City of Somerville header
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/10/2025 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
25-0754 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
25-0755 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-0756 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0738 14.1.ResolutionThat the Middlesex District Attorney appear before this Council to provide an update on the unsolved murders of Deanna Cremin and Charline Rosamond.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0741 14.2.ResolutionIn support of an Act Facilitating Public Ownership of Public Utilities.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0742 14.3.OrderThat the City Solicitor appear before this City Council to discuss the proposed Charter currently in the Mayor's office and update this Council on its progress.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
25-0743 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install a rapid flashing beacon with push button STOP sign in front of the East Somerville Community School, on the Cross Street side, to assist in street crossings.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0744 14.5.OrderThat Commissioner of Public Works increase the lighting at Chuckie Harris Park along the fence abutting properties on Minnesota Avenue.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0745 14.6.OrderThat the Chief Assessor and the City Treasurer discuss with this Council the issue of residents not receiving initial motor vehicle excise tax bills, resulting in demand fees.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0609 15.1.ResolutionIn support of completing the Mass Central Rail Trail.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0748 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 8, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-1689 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Alfred Rymill III as Housing Authority Police Officer.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
25-0572 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Saulnier to the position of Fire Captain.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0573 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Wall to the position of Fire Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0574 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Patrick Barry to the position of Fire Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0575 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Joseph Laudano to the position of Fire Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0577 16.A.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Troy Saulnier to the position of Fire Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0578 16.A.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Collins to the position of Fire Lieutenant.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0667 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 2, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0360 16.B.2.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0476 16.B.3.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0567 16.B.4.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0594 16.B.5.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0607 16.B.6.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0608 16.B.7.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0640 16.B.8.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0643 16.B.9.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0644 16.B.10.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0650 16.B.11.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0747 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 8, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0036 16.C.2.OrderThat the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff to assist with City Council work and communication with constituents.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0037 16.C.3.OrderThat the Director of Finance discuss the path for City Councilors to receive administrative support staff in the form of paid internships to assist City Councilors with City Council work and communication with constituents.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0251 16.C.4.OrderThat the Director of Racial and Social Justice provide an update on the citywide disparity study, including when the report will be made available to the public.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0280 16.C.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $25,600 grant that requires an in-kind match which is a portion of the Director's salary, to the Office of Emergency Management for emergency management and Fire Department supplies.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0375 16.C.6.OrdinanceAmending the Code of Ordinances by adding Section 2-325 to Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3 related to compensation for elected officials.Not approvedPass Action details Not available
25-0414 16.C.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $787.50 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for ray catchers.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0415 16.C.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years for the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for restoration of 59 Cross Street.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0456 16.C.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $160,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Department of Public Works Repairs to Buildings Account for fabrication and installation of courts at Founders Rink.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Not available
25-0493 16.C.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $276.94 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Department Kennedy Pool Account for paint supplies.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0531 16.C.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0542 16.C.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $76,787.19 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of the Prevention Services Coordinator for FY 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0579 16.C.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $1,200 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for arbitration services.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0585 16.C.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,282.76 using available funds in the Police Department Public Safety Supply Account for bicycles, parts, and accessories.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0601 16.C.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting authorization to borrow $9,750,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for a portion of the costs associated with the development of the Clarendon Hill Phase II Housing Project.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0721 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on April 3, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0660 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 1, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0746 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 7, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
24-0106 16.F.2.OrderThat the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment work with this Council and Green and Open Somerville to develop a job description for an Invasive Species position to spearhead outreach, education, and citywide invasive plant species removal and to allocate funding for such a position in the FY 2025 budget.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0067 16.F.3.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation restore or replace the nearly 30 year old Nunziato Field plaque.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0083 16.F.4.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works make a change to the calendar by extending the yard waste collection by at least one week.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0658 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on March 31, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0116 16.G.2.ResolutionThat the Superintendent of Schools consider opening the Highlander Cafe within Somerville High School to the public for regular lunch hours while school is in session and that the Administration address any barriers to this request.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0236 16.G.3.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services discuss the metrics for measuring the effectiveness of rodent mitigation strategies in Somerville Public School buildings.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0489 16.G.4.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management work with a consultant to provide this Council with the renovation cost of the Cummings School building.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-0727 16.G.5.ResolutionThat the Administration report to this Council on the cause of the reported chemical imbalance at the Ginny Smithers Pool and the process being used to address the imbalance.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
25-0729 16.G.6.ResolutionThat the Administration develop a new process to address ongoing maintenance at the Ginny Smithers Pool and report to this Council to describe that process.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
25-0737 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Article 2 and Article 10 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise definitions and the green score calculation of columnar trees.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0523 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Deed, Maintenance License, and Maintenance Easement for 808 Windsor Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0720 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Kevin McGuirk to the position of FirefighterApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0730 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Mitzschael Myrthil to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0731 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Norberto Maldonado to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0733 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Nolan Carrier to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0734 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Peter Donovan to the position of Firefighter.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0653 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jovana Calvillo to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0654 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Primrose Chareka to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0655 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Suelin Chen to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0656 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Salma Kazmi to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0657 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Paola Mendez to the Human Rights Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0732 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Pavlinic to the Urban Design Commission.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0752 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-0739 17.15.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming that the week of April 5 through April 11, 2025 is the Week of the Young Child.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0740 17.16.Mayor's CommunicationProclaiming that the week of April 21 through April 25, 2025 is Community Development Week.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0751 17.17.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the appointment of Lisa Anne Davidson to the Affordable Housing Trust.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0749 17.18.Mayor's CommunicationResponding to item #25-0482, a Home Rule Petition to establish a charter for the City of Somerville.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0711 18.1.Officer's CommunicationRetirement Board notifying this City Council of a vote at the May 29, 2025 meeting regarding a 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment for eligible retirees.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0735 18.2.Officer's CommunicationDeputy Director of Human Resources conveying the Civil Service signing list for Certification #09897.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0736 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0669 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso Corp.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0670 19.2.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, E.B. Rotondi & Sons Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0671 19.3.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0672 19.4.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Form Up Sitework LLC.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0673 19.5.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation Corporation.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0675 19.6.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0676 19.7.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Meninno Construction Co., Inc.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0677 19.8.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0678 19.9.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, Inc., 583 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0679 19.10.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 23R Inner Belt Rd.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0680 19.11.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 70R Third Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0681 19.12.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 132 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0682 19.13.LicenseRenewing Flammables License, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0684 19.14.LicenseRenewing Garage License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0685 19.15.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Automotive Transport Services Inc, 40 Joy Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0687 19.16.LicenseRenewing Garage License, BBC Auto Repair, 42 Joy Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0688 19.17.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair Inc, 635 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0689 19.18.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc., 212 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0690 19.19.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Dino's Auto Center, 308 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0691 19.20.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 445 Artisan Way.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0692 19.21.LicenseRenewing Garage License, GE Auto Repair, 631 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0693 19.22.LicenseRenewing Garage License, John's Auto Sales, Inc., 181 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0694 19.23.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0695 19.24.LicenseRenewing Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc., 224 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0696 19.25.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 63 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0697 19.26.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0698 19.27.LicenseNew Livery License, Osho Uber Services LLC, 68 Gilman Street, operating 1 vehicle.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0699 19.28.LicenseRenewing Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0700 19.29.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, Los Tacos Hermanos, 253 Washington Street, 1 sign.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0701 19.30.LicenseTransferring Taxi Medallion License, from Bostonshuttles.com LLP to Renesans LLC for Medallions #69,71,89.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0702 19.31.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans., Inc., Med. #15.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0703 19.32.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion, Jolina Taxi, Inc., Med. #52.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0704 19.33.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0705 19.34.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0706 19.35.LicenseRenewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0709 19.36.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0707 19.37.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Square.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0708 19.38.LicenseRenewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Square.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0710 19.39.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Ravelo's Auto Sales, 63 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0715 19.40.Public EventMutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Store on April 19 from 10am to 4pm (raindate April 27).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0719 19.41.Public EventSomerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Patriots Day Colonial Fair on April 21 from 8am to 1:30pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0712 19.42.Public EventArts Council and SomerViva applying for a Public Event License for Haitian Flag Festival on May 17 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate May 18).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0716 19.43.Public EventMystic River Watershed Association applying for a Public Event License for Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on May 18 from 7am to 3pm.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0717 19.44.Public EventSomerViva applying for a Public Event License for New England Hong Kong Festival on May 31 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0713 19.45.Public EventAbbey Judd applying for a Public Event License for Joy Fest on May 31 from 9am to 7pm (raindate June 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0714 19.46.Public EventKids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for KLYAM Summer Series on May 31 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate June 1).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0718 19.47.Public EventArts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 1 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 8).ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-0723 19.48.Public CommunicationFour residents submitting comments re: Founders Memorial Skating Rink.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0724 19.49.Public CommunicationEight residents submitting comments re: item #25-0269, a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4).Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0725 19.50.Public CommunicationSenator Jehlen and 61 residents 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 file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-0726 19.51.Public CommunicationCharlotte Somerville submitting comments re: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0728 19.52.Public Communication1,238 individuals, including 10 residents, submitting comments re: Israel.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
25-0766 110.1.CitationCommending the Somerville Public Libraries in honor of National Library Week.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0762 110.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 14 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/4 to a point of pickup at 25 Warwick Street.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0774 110.3.Home Rule PetitionProposing a Home Rule Petition to establish a charter for the City of Somerville.Laid on the table  Action details Not available
25-0773 110.4.CommunicationConveying an update on the possible effects of expansion tanks on water meters.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
25-0757 110.5.OrderThat this City Council convene in Executive Session with relevant departments, to discuss the interaction between the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Racial and Social Justice Department and to receive an update on what steps and goals have been established to resolve the disconnect between both parties.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
25-0760 110.6.CommunicationConveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
25-0776 110.7.Officer's CommunicationCommissioner of Public Works and Director of Parks and Recreation conveying program and cost information related to item #25-0456, appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Department of Public Works Repairs to Buildings Account for fabrication and installation of courts at Founders Rink.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Not available
25-0763 110.8.Small Wireless FacilityCrown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 81 Newton Street.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0764 110.9.LicenseRenewing Billiards and Bowling License, The Public, 563 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0765 110.10.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0767 110.11.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Boston Sand and Gravel Company, 492R Rutherford Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0768 110.12.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0769 110.13.LicenseRenewing Garage License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0770 110.14.LicenseRenewing Garage License, Fred M. Susan Auto Body, Inc., 269 Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0771 110.15.LicenseNew Sign/Awning License, Ginger Exchange & Bok Bok Chicken, 22 Highland Ave, 1 sign.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0772 110.16.Public EventBow Market applying for a Public Event License for Annual Curated Vintage Market on June 1 and September 28 from 8am to 9pm (raindate June 8).ApprovedPass Action details Not available
25-0761 110.17.Public CommunicationFive residents submitting comments re: charter.Placed on filePass Action details Not available
25-0775 110.18.Public Communication654 individuals submitting comments re: Israel.Placed on filePass Action details Not available