Finance Committee

September 9, 2025
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AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

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Meeting Minutes of the Somerville City Council Finance Committee

Meeting Date: September 9, 2025 Governing Body: Somerville City Council Finance Committee Type of Meeting: Remote Participation Committee Meeting

Attendees:

  • Jake Wilson, Councilor-at-Large (Chair)
  • Will Mbah, Councilor
  • Willie Burnley, Councilor
  • Jesse Clingan, Councilor
  • J.T. Scott, Councilor
  • Clerk (name not specified in transcript)

Executive Summary

The Finance Committee convened to discuss and vote on various financial matters, including appropriations for pension increases, affordable housing, and Vision Zero initiatives. Key discussions also revolved around accepting and expending grants for public health shared services, Union Square Plaza development, police department target hardening, and mental health programs. The committee addressed several prior year invoices, emphasizing transparency and process improvements. A significant item regarding the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1 grant was discharged without recommendation due to concerns about the allocation of funds for traffic enforcement and a lack of detailed information.

1. Approval of Minutes

ID Number: 25-1253 Description: Approval of the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting of July 8, 2025.

  • Discussion: No discussion.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval with a single vote at the end of the meeting.

2. Appropriation for Non-Contributory Pension Account

ID Number: 25-1289 Description: Mayor requested approval to appropriate $56,601 from the salary and wage stabilization fund to the non-contributory pension account to fund an increased pension amount.

  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Burnley requested a summary for public understanding.
    • Administration clarified that the appropriation is for a pension recipient whose benefits are tied to police department agreements via special legislation. This request aligns the pension amount with a recent Somerville Police Department collective bargaining agreement.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

3. Appropriation to Affordable Housing Trust

ID Number: 25-1280 Description: Mayor requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust.

  • Discussion:
    • Director Alan Inacio (Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development) explained this is the FY26 CPA 50% allocation to the Housing Trust, being moved up for earlier disbursement to projects.
    • Councilor Mbah expressed appreciation for funds directed to the Affordable Housing Trust.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

4. Appropriation for Vision Zero Safety Efforts

ID Number: 25-1303 Description: Mayor requesting the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Receipts Reserved Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts.

  • Discussion:
    • The administration requested to withdraw this item due to an error.
    • Councilor Wilson suggested renaming the "Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund" for brevity.
  • Outcome: Item withdrawn.

5. Grant Acceptance: Health and Human Services Shared Services

ID Number: 25-1285 Description: Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new match required from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a shared services coordinator and a clinical community health worker.

  • Discussion:
    • Manager Malik (Health and Human Services) provided an overview of the Mass Municipal Public Health Shared Services Grant Program, funded by the Mass Department of Public Health.
    • The grant facilitates shared staff and resources between Somerville and Cambridge to improve public health services.
    • The Metropolitan Area Planning Council serves as the fiscal agent.
    • Funds support a regional coordinator and a regional community health worker (hosted by Somerville), and a regional vaccine nurse (hosted by Cambridge).
    • The collaborative also includes a rodent mitigation effort.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

6. Grant Acceptance: Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1

ID Number: 25-1339 Description: Mayor requests an 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.

  • Discussion:
    • Director Inacio (Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development) explained the grant is an annual Gaming Commission Block Grant.
    • Funds are allocated to three subcategories:
      • $775,000 for Union Square Plaza design to 100%.
      • Continuation of ARPA MBTA advertising for local businesses.
      • Police patrols around the Broadway area.
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) clarified the police allocation:
      • Approximately $308,000 for overtime funding, equating to 4,000 hours over two years.
      • Supports increased traffic enforcement patrols and community engagement on Thursday-Saturday evenings, targeting peak casino traffic in Lower Broadway and East Somerville.
      • Overtime is assigned in four-hour blocks, not intended to create full-time positions.
    • Councilor Scott questioned the specific areas of traffic enforcement and the nature of community engagement patrols.
    • Councilor Wilson requested that traffic enforcement in East Somerville, particularly in immigrant communities, avoid unmarked vehicles to maintain trust.
    • Councilor Mbah sought clarification on the use of unmarked vehicles. Director Wisdom stated she would provide a memo on the policy.
    • Councilor Burnley expressed "mild consternation" and "confusion" regarding the inclusion of traffic enforcement on Broadway as part of Union Square development, questioning its effectiveness given casino traffic primarily uses Mystic Ave. He requested specific areas and routes for enforcement.
    • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to approve.
    • Motion to Discharge Without Recommendation: Councilor Mbah moved to discharge without a recommendation, seconded by Councilor Burnley, to allow for more information, particularly regarding the use of unmarked vehicles and specific enforcement areas.
  • Vote on Motion to Discharge Without Recommendation:
    • Councilor Mbah: Yes
    • Councilor Burnley: Aye
    • Councilor Clingan: Yes
    • Councilor Scott: Yes
    • Chair Wilson: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Item discharged without recommendation.

7. Grant Acceptance: Police Department Target Hardening

ID Number: 25-1300 Description: Mayor requests approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new match required from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the police department headquarters.

  • Discussion:
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) explained the grant is from the UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative) program, for critical infrastructure target hardening.
    • Councilor Burnley raised concerns about federal grants potentially increasing cooperation with ICE. Director Wisdom clarified this is an FY23 grant, adhering to previous guidelines, and not subject to newer requirements.
    • Councilor Mbah requested clarification on "target hardening." Director Wisdom explained it means making an area or place hardened against a threat, often involving security cameras, card access systems, fences, or barriers to control access to critical infrastructure.
    • Director Wisdom clarified this project is not intended to prevent public access to the building or parking lots.
    • Councilor Scott inquired about the specific project. Director Wisdom stated it aims to control traffic in police parking lots where critical equipment is stored, specifically the detective's lot on Washington Street and the main lot, potentially using bolsters or an arm for access control.
  • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to recommend approval.
  • Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval:
    • Councilor Mbah: Yes
    • Councilor Burnley: Aye
    • Councilor Clingan: Yes
    • Councilor Scott: Yes
    • Chair Wilson: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval.

8. Grant Acceptance: Crisis Intervention Training

ID Number: 25-1304 Description: Mayor request approval to accept and expend a $55,000 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.

  • Note: This item was discussed concurrently with ID 25-1305.
  • Discussion:
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) stated the original request was for a quarter's funding. The full year's contract has been received, and a replacement item for $301,000 will be submitted.
    • Funds cover three positions on the core team (Deputy Director, Project Assistant, Coordination of Law Enforcement Services partnerships) and expenses for the Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Center.
    • Councilor Scott requested access to recurring grant documents, including quarterly report data on behavioral health calls and CIT officer responses.
    • Councilor Mbah requested data regarding the Jail Diversion Program and its relation to a previous policy order for a restorative justice program. Director Wisdom committed to looking into this.
  • Outcome: Discussed, to be replaced with a new item for $301,000. Laid on the table to recommend approval based on the understanding of the full grant amount.

9. Grant Acceptance: Jail Diversion Program

ID Number: 25-1305 Description: Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for jail diversion program personnel expenses.

  • Note: This item was discussed concurrently with ID 25-1304.
  • Discussion:
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) stated the original request was for a quarter's funding. The full year's contract has been received, and a replacement item for $50,000 will be submitted.
    • The $50,000 covers 60% of the clinical coordinator's salary for the Jail Diversion Program.
    • Councilor Scott requested access to recurring grant documents, including quarterly report data on behavioral health calls and CIT officer responses.
    • Councilor Mbah requested data regarding the Jail Diversion Program and its relation to a previous policy order for a restorative justice program. Director Wisdom committed to looking into this.
  • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to recommend approval for both items 8 and 9.
  • Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval (Items 8 & 9):
    • Councilor Mbah: Yes
    • Councilor Burnley: Aye
    • Councilor Clingan: Yes
    • Councilor Scott: Yes
    • Chair Wilson: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval, with the understanding that new items reflecting the full grant amounts will be submitted.

10. Transfer for Shannon Grant Match

ID Number: 25-1299 Description: Mayor requests an approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the police overtime account to the police grant match account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement.

  • Discussion:
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) explained this is a re-submission due to an initial error in the fiscal year.
    • The grant match is for a $23,105 grant that funds community youth programs (Youth Police Academy, basketball events).
    • Director Wisdom acknowledged council concerns about overtime spending and stated the department is actively reviewing overtime use and seeking grants to supplement the OT budget.
  • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to recommend approval.
  • Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval:
    • Councilor Mbah: Yes
    • Councilor Burnley: Yes
    • Councilor Clingan: Yes
    • Councilor Scott: Yes
    • Chair Wilson: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval.

11. Prior Year Invoices: Police Department

ID Number: 25-1298 Description: Mayor requests an approval to pay prior invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the police department maintenance, software, professional and technical services and in-state travel accounts for various items.

  • Discussion:
    • Director Wisdom (Police Department) attributed the invoices to employee turnover and vendors sending invoices to former staff.
    • Steps taken to prevent future occurrences include requesting vendors use a departmental email and aligning processes with city procurement procedures.
    • Acknowledged that some outstanding invoices may still trickle in but efforts are being made to minimize and eliminate them by FY26.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

12. Prior Year Invoices: Information Technology

ID Number: 25-1279 Description: Mayor requesting approval to pay prior invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the information technology maintenance software and computer equipment accounts for monitoring software and uninterruptible power supply hardware.

  • Discussion:
    • CIO David Goodrich (Information Technology) explained two invoices:
      • One for monitoring software: due to a misunderstanding with the vendor and subsequent oversight.
      • One for UPSs: due to an E-rate submission error by consultants. The Law Department is investigating recouping funds from the consultants.
    • Councilor Scott commended the administration for transparent explanations of prior year invoices.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

13. Prior Year Invoices: Human Resources (Medical Screening)

ID Number: 25-1301 Description: Mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using available funds in the human resources professional and technical services account from medical screening services.

  • Note: This item was discussed concurrently with ID 25-1302.
  • Discussion:
    • Hunter (Legislative Liaison) summarized a memo from Ann Gill (Director of Human Resources).
    • Invoices for services rendered in February and June 2024 were not paid due to discrepancies (incorrect rates) with the vendor (CHA). HR has since clarified issues to prevent future occurrences.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

14. Prior Year Invoices: Human Resources (Shredding Services)

ID Number: 25-1302 Description: Mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 Using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services account for confidential shredding services.

  • Note: This item was discussed concurrently with ID 25-1301.
  • Discussion:
    • Hunter (Legislative Liaison) summarized a memo from Ann Gill (Director of Human Resources).
    • Invoice was not paid because the company was acquired, and HR was not notified until mid-July, causing the address on the purchase order to no longer match. A new purchase order was required.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

15. Prior Year Invoices: Communications Department (Civic Day)

ID Number: 25-1283 Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior invoices totaling $1,497.50 using available funds in the communications department food supplies and refreshment account for Civic Day event food.

  • Discussion:
    • Chair Wilson noted the invoice was from Gurley's Ice Cream, a local, woman-of-color-owned business, for ice cream provided at Civic Day in April. The invoice was issued June 10th, and payment is still outstanding 90 days later. He emphasized the need to fix invoicing processes to ensure timely payment to local vendors.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

16-22. Prior Year Invoices (Small Dollar Amounts)

ID Numbers: 25-1281, 25-1282, 25-1284, 25-1286, 25-1287, 25-1288, 25-1290 Description: Various requests to pay prior invoices with small dollar amounts (double or triple figures).

  • Discussion: The committee agreed to take up these seven items together and waive individual readings due to their small dollar amounts. No specific discussion on individual items.
  • Outcome: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Adjournment

  • Motion: Councilor Scott moved to recommend approval of all items laid on the table and to adjourn.
  • Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval (Items 2, 3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16-22) and Adjournment:
    • Councilor Mbah: Yes
    • Councilor Burnley: Aye
    • Councilor Clingan: Yes
    • Councilor Scott: Yes
    • Chair Wilson: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). All listed items recommended for approval, and the meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Oct 6, 2025

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