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September 11, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 109 items

  1. 1 Published September 9, 2025, 1:45 PM, Revised Published September 11, 2025, 12:00 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_-bp7EU0PSiOG8R1hnDPG-Q 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 7:00 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:09 PM and returned at 7:13 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-1434 Placed on file ▶ jump to 1:22
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-1435 Approved ▶ jump to 1:53
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 10, 2025. 25-1436 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:30
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 30, 2025. 25-1437 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:38
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending participants of the inaugural Municipal Civics Academy for their commitment to civic engagement and devotion to the city. 25-1430 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 4:45
  12. 10 page break
  13. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  14. 3.1. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 10 feet of conduit in Aldersey Street, from Utility Pole 4/3 to a point of pickup at 17 Aldersey Street. 25-1388 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 13:07
  15. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 40 feet of conduit in Hinckley Street, from Utility Pole 170/6 to a point of pickup at 35 Richardson Street. 25-1389 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 13:55
  16. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 104 feet of conduit in Glenwood Road, from Manhole 7417 to a point of pickup at 72 Glenwood Road. 25-1390 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 14:35
  17. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  18. 4.1. That this Council discuss the Somerville Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SSEPAC) report sent to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in response to the upcoming DESE district review of Somerville Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. 25-1421 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 15:33
  19. 4.2. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 61:55
  20. 4.3. That the City Clerk implement the hiring practices detailed within for positions in the City Council and City Clerk Departments. 25-1423 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 62:58
  21. 4.4. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 68:19
  22. 4.5. That the City Clerk provide this Council with an update regarding promulgation from the state Cannabis Control Commission of regulations and licensure procedures related to the operation of cannabis consumption lounges. 25-1426 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 68:48
  23. 4.6. 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. 25-1427 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 70:57
  24. 4.7. That the Administration, including the Director of Mobility, discuss with this Council a process for establishing municipal standards for furnishings at bus stops and shelters. 25-1425 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 72:54
  25. 4.8. That the Mayor update this Council on any plans to issue a requirement for federal law enforcement agents acting within the City of Somerville to provide identification upon request and preventing the use of identity-concealing masks within the city by federal agents. 25-1428 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 75:31
  26. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  27. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  28. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  29. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 9, 2025. 25-1431 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 80:20
  30. 6.A.2. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $323.75 using available funds in the CityTV R&M - Audio/Visual Equipment Account for on-site engineering services and travel expenses. 25-1271 Approved Pass
  31. 6.A.3. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $840 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Slice of the City events pizza orders. 25-1274 Approved Pass
  32. 6.A.4. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $91.62 using available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get Together event. 25-1277 Approved Pass
  33. 6.A.5. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software and Uninterruptible Power Supply hardware. 25-1279 Approved Pass
  34. 6.A.6. Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-1280 Approved Pass
  35. 6.A.7. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,497.50 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Civic Day event food. 25-1283 Approved Pass
  36. 6.A.8. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $925 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Equipment Rental Account for equipment rentals during Family Fun Day event. 25-1284 Approved Pass
  37. 6.A.9. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a Clinical Community Health Worker. 25-1285 Approved Pass
  38. 6.A.10. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $98.39 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Athletic Supplies Account for tag belts for a teen flag football program. 25-1286 Approved Pass
  39. 6.A.11. Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount. 25-1289 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 82:58
  40. 6.A.12. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items. 25-1298 Approved Pass
  41. 6.A.13. Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement. 25-1299 Approved Pass
  42. 6.A.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 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. 25-1300 Approved Pass
  43. 6.A.15. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services. 25-1301 Approved Pass
  44. 6.A.16. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for confidential shredding services. 25-1302 Approved Pass
  45. 6.A.17. Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts. 25-1303 Withdrawn Pass
  46. 6.A.18. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $55,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses. 25-1304 Withdrawn Pass
  47. 6.A.19. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses. 25-1305 Withdrawn Pass
  48. 6.A.20. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25.69 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 25-1309 Approved Pass
  49. 6.A.21. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 25-1332 Approved Pass
  50. 6.A.22. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 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. 25-1339 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 84:47
  51. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  52. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 4, 2025. 25-1401 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 85:26
  53. 6.B.2. Sublime Systems submitting comments re: items #24-1460, #25-0128, #25-0129, and #25-0131, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for laboratory, research and development, and arts uses. 25-0975 Work completed
  54. 6.B.3. Bill Valetta submitting comments re: item #25-0085, an Order regarding zoning for bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits. 25-0976 Work completed
  55. 53 page break
  56. 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
  57. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2025. 25-1420 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 29:07
  58. 6.C.2. Licensing Commission requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 138, Section 12D, to allow current wine and malt beverages license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all forms alcohol license. 25-1317 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 33:38
  59. 6.C.3. Former Mayor Eugene C. Brune, former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay, and former Alderman John "Jack" Connolly submitting comments re: Chapter 53, Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws. 25-1335 Work completed
  60. 6.C.4. That the City of Somerville hereby accepts the provisions of Chapter 53 Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws. 25-1373 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 34:06
  61. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  62. 7.1. Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to raise the sound business practices and written quote contract thresholds under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B for city contracts with certified disadvantaged businesses. 25-1407 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:06
  63. 7.2. Requesting approval of the discontinuance of a portion of Sewall Court. 25-1382 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:31
  64. 7.3. Requesting approval of the partial termination of the City Utility Easement on Sewall Court. 25-1383 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:32
  65. 7.4. Requesting authorization to borrow $4,300,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the design of the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation project. 25-1411 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:32
  66. 7.5. Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with Eastern Bank for an additional year until 8/31/2026, for the banking services of the Treasury Department. 25-1384 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:34
  67. 7.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $350,048 from the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Services Account to the IAM Capital Outlay Professional & Technical Services Account. 25-1412 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:35
  68. 7.7. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $301,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses. 25-1385 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 83:40
  69. 7.8. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:37
  70. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:37
  71. 7.10. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from Commonwealth of MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a study investigating possible zoning incentives to increase the ability to comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. 25-1295 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:39
  72. 7.11. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses. 25-1386 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 84:09
  73. 7.12. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:40
  74. 7.13. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:41
  75. 7.14. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,452.22 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Account for Strategic Asset Management Plan. 25-1413 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:43
  76. 7.15. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $596.25 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Repairs-Comm Equipment, Repairs-Fire Alarm, and Reimbursement of Licenses Accounts. 25-1414 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:43
  77. 7.16. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.31 using available funds in the Police Department Equipment Maintenance Account for electronic access door service. 25-1387 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:45
  78. 7.17. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $330 using available funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Professional and Technical Services Account for monitoring the Argenziano School solar array. 25-1294 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:46
  79. 7.18. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $137.77 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 25-1416 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:47
  80. 7.19. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 25-1417 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:48
  81. 7.20. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23.41 using available funds in the Emergency Management Public Safety Supplies Account for public safety supplies. 25-1415 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:48
  82. 7.21. Requesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 25-1374 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:04
  83. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  84. 8.1. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-1405 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 88:15
  85. 83 page break
  86. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  87. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, Mackay Construction Services Inc. 25-1391 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:37
  88. 9.2. Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 8 Central Street. 25-1392 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:43
  89. 9.3. Neighborways Design applying for a Public Event License for Assembly Mobility Hub Paint Day on June 18 from 4pm to 7:30pm. 25-1371 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:07
  90. 9.4. Federal Realty applying for a Public Event License for Riverfest on September 13 from 9am to 11pm (raindate September 14). 25-1397 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:09
  91. 9.5. Davis Square Village applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Village Community Event on September 13 from 11am to 5pm (raindate September 14). 25-1395 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:11
  92. 9.6. BluBoiBooking applying for a Public Event License for Astrofest on September 20 from 12pm to 10pm. 25-1393 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:16
  93. 9.7. Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for ChocoMingle: Level Up on September 25 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. 25-1394 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:22
  94. 9.8. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on September 27 from 2pm to 10pm (raindate September 28). 25-1396 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:23
  95. 9.9. Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Updated Design Open House on October 1 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. 25-1398 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:25
  96. 9.10. Elizabeth Peabody House applying for a Public Event License for Winter Hill Community Event on October 18 from 8am to 6pm (raindate October 19). 25-1399 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:28
  97. 9.11. Michael Vaglica submitting comments re: bike lanes. 25-1403 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 91:30
  98. 9.12. Greta Pintacuda submitting comments re: bird feeding. 25-1404 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 91:37
  99. 9.13. Lindsay Macasay submitting comments re: Davis Square. 25-1406 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 91:44
  100. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  101. 10.1. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 91:49
  102. 10.2. That the City Clerk work with this Council to amend the Code of Ordinances to better regulate the sale of second-hand goods. 25-1439 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 95:49
  103. 10.3. That the City Solicitor update this Council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation requirements attached to forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative grants. 25-1445 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 96:58
  104. 10.4. That the Chief of Police or the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region representative update this Council on the strategy for applying for Urban Area Security Initiative or any other federal grants that require Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation. 25-1446 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 97:26
  105. 10.5. Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of Lot 3 at 299 Broadway for municipal purposes including parking. 25-1400 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:58
  106. 10.6. Requesting approval of temporary and permanent easements over Lot 3 of 299 Broadway in favor of 299 Broadway Property Owner, LLC. 25-1433 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 87:59
  107. 104 The meeting was Adjourned at 8:39 PM.
  108. 10.7. New Livery License, Med Transportation, 34 Grant Street, operating 2 vehicles. 25-1444 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:37
  109. 11. ADJOURNMENT