City Council

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 11, 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 7:00 PM by Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis. The City Council entered recess at 7:09 PM and returned at 7:13 PM. 1.1. Roll Call Call of the Roll. (ID # 25-1434) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Present: 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 City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis Absent: City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr. 1.2. Remembrances Remembrances. (ID # 25-1435) Councilor Scott requested a moment of silence in memory of David White. President Davis requested a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. RESULT: APPROVED 1.3. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 10, 2025. (ID # 25-1436) RESULT: APPROVED 1.4. Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 30, 2025. (ID # 25-1437) Page 1 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 RESULT: APPROVED 2. CITATIONS 2.1. Citation By Councilor Davis (ID # 25-1430) Commending participants of the inaugural Municipal Civics Academy for their commitment to civic engagement and devotion to the city. City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst Brendan Salisbury spoke briefly about the Municipal Civics Academy, which provided members of the public a view into the workings of city government. Participants were presented with citations recognizing their participation in this program. RESULT: APPROVED 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 10 feet of (ID # 25-1388) conduit in Aldersey Street, from Utility Pole 4/3 to a point of pickup at 17 Aldersey 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 3.2. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 40 feet of (ID # 25-1389) conduit in Hinckley Street, from Utility Pole 170/6 to a point of pickup at 35 Richardson 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 3.3. Grant of Location Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 104 feet of (ID # 25-1390) conduit in Glenwood Road, from Manhole 7417 to a point of pickup at 72 Glenwood Road. 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 Page 2 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 4.1. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-1421) That this Council discuss the Somerville Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SSEPAC) report sent to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in response to the upcoming DESE district review of Somerville Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. President Davis was recused and Vice President Mbah assumed the Chair for this item. Councilor Strezo, the Council’s representative on the School Construction Advisory Group (CAG), spoke about the how considerations for special needs students were not being advocated for and she expressed concern for where the A.I.M Program (Adapt / Include / Motivate), specially designed for students on the autism spectrum, might fit into the new 900 student school. She spoke about the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC), saying that it is a legally created body whose purpose is to advocate for the needs of children with special needs, and she sponsored Liz Eldridge, President of SSEPAC to speak on the item. Ms. Eldridge spoke about a district review by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and a report that was submitted to them from SSEPAC. Ms. Eldridge expressed concern that there is a gap in the services being provided and noted that 9 of 10 students with disabilities are not achieving grade level benchmarks. She also noted that parents have to fight for the rights of their children because Somerville runs an aspirational plan and an operational plan, which simply means that the needs are not being met. She closed by stating that this matter is about the need for structural change to meet the needs of students. Councilor Strezo asked colleagues to review the information. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 4.2. Order By Councilor Strezo (ID # 25-1422) That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information regarding the installation, safety and accessibility of a railing on the concrete stairs between the play structures and the soccer field at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School playground. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 4.3. Order By Councilor Mbah (ID # 25-1423) That the City Clerk implement the hiring practices detailed within for positions in the City Council and City Clerk Departments. Councilor Mbah commented that Somerville is committed to equity and diversity and that the main goal of this order is for government to reflect the people it represents. Essentially, the order calls for any hiring process for Page 3 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 positions within the City Council or the City Clerk’s Office, to the extent practicable, include at least one person of color from Somerville’s community, including but not limited to current council staff, councilors, or qualified residents, as part of the hiring committee or interview panel, as well as including at least one qualified candidate of color, as determined through the standard hiring criteria, in any finalist pool for positions within the City Council or City Clerk’s Office. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee 4.4. Order By Councilor Clingan, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Wilson and (ID # 25-1424) Councilor Strezo That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering collaborate to install crosswalks across Walnut Street and Wigglesworth Street near Sunnyside Avenue to protect Winter Hill Community Innovation School students, families, and educators using the Otis Street footbridge. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee 4.5. Order By Councilor Scott, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Davis, Councilor (ID # 25-1426) Ewen-Campen, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait That the City Clerk provide this Council with an update regarding promulgation from the state Cannabis Control Commission of regulations and licensure procedures related to the operation of cannabis consumption lounges. Councilor Scott noted that the city still does not have this information and City Clerk Wells reported that the Cannabis Control Commission just closed comments on its draft regulations and the city is awaiting final regulations in order to move forward. She informed the Council that the regulations and procedures should be forthcoming before the end of the year, but an exact date is not known. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee 4.6. Order By Councilor Scott, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait and (ID # 25-1427) Councilor Davis That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, a policy for use of open space on municipal property around city buildings for community gardens. Councilor Scott commented that he had raised this issue with the with mayor’s staff on several occasions as some people feel that there is still space that is not being used. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION Page 4 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 FOLLOWUP: Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee 4.7. Resolution By Councilor Scott (ID # 25-1425) That the Administration, including the Director of Mobility, discuss with this Council a process for establishing municipal standards for furnishings at bus stops and shelters. Councilor Scott noted that the benches installed at the bus shelters along the Washington Street bike lanes have hostile architecture and he would like standards put in in place for the future. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Utilities and Public Works Committee 4.8. Resolution By Councilor Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, (ID # 25-1428) Councilor Wilson, Councilor Sait and Councilor Mbah That the Mayor update this Council on any plans to issue a requirement for federal law enforcement agents acting within the City of Somerville to provide identification upon request and preventing the use of identity-concealing masks within the city by federal agents. Councilor Scott reported that there have been a dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) incidents in the city this week and he would like to discuss this matter further. Councilor McLaughlin commented that he doesn’t know what can be done about this but he feels that face coverings should not be used, and that he is disheartened that the government is allowing this. RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 6.A. FINANCE COMMITTEE 6.A.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 9, 2025. (ID # 25-1431) Councilor Wilson summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee recommended for approval payment of 11 prior year invoices, two appropriations, four acceptance and expenditure of grants, and one transfer of funds. Items #25-1305 and #25-1309 were incorrectly marked as “recommended to be approved” instead of “withdrawn”. Councilor Wilson moved to sever these items from the committee report and mark them as withdrawn. The motion was approved. RESULT: APPROVED Page 5 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 6.A.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $323.75 using (ID # 25-1271) available funds in the CityTV R&M - Audio/Visual Equipment Account for on-site engineering services and travel expenses. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $840 using available (ID # 25-1274) funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Slice of the City events pizza orders. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.4. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $91.62 using (ID # 25-1277) available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get Together event. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $19,188.01 using (ID # 25-1279) available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software and Uninterruptible Power Supply hardware. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.6. Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community (ID # 25-1280) Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,497.50 using (ID # 25-1283) available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Civic Day event food. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $925 using available (ID # 25-1284) funds in the Parks & Recreation Equipment Rental Account for equipment rentals during Family Fun Day event. RESULT: APPROVED Page 6 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 6.A.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new (ID # 25-1285) 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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.10.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $98.39 using (ID # 25-1286) available funds in the Parks & Recreation Athletic Supplies Account for tag belts for a teen flag football program. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.11.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the Salary & Wage (ID # 25-1289) Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.12.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8,748.66 using (ID # 25-1298) available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.13.Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime (ID # 25-1299) Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.14.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new (ID # 25-1300) match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the Police Department headquarters. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.15.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using (ID # 25-1301) available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.16.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 using (ID # 25-1302) available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for confidential shredding services. Page 7 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.17.Mayor's Request Requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Receipts (ID # 25-1303) Reserved-Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.A.18.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $55,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1304) match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.A.19.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1305) match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 6.A.20.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25.69 using (ID # 25-1309) available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.21.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using (ID # 25-1332) available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. RESULT: APPROVED 6.A.22.Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1339) 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. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B. LAND USE COMMITTEE 6.B.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 4, 2025. (ID # 25-1401) Councilor McLaughlin summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that concepts for an up-zoning proposal for Gilman Square were Page 8 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 discussed and that this item will be on the committee’s September 18 agenda for further discussion. RESULT: APPROVED 6.B.2. Public Sublime Systems submitting comments re: items #24-1460, #25-0128, Communication #25-0129, and #25-0131, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for (ID # 25-0975) laboratory, research and development, and arts uses. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.B.3. Public Bill Valetta submitting comments re: item #25-0085, an Order regarding Communication zoning for bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated (ID # 25-0976) community benefits. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE 6.C.1. Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, (ID # 25-1420) 2025. Councilor Scott summarized the actions taken by the committee and reported that the committee recommended approval of item #25-1317 which would allow current wine and malt beverages license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all forms alcohol license. Item #25-1373 was discharged without a recommendation and Councilor Scott briefly explained that the item has to do with providing the public with information on ballot measures. He also spoke about the timeline concerns involved. After approval of the Committee Report, item #25-1373 was placed before the Council. Councilor Scott stated his inclination to approve the item and explained that this is a state law that may be adopted by municipalities and that without its adoption, the city would be prohibited from sending out a mass mailing to provide information on ballot questions. Councilor Ewen-Campen commented that he believes that the city should send out as much information as possible on ballot questions, however, he feels that it is not advisable to do for this election cycle due to timelines and early and mail-in voting. Councilor Mbah commented that this provision should have been adopted in the past as it provides transparency, however, he would like to have more information on unintended consequences. He sponsored Harriotte Ranvig to speak on the item. Ms. Ranvig said that there are legal, creative ways to make the ballot question information available other than a mass mailing and she suggested that copies of any such information be available at polling locations in braille, for those people who are unable to see. She also requested that plain language be used in explaining the charter questions. Page 9 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 Councilor McLaughin reported that the proposed charter passed the state senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature. He believes that the issue here is logistics, saying that it’s important to understand the implications of the provision. He noted that the current and proposed charters are on the city’s website. He would like the item sent back to the Legislative Matters Committee. Councilor Ewen-Campen commented that the administration does have a communication plan for getting the information out to the public. Councilor Wilson stated his support for adoption but doesn’t want to rush its approval. Legislative Liaison Raddassi informed the Council that the Administration is working with the Law and Communication Departments to devise ways to legally get ballot information out to the public. Councilor Strezo asked if text messaging and/or robo calls are acceptable ways to get the information out to those who would sign up to receive it and Liaison Raddassi replied that she would defer to the Law Department for an opinion. Councilor McLaughlin sponsored Bev Schwartz, a community representative to the Charter Review Committee, who said that 5 members of the charter committee will be doing outreach to get information out to the public. RESULT: APPROVED 6.C.2. Officer's Licensing Commission requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Communication Laws, Chapter 138, Section 12D, to allow current wine and malt beverages (ID # 25-1317) license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all forms alcohol license. RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr. 6.C.3. Public Former Mayor Eugene C. Brune, former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay, and Communication former Alderman John "Jack" Connolly submitting comments re: Chapter (ID # 25-1335) 53, Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 6.C.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. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee Page 10 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 7. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 7.1. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to raise the sound business (ID # 25-1407) practices and written quote contract thresholds under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B for city contracts with certified disadvantaged businesses. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee 7.2. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the discontinuance of a portion of Sewall Court. (ID # 25-1382) Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.3. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of the partial termination of the City Utility Easement (ID # 25-1383) on Sewall Court. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.4. Mayor's Request Requesting authorization to borrow $4,300,000 in a bond, and to appropriate (ID # 25-1411) the same amount for the design of the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation project. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.5. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with Eastern Bank for (ID # 25-1384) an additional year until 8/31/2026, for the banking services of the Treasury Department. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee Page 11 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 7.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of a transfer of $350,048 from the Department of (ID # 25-1412) Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Services Account to the IAM Capital Outlay Professional & Technical Services Account. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.7. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $301,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1385) match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses. RESULT: APPROVED 7.8. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new (ID # 25-1409) match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for enhanced 911 telecommunicator personnel costs. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.9. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $155,271.38 grant with no new (ID # 25-1408) match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for 911 certification. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.10. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1295) match required, from Commonwealth of MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a study investigating possible zoning incentives to increase the ability to comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION Page 12 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.11. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1386) match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses. RESULT: APPROVED 7.12. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new (ID # 25-1410) match required, from the Massachusetts State 911 Department to the Police Department for emergency medical dispatch. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.13. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new (ID # 25-1418) match required, from the Fenway Community Health Center to the Police Department for post-overdose support. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.14. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,452.22 using (ID # 25-1413) available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Account for Strategic Asset Management Plan. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.15. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $596.25 using (ID # 25-1414) available funds in the Department of Public Works Repairs-Comm Equipment, Repairs-Fire Alarm, and Reimbursement of Licenses Accounts. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION Page 13 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.16. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.31 using (ID # 25-1387) available funds in the Police Department Equipment Maintenance Account for electronic access door service. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.17. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $330 using available (ID # 25-1294) funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Professional and Technical Services Account for monitoring the Argenziano School solar array. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.18. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $137.77 using (ID # 25-1416) available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.19. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using (ID # 25-1417) available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.20. Mayor's Request Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23.41 using (ID # 25-1415) available funds in the Emergency Management Public Safety Supplies Account for public safety supplies. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 Page 14 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 7.21. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis as required by (ID # 25-1374) Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b). RESULT: APPROVED 8. COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 8.1. Officer's City Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued. Communication (ID # 25-1405) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. License New Drainlayer's License, Mackay Construction Services Inc. (ID # 25-1391) Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.2. Small Wireless Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for Facility facilities on an existing pole at 8 Central Street. (ID # 25-1392) Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.3. Public Event Neighborways Design applying for a Public Event License for Assembly (ID # 25-1371) Mobility Hub Paint Day on June 18 from 4pm to 7:30pm. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.4. Public Event Federal Realty applying for a Public Event License for Riverfest on (ID # 25-1397) September 13 from 9am to 11pm (raindate September 14). Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 15 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 9.5. Public Event Davis Square Village applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square (ID # 25-1395) Village Community Event on September 13 from 11am to 5pm (raindate September 14). Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.6. Public Event BluBoiBooking applying for a Public Event License for Astrofest on (ID # 25-1393) September 20 from 12pm to 10pm. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.7. Public Event Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for (ID # 25-1394) ChocoMingle: Level Up on September 25 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.8. Public Event Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on (ID # 25-1396) September 27 from 2pm to 10pm (raindate September 28). Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.9. Public Event Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl (ID # 25-1398) Street Reconstruction Updated Design Open House on October 1 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 9.10. Public Event Elizabeth Peabody House applying for a Public Event License for Winter (ID # 25-1399) Hill Community Event on October 18 from 8am to 6pm (raindate October 19). Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED Page 16 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 9.11. Public Michael Vaglica submitting comments re: bike lanes. Communication (ID # 25-1403) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.12. Public Greta Pintacuda submitting comments re: bird feeding. Communication (ID # 25-1404) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 9.13. Public Lindsay Macasay submitting comments re: Davis Square. Communication (ID # 25-1406) RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 10. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 10.1. Resolution By Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan and Councilor Wilson (ID # 25-1438) That the Administration inform this Council of the process, action and communication used to consider acquiring the closed school building privately owned by the Archdiocese of Boston, on Thurston Street, after the Winter Hill Community Innovation School was deemed unsuitable for use. Councilor Clingan reported that the city is aware of the former St. Ann School building but isn’t sure if it’s under lease, so its availability needs to be determined. Councilor Strezo noted that this matter has been brought up by Construction Advisory Group (CAG) members several times and she would like to have some documentation that the city had a discussion with the archdiocese. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee 10.2. Order By Councilor Wilson, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Clingan, Councilor (ID # 25-1439) Strezo and Councilor Scott That the City Clerk work with this Council to amend the Code of Ordinances to better regulate the sale of second-hand goods. Councilor Wilson commented that a business owner brought to his attention that the language in the ordinance is vague and would like it amended. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Legislative Matters Committee Page 17 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2025 10.3. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 25-1445) That the City Solicitor update this Council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation requirements attached to forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative grants. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.4. Order By Councilor Burnley Jr. (ID # 25-1446) That the Chief of Police or the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region representative update this Council on the strategy for applying for Urban Area Security Initiative or any other federal grants that require Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.5. Mayor's Request Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of Lot 3 at (ID # 25-1400) 299 Broadway for municipal purposes including parking. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.6. Mayor's Request Requesting approval of temporary and permanent easements over Lot 3 of (ID # 25-1433) 299 Broadway in favor of 299 Broadway Property Owner, LLC. Councilor Wilson moved to waive the readings of items 7.2 through 7.6, 7.8 through 7.10, 7.12 through 7.20 and 10.05 through 10.6 and refer them to the Finance Committee. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 10.7. License New Livery License, Med Transportation, 34 Grant Street, operating 2 (ID # 25-1444) vehicles. Councilor Clingan moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and approve them this evening. RESULT: APPROVED 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was Adjourned at 8:39 PM. Page 18 of 18