City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 8, 2025 7:00 PM 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. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 25-0928) Councilor McLaughlin arrived at 7:03 PM. Councilor Scott arrived at 7:22 PM. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Present: 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 Absent: City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr. Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 25-0929) RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025. (ID # 25-0930) RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Page 1 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 3.1. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 46 feet (ID # 25-0877) of conduit in Cross Street East, from Utility Pole 588/2 to an existing Manhole 20716. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 3.2. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 49 feet (ID # 25-0878) of conduit in Prospect Street, from existing Manhole 23058 to a point of pickup at 110 Prospect Street. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 25-0908) In support of Head Start. RESULT: LAID ON THE TABLE 4.2. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, (ID # 25-0917) 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. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.3. Resolution By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 25-0906) 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. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee Page 2 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 4.4. Resolution By Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, (ID # 25-0916) 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. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 4.5. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah, (ID # 25-0918) Councilor Davis and Councilor Sait That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the Highland Avenue redesign community process will begin. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 4.6. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0923) 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. Page 3 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 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. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 4.7. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0924) 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. RESULT: APPROVED 4.8. Order By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0925) That the Director of Mobility place a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS sign on Garfield Street at the intersection of Broadway. RESULT: APPROVED 4.9. Order By Councilor McLaughlin and Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-0927) That the Director of Parking consider adding additional handicapped parking spots on Washington Street by the Cobble Hill senior center. Councilor McLaughlin commented that the city-owned lot remains a source of contention and that residents are concerned about losing their handicapped parking spaces. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.10. Resolution By Councilor McLaughlin (ID # 25-0926) That the Mayor include $266,000 in the FY 2026 budget to continue funding Food For Free services. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel (ID # 25-0869) Matters, meeting on April 30, 2025. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Primrose Chareka to the (ID # 25-0654) Human Rights Commission. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suelin Chen to the Human (ID # 25-0655) Rights Commission. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paola Mendez to the Human (ID # 25-0657) Rights Commission. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Pavlinic to the Urban (ID # 25-0732) Design Commission. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 6, 2025. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $55,631 from the Community Preservation Act (ID # 25-0398) (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 6.B.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 25-0399) Act Budgeted Reserve and Open Space Reserve for improvements to Dilboy Auxiliary Fields. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Deed, Maintenance License, and Maintenance (ID # 25-0523) Easement for 808 Windsor Street. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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 ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to create the Chestnut Street Multimodal Safety (ID # 25-0524) Stabilization Fund and accept a payment of $99,127 from the developer of 100 Chestnut Street to implement multimodal safety and access improvements. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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 ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.B.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $1,468,693 from the Community (ID # 25-0651) Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.7. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 25-0652) Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund. RESULT: APPROVED Page 6 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 6.B.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,300 grant with no new (ID # 25-0674) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for upgrades to the Emergency Operation Center. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $61,301.89 grant with no new (ID # 25-0683) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for replacement of cameras. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,430.19 using (ID # 25-0686) available funds in the Police Department In Service Training, Professional & Technical Services, Repairs to Radio Alarm, and Public Safety Supplies accounts. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.11. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 25-0745) 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.12. Officer's City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Verrill Dana, LLP, as outside Communication legal counsel with respect to Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters. (ID # 25-0824) RESULT: APPROVED 6.C. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 1, 2025. (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. RESULT: APPROVED Page 7 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 6.C.2. Public Horace-Ward LLC, Bealm Realty, LLC, Delhi Properties, LLC, and Delhi Communication Properties ll, LLC requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the (ID # 24-1584) 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). RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 6.C.3. Public John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, Communication requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of (ID # 25-0269) 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4). RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: 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 ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld RECUSED: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 6.D. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.D.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 29, 2025. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.D.2. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 12, Article VI of the (ID # 25-0566) Code of Ordinances to modify the Tree Preservation Ordinance. RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED Page 8 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 AYE: 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 ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.D.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of (ID # 25-0781) Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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 ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld 6.D.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl (ID # 25-0838) Focus cameras. RESULT: APPROVED 6.E. RODENT ISSUES SPECIAL COMMITTEE 6.E.1. Committee Report Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on April 30, (ID # 25-0868) 2025. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 8 of the Zoning (ID # 25-0907) Ordinance to update Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) references. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee Page 9 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a lease agreement at 50 Tufts Street. (ID # 25-0919) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to amend the purpose of the Street Tree Stabilization (ID # 25-0892) Fund to align with the Tree Preservation Ordinance. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $450,000 from the Facility Renovation (ID # 25-0874) Stabilization Fund for the replacement of the Brown School Boiler. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Facility Renovation (ID # 25-0875) Stabilization Fund to replace the Department of Public Works Water Department Boiler System. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $228,000 from the Medicinal Marijuana (ID # 25-0857) Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of three positions related to youth-serving staff in FY 2026. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $45,000 from the Street Tree (ID # 25-0836) Stabilization Fund for FY 2025 Ash tree treatments. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. Page 10 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation (ID # 25-0855) Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the design of the Kennedy Schoolyard. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $151,502 from the Unreserved Fund (ID # 25-0922) Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department, Legal Services Account for additional outside legal counsel services. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $600,000 from various Department of (ID # 25-0862) Public Works Personal Services Accounts to various Department of Public Works Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to fund projected budget shortfalls. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of (ID # 25-0861) Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $363,000 from the Department of (ID # 25-0873) Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act (ID # 25-0854) Undesignated Fund Balance to the Open Space Reserve. Page 11 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime (ID # 25-0666) Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $274,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0846) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) training. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0849) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment and training. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $122,681.25 grant with no new (ID # 25-0813) match required, from the Massachusetts Community First Partnership to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for an Energy Advisor and outreach materials. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $38,500 grant with no new (ID # 25-0848) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment. Page 12 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $36,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-0860) match required, from Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 grant that requires a (ID # 25-0852) match, from the RIZE Massachusetts Foundation to the Health and Human Services Department for public health vending machines. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.21. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $11,400 grant with no new (ID # 25-0902) match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire education for school students and senior residents. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.22. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,137.70 using (ID # 25-0664) available funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Parks and Playgrounds Account for irrigation services. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.23. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $583.03 using (ID # 25-0662) available funds in the Department of Public Works Fleet Motor Parts and Accessories Account for the purchase of vehicle parts. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 Page 13 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.24. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $504 using available (ID # 25-0665) funds in the Department of Public Works Administration Police Details Account for police detail services. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.25. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $270 using available (ID # 25-0663) funds in the Department of Public Works R&M Vehicles Account for vehicle inspections. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.26. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $90 using available (ID # 25-0850) funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management for workers' compensation. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.27. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8.87 using available (ID # 25-0863) funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for managed care services for workers' compensation. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.27 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.28. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Eli Kim to the position of (ID # 25-0899) Police Lieutenant. 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. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION Page 14 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.29. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dylan Lambert to the (ID # 25-0900) position of Police Sergeant. 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. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 7.30. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alba Solis to the Affordable (ID # 25-0901) Housing Trust. RESULT: APPROVED 7.31. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an exemption for Tara Murphy Beardsley as required (ID # 25-0856) by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). RESULT: APPROVED 7.32. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an exemption for Keegan Bliss as required by (ID # 25-0866) Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). RESULT: APPROVED 7.33. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Pole (ID # 25-0864) Cameras. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.34. Mayor's Proclaiming that the week of May 11 through May 18, 2025 is Taiwanese Communication American Heritage Week. (ID # 25-0867) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. Communication (ID # 25-0896) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 15 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 8.2. Officer's Planning Board conveying recommendations for items #25-0200, #25-0457, Communication and #25-0590. (ID # 25-0921) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction, Inc. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. License Renewing Flammables License, 74M Property Owner, LLC, 74 Middlesex (ID # 25-0881) Avenue. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. License Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.5. License Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville (ID # 25-0883) Avenue. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. License Renewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Avenue. (ID # 25-0884) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11 Page 16 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. License Renewing Flammables License, The Home Depot #2667, 75 Mystic (ID # 25-0885) Avenue. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. Small Wireless Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for Facility facilities on an existing pole at 53 Boston Street. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. Public Event Wandering Fusion Festival applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 25-0889) Wandering Fusion Festival on June 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Public Event Sophia Li applying for a Public Event License for DIS Midsummer Picnic (ID # 25-0888) on June 21 from 11am to 1:30pm (raindate June 22) 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.11. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party (ID # 25-0887) on June 21 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate June 22). 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. RESULT: APPROVED 9.12. Public Tori Antonino submitting comments re: 375 Harold Cohen Way. Communication (ID # 25-0893) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 17 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 9.13. Public 16 residents submitting comments re: item #25-0200, a Zoning Text Communication Amendment to amend Sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, (ID # 25-0894) 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Land Use Committee 9.14. Public 625 individuals submitting comments re: Israel. Communication (ID # 25-0895) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Order By Councilor Pineda Neufeld (ID # 25-0905) That the city hereby adopts Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1987, An Act Increasing Local Control Over The Annual School Budget. 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. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.2. Resolution By Councilor Davis (ID # 25-0933) 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. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee Page 18 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 10.3. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Salary Contingency (ID # 25-0944) account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Employees Association. 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). RESULT: APPROVED 10.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.5. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mass Earthworks & Demolition. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.6. License Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288 (ID # 25-0940) Broadway. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.7. License Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street. (ID # 25-0941) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.11 Page 19 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 and 10.4 through 10.12 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 10.8. License Renewing Flammables License, Good Gas Somerville, 343 Medford Street. (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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.9. License Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC, (ID # 25-0943) Med. #51,73,77,87,93. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.10. Public Event Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl (ID # 25-0947) Street Reconstruction Concept Design Open House on May 13 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate May 14). 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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.11. Public Event Brown School Parent Teacher Association applying for a Public Event (ID # 25-0945) License for Brown School Fun Run on May 23 from 8am to 3pm. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.12. Public Event Health & Human Services Department applying for a Public Event License (ID # 25-0946) for Pride Flag Raising on June 5 from 5pm to 6:30pm. 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. RESULT: APPROVED 10.13. Public Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) conveying the Communication alteration of location of a section of State highway. (ID # 25-0934) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Page 20 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2025 10.14. Public Alison Ellis submitting comments re: mayoral term. Communication (ID # 25-0935) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10.15. Public Steven Kubel submitting comments re: Israel. Communication (ID # 25-0936) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 8:22 PM. Page 21 of 21