City Council — Agenda, Nov 13, 2025

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Council Chamber and Remote Participation 7:00 PM Thursday, November 13, 2025 Published November 10, 2025, 3:15 PM, Revised Published November 13, 2025, 12:15 PM. 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_zGED5ODwQzOJhRqinHejqg 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 [phone removed] x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call (ID # 25-1693) Call of the Roll. 1.2. Remembrances (ID # 25-1694) Remembrances. 1.3. Minutes (ID # 25-1695) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2025. 1.4. Minutes (ID # 25-1696) Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 21, 2025. 2. CITATIONS 2.1. Citation (ID # 25-1691) By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Strezo Commending Fire Lieutenant Danielle O'Hearn for the publication of her book about and work with a first responder dog. Page 1 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1658) Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 164 feet of conduit and one new vault in Broadway, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 168 Broadway, continuing to points of pickup at 168, 174, and 176 Broadway. 3.2. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1656) Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit and one new vault in Cross Street, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 5 Cross Street, continuing to points of pickup at 5, 7, and 9 Cross Street. 3.3. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1657) Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 83 feet of conduit in Stickney Avenue, from Utility Pole 2 to a point of pickup at 15 Stickney Avenue. 3.4. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1661) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 48 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/14 to a point of pickup at 124 Professors Row. 3.5. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1659) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 253 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32124 in Innerbelt Road and Roland Street, from existing Manhole 24106 to a point of pickup at the Somerville/Boston line. 3.6. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1660) Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 181 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 39136 in Taylor Street, from Mystic Avenue to a point of pickup at 9-15 Taylor Street. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Order (ID # 25-1637) By Councilor Davis That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on how the foundation at the Brown School is monitored, whether mitigation is required to address any concerns, and if so, the details of those mitigation plans. 4.2. Communication (ID # 25-1654) By Councilor Davis In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025. Page 2 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 4.3. Resolution (ID # 25-1644) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration and relevant city departments discuss the cost and work required to get the Founders Rink reopened and functioning. 4.4. Resolution (ID # 25-1645) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration immediately assign a direct phone number connecting to a city liaison who is designated to answer questions from residents about food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits support. 4.5. Resolution (ID # 25-1688) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration, the Director of Mobility and the Director of Health and Human Services, discuss the recent closure of the West Somerville Community Bike Path bordering Cambridge, and present a plan to address this closure. 4.6. Resolution (ID # 25-1689) By Councilor Strezo That the Administration take any available steps, including communication strategies such as robocalls, texting and electronic road signs, to reach out to residents about food insecurity due to the increase of poverty in Somerville. 4.7. Communication (ID # 25-1690) By Councilor Strezo Conveying concerns regarding the increasing costs to low income pet owners and inviting community members to help solve concerns about pet food insecurity and the cost of veterinary care. 4.8. Resolution (ID # 25-1655) By Councilor Sait In support of direct assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. 4.9. Resolution (ID # 25-1678) By Councilor Ewen-Campen Requesting that the Administration cooperate with this Council to establish a Water and Sewer Rate Commission to establish water and sewer rates and to oversee abatements, as is common in other Massachusetts cities. 4.10. Resolution (ID # 25-1677) By Councilor Ewen-Campen In support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management. Page 3 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 4.11. Order (ID # 25-1685) By Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility coordinate to install a traffic light at the intersection of Benton Road and Highland Avenue to prevent fatalities. 4.12. Communication (ID # 25-1684) By Councilor Mbah Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 4.13. Ordinance (ID # 25-1686) By Councilor Wilson Amending Chapter 8, Article III of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to secondhand dealer licenses. 4.14. Order (ID # 25-1687) By Councilor Wilson That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the rodent hormonal birth control program being jointly piloted with the City of Cambridge. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1671) Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 10, 2025. 6.A.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1560) Requesting approval to create the Community Benefits Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $3,946,742.98 from the community benefit contributions outlined in project development covenants. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation. 6.A.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1584) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1585) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23,109.33 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. Page 4 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 6.A.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1599) Requesting approval to create a Housing Assistance Stabilization fund under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5B. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.A.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1600) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,110,000 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be approved. 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1670) Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Redevelopment Authority on November 6, 2025. 6.B.2. Public Communication (ID # 24-0328) Ten individuals, including five residents, submitting comments re: item 24-0059, a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 321 Washington Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Commercial Industry (CI). RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.B.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1239) Requesting that this City Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Somerville Redevelopment Authority regarding updating the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.C. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1672) Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 12, 2025. 6.D. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1628) Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 30, 2025. Page 5 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 6.D.2. Order (ID # 25-0064) By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Mbah That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.3. Order (ID # 25-1180) By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Davis, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Strezo 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.4. Order (ID # 25-1340) By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Burnley Jr. 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.5. Resolution (ID # 25-1353) By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Davis 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.6. Resolution (ID # 25-1561) By Councilor Davis, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson That the Administration discuss with this Council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.D.7. Resolution (ID # 25-1562) By Councilor Davis and Councilor Strezo That the Administration discuss with this Council whether there is a need to create additional alternative locations for people to store their belongings. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 6 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 6.D.8. Resolution (ID # 25-1563) By Councilor Davis and Councilor Strezo That the Administration provide data on needles found in and around Davis Square, outside of the designated receptacle box, including a breakdown by specific location, and used vs. unused. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.E. SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1625) Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2025. 6.E.2. Order (ID # 25-1355) By Councilor Sait 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.E.3. Resolution (ID # 25-1356) By Councilor Sait, Councilor Davis, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Scott, Councilor Burnley Jr., Councilor Mbah and Councilor Strezo 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.E.4. Order (ID # 25-1422) By Councilor Strezo 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 7 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 6.E.5. Resolution (ID # 25-1438) By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson 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. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.E.6. Order (ID # 25-1517) By Councilor Davis That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the condition of the High School building exterior tiles, and efforts to prevent and mitigate future tile failures. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F. TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE 6.F.1. Committee Report (ID # 25-1623) Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 27, 2025. 6.F.2. Resolution (ID # 25-1016) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That the Mayor disclose to this Council any communication with Waymo or its parent company Google regarding autonomous driving tests within city limits. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.3. Order (ID # 25-1017) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether this Council can restrict the use of autonomous driving testing within city limits, either through an outright ban or through requirement of a special permit. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.4. Order (ID # 25-1018) By Councilor Burnley Jr. and Councilor Scott That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether an individual within a vehicle or the autonomous vehicle company would be responsible if issued a citation during autonomous driving testing. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. Page 8 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 6.F.5. Resolution (ID # 25-1019) By Councilor Burnley Jr. That this Council consider whether to ban or restrict autonomous vehicle testing locally, if permitted by law. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.6. Order (ID # 25-1502) By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Strezo That the Director of Mobility install a solar powered digital YOUR SPEED IS display sign on Shore Drive westbound. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.7. Order (ID # 25-1550) By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility install a speed bump on Ashland Street. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 6.F.8. Order (ID # 25-1564) By Councilor Clingan That the Director of Parking place NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER signs on Walnut Street at Sunnyside Avenue. RECOMMENDED: Recommended to be marked work completed. 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1652) Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-309.9 and 2-309.10 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify term length and appointment process for the Community Preservation Committee. 7.2. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1649) Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Easement and grant of a Maintenance License for 495 Columbia Street. 7.3. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1681) Requesting approval to appropriate $875,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund for food security initiatives. 7.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1682) Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to support the Senior Taxi Program. Page 9 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 7.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1680) Requesting the appropriation of $407,090 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to the Water Enterprise Fund Debt Service Account to fund debt service for a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority loan. 7.6. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1679) Requesting the appropriation of $403,980 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Debt Service, Interest on Notes/BANS Account for payment of interest for the 90 Washington Street property acquisition. 7.7. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1620) Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,500 from various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to fund additional temporary employee time. 7.8. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1624) Requesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville High School (SHS) Salaries Account for SHS staff participation in the new PK-8 School Building Planning Focus Group Session. 7.9. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1639) Requesting approval to retain McHaffey & Nice, LLC, as outside legal counsel with respect to employment matters relating to immigration status. 7.10. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1636) Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant, with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs. 7.11. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1621) Requesting approval to accept and expend an $87,450 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Grants & Research to the Police Department for public safety staffing. 7.12. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1627) Requesting approval to accept the in-kind donation of two K-9 animals to the Police Department for the purpose of providing support to victims and serving as an investigative resource. 7.13. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1640) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,285.77 using available funds in the Police Department Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies. Page 10 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 7.14. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1622) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,765.28 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management services. 7.15. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1646) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,547.55 using available funds in the Police Department Animal Control Professional and Technical Services Account for veterinary services. 7.16. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1648) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $271 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for educational achievement award bars. 7.17. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1638) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $125.43 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Computer Equipment Account for freight charges. 7.18. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1651) Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $54 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for a hat badge. 7.19. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1629) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Steven Mauras to the position of Fire Deputy Chief. 7.20. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1630) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Marc Ardolino to the position of Fire District Chief. 7.21. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1631) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Jay McKenzie to the position of Fire Captain. 7.22. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1632) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael Marino to the position of Fire Captain. 7.23. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1633) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Nicholas Halloran to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 7.24. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1634) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Raymond Busi to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 7.25. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1635) Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Ronald Hampton to the position of Fire Lieutenant. 7.26. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1619) Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rona Fischman to the Community Preservation Committee. Page 11 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 7.27. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1692) Requesting approval of an exemption for Marco MacElhiney as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). 7.28. Mayor's Communication (ID # 25-1647) Conveying the appointment of Charles McGonigal and reappointment of Darci Hanna and Cindy Lee to the Municipal Scholarship Committee. 7.29. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1626) Withdrawn. 7.30. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1641) Withdrawn. 7.31. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1642) Withdrawn. 7.32. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1643) Withdrawn. 7.33. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1650) Withdrawn. 7.34. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1666) Withdrawn. 7.35. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1667) Withdrawn. 7.36. Withdrawn (ID # 25-1669) Withdrawn. 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-1676) City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter. 8.2. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-1673) City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. 8.3. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-1674) Retirement Board notifying this Council of the declaration of Thomas Ross as the 4th member. 8.4. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-1668) Director of Housing conveying the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment and Financial Feasibility Analysis reports. Page 12 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License (ID # 25-1662) Renewing Drainlayer's License, JF Excavation Corp. 9.2. Public Event (ID # 25-1675) Somerville Friends of Democracy applying for a Public Event License for Dance for Democracy on November 15 and 23 from 10am to 5:30pm (raindate November 16). 9.3. Public Event (ID # 25-1664) Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Holiday Event on December 7 from 11am to 7pm (raindate December 14). 9.4. Public Event (ID # 25-1663) BA Events Promotion Inc. applying for a Public Event License for Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on December 14 from 7am to 3pm. 9.5. Public Communication (ID # 25-1653) 52 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Out of the Blue Community Arts Space at Arts at the Armory, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter. 9.6. Public Communication (ID # 25-1665) Crystal Huff submitting comments re: food access. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Citation (ID # 25-1713) By Councilor Burnley Jr. Commending Somerville for Palestine for their pursuit of justice and civic engagement. 10.2. Resolution (ID # 25-1700) By Councilor Burnley Jr. In support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3. 10.3. Order (ID # 25-1701) By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility install a Blue Bike station at Junction Park. 10.4. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1698) Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Armory Revolving Fund to prepare the Armory for onboarding and support of tenants. 10.5. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1683) Requesting the appropriation of $67,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Executive Department Special Items Account for Mayoral transition expenditures. Page 13 of 14

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda November 13, 2025 10.6. Officer's Communication (ID # 25-1706) Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development conveying a summary of Community Benefits Funds. 10.7. License (ID # 25-1702) New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Square Auto Sales, 39 Webster Avenue, 20 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed. 10.8. Public Event (ID # 25-1705) Tufts University Project SHARE applying for a Public Event License for Stride for Strength on November 15 from 9am to 1:30pm. 10.9. Public Event (ID # 25-1704) Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Clothing Store on November 22 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 23). 10.10. Public Event (ID # 25-1703) Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 from 4pm to 8pm (raindates December 8,9,10). 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 14 of 14