.19 from the Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance Other Equipment - Not Capitalized Account to the Fire Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the required match for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant. 26-0056 Approved Pass
  27. 6.A.4. Requesting the appropriation of $420,566 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for continued restoration of 277 Broadway. 26-0075 Approved Pass
  28. 6.A.5. Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve for construction of improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard. 26-0079 Approved Pass
  29. 6.A.6. Requesting the appropriation of $480,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for continued preservation of 59 Cross Street. 26-0080 Approved Pass
  30. 6.A.7. Requesting the appropriation of $74,365 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Nicole Bairos for preservation of Buddy's Diner. 26-0081 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.8. Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond for financing a portion of the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. 26-0084 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 18:03
  32. 6.A.9. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2027 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administration fees for Junction Park. 26-0085 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.10. Requesting approval of a transfer of $3,000 from the Communications Department Professional and Technical Services Account to the Somerville Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for consulting services related to the inaugural event. 26-0089 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,342.05 using available funds in various Police Departments Ordinary Maintenance Accounts for various services. 26-0097 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. 26-0112 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.13. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000 grant that requires a match from the Massachusetts General Court and the State Historical Records Advisory Board to the Veterans Services Department for support of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the archival digitization project. 26-0113 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Recycling Dividends Program. 26-0117 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.15. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the contract with EB Rotondi & Sons Inc. for repairs to water main gate valves and appurtenances. 26-0132 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.16. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the contract with N. Granese & Sons Inc. for water distribution system maintenance and repair. 26-0133 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.17. Requesting the approval of a transfer of $237,250 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve. 26-0151 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.18. Requesting the appropriation of $306,250 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve for restoration of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and veterans monuments. 26-0152 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.19. Requesting the appropriation of $124,331 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for improvements to Blessing of the Bay Linear Park. 26-0153 Approved Pass
  43. 6.A.20. Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Vida Real Church for exterior restoration of the building at 404 Broadway. 26-0154 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.21. Requesting the appropriation of $50,000 from the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Housing Authority for improvements to the open space at the Mystic River/View developments. 26-0155 Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.22. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,000 grant with no new match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire Department for the replacement of security cameras at fire headquarters. 26-0156 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 21:12
  46. 6.A.23. Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and Maintenance License at 16-20 Medford Street. 26-0160 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 18:37
  47. 6.A.24. Requesting authorization to borrow $1,530,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual FY 2026 Sewer System Evaluation and Infiltration/Inflow Assessment. 26-0162 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 19:28
  48. 6.A.25. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $87,848 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence to the Council on Aging for health, wellness, social, and educational programming. 26-0164 Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.26. Requesting the appropriation of $154,136 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Settlement of Claims Account to the School Department Legal Settlement Account for an insurance settlement. 26-0166 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.27. Requesting approval for settlement of a claim for $10,400 pursuant to Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances. 26-0167 Approved Pass
  51. 6.A.28. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the Police Department headquarters. 26-0168 Approved Pass
  52. 6.A.29. Requesting approval to appropriate $324,360 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of four positions related to youth in FY 2027. 26-0172 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 19:59
  53. 6.A.30. Requesting approval to appropriate $299,910 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for a heat pump replacement project at 133 Holland Street. 26-0188 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  54. 6.A.31. Requesting approval to appropriate $26,759 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for weatherizing the basement and envelope of 133 Holland Street. 26-0195 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  55. 6.A.32. Requesting approval to appropriate $179,349 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for the addition of a solar array to the new roof of 133 Holland Street. 26-0196 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  56. 6.A.33. Requesting approval to appropriate $210,525 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to replace lighting at Trum Field. 26-0197 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  57. 6.A.34. Requesting approval to appropriate $299,460 from the Energy Stabilization Fund to replace the lighting at Dilboy Field. 26-0199 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  58. 6.B. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  59. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 17, 2026. 26-0269 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 48:01
  60. 6.B.2. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras. 25-1603 Placed on file Pass
  61. 6.B.3. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars. 25-1604 Placed on file Pass
  62. 6.B.4. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras. 25-1605 Placed on file Pass
  63. 6.B.5. City Clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 91, relating to the appointment and removal of constables. 26-0042 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 49:53
  64. 6.B.6. City Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 10-20 of the Code of Ordinances to align the constable appointment process with the provisions of the revised City Charter. 26-0043 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 50:34
  65. 6.B.7. City Clerk submitting an amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances to add a review of multiple-member bodies, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter. 26-0044 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 51:43
  66. 6.B.8. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras. 26-0092 Approved Pass
  67. 6.B.9. Requesting approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars. 26-0093 Approved Pass
  68. 6.B.10. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras. 26-0094 Approved Pass
  69. 6.B.11. City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter. 26-0127 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 52:43
  70. 6.C. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  71. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 25, 2026. 26-0277 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 53:16
  72. 6.C.2. New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, USA Auto Hub, 61 Prospect Street, 15 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed. 26-0115 Approved Pass
  73. 6.C.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Utility Pole 291/12 to a point of pickup at 91 Prospect Street. 26-0185 Laid on the table Pass ▶ jump to 56:03
  74. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  75. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility, and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing projects. 26-0204 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 34:28
  76. 7.2. Requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the Boynton Union Connect Transportation Management Association development site. 26-0270 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 56:21
  77. 7.3. Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,700 from the Law Department Professional & Technical Services Account to the Executive Department Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to establish the position of Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Labor. 26-0278 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:18
  78. 7.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous Household Waste Facility. 26-0268 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 57:02
  79. 7.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention. 26-0271 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 57:02
  80. 7.6. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $565.50 using available funds in the Police Department Professional & Technical Services Account for case management services and biohazard cleaning. 26-0171 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 57:35
  81. 7.7. Requesting approval of an extension to the temporary appointment of Kevin Klein as Interim Director of Inspectional Services. 26-0157 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 13:21
  82. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  83. 8.1. Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying the Strategic Asset Management Plan report. 26-0266 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 38:46
  84. 8.2. Director of Public Space & Urban Forestry conveying information regarding the Kennedy Inclusive Schoolyard renovation. 26-0267 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 38:46
  85. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  86. 9.1. New Second Hand Dealer license, Nostalgia, 322 Somerville Avenue, selling used clothes, footwear, and accessories. 26-0272 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 58:12
  87. 9.2. Bill Rogers Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk applying for a Public Event License for The Race of Ireland 5K Run/Walk 2026 on March 15 from 7am to 3pm. 26-0273 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:47
  88. 9.3. Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Farmers Market 2026 Saturdays from May 9 to October 31, from 6:30am to 2pm. 26-0274 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:11
  89. 9.4. 26 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. 26-0287 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 62:07
  90. 9.5. Elyse Best submitting comments re: item #26-0114, Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities. 26-0285 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:34
  91. 9.6. Ida Kao submitting comments re: Arts Council. 26-0286 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:48
  92. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  93. 10.1. Shannon Noel Curtis submitting comments re: snow. 26-0291 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:56
  94. 10.2. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: 2025 Annual Report. 26-0292 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 63:08
  95. 10.3. Michael Steele submitting comments re: Arts Council. 26-0293 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 64:23
  96. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  97. 94 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:06 PM.