City Council - Summary

City Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025 Governing Body: City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees:

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 Will Mbah
Councillor Lance Davis (President)

Executive Summary: The City Council convened for a regular meeting on October 9th, 2025, addressing a range of municipal matters. Key actions included the approval of several appointments and promotions within the Somerville Police Department and to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. The Council also approved a home rule petition to increase the maximum fines for municipal violations and an amendment to the zoning ordinance requiring notification to tenants about parking restrictions in transit areas. Public hearings were held for multiple grant of location requests from Comcast and Eversource, with one Comcast request referred to committee due to resident concerns. Discussions also covered strategies for improving community path safety, addressing abandoned items in public spaces, and monitoring short-term rental ordinance compliance.

1.0 Call to Order and Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by President Lance Davis.
Roll Call:
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: Present
- Councillor Scott: Present
- Councillor McLaughlin: Present
- Councillor Burnley: Present
- Councillor Sait: Present
- Councillor Strezo: Present
- Councillor Clingan: Present
- Councillor Mbah: Present
- Councillor Davis: Present
Quorum: 10 Councillors present, establishing a quorum.

2.0 Moment of Silence and Community Tributes

A moment of silence was observed.
Councillor Mbah offered condolences for the passing of Douglas Bosley, a Somerville Election Commissioner for over 10 years, residing at Gilman Therese for over 25 years. Mr. Bosley was a lifetime swimmer and competed in nearly 30 "Swim Across America" events.
Councillor Clingan offered condolences for the passing of Robert Hodnett Sr., father of Robert Hodnett of the Somerville Fire Department. Mr. Hodnett Sr., a proud Marine and Vietnam veteran, was awarded two Purple Hearts and later served with the Somerville Police Department.

3.0 Approval of Minutes

Item 1.3: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of September 11th, 2025.
- Action: Placed on file for a roll call vote at the end of the meeting.

4.0 Public Hearings - Grants of Location

Item 3.1: Grant of Location from Comcast to install a new manhole and 46 feet of conduit in Auburn Avenue from Utility Pole 2 to 11 Auburn Avenue.
- Public Hearing: Opened.
  - Dave Flewelling (Comcast, 9 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA) spoke in favor, stating the purpose is to provide service to 11 Auburn Avenue.
- Public Hearing: Closed.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 3.2: Grant of Location from Comcast to install 49 feet of conduit in Houghton Street from utility pole 174 over 1 to 121 Prospect Street.
- Public Hearing: Opened.
  - Dave Flewelling (Comcast, 9 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA) spoke in favor, stating the purpose is to provide service to 121 Prospect Street.
- Public Hearing: Closed.
- Discussion:
  - Councillor Scott expressed concern about the timing, noting Houghton Street was recently repaved after utility work and is now proposed to be dug up again. He requested the item be sent to committee.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on Licenses and Permits. Councillor Scott requested the committee ask Comcast to clean up existing utility pole clutter in the area.
Item 3.3: Grant of Location from Comcast to install 64 feet of conduit in Albion Street from utility pole 3 over 22 to 156 Albion Street.
- Public Hearing: Opened.
  - Dave Flewelling (Comcast, 9 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA) spoke in favor, stating the purpose is to provide service to 156 Albion Street.
- Public Hearing: Closed.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 3.4: Grant of Location from Eversource to install 15 feet of conduit in Cross Street East from utility pole 558 over three to 33 Cross Street East.
- Public Hearing: Opened.
  - Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor, stating the purpose is to provide electric service to a three-family home at 29 Cross Street East.
- Public Hearing: Closed.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 3.5: Grant of Location from Eversource to install 7 feet of conduit in Kingston Street from utility pole 101 over 4 to 37 Kingston Street.
- Public Hearing: Opened.
  - Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor, stating the purpose is to provide electric service to 37 Kingston Street.
- Public Hearing: Closed.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

5.0 Committee Reports

Item 6A: Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on October 6th, 2025.
- Councillor Ewen-Campen presented the report, highlighting the high quality of candidates.
  - Appointments Recommended for Approval:
    - Olivia Mobied to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Project Manager, MBTA bus network redesign).
    - Coralie Cooper to the Planning Board (Deputy Director, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management; experience at Volpe Center).
  - Police Department Promotions Recommended for Approval:
    - Michael Perrone to Police Captain.
    - Rico Isidoro to Police Lieutenant.
    - Mark DeFava to Police Lieutenant.
    - Joseph Tevis to Police Sergeant.
    - Justin Costa to Police Sergeant.
    - Patrick Canty to Police Sergeant.
    - Cassandra Camper to Police Sergeant.
    - Richard Levy Jr. to Police Deputy Chief.
- Roll Call Vote on Committee Report:
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Aye
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Mbah: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: Approved (10-0).
- Ceremony: A recess was taken for the newly appointed and promoted individuals to take their oaths of office and for photographs.

6.0 Orders and Resolutions

Item 4.1: Order by Councillor Davis that the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the condition of the high school building exterior tiles and efforts to prevent and mitigate future tile failures.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on School Buildings, Facilities, and Maintenance.
Item 4.2: Resolution by Councillors Davis and Strezo that the administration discuss with this council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces.
- Councillor Strezo requested clarification on the process for removing discarded items, citing instances of items left for days in public spaces like Seven Hills Park.
Item 4.3: Resolution by Councillors Davis and Strezo that the administration discuss with this council whether there is a need to create additional alternative locations for people to store their belongings.
- Councillor Strezo suggested exploring options for off-site storage, potentially with community partners like the Somerville Homeless Coalition, to prevent the accumulation of items in public spaces while respecting the belongings of individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Councillor Davis emphasized the need to understand the city's current approach to abandoned items versus personal belongings, acknowledging the significant negative impact on individuals experiencing homelessness when separated from their possessions. He suggested exploring a spectrum of responses for clearly abandoned items.
Item 4.4: Resolution by Councillors Davis and Strezo that the administration provide data on needles found in and around Davis Square outside of the designated receptacle box, including a breakdown by specific location and used versus unused.
- Councillor Strezo noted that current data from the Health and Human Services Department does not differentiate between used and unused needles, potentially skewing the data.
- Councillor Davis clarified that the request is for easily accessible data, not a large-scale project, to inform discussions.
- Councillor Wilson signed on to Item 4.2, emphasizing that abandoned items are a citywide issue, citing an example of a mattress left on McGrath Highway.
- Action (Items 4.2, 4.3, 4.4): Approved and referred to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety.
Item 4.5: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Mobility discuss with this council strategies for improving the safety of users of the community path.
- Councillor Sait requested a discussion on regulating speed limits, enforcing motorized vehicle bans, and collaborating with community partners to enhance safety on the community path. She noted that current signage for motorized vehicles is unclear and that state regulations limit local control over speed limits.
- Councillor Strezo sought clarification on the type of safety (mobility, physical, emotional), noting concerns from residents about nighttime safety on the path, particularly in the Davis Square section. She emphasized the need for basic safety and consideration among users.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval and referred to the Committee on Traffic and Parking.
Item 4.6: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Mobility install a speed bump onto Ashland Street.
- Councillor Sait requested this item be sent to the Committee on Traffic and Parking, citing a constituent's dog being hit by a car speeding on Ashland Street, which is near the Kennedy School.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval and referred to the Committee on Traffic and Parking.
Item 4.7: Order by Councillor Sait that the Director of Inspectional Services update this council on compliance with the short-term rental ordinance, including any updated enforcement methods and whether the imposition of the 3% community impact fee under Mass General Law Chapter 64G Section 3D has had any impact on the number of short-term rental units in the city or whether any impacts are expected.
- Councillor Sait requested this item be sent to the Committee on Housing and Community Development and stated she would send an email to ISD detailing the specific information requested in the report.
- Councillor Burnley signed on, noting Boston Globe reports of "underground networks" of Airbnbs and constituent reports of similar activity in Somerville. He emphasized the need to capture the 3% community impact fee for affordable housing.
- Councillor Wilson signed on, recalling that the city discontinued software used to track short-term rentals and suggested exploring new software options that can track pricing and aid in collecting owed funds from the Department of Revenue (DOR).
- Councillor Mbah signed on.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval and referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.
Item 4.8: Order by Councillor Clingan that the Director of Parking place no parking here to corner signs on Walnut Street at Sunnyside Avenue.
- Councillor Clingan explained that vehicles parking too close to the intersection of Walnut Street and Sunnyside Avenue create visibility issues for drivers exiting Sunnyside Avenue. He noted other issues in the area, including speeding, and mentioned previous requests for a mid-block crosswalk.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval and referred to the Committee on Traffic and Parking.
Item 4.9: Order by Councillor Clingan that the Director of Mobility add Moreland Street to the queue for speed humps.
- Action: Placed on file.

7.0 Communications

Item 5.1: Communication by Councillor Mbah conveying a report of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
- Councillor Mbah reported on the October 11th Affordable Housing Trust meeting:
  - Finances: $2.6 million in CPA funds and $11.9 million in non-CPA funds available.
  - Authorization: $400,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 housing assistance RFPs.
  - Updates: Mayor's selection of Nick Pittman for the banking and finance trustee seat; mortgage amendment request for 24 Webster Street; time extension for the 15 Temple Street project (adding 115 affordable units).
  - Approved Contracts:
    - Municipal Voucher Program: $1 million with Cambridge Housing Authority for administration and rental subsidies.
    - CARS: $100,000 for housing search and stabilization services.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 5.2: Communication by Councillor Mbah conveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust.
- Councillor Mbah reported on the September 16th Job Creation and Retention Trust meeting:
  - Finances: Uncommitted balance of $2.3 million, with $400,000 from 495 Columbia and $20,000 in interest received, and $500,000 pending from 74 Middlesex. No new funds expected in 2026-2027.
  - Program Updates: Skill wrap-up and English language learning project underperformed, leaving $95,000 unspent, prompting discussion about returning funds.
  - RFPs: Municipal job RFP under review; Fall 2025 RFP proposals due in October.
  - Planning: November 20th annual meeting planned to highlight program impact, preview investments, and engage employers and the community.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 6B: Report of the Committee on Finance meeting on October 7th, 2025.
- Councillor Wilson presented the report:
  - Meeting Duration: 57 minutes, 16-item agenda.
  - Recommendations for Approval:
    - Extension of online bill payment contract with City Hall Systems.
    - Increase of stipend for the municipal hearing officer (to ensure coverage until a replacement is hired).
    - Appropriation of nearly $250,000 from the $0.10 per rideshare trip in FY24 to increase funding for FY26 Vision Zero work.
    - $100,000 from Encore and over $50,000 from the Mass Cultural Council for local cultural council grants through the Arts Council.
    - Three state grants totaling nearly $500,000 for E911 personnel training and medical dispatch.
  - Discussion: Councillor Mbah's order on dormant stabilization funds; Bill Valletta's public communication.
- Roll Call Vote on Committee Report:
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Aye
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Mbah: Aye
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: Approved (9-0, 1 absent).
- Item 25-1459: Request to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support local cultural council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.
  - Roll Call Vote:
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Mbah: Aye
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Outcome: Approved (10-0).
Item 6C: Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 2nd, 2025.
- Councillor McLaughlin presented the report, noting a brief discussion about Gilman Square.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 6D: Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 30th, 2025.
- Councillor Scott presented the report:
  - Meeting Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.
  - Items Kept in Committee: Home rule petition to raise spending/bidding thresholds for contracts to disadvantaged businesses (similar to Boston and Cambridge), due to language questions.
  - Items Approved for Recommendation (with minor edits):
    - Item 25-1429: Home rule petition to raise the maximum amount of fines for violations allowed by Mass General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D. (Previously maximum $300).
    - Item 25-1460: Ordainment of an amendment to section 7 and section 1-11B of the code of ordinances to require notification to tenants of parking permit restrictions in transit areas. This ensures tenants in new builds in MR zones near transit are aware of ineligibility for parking permits.
- Roll Call Vote on Committee Report:
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Aye
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Mbah: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: Approved (10-0).
- Item 25-1429: Home rule petition to raise the maximum amount of fines for violations allowed by Mass General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D.
  - Roll Call Vote:
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Outcome: Approved (10-0).
- Item 25-1460: Ordainment of an amendment to section seven and section 1-11B of the code of ordinances to require notification to tenants of parking permit restrictions in transit areas.
  - Roll Call Vote (Enrollment):
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Outcome: Enrolled (10-0).
  - Roll Call Vote (Ordainment):
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    - Councillor Scott: Yes
    - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    - Councillor Burnley: Aye
    - Councillor Sait: Yes
    - Councillor Strezo: Yes
    - Councillor Clingan: Yes
    - Councillor Mbah: Yes
    - Councillor Davis: Yes
  - Outcome: Ordained (10-0).
Item 6E: Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits meeting on October 8th, 2025.
- Councillor Burnley presented the report, noting discussions on a new garage, flammables for an emergency generator, a new dog kennel, and a new Indian restaurant near Powder House. The committee recommended approval for the Indian restaurant with hours up to 4 a.m., after extensive discussion on noise complaints.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 6F: Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking meeting on September 29th, 2025.
- Councillor Clingan presented the report:
  - Completed Items:
    - Installing crosswalks across Wellness Street and Wigglesworth Street (Director Postowait noted priority challenges).
    - Community path safety improvements (Director Rawson reported launched community engagement, data review, signage development for spring).
    - Installing left turn signal for vehicles turning from Somerville Ave onto Bow Street (Director Rawson stated a left turn signal is not appropriate; left turn after stop sign is more appropriate).
    - Efforts to fix unsafe crossing of the community path at School Street (Director Postowait reported consultant hired, design ready in October).
    - Magoon Square Municipal Parking Lot sign (Director Winfred requested specific language for a new sign).
    - Removal of "do not block intersection" signage at Broadway and Hinkley Street (Directors stated this will be addressed during street reconstruction).
    - Pinkney Street added to speed hump list; Director Rawson to follow up on a neighbor way.
    - Background on 90 bus route.
    - Request to install stop signs on 10 Hills Road at Governor Winthrop Road (Director Rawson explained federal guidelines; staff will seek other solutions if requirements not met).
    - Request to update traffic signal equipment at Rogers Avenue and Boston Ave (Director Posterway suggested incorporating into a larger project in future years).
    - Request to install rapid flashing beacon with push button stop sign in front of East Somerville Community School (Director Austin stated this type of sign is for longer crossings, but staff will look at options if concerns continue).
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

8.0 Mayor's Requests

Item 7.1: Request of the Mayor requesting ordainment of an amendment to several tables of the zoning ordinance to permit home-based child daycare accessory uses and make corrections.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on Land Use with a copy to the Planning Board.
Item 7.2: Request of the Mayor requesting ordainment of an amendment to several sections of the zoning ordinance to make pre-submittal meetings optional for most permits and to improve clarity and consistency.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on Land Use with a copy to the Planning Board.
Items 7.4 - 7.12: (Waived readings) Requests of the Mayor.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on Finance.
Item 7.13: Request of the Mayor requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dante Carrero to the position of police officer.
- Councillor Ewen-Campen moved to recommend approval, consistent with recent practice for new officer appointments.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 7.14: Request of the Mayor requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Ciccarone to the position of police officer.
- Councillor Ewen-Campen moved to recommend approval.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.

9.0 Officer's Communications

Item 8.1: Officer's communication from the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan and related updates.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file with a copy to the Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy.
Item 8.2: Officer's communication from the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry conveying the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan 2025 to 2035.
- Councillor Wilson commended staff and the public for their work on the "really good report" and encouraged everyone to review it.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file with a copy to the Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy.
Item 8.3: Officer's communication from the City Clerk conveying block party licenses issued.
- Councillor Davis encouraged residents to review the list and organize block parties.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 8.4: Officer's communication from the City Clerk conveying the selection of Emily Lopez-Tucci and Mahika Gogate to the position of City Council Project Assistant.
- Councillor Davis expressed excitement for the new hires, noting their potential to enhance constituent services and the council's overall staffing.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.

10.0 Public Communications

Item 9.2: Public event from the Mayor's Office for Truck-O-Treat on October 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Taken out of order).
- Director Singh introduced the "City Hall Ghost" (Director of the Department of Paranormal Whimsy, or DP Double Boo), who announced upcoming seasonal events:
  - Monster Mash: October 18th, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Somerville Avenue (games, music, pumpkin carving).
  - Truck-O-Treat: October 23rd (BYO costumes, treats, Loch Ness Loader).
- Councillor Scott reminded attendees that the "best trick-or-treating in Somerville clearly happens on Springfield Ave down in Ward 2."
- Councillor Wilson jokingly accused the City Hall Ghost of plagiarism regarding "Minerva's team."
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Items 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 10.1 - 10.4: (Waived readings) Public communications.
- Councillor Burnley moved for approval, specifically highlighting the upcoming Honk! Festival (October 10th-12th).
- Councillor Scott noted that Honk! was already underway in Union Square, with bands playing until at least 10 p.m. and at the Jungle Music Club.
- Councillor Davis also mentioned the Pet Spooktacular on October 25th and the Pumpkin Smash on November 8th.
- Action: Laid on the table for approval.
Item 9.5: Public communication from 12 registered voters requesting a zoning map amendment to change the zoning district of 363 Highland Ave and 110 Willow Ave.
- Councillor Davis recused himself.
- Action: Referred to the Committee on Land Use with a copy to the Planning Board.
Item 9.6: Public communication from Emily Harris, submitting comments regarding parking.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 9.7: Public communication from 3,007 individuals, submitting comments regarding a ballot question.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 9.8: Public communication from 22 individuals, including 18 residents, submitting comments regarding a ballot question challenge.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 10.5: Public communication from State Representative Mike Connolly, City Councillor Burnley, City Councillor Sait, and 57 individuals, including 51 residents, submitting comments regarding a ballot question challenge.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.
Item 10.6: Public communication from seven individuals submitting comments regarding a ballot question.
- Action: Laid on the table to be placed on file.

11.0 Adjournment

Roll Call Vote (Approval of all items laid on the table and placed on file):
- Items for Approval: 1.3, 3.1, 3.3-3.5, 4.1-4.9, 6C, 6E-6F, 7.13-7.14, 9.1-9.4, 10.1-10.4.
- Items to be Placed on File: 5.1-5.2, 8.1-8.4, 9.6-9.8, 10.5-10.6.
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
  - Councillor Scott: Yes
  - Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
  - Councillor Burnley: Aye
  - Councillor Sait: Yes
  - Councillor Strezo: Yes
  - Councillor Clingan: Yes
  - Councillor Mbah: Yes
  - Councillor Davis: Yes
- Outcome: Approved and placed on file as indicated (10-0).
Motion to Adjourn: Councillor Mbah moved to adjourn.
Roll Call Vote (Adjournment):
- Councillor Wilson: Yes
- Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
- Councillor Scott: Yes
- Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
- Councillor Burnley: Aye
- Councillor Sait: Yes
- Councillor Strezo: Yes
- Councillor Clingan: Yes
- Councillor Mbah: Yes
- Councillor Davis: Yes
Outcome: Adjourned (10-0).

Podcast Summary