City Council - Summary

Meeting Minutes: Somerville City Council

Meeting Date: June 10, 2025 Governing Body: Somerville City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees:

Councillor Will Mbah
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
Councillor Lance Davis
Councillor Pineda-Newfeld (President)
Clerk (unnamed)

Executive Summary: The Somerville City Council addressed a range of critical issues, including the approval of police promotions and the rejection of a significant appropriation for Founders Rink. A major focus was the detailed presentation and subsequent approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 water and sewer rates, which included substantial increases and a new stormwater fee structure. The Council also discussed various committee reports, including finance, land use, public health and public safety, public utilities and public works, and school building facilities and maintenance, with several items being referred back to committee for further review.

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

The meeting was called to order.
Roll Call:
- Councillor Mbah: Present
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: Present
- Councillor Scott: (Arrived late)
- Councillor McLaughlin: Present
- Councillor Burnley: Present
- Councillor Sait: Present
- Councillor Strezo: Present
- Councillor Clingan: Present
- Councillor Davis: Present
- Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Present
Quorum: 10 Councillors present, 1 absent.

II. Moment of Silence

Staff Sergeant Lauren E. Lord: Councillor Mbah requested a moment of silence for Staff Sergeant Lauren E. Lord, a Somerville resident whose remains were recently found after nearly 80 years. He was laid to rest in Everett.
Terry Medeiros: Councillor Clingan requested a moment of silence for Terry Medeiros, a lifelong Somerville resident, beloved family member, and dedicated 911 dispatcher for the Somerville Police Department for nearly three decades. She was also a former union president for Local 888.

III. Agenda Order Adjustments

The Council agreed to take the following items out of order:
- 6A (Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters)
- 6B (Equity Committee Report)
- 7.27, 7.28, 7.29, 10.10 (Finance Items)
- 7.3 (Water and Sewer Presentation)
Following these, the Council would return to the regular agenda order.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Item 1.3: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8th, 2025.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 1.4: Approval of the minutes of the special meeting of April 29th, 2025.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 1.5: Approval of the minutes of the special meeting of May 5th, 2025.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

V. Citations

Item 2.1: Citation by Councillor Pineda-Newfeld commending Dr. David Osler on his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

VI. Public Hearings

Item 3.1: Grant of Location from Eversource to relocate pole 195 over 1 at 55 Dover Street.
- Purpose: To relocate pole 151 over 1 approximately two feet north of its current location to accommodate a new driveway at 55 Dover Street.
- Speaker: Jackie Duffy (Eversource Energy).
- Discussion: Councillor Davis relayed a constituent's concern about access to driveways during the work and requested communication from crews. Ms. Duffy acknowledged the request.
- Action: Public hearing closed. Laid on the table for approval.
Item 3.2: Grant of Location from Eversource to install approximately 80 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard.
- Purpose: To provide electric service to a new development at Grand Union Boulevard, which will include 318 residential units and retail.
- Speaker: Jackie Duffy (Eversource Energy).
- Action: Public hearing closed. Approved.
Item 3.3: Small Wireless Facility from Crown Castle Fiber to install facilities on a new pole at 6 MacArthur Street.
- Action: Public hearing closed. Approved.

VII. Committee Reports (Taken Out of Order)

A. Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters (Meeting on June 4th, 2025)

Report by: Councillor McLaughlin
Key Actions/Recommendations:
- Appointments: Recommended approval of Salma Cosme and Giovanna Cavillo to the Human Rights Commission, bringing it to full occupancy.
- Reappointments: Recommended approval of three reappointments to the Somerville Housing Authority Police Department: Sean Brown, Michael de Bethencourt, and Alfred William Reimel III.
- Promotions: Recommended approval of Dylan Lambert to Police Sergeant and Eli Kim to Police Lieutenant.
Vote on Committee Report Acceptance:
- Roll Call:
  - Councillor Mbah: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Aye
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: (Not recorded)
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
- Outcome: 10 in favor, 1 absent. Committee report approved.
Recess: 5-minute recess for photos with new officers.
Roll Call to Re-establish Quorum:
- Councillor Mbah: Present
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: Present
- Councillor Scott: Present
- Councillor McLaughlin: Present
- Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
- Councillor Sait: Present
- Councillor Strezo: Present
- Councillor Clingan: Present
- Councillor Davis: Present
- Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Present
- Quorum: 10 present, 1 absent.

B. Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Populations (Meeting on May 27th, 2025)

Report by: Councillor Strezo
Key Discussion Points:
- Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI): Discussion on the pilot program providing $750/month to low-income residents and concerns about the impact of its conclusion.
- Founders Rink (Item 25-0456 & 25-0776):
  - Councillor Strezo expressed disappointment with the administration's "half-baked" plan for Founders Rink, stating it would negatively impact community members and she would vote no on the appropriation.
  - Councillor Davis echoed concerns, stating the administration's presentation was a "well-constructed restatement" of previous arguments to use the rink for non-ice purposes. He emphasized the rink's value as an ice facility, especially given the city's limited recreational spaces and the significant taxpayer investment. He noted the proposal to spend nearly $200,000 to effectively shutter the rink for winter was unacceptable.
  - Public Comment: Olga Friedman, a Somerville resident, spoke against the plan to convert Founders Rink, advocating for its continued use as a 12-month ice rink. She highlighted the importance of such facilities for retaining families in Somerville.
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Stated he would not vote to shut down 50% of Somerville's ice.
  - Councillor Wilson: Expressed disappointment that the council's message for year-round use was not heard and that intentionally shuttering an indoor facility "boggles the mind."
  - Councillor McLaughlin: While acknowledging the city's effort to address multiple youth services, he stated he would vote no. He suggested using grass turf for non-ice uses, as done historically, which is cheaper and would allow for continued ice use, noting that only pickleball would be lost.
  - Councillor Burnley: Criticized the administration for repackaging the same idea and emphasized the need for more year-round recreational space.
  - Councillor Sait: Apologized to parents and children for the need to advocate repeatedly for the rink.
  - Councillor Clingan: Emphasized Somerville's identity as a "hockey town" and the importance of maintaining ice rinks for increasing accessibility, especially for girls' hockey.
  - Councillor Mbah: Supported Councillor Davis's points and stated his no vote was for equitable access to a community resource.
Motion to Sever: Councillor Strezo moved to sever Mayor's Request 25-0456 (appropriation for Founders Rink) and Officer's Communication 25-0776 from the committee report.
- Clerk's Recommendation: Sever 25-0456 for a separate vote, and mark 25-0776 as work completed upon acceptance of the committee report.
- Vote on Severing 25-0456:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - 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
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 11 in favor. Item 25-0456 severed.
Vote on Item 25-0456: Appropriation of $160,000 from free cash to DPW for courts at Founders Rink.
- Roll Call:
  - Councillor Mbah: No
  - Councillor Wilson: No
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: No
  - Councillor Scott: No
  - Councillor McLaughlin: No
  - Councillor Burnley: Nay
  - Councillor Sait: No
  - Councillor Strezo: No
  - Councillor Clingan: No
  - Councillor Davis: No
  - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: No
- Outcome: 0 in favor, 11 opposed. Item 25-0456 not approved.
Vote on Committee Report Acceptance (remaining items): Laid on the table for approval.

C. Finance Items (Taken Out of Order)

Item 7.27: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $250,000 grant from the Mass Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.
- Purpose: To the Health and Human Services Department for local planning and implementation of substance use prevention among youth.
- Speaker: Tina Loos, Director of Prevention Services, HHS.
- Discussion: Grant is a two-year continuation, regional (Somerville, Arlington, Everett), focused on positive youth development. Somerville administers the grant.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 7.28: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend an $83,996.21 grant from Metro-North Regional Employment Board.
- Purpose: To the Health and Human Services Department for the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program.
- Speaker: Anup Malik, HHS Finance Manager.
- Discussion: Funds 18 slots in Cycle 1 and 7 slots in Cycle 2 for summer teens at Willside, Groundwork Somerville, and Mystic Learning Center.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 7.29: Request to the Mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $46.44.
- Purpose: Using available funds in the City Council Office Supplies Account for Children's Area Supplies.
- Discussion: Invoice was for supplies purchased in a prior year but not paid.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 10.10: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $517.26.
- Purpose: Using available funds in the Communications Department, City TV Division, Legal Services, Printing and Stationary, and Rental Water Cooler accounts for legal services, signage, and water.
- Speaker: Director Taylor.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

D. Water and Sewer Rates (Taken Out of Order)

Item 7.3: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer Rates.
- Speakers:
  - Richard Grace, Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM)
  - Neil Viner, Water Superintendent
  - Jay Hayden, Sewer Superintendent
  - Kelly Hebert, Director of Finance and Administration, Water and Sewer Department
  - Michael Mastroboni, Budget Director
- Presentation Overview:
  - Expenses: Rates cover water/sewer operations, maintenance, and capital investment. System is old, increasing risk and costs.
  - Operations & Maintenance:
    - Water: 130 miles of main, 1,600 fire hydrants, 16,000 services. Daily emergencies, preventative maintenance, DEP-regulated water sampling.
    - Sewer: 183 miles of main, 4,800 manholes, 3,600 catch basins. Similar issues with aging infrastructure and rising costs. New hauling and disposal contract in place.
  - Administration & Billing:
    - 51,000 bills generated annually for 16,000 customer accounts.
    - Transitioning to quarterly billing (67,000 potential bills).
    - Currently 2 full-time principal clerks and 2 analysts for customer service (insufficient staffing).
    - Drivers of increased administrative needs: commercial development, new housing, condo conversions (235/year).
    - Proposed stormwater enterprise fund will increase workload.
    - Accomplishments:
      - Generated over 800 fiscal tier adjustments to correct past underbilling due to faulty meters.
      - Meter replacement project over 94% complete.
      - Converted all paper meter files to electronic format.
      - Integrating with 311 Q Alert system.
      - Created a Munis utility billing manual and implemented team-based billing.
      - Instituted bi-weekly team meetings and a "Task Resolution Tracker."
    - Staffing Request: 4 new FTEs (2 principal clerks, 2 managers) to support billing and customer service.
  - Capital Investment Plan (CIP):
    - Primary driver for future rates.
    - Guiding principles: meet regulatory requirements, improve service, mitigate flooding, reduce risk.
    - Projects:
      - Morrison Avenue: Replaces failing pipe, provides linear storage to relieve flooding in Wards 5 & 6.
      - Mystic River Outfall and Sewer Separation: Alleviates flooding in Foss Park area (Ward 4), reduces combined sewer overflow (CSO) volumes at Psalm 7A by 40%, reduces spills from 8 to 3 per year.
    - These projects are dependent on passing the proposed rates.
  - Financial Modeling (Stantec):
    - 10-year model tracks revenues, expenses, fund balances, and debt service.
    - Key Metrics:
      - Yearly revenues slightly above cost of service.
      - Cash on hand (reserves) above target.
      - Minimum fund balance policy met.
      - Debt service to revenue ratio around 30% (target 10% for general fund).
    - Expenditures: Fixed costs (debt service, MWRA assessments) make up 2/3 of water budget, 70% of sewer budget. Half of revenue goes to MWRA.
    - Revenue: 95% of water operations and 97% of sewer operations funded by base and usage charges.
  - Impact of Previous Year's Rate Failure:
    - Last year's proposed 9.5% water / 5% sewer increase failed.
    - Resulted in dire circumstances for FY26, depleting stabilization by $1.7 million.
    - 0% increase this year would lead to a 40% increase needed in FY27.
  - FY26 Rate Proposal:
    - Water: 18% increase (makeup for last year's 9%). Keeps fund balances in line, avoids touching stabilization.
    - Sewer: 12% increase. Keeps stabilization healthy, builds some cash.
    - Affordability: Massachusetts law prohibits financial means-based assistance for utility charges. New director will focus on this.
    - I&I Fee (Item 25-1069): Increase collected from developers to fund stormwater capital projects. $8.3 million currently, projected $18 million more.
    - Billing Structure Changes:
      - Align base rate scaling with industry standards (large users currently underpaying).
      - Reduce volumetric tiers from 5 to 3.
      - Shift brackets to be fairer to 2- and 3-family houses (currently penalized by single meter).
    - Stormwater Fee: Based on impervious area, planned for mid-year rollout (January 1, 2026). Requires new staffing and billing system work.
    - Residential Impact: Net impact of 18% water / 12% sewer + structure changes means 8-12% increase for most 1-, 2-, 3-family houses. With stormwater fee, 2- and 3-family houses see bigger benefit.
    - Commercial Impact: Shifts burden to larger commercial users, especially with stormwater fee. Example: Target parking lot could see 428% increase. Smaller businesses (restaurants) will see lower increases.
- Discussion:
  - Quarterly Billing: Base rate will be spread over four bills, not an additional charge.
  - Stormwater Fee: Not a third additional charge; it's a rebalancing of the sewer bill, with a portion allocated to stormwater based on impervious area. Smaller residential users will see a decrease in their sewer portion, leading to a net decrease in their overall bill once the stormwater fee is implemented.
  - Budgeted Positions: Proposed positions are in the FY26 budget.
  - Stabilization Funds: Total city stabilization is $127 million. Water and Sewer capital stabilization is $20.5 million. Using these for operations is bad practice; they are for cash-funding capital projects to avoid long-term debt.
  - AI in Billing: Not currently integrated due to complexity and pitfalls in government applications.
  - Long-term Rate Increases: Double-digit increases are a possibility for the foreseeable future due to ongoing infrastructure needs and MWRA costs.
  - Staffing & Capacity: Councillor Scott raised concerns about the reliance on contractors for water operations and the difficulty in hiring and retaining licensed city staff. He emphasized the urgency of building internal capacity and removing barriers to hiring. Director Grace acknowledged the problem and stated it's a priority for the new director to create a career ladder. Jay Hayden (Sewer Superintendent) passionately advocated for hiring workers over focusing on a director.
  - Affordability: Councillor Strezo reiterated concerns about the impact of rate increases on residents with fixed incomes and the lack of a feasible affordability program.
  - Non-profits: Large non-profits are subject to the same commercial rates based on utility use.
  - Stormwater Fee Implementation: January 1, 2026, target due to billing system work. Educational campaign (videos, community engagement) planned.
- Vote on Item 25-1103: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer Rates.
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: No
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: Yes
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: No
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 8 in favor, 2 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-1103 approved.
Recess: 10-minute recess.
Roll Call to Re-establish Quorum:
- Councillor Mbah: (Not recorded)
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: (Not recorded)
- Councillor Scott: (Not recorded)
- Councillor McLaughlin: Present
- Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
- Councillor Sait: Present
- Councillor Strezo: Present
- Councillor Clingan: Present
- Councillor Davis: Present
- Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Present
- Quorum: 7 present, 4 absent.

VIII. Regular Order of Business

A. Committee on Finance (Meeting on June 9th, 2025)

Motion to Sever: Councillor Davis moved to sever Item 6C5 (related to an easement) from the Finance Committee report and place it on file, as a replacement item (7.2) with exact text was on the agenda.
- Vote on Severing 6C5 (25-0967) and Placing on File:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 9 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Item 25-0967 placed on file.
Report by: Councillor Wilson
Key Actions/Recommendations:
- Approved:
  - Gift of a Nolan Railway Cart from MBTA to the Fire Department (for use on tracks in emergencies).
  - $250,000+ grant from Eversource to Engineering for trench restoration work.
  - $82,000 state grant to the Council on Aging for programming.
  - Small prior year invoice item for Parks and Recreation.
- Held in Committee: Two police grant items, pending surveillance technology impact report and legislative matters review.
Vote on Committee Report Acceptance: Laid on the table for approval.

B. Officer's Communications from Planning Board

Item 8.3: Officer's communication from the Planning Board conveying recommendations for item 25-0737.
Item 8.4: Officer's communication from the Planning Board conveying recommendations for item 25-0907.
Vote to Place on File (8.3 & 8.4):
- Roll Call:
  - Councillor Mbah: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
- Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Items 8.3 and 8.4 placed on file.

C. Committee on Land Use (Meeting in joint session with the Planning Board on June 5th, 2025)

Report by: Councillor McLaughlin
Key Actions/Recommendations:
- Introduction of Flood Insurance Rate Map Update: Public hearing closed, no testimony. Requirement from federal government.
- Revision of Definitions and Green Score Calculations of Columnar Trees: Unanimously voted to revise.
- Discharged without Recommendation: Item to allow building official to waive certain dimensional standards for means of egress (at Councillor Wilson's request to hear from Commission for Persons with Disabilities).
- Remove Conflicts with State Building Code (Net Zero Density Bonuses): Unanimously voted to remove conflicts.
- Somerville NOVA Amendments (3 items): These are citywide changes with impact on Somerville NOVA.
  - Discussion: Councillor Scott expressed concern about the interaction of the underlying R&D district map change with the Somerville NOVA overlay, fearing unintended consequences if the overlay falls apart. He requested delaying these items for two weeks to resolve issues.
  - Director Galigani: Acknowledged no material harm in delaying. Explained the R&D district was created to allow uses like Greentown Labs and The Engine to operate without being non-conforming, especially if the larger overlay fails.
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Clarified that R&D permits uses (business incubator, co-working, scientific R&D, testing laboratory) not permitted in FAB.
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Advocated for addressing questions immediately due to upcoming recess.
Motion to Sever: Councillor McLaughlin moved to sever Items 6D2, 6D3, and 6D4 from the committee report.
- Vote on Severing 6D2, 6D3, 6D4:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Items 6D2, 6D3, 6D4 severed.
Item 6D2 (24-1460): Requesting ordainment of an amendment to articles two, four through six, eight and nine of the zoning ordinance to revise the regulations for laboratory uses and buildings.
- Discussion: Councillor Scott concurred that this item could be passed independently.
- Vote on Approval (24-1460):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 24-1460 approved.
- Vote on Enrollment (24-1460):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 24-1460 enrolled.
- Vote on Ordainment (24-1460):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 24-1460 ordained.
Items 6D3 & 6D4: Sent back to committee for further discussion.
Item 6D7: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to articles two, four, five, eight and nine of the zoning ordinance to allow the building official to waive certain dimensional standards for means of egress.
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson sponsored Holly Simeone, Chair of the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), to speak.
- Public Comment: Holly Simeone (SCPD Chair) stated that the current draft's clause "provided that no other compliant design solution is possible" nullifies the intent of accommodation. She highlighted that fair housing accommodations are part of the ADA and should be between an individual and one city representative, not an entire department. She noted issues with the current application process.
- Action: Councillor Davis requested the Law Department review the concerns. Sent back to committee.
Item 25-0457: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to articles two through five and 10 of the zoning ordinance to remove conflicts with the state building code.
- Vote on Enrollment (25-0457):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0457 enrolled.
- Vote on Ordainment (25-0457):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0457 ordained.
Item 25-0737: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to article 2 and article 10 of the zoning ordinance to revise definitions and the green score calculation of columnar trees.
- Vote on Enrollment (25-0737):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0737 enrolled.
- Vote on Ordainment (25-0737):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0737 ordained.
Item 25-0907: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 8 of the zoning ordinance to update flood insurance rate maps.
- Vote on Enrollment (25-0907):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0907 enrolled.
- Vote on Ordainment (25-0907):
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Item 25-0907 ordained.
Vote on Committee Report Acceptance (remaining items): Laid on the table for approval.

D. Committee on Public Health and Public Safety (Meeting on June 9th, 2025)

Report by: Councillor McLaughlin
Key Discussion Points:
- Davis Square Issues: Discussion on homelessness, substance abuse, and crime in Davis Square.
- Administration Response: Health and Human Services, Somerville Homeless Coalition, and Somerville Police (Chief Bedford) presented a comprehensive plan emphasizing compassion and accountability.
- National Opioid Settlement Funds: Discussion on city expenses, including a needle drop program, vending machine for addiction support, and software upgrade for inter-city interaction.
Action: Items marked complete. Committee report laid on the table for approval.

E. Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works (Meeting on June 2nd, 2025)

Report by: Councillor Clingan
Key Discussion Points:
- Chucky Harris Park Lighting: Discussion on increasing lighting along the fence, exploring options for power and sensor-based lighting.
- Box at 533 Medford Street: Two boxes are needed, one for storage of Christmas lights and access to a pipe, so they cannot be removed.
- 165 Broadway ADA Compliance: Discussion on installing an elevator to the second floor for Teen Empowerment. A full building upgrade would cost $15 million. Concerns about triggering additional requirements if only an elevator is installed. Exploring CPA funds and other funding sources.
Action: Items marked complete. Committee report laid on the table for approval.

F. Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance (Meeting on June 10th, 2025)

Report by: Councillor Davis
Key Discussion Points:
- Healy School Cafetorium: Administration committed to addressing audio baffling.
- Old Winter Hill School Incident: Discussion on small fires found; building secured, solid plan going forward.
- Preventative Maintenance Software: City procuring software to manage preventative maintenance plans.
- Swing Space: No current plan for swing space, as the existing one is used for Winter Hill School.
- CTE Spaces (High School) Maintenance: Discussion on budgeting for upkeep and preventative maintenance for new equipment in CTE spaces, given 48% program growth since 2021. Committee emphasized the need to fund maintenance proactively.
Action: Committee report laid on the table for approval.

IX. New Business

Item 7.1: Request of the Mayor requesting ordainment of an amendment to sections 7-64 and 7-65 of the code of ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments.
- Action: Sent to Legislative Matters.
Item 7.2: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of a substation easement near 51 Prospect Street for NSTAR Electric Company.
- Discussion: This is the replacement item for 6C5, with the exact text discussed in Finance.
- Vote on Approval:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 9 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Item 7.2 approved.
Items 7.4 to 7.21, 7.25, 7.26, 10.8, 10.9:
- Action: Readings waived. Laid on the table to be taken up at the next regular meeting on June 26th as part of the FY26 budget vote.
Items 7.22 to 7.24, 7.30:
- Action: Readings waived. Sent to Finance.
Item 7.31: Request of the Mayor, requesting approval of the 2025-2026 Housing and Urban Development One-Year Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs.
- Action: Sent to Housing and Community Development.
Items 7.32 to 7.37:
- Action: Readings waived. Laid on the table for approval.
Item 8.1: Officer's communication from the City Engineer conveying updated infiltration and inflow fee methodology and the I&I fee.
- Action: Placed on file.
Item 8.2: Officer's communication from the City Clerk conveying block party licenses issued.
- Action: Placed on file.
Items 9.1 through 9.11, 10.11 through 10.13:
- Action: Readings waived. Laid on the table for approval.
Items 9.12, 9.13, 9.14:
- Action: Readings waived. Placed on file.
Item 10.1:
- Action: Reading waived. Laid on the table for approval.
Item 10.2: Order by Councillor Strezo that the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Populations coordinate with the Council on Aging to organize, communicate, and host a public hearing to discuss issues that affect Somerville residents 60 years of age and older, and to hear about issues that address growing older in place in Somerville.
- Action: Sent to Equity. Councillor Mbah signed on.
Item 10.3: Order by Councillor Strezo that the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Populations hold a public hearing on the recently released Council on Aging Community Survey.
- Action: Sent to Equity. Councillor Mbah signed on.
Item 10.4: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Parks and Recreation report to this Council on the cause of the chemical spill at the Jenny Smithers Pool and the process to address the cause of the spill and prevent a future occurrence.
- Discussion: Councillor Sait requested a written report before recess and referral to School Buildings.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval, with a copy sent to School Buildings. Councillor Mbah signed on.
Item 10.5: Order by Councillor Sait that the Commissioner of Public Works increase sanitary maintenance of the streets and sidewalks in Magoon Square.
- Action: Referred to Public Utilities and Public Works.
Item 10.6: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry plant new trees and maintain existing trees in Magoon Square on Medford Street and on Broadway.
- Action: Sent to Open Space. Councillor Mbah signed on.
Item 10.7: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Parking install a new Magoon Square Municipal Parking Lot sign at the Magoon Square Municipal Lot.
- Action: Sent to Traffic and Parking.

X. Final Approvals & Adjournment

Motion to Approve/Place on File Remaining Items:
- Approved: Items 1.3 to 1.5, 2.1, 3.1 to 3.3, 4.1 to 4.2, 6B (remaining), 6C (remaining), 6E to 6G, 7.27 to 7.29, 7.32 to 7.37, 9.1 to 9.11, 10.1 to 10.7, and 10.10 to 10.13.
- Placed on File: Items 8.1 to 8.4, and 9.12 to 9.14.
- Vote:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Aye
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 9 in favor, 2 absent. All indicated items approved or placed on file.
Motion to Adjourn: Councillor Ewen-Campen moved to adjourn.
- Vote:
  - Roll Call:
    - Councillor Mbah: Aye
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Aye
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: (Not recorded)
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
    - Councillor Pineda-Newfeld: Yes
  - Outcome: 9 in favor. The Council adjourned.

Podcast Summary