Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/23/2026 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes Transcript Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
26-0716 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
26-0717 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0718 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 12, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0714 12.1.CitationCommending Gary Rogers, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Office of Housing Stability, and DeNovo Legal Services for their work with housing justice.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0659 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 3,520 feet of conduit and 4 new Manholes 32441, 32442, 32443 and 32444 in Prospect Street, Charlestown Street, South Street, Windsor Street and Medford Street from 9 Medford Street to a point of pickup at 51 Prospect Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0657 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 60 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street, from Utility Pole 122/1 to a point of pickup at 8 MacArthur Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0661 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 49 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 20630 to a point of pickup at 737 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0658 13.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 28 feet of conduit in Horace Street, from Utility Pole 173/3-1/2 to a point of pickup at 31 Horace Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0660 13.5.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in Pearl Street, from existing Manhole 18868 to a point of pickup at 181 Pearl Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0645 14.1.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on enforcement of the vacant properties ordinance.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0646 14.2.ResolutionThat the Mayor appoint a City Council representative to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0647 14.3.ResolutionThat the Administration update this Council on the ordering and maintenance of firefighter equipment such as fire engines, ladder trucks and all other fire apparatus.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0708 14.4.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works invest in trash barrels with latches to address rodent issues.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0644 14.5.ResolutionIn support of the THRIVE Act, Senate Bill S.374, empowering students and schools to thrive.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0648 14.6.ResolutionIn support of Harvard Academic Workers.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0711 14.7.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
26-0713 14.8.OrderIn his capacity as President, recommending the appointment of Courtney Henderson to the position of City Clerk.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0710 14.9.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council and the School Committee about safety improvements to security cameras, enclosed schoolyard fencing, balconies, and other infrastructure at the Argenziano School.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0709 14.10.ResolutionThat the Administration report to the School Committee and this Council, on indoor air quality conditions at the Kennedy School, specifically regarding mold and humidity levels, and outline steps being taken to address them.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0712 14.11.CommunicationIn their capacity as Chair of the Finance Committee, conveying information on the FY 2027 budget review process.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0642 15.1.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.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0602 15.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the appointment of special police officers.Withdrawn  Action details Video Video
26-0705 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 21, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0506 16.A.2.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0507 16.A.3.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0509 16.A.4.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0510 16.A.5.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0511 16.A.6.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0512 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a five-year extension to the lease with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen.Withdrawn  Action details Video Video
26-0513 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate of $46,500 from the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for FY 2026 Ash Tree treatments.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0515 16.A.9.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.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0516 16.A.10.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.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0517 16.A.11.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0518 16.A.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $400,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund for improvements to the Kennedy Schoolyard.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0519 16.A.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to reduce the borrowing authorization for the Kennedy Schoolyard Renovation Project from $2,000,000 to $1,600,000.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0523 16.A.14.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0524 16.A.15.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0601 16.A.16.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0603 16.A.17.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.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0636 16.A.18.Public CommunicationAlexandra Thorn and Daniel Wong submitting comments re: item #26-0378, grant for body-worn camera program.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0656 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on April 15, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0049 16.B.2.OrderThat the Director of Housing report to this Council how many new housing units have been approved for development, year-by-year, since adoption of SomerVision 2040, and of those numbers, how many are permanently affordable, and how the department defines affordability.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0141 16.B.3.Officer's CommunicationFair Housing Commission conveying the FY 2024 Annual Report pursuant to Section 17-7 of the Code of Ordinances.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0704 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on April 16, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0689 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
26-0715 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $719,817 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund the retrospective portion of a collective bargaining settlement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit D.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0652 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Rafael Santos to the position of Police Officer.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0653 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Brandon Pavao to the position of Police Officer.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0616 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Carlven Gervais to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0617 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Matteo Mustone to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0618 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Robert Paul Lyons IV to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0619 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Tsering W. Gesar to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0620 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Joseph Desmond to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0621 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Zyair Bolling to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0622 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Timothy Joseph Cedrone to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0698 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Dennis Sullivan to the position of Fire District Chief.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0701 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Sean Marquis to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0702 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael J. Marino to the position of Fire Captain.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0651 17.15.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming April 2026 to be Arab American Heritage Month.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0649 18.1.Officer's CommunicationPlanning Board conveying recommendations for item #26-0204.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0650 18.2.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Infrastructure & Asset Management conveying the April 2026 draft Combined Sewer Overflow Plan.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0703 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0706 18.4.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Economic Development conveying an update on the 90 Washington Street Request for Proposals.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0662 19.1.LicenseRenewing Billiards and Bowling License, Diesel Cafe, 257 Elm Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0663 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, American Site Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0664 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Ferrante Construction LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0665 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Garrett Construction Co Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0666 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Garrick Santo Landscape.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0667 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, J. Marchese and Sons Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0668 19.7.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dakzen, 195 Elm Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0669 19.8.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dumpling Kitchen, 215 Highland Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0670 19.9.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dunkin Donuts, 282 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0671 19.10.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Broadway Gulf, 212 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0672 19.11.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0673 19.12.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0674 19.13.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0675 19.14.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0676 19.15.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, U-Haul Company of Boston, 600 Mystic Valley Parkway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0677 19.16.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0678 19.17.LicenseRenewing Garage License, GE Auto Repair, 631 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0679 19.18.LicenseRenewing Garage License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0680 19.19.LicenseRenewing Open Air Vendor License, The Somerville Flea, Buena Vista parking lot.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0681 19.20.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Kay Jewelers Outlet #2962, 360 Artisan Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0682 19.21.LicenseRenewing Second Hand Dealer License, Metamorphosis, 93 Holland Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0684 19.22.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, God's Blessing Cab Inc, Med. #60.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0685 19.23.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Jean B. Victor, Med #85.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0683 19.24.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion, Jolina Taxi, Inc., Med. #52.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0700 19.25.Public EventUncle Yak Global applying for a Public Event License for Blindfolded Bicycle Ride by Uncle Yak and his Magic Comeback on April 25 from 12:30pm to 2pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0690 19.26.Public EventFriends of the Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Community Growing Center 2026 Calendar of Events from April to December for various times.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0699 19.27.Public EventCharles River Irish Collaborative applying for a Public Event License for Outdoor Session at Tunes on the Charles Traditional Irish Music Festival on April 30, May 1, May 2, and May 3 for various times.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0691 19.28.Public EventThe Somerville Foundation applying for a Public Event License for Down in Davis every Friday from May 1 to October 16 from 5pm to 9pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0693 19.29.Public EventMobility Division and Office of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Mossland Street Block Party on May 2 from 11:30am to 5:30pm (raindate May 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0696 19.30.Public EventOffice of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Finished Compost Giveaway on May 5 from 11:30am to 6pm (raindate May 12).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0694 19.31.Public EventCommunications and Community Engagement Department applying for a Public Event License for Slice of the City Series on various days from May 5 to June 3 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0686 19.32.Public EventOffice of Sustainability and Environment applying for a Public Event License for Arbor Day Picnic in the Park on May 8 from 2pm to 7pm (raindate May 15).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0695 19.33.Public EventBronwyn Restaurant applying for a Public Event License for Weihenstephan Tiny Biergarten on various days from May 14 to September 20 from 8am to 11:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0697 19.34.Public EventSomerville Sports Club applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Sports Club Holy Spirit Procession on May 17 from 10am to 1:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0692 19.35.Public EventHorizons Trio applying for a Public Event License for Horizons: An Exploration Through Music on June 13 and August 8 from 1pm to 3:30pm (raindate June 20).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0687 19.36.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for ArtBeat 2026 on July 18 from 8am to 11pm (raindate July 19).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0725 110.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the appointment of special police officers.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0726 110.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a five-year lease, with option for renewal, with BwB-Square LLC for Nibble Community Kitchen.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0720 110.3.Public EventSomerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for MOM's Run 5K Run and Walk for Cancer on May 10 from 7am to 2pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0721 110.4.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Porchfest 2026 on May 9 from 10:30am to 7pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video