City Council - Summary

Meeting Minutes: City Council

Meeting Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025 Governing Body: City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees:

Councillor Lance Davis (Presiding)
Councillor Jake Wilson
Councillor Ben Ewen-Campen
Councillor J.T. Scott
Councillor Matt McLaughlin
Councillor Willie Burnley
Councillor Naima Sait
Councillor Kristen Strezo
Councillor Jesse Clingan
Clerk (for roll call)

Absent:

Councillor Will Mbah
Councillor Katjana Ballantyne (Mayor, due to illness)

Executive Summary

The City Council convened for a regular meeting on September 25th, 2025, addressing a range of municipal issues. Key actions included the commendation of Somerville firefighters for their heroic actions during summer 2025 fires, approval of several Eversource and Verizon New England grant of location requests for utility installations, and a significant appropriation of $2,286,090 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department for retroactive payments related to a collective bargaining agreement. Discussions also focused on improving school menstrual product dispenser functionality, preventing overhead wire incidents, and enhancing pedestrian safety at critical intersections. The Council also initiated discussions on a home rule petition to expand procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses and a citywide immigrant defense "Know Your Rights" document.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Action: Meeting called to order by Councillor Lance Davis.
Roll Call:
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: Here
- Councillor Scott: Present
- Councillor McLaughlin: Here
- Councillor Burnley: Here
- Councillor Sait: Here
- Councillor Strezo: Present
- Councillor Clingan: Present
- Councillor Mbah: Absent (in New York City for UN Climate Week)
- Councillor Davis: Here
Outcome: Eight councillors present, two absent. Quorum established.
Note: Councillor McLaughlin was attending a family event. Councillor Mbah was attending UN Climate Week. Councillor Scott was designated to preside if Councillor Davis needed to step down, as the next most senior in age.

2. Moment of Silence

Action: A moment of silence was observed.

3. Approval of Minutes

Item 1.3: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 28th, 2025.
- Outcome: Approved by no objection.

4. Citations and Commendations

Item 2.1: Citation by Councillors Clingan, Strezo, and Wilson, commending the Somerville firefighters for their life-saving actions in summer 2025.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Clingan highlighted the joint effort with the Mayor's office to recognize firefighters for their heroics, particularly during a devastating fire on Wheatland Street on July 6th, 2025, during a severe heat advisory. The fire displaced 27 residents.
  - Firefighters also responded to incidents on Thurston Street and at Clarendon Hill housing.
  - Councillor Clingan read the citation: "Somerville, be it hereby known to all that the Somerville City Council and the Mayor offer their sincerest commendations to the Somerville firefighters for the heroic actions in summer 2025 providing swift and life-saving response to protect life and property in large fires on Wheatland Street, Powderhouse Avenue, and Thurston Street offered this 25th day of September 2025 signed by the entire council and her madam mayor."
  - Mike Jefferson, President of Somerville Fire Local 76, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
  - A representative from the Mayor's office conveyed Mayor Ballantyne's thanks to the firefighters.
- Outcome: Citation presented to the Somerville Fire Department.

5. Public Hearings - Grant of Location Requests

Item 3.1: Grant of location from Eversource to install a total of six feet of conduit in Warwick Street from utility pole 357 over 2 to a point of pickup at 13 Warwick Street.
- Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor of the installation to provide electric service to 13 Warwick Street.
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 3.2: Grant of location from Eversource to install a total of 68 feet of conduit in Cedar Street from utility pole 55 over 4 to a point of pickup at 33 Cedar Street.
- Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor of the installation to provide electric service to 33 Cedar Street.
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 3.3: Grant of location from Verizon New England to install a total of 305 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue from existing manhole 44 over 42 to a point of pickup at existing manhole 44 over 33.
- Public Comment: Alexander Lassie Marrero (Pike Telecom and Reunions LLC, authorized contractor for Verizon New England) spoke in favor of placing one new 4-inch conduit from existing manhole 44 over 33 (Bow Street and Somerville Avenue) to existing manhole 44 over 42 (Somerville Avenue and Hawkins Street).
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 3.4: Grant of location from Verizon New England to install a total of 385 feet of conduit in Bow Street from existing manhole 44 over 32 to a point of pickup at existing manhole 44 over 33.
- Public Comment: Alexander Marrero (Pike Telecom, Verizon contractor) spoke in favor of placing one new 4-inch PVC conduit from existing manhole 44 over 32 (Bow Street and Walnut Street) to existing manhole 44 over 33 (Somerville Avenue and Bow Street).
- Outcome: Approved.

6. Orders and Resolutions

Item 4.1: Order by Councillor Strezo that the Director of Health and Human Services inform this council which school buildings have menstrual products available and which school buildings have inoperable menstrual product dispensers and when they are scheduled to be replaced.
- Discussion: Councillor Strezo noted that many free menstrual product dispensers are jamming or are unusable, requiring students to manually retrieve products. She emphasized that this issue was discussed last year with no resolution.
- Referral: School Buildings Facilities and Maintenance.
- Co-sponsors: Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sait.
- Outcome: Approved and referred with a copy sent to School Buildings Facilities and Maintenance.
Item 4.2: Order by Councillor Strezo that the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this council the recent snagging of overhead wires by a semi-truck that took out the electricity in Ward 7 and what plans have been put in place to prevent a similar occurrence.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Strezo described an incident where a CVS semi-truck, taking a shortcut on a small side street, snagged overhead wires, causing a power outage in Ward 7. Residents incurred costs for repairs.
  - Councillor Clingan added that wires can sag due to wind and wear, citing an incident where a garbage truck snagged a wire on his street.
  - Councillor Strezo highlighted the ongoing issue of "dangling wires" and the need for better maintenance and construction site practices.
- Referral: Public Utilities, Public Works.
- Co-sponsor: Councillor Clingan.
- Outcome: Approved and referred with a copy sent to Public Utilities, Public Works.
Item 4.3: Resolution by Councillor Strezo that the administration discuss with this council its recent press release announcement of a home rule petition to expand procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Strezo's intent was to bookmark the conversation for future discussion on implementation strategy after the home rule petition (HRP) passes the State House.
  - Councillor Davis expressed concern about potential confusion for the public if the item was sent to a separate committee while the HRP was in Legislative Matters.
  - Councillor Strezo agreed to resubmit the item at a later time when the HRP discussion is more ripe.
- Outcome: Approved (with the understanding that Councillor Strezo will resubmit at a later date).
Item 4.4: (Requested to be withdrawn)
- Outcome: Withdrawn. (Councillor Mbah intends to resubmit with adjustments).
Item 4.5: Communication by Councillor Mbah conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust.
- Outcome: Laid on the table (to be taken up when Councillor Mbah is present).
Item 4.6: (Related to Item 4.5)
- Outcome: Laid on the table (to be taken up when Councillor Mbah is present).
Item 4.7: Order by Councillor Ewen-Campen and Councillor Scott that the Director of Mobility develop and install quick build safety infrastructure at the intersection of Webster and Prospect Streets.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen described the intersection as a long-standing "nightmare" for all commuters, citing recent accidents and the need for immediate safety improvements.
  - Councillor Scott emphasized that the issue extends to Concord and Newton Streets feeding into the intersection, noting a recent pedestrian strike.
- Referral: Traffic and Parking.
- Co-sponsors: Councillor Wilson, Councillor Burnley.
- Outcome: Approved and referred to Traffic and Parking.
Item 4.8: Order by Councillor Ewen-Campen that the Director of Mobility install a pedestrian light signal at the intersection of Vinal Avenue and Highland Avenue.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen acknowledged previous improvements (crossing guard, flex posts, no left turn from high school) but stated the intersection remains "really, really, really dangerous" due to heavy traffic, especially during school hours. He suggested a button-activated light signal.
  - Councillor Strezo noted the presence of a crossing guard and suggested lowering "no turning left" signs for better visibility and considering a second crosswalk.
- Referral: Traffic and Parking.
- Outcome: Approved and referred to Traffic and Parking.
Items 4.9 & 4.10: (Waived readings)
- Referral: Mobility Department.
- Outcome: Approved and sent with a copy to the Mobility Department.
Item 4.11: Order by Councillor Clingan that the Director of Mobility install a solar-powered digital "Your Speed Is" display sign on Shore Drive westbound.
- Referral: Traffic and Parking.
- Co-sponsor: Councillor Strezo.
- Outcome: Approved and referred to Traffic and Parking.

7. Committee Reports

Item 6A: Report of the Committee on Finance meeting on September 23rd, 2025.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Wilson, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a 23-item agenda over a 55-minute meeting.
  - Recommendations for Approval:
    - $50,000 grant for OSE.
    - Six small prior-to-invoice items.
    - Two infrastructure and asset management items.
    - $4.3 million bond for the Morrison Avenue Storage Sewer Separation Project.
    - Extension of a contract with Eastern Bank for banking services.
    - Four legal items related to 299 Broadway.
  - UASI Grants (Councillor Burnley's items): The committee discussed an update on UASI grants, noting that the federal administration has added new national priorities potentially requiring 10% of funds for federal immigration enforcement. The committee affirmed that Somerville's values are not negotiable and that prior UASI grant approvals did not have these problematic requirements. These items were kept in committee for further updates.
  - Stabilization Funds: A report from the Director of Finance on stabilization funds was received but kept in committee for Councillor Mbah's participation.
- Outcome: Report accepted as submitted.
- Roll Call Votes on Finance Items:
  - Items 25-1382, 25-1383, 25-1400, 25-1433 (299 Broadway related):
    - 25-1382: Discontinuance of a portion of Sewell Court.
    - 25-1383: Partial termination of the city utility easement on Sewell Court.
    - 25-1400: Order of taking for the acquisition of lot three at 299 Broadway for municipal purposes, including parking.
    - 25-1433: Temporary and permanent easements over lot three of 299 Broadway in favor of 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC.
    - Vote:
      - Councillor Wilson: Yes
      - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      - Councillor Scott: Yes
      - Councillor McLaughlin: Aye
      - Councillor Burnley: Aye
      - Councillor Sait: Yes
      - Councillor Strezo: Yes
      - Councillor Clingan: Yes
      - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Approved.
  - Item 25-1411: Bond of $4,300,000 to appropriate for the design of the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation Project.
    - Vote:
      - Councillor Wilson: Yes
      - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      - Councillor Scott: Yes
      - Councillor McLaughlin: Aye
      - Councillor Burnley: Aye
      - Councillor Sait: Yes
      - Councillor Strezo: Yes
      - Councillor Clingan: Yes
      - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Approved.
Item 6B: Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 18th, 2025.
- Outcome: Report accepted as submitted.
Item 6C: Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 15th, 2025.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Clingan, Chair, reported on discussions with all members of the school committee and city council present.
  - Pool Issues: Chief of Staff Spencer is working with Parks and Rec and the contractor. A proposal to close the pool one day a week for maintenance is being considered, with Director of Operations Yanni Sigridis exploring expanded weekend hours. Updates to lifeguard manual and chemical testing procedures were outlined. The June chemical spill was addressed, with a shutoff valve installed on the water hose to reduce risk.
  - Contingency Plan for School Building Unavailability: A plan was presented to use the TAB building as a school if needed, with current staff relocated.
  - MOU with School Committee: Several items regarding accommodating public school students and mitigating disruption were kept in committee pending completion of an MOU with the school committee.
  - DPW and IAM Accomplishments: A presentation highlighted the extensive preventative maintenance and work accomplished by DPW and IAM over the summer.
  - MSBA Process: An update on the MSBA process and timeline was provided.
- Outcome: Report accepted as submitted.

8. Executive Session

Item 7.1: Request to the Mayor requesting that this council convene an executive session to discuss the proposed settlement of opioid litigation involving the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case.
- Legal Justification: Jason Peek, Assistant City Solicitor, stated that discussing this in open session would be detrimental to settlement negotiations of ongoing litigation.
- Vote to enter Executive Session:
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Aye
  - Councillor Burnley: Yes
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Motion to enter executive session approved.
- Return from Executive Session: No votes were taken in executive session other than the vote to adjourn from executive session.

9. Out of Order Items (Post-Executive Session)

Item 7.4: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to appropriate $2,286,090 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund retroactive payments in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Superior Officers Association.
- Discussion: A representative from the Solicitor's office confirmed this funding is for the retroactive component of the three-year agreement with the Superior Officers Union, with the prospective component appropriated in July.
- Clarification: Councillor Scott confirmed that this does not include salary bonuses for body camera policy, as body cameras are not yet in use.
- Roll Call Vote (Item 25-1496):
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Yes
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Approved.
Item 7.7: Request of the Mayor requesting the appropriation of $97,160 from the Salary Contingency Account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
- Outcome: Approved by no objection.

10. Regular Order of Business (Continued)

Item 7.2: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of a home rule petition to raise the maximum amount of fines for violations allowed by Mass General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D.
- Referral: Legislative Matters.
- Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters.
Item 7.3: Request of the Mayor requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 7 and Section 1-11B of the Code of Ordinances to require notification to tenants of parking permit restrictions in transit areas.
- Referral: Legislative Matters.
- Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters.
Items 7.5, 7.6, 7.8 - 7.14: (Waived readings)
- Referral: Finance.
- Outcome: Sent to Finance.
Items 7.15 - 7.22, 7.26: (Waived readings)
- Referral: Confirmation of Appointments.
- Outcome: Sent to Confirmation of Appointments.
Item 7.23: Request to the Mayor requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Richard Scanlon to the Board of Assessors.
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 7.24: Request to the Mayor requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Michael Flynn to the Board of Assessors.
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 7.25: Request to the Mayor requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nick Pittman to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
- Outcome: Approved.

11. Officer's Communications

Item 8.1: Officer's communication from the City Clerk conveying block party licenses issued.
- Outcome: Placed on file.

12. Public Communications

Item 9.1: (Moved to License and Permits)
- Referral: License and Permits.
- Outcome: Sent to License and Permits.
Items 9.2 - 9.7, 10.3: (Waived readings)
- Discussion: Councillor Burnley gave a "shout out to Zinnia Smith for keeping poetry alive in Somerville."
- Outcome: Approved.
Item 9.8: Public communication from Katie Pilat, submitting comments regarding bike lanes.
- Outcome: Placed on file.
Item 10.1: Order by Councillor Burnley that the Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs discuss with this council the most critical content to include in an immigrant defense "Know Your Rights" document and how best to make it available in the preferred languages of residence.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Burnley presented examples of "Know Your Rights" mailers from Providence, Rhode Island, which were sent to every household in English and Spanish.
  - He emphasized the importance of equipping residents with knowledge of their constitutional rights, especially concerning interactions with federal agents.
  - He highlighted the cut-out portion of the Providence document that can be slid under a door.
  - He advocated for a citywide mailing and discussion with the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Communications Department on content and strategy.
- Referral: Equity Committee.
- Co-sponsors: Councillor Wilson, Councillor Scott, Councillor Davis, Councillor Ewen-Campen, Councillor Sait.
- Outcome: Approved and referred to the Equity Committee.
Item 10.2: Resolution by Councillor Burnley that the Mayor allocate funds for a citywide immigrant defense "Know Your Rights" mailing and make this document available in Somerville's most prominent languages.
- Referral: Equity Committee.
- Outcome: Approved and referred to the Equity Committee.
Item 10.4: Public communication from Bill Valletta, submitting comments regarding item 24-1344, an order that the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts.
- Discussion: Councillor Scott highlighted the "17-page memo" from Bill Valletta and recommended it be copied to Finance for discussion.
- Referral: Finance (copy of comments).
- Outcome: Placed on file, copy sent to Finance.
Item 10.5: Public communication from Crystal Huff, submitting comments regarding items 25-1445 and 25-1446, orders regarding immigration and customs enforcement and ShotSpotter.
- Referral: Finance (copy of comments).
- Outcome: Placed on file, copy sent to Finance.

13. Adjournment

Action: Meeting adjourned.

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