Finance Committee

Governing Body: Somerville City Council Finance Committee Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: December 09, 2025, at 6:01 PM Attendees: Councilor Jake Wilson (Chair), Councilor Will Mbah, Councilor Willie Burnley, Councilor Jesse Clingan, Councilor J.T. Scott

ID Number: 25-1779 Description: Approval of the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting of November 19, 2025.

• Discussion: No discussion.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1742 & 25-1743 Description:

• 25-1742: Mayor requesting authorization to borrow $3,057,826 in a bond and to appropriate the same amount for the Fiscal Year 2026 Street Resurfacing Program.
• 25-1743: Mayor requesting approval to appropriate $3,000,000 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund for the FY2026 Street Resurfacing Program.
• Presenters: Michael Richards, Director of Finance and Administration for the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM); Brian Postlewaite, Director of Engineering.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The two items are part of a comprehensive FY2026 Street Resurfacing Program, aligning with the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
  • The $3,000,000 from the Stabilization Fund is intended to reduce the burden on the bond authorization, which was initially expected to be $6,057,000.
  • The total FY2026 streets package will be funded by five sources: Chapter 90 ($1.9 million), FY2026 fair share (state bonus allotment), FY2026 operating budget (PAYGO), city bond, and the stabilization fund.
  • The program is broken into two projects:
    1. Annual Streets Resurfacing Project: A quick-turnaround project using state funds, currently in the process of bidding. Includes full street reconstruction (sidewalk and curb-to-curb), sidewalk-only construction, partial pavement (milling and overlay), and accessibility reconstructions (ADA improvements, speed humps).
       • Full Streets: Holyoke Road (working with Eversource for funding due to recent gas line upgrade), Grandview Avenue, Aldersey.
       • Sidewalk-Only: Prescott Street.
       • Partial Pavement: Putnam Street.
       • The last four streets are in the Spring Hill neighborhood, prioritized after the completion of the Spring Hill project.
    2. West Pearl Street Complete Streets Project: Funded primarily by the bond authorization and stabilization fund. Design is nearing completion (expected by end of January/early February 2026), with bidding anticipated in late winter and construction in late summer/early fall. This project extends from Gilman Square to McGrath Highway, tying into a previously completed Pearl Street project.
  • The city is conducting a new three-year streets condition assessment, focusing on ADA compliance of sidewalks, to inform future five-year plans.
  • Councilor Mbah: Inquired if the combined amounts fully fund the FY2026 resurfacing program. Confirmed that these two authorizations are part of five funding sources for the overall package.
  • Councilor Scott: Inquired about the "turtles" (traffic calming measures) on Pearl Street. Director Postlewaite confirmed the West Pearl Street project would not affect the existing "turtles" in East Somerville.
  • Public Comment Process: Director Postlewaite advised residents to contact 311 to inquire about specific streets, which are then cross-referenced with the five-year plan.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1747 & 25-1748 Description:

• 25-1747: Mayor requesting the appropriation of $205,000 from the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund retained earnings to the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund electricity account for delinquent energy bills.
• 25-1748: Mayor requesting the appropriation of $225,000 from the unreserved fund balance (free cash) to the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund electricity account for delinquent electricity bills.
• Presenters: Nikki Spencer, Chief of Staff; Jill Lathan, DPW Commissioner.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The administration has been centralizing utility accounts across the city since Mayor Ballantyne took office.
  • These delinquent bills arose due to a "messy process" during the transfer of electricity account responsibility from Parks and Recreation to DPW, compounded by staff changes and relocation of Parks and Rec offices, leading to lost paper bills.
  • An electronic mailbox for invoice submittal has been established at Parks and Rec to prevent future issues.
  • Director Bean (CFO): Clarified that a change in suppliers (Eversource to Direct Energy) in October 2024 led to confusion, with DPW paying Direct Energy bills but Eversource bills remaining unpaid by Parks and Rec. Late charges have been waived.
  • Councilor Scott: Questioned negative figures in August 2024 bills. Commissioner Lathan explained these could be credits for double payments or related to waived late fees.
  • Councilor Scott: Asked when the $300,000 in unpaid bills came to the administration's awareness. Commissioner Lathan stated DPW became aware when utility companies threatened shutoffs.
  • Councilor Wilson: Noted that past budgets showed $75,000/year for electricity but actuals were around $6,800, indicating a long-standing issue.
  • Councilor Mbah: Asked how to prevent this from happening again. Ms. Spencer stated all accounts will be consolidated under DPW, and electronic invoicing will be used.
  • Councilor Scott: Expressed hope that this is the last instance of finding unpaid invoices.
  • Councilor Clingan: Mentioned the potential for LED light upgrades at Dilboy Field to improve efficiency.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1744 Description: Mayor requesting the appropriation of $10,643 from the Unreserved Fund Balance to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund to recompense the fund for unallowable expenses.

• Discussion:
  • Councilor Scott: Noted this is a very small cleanup for the volume of ARPA funds, commending staff for the catch.
  • Councilor Wilson: Echoed appreciation for staff catching and fixing the issue.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1745 & 25-1746 Description:

• 25-1745: Mayor requesting approval to appropriate $250,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund account to the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund account for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency.
• 25-1746: Mayor requesting approval to appropriate $250,000 from the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency.
• Discussion:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter: Noted that the items on the screen were different from what was read.
  • Clerk: Confirmed that these items were duplicates of items 20 and 21 on the agenda and that the original intended items were missing due to a clerical error in agenda creation. The missing items would need to be addressed at the full Council meeting on Thursday.
  • Councilor Scott: Expressed confidence that the missing items could be discharged and approved at Thursday's meeting.
• Outcome: Tabled for later consideration (to be addressed as items 20 and 21).

ID Number: 25-1732 Description: Mayor requesting approval to appropriate $6,750 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for additional duties related to out-of-school time activities for FY2026.

• Presenters: Anoop Malik, HHS Manager; Chris Osman, Director of Summer Promise.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • This request is for a higher duties allowance for the Summer Promise Out-of-School Time Coordinator.
  • An out-of-school time support position in Somerville Public Schools was eliminated, and its higher-level duties were transferred to the current coordinator.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1736 Description: Mayor requesting authorization to establish a consolidated gift account for the Veterans Services Department and to accept donations for veterans holiday season uses and veterans in need of financial assistance.

• Presenters: Anoop Malik, HHS Finance Manager.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The request is to establish a gift account for the Director of Veterans Services Department under HHS.
  • Four donations have been received (two in September, two recently from the same donor).
  • The funds will be restricted for "holiday season uses and veterans who are in need of the financial assistance," aligning with donor wishes.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1741 Description: Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $307 gift from the Tufts University softball team to the Health and Human Services Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for market needs.

• Presenters: Anoop Malik, HHS Finance Manager.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The donation was raised by the Tufts Softball team.
  • The funds will be deposited into the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market account.
  • Approval is sought to utilize these funds for the next season, as current restrictions only allow for state ABT reimbursement and cash sales.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1740 Description: Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,570 grant with no new match required from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for Mobile Data Terminals.

• Presenters: Emily Wisdom, Director of Police Department.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The grant is from the Burn Memorial Justice Program for law enforcement, a state program funded with federal money.
  • The funds will be used to purchase three mobile data terminals (computers in cruisers) to update older units.
  • Councilor Wilson: Confirmed this is not a UASI grant and does not carry the same obligations.
  • Councilor Scott: Noted the application mentioned the Somerville Housing Authority (SHA) PD's lack of mobile data terminals. Inquired if the funded terminals would go to SHA PD or Somerville Police Department (SPD). Director Wisdom believed they were for SPD but offered to confirm. Councilor Scott expressed a preference for SHA PD to receive them if only a limited number were funded.
  • Councilor Mbah: Echoed Councilor Scott's sentiment regarding the allocation of terminals.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1737 Description: Mayor requesting approval to accept a gift of real property located at 17 Interbelt Road from Ralph C. DeVito Jr. and A. Bram, Trustee, RCD Foundation.

• Presenters: Kathy Lester Salkert, Attorney (Law Department); Tom Gallaghani, Executive Director (OSPCD).
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The property, commonly known as 9 New Washington Street, is currently called the Ralph and Jenny Center.
  • The donor (a trust) is gifting the entire complex, including two buildings and approximately 34,000 square feet of land, to the city.
  • The trustee wishes to retire, and the trust's terms stipulate the property be donated to the city to maintain a location for the Council on Aging (Senior Center).
  • The city would become the landlord for existing tenants, including the Lions Club (second floor of one building), New England Home for Little Wanderers (corner building), and two tenants in the yard storage (Tito's Towing and another).
  • Councilor Clingan: Expressed excitement about the gift and inquired about existing tenants and their leases.
  • Councilor Mbah: Questioned if there were any hidden costs or underlying issues with the "free lunch."
  • Executive Director Gallaghani: Explained that the city has been working with the trustee for 1.5 years, conducting a title search, Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (which came back "surprisingly clean" for an industrial/commercial site), and DPW inspection (no obvious problems). The foundation's bylaws require it to benefit the city for public health, and donating the property ensures the Senior Center can continue to operate there rent-free. The city would own the property free and clear without future use restrictions.
  • Councilor Clingan: Added that the core purpose of the gift was to ensure a permanent home for the Council on Aging.
  • Councilor Burnley: Expressed concern about the city's track record as a landlord and encouraged proactive engagement with tenants.
  • Councilor Scott: Shared similar concerns about the city's past management of gifted properties (e.g., Allen Street houses) and its landlord performance. Emphasized the importance of maintaining the original purpose of the Ralph and Jenny Center.
  • Councilor Wilson: Viewed this as an "opportunity for improvement" for the city to learn from past experiences (e.g., the Armory) and manage the property effectively.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1728 Description: Mayor requesting approval of a utility easement for NSTAR Electric Company at 0 Windsor Place, Boynton Yards.

• Presenters: Kathy Lester Salkert, Attorney (Law Department).
• Key Discussion Points:
  • The easement is for a small parcel, approximately 156 square feet (6x25 feet on two sides, 25x30 feet on the other), owned by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA).
  • It is needed for NSTAR to run electric lines, part of a larger line of electricity going through 600 Windsor.
  • The terms are similar to the easement approved for 51 Prospect (the substation).
  • Councilor Scott: As the ward councilor, supported the easement, noting it's a small piece of land necessary for the Greater Cambridge Energy Project to bring lines from a new substation.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1697 Description: Mayor requesting approval of a transfer of $150 from the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council account to the Somerville Public Schools Food Services Account for the Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Celebration.

• Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson: Noted the small dollar figure and praised the event.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1733 Description: Mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $147.86 using available funds from the Department of Health and Human Services program supplies and materials account for meeting snacks.

• Discussion: No discussion.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for recommendation of approval.

ID Number: 25-1677 Description: A resolution in support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management.

• Discussion:
  • Councilor Scott: Confirmed the resolution was previously approved and sent to the state delegation.
  • Councilor Mbah: Confirmed no further discussion was needed.
• Outcome: Marked as "work completed."

ID Number: 25-0254 Description: An order by Councilor Burnley that the Chief of Police present to this Council the financial implications of the Public Safety for All recommendations, specifically the cost to fund additional officers, acquire and utilize body cameras, and implement a co-response model.

• Presenters: Legislative Liaison Hunter.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter: Provided an update that the Public Safety for All program manager has been onboarded and is working to understand how to build out sustainable next steps for implementation, including funding (mid-term and long-term, internal and external sources). No conclusions yet, conversations are ongoing.
  • Councilor Burnley: Clarified that his submission of the item was not an endorsement of its contents, noting conflicting recommendations from various studies. Emphasized the need for clarity on financial implications, particularly for the co-response model and body cameras (which the previous council rejected). Encouraged a memo to the next council with specific details.
  • Councilor Scott: Expressed gratitude for the item and stated his intention to follow up with the new administration.
• Outcome: Marked as "work completed."

ID Number: 25-0649 Description: An order that the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs coordinate with department heads to assess which federal grants are likely to not be available in FY2026 and discuss with this council the potential impact on programs and services.

• Presenters: Legislative Liaison Hunter.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter: Stated that federal funding has been tumultuous, with impacts primarily on delays rather than cancellations for local governments. No confirmation of funds being unavailable, but significant delays are occurring in application, award, and disbursement processes.
  • Federal staffing reductions and the recent government shutdown have exacerbated these delays.
  • This could lead to project delays if funds are not received in FY2026.
  • Councilor Burnley: Inquired about MassDOT grants impacting McGrath Highway. Legislative Liaison Hunter confirmed McGrath project is moving forward as planned, but state-level delays (as a pass-through for federal funds) are also significant.
  • Councilor Burnley: Highlighted the broader impact of federal grant attacks on community programs (e.g., Head Start, HHS services) and urged continued vigilance.
  • Councilor Scott: Noted a public design hearing for the McGrath project was occurring concurrently.
  • Councilor Wilson: Emphasized the importance of this issue for the city's budget and potential borrowing against future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) receipts for projects like Clarendon Hill.
• Outcome: Marked as "work completed."

ID Number: 25-1445, 25-1446, & 25-1515 Description:

• 25-1445: Order by Councilor Burnley that the city solicit up to this council on the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cooperation requirements attached to the forthcoming Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grants.
• 25-1446: Order by Councilor Burnley that the Chief of Police, or the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region Representative, update this council on the strategy for applying for UASI or any other federal grants that require ICE cooperation.
• 25-1515: Public communication from Crystal Huff submitting comments regarding items 25-1445 and 25-1446, Orders Regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and ShotSpotter.
• Presenters: Legislative Liaison Hunter.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter: The state is the applicant for UASI funds to the federal government and will distribute them. A meeting planned for December has been postponed to January 2026, where an update on the state's agreement with the federal government is expected. The city will make decisions after that.
  • Councilor Wilson: Stressed the importance of the Law Department and Mayor's office (whoever that is) thoroughly reviewing grant applications and acceptances to ensure no obligations are out of step with community values. Committed to keeping the council updated.
• Outcome: Marked as "work completed."

A roll call vote was taken to recommend approval for all items laid on the table.

Items Voted On: 25-1779, 25-1742, 25-1743, 25-1747, 25-1748, 25-1744, 25-1732, 25-1736, 25-1741, 25-1740, 25-1737, 25-1728, 25-1697, and 25-1733.

Roll Call Vote:

• Councilor Mbah: Yes
• Councilor Burnley: Aye (Yes)
• Councilor Clingan: Yes
• Councilor Scott: Yes
• Chair Wilson: Yes

Outcome: All items recommended for approval (5-0).

Chair Wilson announced this was his final Finance Committee meeting as Chair and expressed gratitude to the committee members, particularly Vice Chair Scott, for their work and dedication.

Roll Call Vote on Adjournment:

• Councilor Mbah: Yes
• Councilor Burnley: Aye (Yes)
• Councilor Clingan: Yes
• Councilor Scott: Yes
• Chair Wilson: Yes

Outcome: The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM (5-0).