City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Thursday, August 28, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Chamber and Remote Participation Published August 26, 2025, 12:30 PM, Revised Published August 28, 2025, 11:45 AM. NOTICE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audiovideo recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Register at the following website to listen to this meeting live or to testify at any public hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mtFQa8wgS06liPdbsUCS0A Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. 1. OPENING CEREMONIES 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 25-1359) 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 25-1360) 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June (ID # 25-1361) 26, 2025. 2. CITATIONS 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Cambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of (ID # 25-1310) Location to install a total of 88 feet of conduit in South Street, from Manhole 44/464 to a point of pickup at an existing manhole at the intersection of South Street and Earle Street. Page 1 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 3.2. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a (ID # 25-1311) total of approximately 49 feet of conduit in Howard Street, from Utility Pole 183/1 to a point of pickup at 29 Thorndike Street. 4. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 4.1. Communication By Councilor Davis (ID # 25-1287) In his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025. 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-1297) That the Director of Mobility appear before this Council to discuss how the city may apply for the state’s Microtransit and Last Mile Program grant which is being funded through the FY 2025 Supplemental Education and Transportation Funds (ETF) budget. 4.3. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-1340) That the Director of Emergency Management and Mayor inform City Councilors in real time when emergency events are occurring in the city, such as fires or emergency evacuations. 4.4. Resolution By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Davis (ID # 25-1296) That the Mayor commit to and provide funds for installing a winter ice sheet for the 2025-2026 season at Founder’s Rink for all Somerville residents to engage in winter activities such as hockey, curling, free skate, etc. 4.5. Resolution By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Davis (ID # 25-1353) That the Administration direct all relevant departments, including Health and Human Services, to appear before this City Council to discuss and update on current unhoused outreach efforts. 4.6. Resolution By Councilor Strezo and Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-1341) Calling on MassHealth to enforce existing administrative regulations and statutory authority pertaining to the provision of Applied Behavioral Analysis services. 4.7. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1344) That the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts that have remained unspent for three or more fiscal years and provide a report for each fund. Page 2 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 4.8. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1345) That the Director of Economic Development provide a report to this Council on the impact of Greentown Labs, including job creation, local economic activity, community engagement initiatives, climate and sustainability contributions, and equity and inclusion outcomes. 4.9. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1346) That the Director of Parks and Recreation install a clock on top of the Dilboy Pool building. 4.10. Resolution By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1347) That Somerville establish a sister-city relationship with Pryluky, Ukraine. 4.11. Communication By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1342) Conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 4.12. Communication By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1343) Conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund. 4.13. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-1350) That the Director of Health and Human Services create a summer job in the Mayor's Jobs Program by which youth can travel by bike to water public trees around the city. 4.14. Order By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 25-1349) That the Director of Mobility install a left turn signal for vehicles turning left from Somerville Avenue onto Bow Street. 4.15. Resolution By Councilor Ewen-Campen (ID # 25-1348) That the Mayor explain to this Council why the community process for a redesigned Highland Avenue appears to have been postponed indefinitely, despite repeated statements that it was to begin during summer 2025, including the introductory statement on the city's dedicated "Highland Ave Redesign" website. 4.16. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 25-1354) That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the speed limit signage and NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES signage will be installed along the Community Path and at its entrances. Page 3 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 4.17. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 25-1355) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on when the school buildings maintenance project website will be available to the public. 4.18. Order By Councilor Sait (ID # 25-1357) That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the overgrowth on the sidewalk at 19 Elm Street and that the Director of Inspectional Services cite the property owner accordingly. 4.19. Resolution By Councilor Sait (ID # 25-1356) That the Administration release the report on the School Department composting pilot program and that the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on any plans to re-introduce composting in the schools. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Mayor's Request Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections (ID # 25-1237) 7-64, 7-65 and 7-68 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 5.2. Public Dan Casparriello submitting comments re: item Communication #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the (ID # 25-1236) Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 5.3. Public The Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitting Communication comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections (ID # 25-1264) 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 5.4. Public John M. (Jack) Connolly submitting comments re: item Communication #25-1044, amendments to Sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the (ID # 25-1265) Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 5.5. Public Fernando Bento and Niranjan Gawli submitting Communication comments re: item #25-1044, amendments to Sections (ID # 25-1266) 7-64 and 7-65 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Page 4 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting that this Council convene in Executive (ID # 25-1358) Session to discuss techniques for incentivizing tenant recruitment to vacant laboratory space. 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $1,238,000 from the (ID # 25-1290) Open Space Stabilization Fund to pay additional costs of purchasing the parcel of land known as 217 Somerville Avenue (Ken Kelly Park). 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $591,190 from the (ID # 25-1278) Capital Stabilization Fund for Information Technology equipment relating to workstation setups, network devices, and other hardware. 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $73,750 from the (ID # 25-1352) Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Department of Public Works School Custodians Other Lump Sum Payments Account to fund the retrospective portion of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union Local 3 - School Custodians. 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the (ID # 25-1289) Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount. 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the (ID # 25-1280) Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the (ID # 25-1303) Receipts Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts. 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $448,180 from the (ID # 25-1351) Salary Contingency account to various departmental Salaries accounts to fund FY 2026 Non-Union employee step increases. 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the (ID # 25-1299) Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement. Page 5 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 (ID # 25-1339) grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1. 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 (ID # 25-1285) grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a Clinical Community Health Worker. 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 (ID # 25-1300) 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. 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $55,000 (ID # 25-1304) grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses. 7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 (ID # 25-1305) grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses. 7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1279) $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software and Uninterruptible Power Supply hardware. 7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1298) $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items. 7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1301) $4,015 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services. Page 6 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1283) $1,497.50 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Civic Day event food. 7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1284) $925 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Equipment Rental Account for equipment rentals during Family Fun Day event. 7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1274) $840 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Slice of the City events pizza orders. 7.21. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1271) $323.75 using available funds in the CityTV R&M - Audio/Visual Equipment Account for on-site engineering services and travel expenses. 7.22. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1302) $100.08 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for confidential shredding services. 7.23. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1286) $98.39 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Athletic Supplies Account for tag belts for a teen flag football program. 7.24. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1277) $91.62 using available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get Together event. 7.25. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1332) $71.88 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 7.26. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling (ID # 25-1309) $25.69 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. 7.27. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Olivia (ID # 25-1293) Mobayed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Page 7 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 7.28. Mayor's Request Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suzanne (ID # 25-1291) Warner to the Urban Forestry Committee. 7.29. Mayor's Conveying an update regarding work completed during Communication Summer 2025 on Somerville Public Schools buildings. (ID # 25-1333) 7.30. Mayor's Conveying an update on the status of the charter for the Communication City of Somerville. (ID # 25-1336) 7.31. Mayor's Proclaiming that the week of September 12 through Communication September 21, 2025 is Welcoming Week. (ID # 25-1337) 7.32. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-1292) 7.33. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-1306) 7.34. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-1307) 7.35. Withdrawn Withdrawn. (ID # 25-1308) 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Clerk requesting approval of her Public Official's Communication Bond. (ID # 25-1282) 8.2. Officer's Licensing Commission requesting the acceptance of Communication Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 138, Section 12D, (ID # 25-1317) to allow current wine and malt beverages license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all forms alcohol license. 8.3. Officer's City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. Communication (ID # 25-1338) 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, A.R. Belli, Inc. (ID # 25-1312) 9.2. License New Drainlayer's License, DJ Morris Contracting. (ID # 25-1313) Page 8 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 9.3. License New Drainlayer's License, Genesis Utilities Corporation. (ID # 25-1314) 9.4. License Renewing Drainlayer's License, Doherty Excavating Inc. (ID # 25-1315) 9.5. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Mint Indian (ID # 25-1316) Eatery, 868 Broadway, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 4am. 9.6. License New Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 (ID # 25-1318) Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,001 gallons. 9.7. License New Outdoor Goods License, Villari's Martial Arts (ID # 25-1319) Center, 54 Union Square. 9.8. License New Sign/Awning License, Brancato Barber Co LLC, (ID # 25-1320) 282A Broadway, 2 signs. 9.9. License New Sign/Awning License, The Brow Lab Somerville, (ID # 25-1321) 595 Somerville Avenue, 1 sign. 9.10. License New Sign/Awning License, Ethereal Ink, 321 Broadway, (ID # 25-1322) 1 sign. 9.11. Public Event Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event (ID # 25-1323) License for Brazilian Flag Raising on September 4 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (raindate September 8). 9.12. Public Event Akiva Jackson applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 25-1324) Challapalooza on September 7 from 8am to 8pm. 9.13. Public Event East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event (ID # 25-1325) License for Foodie Crawl on September 9 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 10). 9.14. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 25-1328) Gilman Square Fest on September 13 from 10am to 7pm (raindate September 14). 9.15. Public Event Veterans Services Department applying for a Public (ID # 25-1329) Event License for Health and Wellness 2025 on September 20 from 10am to 4pm. 9.16. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 25-1326) Forever Fluff on September 20 from 11am to 8pm (raindate September 21). Page 9 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 9.17. Public Event Somerville Garden Club applying for a Public Event (ID # 25-1327) License for Somerville Garden Club Plant Sale on September 21 from 8am to 4pm. 9.18. Public Event Somerville Homeless Coalition applying for a Public (ID # 25-1331) Event License for Somerville 5k Road Race on October 4 from 6am to 11am. 9.19. Public Event Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event (ID # 25-1330) License for Italian Flag Raising on October 9 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. 9.20. Public Massachusetts Attorney General issuing a determination Communication re: item #25-0105, an Open Meeting Law complaint filed (ID # 25-1281) against this Council by Laura Ortiz on January 11, 2025. 9.21. Public Jonah Abrams submitting comments re: Davis Square. Communication (ID # 25-1288) 9.22. Public Thouis Jones submitting comments re: bike lanes. Communication (ID # 25-1334) 9.23. Public Former Mayor Eugene C. Brune, former Mayor Dorothy Communication Kelly Gay, and former Alderman John "Jack" Connolly (ID # 25-1335) submitting comments re: Chapter 53, Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws. 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Citation By Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-1366) Commending Stephanie Estrela for leadership and support during a recent house fire. 10.2. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 25-1363) That the Director of Engineering respond to the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee's recently released walk audit, and how the city will implement its short-term recommendations. 10.3. Resolution By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 25-1362) In support of innovation in East Somerville. 10.4. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1373) That the City of Somerville hereby accepts the provisions of Chapter 53 Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Page 10 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 10.5. Order By Councilor Wilson and Councilor Scott (ID # 25-1375) That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry update this Council on the status of ArtFarm and the funding for the project. 10.6. Order By Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-1376) That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the policy for mattress recycling for residents of buildings with seven or more units. 10.7. Officer's Director of Emergency Management conveying Communication information about the recent Local Recovery Resources (ID # 25-1364) Center. 10.8. License New Dog Kennel License, Pup Yard, 321 Somerville (ID # 25-1367) Avenue, 30 dogs maximum, commercial boarding/training. 10.9. License New Sign/Awning License, Build Equity Investment (ID # 25-1368) Home LLC, 76 Franklin Street, 1 awning. 10.10. Public Event Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License (ID # 25-1370) for History in the Park: 251 Powder Alarm Anniversary on September 6 from 8am to 1pm (raindate September 13). 10.11. Public Event Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License (ID # 25-1372) for Mayor's Senior Picnic on September 9 from 8am to 2:30pm (raindate September 10). 10.12. Public Event Veterans Services Department applying for a Public (ID # 25-1369) Event License for 9/11 Ceremony on September 11 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 10.13. Public Scott Peterson submitting comments re: community Communication fridges. (ID # 25-1377) 10.14. Public Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee, Somerville Communication Alliance for Safe Streets, Commission for Persons with (ID # 25-1378) Disabilities, Groundwork Somerville Green Team and Union Square Main Streets submitting comments re: Union Square Walk Audit. 10.15. Public Ruth Kearns submitting comments re: sidewalks. Communication (ID # 25-1379) Page 11 of 12 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 28, 2025 10.16. Public Nicholas Kelton submitting comments re: balcony solar. Communication (ID # 25-1380) 10.17. Public Christopher Beland submitting comments re: item Communication #25-1311, Eversource applying for a Grant of Location (ID # 25-1381) to install a total of approximately 49 feet of conduit in Howard Street. 11. ADJOURNMENT Page 12 of 12