Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
Virtual
Agenda — 16 items
- 1 (Posted online: 11/19/25 at 9:00 AM) Original (Posted online: 11/20/25 at 8:00 AM) Revised - Date Change Rescheduled from December 17, 2025 to December 3, 2025
- 1 The meeting took place remotely via Zoom and was called to order at 6:01 PM by Chair Mbah and adjourned at 8:27 PM on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Clingan, Wilson and Mbah), none against and 2 absent (Councilors Burnley and Sait). Others present: Director Rachel Nadkarni – Economic Development, Director Luisa Oliveira – Public Space and Urban Forestry, Yasmine Raddassi – Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk. Chair Mbah reported that Councilor Sait had a prior commitment and that Councilor Clingan was appointed by the Council President to replace Councilor Davis for this meeting only.
- 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video 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. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ye9ZdeaSRJyhXl9RUrAAuw 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.
- 3 Roll Call
- 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee Meeting of April 7, 2025.
- 2. Director of Sustainability and Environment conveying an overview of the Commonwealth’s Clean Energy Goals, Electric Sector Modernization Plan, demand growth in Somerville, and capital projects underway or planned.
- 3. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, opportunities to create a dog park in West Somerville.
- 4. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry plant new trees and maintain existing trees in Magoun Square, on Medford Street and on Broadway.
- 5. That the Director of Economic Development provide a report to this Council on the impact of Greentown Labs, including job creation, local economic activity, community engagement initiatives, climate and sustainability contributions, and equity and inclusion outcomes.
- 6. That the Director of Parks and Recreation install a clock on top of the Dilboy Pool building.
- 7. That the Director of Health and Human Services create a summer job in the Mayor's Jobs Program by which youth can travel by bike to water public trees around the city.
- 8. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry update this Council on the status of ArtFarm and the funding for the project.
- 9. That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, a policy for use of open space on municipal property around city buildings for community gardens.
- 10. Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan and related updates.
- 11. Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan 2025-2035.
- 14 Referenced Documents: • OSEE - 2025-12-03 Memo (with 25-1375) • OSEE - 2025-12-03 Presentation (with 25-1345) • OSEE - 2025-12-03 Presentation (with 25-1495, 25-1531) • OSEE - 2025-12-03 Email from Eilish Brown (with 25-1427) • OSEE - 2025-12-03 Email from Councilor Davis (with 25-0917)