Meetings ▸ Minutes
City Council — Minutes, Feb 26, 2026
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
City Council
Meeting Minutes
7:00 PM
Thursday, February 26, 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 7:01 PM by City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah.
1.1.
Call of the Roll.
Roll Call
(ID # 26-0288)
Councilor Clingan arrived at 7:14 PM.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen
City Councilor At Large Jon Link
Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott
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 Seven City Councilor Emily Hardt
Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin
City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah
Present:
Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis
Absent:
1.2.
Remembrances.
Remembrances
(ID # 26-0289)
President Mbah requested a moment of silence in memory of Deborah
Shanholtz Nutter.
APPROVED
RESULT:
1.3.
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2026.
Minutes
(ID # 26-0290)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 1 of 16
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Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
2.
CITATIONS
2.1.
By Councilor Mbah
Commending Director of Libraries Cathy Piantigini on her return to work
following a medical procedure.
Citation
(ID # 26-0284)
Councilor Mbah spoke about Ms. Piantigini’s work for the city at the
libraries.
APPROVED
RESULT:
3.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.
ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS
4.1.
By Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Strezo, Councilor
Hardt, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Link,
Councilor Sait, Councilor Scott and Councilor Wheeler
In support of Senate Bill S.237, an Act regulating self-checkouts in grocery
establishments.
Resolution
(ID # 26-0283)
Councilor McLaughlin spoke about his frustration with self-checkout
stations in grocery stores and explained that this bill would establish
reasonable limits on the number of self-checkout stations permitted in
operation at any one time, require adequate staffing of manual checkout
stations, and ensure appropriate employee oversight of automated checkout
systems.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.2.
By Councilor Mbah
Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund.
Communication
(ID # 26-0275)
Councilor Mbah presented highlights of the report and commented that it’s
well documented online.
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
4.3.
By Councilor Link
That the Director of Public Works and the Director of Mobility update this
Council regarding plans to keep bike lanes, protected bike lanes, and other
separated micromobility facilities clear and passable on major throughways,
with particular attention to school routes, timelines after snowfall, staffing,
and equipment capacity.
Resolution
(ID # 26-0279)
Councilor Link commented that, due to the recent snowstorm, travel was
challenging this week, and he would like to know what the city can do to
Page 2 of 16
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
improve the conditions.
APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
Traffic and Parking Committee
FOLLOWUP:
4.4.
By Councilor Link
That the Administration report to this Council regarding whether the city
maintains, or can establish, a process to identify vendors that materially
support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as
detailed within.
Resolution
(ID # 26-0281)
Councilor Link wants to make sure that we know who the city is doing
business with. Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi recommended that
Councilor Link connect with her off-line to discuss this item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.5.
By Councilor Link
That this City Council reaffirms and recognizes the importance of the arts in
Somerville and the role of the Arts Council in supporting artists, cultural
organizations, and community arts programming.
Resolution
(ID # 26-0280)
Councilor Link spoke about recent changes to the Arts Council and wanted
to make it clear that the City Council will continue to support the Arts in
Somerville.
APPROVED
RESULT:
4.6.
By Councilor Link, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor
Hardt, Councilor Mbah, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Sait, Councilor
Scott, Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wheeler
In support of Senate Bill S.1010 and House Bill H.1576, an Act relative to
creating a permanent affordability homeownership program.
Resolution
(ID # 26-0282)
Councilor Link explained that the legislation would create a statewide
program for the development and construction of permanently affordable
homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income buyers.
APPROVED
RESULT:
5.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
6.A.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Page 3 of 16
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
6.A.1.
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 24, 2026.
Committee Report
(ID # 26-0276)
Councilor Wheeler highlighted a few of the items discussed by the
committee and he moved that item 6.A.22 (ID # 26-0156) be severed from
the committee report. The motion was approved by unanimous consent.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.2.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.3.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.4.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.5.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.6.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.7.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 4 of 16
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
6.A.8.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.9.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.10.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $3,000 from the Communications
Department Professional and Technical Services Account to the Somerville
Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for consulting services related
to the inaugural event.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0089)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.11.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.12.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $5,000 grant with no new match
required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the
Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery
Program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0112)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.13.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $15,000 grant that requires a
match from the Massachusetts General Court and the State Historical
Records Advisory Board to the Veterans Services Department for support of
the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the archival digitization project.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0113)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 5 of 16
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February 26, 2026
6.A.14.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $28,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Recycling Dividends
Program.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0117)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.15.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the
contract with EB Rotondi & Sons Inc. for repairs to water main gate valves
and appurtenances.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0132)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.16.
Requesting approval of a time-only extension until 6/30/2027 for the
contract with N. Granese & Sons Inc. for water distribution system
maintenance and repair.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0133)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.17.
Requesting the approval of a transfer of $237,250 from the Community
Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic
Preservation Reserve.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0151)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.18.
Requesting the appropriation of $306,250 from the Community Preservation
Act Historic Preservation Reserve for restoration of the Veterans Memorial
Cemetery and veterans monuments.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0152)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.19.
Requesting the appropriation of $124,331 from the Community
Preservation Act Fund for improvements to Blessing of the Bay Linear Park.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0153)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.20.
Requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from the Community
Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Vida Real Church for
exterior restoration of the building at 404 Broadway.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0154)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.21.
Requesting the appropriation of $50,000 from the Community Preservation
Act Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Housing Authority for
improvements to the open space at the Mystic River/View developments.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0155)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 6 of 16
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Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
6.A.22.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,000 grant with no new
match required, from Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to the Fire
Department for the replacement of security cameras at fire headquarters.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0156)
Councilor Wheeler moved to sever item #26-0156 from the Committee
Report for further discussion. The motion was approved.
Councilor Wheeler explained that he severed this item because the
committee had several concerns about it during its meeting. Since the night
of the committee meeting, however, the Police Department has provided
additional information which resolved the committee’s concerns, and he
would now like to have the item approved. President Mbah sponsored
Crystal Huff to speak on the item. They spoke about concerns regarding
interactions between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the city. They believe
that the city has made its decision and they would like that decision to be
reconsidered, since they don’t want the city to integrate with DHS or ICE.
They went on to say that the community is hurting because decisions have
been made that make the city less welcoming and they asked the City
Council not to accept money from DHS under the Trump Administration.
Liaison Raddassi stated that the city’s Law Department vets the
requirements of all grants to the city to ensure compliance with the city’s
values. Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that there is language in the grants,
themselves, that prohibits the city from cooperating with DHS or ICE.
Councilor Strezo commented that she knows people are scared and assured
everyone that we will get through this together.
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, and Ward One
City Councilor McLaughlin
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Mbah
NAY:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.23.
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Sidewalk Easement and
Maintenance License at 16-20 Medford Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0160)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Page 7 of 16
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February 26, 2026
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.24.
Requesting authorization to borrow $1,530,000 in a bond, and to appropriate
the same amount for the annual FY 2026 Sewer System Evaluation and
Infiltration/Inflow Assessment.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0162)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.25.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $87,848 grant with no new
match required, from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence to the
Council on Aging for health, wellness, social, and educational programming.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0164)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.26.
Requesting the appropriation of $154,136 from the Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation-Settlement of Claims Account to the School Department
Legal Settlement Account for an insurance settlement.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0166)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.27.
Requesting approval for settlement of a claim for $10,400 pursuant to
Section 2-124 of the Code of Ordinances.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0167)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.28.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the
Police Department for target hardening at the Police Department
headquarters.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0168)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.A.29.
Requesting approval to appropriate $324,360 from the Medicinal Marijuana
Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of four positions related to youth
in FY 2027.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0172)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 8 of 16
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February 26, 2026
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.30.
Requesting approval to appropriate $299,910 from the Energy Stabilization
Fund for a heat pump replacement project at 133 Holland Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0188)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.31.
Requesting approval to appropriate $26,759 from the Energy Stabilization
Fund for weatherizing the basement and envelope of 133 Holland Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0195)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.32.
Requesting approval to appropriate $179,349 from the Energy Stabilization
Fund for the addition of a solar array to the new roof of 133 Holland Street.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0196)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
Page 9 of 16
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February 26, 2026
6.A.33.
Requesting approval to appropriate $210,525 from the Energy Stabilization
Fund to replace lighting at Trum Field.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0197)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.A.34.
Requesting approval to appropriate $299,460 from the Energy Stabilization
Fund to replace the lighting at Dilboy Field.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0199)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo,
Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large
Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City
Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
Ward Six City Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.B.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE
6.B.1.
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 17,
2026.
Committee Report
(ID # 26-0269)
Councilor Scott summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that several Surveillance Technology Impact Reports were
discussed. The committee also acted on some charter alignment issues to
make the City Charter compatible with the rules of the City Council and
with state laws.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.2.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for
Under Door Cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-1603)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
6.B.3.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for
Thermal Imaging Monoculars.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-1604)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Page 10 of 16
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Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
6.B.4.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball
Cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 25-1605)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
6.B.5.
City Clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
41, Section 91, relating to the appointment and removal of constables.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 26-0042)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City
Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin,
and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Six City
Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.B.6.
City Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 10-20 of the Code of
Ordinances to align the constable appointment process with the provisions
of the revised City Charter.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 26-0043)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City
Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin,
and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Six City
Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.B.7.
City Clerk submitting an amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 1 of
the Code of Ordinances to add a review of multiple-member bodies,
pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 26-0044)
ORDINANCE ORDAINED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City
Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin,
and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Six City
Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
Page 11 of 16
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February 26, 2026
6.B.8.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for
Under Door Cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0092)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.9.
Requesting approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal
Imaging Monoculars.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0093)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.10.
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball
Cameras.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0094)
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.B.11.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor
At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four
City Councilor Clingan, Ward Five City Councilor Sait,
City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City
Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin,
and City Councilor At Large Mbah
AYE:
City Councilor At Large Strezo, and Ward Six City
Councilor Davis
ABSENT:
6.C.
LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
6.C.1.
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 25,
2026.
Committee Report
(ID # 26-0277)
Councilor Hardt summarized the actions taken by the committee and
reported that a New Used Car Dealer License was recommended for
approval and that a request for a Grant of Location was Recommended to be
discharged with no recommendation to have a public hearing held on the
matter. The item was Laid on the Table.
APPROVED
RESULT:
6.C.2.
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)
APPROVED
RESULT:
Page 12 of 16
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February 26, 2026
6.C.3.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of
conduit in Prospect Street, from Utility Pole 291/12 to a point of pickup at
91 Prospect Street.
Grant of Location
(ID # 26-0185)
This item was before the Council after being discharged with no
recommendation. Councilor Hardt commented that it requires a public
hearing, which will be held at the next City Council meeting.
LAID ON THE TABLE
RESULT:
7.
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR
7.1.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1 of the Zoning
Ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility,
and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing projects.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0204)
Councilor Ewen-Campen explained that this is the first set of amendments
for the affordable housing overlay. He invited Gavin Robb, a member of
Somerville Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY), to explain further. Mr. Robb
commented that more durable, affordable housing is needed and that this
amendment would provide an additional density bonus from seven to eight
stories.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.2.
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share
Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at
the Boynton Union Connect Transportation Management Association
development site.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0270)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.3.
Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,700 from the Law Department
Professional & Technical Services Account to the Executive Department
Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to establish the position of Senior
Advisor to the Mayor for Labor.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0278)
Mayor Wilson explained that this is a result of listening to labor unions and
bringing negotiation work in-house rather than hiring outside counsel. The
position will be part-time and paid on an hourly basis.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.4.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new
match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the
Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous Household
Waste Facility.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0268)
Page 13 of 16
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Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it to
the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.5.
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a
match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative
to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0271)
Councilor Wheeler moved to waive the reading of this item and refer it to
the Finance Committee.
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Finance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
7.6.
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $565.50 using
available funds in the Police Department Professional & Technical Services
Account for case management services and biohazard cleaning.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0171)
Councilor Wheeler moved to approve this item.
APPROVED
RESULT:
7.7.
Requesting approval of an extension to the temporary appointment of Kevin
Klein as Interim Director of Inspectional Services.
Mayor's Request
(ID # 26-0157)
Councilor Scott spoke about Mr. Klein’s long history with the city and
moved for approval.
APPROVED
RESULT:
8.
COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS
8.1.
Director of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying the Strategic
Asset Management Plan report.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 26-0266)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
8.2.
Director of Public Space & Urban Forestry conveying information regarding
the Kennedy Inclusive Schoolyard renovation.
Officer's
Communication
(ID # 26-0267)
PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION
RESULT:
School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee
FOLLOWUP:
Page 14 of 16
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
9.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1.
New Second Hand Dealer license, Nostalgia, 322 Somerville Avenue,
selling used clothes, footwear, and accessories.
License
(ID # 26-0272)
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.2.
Bill Rogers Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk applying for a Public Event License
for The Race of Ireland 5K Run/Walk 2026 on March 15 from 7am to 3pm.
Public Event
(ID # 26-0273)
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.3.
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union
Square Farmers Market 2026 Saturdays from May 9 to October 31, from
6:30am to 2pm.
Public Event
(ID # 26-0274)
Councilor Wheeler noted that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) benefits are matched at the farmers markets in the city.
APPROVED
RESULT:
9.4.
26 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.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0287)
REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION
RESULT:
Land Use Committee
FOLLOWUP:
9.5.
Elyse Best submitting comments re: item #26-0114, Fiscal Year 2027
budget priorities.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0285)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
9.6.
Ida Kao submitting comments re: Arts Council.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0286)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
10.1.
Shannon Noel Curtis submitting comments re: snow.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0291)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
Page 15 of 16
City Council
Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2026
10.2.
Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: 2025
Annual Report.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0292)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
10.3.
Michael Steele submitting comments re: Arts Council.
Public
Communication
(ID # 26-0293)
PLACED ON FILE
RESULT:
11.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was Adjourned at 8:06 PM.
Page 16 of 16