Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, May 8, 2025
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, May 8, 2025
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.
1.
OPENING CEREMONIES
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance Davis.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 25-0928)
Councilor McLaughlin arrived at 7:03 PM.
Councilor Scott arrived at 7:22 PM.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah
City Councilor At Large Jake Wilson
Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin
Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait
City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo
Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Present:
City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr.
Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 25-0929)
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025.
Minutes
(ID # 25-0930)
APPROVED
RESULT:
2.
CITATIONS
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Page 1 of 21
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3.1.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 46 feet
of conduit in Cross Street East, from Utility Pole 588/2 to an existing
Manhole 20716.
Grant of Location
(ID # 25-0877)
Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and
explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the
Public Hearing was closed.
APPROVED
RESULT:
3.2.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 49 feet
of conduit in Prospect Street, from existing Manhole 23058 to a point of
pickup at 110 Prospect Street.
Grant of Location
(ID # 25-0878)
Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the item and
explained the purpose of the request. There being no further speakers, the
Public Hearing was closed.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor Burnley Jr.
In support of Head Start.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0908)
LAID ON THE TABLE
RESULT:
4.2.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis,
Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin,
Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this
Council, opportunities to create a dog park in West Somerville.
Order
(ID # 25-0917)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.3.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the Mayor create and make public specific plans that outline the full
scope of the work necessary at the Cummings School, including capacity,
time, and cost, to host Somerville Public School students in the event of an
emergency, and provide regular updates to this Council on such plans until
completed.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0906)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 2 of 21
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4.4.
By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen,
Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld,
Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson
Recognizing May as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Month and May
15 as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0916)
Clerk Wells read the Resolution into the record. Councilor Clingan,
speaking from personal experience, said that he wanted to raise awareness of
this debilitating condition which is sometimes misdiagnosed. He commented
that the HER (Hyperemesis Education & Research) foundation is celebrating
its 25th anniversary and he sponsored Kimber MacGibbon, co-founder and
Executive Director of HER, who is also a registered nurse and survivor of
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), to speak on the matter.
Ms. MacGibbon told the council that her organization has helped 3 million
women worldwide who are or were affected by HG, and that due to HER’s
research, a cause for the condition has been discovered. Because of the lack
of knowledge about this condition, women are often being told that their
symptoms are psychological. Ms. MacGibbon commented that after two
decades of publishing studies on HG, little funding has been provided. She
noted that mothers who get aggressive treatment early often avoid pre-term
births and still births and she also stated that the recovery time sometimes
takes a year. Additionally, children born to women with HG may have
development complications.
Councilor Strezo commented that women and all who can get pregnant are
being gaslit and she asked what the barriers were to securing research
funding. Ms. MacGibbon explained that there isn’t a lot of pharmaceutical
interest in HG and that very few companies are even working on it. She
commented that Dr. Marlena Fejzo, an HG survivor and Director of
Research at HER left her position at UCLA because the university would not
fund her work. Overall, there is a lack of interest in the condition and it’s not
viewed as a priority to those who could potentially help.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.5.
By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah,
Councilor Davis and Councilor Sait
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the Highland
Avenue redesign community process will begin.
Order
(ID # 25-0918)
Councilor Ewen-Campen pointed out that it has been five years since this
community process was first announced and that he has yet to be informed
of when it will take place.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.6.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to
discuss recent changes to business permitting in relation to "risk
categorization" and the impact they may have on businesses.
Order
(ID # 25-0923)
Page 3 of 21
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Councilor McLaughlin briefly summarized the concept of risk categorization
and commented that some business owners think that it might be detrimental
to them, so he would like to have a broader discussion about it.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Public Health and Public Safety Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.7.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Mobility replace the flex posts by the bus and bike lane
on Washington Street, near the East Somerville Green Line station.
Order
(ID # 25-0924)
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.8.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Director of Mobility place a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS sign on
Garfield Street at the intersection of Broadway.
Order
(ID # 25-0925)
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.9.
By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo
That the Director of Parking consider adding additional handicapped parking
spots on Washington Street by the Cobble Hill senior center.
Order
(ID # 25-0927)
Councilor McLaughlin commented that the city-owned lot remains a source
of contention and that residents are concerned about losing their
handicapped parking spaces.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.10.
By Councilor McLaughlin
That the Mayor include $266,000 in the FY 2026 budget to continue funding
Food For Free services.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0926)
Councilor McLaughlin noted that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
money used to fund this program is no longer available, so he would like to
have funding for it included in the FY 2026 budget.
APPROVED
RESULT:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel
Matters, meeting on April 30, 2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0869)
Councilor Ewen-Campen summarized the actions taken by the committee
and reported that the committee recommended approval of 3 appointments
Page 4 of 21
City Council
Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2025
to the Human Rights Commission and 1 appointment to the Urban Design
Commission. Appointments for the Somerville Housing Authority police
positions will be taken up at the next meeting of the committee.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Primrose Chareka to the
Human Rights Commission.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0654)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suelin Chen to the Human
Rights Commission.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0655)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.4.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paola Mendez to the Human
Rights Commission.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0657)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.5.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Pavlinic to the Urban
Design Commission.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0732)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 6, 2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0931)
Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee recommended for approval 1 transfer of funds, 3
appropriations, acceptance of a deed/maintenance license and easement for
civic space, the creation of a stabilization fund, acceptance and expenditure
of 2 grants, payment of a prior year invoice, and retaining outside counsel
for Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters. The committee also
discussed the matter of some residents not receiving their vehicle excise tax
bills and what they should do in that circumstance. Finally, the committee
discussed the financial impacts of the Public Safety for All
recommendations.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
Requesting the transfer of $55,631 from the Community Preservation Act
(CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0398)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 5 of 21
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6.B.3.
Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation
Act Budgeted Reserve and Open Space Reserve for improvements to Dilboy
Auxiliary Fields.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0399)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.4.
Requesting approval of a Deed, Maintenance License, and Maintenance
Easement for 808 Windsor Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0523)
APPROVED
RESULT:
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward
Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor
McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor
At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City
Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.5.
Requesting approval to create the Chestnut Street Multimodal Safety
Stabilization Fund and accept a payment of $99,127 from the developer of
100 Chestnut Street to implement multimodal safety and access
improvements.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0524)
APPROVED
RESULT:
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward
Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor
McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor
At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City
Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.B.6.
Requesting the appropriation of $1,468,693 from the Community
Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing
Trust.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0651)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.7.
Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation
Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0652)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 6 of 21
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May 8, 2025
6.B.8.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,300 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for upgrades to the Emergency Operation Center.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0674)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.9.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $61,301.89 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for replacement of cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0683)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.10.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,430.19 using
available funds in the Police Department In Service Training, Professional &
Technical Services, Repairs to Radio Alarm, and Public Safety Supplies
accounts.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0686)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.11.
By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Ewen-Campen
That the Chief Assessor and the City Treasurer discuss with this Council the
issue of residents not receiving initial motor vehicle excise tax bills,
resulting in demand fees.
Order
(ID # 25-0745)
WORK COMPLETED
RESULT:
6.B.12.
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Verrill Dana, LLP, as outside
legal counsel with respect to Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0824)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.C.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 1, 2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0890)
Councilor McLaughlin summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee recommended for approval the zoning
amendments for the 100% affordable housing development project on
Medford and Walnut Streets. He also reported that item #24-1584 needs to
be voted on by the May 22, 2025 City Council meeting or it will have to be
resubmitted. Councilor Scott noted that negotiations with Neighborhood
Council have been successful, therefore he asked that this item be tabled.
Councilor McLaughlin, however, requested that the item be referred back to
the Land Use Committee.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 7 of 21
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6.C.2.
Horace-Ward LLC, Bealm Realty, LLC, Delhi Properties, LLC, and Delhi
Properties ll, LLC requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the
zoning district of 11 Horace Street, 5-7, 9, 13, and 15 Ward Street, and 15
and 21 South Street from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6).
Public
Communication
(ID # 24-1584)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
6.C.3.
John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust,
requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of
295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to
Mid-Rise 4 (MR4).
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0269)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Wilson, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City
Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor
Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City
Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen
RECUSED:
6.D.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.D.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 29, 2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0865)
Councilor Scott assumed the Chair to allow President Davis to present the
Committee Report.
Councilor Davis summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee recommended for approval an amendment to the
Tree Preservation Ordinance, the use of automated traffic enforcement, and
the Hudl Focus Surveillance Technology Impact Report. Councilor Wilson
clarified that the city is already authorized to use camera enforcement, albeit,
not automated, and that the automated enforcement violations will not be
considered moving violations and will be issued to the owner of a vehicle
and will not affect insurance premiums.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.D.2.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 12, Article VI of the
Code of Ordinances to modify the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0566)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Page 8 of 21
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May 8, 2025
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward
Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor
McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor
At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City
Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.D.3.
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of
Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0781)
APPROVED
RESULT:
City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large
Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward
Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor
McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor
At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City
Councilor Pineda Neufeld
ABSENT:
6.D.4.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl
Focus cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0838)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.E.
RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE
6.E.1.
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on April 30,
2025.
Committee Report
(ID # 25-0868)
Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that the committee received an update on 3 standing committee
items, as well as trash violations, mitigation efforts, pest management in
schools, the use of CO2 and CO, and SMART boxes. The committee was
also briefed on a new risk-based fee structure for licenses being considered
by the Inspectional Services Department.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 8 of the Zoning
Ordinance to update Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) references.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0907)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 9 of 21
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7.2.
Requesting approval of a lease agreement at 50 Tufts Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0919)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.3.
Requesting approval to amend the purpose of the Street Tree Stabilization
Fund to align with the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0892)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.4.
Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Facility Renovation
Stabilization Fund for the replacement of the Brown School Boiler.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0874)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Facility Renovation
Stabilization Fund to replace the Department of Public Works Water
Department Boiler System.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0875)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.6.
Requesting approval to appropriate $228,000 from the Medicinal Marijuana
Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of three positions related to
youth-serving staff in FY 2026.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0857)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.7.
Requesting approval to appropriate $45,000 from the Street Tree
Stabilization Fund for FY 2025 Ash tree treatments.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0836)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
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REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.8.
Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation
Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the design of the Kennedy Schoolyard.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0855)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.9.
Requesting the appropriation of $151,502 from the Unreserved Fund
Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department, Legal Services Account for
additional outside legal counsel services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0922)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.10.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $600,000 from various Department of
Public Works Personal Services Accounts to various Department of Public
Works Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to fund projected budget shortfalls.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0862)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.11.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of
Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0861)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.12.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $363,000 from the Department of
Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0873)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.13.
Requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act
Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0854)
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Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.14.
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.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0666)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.15.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $274,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER)
training.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0846)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.16.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for Special Response Team equipment and training.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0849)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.17.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,681.25 grant with no new
match required, from the Massachusetts Community First Partnership to the
Office of Sustainability and Environment for an Energy Advisor and
outreach materials.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0813)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.18.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $38,500 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for Special Response Team equipment.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0848)
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Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.19.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $36,000 grant with no new
match required, from Department of Environmental Protection to the
Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery
Program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0860)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.20.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 grant that requires a
match, from the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation to the Health and Human
Services Department for public health vending machines.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0852)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.21.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $11,400 grant with no new
match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department
for fire education for school students and senior residents.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0902)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.22.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,137.70 using
available funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Parks and
Playgrounds Account for irrigation services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0664)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.23.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $583.03 using
available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and
Accessories Account for the purchase of vehicle parts.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0662)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
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and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.24.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $504 using available
funds in the Department of Public Works Administration Police Details
Account for police detail services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0665)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.25.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $270 using available
funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Vehicles Account for
vehicle inspections.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0663)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.26.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $90 using available
funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account
for case management for workers' compensation.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0850)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.27.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8.87 using available
funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account
for managed care services for workers' compensation.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0863)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27
and refer them to the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.28.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Eli Kim to the position of
Police Lieutenant.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0899)
Councilor Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 7.28 and
7.29 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and
Personnel Matters.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
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Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.29.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dylan Lambert to the
position of Police Sergeant.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0900)
Councilor Ewen-Campen moved to waive the readings of items 7.28 and
7.29 and refer them to the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and
Personnel Matters.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.30.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alba Solis to the Affordable
Housing Trust.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0901)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.31.
Requesting approval of an exemption for Tara Murphy Beardsley as required
by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0856)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.32.
Requesting approval of an exemption for Keegan Bliss as required by
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0866)
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.33.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole
Cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0864)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Legislative Matters Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.34.
Proclaiming that the week of May 11 through May 18, 2025 is Taiwanese
American Heritage Week.
Mayor's
Communication
(ID # 25-0867)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0896)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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8.2.
Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #25-0200, #25-0457,
and #25-0590.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 25-0921)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction, Inc.
License
(ID # 25-0879)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp.
License
(ID # 25-0880)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Renewing Flammables License, 74M Property Owner, LLC, 74 Middlesex
Avenue.
License
(ID # 25-0881)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.4.
Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway.
License
(ID # 25-0882)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.5.
Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville
Avenue.
License
(ID # 25-0883)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.6.
Renewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Avenue.
License
(ID # 25-0884)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
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and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.7.
Renewing Flammables License, The Home Depot #2667, 75 Mystic
Avenue.
License
(ID # 25-0885)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.8.
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for
facilities on an existing pole at 53 Boston Street.
Small Wireless
Facility
(ID # 25-0886)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.9.
Wandering Fusion Festival applying for a Public Event License for
Wandering Fusion Festival on June 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Public Event
(ID # 25-0889)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.10.
Sophia Li applying for a Public Event License for DIS Midsummer Picnic
on June 21 from 11am to 1:30pm (raindate June 22)
Public Event
(ID # 25-0888)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.11.
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party
on June 21 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate June 22).
Public Event
(ID # 25-0887)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.12.
Tori Antonino submitting comments re: 375 Harold Cohen Way.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0893)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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9.13.
16 residents submitting comments re: item #25-0200, a Zoning Text
Amendment to amend Sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l,
3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0894)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.14.
625 individuals submitting comments re: Israel.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0895)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
By Councilor Pineda Neufeld
That the city hereby adopts Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1987, An Act
Increasing Local Control Over The Annual School Budget.
Order
(ID # 25-0905)
Councilor Scott assumed the Chair to allow President Davis to speak on this
item.
Councilor Davis explained that this Act allows a city council to consider a
budget submitted by a school committee that is different from what a mayor
has submitted. Councilor Wilson pointed out that even though this is state
law, it still needs to be adopted by the City Council. Solicitor Amara
explained that there is a discrepancy with the state’s special legislation and
that part of the law was not actually codified. She also explained that in a
circumstance where a mayor does not approve a city council’s action to
approve a budget submitted by a school committee (that is different from a
mayor’s submittal), a 2/3 vote of the city council to override the mayor’s
veto would not be sufficient, as the mayor’s signature is required.
Liaison Raddassi stated that the Administration is looking into this matter.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
10.2.
By Councilor Davis
That the Administration work with Somerville Public Schools and the
Commissioner of Public Works to effectively budget for and fund current
equipment maintenance costs, including but not limited to air compressors
and ovens, at the High School Career and Technical Education (CTE)
program, and develop plans to include CTE equipment maintenance needs in
future budgeting and funding cycles.
Resolution
(ID # 25-0933)
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special
Committee
FOLLOWUP:
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10.3.
Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Salary Contingency
account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a
collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Employees
Association.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-0944)
Councilor McLaughlin was recused.
Assistant City Solicitor and Labor Counsel Matthew Sirigu explained that
this request is to fund the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
which covers the 3-year period for FY 2022-2024. The base pay for police
officers was increased by approximately $10,000 per year, the hazardous pay
benefit was increased, language was included regarding the use of civilians
for detail assignments, changes were made to the drug testing procedure and
military leave language was included. Specifics of the civilian detail
language still need to be solidified. Assistant Solicitor Sirigu said that the
language is akin to that used in Cambridge and lays out some key points to
be discussed between the union, Police Chief and other city departments. He
also noted that there was no change to the use of body cameras.
Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration of the item. The motion was
not approved on a roll call vote of 0 in favor, 8 opposed (Mbah, Wilson,
Ewen-Campen, Scott, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis), 1 recused
(McLaughlin), 2 absent (Burnley, Pineda Neufeld).
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.4.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation.
License
(ID # 25-0938)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.5.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mass Earthworks & Demolition.
License
(ID # 25-0939)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.6.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288
Broadway.
License
(ID # 25-0940)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.7.
Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street.
License
(ID # 25-0941)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
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and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.8.
Renewing Flammables License, Good Gas Somerville, 343 Medford Street.
License
(ID # 25-0942)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.9.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC,
Med. #51,73,77,87,93.
License
(ID # 25-0943)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.10.
Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl
Street Reconstruction Concept Design Open House on May 13 from 4pm to
8pm (raindate May 14).
Public Event
(ID # 25-0947)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.11.
Brown School Parent Teacher Association applying for a Public Event
License for Brown School Fun Run on May 23 from 8am to 3pm.
Public Event
(ID # 25-0945)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.12.
Health & Human Services Department applying for a Public Event License
for Pride Flag Raising on June 5 from 5pm to 6:30pm.
Public Event
(ID # 25-0946)
Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11
and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening.
APPROVED
RESULT:
10.13.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conveying the
alteration of location of a section of State highway.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0934)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
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10.14.
Alison Ellis submitting comments re: mayoral term.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0935)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.15.
Steven Kubel submitting comments re: Israel.
Public
Communication
(ID # 25-0936)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 8:22 PM.
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