City Council

• Governing Body: Somerville City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Date: May 28, 2026
• Presiding Officer: Councilor Lance Davis
• Attendees: Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Councilor Jon Link, Councilor J.T. Scott, Councilor Jesse Clingan, Councilor Kristen Strezo, Councilor Naima Sait, Councilor Ben Wheeler, Councilor Emily Hardt, Councilor Matt McLaughlin, Councilor Will Mbah, Councilor Lance Davis.

The Council approved the minutes for the following meetings:

1. Item 26-0934: Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026.
2. Item 26-0935: Special Meeting of May 11, 2026.

• Item 26-0923: Commending Jerry Caduce and Metno Dawson for their service as crossing guards. Councilor Wheeler noted that the city is actively seeking to fill open crossing guard positions.
• Item 26-0742: Proclaiming May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. Mayor Jake Wilson and Councilor Strezo spoke on the importance of visibility and support for the Jewish community amidst rising anti-Semitism.
• Item 26-0866: Proclaiming May 2026 as Older Americans Month.

Police Superior Officers Association CBA

• Item 26-0915: A request for the appropriation of $15,015 from the salary contingency account to the Police Department personal services salary account to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
• Outcome: The item was laid on the table. Labor Counsel Matt Sirigu explained the funds cover a 3% COLA for the remainder of the fiscal year and noted future appropriations would be needed for body-worn camera implementation.

Somerville Workers United Recognition

• Item 26-0921: Resolution in support of voluntary recognition for Somerville Workers United.
• Public Comments:
  • Luis Cuispe (Former Strategic Planning and Equity Manager): Discussed his layoff and the elimination of his role. He stated, "A union is that structure... that empowers all people to carry on this work of building a more just and democratic future."
  • Benjamin Weiner (Inclusionary Housing Program Manager): Highlighted a 12% reduction in housing staff capacity and the resulting burnout. He noted staff are "asked to do more all the time" while being excluded from budget conversations.
  • Kate Bossingham (Environmental Policy Manager): Criticized the administration for failing to respond to union recognition requests while publicly pledging support for labor.
• Outcome: The resolution was approved unanimously by the Council.

Welcoming Communities Ordinance

• Item 26-0919 / 26-0927: Amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance. The amendment clarifies that the city will not collaborate with federal overreach regarding immigration, surveillance, or constitutionally protected activities.
• Outcome: The item was approved, enrolled, and ordained via roll call vote (11-0).
  • Roll Call (Ordainment): Ewen-Campen (Yes), Link (Yes), Scott (Yes), Clingan (Yes), Strezo (Yes), Sait (Yes), Wheeler (Yes), Hardt (Yes), McLaughlin (Yes), Mbah (Yes), Davis (Yes).

Rental Registry

• Item 26-0927: Discussion regarding an amendment to establish a rental registry. The administration indicated they are not prepared to move forward with the ordinance at this time. The item remains in committee.

The Council approved the report for the meeting held on May 26, 2026 (Item 26-0930). Key financial actions included:

• Item 26-0803: Appropriation of $182,469 from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization Fund for the Health Care for the Homeless program.
• Item 26-0745: Amendment to the Assembly Square District Improvement Financing (DIF) Program to include the new fire station and intersection improvements.
• Bond Payments: Approximately $8 million from stabilization funds to pay down existing bond obligations for street reconstruction and school improvements.
• Fire Equipment: Two appropriations totaling $1.1 million for new fire pumper vehicles.
• Grants: $15,000 in state fire safety grants and a $4,000 CPA transfer for Historic Preservation Awards.
• Waste Management: Approval of a 60-month contract renewal for solid waste disposal.

• Land Use (Item 26-0929): Discussed amendments regarding backyard cottages and lot splits. Councilor Scott emphasized the need for neighborhood meetings for lot mergers/splits to ensure transparency.
• School Building and Facilities (Item 26-0928): Discussed snow removal on playgrounds, air quality at Kennedy School (no mold found), and MSBA updates for the Winter Hill School.
• Traffic and Parking (Item 26-0926): Reviewed parking issues on Oak, Bolton, and Prospect Streets. Discussed the 2026 Safe Streets Ordinance Annual Report and the status of bike signals.
• Fleet Manager Report (Item 26-0925): The city's first annual report on the enforcement of the side guard ordinance was placed on file.
• School Zone Safety (Item 26-0917): Councilor Mbah introduced an order to review traffic flows and construction impacts around schools citywide. Referred to Traffic and Parking.

• Cyclist Enforcement: Councilor Scott requested a written report from the Chief of Police regarding cyclist traffic enforcement in Union Square on May 28, 2026. The item was laid on the table.
• Staff Recognition: The Council recognized Legislative Liaison Yasmine Radassi for her service to the city upon her departure.
• Personal Achievement: The Council congratulated Councilor Matt McLaughlin on his graduation from Harvard University.