docketcity.com
Home › Somerville › Meetings

City Council

October 9, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 131 items

  1. 1 Published October 7, 2025, 1:00 PM, Revised Published October 9, 2025, 1:00 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_I-ItAkliSlutqzfCD6JyPg 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 Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:24 PM and returned at 7:41 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-1566 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:24
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-1567 Approved ▶ jump to 0:58
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 11, 2025. 25-1568 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:59
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a new Manhole and a total of 46 feet of conduit in Auburn Avenue, from Utility Pole 2 to a point of pickup at 11 Auburn Avenue. 25-1528 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:32
  12. 3.2. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 49 feet of conduit in Houghton Street, from Utility Pole 174/1 to a point of pickup at 121 Prospect Street. 25-1529 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 5:19
  13. 3.3. Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 64 feet of conduit in Albion Street, from Utility Pole 3/22 to a point of pickup at 156 Albion Street. 25-1530 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 7:14
  14. 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 15 feet of conduit in Cross Street East, from Utility Pole 558/3 to a point of pickup at 33 Cross Street East. 25-1532 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 8:01
  15. 3.5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 7 feet of conduit in Kingston Street, from Utility Pole 101/4 to a point of pickup at 37 Kingston Street. 25-1533 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 9:00
  16. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  17. 14 page break
  18. 4.1. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 44:51
  19. 4.2. That the Administration discuss with this Council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces. 25-1561 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 45:08
  20. 4.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 46:30
  21. 4.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 46:33
  22. 4.5. That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council, strategies for improving the safety of users of the Community Path, as detailed within. 25-1548 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 54:04
  23. 4.6. That the Director of Mobility install a speed bump on Ashland Street. 25-1550 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 58:03
  24. 4.7. That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on compliance with the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, including any updated enforcement methods and whether the imposition of the 3% community impact fee under MGL c. 64G, § 3D has had any impact on the number of short-term rental units in the city, or whether any impacts are expected. 25-1549 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 58:50
  25. 21 page break
  26. 4.8. That the Director of Parking place NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER signs on Walnut Street at Sunnyside Avenue. 25-1564 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 63:13
  27. 4.9. That the Director of Mobility add Moreland Street to the queue for speed humps. 25-1565 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 64:37
  28. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  29. 5.1. Conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-1492 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 64:52
  30. 5.2. Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust. 25-1493 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 66:20
  31. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  32. 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
  33. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 6, 2025. 25-1523 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 10:07
  34. 6.A.2. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Olivia Mobayed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. 25-1293 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Coralie Cooper to the Planning Board. 25-1475 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.4. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael R. Perrone to the position of Police Captain. 25-1480 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.5. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Rico Isidoro to the position of Police Lieutenant. 25-1481 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.6. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Marc DiFava to the position of Police Lieutenant. 25-1483 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.7. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Joseph Teves to the position of Police Sergeant. 25-1484 Approved Pass
  40. 6.A.8. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Jason Costa to the position of Police Sergeant. 25-1485 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.9. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Patrick Canty to the position of Police Sergeant. 25-1486 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.10. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Cassandra Campers to the position of Police Sergeant. 25-1487 Approved Pass
  43. 38 page break
  44. 6.A.11. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Richard Lavey Jr. to the position of Police Deputy Chief. 25-1488 Approved Pass
  45. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  46. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 7, 2025. 25-1524 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 67:45
  47. 6.B.2. That the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts that have remained unspent for three or more fiscal years and provide a report for each fund. 25-1344 Work completed
  48. 6.B.3. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $155,271.38 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for 911 certification. 25-1408 Approved Pass
  49. 43 page break
  50. 6.B.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for enhanced 911 telecommunicator personnel costs. 25-1409 Approved Pass
  51. 6.B.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for emergency medical dispatch. 25-1410 Approved Pass
  52. 6.B.6. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for post-overdose support. 25-1418 Approved Pass
  53. 6.B.7. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $159.96 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for picnic blankets. 25-1419 Approved Pass
  54. 6.B.8. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $54,400 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program. 25-1447 Approved Pass
  55. 6.B.9. Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for FY 2026 Vision Zero safety efforts. 25-1449 Approved Pass
  56. 6.B.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $527 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Equipment Rental Account for truck rental. 25-1452 Approved Pass
  57. 6.B.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $94.75 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for carbon dioxide tank refill at Dilboy Pool. 25-1453 Approved Pass
  58. 6.B.12. Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools. 25-1459 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 70:23
  59. 6.B.13. Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with City Hall Systems for an additional two years until 12/17/2027, for online bill payment services. 25-1462 Approved Pass
  60. 6.B.14. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $121,818.23 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services. 25-1479 Approved Pass
  61. 6.B.15. Requesting approval to use available funds in the Law Department Personal Services accounts in the amount of $6,296.88 to increase the annual salary of the Municipal Hearing Officer. 25-1494 Approved Pass
  62. 6.B.16. Bill Valletta submitting comments re: item #25-1344, an Order that the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts. 25-1514 Work completed
  63. 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  64. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 2, 2025. 25-1522 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:00
  65. 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  66. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 30, 2025. 25-1521 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:25
  67. 6.D.2. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to raise the maximum amount of fines for violations allowed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D. 25-1429 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 74:31
  68. 6.D.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 7 and Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances to require notification to tenants of parking permit restrictions in transit areas. 25-1460 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 75:05
  69. 6.E. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  70. 63 page break
  71. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 8, 2025. 25-1525 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 75:56
  72. 6.E.2. New Extended Operating Hours License, Mint Indian Eatery, 868 Broadway, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 4am. 25-1316 Approved Pass
  73. 6.E.3. New Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,001 gallons. 25-1318 Approved Pass
  74. 6.E.4. New Dog Kennel License, Pup Yard, 321 Somerville Avenue, 30 dogs maximum, commercial boarding/training. 25-1367 Approved Pass
  75. 6.E.5. New Garage License, Roman Auto Repair LLC, 45 Mystic Avenue, 5 Vehicles inside, 4 Vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat: 7am-12pm, Sun: closed. 25-1467 Approved Pass
  76. 68 page break
  77. 6.F. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE
  78. 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on September 29, 2025. 25-1518 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 77:22
  79. 6.F.2. That the Director of Mobility install a rapid flashing beacon with push button STOP sign in front of the East Somerville Community School, on the Cross Street side, to assist in street crossings. 25-0743 Work completed
  80. 6.F.3. That the Director of Mobility update the traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Boston Avenue. 25-0839 Work completed
  81. 6.F.4. That the Director of Mobility install STOP signs on Ten Hills Road at Governor Winthrop Road, making the intersection a four-way stop. 25-0988 Work completed
  82. 6.F.5. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on recent changes to the #90 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus route and the reasons for those changes. 25-1012 Work completed
  83. 6.F.6. That the Director of Mobility place a speed bump on Pinckney Street and consider the Neighborway potential of this street. 25-1014 Work completed
  84. 6.F.7. That the Director of Mobility return the DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION signage to the intersection of Broadway and Hinckley Street. 25-1099 Work completed
  85. 6.F.8. That the Director of Parking install a new MAGOUN SQUARE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT sign at the Magoun Square municipal lot. 25-1137 Work completed
  86. 6.F.9. That the Director of Mobility install a left turn signal for vehicles turning left from Somerville Avenue onto Bow Street. 25-1349 Work completed
  87. 6.F.10. That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the speed limit signage and NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES signage will be installed along the Community Path and at its entrances. 25-1354 Work completed
  88. 6.F.11. That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering collaborate to install crosswalks across Walnut Street and Wigglesworth Street near Sunnyside Avenue to protect Winter Hill Community Innovation School students, families, and educators using the Otis Street footbridge. 25-1424 Work completed
  89. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  90. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Tables 4.1.13, 4.2.13, 4.3.13, 4.4.13, 5.1.14, 7.2.7, 7.4.8, 8.4.16 (c), and 9.1.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to permit Home-Based Child Day Care accessory uses and make corrections. 25-1552 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 80:47
  91. 7.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 10.10.3, 15.1.2, 15.1.6, 15.1.8, 15.2.1, 15.2.2, 15.2.3, 15.2.4, 15.3.1, 15.3.2, and 15.5.2 of the Zoning Ordinance to make pre-submittal meetings optional for most permits and to improve clarity and consistency. 25-1554 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:02
  92. 7.3. Withdrawn. 25-1551 Withdrawn
  93. 7.4. Requesting approval to create the BrickBottom Infrastructure Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $763,814.81, from off-site infrastructure and other contributions outlined in the BrickBottom district project development covenants, for the purpose of funding public infrastructure projects that mitigate the impact of large-scale development in the BrickBottom district. 25-1557 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:18
  94. 7.5. Requesting approval to create the Boynton Yards Infrastructure Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $384,025, from off-site infrastructure and other contributions outlined in the Boynton Yards district project development covenants, for the purpose of funding public infrastructure projects that mitigate the impact of large-scale development in the Boynton Yards district. 25-1559 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:18
  95. 7.6. Requesting approval to appropriate $147,724.07 from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund for the 2026 Warming Center. 25-1543 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:21
  96. 7.7. Requesting approval to appropriate $56,215.42 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the 495 Columbia Street development site. 25-1538 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:22
  97. 7.8. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 12/31/2028 for the contract with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners for design services on the Building Master Plan. 25-1545 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:23
  98. 7.9. Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 12/31/2028 for the contract with Kleinfelder Northeast Inc. for design services on the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer project. 25-1546 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:24
  99. 7.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for six no-cost electric vehicle charging station installations. 25-1520 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:25
  100. 7.11. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,084.20 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for pool chemicals. 25-1504 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:26
  101. 7.12. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,533.75 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for pool chemicals. 25-1508 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 81:27
  102. 7.13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dante Carreiro to the position of Police Officer. 25-1489 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 81:28
  103. 7.14. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cicerone to the position of Police Officer. 25-1490 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 82:37
  104. 7.15. Withdrawn. 25-1526 Withdrawn
  105. 7.16. Withdrawn. 25-1553 Withdrawn
  106. 7.17. Withdrawn. 25-1556 Withdrawn
  107. 7.18. Withdrawn. 25-1558 Withdrawn
  108. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  109. 8.1. Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan and related updates. 25-1495 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 82:50
  110. 8.2. Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan 2025-2035. 25-1531 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 83:20
  111. 8.3. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-1527 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 84:04
  112. 8.4. City Clerk conveying the selection of Emily Lopez Touchy and Mihika Gogate to the position of City Council Project Assistant. 25-1542 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 84:28
  113. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  114. 9.1. Matthew Taylor applying for a Public Event License for 20th HONK! Festival on October 10-12 for various times. 25-1534 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:25
  115. 9.2. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Truck O' Treat on October 23 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate October 30). 25-1537 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 40:51
  116. 9.3. East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Halloween Community Event and Pet Spooktacular on October 25 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate October 26). 25-1535 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:27
  117. 9.4. Friends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Pumpkin Smash on November 8 from 9am to 3pm (raindate November 9). 25-1536 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:30
  118. 9.5. 12 registered voters requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 363 Highland Avenue from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 5 (MR5) and from MR4 to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6), and 110 Willow Avenue MR4 to MR6. 25-1539 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 88:01
  119. 9.6. Emily Harris submitting comments re: parking. 25-1540 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 88:29
  120. 9.7. 3,007 individuals submitting comments re: ballot question. 25-1541 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 88:39
  121. 9.8. 22 individuals, including 18 residents submitting comments re: ballot question challenge. 25-1555 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 88:48
  122. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  123. 10.1. New Drainlayer's License, Ragusa Companies LLC. 25-1571 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:28
  124. 10.2. Renewing Drainlayer's License, StrongBack Systems. 25-1572 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 86:29
  125. 10.3. Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Assembly Square Fire Station Grand Opening on October 18 from 9am to 1pm. 25-1573 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:38
  126. 10.4. Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Latin and Caribbean Heritage Celebration on October 18 from 1pm to 5:30pm. 25-1574 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:39
  127. 10.5. State Representative Mike Connolly, City Councilor Burnley, City Councilor Sait, and 57 individuals, including 51 residents submitting comments re: ballot question challenge. 25-1575 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 89:00
  128. 10.6. 7 individuals submitting comments re: ballot question. 25-1576 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 89:13
  129. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  130. 127 page break
  131. 129 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:32 PM on a roll call vote of 10 in favor (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Mbah, Davis), 0 opposed.