Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 5/28/2026 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
26-0932 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0933 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0934 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0935 11.4.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 11, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0923 12.1.CitationCommending Jerry Cajuste and Medno Dawson for outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service as crossing guards in one of the busiest and most heavily trafficked neighborhoods.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0919 14.1.OrdinanceProposing an amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
26-0921 14.2.ResolutionIn support of voluntary recognition for Somerville Workers United.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0917 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility, the Director of Engineering, the Director of Parking and the Chief of Police appear before the Traffic and Parking Committee to review traffic flows and enforcement practices around schools citywide during drop-of and pick-up, as detailed within.Approved as amended and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0916 14.4.ResolutionThat the Administration share all the positions that were cut from the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and their departments, and explain how they align with the Mayor's equity agenda.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0918 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration appear before the City Council to present its organizational restructuring.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0931 14.6.ResolutionRequesting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of Route 16 and Woods Avenue.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0742 15.1.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming May 2026 to be Jewish American Heritage Month.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0930 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0707 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,660 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software Account for fingerprinting machine software.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0732 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend an $11,000 grant and a $4,200 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire safety education and supplies for school children and senior citizens.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0733 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $4,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0738 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to establish an Arts Council Furniture Account and to use $2,000 in available funds from the Arts Council Professional & Technical Services Account to purchase new desks and chairs for staff.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0740 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 5/22/2027 for the contract with UELContractors Inc. for the completion of improvements at Junction Park.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0745 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an amendment to the Assembly Square District Improvement Financing District Map and Program to include the Assembly Square Fire Station, 45 Middlesex Avenue, and improvements to the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0763 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into a 60-month contract renewal term with Waste Management of Massachusetts Inc. for solid waste disposal.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0803 16.A.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $182,469 from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization fund for the Healthcare for the Homeless program.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0807 16.A.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $999,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to the Building Improvements Bond Fund to pay down building renovation expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0808 16.A.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,381,625 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Somerville Avenue Streetscape Bond Fund to pay down capital expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0810 16.A.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $320,000 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Union Square Streetscape and Plaza Bond Fund to pay down streetscape improvement expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0818 16.A.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $3,940,905 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Street Resurfacing Bond Fund to pay down street reconstruction and resurfacing expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0819 16.A.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $545,985 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to Fire Pumper Bond Fund 51855 for the purposes of funding a new fire pumper.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0820 16.A.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $532,449 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to the Fire Pumper Bond Fund 5187 for the purpose of funding a new fire pumper.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0929 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 21, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0927 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 19, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0883 16.C.2.OrderThat the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney remove the remaining uses of “without limitation” in the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances document to remain consistent.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0884 16.C.3.OrderThat the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney include “religious expression" after “assembly” in (13) (B) (I) of the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances and resubmit to the Council.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0928 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on May 21, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0492 16.D.2.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council, practical solutions to clearing snow from schoolyards without damaging play surfaces to allow students to access outdoor play areas.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
26-0709 16.D.3.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.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0926 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 18, 2026.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0121 16.E.2.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.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0123 16.E.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility update this Council on the intersection improvements at Webster Avenue and Prospect Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0303 16.E.4.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the 2026 Safe Streets Ordinance Annual Report.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0363 16.E.5.ResolutionThat Director of Mobility evaluate opportunities for improved pedestrian safety at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0373 16.E.6.OrderThat this Council review construction-related parking in the area of Oak Street and Bolton Street.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0634 16.E.7.Public Communication64 residents submitting comments re: parking on Oak, Houghton, Bolton, and Prospect Streets.Work completed  Action details Not available
26-0882 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 7 and Section 1-11(b) of the Code of Ordinances to require property owners provide a notice of building sale to tenants.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0922 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,624,494 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account to reduce a year-end deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0920 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Unemployment Compensation Account to remediate a year-end deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0893 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $455,000 from the Department of Public Works Highway Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0903 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $400,000 from the Department of Public Works Sanitation Rubbish Removal Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0898 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $300,000 from the Department of Public Works Custodial Salaries Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0899 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $300,000 from the Department of Public Works Sanitation Recycling Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0897 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $150,000 from the Department of Public Works Grounds Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0874 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $127,358 from various Office of Housing Stability Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the Housing Assistance Stabilization Fund for housing assistance programs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0885 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $125,000 from the Department of Public Works Administration Salaries Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0896 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $110,000 from the Department of Public Works Buildings Wages Account to the Snow Removal Account to cover expenses from the Fiscal Year 2026 winter weather season.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0872 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $100,000 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Street Tree Stabilization Fund for additional Fiscal Year 2027 tree planting and maintenance.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0881 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $4,966.16 from various Council on Aging Ordinary Maintenance Accounts and the Health and Human Services Salaries Account to various Council on Aging Personal Services Account to cover an expected year-end deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0871 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $2,500 from the Planning, Preservation and Zoning Salaries Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Salaries Account to cover a year-end budget deficit.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0875 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $2,403.70 from the Planning, Preservation and Zoning Salaries Account to the Department of Public Works Highway Overtime Account for the Davis Square Activation project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0869 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 9/5/2028 for the contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for the Mystic River Outfall Sewer Separation design project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0853 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 12/31/2028 for the contract with Symmes Maini & McKee for Owners Project Manager Services for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Capital Projects.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0879 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to the Mobility Division for the Western Pearl Street construction project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0744 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $222,502 grant that requires a match, from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to the Mobility Division for Blue Bikes State of Good Repair project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0876 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $58,642 grant that requires a match, from Metro North Regional Employment Board to the Health and Human Services Department for the YouthWorks Summer Program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0870 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the 2026-2027 Housing and Urban Development One Year Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0880 17.22.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the appointment of Steven Tolman to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0866 17.23.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming May 2026 to be Older Americans Month.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0873 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCondominium Review Board conveying the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, pursuant to Section 7-70 of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0925 18.2.Officer's CommunicationFleet Manager conveying an annual report, pursuant to Section 12-122(e) of the Code of Ordinances.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0924 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0886 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Albanese Brothers Inc.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0887 19.2.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0888 19.3.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0889 19.4.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0890 19.5.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, DW Propco EF LLC, 250 Water Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0891 19.6.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0892 19.7.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0894 19.8.LicenseNew Extended Operating Hours License, Ever Fitness, 14 McGrath Highway, opening 24/7 for in-store.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0895 19.9.LicenseRenewing Garage License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0900 19.10.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Automotive Transport Services Inc, 40 Joy Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0901 19.11.LicenseRenewing Garage License, D.M. Auto Body, Inc, 48 Joy Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0902 19.12.LicenseRenewing Garage License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0904 19.13.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0905 19.14.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Highway.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0906 19.15.LicenseNew Second Hand Dealer License, Mile Bee Ventures LLC, 21 Cherry Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0907 19.16.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from BAETDA Transportation to Skyline Taxi for Medallion #93.Approved  Action details Video Video
26-0908 19.17.Public Communication11 individuals, including nine residents submitting comments re: item #26-0257, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 2 and 9 Union Square, 286, 290, and 298 Somerville Avenue from Commercial Core 5 (CC5) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6).Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0909 19.18.Public Communication27 residents submitting comments re: items #26-0330, #26-0329, #26-0328, and #26-0329, Zoning Text Amendments related to backyard cottages and affordable dwelling units.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0910 19.19.Public CommunicationDiane Covino submitting comments re: item #26-0750, a Grant of Location to install 10 feet of conduit next to 135 Hudson Street.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0911 19.20.Public CommunicationJonah Abrams submitting comments re: Davis Square.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0912 19.21.Public CommunicationCourtney Foster and Molly Fraust-Wylie submitting comments re: police presence in schools.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0913 19.22.Public CommunicationBlair Read submitting comments re: item #26-0287, a Zoning Text Amendment to amend sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0914 19.23.Public CommunicationChristopher Rosol submitting comments re: off leash dogs.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0937 110.1.CommunicationIn his capacity as Chair of the Finance Committee, conveying information on the FY 2027 Public Hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, on Wednesday, June 10.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0915 110.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $15,015 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Police Department Personal Services Salary Account to fund a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0938 110.3.Public CommunicationManinder Singh submitting comments re: water and sewer rates.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
26-0944 111.1.ResolutionThat the Chief of Police provide documentation in writing regarding the circumstances surrounding cyclist traffic enforcement in Union Square on the morning of May 28.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0945 111.2.ResolutionThat this City Council extends its gratitude to Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi.Approved  Action details Not available
26-0946 111.3.ResolutionThat this City Council congratulates Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin on his graduation from Harvard University.Approved  Action details Not available