Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee — Minutes, Feb 9, 2026

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes 6:00 PM Monday, February 9, 2026 This meeting was held virtually via Zoom and was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Clingan and adjourned at 6:58 pm with a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Hardt, Clingan and Link), none opposed, and none absent. Councilor Link was appointed to this committee, replacing Councilor Scott, for this meeting only. Others present: Yasmine Raddassi - Legislative Liaison, Bill Fisher - Director of Emergency Management, Eric Weisman - Department of Public Works Interim Commissioner, Estello Raganit - Senior Public Space Planner and Delaney Fisher-Cassiol - Clerk of Committees Roll Call Ward Seven City Councilor Emily Hardt, Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan and Jon Link Present: 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting of October 15, 2025. Committee Minutes (ID # 25-1581) ACCEPTED RESULT: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan and Link AYE: 2. Approval of the Minutes of the Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee Meeting of December 3, 2025. Committee Minutes (ID # 25-1857) ACCEPTED RESULT: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan and Link AYE: 3. By Councilor Link That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry develop and report on a standardized green score for public parks and identify appropriate benchmarks and expectations for publicly owned parkland. Resolution (ID # 26-0066) Chair Clingan noted the desire to preserve as much natural terrain as possible while recognizing that there are competing priorities in park design and use. Councilor Link observed that park maintenance can be challenging and clarified that the intent is not to apply the green score used for private developments to public parks, but rather to develop a parks-specific framework. Chair Clingan added that certain materials, such as rubber Page 1 of 4

Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 pavers, can contribute to heat-island effects. Estello Raganit, Senior Public Space Planner, explained that the green score is a review metric used by the division to require private developments to incorporate environmentally friendly updates, including permeability. He noted that applying a one-size-fits-all approach to parks is difficult due to their varied purposes and contexts. He stated that the division incorporates green features such as educational signage, stormwater infrastructure, and adherence to the Pollinator Action Plan when building new parks whenever possible, but that implementing a single metric across all parks would be challenging. In response to a question from Chair Clingan about establishing a minimum percentage of green space, Planner Raganit explained that this would be difficult, as spaces such as schoolyards must also meet specific community needs that may not align with a fixed standard. Councilor Link clarified that the discussion was not intended as criticism, but rather as an effort to promote greater transparency and potentially develop a rubric to better understand and communicate park design decisions. Chair Clingan then asked whether a parks master plan exists and how decisions are made regarding the amount of green space to include. Planner Raganit noted that an Open Space and Recreation Plan is in place, and that prioritization can also depend on funding availability and community impact. As a potential compromise, he stated that the division could be more intentional about communicating design features and the context behind park design decisions, including sharing project goals at the outset and publicly reflecting on outcomes at the conclusion of a project. Councilor Hardt expressed appreciation for existing signage that highlights natural features in parks and shared a desire to see similar signage addressing accessibility, noting that this would be an effective way to increase public awareness and visibility of park design decisions. RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: 4. By Councilor Link That the Administration explore the feasibility of a year with no swag, as detailed within. Resolution (ID # 26-0067) Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi reported that she had contacted the City Clerk’s financial analyst to review the costs associated with promotional items across departments. Councilor Link noted that, in addition to using such items to attract engagement, the City should prioritize purchasing items of lasting value and consider alternative ways to draw people in. Chair Clingan added that he would like to see the City be more intentional about the types of items it distributes. Councilor Hardt expressed support for the item, noting that, in a constrained environmental and financial context, this presents an opportunity to be more deliberate and thoughtful in purchasing decisions. Councilor Link concluded that guidance Page 2 of 4

Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 around these items would be helpful. KEPT IN COMMITTEE RESULT: 5. 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) This item was discussed with item 26-0019. RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: 6. 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) Chair Clingan reviewed the attachment, S&I - 2026-02-09 Memo (26-0118 and 26-0119).pdf, and asked whether the waste receptacle was being used, noting that rideshare vehicle drivers tend to litter when a receptacle is not readily available. DPW Interim Commissioner Eric Weisman reported that a trash receptacle had been placed near the entrance last week, adding to two existing Bigbelly receptacles. He noted that some complaints related not only to the area directly in front of the warming center but also to debris along the surrounding street. While debris in park areas tends to be seasonal, DPW will continue to monitor the area and will report back if issues persist. Councilor Link expressed appreciation for the item, and Councilor Hardt concurred. She also requested clarification regarding how long trash pickup would be delayed following snow cover. DPW Interim Commissioner Weisman clarified that DPW would not shovel the lot specifically to locate trash; however, snow was removed as needed to access the trash barrels. RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: 7. 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) Bill Fisher, Emergency Management, reported that a recent resident meeting provided helpful context for this item. He explained that staff at the center had been parking along the street, which limited access for residents. The rear lot, which had previously been used for construction equipment, is now available for staff parking. Drop-offs, pick-ups, and emergency responder parking will remain unchanged due to ease of access, and ADA parking will continue to be located near the front entrance. Yasmine Raddassi, Legislative Liaison, reiterated the administration’s willingness to remain in contact with residents as issues arise. Page 3 of 4

Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: Referenced Documents: • S&I - 2026-02-09 Memo (with 26-0118 and 26-0119).pdf Page 4 of 4