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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/22/2026 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
26-0129 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
26-0130 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0131 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 11, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0091 14.1.ResolutionThat the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility draft a plan to convert the intersection of Ivaloo Street and Harrison Street into a pedestrian-only open space closed to vehicular traffic.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0100 14.2.OrderThat this Council discuss a pilot program that incentivizes backyard cottages and/or Accessory Dwelling Units in owner occupied properties.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0098 14.3.ResolutionThat the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers that provide free menstrual products in all city owned bathrooms.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0099 14.4.ResolutionThat the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers on each floor of City Hall that provide free menstrual products.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0101 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration purchase and install outdoor patio furniture, including tables and chairs, for the patio located outside of the first floor of City Hall on the Highland Avenue side of the building.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0108 14.6.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works install privacy film and replace the shades of the women's bathroom on the second floor of City Hall.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0125 14.7.ResolutionThat the City Council calls for an end to period poverty, and an end to barriers making it difficult for residents to be able to afford menstrual products in Somerville.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0109 14.8.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide a written update to this Council and the School Committee on the status of restoring hot water to all areas of the Capuano Early Education Center, including which areas are affected, actions taken, and an estimated timeline for full restoration.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0102 14.9.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide to the City Council a full-time equivalent analysis and recommendations for custodial staffing at each Somerville Public School, including distinctions between day versus evening shifts, disparities between school size, usage, and current custodial assignments.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0103 14.10.ResolutionThat the Administration prioritize finalization of a Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, including updating community input in the content of the plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0107 14.11.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on maintenance issues in the East Somerville, Capuano and Edgerly Schools.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0105 14.12.ResolutionThat the Administration form a commission to investigate the possibility of Ranked Choice Voting, as required by passage of the new city charter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0106 14.13.ResolutionThat the Administration provide monthly updates to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on progress towards addressing homelessness in Somerville.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0104 14.14.ResolutionIn support of an Act ensuring law enforcement identification for public safety.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0123 14.15.OrderThat the Director of Mobility update this Council on the intersection improvements at Webster Avenue and Prospect Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0124 14.16.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility implement colored lane markings for bus and bike lanes on Prospect Street between Webster Avenue and Somerville Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0118 14.17.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works install waste receptacles near the entrance of the Warming Center on Prescott Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0119 14.18.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works perform regular litter clean-ups along Prescott Street near the Warming Center.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0120 14.19.ResolutionThat the Administration investigate the possibility that deliveries, emergency vehicles, pick-ups, etc., occur in the Cummings School parking lot rather than on Prescott Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0121 14.20.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility pilot the installation of dedicated bicycle YIELD signals to operate during the walk cycle at several intersections throughout the city, including Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, and Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0122 14.21.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility prioritize speed hump installation and other traffic calming measures on Lowell Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0114 14.22.CommunicationConveying that, pursuant to Section 6-2 of the City Charter, this City Council will hold a public hearing on the community's Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities in the Committee on Finance on February 10, 2026.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0047 15.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying information regarding the City Council's responsibilities pursuant to the 2025 City Charter.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0126 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 20, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1801 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Municipal Road Safety Program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0011 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0053 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the continuation of the short term housing bridge pilot program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0054 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing bridge pilot program for seniors.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0088 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0128 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on January 21, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1702 16.B.2.LicenseNew Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Square Auto Sales, 39 Webster Avenue, 20 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-1754 16.B.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 38 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/3 to a point of pickup at 16 Warwick Street.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
26-0079 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve for construction of improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0080 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $480,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Budgeted Reserve to the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for continued preservation of 59 Cross Street.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0075 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $420,566 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for continued restoration of 277 Broadway.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0081 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $74,365 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to Nicole Bairos for preservation of Buddy's Diner.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0056 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $6,166.19 from the Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance Other Equipment - Not Capitalized Account to the Fire Department Special Items Grant Match Account to fund the required match for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0085 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2027 for Crowley Cottrell LLC to complete additional services for re-design and construction administration fees for Junction Park.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0055 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $618,181.81 grant that requires a match, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Fire Department for the replacement of aging breathing apparatus.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0097 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $3,342.05 using available funds in various Police Departments Ordinary Maintenance Accounts for various services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0092 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Under Door Cameras.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0093 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Thermal Imaging Monoculars.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0094 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Ball Cameras.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0090 17.12.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the temporary appointment of Eric Weisman as Interim Commissioner of Public Works.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0127 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0095 18.2.Officer's CommunicationChief of Police conveying a bi-annual report, pursuant to Section 2-6(g) of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0115 19.1.LicenseNew Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, USA Auto Hub, 61 Prospect Street, 15 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0116 19.2.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0110 19.3.Public CommunicationBoston Bike Polo submitting comments re: Founders Memorial Skating Rink.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0111 19.4.Public CommunicationPedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: bus routes 90 and 88.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0134 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment provide a written report to this Council on updates to measures and practices taken to assess, monitor, maintain, and improve the physical environment in schools.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0135 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on when the school buildings maintenance project website will be available.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0137 110.3.OrderThat the Director of Engineering provide an update on the construction of the Lowell Street and School Street crosswalks facing the Green Line stations.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0138 110.4.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility add additional signage helping users of the Community Path get through Maxwell's Green to the Community Path and add clear signage directing users to the ramp and stairs on Lowell Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0136 110.5.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council strategies for improving the safety of users of the Community Path, including improved signage, enforcement of the motorized vehicle ban on the path, coordination with community partners to encourage cooperative use, and regulation of e-bikes, including the imposition of speed limits.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0084 110.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 in a bond for financing a portion of the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0140 110.7.Public EventCultureHouse applying for a Public Event License for CultureHouse Polar Putt on February 2 from 10am to 7pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0139 110.8.Public CommunicationGeorge Vroom submitting comments re: snow plowing.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video