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August 28, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 125 items

  1. 1 Published August 26, 2025, 12:30 PM, Revised Published August 28, 2025, 11:45 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_mtFQa8wgS06liPdbsUCS0A 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 7:03 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered Executive Session at 8:04 PM and returned at 9:10 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-1359 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:51
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-1360 Approved ▶ jump to 2:18
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 26, 2025. 25-1361 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 2:55
  9. 2. CITATIONS
  10. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  11. 3.1. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 88 feet of conduit in South Street, from Manhole 44/464 to a point of pickup at an existing manhole at the intersection of South Street and Earle Street. 25-1310 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 10:32
  12. 3.2. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of approximately 49 feet of conduit in Howard Street, from Utility Pole 183/1 to a point of pickup at 29 Thorndike Street. 25-1311 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 11:46
  13. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  14. 4.1. In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025. 25-1287 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 142:56
  15. 4.2. That the Director of Mobility appear before this Council to discuss how the city may apply for the state’s Microtransit and Last Mile Program grant which is being funded through the FY 2025 Supplemental Education and Transportation Funds (ETF) budget. 25-1297 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 143:14
  16. 4.3. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 145:43
  17. 4.4. That the Mayor commit to and provide funds for installing a winter ice sheet for the 2025-2026 season at Founder’s Rink for all Somerville residents to engage in winter activities such as hockey, curling, free skate, etc. 25-1296 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 155:22
  18. 4.5. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 157:11
  19. 4.6. Calling on MassHealth to enforce existing administrative regulations and statutory authority pertaining to the provision of Applied Behavioral Analysis services. 25-1341 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 157:35
  20. 4.7. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 163:05
  21. 4.8. 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. 25-1345 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 164:08
  22. 4.9. That the Director of Parks and Recreation install a clock on top of the Dilboy Pool building. 25-1346 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 165:54
  23. 4.10. That Somerville establish a sister-city relationship with Pryluky, Ukraine. 25-1347 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 12:48
  24. 4.11. Conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 25-1342 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 166:37
  25. 4.12. Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 25-1343 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 168:23
  26. 4.13. 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. 25-1350 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 169:36
  27. 4.14. That the Director of Mobility install a left turn signal for vehicles turning left from Somerville Avenue onto Bow Street. 25-1349 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 172:57
  28. 4.15. That the Mayor explain to this Council why the community process for a redesigned Highland Avenue appears to have been postponed indefinitely, despite repeated statements that it was to begin during summer 2025, including the introductory statement on the city's dedicated "Highland Ave Redesign" website. 25-1348 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 174:02
  29. 4.16. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 179:30
  30. 4.17. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 180:23
  31. 4.18. That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the overgrowth on the sidewalk at 19 Elm Street and that the Director of Inspectional Services cite the property owner accordingly. 25-1357 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 181:27
  32. 4.19. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 182:23
  33. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  34. 5.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 7-64, 7-65 and 7-68 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 25-1237 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 135:02
  35. 5.2. Dan Casparriello submitting comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 25-1236 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 135:20
  36. 5.3. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitting comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 25-1264 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 135:21
  37. 5.4. John M. (Jack) Connolly submitting comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 25-1265 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 135:23
  38. 5.5. Fernando Bento and Niranjan Gawli submitting comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 25-1266 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 135:24
  39. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  40. 38 page break
  41. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  42. 7.1. Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss techniques for incentivizing tenant recruitment to vacant laboratory space. 25-1358 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 58:51
  43. 7.2. Requesting approval to appropriate $1,238,000 from the Open Space Stabilization Fund to pay additional costs of purchasing the parcel of land known as 217 Somerville Avenue (Ken Kelly Park). 25-1290 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 46:09
  44. 7.3. Requesting approval to appropriate $591,190 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for Information Technology equipment relating to workstation setups, network devices, and other hardware. 25-1278 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 51:49
  45. 7.4. Requesting approval to appropriate $73,750 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Department of Public Works School Custodians Other Lump Sum Payments Account to fund the retrospective portion of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union Local 3 - School Custodians. 25-1352 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 55:49
  46. 7.5. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 184:54
  47. 7.6. Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 25-1280 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 184:58
  48. 7.7. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 184:59
  49. 7.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $448,180 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Salaries accounts to fund FY 2026 Non-Union employee step increases. 25-1351 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 57:18
  50. 7.9. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:01
  51. 7.10. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:02
  52. 7.11. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:04
  53. 7.12. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:05
  54. 7.13. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:06
  55. 7.14. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:08
  56. 7.15. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:09
  57. 7.16. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:10
  58. 7.17. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:12
  59. 7.18. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:13
  60. 7.19. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:14
  61. 7.20. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:20
  62. 7.21. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:21
  63. 7.22. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:22
  64. 7.23. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:24
  65. 7.24. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:24
  66. 7.25. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:25
  67. 7.26. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:27
  68. 7.27. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Olivia Mobayed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. 25-1293 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 185:18
  69. 7.28. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suzanne Warner to the Urban Forestry Committee. 25-1291 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 185:28
  70. 7.29. Conveying an update regarding work completed during Summer 2025 on Somerville Public Schools buildings. 25-1333 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 185:48
  71. 7.30. Conveying an update on the status of the charter for the City of Somerville. 25-1336 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 187:13
  72. 7.31. Proclaiming that the week of September 12 through September 21, 2025 is Welcoming Week. 25-1337 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 44:01
  73. 7.32. Withdrawn. 25-1292 Withdrawn
  74. 7.33. Withdrawn. 25-1306 Withdrawn
  75. 7.34. Withdrawn. 25-1307 Withdrawn
  76. 7.35. Withdrawn. 25-1308 Withdrawn
  77. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  78. 8.1. City Clerk requesting approval of her Public Official's Bond. 25-1282 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 187:48
  79. 8.2. 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 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 187:59
  80. 8.3. City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 25-1338 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 188:53
  81. 78 page break
  82. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  83. 9.1. New Drainlayer's License, A.R. Belli, Inc. 25-1312 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:31
  84. 9.2. New Drainlayer's License, DJ Morris Contracting. 25-1313 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:33
  85. 9.3. New Drainlayer's License, Genesis Utilities Corporation. 25-1314 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:34
  86. 9.4. Renewing Drainlayer's License, Doherty Excavating Inc. 25-1315 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:35
  87. 9.5. New Extended Operating Hours License, Mint Indian Eatery, 868 Broadway, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 4am. 25-1316 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 191:26
  88. 9.6. New Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,001 gallons. 25-1318 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 191:26
  89. 9.7. New Outdoor Goods License, Villari's Martial Arts Center, 54 Union Square. 25-1319 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:38
  90. 9.8. New Sign/Awning License, Brancato Barber Co LLC, 282A Broadway, 2 signs. 25-1320 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:39
  91. 9.9. New Sign/Awning License, The Brow Lab Somerville, 595 Somerville Avenue, 1 sign. 25-1321 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:44
  92. 9.10. New Sign/Awning License, Ethereal Ink, 321 Broadway, 1 sign. 25-1322 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:46
  93. 9.11. Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Brazilian Flag Raising on September 4 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate September 8). 25-1323 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:47
  94. 9.12. Akiva Jackson applying for a Public Event License for Challapalooza on September 7 from 8am to 8pm. 25-1324 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:49
  95. 9.13. East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Foodie Crawl on September 9 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 10). 25-1325 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:50
  96. 9.14. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Gilman Square Fest on September 13 from 10am to 7pm (raindate September 14). 25-1328 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:51
  97. 9.15. Veterans Services Department applying for a Public Event License for Health and Wellness 2025 on September 20 from 10am to 4pm. 25-1329 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:53
  98. 9.16. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Forever Fluff on September 20 from 11am to 8pm (raindate September 21). 25-1326 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:54
  99. 9.17. Somerville Garden Club applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Garden Club Plant Sale on September 21 from 8am to 4pm. 25-1327 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:55
  100. 9.18. Somerville Homeless Coalition applying for a Public Event License for Somerville 5k Road Race on October 4 from 6am to 11am. 25-1331 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:56
  101. 9.19. Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Italian Flag Raising on October 9 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. 25-1330 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 189:58
  102. 9.20. Massachusetts Attorney General issuing a determination re: item #25-0105, an Open Meeting Law complaint filed against this Council by Laura Ortiz on January 11, 2025. 25-1281 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 192:42
  103. 9.21. Jonah Abrams submitting comments re: Davis Square. 25-1288 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 193:16
  104. 9.22. Thouis Jones submitting comments re: bike lanes. 25-1334 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 193:23
  105. 9.23. 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 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 127:19
  106. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  107. 10.1. Commending Stephanie Estrela for leadership and support during a recent house fire. 25-1366 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:11
  108. 10.2. That the Director of Engineering respond to the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee's recently released walk audit, and how the city will implement its short-term recommendations. 25-1363 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 193:31
  109. 10.3. In support of innovation in East Somerville. 25-1362 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 196:21
  110. 10.4. 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 127:34
  111. 10.5. 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. 25-1375 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 202:31
  112. 10.6. That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the policy for mattress recycling for residents of buildings with seven or more units. 25-1376 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 204:03
  113. 10.7. Director of Emergency Management conveying information about the recent Local Recovery Resources Center. 25-1364 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 205:13
  114. 10.8. New Dog Kennel License, Pup Yard, 321 Somerville Avenue, 30 dogs maximum, commercial boarding/training. 25-1367 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 205:26
  115. 10.9. New Sign/Awning License, Build Equity Investment Home LLC, 76 Franklin Street, 1 awning. 25-1368 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 206:01
  116. 10.10. Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for History in the Park: 251 Powder Alarm Anniversary on September 6 from 8am to 1pm (raindate September 13). 25-1370 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 206:17
  117. 10.11. Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Mayor's Senior Picnic on September 9 from 8am to 2:30pm (raindate September 10). 25-1372 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 206:18
  118. 10.12. Veterans Services Department applying for a Public Event License for 9/11 Ceremony on September 11 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 25-1369 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 206:19
  119. 10.13. Scott Peterson submitting comments re: community fridges. 25-1377 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 206:29
  120. 10.14. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee, Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets, Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Groundwork Somerville Green Team and Union Square Main Streets submitting comments re: Union Square Walk Audit. 25-1378 Placed on file and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 195:30
  121. 10.15. Ruth Kearns submitting comments re: sidewalks. 25-1379 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 206:37
  122. 10.16. Nicholas Kelton submitting comments re: balcony solar. 25-1380 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 206:46
  123. 10.17. Christopher Beland submitting comments re: item #25-1311, Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of approximately 49 feet of conduit in Howard Street. 25-1381 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 206:53
  124. 11. ADJOURNMENT
  125. 122 The meeting was Adjourned at 10:32 PM on a roll call vote of 10 in favor (Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Mbah, Davis), 0 opposed.