City Council — Minutes, Jan 22, 2026

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes 7:00 PM Thursday, January 22, 2026 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 7:04 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. 1.1. Call of the Roll. Roll Call (ID # 26-0129) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen City Councilor At Large Jon Link Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo Ward Five City Councilor Naima Sait City Councilor At Large Ben Wheeler Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis Present: Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott Ward Seven City Councilor Emily Hardt Absent: 1.2. Remembrances. Remembrances (ID # 26-0130) Councilor Wheeler requested a moment of silence in memory of those who have recently passed from the flu. Councilor Clingan requested a moment of silence in memory of the three recent fatal overdose victims. APPROVED RESULT: 1.3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 11, 2025. Minutes (ID # 26-0131) APPROVED RESULT: 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Page 1 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. By Councilor Scott That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility draft a plan to convert the intersection of Ivaloo Street and Harrison Street into a pedestrian-only open space closed to vehicular traffic. Resolution (ID # 26-0091) APPROVED RESULT: 4.2. By Councilor Strezo That this Council discuss a pilot program that incentivizes backyard cottages and/or Accessory Dwelling Units in owner occupied properties. Order (ID # 26-0100) Councilor Strezo stated that she intends to keep pushing for this and said she would like to bring forward the incentivizing accessory dwelling units (ADU) program implemented by New York state. Councilor Wheeler commented that the City of Salem has implemented a property tax exemption for ADUs that are rented below a set price. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.3. By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers that provide free menstrual products in all city owned bathrooms. Resolution (ID # 26-0098) Councilor Strezo pointed out that these products are not available in any of the restrooms in City Hall and she would like to have them installed and available free to those who need them. She asked for an immediate allocation to accomplish this. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Public Health and Public Safety Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.4. By Councilor Strezo That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers on each floor of City Hall that provide free menstrual products. Resolution (ID # 26-0099) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Public Health and Public Safety Committee FOLLOWUP: Page 2 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 4.5. By Councilor Strezo That the Administration purchase and install outdoor patio furniture, including tables and chairs, for the patio located outside of the first floor of City Hall on the Highland Avenue side of the building. Resolution (ID # 26-0101) Councilor Strezo commented that she has had conversations with the Department of Public Works about this matter. APPROVED RESULT: 4.6. By Councilor Strezo That the Commissioner of Public Works install privacy film and replace the shades of the women's bathroom on the second floor of City Hall. Resolution (ID # 26-0108) Councilor Strezo noted that the windows in the men’s restroom are covered completely, but the windows in the women’s restroom are only 50% covered, making the area feel very un-private and violating. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Public Health and Public Safety Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.7. By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Link, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Sait and Councilor Wheeler That the City Council calls for an end to period poverty, and an end to barriers making it difficult for residents to be able to afford menstrual products in Somerville. Resolution (ID # 26-0125) Councilor Strezo noted that one in five users of menstrual products can’t afford to buy them. She sponsored Alexandra Barbat, from the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW), to address the Council. Ms. Barbat told the Council that the SCW voted to support this resolution and said that, in a cost-of-living crisis, people are forced to choose which necessities they can purchase and that those choices can have negative health consequences. Ms. Barbat stated that residents should be able to walk into a city building and receive these products. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Public Health and Public Safety Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.8. By Councilor Davis That the Commissioner of Public Works provide a written update to this Council and the School Committee on the status of restoring hot water to all areas of the Capuano Early Education Center, including which areas are affected, actions taken, and an estimated timeline for full restoration. Order (ID # 26-0109) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee FOLLOWUP: Page 3 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 4.9. By Councilor Davis That the Commissioner of Public Works provide to the City Council a full-time equivalent analysis and recommendations for custodial staffing at each Somerville Public School, including distinctions between day versus evening shifts, disparities between school size, usage, and current custodial assignments. Resolution (ID # 26-0102) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.10. By Councilor Davis That the Administration prioritize finalization of a Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, including updating community input in the content of the plan. Resolution (ID # 26-0103) Councilor Mbah assumed the Chair. Councilor Davis commented that, after ten years, a plan has not been developed, however, he reported that the Mayor and the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development have committed to prioritizing this. APPROVED RESULT: 4.11. By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Mbah That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on maintenance issues in the East Somerville, Capuano and Edgerly Schools. Order (ID # 26-0107) Councilor McLaughlin stated that he wants to have a conversation in committee about rodents and basic maintenance issues at the schools. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.12. By Councilor McLaughlin That the Administration form a commission to investigate the possibility of Ranked Choice Voting, as required by passage of the new city charter. Resolution (ID # 26-0105) Councilor McLaughlin noted that this was a major discussion during the development of the new city charter, and he believes that it deserves its own commission to investigate it. He pointed out that ranked choice voting would only apply to local elections. Councilor Davis reported that the constitution of this body is underway and Councilors can participate on the committee or nominate a resident. APPROVED RESULT: Page 4 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 4.13. By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Davis That the Administration provide monthly updates to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on progress towards addressing homelessness in Somerville. Resolution (ID # 26-0106) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Public Health and Public Safety Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.14. By Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Link, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wheeler In support of an Act ensuring law enforcement identification for public safety. Resolution (ID # 26-0104) Councilor McLaughlin explained that essentially the bill is to prohibit law enforcement agents from wearing masks for the sake of those who might have to identify them in a court of law. He noted that there are exceptions allowing for masks to be worn in certain circumstances and he also said that there is some question as to whether this could be applied to federal agents. APPROVED RESULT: 4.15. By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Scott That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the intersection improvements at Webster Avenue and Prospect Street. Order (ID # 26-0123) Councilor Ewen-Campen stated that he is resubmitting this item to deal with the inherent dangerousness of this intersection. He noted that this area will be part of phase one of the Union Square Streetscapes design. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.16. By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Scott That the Director of Mobility implement colored lane markings for bus and bike lanes on Prospect Street between Webster Avenue and Somerville Avenue. Resolution (ID # 26-0124) Councilor Ewen-Campen commented that the current lane markings are confusing, and he feels that this might be helpful in navigating them. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.17. By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works install waste receptacles near the entrance of the Warming Center on Prescott Street. Resolution (ID # 26-0118) Page 5 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 This item was discussed with items #26-0119 and #26-0120. Councilor Ewen-Campen spoke about some unavoidable challenges related to the Warming Center and said that there has been an uptick in specific issues being reported by neighbors. He reported that the Mayor and Chief of Police have met with neighbors about their concerns. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.18. By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works perform regular litter clean-ups along Prescott Street near the Warming Center. Resolution (ID # 26-0119) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.19. By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Administration investigate the possibility that deliveries, emergency vehicles, pick-ups, etc., occur in the Cummings School parking lot rather than on Prescott Street. Resolution (ID # 26-0120) APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.20. By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Mobility pilot the installation of dedicated bicycle YIELD signals to operate during the walk cycle at several intersections throughout the city, including Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, and Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. Resolution (ID # 26-0121) Councilor Ewen-Campen stated that there is extensive data, including from the federal government, indicating that there is a safety benefit in allowing bicyclists to have a head start in traffic, known as the “Idaho Stop”. He would like to prioritize resources on things that will work and would like to try this idea in some areas by installing these cycle lights. APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: 4.21. By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wheeler That the Director of Mobility prioritize speed hump installation and other traffic calming measures on Lowell Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue. Resolution (ID # 26-0122) APPROVED RESULT: Page 6 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 4.22. By Councilor Wheeler Conveying that, pursuant to Section 6-2 of the City Charter, this City Council will hold a public hearing on the community's Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities in the Committee on Finance on February 10, 2026. Communication (ID # 26-0114) Councilor Wheeler invited all residents to speak on their budget desires at this public hearing. He stressed that one does not need to be a registered voter nor a certain age to participate. He informed Council members that this public hearing will be held with interpretation available via Zoom in Spanish and Portuguese with in-person attendance available in the Committee Room, on the 2nd floor of City Hall. PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION RESULT: Finance Committee FOLLOWUP: 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. City Clerk conveying information regarding the City Council's responsibilities pursuant to the 2025 City Charter. Officer's Communication (ID # 26-0047) Legislative Analyst Brendan Salisbury gave a presentation on the City Council’s responsibilities pursuant to the 2025 City Charter, covering several areas, including the separation of powers, access to information, advance notice timelines for appearances before the Council or its committees, timelines for most appointments, rejecting appointments, group petitions, budget hearings, Administrative Code Amendments and the Council’s ability to approve or reject administrative codes and organizations. Mr. Salisbury noted that the Council must submit a written reason for any appointment it rejects. Councilor Clingan commented that doing so feels like leaving members of the Council open to lawsuits to which Mr. Salisbury advised consulting with the City Solicitor. Councilor Wheeler had some questions about rejecting appointments and Mr. Salisbury noted that the City Charter does not specify what standards can be used for rejecting appointments and he advised the councilor to consult the City Solicitor, as well. Councilor Mbah assumed the Chair. Councilor Davis clarified that the 14-day advance notice applies when the Council is compelling an appearance. He encouraged all committee Chairs to consult with the Intergovernmental Affairs team to determine what items are ready to be discussed in committee. He also stated that with respect to orders and resolutions, nothing has changed with respect to the authority of the Council relative to their use. PLACED ON FILE RESULT: Page 7 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 20, 2026. Committee Report (ID # 26-0126) Councilor Wheeler summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that approval was recommended to accept and expend three grants, one transfer of funds, and one time only contract extension. APPROVED RESULT: 6.A.2. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Municipal Road Safety Program. Mayor's Request (ID # 25-1801) APPROVED RESULT: 6.A.3. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0011) APPROVED RESULT: 6.A.4. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the continuation of the short term housing bridge pilot program. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0053) APPROVED RESULT: 6.A.5. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing bridge pilot program for seniors. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0054) APPROVED RESULT: 6.A.6. Requesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0088) APPROVED RESULT: Page 8 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 6.B. LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on January 21, 2026. Committee Report (ID # 26-0128) Councilor Wheeler summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that approval was recommended for a new used car dealer license. There was an item for a Grant of Location that was recommended for discharge, with no recommendation. Councilor Wheeler commented that since the committee meeting, Eversource and neighbors came to an agreement to resolve this issue. The committee report was approved and item #25-1754 came before the Council. APPROVED RESULT: 6.B.2. 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. License (ID # 25-1702) APPROVED RESULT: 6.B.3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 38 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/3 to a point of pickup at 16 Warwick Street. Grant of Location (ID # 25-1754) Councilor Sait said that she wants to know how this agreement will be approached and would like the item to be referred to the Licenses and Permits Committee to ensure that all issues have been addressed. She noted that there is another project, involving cable, in this area and she would like both jobs done at same time to avoid digging up the street twice. The item was referred to committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Licenses and Permits Committee FOLLOWUP: 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve for construction of improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0079) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 through 7.4 and 10.6 and lay them on the table until the next City Council meeting. LAID ON THE TABLE RESULT: Page 9 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 7.2. Requesting the appropriation of $480,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for continued preservation of 59 Cross Street. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0080) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 through 7.4 and 10.6 and lay them on the table until the next City Council meeting. LAID ON THE TABLE RESULT: 7.3. Requesting the appropriation of $420,566 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for continued restoration of 277 Broadway. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0075) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 through 7.4 and 10.6 and lay them on the table until the next City Council meeting. LAID ON THE TABLE RESULT: 7.4. Requesting the appropriation of $74,365 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Nicole Bairos for preservation of Buddy's Diner. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0081) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 through 7.4 and 10.6 and lay them on the table until the next City Council meeting. LAID ON THE TABLE RESULT: 7.5. Requesting approval of a transfer of $6,166.19 from the Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance Other Equipment - Not Capitalized Account to the Fire Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the required match for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0056) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Finance Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.6. Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2027 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administration fees for Junction Park. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0085) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Page 10 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 Finance Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.7. Requesting approval to accept and expend a $618,181.81 grant that requires a match, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Fire Department for the replacement of aging breathing apparatus. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0055) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Finance Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.8. Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,342.05 using available funds in various Police Departments Ordinary Maintenance Accounts for various services. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0097) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Finance Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.9. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0092) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Legislative Matters Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.10. Requesting approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0093) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Legislative Matters Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.11. Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0094) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.5 through 7.11 and refer them to the Finance Committee. REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Page 11 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 Legislative Matters Committee FOLLOWUP: 7.12. Conveying the temporary appointment of Eric Weisman as Interim Commissioner of Public Works. Mayor's Communication (ID # 26-0090) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. City Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter. Officer's Communication (ID # 26-0127) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Legislative Matters Committee FOLLOWUP: 8.2. Chief of Police conveying a bi-annual report, pursuant to Section 2-6(g) of the Code of Ordinances. Officer's Communication (ID # 26-0095) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, USA Auto Hub, 61 Prospect Street, 15 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed. License (ID # 26-0115) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Licenses and Permits Committee FOLLOWUP: 9.2. Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street. License (ID # 26-0116) APPROVED RESULT: 9.3. Boston Bike Polo submitting comments re: Founders Memorial Skating Rink. Public Communication (ID # 26-0110) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: 9.4. Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: bus routes 90 and 88. Public Communication (ID # 26-0111) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: Page 12 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. By Councilor Sait That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide a written report to this Council on updates to measures and practices taken to assess, monitor, maintain, and improve the physical environment in schools. Order (ID # 26-0134) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee FOLLOWUP: 10.2. 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. Order (ID # 26-0135) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee FOLLOWUP: 10.3. By Councilor Sait That the Director of Engineering provide an update on the construction of the Lowell Street and School Street crosswalks facing the Green Line stations. Order (ID # 26-0137) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: 10.4. By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility add additional signage helping users of the Community Path get through Maxwell's Green to the Community Path and add clear signage directing users to the ramp and stairs on Lowell Street. Resolution (ID # 26-0138) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: 10.5. By Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council strategies for improving the safety of users of the Community Path, including improved signage, enforcement of the motorized vehicle ban on the path, coordination with community partners to encourage cooperative use, and regulation of e-bikes, including the imposition of speed limits. Resolution (ID # 26-0136) REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Traffic and Parking Committee FOLLOWUP: Page 13 of 14

City Council Meeting Minutes January 22, 2026 10.6. Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond for financing a portion of the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. Mayor's Request (ID # 26-0084) Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the readings of items 7.1 through 7.4 and 10.6 and lay them on the table until the next City Council meeting. LAID ON THE TABLE RESULT: 10.7. CultureHouse applying for a Public Event License for CultureHouse Polar Putt on February 2 from 10am to 7pm. Public Event (ID # 26-0140) APPROVED RESULT: 10.8. George Vroom submitting comments re: snow plowing. Public Communication (ID # 26-0139) PLACED ON FILE RESULT: 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 8:32 PM. Page 14 of 14