Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 3/12/2026 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
26-0366 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on filePass Roll call Video Video
26-0367 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0368 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 12, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0347 12.1.CitationCommending the Kendall Wanderers Football Club on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0304 13.1.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet of conduit in Allen Street, from Utility Pole 3 to a point of pickup at 13-17 Allen Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0305 13.2.Grant of LocationDagle Electrical applying for a Grant of Location to install 57 feet of conduit and one new charging station in the City Hall Concourse, from the War Memorial to a point of pickup at the proposed electrical vehicle charging station.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0306 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to relocate existing Utility Pole 60/40 four feet northerly of its current location, near 3 Chester Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0312 13.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 164 feet of conduit and one new Manhole in Grant Street, from an existing Manhole 1900 to a point of pickup at 299 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0309 13.5.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 82 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street, from Utility Pole 122/2 to a point of pickup at 17 MacArthur Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0307 13.6.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 64 feet of conduit in Stone Avenue, from existing Manhole 14068 to a point of pickup at 11 Stone Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0310 13.7.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 6 feet of conduit in Chandler Street, from Utility Pole 227/6 to a point of pickup at 53 Chandler Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0311 13.8.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 6 feet of conduit in Line Street, from Utility Pole 211/7 to a point of pickup at 62 Line Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0308 13.9.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 5 feet of conduit in Heath Street, from Utility Pole 165/13 to a point of pickup at 16 Edgar Avenue.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0335 14.1.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0354 14.2.OrderThat Rule 4 of the Rules of the City Council be amended to update submission deadlines for agenda items, consistent with the provisions of the Open Meeting Law.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0340 14.3.OrderThat this City Council appoints Jessica Smith to the Public Financing of Campaigns Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0341 14.4.OrderThat this City Council appoints James Leo Bedard to the Ranked Choice Voting Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0342 14.5.OrderThat this City Council appoints Crystal Huff to the Ranked Choice Voting Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0343 14.6.OrderThat this City Council appoints Derrick Rice to the Review of Multiple Member Bodies Committee.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0339 14.7.CommunicationIn his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2026.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0351 14.8.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0336 14.9.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services discuss with this Council how to ensure that temporary dumpster permits do not conflict with handicapped parking spaces, or that temporary handicapped parking spaces are relocated for the duration of the dumpster permit.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0337 14.10.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure that handicapped parking spaces are not used for snow storage and are cleared at the same time as other spaces.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0338 14.11.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure that accessible sidewalk ramps are cleared following snowstorms, and ensure that 311 reports on this issue are promptly responded to.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0344 14.12.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0345 14.13.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0350 14.14.ResolutionIn support of House Bill H.965 and Senate Bill S.2721, an Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment.Approved as amendedPass Action details Video Video
26-0349 14.15.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0352 14.16.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council, the policy of prohibiting parking on alternating sides of the street during a snow emergency, and whether it is the best way to meet snow removal needs.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0353 14.17.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council the frequency of street sweeping throughout the period of April through November.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0355 14.18.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0356 14.19.ResolutionIn support of Senate Bill S.2975, an Act protecting access to justice.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0358 14.20.ResolutionThat this City Council calls on the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor to increase Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) by at least 6% in Fiscal Year 2027.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0359 14.21.ResolutionThat this City Council calls on the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, and maintain the $150 per pupil minimum aid increase in Fiscal Year 2027.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0360 14.22.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0362 14.23.ResolutionThat the Administration create a publicly accessible dashboard tracking progress toward planning and development goals in Gilman Square.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0363 14.24.ResolutionThat Director of Mobility evaluate opportunities for improved pedestrian safety at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0364 14.25.ResolutionThat the Director of Housing provide data on units produced through the city’s inclusionary housing program, including length of occupancy, unit refusal by lottery winners and other data to demonstrate the health of the program.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0365 14.26.ResolutionRecognizing March 2026 as National Social Work Month.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0357 14.27.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0185 15.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Utility Pole 291/12 to a point of pickup at 91 Prospect Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0332 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 10, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0849 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment and training.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0169 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $43,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for software.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0201 16.A.4.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Economic Development conveying the potential use of an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing Tool (UCH-TIF) to incentivize housing production.Work completedPass Action details Not available
26-0268 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous Household Waste Facility.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0270 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the Boynton Union Connect Transportation Management Association development site.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0271 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0331 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on March 4, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0265 16.B.2.Public CommunicationThat this City Council hold a public hearing on the petition submitted by 52 registered voters regarding Out of the Blue Community Arts Space at Arts at the Armory, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0333 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 11, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0181 16.C.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 62 feet of conduit in Ivaloo Street, from Utility Pole 179/5 to a point of pickup at 38 Ivaloo Street.Approved with conditionsPass Action details Not available
26-0334 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
26-0202 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $75,000 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the 16-20 Medford Street development site.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0298 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,167,395 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Community Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0297 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $399,255 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Fund Community Housing Reserve.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0299 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve to the Open Space Land Acquisition Fund.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0300 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $100,766 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Somerville Museum to conserve artifacts in its collection.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0323 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $50,000 from the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserve to the Housing Authority for improvements to the open space at the Mystic River/View developments.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0301 17.8.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.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0325 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to establish a Grant Match Account with a $15,000 transfer from the Department of Veterans' Services Grounds Maintenance Account to the Department of Veterans' Services Special Items Account for the Massachusetts General Court and the State Historical Records Advisory Board Grant match requirement.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0321 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Courtney Reece to the position of Police Sergeant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0322 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Ashley Catatao to the position of Police Sergeant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0361 17.12.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the appointment of Chris Dwan to the Review of Multiple Member Bodies Committee.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0302 17.13.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the 2025 Surveillance Technology Annual Report.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0303 17.14.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the 2026 Safe Streets Ordinance Annual Report.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0348 17.15.Mayor's CommunicationConveying Public Safety for All findings and current initiatives.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0346 17.16.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming 2026 to be the Year of the Neighbor.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0324 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0203 18.2.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
26-0316 19.1.Public EventDormition of the Virgin Mary applying for a Public Event License for Greek Independence Day Celebration 2026 on March 28 from 10am to 1:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0315 19.2.Public EventSt. Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for Good Friday Stations of the Cross on April 3 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0319 19.3.Public EventTufts Engineers without Borders applying for a Public Event License for Fred Berger Memorial 6K Run/Walk on April 12 from 10:30am to 3pm (raindate April 19).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0318 19.4.Public EventOffice of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Nepali National Flag Raising Ceremony 2026 on April 12 from 1pm to 4:30pm (raindate April 19).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0320 19.5.Public EventSomerPromise applying for a Public Event License for Week of the Young Child Celebration 2026 on April 16 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0317 19.6.Public EventMystic River Watershed Association applying for a Public Event License for Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on May 17 from 6am to 3pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0314 19.7.Public EventMass Farmers Markets applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Farmers Market every Wednesday from May 20 to November 25.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0313 19.8.Public EventThe Curl Bar applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar Community Event 2026 on May 30 from 6am to 7pm (raindate May 31).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0327 19.9.Public Communication29 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 15.7.2.d Zoning Board of Appeals Board Rules.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0328 19.10.Public Communication14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 12.2.2 regarding affordable dwelling units.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0329 19.11.Public Communication14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0330 19.12.Public Communication29 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0326 19.13.Public CommunicationTufts University conveying its Spring 2026 Accountability Report.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0371 110.1.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2027.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0373 110.2.OrderThat this Council review construction-related parking in the area of Oak Street and Bolton Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0369 110.3.Public Communication62 individuals, including 60 residents, submitting comments re: item #26-0114, Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0370 110.4.Public CommunicationThouis Jones submitting comments re: bike lanes.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0377 110.5.Public CommunicationCourtney Pollack submitting comments re: items #26-0055, #26-0156, and #26-0168, requests regarding public safety grants.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video