City Council

September 11, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: Somerville City Council

Meeting Date: Thursday, September 11th, 2025 Governing Body: Somerville City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees:

  • Councillor Wilson (Present)
  • Councillor Ewen-Campen (Present)
  • Councillor Scott (Present)
  • Councillor McLaughlin (Present)
  • Councillor Burnley (Present)
  • Councillor Strezo (Present)
  • Councillor Clingan (Present)
  • Councillor Mbah (Present)
  • Councillor Davis (Present)
  • Councillor Sait (Absent)

Executive Summary: The Somerville City Council convened for a regular meeting on September 11th, 2025. Key discussions included a commendation for participants of the inaugural Municipal Civics Academy, public hearings for Eversource grant of location requests, and a significant discussion regarding the Somerville Special Education Parents Advisory Council (CPAC) report on the Somerville Public Schools. The Council also debated the adoption of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 53, Section 18B, concerning voter information for ballot measures, ultimately referring it back to committee for further review due to logistical concerns. Other items addressed included school infrastructure, equitable hiring practices, and bus stop furnishings.

1.0 Call to Order & Roll Call

  • The meeting was called to order by the President.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councillor Wilson: Present
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Present
    • Councillor Scott: Present
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Present
    • Councillor Burnley: Present
    • Councillor Strezo: Present
    • Councillor Clingan: Present
    • Councillor Mbah: Present
    • Councillor Davis: Present
    • Councillor Sait: Absent
  • A quorum was declared with nine Councillors present and one absent.

1.1 Remembrances

  • Councillor Scott announced the passing of David White, a 60-year-old veteran and lifelong Union Square resident, on Friday. A memorial will be held at St. Joe's in the coming weeks.
  • The President noted the city's 9/11 remembrance ceremony held earlier that evening at Davis Square, thanking Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and first responders.
  • A moment of silence was observed.

1.3 Approval of Minutes

  • Motion: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of July 10th, 2025.
    • Outcome: Approved.
  • Motion: Approval of the minutes of the special meeting of July 30th, 2025.
    • Outcome: Approved.

2.1 Citation by Councillor Davis Commending Municipal Civics Academy Participants

  • Councillor Davis presented a citation commending participants of the inaugural Municipal Civics Academy.
  • Brendan Salisbury, Legislative Analyst, provided an overview of the academy:
    • Hosted by the City Clerk's Office on August 2nd at the central library.
    • Aimed to promote understanding of municipal government departments and operations.
    • Staff from various departments (Clerk's Office, Constituent Services, Office of Immigrant Affairs, Inspectional Services, Mobility, Infrastructure and Asset Management, Planning, Preservation, Zoning, and Budget) engaged with 15 residents.
    • Activities included zoning review, permitting, a simulated SOIA workday, construction project complexities, and ordinance analysis.
    • The program received positive feedback, with residents expressing interest in future academies.
  • Citation Read: "Be it hereby known that all the Somerville City Council and the Mayor offer their sincerest commendations to Municipal Civics Academy participants for their thoughtful participation, active commitment to civic engagement, and devotion to their city. We are grateful for the spirit of service that they bring to their community offered this 11th day of September, 2025."
  • Certificates were distributed to participants present.
  • The meeting briefly recessed for photos.

3.1 Grant of Location: Eversource - Aldersey Street

  • Item: Grant of location from Eversource to install a total of 10 feet of conduit in Aldersey Street from utility pole 4 over 3 to a point of pickup at 17 Aldersey Street.
  • Public Hearing: Declared open.
  • Speaker: Jackie Duffy (Eversource)
    • Purpose: To provide electric service to 17-19 Aldersey Street.
  • Public Hearing: Declared closed.
  • Discussion: None.
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.2 Grant of Location: Eversource - Hinkley Street

  • Item: Grant of location from Eversource to install a total of 40 feet of conduit in Hinkley Street from utility pole 170 over 6 to a point of pickup at 35 Richardson Street.
  • Public Hearing: Declared open.
  • Speaker: Jackie Duffy (Eversource)
    • Purpose: To provide electric service to 35 Richardson Street for a new four-unit building.
  • Public Hearing: Declared closed.
  • Discussion: None.
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.3 Grant of Location: Eversource - Glenwood Road

  • Item: Grant of location from Eversource to install a total of 104 feet of conduit in Glenwood Road from manhole 7417 to a point of pickup at 72 Glenwood Road.
  • Public Hearing: Declared open.
  • Speaker: Jackie Duffy (Eversource)
    • Purpose: To provide electric service to 72 Glenwood Road.
  • Public Hearing: Declared closed.
  • Discussion: None.
  • Outcome: Approved.

4.1 Order by Councillor Strezo: Somerville Special Education Parents Advisory Council (CPAC) Report

  • Item: Order by Councillor Strezo that this council discuss the Somerville Special Education Parents Advisory Council 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.
  • Councillor Strezo recused herself due to an immediate family member working in a school with out-of-district placements. Vice President Mbah presided over this item.
  • Councillor Strezo (speaking before recusal):
    • Expressed concern that special needs families and children, including the AIM program for autistic children at Winter Hill Innovation School, were not adequately included in discussions by the Construction Advisory Committee regarding the potential consolidation of Winter Hill and Brown Schools into a 900-student school.
    • Highlighted an example of a kindergartner at Healy School with undiagnosed autism whose sensory needs were triggered by the cafeteria environment, leading to behavioral issues.
    • Emphasized that school decisions are not just financial but impact families and the future of Somerville.
    • Introduced Liz Eldridge, Chair of Somerville CPAC, to speak on their report.
  • Liz Eldridge, Chair of Somerville CPAC:
    • CPAC is a legally required organization in Massachusetts districts, serving an advisory and participatory role.
    • DESE notified Somerville in late February of a district review to analyze systems for closing achievement gaps and providing high-quality education.
    • CPAC submitted a 25-page report to DESE, based on district data, public records, and testimony from families and educators, to ensure their voices were heard.
    • Key points from the report:
      1. In early May, Somerville Special Education was designated "needs assistance" by DESE due to noncompliance issues and MCAS scores, requiring improvement activities.
      2. A significant gap exists between the district's stated vision of equity and inclusion and the lived reality of students with disabilities, who often miss legally required services, face delayed evaluations, and have IEPs written based on staffing shortages rather than student needs.
      3. Students with disabilities comprise over one-fifth (1,070 students) of the student population. 2024 MCAS data shows only 12% of students with disabilities (grades 3-8) were proficient in English Language Arts (compared to 46% of general education peers) and 10% in Math (compared to 39%).
      4. Root causes are structural: understaffing, lack of training, inconsistent school-level planning, communication challenges, a weak multi-tiered system of support, and budgets that fail to prioritize legally mandated services.
    • Recommendations for change:
      • Ensure every student receives legally entitled education and support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts regulations.
      • Address the "dual system" where aspirational plans differ from operational realities.
      • Implement IEPs based on student needs, requiring adequate funding, qualified staff, timely evaluations, and service delivery.
      • Create inclusive classrooms and buildings, staff co-teachers, provide paraprofessionals and specialist support, and train general education teachers in inclusive practices.
      • Meaningfully engage families and CPAC, and foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusion.
    • Emphasized that the issue is systemic, not individual teachers or families, and requires urgent structural change.
  • Councillor Strezo requested the item be placed on file and urged colleagues to review the report.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

6C. Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters (September 8th, 2025)

  • Councillor Scott presented the report.
  • The committee met on Monday, September 8th, for 1 hour and 15 minutes, with four out of five members present.
  • Item 1: Acceptance of Mass General Law Chapter 138, Section 12D
    • Description: Allows current wine and malt beverage license holders to convert to an all-forms license.
    • Recommendation: Approved by a 4-0-1 vote.
  • Item 2: Order from Councillor Mbah regarding Mass General Laws Chapter 53, Section 18B
    • Description: Requires the city to send an informational packet to voters explaining ballot measures, including summaries and pro/con arguments.
    • Recommendation: Discharged without a recommendation due to limited committee attendance and the desire for full council consideration.
    • Discussion points from committee:
      • Concern from Mayor's staff and Elections Department about an estimated $40,000 cost for mailing.
      • Deadline issues: only one of three potential ballot measures (Palestine voter petition) was certified; the charter adoption and four-year mayoral term items awaited State House approval, with a deadline around September 19th or 30th, creating a bind for mailing timelines.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report as submitted.
  • Outcome: Approved.

25-1317: Acceptance of Mass General Laws Chapter 138, Section 12D

  • Item: Acceptance of Mass General Laws Chapter 138, Section 12D, to allow current wine and malt beverage license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all-forms alcohol license.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • 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 Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (9 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent).

25-1373: Acceptance of Mass General Laws Chapter 53, Section 18B

  • Item: That the City of Somerville hereby accepts the provisions of Chapter 53, Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • Councillor Davis:
    • Explained that this state law enables cities to spend money on mailers to inform residents about ballot questions, which is otherwise prohibited.
    • Supported the measure for increasing voter information, citing the principle that "it is never too late to correct a mistake."
  • Councillor Ewen-Campen:
    • Supported the idea of informing voters but expressed concern that it was too late for the current election cycle due to logistical and timeline issues presented by the Elections Department.
    • Suggested acting on this for future years, potentially with a later start date.
  • Councillor Mbah:
    • As the maker of the motion, acknowledged that the omission of this provision during the charter review process was an oversight.
    • Thanked Harriet Randvig for bringing it to his attention and Beverly Schultz for her work on the city charter.
    • Read the text of Section 18B, emphasizing its purpose to provide full text, fair summaries, and pro/con arguments for ballot questions.
    • Requested Harriet Randvig (5 Leicester Terrace) to speak.
  • Harriet Randvig:
    • Acknowledged legal implications but suggested creative ways to make information available, such as printed copies in public places (libraries, City Hall).
    • Stated that the city website is not fully accessible to her as a blind computer user.
    • Emphasized the need for plain language to make the charter accessible to all citizens.
  • Councillor McLaughlin:
    • Clarified that the charter passed the Senate today and awaits the Governor's signature.
    • Corrected the notion of a "mistake" regarding the charter, stating that incorporating this law directly into the charter would not make sense; the current method is appropriate.
    • Expressed concern about rushing the decision, potentially leading to more mistakes and impacting other ballot questions.
    • Supported sending it back to committee for more discussion.
    • Noted the new charter is written in plain language and information is available at SomervilleMA.gov/charterreview.
    • Sponsored Bev Schwartz to speak.
  • Bev Schwartz:
    • Stated that five charter committee members are volunteering to do outreach.
    • Suggested that the city could at least robo-call or email a link to the actual language of the charter, which is neutral information.
    • Emphasized the extensive work put into the charter and the need to reach new residents.
  • Councillor Wilson:
    • Agreed on the importance of transparency and informing voters.
    • Expressed concern about feasibility and logistics, fearing a rushed or incorrect implementation.
    • Supported the idea of a later start date for the provision.
    • Thanked the state delegation for their work on the charter.
  • Councillor Mbah:
    • Suggested that robocalls and information should be in multiple languages to reach a diverse electorate.
  • Liaison Radazzi:
    • Confirmed the city's desire for an informed electorate and openness to continued discussion on the statute.
    • Stated the city is working with Communications and Law Departments to ensure information dissemination is legal and neutral.
    • Acknowledged suggestions for website accessibility, large print, robocalls, and text messages, and will refer them to the Law Department to check compliance with state law (specifically OCPF regulations on advocating for ballot questions).
    • Emphasized using a variety of methods to spread information.
  • Motion: To refer the item back to committee.
  • Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters.

4.2 Order by Councillor Strezo: Winter Hill Community Innovation School Playground Railing

  • Item: Order by Councillor Strezo 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.
  • Councillor Strezo: Requested the item be sent to committee.
  • Councillor Clingan: Suggested sending it to the School Buildings Committee.
  • Outcome: Referred to School Buildings, Facilities, and Maintenance.

4.3 Order by Councillor Mbah: City Clerk Hiring Practices

  • Item: Order by Councillor Mbah that the city clerk implement the hiring practices detailed within for positions in the city council and city clerk departments.
  • Councillor Mbah:
    • Emphasized the importance of municipal government reflecting the diversity of the community.
    • Read the full text of the order:
      • Whereas: The City of Somerville is committed to equity, inclusion, and a diverse workforce.
      • Whereas: Representation of people of color in City Council and Clerk's Office positions strengthens public trust and ensures decision-making reflects residents' lived experiences.
      • Whereas: The City Council has a responsibility to lead by example in adopting equitable hiring practices.
      • Ordered: Any hiring process for positions within the City Council or City Clerk's Office shall, to the extent practicable, include at least one person of color from Somerville's community (e.g., Council staff, Councillors, qualified residents) on the hiring committee or interview panel.
      • Ordered: Any finalist pool shall, whenever reasonably possible, include at least one qualified candidate of color, as determined by standard hiring criteria.
      • Ordered: The Personnel Department, in coordination with the City Clerk and City Council President, shall develop clear implementation guidelines (outreach strategies, compliance mechanisms, equity-focused training).
      • Ordered: The Personnel Department shall provide an annual report to the City Council summarizing implementation, compliance, and measurable outcomes (demographic data on applicant pools, finalists, hires).
      • Ordered: This policy is consistent with applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws, not establishing quotas, but ensuring diverse candidate slates and inclusive decision-making.
      • Ordered: The City Clerk of Committees forward this order to the Personnel Department, City Clerk, and City Council President.
  • Councillor Sait: Suggested sending it to committee to discuss existing systems and council involvement in hiring practices.
  • Councillor Davis: Requested a copy be sent to the Law Department for review.
  • Outcome: Referred to Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters.

4.4 Order by Councillors Clingan, McLaughlin, and Wilson: Crosswalks at Walnut and Wigglesworth Streets

  • Item: Order by Councillors Clingan, McLaughlin, and Wilson 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.
  • Councillor Strezo: Signed on.
  • Councillor Clingan: Requested it be sent to Traffic and Parking.
  • Outcome: Referred to Traffic and Parking.

4.5 Order by Councillor Scott: Cannabis Consumption Lounges Regulations Update

  • Item: Order by Councillor Scott 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.
  • Councillor Wilson: Signed on.
  • Councillor Davis: Signed on.
  • Councillor Sait: Signed on.
  • Councillor Scott:
    • Noted the delay in state regulations for cannabis consumption lounges despite years since legalization.
    • Stated that retail establishments in Somerville have set aside space for this use and are awaiting guidance.
  • Madam Clerk:
    • Confirmed the Cannabis Control Commission is still working on final regulations.
    • Comments on their draft were due earlier this week (Monday).
    • Final regulations are expected by the end of the month (September).
    • Somerville is using the draft as a guide and will begin outreach sessions to public and business community.
  • Outcome: Referred to Licenses and Permits.

4.6 Order by Councillor Scott: Community Gardens on Municipal Property

  • Item: Order by Councillor Scott 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.
  • Councillor Wilson: Signed on.
  • Councillor Mbah: Signed on.
  • Councillor Sait: Signed on.
  • Councillor Davis: Signed on.
  • Councillor Scott:
    • Stated this issue has been raised multiple times in office hours.
    • Noted existing pollinator gardens and underused green space around city buildings (e.g., Winter Hill School).
    • Suggested this could address both community gardening needs and issues like squatting or fires in vacant buildings.
    • Proposed discussion in the Open Space Environment Committee.
  • Outcome: Referred to Open Space, Environment, and Energy.

4.7 Resolution by Councillor Scott: Bus Stop Furnishings Standards

  • Item: Resolution by Councillor Scott 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.
  • Councillor Scott:
    • Praised new protected bike lanes on Washington Street but noted "hostile architecture" (armrest obstructions) on benches in new bus shelters.
    • Recalled previous council discussions on hostile architecture at Red Line stops and the city's subsequent use of accessible furniture in new parks (King Kelly Park, Lake Street Pocket Park).
    • Explained that current bus shelter furnishings were purchased from MBTA-approved contractors with MBTA-approved designs, which included hostile elements.
    • Stated that city staff are open to discussing future policies, whether administrative or ordinance-based, to ensure fully accessible public furniture in bus stops.
    • Proposed discussion in Public Utilities, Public Works Committee.
  • Outcome: Referred to Public Utilities and Public Works.

4.8 Resolution by Councillor Scott: Federal Law Enforcement Identification Policy

  • Item: Resolution by Councillor Scott 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.
  • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Signed on.
  • Councillor McLaughlin: Signed on.
  • Councillor Davis: Signed on.
  • Councillor Sait: Signed on.
  • Councillor Strezo: Signed on.
  • Councillor Clingan: Signed on.
  • Councillor Scott:
    • Cited recent confirmed reports of ICE activity in Somerville, including a "sporty photo op" in front of City Hall.
    • Stated the measure was inspired by actions in Chicago and Illinois.
    • Aimed to reduce "abductions of our neighbors by masked people" and ensure certainty about who is operating within the city.
    • Requested discussion in committee at the earliest opportunity.
  • Councillor McLaughlin:
    • Cited Terence Cunningham, head of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, who condemned federal agents using masks, stating the public needs to know who they are interacting with and that face coverings are inappropriate in a democratic society.
    • Criticized the regional director of ICE for allowing staff to "troll City Hall," take selfies, and fail to identify themselves during an abduction of a Tufts student, causing terror in the community.
    • Drew a parallel to military service in occupied countries, where professionalism and respect were paramount, and masks were not worn, despite greater danger.
    • Stated that allowing and encouraging such behavior from the highest levels of government is disheartening.
  • Outcome: Referred to Public Health and Public Safety.

6A. Report of the Committee on Finance (September 9th, 2025)

  • Councillor Wilson presented the report.
  • The committee met on Tuesday, September 9th, for 58 minutes, addressing a 22-item agenda.
  • Motion: To sever items 6A-19 and 6A-20 from the committee report.
    • Outcome: Approved. (These items were inadvertently recommended for approval but were to be replaced by new items on tonight's agenda with full-year funding amounts).
  • Motion: To sever items 6A-18 and 6A-19.
    • Outcome: Approved.
  • Recommendations:
    • Approved three appropriation items, including the annual appropriation from the Community Preservation Act to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
    • Approved two grant acceptances.
    • Approved a transfer for the grant match for the Shannon Grant.
    • Approved 11 prior year invoices.
  • Item Discharged with No Recommendation: Acceptance of the annual $1.1 million block grant from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
    • This was the longest discussion, with councillors requesting more information, specifically on geographic areas for traffic enforcement. Follow-up memos were received from IGA.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report as submitted.
  • Outcome: Approved.

25-1289: Appropriation from Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund

  • Item: Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the salary and wage stabilization fund to the non-contributory pension account to fund an increased pension amount.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • 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 Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (9 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent).

Replacement Items (Immediate Consideration)

  • Item 7.7: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $301,000 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.
    • Councillor Wilson: Moved to approve.
    • Outcome: Approved.
  • Item 7.11: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for jail diversion program personnel expenses.
    • Councillor Wilson: Moved to approve.
    • Outcome: Approved.

25-1222: Acceptance of Massachusetts Gaming Commission Grant

  • Item: Request of the Mayor, requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new match required from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1.
  • Councillor Wilson: Moved to approve.
  • Outcome: Approved.

6B. Report of the Committee on Land Use (September 4th, 2025)

  • Councillor McLaughlin presented the report.
  • The committee met on September 4th, with four out of five councillors present.
  • Discussion: Focused on Gilman Square upzoning, an informal proposal from a land use analyst.
    • The focus was on Gilman Square upzoning while the city completes its Broadway corridor process.
    • Pros and cons were weighed, including increased tax burden, building height (especially high-rise), and the situation with the city-owned Homans Building.
    • Another discussion is scheduled for September 18th.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report as submitted.
  • Outcome: Accepted.

7.1 Home Rule Petition: Disadvantaged Businesses

  • Item: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of a home rule petition to raise the sound business practices and written contract thresholds under Mass General Law Chapter 30B for city contracts with certified disadvantaged businesses.
  • Councillor Scott: Requested it be referred to Legislative Matters.
  • Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters.

7.2 - 7.6, 7.8 - 7.10, 7.12 - 7.20, 10.5, 10.6: Waiving Readings and Referral to Finance

  • Motion: To waive the readings of items 7.2 to 7.6, 7.8 to 7.10, 7.12 to 7.20, 10.5 and 10.6, and send them to Finance.
  • Outcome: Approved.

7.21 Exemption for Jonathan Siragotis

  • Item: Request to the Mayor requesting approval of an exemption for Jonathan Siragotis as required by Mass General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20B.
  • Outcome: Approved.

8.1 Officer's Communication: Block Party Licenses

  • Item: Officer's communication from the city clerk conveying block party licenses issued.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

9.1 - 9.10, 10.7: Waiving Readings and Approval

  • Councillor Clingan (Vice Chair of Licenses and Permits): Moved to waive the readings of items 9.1 through 9.10 and 10.7 and move for approval.
  • Councillor Davis: Noted that 10.7 was a supplemental item and typically requires discussion or referral to committee unless time-sensitive and unforeseeable. Stated he reviewed it and was comfortable with approval if it was the will of the council.
  • Outcome: Readings waived, items approved.

9.11 Public Communication: Michael Vaglica - Bike Lanes

  • Item: Public communication from Michael Vaglica submitting comments regarding bike lanes.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

9.12 Public Communication: Greta Pintacuda - Bird Feeding

  • Item: Public communication from Greta Pintacuda submitting comments regarding bird feeding.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

9.13 Public Communication: Lindsay McCassey - Davis Square

  • Item: Public communication from Lindsay McCassey submitting comments regarding Davis Square.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

10.1 Resolution by Councillors Strezo and Clingan: Thurston Street School Building

  • Item: Resolution by Councillors Strezo and Clingan 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.
  • Councillor Clingan:
    • Requested it be sent to the School Buildings Committee.
    • Noted the city is aware of the St. Ann's school building and its potential availability (lease or sale by the Archdiocese, possibly to a charter school).
    • Stated it could be integral to creating a campus if a new school is built at 115 Sycamore.
    • Mentioned that MSBA designer proposals included this property.
    • Emphasized the need to determine its availability to avoid losing the opportunity.
  • Councillor Strezo:
    • Added that CAG committee members have repeatedly raised this topic.
    • Stated that Director Raish (Infrastructure Asset Management) claimed it was explored, but no documentation or evidence has been provided.
    • Requested actual documentation or evidence of exploration and reasons why it would not be a viable option.
  • Councillor Wilson: Signed on.
  • Outcome: Referred to School Buildings, Facilities, and Maintenance.

10.2 Order by Councillor Wilson: Secondhand Goods Regulations

  • Item: Order by Councillor Wilson that the city clerk work with this council to amend the code of ordinances to better regulate the sale of secondhand goods.
  • Councillor Mbah: Signed on.
  • Councillor Clingan: Signed on.
  • Councillor Strezo: Signed on.
  • Councillor Scott: Signed on.
  • Councillor Wilson:
    • Stated that a local business owner contacted councillors about "questionably worded language" in the code of ordinances regarding secondhand goods licensing.
    • Spoke with the City Clerk and Legislative Analyst, identifying significant room for improvement in the current language.
    • Requested referral to Legislative Matters to craft better language.
  • Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters.

10.3 Order by Councillor Burnley: ICE Cooperation Requirements for UASI Grants

  • Item: Order by Councillor Burnley that the City Solicitor update this Council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement Cooperation requirements attached to forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative grants.
  • Outcome: Referred to Public Health and Public Safety.

10.4 Order by Councillor Burnley: Federal Grants and ICE Cooperation Strategy

  • Item: Order by Councillor Burnley 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.
  • Councillor Wilson:
    • Provided context that this came up in Finance because a UASI grant being accepted was from FY23 and did not have the updated language requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
    • Suggested discussion in Finance.
  • Outcome: Referred to Finance.

Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • The meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Oct 6, 2025

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