City Council

The meeting was called to order by Council President Will Mbah. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, the meeting was conducted via remote participation.

Attendance:

• Present: Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Councilor Jon Link (remote), Councilor J.T. Scott, Councilor Jesse Clingan, Councilor Kristen Strezo, Councilor Naima Sait, Councilor Emily Hardt, Councilor Matt McLaughlin, Councilor Will Mbah, Councilor Lance Davis.
• Absent: Councilor Ben Wheeler.

A quorum of ten members was established.

The Council observed a moment of silence for the following community members:

• Scott Michael McPherson: A union laborer and scaffolder remembered for his strength and dedication to family.
• Fernanda Ferreira: A formerly unhoused community member and mother, whose passing served as a reminder of the city's commitment to vulnerable populations.

The minutes of the regular meeting of June 11, 2026, were approved with an amendment to correct the spelling of 'Chris Dwan'.

The Council approved item 2.1, commending Janine Pagliaro on her retirement after 38 years of service in the Office of the City Clerk. The citation noted her 'calm guidance, expertise and thoughtful insight' serving four city clerks and numerous councilors.

The Council held public hearings for three Eversource conduit installation requests:

1. 3.1 (Wheatland Street): Install 7 feet of conduit for 6 Wheatland St. Referred to the Committee on Licenses and Permits due to concerns regarding the property.
2. 3.2 (Line Street): Install 4.5 feet of conduit for 62 Line St. Approved. Councilor Scott noted a 'doubled pole' at 211/8 nearby requiring future attention.
3. 3.3 (Elm Street): Install 199 feet of conduit for 199 Elm St. Approved.

The Council received a presentation from the Davis Square Neighborhood Council (DSNC) regarding formal recognition under Chapter 7, Article 9 of the Code of Ordinances.

Key Points:

• The DSNC represents over 640 verified members, including residents, business owners, and workers.
• The group has established 501(c)(4) status and maintains active committees on zoning, greening, and development.
• Public Comment: Edward Ball (80 Winslow Ave) spoke in support, noting the organization's growth from 11 members to over 600 and the ongoing internal debates regarding quorum and democratic participation.

Action: The matter was referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters for a future public hearing.

The Council unanimously approved a resolution (Item 4.2) supporting nurses and healthcare clinicians at Mass General Brigham (MGB) Home Care and Brigham and Women's Hospital currently in contract negotiations and on strike.

Public Comment:

• Shannon Vieira (Nurse/Chair of Bargaining Committee): Stated that MGB has refused to address caseload limits and wage parity. 'We are looking for us to work our eight-hour day and be done... currently, we take home two, three, four hours of work with us every night.'
• Karen Esty (Speech Therapist): Emphasized that patient care is at risk due to unmanageable caseloads of 30+ patients.

Resolution Language: 'This council supports the efforts of the clinicians of MGB homecare in securing a Fair Market Competitive First Union Contract... and encourages Mass General Brigham to negotiate in good faith.'

Vote: Approved unanimously by all present members.

The Council took action on several financial items:

• 7.7 (School Custodians MOA): Appropriated $204,400 to fund a memorandum of agreement with SEIU Chapter 3. The contract includes 2% COLAs for FY27 and FY28 and establishes 'swing shifts' and 'floaters' for staffing flexibility. Approved 10-0.
• 7.4 & 7.5 (Stabilization Funds): Appropriated $834,595 for building design/construction and $185,352 for street/pavement assessments. Approved 10-0.
• 7.6 (Police Detail Fund): Appropriated $50,000 to establish a revolving fund for Superior Officers to ensure timely detail payments. Approved 10-0.

The Council considered item 7.3, a request to borrow $130,392,395 for the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Project via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF).

Project Details:

• Director of Infrastructure Richard Raiche explained the project uses oversized conduits ('linear storage') to mitigate flooding in the landlocked Davis Square area.
• The project aims to reduce flooding from 1.33 million gallons to 0.17 million gallons in a 10-year storm event.
• It provides a 24% reduction in Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) volume.
• Financing: The SRF offers a 2% interest rate over 30 years, significantly lower than commercial rates, with potential for loan forgiveness.

Vote: Approved 10-0.

The Council proclaimed July 26 as Disability Pride Month (Items 7.17 and 4.4).

Public Comment:

• Holly Simeone (Chair, Disability Commission): Highlighted the history of the ADA and the importance of the Olmstead Decision, which prevents unnecessary institutionalization. She warned that recent federal interpretations threaten these protections. 'You don't have to be proud to be disabled, but it's very important... that we tell children that it's okay to be different.'

Action: The Council reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Senior Planner Ben Demers provided an update on the 90 Washington Street redevelopment.

• North River Lyric withdrew their proposal, leaving Wood Partners as the sole finalist.
• The updated Wood Partners proposal increases units to 418, moves parking underground, and includes 15,000 sq. ft. of retail and 7,000 sq. ft. of community space (potentially a senior center).
• Councilors expressed concerns regarding the loss of green space (the 'berm') and the lack of homeownership opportunities.

Action: The Council held an executive session to discuss financial details. No votes were taken.

The Council discussed a $231,635 grant for police body-worn cameras (Item 26-0378).

• The Finance Committee recommended rejection (4-1) due to high ongoing costs (approx. $446,000 annually) and unresolved oversight policies.
• Councilor Wheeler moved to lay the item on the table pending a public hearing in September.

Vote: Motion to lay on the table passed 8-1 (Councilor Scott voting no).

The Council approved several legislative items:

• 6D5 (Early Leasing Home Rule Petition): Regulates the timeline for lease renewals to prevent landlords from forcing signatures nine months in advance. Approved 10-0.
• 6D7 (Notice of Building Sale): Amends the code to require property owners to notify tenants when a building is listed for sale. Approved 10-0.
• 6D2 (Self-Promotion Prohibition): Amends the code to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for self-promotion by city officials. Approved 10-0.