Please note: this meeting's minutes have not been finalized yet. Actions taken on legislation and their results are not available.

Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 10/22/2026 7:00 PM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available Transcript Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
26-1558 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.   Not available Video Video
26-1559 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.   Not available Video Video
26-1560 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 10, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-1551 14.1.OrdinanceThat Section 7.64 of the Code of Ordinances, pertaining to condominium conversions, be amended as detailed within.   Not available Video Video
26-1550 14.2.ResolutionRequesting support for local businesses damaged by recent fires.   Not available Video Video
26-1557 14.3.OrdinanceThat the City of Somerville adopt the Artificial Intelligence Ordinance as detailed within.   Not available Video Video
26-1555 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report to this City Council on the status of the roof at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, including necessary repairs, what the leak has revealed about the condition of the city’s aging school roofs, and the effectiveness of the continuity of instruction plan.   Not available Video Video
26-1529 14.5.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works conduct a risk-based review of roof drainage systems and other vulnerable building-envelope components at city school facilities, particularly buildings undergoing active roof construction or repairs, and identify any urgent deficiencies requiring immediate attention.   Not available Video Video
26-1553 14.6.ResolutionSupporting the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2025.   Not available Video Video
26-1554 14.7.ResolutionCalling on the Mayor to adopt policies prohibiting city staff from using artificial intelligence to generate public-facing media and prohibiting the replacement of city employees with artificial intelligence as detailed within.   Not available Video Video
26-1530 14.8.ResolutionThat the Administration develop or update a written protocol for severe-weather preparedness during construction and roof repair projects, including verification that roof drains are functioning properly, temporary protective measures are in place, and responsible personnel are available to respond promptly to reports of water intrusion.   Not available Video Video
26-1547 14.9.ResolutionUrging the state to protect Mass Save and clean energy grants.   Not available Video Video
26-1548 14.10.CommunicationSharing the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region's (MBHSR) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) fiscal year 2024 plan and allocations.   Not available Video Video
26-1549 14.11.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility install a "SLOW - CHILDREN CROSSING" sign on Heath Street, close to the corner of Heath & Moreland Streets.   Not available Video Video
26-1552 14.12.ResolutionOpposing the draft combined sewer overflows long-term control plan and calling for a regional solution.   Not available Video Video
26-1568 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 20, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-1032 16.A.2.OrderThat the Director of Procurement and Contracting Services provide this City Council with a report of all artificial intelligence vendors and services for which the city currently has contracts or ongoing payment obligations.   Not available Not available
26-1414 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $35,000 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for overtime/backfill to support officers and supervisors in obtaining/maintaining Crisis Intervention Team Training certification.   Not available Not available
26-1429 16.A.4.OrderThat the Director of Finance and the Director of Economic Development report to this Council on the situation of financial bankruptcy, involving the investor funds, holding equity in the empty lab building at 808 Windsor Place, Boynton Yards.   Not available Not available
26-1472 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Racial and Social Justice Fund to implement the 2026 Community Grant Cycle.   Not available Not available
26-1486 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to reduce the borrowing appropriation of $89,332,819 for the Poplar Street Project by $2,097,667.05.   Not available Not available
26-1487 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $3,143,557 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for additional costs of design, construction, and equipping of the Poplar Street Pump Station.   Not available Not available
26-1567 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 15, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-1258 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.2.17, 4.1.15, 4.2.15, 4.3.15, 4.4.15, 5.1.16, 6.1.13, 6.2.14, 6.3.13, 6.4.16, 6.5.13 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to correct parking maximums.   Not available Not available
26-1259 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.4, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.10, 3.1.11, 3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 4.1.7, 4.2.7, 4.3.7, 4.4.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to remove ground story elevation requirements.   Not available Not available
26-1337 16.B.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.5, 3.1.17, 3.2.16, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.14, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.14, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.14, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.15, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.16, 6.1.12, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.14, 6.3.12, 6.4.9, 6.4.15, 6.5.7, 7.2.8 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to clarify requirements for principal entrances.   Not available Not available
26-1338 16.B.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1.1, 2.4.5, 3.1.16, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.15, 4.1.3, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.10, 4.1.13, 4.2.3, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.10, 4.2.13, 4.3.3, 4.3.7, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.10, 4.3.13, 4.4.3, 4.4.7, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.13, 5.1.3, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.10, 5.1.11, 5.1.14, 6.1.3, 6.1.7, 6.1.8, 6.1.11, 6.2.3, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.9, 6.2.12, 6.3.3, 6.3.8, 6.4.3, 6.4.9, 6.4.11, 6.5.3, 6.5.7, 6.5.8, 6.5.11, 7.2.7, 7.2.10, 7.4.3, 7.4.6, 7.4.7, 7.4.8, 7.4.11, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.2.2, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.4.16, 8.4.17, 8.4.19, 9.1.7, 12.1.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6, 12.1.7, 12.3.5, 12.3.6, 12.3.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to update terminology for affordable dwelling units and commercial spaces.   Not available Not available
26-1565 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 13, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-0240 16.C.2.ResolutionThat the Director of Inspectional Services review the rules for short-term rentals and inform this Council what enforcement tools are available and how the city may take action against known violations.   Not available Not available
26-0475 16.C.3.Public CommunicationDigital Fourth submitting comments re: Surveillance Technology Annual Report.   Not available Not available
26-0478 16.C.4.Public CommunicationUrban Forestry Committee submitting comments re: anti-coagulant rodenticides.   Not available Not available
26-0484 16.C.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-0485 16.C.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Crime Tracer.   Not available Not available
26-0830 16.C.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for CrimeTracer.   Not available Not available
26-0999 16.C.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1000 16.C.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1006 16.C.10.Public Communication89 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Police Body-Worn Cameras, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.   Not available Not available
26-1027 16.C.11.OrderThat the City Clerk provide the procedure followed upon a Mayoral veto of any measure approved by this Council.   Not available Not available
26-1034 16.C.12.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying information regarding item #26-0378, a request of the Mayor for acceptance of a grant for a body-worn camera program.   Not available Not available
26-1185 16.C.13.Public Communication74 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding the proposed ethical procurement ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.   Not available Not available
26-1189 16.C.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1192 16.C.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1272 16.C.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1273 16.C.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Not available
26-1274 16.C.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances to update enforcement personnel.   Not available Not available
26-1569 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on October 21, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-1159 16.D.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 7 feet of conduit in Wheatland Street, from utility pole 141/2 to a point of pickup at 6 Wheatland Street.   Not available Not available
26-1456 16.D.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 346 feet of conduit in Newton Street, from the existing Manhole 4115, passing through the existing Manhole 4123 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 31223 next to 24 Webster Avenue.   Not available Not available
26-1566 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 14, 2026.   Not available Video Video
26-1024 16.E.2.OrderThat this Council schedule a Public Hearing regarding construction parking permits and the impact of current enforcement policy on neighborhood residents.   Not available Not available
26-1542 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the matter of Richard Nurse, Ronald Bonney, & Michael Browne v. City of Somerville, et al.   Not available Video Video
26-1525 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.1.16, 3.2.15, 4.1.13, 4.2.13, 4.3.13, 4.4.13, 5.1.14, 6.1.11, 6.2.12, 6.3.11, 6.4.14, 6.5.11, 8.2.4, 9.1.1, 9.2.8, and 9.2.9 of the Zoning Ordinance to amend use tables and standards.   Not available Video Video
26-1526 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1.1, 2.3.1, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.6, 3.1.6, 3.2.6, 9.2.11, 9.2.13, 9.2.14, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, and 14.1.5 of the Zoning Ordinance to simplify regulation of accessory structures.   Not available Video Video
26-1527 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1.1, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 4.1.14, 4.2.14, 4.3.14, 4.4.14, 5.1.15, and 6.2.13 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow greater adoption of sustainable development elements.   Not available Video Video
26-1528 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.6, 3.1.13, 3.2.12, 4.1.10, 4.2.10, 4.3.10, 4.4.10, 5.1.11, 6.1.8, 6.2.9, 6.3.8, 6.4.11, and 6.5.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to simplify regulation of building components.   Not available Video Video
26-1514 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.   Not available Video Video
26-1543 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Judgments & Settlements Account to fund the settlement of Richard Nurse, Ronald Bonney, & Michael Browne v. City of Somerville, et al.   Not available Video Video
26-1544 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $171,922 from the Salary Contingency Salaries account to various Fire Department and Human Resources Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Association of Somerville, Local 76 Union.   Not available Video Video
26-1545 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $72,824.03 to various accounts in the Election Department to fund the two special elections.    Not available Video Video
26-1524 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $545,649 from the Infrastructure: Inspectional Services Salaries account to various Health and Human Services: Public Health Personal Services accounts to correct an allocation error in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.   Not available Video Video
26-1539 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into a 60-month contract with Boston Carting Services LLC for hauling municipal solid waste, recycling, and yard waste.   Not available Video Video
26-1522 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $25,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Sustainability and Environment Division to extend the Community Heat Resilience pilot program.   Not available Video Video
26-1523 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $1,776 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation.   Not available Video Video
26-1531 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,844.97 using available funds in the Health and Human Services-Administration Ordinary Maintenance Account for Medicaid billing and collection services.   Not available Video Video
26-1540 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Technology-Specific Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Video Video
26-1541 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Body Worn Cameras.   Not available Video Video
26-1533 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Gary Rogers to the Condominium Review Board.   Not available Video Video
26-1534 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Fatima Climaco to the Condominium Review Board.   Not available Video Video
26-1556 17.19.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Capital Investment Plan.   Not available Video Video
26-1546 18.1.Officer's CommunicationChief Assessor requesting to appear at this Council's November 12, 2026 meeting for the Tax Classification Public Hearing and the determination and adoption of tax levy percentages for Fiscal Year 2027.   Not available Video Video
26-1532 18.2.Officer's CommunicationSomerStat Director conveying an update on measuring and sharing progress for strategic plans.   Not available Video Video
26-1538 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.   Not available Video Video
26-1536 19.1.Public EventEast Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Halloween Block Party & Pet Spooktacular on October 31 from 10am to 5pm (raindate November 1).   Not available Video Video
26-1537 19.2.Public EventThe Office of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Pumpkin Smash on November 7 from 9am to 3:30pm (raindate November 8).   Not available Video Video
26-1535 19.3.LicenseNew Garage License, Toucan Auto Center Inc, 619 Somerville Avenue, 39 vehicles inside, 1 vehicle outside, for autobody work, spray painting, and operating a tow, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.   Not available Video Video
26-1561 19.4.Public CommunicationCaroline Levy submitting comments re: Combined Sewer Overflow.   Not available Video Video
26-1562 19.5.Public CommunicationPaul Garbarino submitting comments re: discrepancies between state law and proposed zoning ordinances.   Not available Video Video
26-1563 19.6.Public CommunicationLisa Shatz submitting comments re: item #26-1023, that Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.   Not available Video Video
26-1564 19.7.Public CommunicationNathaniel Verter submitting comments re: Tufts University.   Not available Video Video
26-1579 110.1.OrdinanceAn ordinance amending the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to establish the Upzoning Overlay (UO) District at Davis Square, Porter Square, and Ball Square.   Not available Video Video
26-1573 110.2.Public EventNicholas Farrell applying for a Public Event License for Powderhouse Park Foam Sword Games and fundraiser on October 24 from 10am to 4pm (raindate October 25).   Not available Video Video
26-1574 110.3.Public EventMutual Aid of Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for MAMAS Free Store on November 14 from 7:30am to 4pm (raindate November 21).   Not available Video Video
26-1570 110.4.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, Duffy Excavation Inc.   Not available Video Video
26-1571 110.5.Public CommunicationJon Landry submitting comments re: item #26-1501, that the Short-Term Rental Ordinance be amended.   Not available Video Video
26-1572 110.6.Public CommunicationAlexandra Sheldon submitting comments re: affordable housing.   Not available Video Video