Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/9/2026 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes Transcript Transcript Transcript  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
26-0629 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Approved  Roll call Video Video
26-0630 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0631 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 12, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0612 12.1.CitationCommending Teresa M. Pero on the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0525 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 318 feet of conduit in Kent Street and Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 14831 to point of pickup at 22 Kent Street, and additional conduit from Manhole 14831 to an existing Manhole 8634.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0527 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 184 feet of conduit in Broadway, from existing Manhole 1969 to a point of pickup at 382 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0526 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in Everett Street, from Utility Pole 118/0 to a point of pickup at 24 Webster Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0521 14.1.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works address the radiator dysfunction in one of the Kennedy School classrooms.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0508 14.2.ResolutionIn support of the Plant Based Treaty.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0522 14.3.OrdinanceProposing an amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance, to further enhance civil rights protections in Somerville.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0614 14.4.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility add the intersection of Durham and Hanson Street to the list of crosswalks that require daylighting improvements to enhance visibility and pedestrian safety.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0615 14.5.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility evaluate and implement appropriate traffic calming measures on Herbert Street, between the city parking lot and Davis Square Plaza, with particular attention to enhancing pedestrian safety during the Somerville Farmers Market.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0613 14.6.ResolutionIn support of House Bill H.4015 and Senate Bill S.475, an Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0625 14.7.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
26-0626 14.8.ResolutionThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management appear before this Council to discuss the decision to implement a tiered residential base rate structure that differentiates between properties served by 5/8-inch pipes and those served by 1-inch pipes.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0628 14.9.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management appear before this Council to discuss the process of monitoring progress on addressing double poles and abandoned wires, with the goal of eliminating the potential hazards, tree damage, and nuisances associated with both.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0627 14.10.ResolutionThat representatives from Eversource, National Grid, Comcast, Xfinity, Astound, and Verizon appear before this Council to discuss plans for addressing double poles and abandoned wires, with the goal of eliminating the potential hazards, tree damage, and nuisances associated with both.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0520 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on March 30, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0024 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of James Plotkin as Municipal Hearing Officer.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0321 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Courtney Reece to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0322 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Ashley Catatao to the position of Police Sergeant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0340 16.A.5.OrderThat this City Council appoints Jessica Smith to the Public Financing of Campaigns Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0341 16.A.6.OrderThat this City Council appoints James Leo Bedard to the Ranked Choice Voting Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0342 16.A.7.OrderThat this City Council appoints Crystal Huff to the Ranked Choice Voting Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0610 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 7, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0301 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $47,580 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for overtime and backfill for Crisis Intervention Training certification and recertification.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0372 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $103,514 grant with no new match required, from Eversource Energy to the Engineering Division for permanent resurfacing and restoration of various streets.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0382 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to the Communications and Community Engagement Department for Phase 1 of a website redesign.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0385 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept a gift with an approximate value of $15,000 from the Town of Medway, Massachusetts to the Fire Department for use by the Auxiliary Fire Department as a lighting and pump support unit.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0388 16.B.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to amend the Community Preservation Act Fund FY 2025 grant of $365,000 to the Somerville Community Land Trust to change the grant conditions.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0606 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on April 2, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0611 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on April 8, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0461 16.D.2.LicenseNew Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Xeluxe AutoGroup, 20 Cummings Street, 0 vehicles inside, 45 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8AM-6PM, Sat: 8AM-2PM, Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0575 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to receive an update on collective bargaining negotiations.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0605 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property located at 122 Assembly Park Drive.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0602 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the appointment of special police officers.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0623 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of 122 Assembly Park Drive, Unit 45.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0512 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a five-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0515 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $8,284,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2026 Water Main Rehabilitation program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0497 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $7,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the purpose of procuring the fire station condominium unit at 122 Assembly Park Drive.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0516 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the annual FY 2026 Sewer System Rehabilitation - McGrath Corridor.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0519 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to reduce the borrowing authorization for the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project from $2,000,000 to $1,600,000.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0513 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate of $46,500 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for FY 2026 Ash Tree treatments.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0518 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0510 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $325,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account to the Police Department Medical and Dental Services Account for medical procedures for current and retired employees injured in the line of duty.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0517 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $228,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0511 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $35,000 from the Police Department Salaries Account to the Police Department Animal Control Salaries Account for an expected deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0603 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $31,800 from the Communications and Community Engagement Salaries Account to the Communications and Community Engagement Professional and Technical Services and Printing and Stationary Accounts for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and program signage.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0509 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting the approval of a time-only contract extension until 5/31/2029 for the Mystic River Watershed Association for the Community Preservation Act FY 2023 grant for design of the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park improvements.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0601 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $125,000 grant that requires a match, from the Department of Energy Resources to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for light retrofitting at Dilboy Field.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0524 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $48,866.25 grant with no new match required, from the Urban Areas Security Initiative to the Fire Department for the purchase of a vehicle for the Fire Department Auxiliary.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0523 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $30,380 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for firefighter safety equipment.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0506 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $30,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to the Public Library for library operations.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0507 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $300 gift from James and Linda Hyson to the Public Library for materials for the West Branch Library.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0514 17.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Aidan Slattery to the position of Police Officer.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0380 17.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Logan Brill to the Conservation Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0381 17.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Valerie Locker to the Conservation Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0568 18.1.Officer's CommunicationRetirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the May 21, 2026 meeting regarding a 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0604 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0529 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Anderson Construction & Excavation Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0528 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, A.R. Belli, Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0530 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Baystate Engineering Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0531 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Borges Sewer & Drain LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0532 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0533 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Commonwealth Construction & Utilities, Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0534 19.7.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0535 19.8.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Hydra Tech, Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0536 19.9.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Jason Anthony Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0537 19.10.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, JRG Masonry & Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0538 19.11.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, K.B. Aruda Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0539 19.12.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Keash Excavating Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0540 19.13.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0541 19.14.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, McCourt Construction.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0542 19.15.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Meninno Construction Co., Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0543 19.16.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Minkin Construction.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0544 19.17.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Raffaele Construction Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0545 19.18.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, RJV Construction Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0546 19.19.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, TRI Construction Co., Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0547 19.20.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, United Civil Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0548 19.21.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Vinny Mofford Excavation LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0549 19.22.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, 74M Property Owner, LLC, 74 Middlesex Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0550 19.23.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0551 19.24.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0552 19.25.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Evocative, 50 Inner Belt Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0553 19.26.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Good Gas Somerville, 345 Medford Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0555 19.27.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 23R Inner Belt Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0556 19.28.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 70R Third Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0557 19.29.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 132 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0554 19.30.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, The Home Depot #2667, 75 Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0558 19.31.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 259 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0559 19.32.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Metropolitan Pipe and Supply Company, 30 Inner Belt Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0560 19.33.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Mobile Mart Plus Inc., 379 Alewife Brook Parkway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0561 19.34.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0562 19.35.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0563 19.36.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Trum Field Sunoco, 541 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0564 19.37.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0579 19.38.LicenseRenewing Garage License, 599 Somerville Ventures LLC, 599 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0565 19.39.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Arco Tire Auto Service Repair LLC, 18 Clarendon Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0566 19.40.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0567 19.41.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair Inc., 635 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0580 19.42.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0569 19.43.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dino's Auto Center, 308 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0570 19.44.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Drain Doctor Inc., 612 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0571 19.45.LicenseRenewing Garage License, K Professional Auto Detailing, 682 Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0572 19.46.LicenseRenewing Garage License, MAC, 53 Russell Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0573 19.47.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Mass General Brigham, 21 Third Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0574 19.48.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Modern Floors, Inc., 22 Marshall Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0576 19.49.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 63 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0577 19.50.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Real Auto Shop, Inc., 463 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0578 19.51.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Roman Auto Repair LLC, 45 Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0581 19.52.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0582 19.53.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Webster Auto Body, 69 Webster Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0583 19.54.LicenseRenewing Livery License, DRN Bus Transportation, 40A Memorial Road.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0584 19.55.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Parking License, Day/Dover Parking LLC, 55 Day Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0585 19.56.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Parking License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc., 480 Columbia Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0586 19.57.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd., 238 Elm Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0587 19.58.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc., 480 Columbia Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0588 19.59.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, Showcase Laundromat, 715 Somerville Avenue, 1 Sign.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0589 19.60.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, LaFoi Taxi Inc, Med. #20.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0591 19.61.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0590 19.62.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Renaissance Taxi Service LLC, Med. #50.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0592 19.63.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Four Wheels Auto, 83 Albion Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0596 19.64.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Video Video
26-0597 19.65.Public EventSomerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Patriots Day Colonial Fair 2026 on April 20 from 8am to 1pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0599 19.66.Public EventSomerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Trolley Tour: Revolutionary Line on April 25 from 8am to 6pm (raindate April 26).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0598 19.67.Public EventVeterans Services Department applying for a Public Event License for Salute to Service Parade on May 16 from 8am to 4pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0600 19.68.Public EventBow Market applying for a Public Event License for Annual Curated Vintage Market on May 31 from 8am to 9pm (raindate June 7).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0594 19.69.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somerstreets: Carnaval on June 7 from 11:30am to 8pm (raindate June 14).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0593 19.70.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party on June 27 from 2:30pm to 9:30pm (raindate June 28).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0595 19.71.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Fireworks Celebration on June 30 from 2pm to 12am (raindate July 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0607 19.72.Public CommunicationTamara Grasty and Emma Rybeck submitting comments re: item #26-0485, Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Crime Tracer.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0608 19.73.Public CommunicationFive individuals, including two residents submitting comments re: item #26-0204, amending the Zoning Ordinances for affordable housing projects.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0609 19.74.Public CommunicationThree individuals, including two residents submitting comments re: item #26-0234, amending the Zoning Ordinances for accessory dwelling units.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0642 110.1.ResolutionThat the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Works coordinate with local stakeholders, including the Somerville Garden Club and other community volunteers, to evaluate the feasibility of transforming the currently unused lawn space located at the small white church across from the West Branch Library into a community gardening space.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0635 110.2.Public EventMutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for MAMAS Free Store on April 11 from 7am to 4pm (raindate April 25).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0632 110.3.Public CommunicationJenny Raposo and Danny Resendes submitting comments re: items #26-0327, #26-0328, #26-0329, #26-0330, amending the Zoning Ordinances regarding Zoning Board of Appeals Board Rules, affordable dwelling units, and Backyard Cottage.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0633 110.4.Public CommunicationChris Dwan submitting comments re: utility double poles.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0634 110.5.Public Communication64 residents submitting comments re: parking on Oak, Houghton, Bolton, and Prospect Streets.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0636 110.6.Public CommunicationAlexandra Thorn and Daniel Wong submitting comments re: item #26-0378, grant for body-worn camera program.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0637 110.7.Public CommunicationJake Grossman submitting comments re: item #26-0257, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment for 2 and 9 Union Square, 286, 290, and 298 Somerville Avenue.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video