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November 13, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 136 items

  1. 1 Published November 10, 2025, 3:15 PM, Revised Published November 13, 2025, 12:15 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_zGED5ODwQzOJhRqinHejqg 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. 2 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:10 PM and returned at 7:13 PM. The City Council entered recess at 7:39 PM and returned at 7:45 PM. The City Council entered recess at 9:36 PM and returned at 9:48 PM.
  5. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-1693 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:13
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-1694 Approved ▶ jump to 1:25
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2025. 25-1695 Approved ▶ jump to 3:45
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 21, 2025. 25-1696 Approved ▶ jump to 3:53
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending Fire Lieutenant Danielle O'Hearn for the publication of her book about and work with a first responder dog. 25-1691 Approved ▶ jump to 4:01
  12. 10 page break
  13. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  14. 3.1. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 164 feet of conduit and one new vault in Broadway, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 168 Broadway, continuing to points of pickup at 168, 174, and 176 Broadway. 25-1658 Approved ▶ jump to 12:02
  15. 3.2. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit and one new vault in Cross Street, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 5 Cross Street, continuing to points of pickup at 5, 7, and 9 Cross Street. 25-1656 Approved ▶ jump to 13:17
  16. 3.3. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 83 feet of conduit in Stickney Avenue, from Utility Pole 2 to a point of pickup at 15 Stickney Avenue. 25-1657 Approved ▶ jump to 14:00
  17. 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 48 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/14 to a point of pickup at 124 Professors Row. 25-1661 Approved ▶ jump to 14:42
  18. 3.5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 253 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32124 in Innerbelt Road and Roland Street, from existing Manhole 24106 to a point of pickup at the Somerville/Boston line. 25-1659 Approved ▶ jump to 15:22
  19. 3.6. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 181 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 39136 in Taylor Street, from Mystic Avenue to a point of pickup at 9-15 Taylor Street. 25-1660 Approved ▶ jump to 16:05
  20. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  21. 4.1. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on how the foundation at the Brown School is monitored, whether mitigation is required to address any concerns, and if so, the details of those mitigation plans. 25-1637 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 166:50
  22. 4.2. In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025. 25-1654 Placed on file ▶ jump to 167:13
  23. 4.3. That the Administration and relevant city departments discuss the cost and work required to get the Founders Rink reopened and functioning. 25-1644 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 167:24
  24. 4.4. That the Administration immediately assign a direct phone number connecting to a city liaison who is designated to answer questions from residents about food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits support. 25-1645 Approved ▶ jump to 81:54
  25. 4.5. That the Administration, the Director of Mobility and the Director of Health and Human Services, discuss the recent closure of the West Somerville Community Bike Path bordering Cambridge, and present a plan to address this closure. 25-1688 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 167:42
  26. 4.6. That the Administration take any available steps, including communication strategies such as robocalls, texting and electronic road signs, to reach out to residents about food insecurity due to the increase of poverty in Somerville. 25-1689 Approved ▶ jump to 82:06
  27. 4.7. Conveying concerns regarding the increasing costs to low income pet owners and inviting community members to help solve concerns about pet food insecurity and the cost of veterinary care. 25-1690 Placed on file and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 170:29
  28. 4.8. In support of direct assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. 25-1655 Approved ▶ jump to 82:21
  29. 4.9. Requesting that the Administration cooperate with this Council to establish a Water and Sewer Rate Commission to establish water and sewer rates and to oversee abatements, as is common in other Massachusetts cities. 25-1678 Approved ▶ jump to 173:14
  30. 4.10. In support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management. 25-1677 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 173:36
  31. 4.11. That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility coordinate to install a traffic light at the intersection of Benton Road and Highland Avenue to prevent fatalities. 25-1685 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 193:41
  32. 4.12. Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 25-1684 Placed on file ▶ jump to 195:05
  33. 4.13. Amending Chapter 8, Article III of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to secondhand dealer licenses. 25-1686 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 198:25
  34. 4.14. That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the rodent hormonal birth control program being jointly piloted with the City of Cambridge. 25-1687 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 199:09
  35. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  36. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  37. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  38. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 10, 2025. 25-1671 Approved ▶ jump to 52:56
  39. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to create the Community Benefits Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $3,946,742.98 from the community benefit contributions outlined in project development covenants. 25-1560 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:34
  40. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation. 25-1584 Approved
  41. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23,109.33 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services. 25-1585 Approved
  42. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to create a Housing Assistance Stabilization fund under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5B. 25-1599 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 57:02
  43. 6.A.6. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,110,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1. 25-1600 Approved
  44. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  45. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Redevelopment Authority on November 6, 2025. 25-1670 Approved ▶ jump to 199:30
  46. 6.B.2. Ten individuals, including five residents, submitting comments re: item 24-0059, a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 321 Washington Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Commercial Industry (CI). 24-0328 Work completed
  47. 6.B.3. Requesting that this City Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Somerville Redevelopment Authority regarding updating the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan. 25-1239 Work completed
  48. 6.C. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  49. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 12, 2025. 25-1672 Approved ▶ jump to 199:55
  50. 6.D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
  51. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 30, 2025. 25-1628 Approved ▶ jump to 200:30
  52. 6.D.2. That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained. 25-0064 Work completed
  53. 6.D.3. That the Director of Economic Development and City Clerk discuss with this Council policies regarding outdoor seating and how the city may make it easier and less expensive for small businesses. 25-1180 Work completed
  54. 6.D.4. That the Director of Emergency Management and Mayor inform City Councilors in real time when emergency events are occurring in the city, such as fires or emergency evacuations. 25-1340 Work completed
  55. 6.D.5. That the Administration direct all relevant departments, including Health and Human Services, to appear before this City Council to discuss and update on current unhoused outreach efforts. 25-1353 Work completed
  56. 6.D.6. That the Administration discuss with this Council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces. 25-1561 Work completed
  57. 6.D.7. That the Administration discuss with this Council whether there is a need to create additional alternative locations for people to store their belongings. 25-1562 Work completed
  58. 6.D.8. That the Administration provide data on needles found in and around Davis Square, outside of the designated receptacle box, including a breakdown by specific location, and used vs. unused. 25-1563 Work completed
  59. 6.E. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
  60. 6.E.1. Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2025. 25-1625 Approved ▶ jump to 200:48
  61. 6.E.2. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on when the school buildings maintenance project website will be available to the public. 25-1355 Work completed
  62. 6.E.3. That the Administration release the report on the School Department composting pilot program and that the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on any plans to re-introduce composting in the schools. 25-1356 Work completed
  63. 6.E.4. That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information regarding the installation, safety and accessibility of a railing on the concrete stairs between the play structures and the soccer field at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School playground. 25-1422 Work completed
  64. 6.E.5. That the Administration inform this Council of the process, action and communication used to consider acquiring the closed school building privately owned by the Archdiocese of Boston, on Thurston Street, after the Winter Hill Community Innovation School was deemed unsuitable for use. 25-1438 Work completed
  65. 6.E.6. That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the condition of the High School building exterior tiles, and efforts to prevent and mitigate future tile failures. 25-1517 Work completed
  66. 6.F. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  67. 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 27, 2025. 25-1623 Approved ▶ jump to 201:09
  68. 6.F.2. That the Mayor disclose to this Council any communication with Waymo or its parent company Google regarding autonomous driving tests within city limits. 25-1016 Work completed
  69. 6.F.3. That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether this Council can restrict the use of autonomous driving testing within city limits, either through an outright ban or through requirement of a special permit. 25-1017 Work completed
  70. 6.F.4. That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether an individual within a vehicle or the autonomous vehicle company would be responsible if issued a citation during autonomous driving testing. 25-1018 Work completed
  71. 6.F.5. That this Council consider whether to ban or restrict autonomous vehicle testing locally, if permitted by law. 25-1019 Work completed
  72. 6.F.6. That the Director of Mobility install a solar powered digital YOUR SPEED IS display sign on Shore Drive westbound. 25-1502 Work completed
  73. 6.F.7. That the Director of Mobility install a speed bump on Ashland Street. 25-1550 Work completed
  74. 6.F.8. That the Director of Parking place NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER signs on Walnut Street at Sunnyside Avenue. 25-1564 Work completed
  75. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  76. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-309.9 and 2-309.10 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify term length and appointment process for the Community Preservation Committee. 25-1652 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:05
  77. 7.2. Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Easement and grant of a Maintenance License for 495 Columbia Street. 25-1649 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:26
  78. 7.3. Requesting approval to appropriate $875,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund for food security initiatives. 25-1681 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 57:52
  79. 7.4. Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to support the Senior Taxi Program. 25-1682 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 69:21
  80. 7.5. Requesting the appropriation of $407,090 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to the Water Enterprise Fund Debt Service Account to fund debt service for a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority loan. 25-1680 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  81. 7.6. Requesting the appropriation of $403,980 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Debt Service, Interest on Notes/BANS Account for payment of interest for the 90 Washington Street property acquisition. 25-1679 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  82. 7.7. Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,500 from various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to fund additional temporary employee time. 25-1620 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  83. 7.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville High School (SHS) Salaries Account for SHS staff participation in the new PK-8 School Building Planning Focus Group Session. 25-1624 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  84. 7.9. Requesting approval to retain McHaffey & Nice, LLC, as outside legal counsel with respect to employment matters relating to immigration status. 25-1639 Approved ▶ jump to 203:08
  85. 7.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant, with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs. 25-1636 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  86. 7.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend an $87,450 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Grants & Research to the Police Department for public safety staffing. 25-1621 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  87. 7.12. Requesting approval to accept the in-kind donation of two K-9 animals to the Police Department for the purpose of providing support to victims and serving as an investigative resource. 25-1627 Approved ▶ jump to 44:21
  88. 7.13. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,285.77 using available funds in the Police Department Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies. 25-1640 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  89. 7.14. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,765.28 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management services. 25-1622 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  90. 7.15. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,547.55 using available funds in the Police Department Animal Control Professional and Technical Services Account for veterinary services. 25-1646 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  91. 7.16. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $271 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for educational achievement award bars. 25-1648 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  92. 7.17. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $125.43 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Computer Equipment Account for freight charges. 25-1638 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  93. 7.18. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $54 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for a hat badge. 25-1651 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  94. 7.19. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Steven Mauras to the position of Fire Deputy Chief. 25-1629 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  95. 7.20. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Marc Ardolino to the position of Fire District Chief. 25-1630 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  96. 7.21. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Jay McKenzie to the position of Fire Captain. 25-1631 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  97. 7.22. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael Marino to the position of Fire Captain. 25-1632 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  98. 7.23. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Nicholas Halloran to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 25-1633 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  99. 7.24. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Raymond Busi to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 25-1634 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  100. 7.25. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Ronald Hampton to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 25-1635 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 207:24
  101. 7.26. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rona Fischman to the Community Preservation Committee. 25-1619 Approved ▶ jump to 207:37
  102. 7.27. Requesting approval of an exemption for Marco MacElhiney as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 25-1692 Approved ▶ jump to 207:51
  103. 7.28. Conveying the appointment of Charles McGonigal and reappointment of Darci Hanna and Cindy Lee to the Municipal Scholarship Committee. 25-1647 Placed on file ▶ jump to 208:07
  104. 7.29. Withdrawn. 25-1626 Withdrawn
  105. 7.30. Withdrawn. 25-1641 Withdrawn
  106. 7.31. Withdrawn. 25-1642 Withdrawn
  107. 7.32. Withdrawn. 25-1643 Withdrawn
  108. 7.33. Withdrawn. 25-1650 Withdrawn
  109. 7.34. Withdrawn. 25-1666 Withdrawn
  110. 7.35. Withdrawn. 25-1667 Withdrawn
  111. 7.36. Withdrawn. 25-1669 Withdrawn
  112. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  113. 8.1. City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter. 25-1676 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 208:19
  114. 8.2. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-1673 Placed on file ▶ jump to 208:46
  115. 8.3. Retirement Board notifying this Council of the declaration of Thomas Ross as the 4th member. 25-1674 Placed on file ▶ jump to 209:01
  116. 8.4. Director of Housing conveying the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment and Financial Feasibility Analysis reports. 25-1668 Placed on file ▶ jump to 91:37
  117. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  118. 9.1. Renewing Drainlayer's License, JF Excavation Corp. 25-1662 Approved ▶ jump to 209:19
  119. 9.2. Somerville Friends of Democracy applying for a Public Event License for Dance for Democracy on November 15 and 23 from 10am to 5:30pm (raindate November 16). 25-1675 Approved ▶ jump to 209:19
  120. 9.3. Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Holiday Event on December 7 from 11am to 7pm (raindate December 14). 25-1664 Approved ▶ jump to 209:19
  121. 9.4. BA Events Promotion Inc. applying for a Public Event License for Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on December 14 from 7am to 3pm. 25-1663 Approved ▶ jump to 209:19
  122. 9.5. 52 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Out of the Blue Community Arts Space at Arts at the Armory, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter. 25-1653 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 145:38
  123. 9.6. Crystal Huff submitting comments re: food access. 25-1665 Placed on file ▶ jump to 209:43
  124. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  125. 10.1. Commending Somerville for Palestine for their pursuit of justice and civic engagement. 25-1713 Approved ▶ jump to 16:51
  126. 10.2. In support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3. 25-1700 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 29:06
  127. 10.3. That the Director of Mobility install a Blue Bike station at Junction Park. 25-1701 Approved and sent for discussion ▶ jump to 209:50
  128. 10.4. Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Armory Revolving Fund to prepare the Armory for onboarding and support of tenants. 25-1698 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 202:49
  129. 10.5. Requesting the appropriation of $67,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Executive Department Special Items Account for Mayoral transition expenditures. 25-1683 Approved ▶ jump to 210:12
  130. 10.6. Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development conveying a summary of Community Benefits Funds. 25-1706 Placed on file ▶ jump to 211:15
  131. 10.7. New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Square Auto Sales, 39 Webster Avenue, 20 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 25-1702 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 211:54
  132. 10.8. Tufts University Project SHARE applying for a Public Event License for Stride for Strength on November 15 from 9am to 1:30pm. 25-1705 Approved ▶ jump to 212:37
  133. 10.9. Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Clothing Store on November 22 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 23). 25-1704 Approved ▶ jump to 212:37
  134. 10.10. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 from 4pm to 8pm (raindates December 8,9,10). 25-1703 Approved ▶ jump to 212:37
  135. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  136. 133 The meeting was Adjourned at 10:34 PM.