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January 8, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 87 items

  1. 1 Published January 6, 2026, 2:30 PM, Revised Published January 8, 2026, 11:00 AM.
  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_mXbZSYFCSyGQdlz3ygivaQ 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 7:05 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 26-0076 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:41
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 26-0077 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 1:16
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 25, 2025. 26-0078 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:19
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 2.7 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from an existing Manhole 18944 to an approximate point of pickup at 185 Highland Avenue. 26-0033 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 5:30
  12. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 110 feet of conduit in Jaques Street, from Utility Pole 182/4 to an approximate point of pickup at 146 Jaques Street. 26-0032 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:28
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. Amending Chapter 2, Article III of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new section establishing the time and place of regular meetings of the City Council. 26-0046 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 17:55
  15. 4.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 19:37
  16. 4.3. That the Director of Office of Housing Stability discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance. 26-0050 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 20:08
  17. 4.4. That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an update on upcoming inclusive playground accessibility plans and redesign projects. 26-0051 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 20:30
  18. 4.5. That the Commissioner of Public Works and relevant departments discuss the future community use of Founders Rink for 2026 and beyond. 26-0052 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 20:57
  19. 4.6. That the Director of Mobility provide an update on the Kensington Connector. 26-0059 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 21:23
  20. 4.7. That the Director of Human Resources and the Chief of Police work with state officials to provide crossing guards on McGrath Highway. 26-0057 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 25:09
  21. 4.8. That the Administration collaborate with East Somerville Main Streets and the Ward 1 City Councilor to promote Eat Out in East to support East Somerville immigrant-owned businesses. 26-0058 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 26:52
  22. 4.9. That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility work to block off the end of Virginia Street and Aldrich Street to through traffic. 26-0060 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 29:37
  23. 4.10. That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit-oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits. 26-0061 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 29:54
  24. 4.11. That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the recommendations of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee regarding the 25% design documents of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation McGrath Boulevard project. 26-0070 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 30:53
  25. 4.12. That this Council work with the Administration to clarify understanding of the rules for accessory dwelling units or affordable dwelling units as detailed within. 26-0068 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 36:04
  26. 4.13. That the Administration consider convening issue-specific community meetings for residents to share their perspectives and experiences on long-term issues such as: mobility and transportation, school integration, inclusion, choice and specialization. 26-0069 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 38:58
  27. 4.14. That the Chief Assessor provide this Council with an inventory of city-owned parcels as detailed within. 26-0062 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 43:39
  28. 4.15. That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering explore the feasibility of establishing a teen center at the Cummings School, accessible via School Street, considering current building uses and provide this Council with an analysis on space availability, operational considerations, community impacts, and potential next steps. 26-0063 Approved as amended and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 44:53
  29. 4.16. That the Director of Mobility, install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Bow Street and Warren Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and report back to this Council on implementation timing. 26-0064 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 47:47
  30. 4.17. Withdrawn. 26-0065 Withdrawn
  31. 4.18. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry develop and report on a standardized green score for public parks and identify appropriate benchmarks and expectations for publicly owned parkland. 26-0066 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 48:25
  32. 4.19. That the Administration explore the feasibility of a year with no swag, as detailed within. 26-0067 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 49:42
  33. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  34. 5.1. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 51:51
  35. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  36. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  37. 7.1. Requesting approval to use available funds in the Executive-Administration Salaries account in the amount of $4,543.04 to fund Executive Liaison - Public, Executive Liaison - Community Partnerships, and Executive Liaison - Legislative positions. 26-0041 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 9:43
  38. 7.2. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. 26-0011 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 55:56
  39. 7.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the continuation of the short term housing bridge pilot program. 26-0053 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 56:48
  40. 7.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Office of Food Access and Healthy Communities for the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market. 26-0045 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:33
  41. 7.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing bridge pilot program for seniors. 26-0054 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 58:08
  42. 7.6. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as City Auditor. 26-0012 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:49
  43. 7.7. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as Finance Director. 26-0013 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:50
  44. 7.8. Withdrawn. 26-0014 Approved Pass
  45. 7.9. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Anne Gill as Director of Human Resources. 26-0015 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:52
  46. 7.10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kimberly Wells as Chief Administrative Officer. 26-0016 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 61:43
  47. 7.11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of David Goodridge as Chief Information Officer. 26-0017 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:54
  48. 7.12. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of William Fisher as Director of Emergency Management. 26-0018 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:54
  49. 7.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Denise Taylor as Director of Communications and Community Engagement. 26-0019 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:55
  50. 7.14. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Karin Carroll as Director of Health and Human Services. 26-0020 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:57
  51. 7.15. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ohemeng Kyeremateng as Director of Parks and Recreation. 26-0021 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 59:12
  52. 7.16. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jerome Thomas as Director of Veterans Services. 26-0022 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 60:59
  53. 7.17. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Thomas Galligani as Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. 26-0023 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:00
  54. 7.18. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of James Plotkin as Municipal Hearing Officer. 26-0024 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 59:16
  55. 7.19. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of David Jackson as Tree Warden. 26-0025 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:02
  56. 7.20. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven Ross as City Sealer of Weights and Measures. 26-0026 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:02
  57. 7.21. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Chris Roche as Deputy City Sealer of Weights and Measures. 26-0027 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:03
  58. 7.22. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Samir Messaoudi to the posisiton of Police Lieutenant. 26-0073 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 59:19
  59. 7.23. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Diogo deOliveira to the position of Police Captain. 26-0074 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 59:20
  60. 7.24. Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 26, 2026. 26-0028 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 62:12
  61. 7.25. Conveying the temporary appointment of Kevin Klein as Interim Director of Inspectional Services. 26-0029 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:31
  62. 7.26. Conveying the temporary appointment of Neil Viner as Interim Director of Water and Sewer. 26-0030 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:43
  63. 7.27. Conveying an updated End of Term Report at the request of former Mayor Ballantyne. 26-0031 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 62:53
  64. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  65. 8.1. City Clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 91, relating to the appointment and removal of constables. 26-0042 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 63:03
  66. 8.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:22
  67. 8.3. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 64:22
  68. 8.4. City Clerk conveying information regarding the City Council's responsibilities pursuant to the 2025 City Charter. 26-0047 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 64:36
  69. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  70. 9.1. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue. 26-0034 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:07
  71. 9.2. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway. 26-0038 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:11
  72. 9.3. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy Street. 26-0035 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:12
  73. 9.4. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 308 McGrath Highway. 26-0037 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:13
  74. 9.5. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 182 Washington Street. 26-0036 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:14
  75. 9.6. New Livery License, DRN Bus Transportation, 40A Memorial Road, operating 1 vehicle. 26-0039 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:16
  76. 9.7. New Second Hand Dealer License, Cambridge Used Bicycles, 378R Somerville Avenue. 26-0040 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 65:17
  77. 9.8. Cole Rainey-Slavick submitting comments re: cannabis social consumption. 26-0071 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 65:39
  78. 9.9. Harriotte Ranvig submitting comments re: Commission for Persons with Disabilities. 26-0072 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 65:48
  79. 9.10. Crystal Huff submitting comments re: surveillance cameras. 26-0048 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 66:41
  80. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  81. 10.1. 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 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 66:51
  82. 10.2. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers. 26-0083 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 66:54
  83. 10.3. Requesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B. 26-0088 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 71:54
  84. 10.4. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard. 26-0086 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 33:07
  85. 10.5. Margery Williams submitting comments re: ballot question. 26-0087 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 73:35
  86. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  87. 85 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:19 PM.