docketcity.com
Home › Somerville › Meetings

City Council

June 26, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber and Remote Participation

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 129 items

  1. 1 Published June 24, 2025, 1:30 PM, Revised Published June 26, 2025, 1:30 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_ZHbr7kQHSoiC1rQe02MPVQ 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 7:07 PM by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. The City Council entered recess at 7:25 PM and returned at 7:32 PM. The City Council entered recess at 9:12 PM and returned at 9:40 PM. The City Council entered recess at 10:25 PM and returned at 10:35 PM.
  6. 1.1. Call of the Roll. 25-1185 Placed on file ▶ jump to 0:14
  7. 1.2. Remembrances. 25-1186 Approved ▶ jump to 0:46
  8. 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 22, 2025. 25-1187 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:49
  9. 1.4. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 29, 2025. 25-1188 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 6:58
  10. 2. CITATIONS
  11. 2.1. Commending outgoing Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld for her outstanding service to the people of Somerville as Ward 7 City Councilor from 2022 to 2025 and her distinguished service as President of this Council in 2025. 25-1143 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 25:49
  12. 2.2. Commending Jason Diorio and Kevin McCormick for their actions on June 11, 2025 providing assistance to a community member in need. 25-1151 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 8:04
  13. 2.3. Commending the Somerville Pride 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team on their win in the Metro West Youth Basketball Championship. 25-1183 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 11:10
  14. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  15. 3.1. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Meacham Road, from Utility Pole 225/9 to a point of pickup at 55 Davis Square. 25-1145 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 51:26
  16. 3.2. Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install one new handhole at the Elm Street/Davis Square/Day Street intersection and a total of 128 feet of conduit in Day and Elm Street, from the proposed handhole to a point of pickup at Utility Pole 196/9. 25-1144 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 52:15
  17. 3.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 5 feet of conduit in Herbert Street, from Utility Pole 88/0 to a point of pickup at 53 Chester Street. 25-1147 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 53:03
  18. 3.4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 50 feet of conduit in Berkeley Street, from Utility Pole 30/8 to a point of pickup at 54 Berkeley Street. 25-1148 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 53:40
  19. 3.5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 236 feet of conduit in Walnut Street, 148 feet of conduit in Giles Park, and two new manholes, from Manhole 25271 to a point of pickup at 33 Bow Street. 25-1146 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:10
  20. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
  21. 4.1. In support of the Climate Superfund Bill. 25-1170 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 54:50
  22. 4.2. In her capacity as President, cancelling this Council's Regular meetings scheduled for July 24 and August 14, 2025. 25-1140 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 210:44
  23. 4.3. That the Director of Engineering update this Council and community advocates on current efforts to fix the unsafe crossing of the Community Path at School Street. 25-1171 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 210:58
  24. 4.4. That the Director of Mobility install WATCH FOR BICYCLES signage for each street that intersects with the two bicycle lanes on Central Street. 25-1172 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 213:09
  25. 4.5. That the Administration notify Magoun Square businesses of planned construction projects. 25-1178 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 214:00
  26. 4.6. That Eversource explain the reasons behind repeated power outages in Magoun Square, and share what they have done to address them in the near term and what is being done to prevent long term recurrence. 25-1177 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 216:02
  27. 4.7. 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 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 217:57
  28. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  29. 5.1. Commending the Kiwanis Club on the auspicious occasion of its 100th anniversary of support to the community. 25-0991 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 13:32
  30. 5.2. Requesting approval of a transfer of $100,000 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Tree Planting Account to the Street Tree Capital Stabilization Fund Account for future tree planting and maintenance activities. 25-0898 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:31
  31. 5.3. Requesting the appropriation of $237,000 to fund the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget. 25-1056 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:32
  32. 5.4. Requesting the appropriation of $87,000 from the Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to subsidize the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget. 25-1059 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 114:33
  33. 5.5. Requesting the appropriation or reserve of $5,863,561 in estimated FY 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenue for CPA projects and expenses. 25-1078 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:34
  34. 5.6. Requesting approval to repurpose $77,000 in the Racial & Social Justice Stabilization Fund to fund two Rental Assistance Advocate positions for FY 2026. 25-1079 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:36
  35. 5.7. Requesting approval to appropriate $77,000 in re-purposed funds in the Racial & Social Justice Stabilization Fund to retain two Rental Assistance Advocate positions for Fiscal Year 2026. 25-1080 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:36
  36. 5.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $35,000 from the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account to the Department of Public Works Grounds Division, Overtime Labor Account to remediate a year end deficit. 25-1081 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:37
  37. 5.9. Requesting approval to repurpose and appropriate $40,500 from the COVID-19 Stabilization fund to continue the Playworks Program at the Winter Hill Community School for 2025-2026 School Year. 25-1095 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:40
  38. 5.10. Requesting the appropriation of $2,055,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan. 25-1097 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:41
  39. 5.11. Requesting the appropriation of $2,715,270 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Street Reconstruction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan. 25-1098 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:42
  40. 5.12. Requesting the appropriation of $750,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Parks Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan. 25-1100 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:44
  41. 5.13. Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan. 25-1101 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:45
  42. 5.14. Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Traffic Safety Stabilization Fund for traffic safety improvements. 25-1102 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:27
  43. 5.15. Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund. 25-1104 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:29
  44. 5.16. Requesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund. 25-1105 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:30
  45. 5.17. Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Compensated Absence Liability Fund. 25-1114 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:32
  46. 5.18. Requesting the appropriation of $5,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund. 25-1115 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:33
  47. 5.19. Requesting the appropriation of $110,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Workers Compensation Insurance Fund for workers compensation insurance settlements. 25-1121 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:34
  48. 5.20. Requesting the appropriation of $45,596 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for the support of a school based market. 25-1122 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:35
  49. 5.21. Requesting the appropriation of $30,245,443 to fund the FY 2026 Sewer Enterprise Fund budget. 25-1123 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:38
  50. 5.22. Requesting the appropriation of $21,366,905 to fund the FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund budget. 25-1124 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:39
  51. 5.23. Requesting the approval of the expenditure limitations for departmental Revolving Funds for FY 2026. 25-1138 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 126:43
  52. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
  53. 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  54. 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on June 3, 2025. 25-1048 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 59:37
  55. 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  56. 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 10, 2025. 25-1126 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:59
  57. 6.C. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  58. 6.C.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 16, 2025. 25-1142 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 113:59
  59. 57 page break
  60. 6.D. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  61. 6.D.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 18, 2025. 25-1154 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:02
  62. 6.E. FINANCE COMMITTEE
  63. 6.E.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on June 24, 2025. 25-1181 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:04
  64. 6.E.2. Requesting approval of a transfer of $54,412 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to the Law Department Salaries Account to remediate a year-end deficit. 25-1025 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:07
  65. 6.E.3. Requesting the appropriation of $237,000 to fund the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget. 25-1027 Withdrawn Pass
  66. 6.E.4. Requesting the appropriation of $736,080 to fund the FY 2026 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund budget. 25-1028 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:19
  67. 6.E.5. Requesting approval of the expenditure limitations for departmental Revolving Funds for FY 2026. 25-1030 Withdrawn Pass
  68. 6.E.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $37,740 from the Department of Public Works Admin Salaries Account to the Department of Public Works Grounds Salaries Account to remediate a year-end deficit. 25-1031 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:21
  69. 6.E.7. Requesting approval of a transfer of $216,000 from the Department of Public Works (DPW) Custodian Salaries Account to the DPW Electrical Other Lump Sum Account and the DPW Highway Salaries Account to remediate year-end deficits. 25-1032 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:23
  70. 6.E.8. Requesting the appropriation of $373,680 from the Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to support the FY 2026 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund Budget. 25-1033 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:23
  71. 6.E.9. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,055,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to the Assembly Square Fire Station Capital Fund to reduce debt service costs for the project. 25-1034 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:24
  72. 6.E.10. Requesting approval to appropriate $2,715,270 from the Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to various capital project funds to reduce debt service costs for these projects. 25-1035 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:25
  73. 6.E.11. Requesting the appropriation of $87,000 from the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to subsidize the FY 2026 Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Budget. 25-1040 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 121:26
  74. 6.E.12. Requesting the appropriation of $362,915,509 to fund the FY 2026 General Fund Operating Budget. 25-1042 Placed on file Pass
  75. 6.E.13. That the Executive Office - Administration, Personal Services Salaries line be reduced by $186,744 in the FY 2026 budget. 25-1189 Not approved Fail ▶ jump to 74:26
  76. 6.F. LAND USE COMMITTEE
  77. 6.F.1. Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on June 17, 2025. 25-1149 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 153:29
  78. 6.F.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 6, 9, and 10 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Research & Development zoning district. 25-0128 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 193:25
  79. 6.F.3. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. 25-0129 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 194:57
  80. 6.F.4. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 8 and 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Arts & Innovation sub-area of the Master Planned Development Overlay District. 25-0131 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 158:50
  81. 6.F.5. 15 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. 25-0200 Referred for recommendation Pass ▶ jump to 154:02
  82. 6.F.6. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the Building Official to waive certain dimensional standards for means of egress. 25-0590 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 196:08
  83. 6.G. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
  84. 6.G.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on June 25, 2025. 25-1182 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 219:43
  85. 6.G.2. That the Director of Economic Development update this Council on efforts taken to inform relevant business owners about the newly implemented closed captioning ordinance. 24-0107 Work completed
  86. 6.G.3. New Garage License, 599 Somerville Ventures LLC, 599 Somerville Avenue, 33 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 25-1006 Approved Pass
  87. 6.G.4. New Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,000 gallons. 25-0500 Approved Pass
  88. 86 page break
  89. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
  90. 7.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions. 25-1176 Ordinance ordained Pass ▶ jump to 208:42
  91. 7.2. Requesting approval of early voting dates for the September 16, 2025 Preliminary Election and the November 4, 2025 City Election. 25-1153 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 222:21
  92. 7.3. Requesting approval of the final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Agreement for the 299 Broadway project. 25-1160 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 222:58
  93. 7.4. Requesting approval of a Public Access and Maintenance Access Easement for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC. 25-1163 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 222:59
  94. 7.5. Requesting approval of a Maintenance Access Easement and Landscape Management and Maintenance Plan for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC for the future Sewall Park at the 299 Broadway development. 25-1164 Referred for recommendation ▶ jump to 223:00
  95. 7.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $3,346,101 from the Salary Contingency Account-Salaries to the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund. 25-1173 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:36
  96. 7.7. Requesting approval of a transfer of $606,501 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Engineering & Architecture Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 25-1165 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:37
  97. 7.8. Requesting approval of a transfer of $410,005.90 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Building Improvements Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design and construction services. 25-1169 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:39
  98. 7.9. Requesting approval of a transfer of $150,955.61 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Engineering & Architecture Account to the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services. 25-1158 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:40
  99. 7.10. Requesting approval of a transfer of $109,982.41 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Professional & Technical Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services. 25-1167 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:41
  100. 7.11. Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,400 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to the Council on Aging Salaries Account to fund an expected year-end deficit. 25-1141 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:42
  101. 7.12. Requesting the appropriation of $1,126,489.31 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design and construction services. 25-1155 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:44
  102. 7.13. Requesting the appropriation of $150,955.61 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services. 25-1156 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 119:45
  103. 7.14. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $119,095.58 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for public health services. 25-1161 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 197:14
  104. 7.15. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $110,280 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Community Health and Prevention to the Health and Human Services Department for tobacco control and cessation. 25-1162 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 197:56
  105. 7.16. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to the Department of Public Works and Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management for reconstruction of a sidewalk and landscape area to facilitate relocation of an MBTA bus stop. 25-1159 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 198:18
  106. 7.17. Withdrawn. 25-1157 Withdrawn
  107. 7.18. Withdrawn. 25-0876 Withdrawn
  108. 106 page break
  109. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
  110. 8.1. Director of Human Resources and Chief of Police conveying information on entry level police officer hiring practices. 25-1152 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 223:05
  111. 8.2. Director of Economic Development requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss strategy regarding the disposition of 90 Washington Street. 25-1168 Laid on the table ▶ jump to 224:19
  112. 9. NEW BUSINESS
  113. 9.1. Patrick Conte and Bill Shelton 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. 25-1179 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 224:37
  114. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
  115. 10.1. That the Director of Economic Development provide an update to this Council on efforts to mitigate construction impacts on small businesses in the city, what resources are available to small business affected by construction, and what additional support can be made available. 25-1200 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 225:41
  116. 10.2. That the Director of Housing discuss with this Council ways to inform tenants, landlords, and real estate professionals in Somerville of the Fair Housing laws. 25-1201 Approved and sent for discussion Pass ▶ jump to 230:18
  117. 10.3. Requesting the appropriation of $362,915,509 to fund the FY 2026 General Fund Operating Budget. 25-1204 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 240:10
  118. 10.4. Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel Place, 1 Main Street. 25-1192 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 240:11
  119. 10.5. Renewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South Street. 25-1193 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:53
  120. 10.6. St. Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for A Mile with Jesus on July 6 from 9:30am to 11am. 25-1196 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:54
  121. 10.7. Peter Jehlen applying for a Public Event License for OPENAIR Circus on August 1-3 from 12pm to 9:30pm. 25-1198 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:55
  122. 10.8. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somer Fest on August 2 from 10am to 9pm (raindate August 3). 25-1199 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:57
  123. 10.9. Priscilla Ribeiro applying for a Public Event License for National Night Out on August 5 from 8am to 10pm (raindate August 6). 25-1197 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 214:59
  124. 10.10. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for 24 Hours of Culture on August 16 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate August 17). 25-1194 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 215:02
  125. 10.11. Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Evolution of Hip Hop Festival on August 23 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate August 24). 25-1195 Approved Pass ▶ jump to 215:06
  126. 10.12. 12 residents submitting comments re: Somernova Community Benefits Agreement. 25-1190 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 240:40
  127. 124 The meeting was Adjourned at 11:08 PM.
  128. 10.13. Enrique Monge Navarro submitting comments re: pedestrian signal. 25-1191 Placed on file Pass ▶ jump to 240:46
  129. 11. ADJOURNMENT