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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 6/26/2025 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
25-1185 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
25-1186 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1187 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 22, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1188 11.4.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 29, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1143 12.1.CitationCommending outgoing Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld for her outstanding service to the people of Somerville as Ward 7 City Councilor from 2022 to 2025 and her distinguished service as President of this Council in 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1151 12.2.CitationCommending Jason Diorio and Kevin McCormick for their actions on June 11, 2025 providing assistance to a community member in need.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1183 12.3.CitationCommending the Somerville Pride 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team on their win in the Metro West Youth Basketball Championship.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1145 13.1.Grant of LocationCambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Meacham Road, from Utility Pole 225/9 to a point of pickup at 55 Davis Square.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1144 13.2.Grant of LocationCambridge Network Solutions applying for a Grant of Location to install one new handhole at the Elm Street/Davis Square/Day Street intersection and a total of 128 feet of conduit in Day and Elm Street, from the proposed handhole to a point of pickup at Utility Pole 196/9.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1147 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 5 feet of conduit in Herbert Street, from Utility Pole 88/0 to a point of pickup at 53 Chester Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1148 13.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 50 feet of conduit in Berkeley Street, from Utility Pole 30/8 to a point of pickup at 54 Berkeley Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1146 13.5.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 236 feet of conduit in Walnut Street, 148 feet of conduit in Giles Park, and two new manholes, from Manhole 25271 to a point of pickup at 33 Bow Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1170 14.1.ResolutionIn support of the Climate Superfund Bill.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1140 14.2.CommunicationIn her capacity as President, cancelling this Council's Regular meetings scheduled for July 24 and August 14, 2025.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-1171 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Engineering update this Council and community advocates on current efforts to fix the unsafe crossing of the Community Path at School Street.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1172 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install WATCH FOR BICYCLES signage for each street that intersects with the two bicycle lanes on Central Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1178 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration notify Magoun Square businesses of planned construction projects.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1177 14.6.ResolutionThat Eversource explain the reasons behind repeated power outages in Magoun Square, and share what they have done to address them in the near term and what is being done to prevent long term recurrence.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1180 14.7.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development and City Clerk discuss with this Council policies regarding outdoor seating and how the city may make it easier and less expensive for small businesses.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0991 15.1.CitationCommending the Kiwanis Club on the auspicious occasion of its 100th anniversary of support to the community.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0898 15.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $100,000 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Tree Planting Account to the Street Tree Capital Stabilization Fund Account for future tree planting and maintenance activities.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1056 15.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $237,000 to fund the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1059 15.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $87,000 from the Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to subsidize the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-1078 15.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation or reserve of $5,863,561 in estimated FY 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenue for CPA projects and expenses.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1079 15.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to repurpose $77,000 in the Racial & Social Justice Stabilization Fund to fund two Rental Assistance Advocate positions for FY 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1080 15.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $77,000 in re-purposed funds in the Racial & Social Justice Stabilization Fund to retain two Rental Assistance Advocate positions for Fiscal Year 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1081 15.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $35,000 from the Department of Public Works Snow Removal Account to the Department of Public Works Grounds Division, Overtime Labor Account to remediate a year end deficit.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1095 15.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to repurpose and appropriate $40,500 from the COVID-19 Stabilization fund to continue the Playworks Program at the Winter Hill Community School for 2025-2026 School Year.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1097 15.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,055,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Facility Renovation and Reconstruction Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1098 15.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,715,270 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Street Reconstruction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1100 15.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $750,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Parks Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1101 15.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to support the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1102 15.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Traffic Safety Stabilization Fund for traffic safety improvements.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1104 15.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1105 15.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1114 15.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Compensated Absence Liability Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1115 15.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $5,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1121 15.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $110,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Workers Compensation Insurance Fund for workers compensation insurance settlements.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1122 15.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $45,596 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for the support of a school based market.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1123 15.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $30,245,443 to fund the FY 2026 Sewer Enterprise Fund budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1124 15.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $21,366,905 to fund the FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1138 15.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting the approval of the expenditure limitations for departmental Revolving Funds for FY 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1048 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on June 3, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1126 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 10, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1142 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 16, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1154 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on June 18, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1181 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, on June 24, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1025 16.E.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $54,412 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to the Law Department Salaries Account to remediate a year-end deficit.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1027 16.E.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $237,000 to fund the FY 2026 Dilboy Fields Enterprise Fund Budget.WithdrawnPass Action details Not available
25-1028 16.E.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $736,080 to fund the FY 2026 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1030 16.E.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the expenditure limitations for departmental Revolving Funds for FY 2026.WithdrawnPass Action details Not available
25-1031 16.E.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $37,740 from the Department of Public Works Admin Salaries Account to the Department of Public Works Grounds Salaries Account to remediate a year-end deficit.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1032 16.E.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $216,000 from the Department of Public Works (DPW) Custodian Salaries Account to the DPW Electrical Other Lump Sum Account and the DPW Highway Salaries Account to remediate year-end deficits.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1033 16.E.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $373,680 from the Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to support the FY 2026 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund Budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1034 16.E.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,055,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to the Assembly Square Fire Station Capital Fund to reduce debt service costs for the project.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1035 16.E.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $2,715,270 from the Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to various capital project funds to reduce debt service costs for these projects.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1040 16.E.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $87,000 from the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to subsidize the FY 2026 Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund Budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1042 16.E.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $362,915,509 to fund the FY 2026 General Fund Operating Budget.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
25-1189 16.E.13.OrderThat the Executive Office - Administration, Personal Services Salaries line be reduced by $186,744 in the FY 2026 budget.Not approvedFail Action details Video Video
25-1149 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on June 17, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0128 16.F.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 6, 9, and 10 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Research & Development zoning district.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
25-0129 16.F.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 2, 3-6, and 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the regulations for arts and creative enterprise, office, and residential uses.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
25-0131 16.F.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Articles 8 and 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a new Arts & Innovation sub-area of the Master Planned Development Overlay District.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
25-0200 16.F.5.Public Communication15 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance sections 3.1.8c, 3.1.9c, 3.1.10c, 3.1.13k, 3.1.13l, 3.2.12l. and 3.2.12m.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
25-0590 16.F.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the Building Official to waive certain dimensional standards for means of egress.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
25-1182 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on June 25, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0107 16.G.2.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development update this Council on efforts taken to inform relevant business owners about the newly implemented closed captioning ordinance.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1006 16.G.3.LicenseNew Garage License, 599 Somerville Ventures LLC, 599 Somerville Avenue, 33 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0500 16.G.4.LicenseNew Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,000 gallons.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-1176 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions.Ordinance ordainedPass Action details Video Video
25-1153 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of early voting dates for the September 16, 2025 Preliminary Election and the November 4, 2025 City Election.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1160 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Agreement for the 299 Broadway project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1163 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Public Access and Maintenance Access Easement for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1164 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Maintenance Access Easement and Landscape Management and Maintenance Plan for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC for the future Sewall Park at the 299 Broadway development.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1173 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $3,346,101 from the Salary Contingency Account-Salaries to the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1165 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $606,501 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Engineering & Architecture Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1169 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $410,005.90 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Building Improvements Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design and construction services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1158 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $150,955.61 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Engineering & Architecture Account to the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1167 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $109,982.41 from the Infrastructure and Asset Management-Capital Projects Professional & Technical Account to the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1141 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $15,400 from the Salary Contingency Salaries Account to the Council on Aging Salaries Account to fund an expected year-end deficit.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1155 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,126,489.31 from the Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund for continuing building design and construction services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1156 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $150,955.61 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund for continuing street, sidewalk, and pavement condition assessment and design services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1161 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $119,095.58 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for public health services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1162 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $110,280 grant with no new match required, from the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Community Health and Prevention to the Health and Human Services Department for tobacco control and cessation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1159 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to the Department of Public Works and Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management for reconstruction of a sidewalk and landscape area to facilitate relocation of an MBTA bus stop.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1157 17.17.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-0876 17.18.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1152 18.1.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Human Resources and Chief of Police conveying information on entry level police officer hiring practices.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-1168 18.2.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Economic Development requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss strategy regarding the disposition of 90 Washington Street.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
25-1179 19.1.Public CommunicationPatrick Conte and Bill Shelton submitting comments re: items #24-1460, #25-0128, #25-0129, and #25-0131, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for laboratory, research and development, and arts uses.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-1200 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Economic Development provide an update to this Council on efforts to mitigate construction impacts on small businesses in the city, what resources are available to small business affected by construction, and what additional support can be made available.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1201 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Housing discuss with this Council ways to inform tenants, landlords, and real estate professionals in Somerville of the Fair Housing laws.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1204 110.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $362,915,509 to fund the FY 2026 General Fund Operating Budget.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1192 110.4.LicenseRenewing Extended Operating Hours License, Falafel Place, 1 Main Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1193 110.5.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1196 110.6.Public EventSt. Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for A Mile with Jesus on July 6 from 9:30am to 11am.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1198 110.7.Public EventPeter Jehlen applying for a Public Event License for OPENAIR Circus on August 1-3 from 12pm to 9:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1199 110.8.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somer Fest on August 2 from 10am to 9pm (raindate August 3).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1197 110.9.Public EventPriscilla Ribeiro applying for a Public Event License for National Night Out on August 5 from 8am to 10pm (raindate August 6).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1194 110.10.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for 24 Hours of Culture on August 16 from 2pm to 11pm (raindate August 17).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1195 110.11.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for Evolution of Hip Hop Festival on August 23 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate August 24).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1190 110.12.Public Communication12 residents submitting comments re: Somernova Community Benefits Agreement.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-1191 110.13.Public CommunicationEnrique Monge Navarro submitting comments re: pedestrian signal.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video