Please note: this meeting's minutes have not been finalized yet. Actions taken on legislation and their results are not available.

Meeting Details

Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 11/12/2026 7:00 PM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available Transcript Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
26-1652 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.   Not available Not available
26-1653 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.   Not available Not available
26-1654 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 24, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1620 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 25 feet of conduit in Moreland Street, from utility pole 263/3 to a point of pickup at 16-18 Moreland Street.   Not available Not available
26-1622 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 9 feet of conduit in Clark Street, from utility pole 72/3 to a point of pickup at 26 Clark Street.   Not available Not available
26-1623 13.3.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 66 feet of conduit in Prospect Avenue, from the existing Manhole 4121 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 25391, next to 47 Webster Avenue.   Not available Not available
26-1639 14.1.OrderThat the Director of Strategy and Development provide this Council with a list of how many MR zoned one-story buildings exist, and, if upzoned to six stories, the net increase in housing.   Not available Not available
26-1640 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Constituent Services (311) provide a list of all Inspectional Services Department related complaints from January 2026 to the present date.   Not available Not available
26-1641 14.3.ResolutionThat the Director of Arts and Culture, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management collaborate to add artistic features to street rotaries, speed bumps and other areas of low visibility to increase art and traffic safety.   Not available Not available
26-1600 14.4.ResolutionPursuant to section 9-86 of the Code of Ordinances, authorizing Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services to perform air rifle rodent control to mitigate a rodent infestation in Ward 7.   Not available Not available
26-1635 14.5.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility clarify design standards as to who has the right of way at various intersections across the city, especially mid-block crossings where bikers need to connect to the community path.   Not available Not available
26-1636 14.6.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility work with this City Council to adopt the Emergency Streets Protocol.   Not available Not available
26-1637 14.7.ResolutionThat the Director of Finance begin collecting data regarding procurement of products or services purchased by the city and that are marketed as artificial intelligence products or purchased specifically for their integrated AI features.   Not available Not available
26-1638 14.8.CommunicationConveying a revision to the notice read at the start of remote Council meetings.   Not available Not available
26-1656 14.9.CommunicationIn his capacity as President, requesting that Rule 2 be suspended to move the annual caucus to December 10, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1258 15.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.2.17, 4.1.15, 4.2.15, 4.3.15, 4.4.15, 5.1.16, 6.1.13, 6.2.14, 6.3.13, 6.4.16, 6.5.13 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to correct parking maximums.   Not available Not available
26-1259 15.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.4, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.10, 3.1.11, 3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 4.1.7, 4.2.7, 4.3.7, 4.4.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinances to remove ground story elevation requirements.   Not available Not available
26-1337 15.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.4.5, 3.1.17, 3.2.16, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.14, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.14, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.14, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.15, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.16, 6.1.12, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.14, 6.3.12, 6.4.9, 6.4.15, 6.5.7, 7.2.8 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to clarify requirements for principal entrances.   Not available Not available
26-1338 15.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1.1, 2.4.5, 3.1.16, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.15, 4.1.3, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.1.10, 4.1.13, 4.2.3, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.10, 4.2.13, 4.3.3, 4.3.7, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.3.10, 4.3.13, 4.4.3, 4.4.7, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.13, 5.1.3, 5.1.7, 5.1.8, 5.1.9, 5.1.10, 5.1.11, 5.1.14, 6.1.3, 6.1.7, 6.1.8, 6.1.11, 6.2.3, 6.2.7, 6.2.8, 6.2.9, 6.2.12, 6.3.3, 6.3.8, 6.4.3, 6.4.9, 6.4.11, 6.5.3, 6.5.7, 6.5.8, 6.5.11, 7.2.7, 7.2.10, 7.4.3, 7.4.6, 7.4.7, 7.4.8, 7.4.11, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.2.2, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.4.16, 8.4.17, 8.4.19, 9.1.7, 12.1.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6, 12.1.7, 12.3.5, 12.3.6, 12.3.7 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to update terminology for affordable dwelling units and commercial spaces.   Not available Not available
26-1644 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on October 28, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1514 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Encore Artist and Cultural Support Stabilization Fund to support Local Cultural Council grants to artists, organizations, and schools.   Not available Not available
26-1524 16.A.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $545,649 from the Infrastructure: Inspectional Services Salaries account to various Health and Human Services: Public Health Personal Services accounts to correct an allocation error in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.   Not available Not available
26-1531 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,844.97 using available funds in the Health and Human Services-Administration Ordinary Maintenance Account for Medicaid billing and collection services.   Not available Not available
26-1539 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to enter into a 60-month contract with Boston Carting Services LLC for hauling municipal solid waste, recycling, and yard waste.   Not available Not available
26-1545 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $72,824.03 to various accounts in the Election Department to fund the two special elections.    Not available Not available
26-1548 16.A.7.CommunicationSharing the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region's (MBHSR) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) fiscal year 2024 plan and allocations.   Not available Not available
26-1645 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on October 29, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1336 16.B.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 3.1.3, 3.1.6, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.11, 3.1.12, 3.1.13, 3.1.16, 3.2.6 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to align with State Law regarding protected accessory dwelling units.   Not available Not available
26-1373 16.B.3.Zoning OrdinanceThat Section 3.1.7.c of the Zoning Ordinances be amended as detailed within.   Not available Not available
26-1646 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 5, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1643 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on October 27, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-1023 16.D.2.OrdinanceThat Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.   Not available Not available
26-1501 16.D.3.OrdinanceThat the Short-Term Rental Ordinance be amended as detailed within.   Not available Not available
26-1648 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 10, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-0493 16.E.2.Public CommunicationGilman Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard.   Not available Not available
26-1305 16.E.3.ResolutionThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the street harassment reported by abutters and pedestrians on Prescott Street, School Street and the area surrounding the Warming Center (when it is open) and what steps are being taken to address this going forward.   Not available Not available
26-1339 16.E.4.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Emergency Management conveying the 2025-2026 Cummings School Winter Warming Center After Action Report and Improvement Plan.   Not available Not available
26-1421 16.E.5.OrderThat, in view of the proliferation of rats in the city, the Director of Public Health and/or designees update this Council on the status of dumpster license registration and enforcement, including: estimates of the numbers of licensed and unlicensed dumpsters in the city which regularly contain discarded food; procedures for identifying unlicensed dumpsters and encouraging licensing; criteria for approval of dumpsters; staff capacity for dumpster inspection and enforcement; and current methods and best practices for excluding rodents from dumpsters.   Not available Not available
26-1478 16.E.6.Public CommunicationBarbara Phillips submitting comments re: Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1500 16.E.7.ResolutionIn support of meeting spaces for Alcoholics Anonymous.   Not available Not available
26-1642 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on October 26, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-0633 16.F.2.Public CommunicationChris Dwan submitting comments re: utility double poles.   Not available Not available
26-1647 16.G.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 9, 2026.   Not available Not available
26-0917 16.G.2.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.   Not available Not available
26-1019 16.G.3.ResolutionThat the Director of Parking discuss with this Council the possibility of administering a parking permit type intended for vehicle owners with driveways, at a lower price than standard residential parking permits, which would allow only daytime and evening street parking but not overnight street parking, and which would not be usable during street cleaning or snow emergencies.   Not available Not available
26-1053 16.G.4.OrderThat the Director of Engineering and the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on Highland Ave temporary paving.   Not available Not available
26-1090 16.G.5.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Parking conveying information regarding item #26-1019.   Not available Not available
26-1422 16.G.6.ResolutionThat the Director of the Parking install drop-off/pick-up signage on Cherry Street, across from the Kennedy School.   Not available Not available
26-1423 16.G.7.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility add bike racks at the Kennedy School.   Not available Not available
26-1424 16.G.8.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility paint bike markings in the bike lane on Elm Street, across from the Kennedy school.   Not available Not available
26-1604 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 5-45 of the Code of Ordinances to repeal the medical panel for firefighters and police officers.   Not available Not available
26-1611 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Agreement for Block 9 - Assembly Square.   Not available Not available
26-1631 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $92,795 from the Emergency Response Stabilization Fund to the Health & Human Services -Administration Special Items Account to support the operations of the Fiscal Year 2027 Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1633 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $69,192 from the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Fund to the Health & Human Services -Administration Special Items Account to support the operations of the Fiscal Year 2027 Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1632 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to repurpose $69,192 from the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Fund for the purpose of supporting the operations of the Fiscal Year 2027 Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1598 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $2,383,850 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation, Parking Meter Receipts Account to reduce the Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Rate.   Not available Not available
26-1592 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve to the City of Somerville Public Space and Urban Forestry Division to complete the renovation of Kennedy Schoolyard.   Not available Not available
26-1593 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve.   Not available Not available
26-1590 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $230,171 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House for exterior restoration of 277 Broadway.   Not available Not available
26-1634 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $155,768 from Free Cash to the Health & Human Services Administration - Special Items Account to support the operation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1597 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation of $140,831 to the Pay-As-You-Go, Street Repair, Capital Account for street reconstruction purposes.   Not available Not available
26-1591 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $109,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the City of Somerville Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management for a Historic Exterior Needs Assessment of the Somerville Armory.   Not available Not available
26-1583 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting a supplemental appropriation from the Fiscal Year 2027 Property Tax Levy of $46,270 to the Emergency Management Professional & Technical Services Account for Hazard Mitigation Plan update.   Not available Not available
26-1585 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $45,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve to the City of Somerville Engineering Division for design to create a neighborhood green space at Spring Street traffic island.   Not available Not available
26-1584 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $38,000 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Veterans Services Division for restoration of Veterans Cemetery.   Not available Not available
26-1606 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to use available funds in the Police Salaries and Other Lump Sum Payments accounts in the amount of $25,950 to correct the grading of the Victim Witness Advocate and Senior Crime Analyst positions to align with the compensation study.   Not available Not available
26-1586 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $25,000 from the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve to the Mission Church of Christ to prepare a condition assessment of their building at 130 Highland Ave.   Not available Not available
26-1588 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $23,418.40 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Historic Preservation Reserve to the Elizabeth Peabody House to complete the structural reinforcement of 277 Broadway.   Not available Not available
26-1607 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting to use available funds in various departmental Salaries accounts totaling $12,075 to adjust Fiscal Year 2027 salaries for positions with updated job duties as a result of the Fiscal Year 2027 departmental reorganization.   Not available Not available
26-1587 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting the transfer of $23,418.40 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Reserve.   Not available Not available
26-1630 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $1,939 from unallocated funds in the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund to the Health & Human Services Administration -Special Items Account to support the Fiscal Year 2027 operations of the Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1608 17.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of the First Amendment to Easement and License Agreement - 74 Middlesex Avenue.   Not available Not available
26-1582 17.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval for a time-only contract extension for Water & Sewer printing and mailing services with D3 Logic Inc.   Not available Not available
26-1596 17.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $500,000 grant with no new match required, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Strategy and Development Mobility Division for the Union Square Plaza Phase 1 Project.   Not available Not available
26-1612 17.25.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $350,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) to the Strategy and Development Mobility Division for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Improvement .   Not available Not available
26-1581 17.26.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $60,313.17 grant with no new match required, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Somerville Police Department for the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program.   Not available Not available
26-1601 17.27.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture to the Health and Human Services Department-Community Wellness Division for the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market.   Not available Not available
26-1602 17.28.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture to the Health and Human Services Department-Community Wellness Division for the continued operation of school-based food access programs.   Not available Not available
26-1619 17.29.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $48,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for recycling and waste reduction efforts, including food waste containers.   Not available Not available
26-1589 17.30.Mayor's RequestRequesting that $15,154.25 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Preservation Act grant to the Elizabeth Peabody House for Siding Replacement be repurposed for structural reinforcement.   Not available Not available
26-1605 17.31.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Lydia Warren as Director of Arts & Culture.   Not available Not available
26-1616 18.1.Officer's CommunicationChief Assessor presenting proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for Fiscal Year 2027 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.   Not available Not available
26-1658 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk, on behalf of the Chair of the Review of Multiple-Member Bodies Committee, requesting an extension of time to submit the report required by ยง 2-186 of the Code of Ordinances.   Not available Not available
26-1613 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.   Not available Not available
26-1617 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, Hercules C+G Drain Inc.   Not available Not available
26-1618 19.2.LicenseRenewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Professors Row.   Not available Not available
26-1624 19.3.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate December 8).   Not available Not available
26-1626 19.4.Public EventSoft Pace Run Club applying for a Public Event License for Soft Pace Run Club Frosty 5K on December 5 from 7:30am to 11:30am.   Not available Not available
26-1627 19.5.Public EventUnion Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for 2nd Annual Union Square Jingle: Shop, Sip & Mingle on December 6 from 10am to 6pm (raindate December 13).   Not available Not available
26-1625 19.6.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting on December 7 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate December 9).   Not available Not available
26-1649 19.7.Public CommunicationAlexander Thorn submitting comments re: item #26-1557, that the City of Somerville adopt the Artificial Intelligence Ordinance as detailed within.   Not available Not available
26-1650 19.8.Public CommunicationNathan Beaumont submitting comments re: rumble strips.   Not available Not available
26-1651 19.9.Public Communication25 residents submitting comments re: item #26-1336, requesting ordainment of an amendment to align with State Law regarding protected accessory dwelling units.   Not available Not available
26-1657 110.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $410,037 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Health and Human Services Department-Community Wellness Division for the 2026-2027 Winter Warming Center.   Not available Not available
26-1659 110.2.LicenseNew Automatic Amusement Device License, AMC Assembly Row 12, 395 Artisan Way, for 4 devices.   Not available Not available
26-1660 110.3.LicenseNew Drainlayer's License, D&D Excavating Inc.   Not available Not available
26-1661 110.4.Public EventSaint Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for Journey to World Youth Day 2027 Fundraiser on November 14 and 21 from 9:30am to 12:30pm (raindate November 28).   Not available Not available
26-1669 110.5.Public CommunicationFour individuals submitting comments re: item #26-1551, that Section 7.64 of the Code of Ordinances, pertaining to condominium conversions.   Not available Not available
26-1670 110.6.Public CommunicationJenn Harrington submitting comments re: pet bereavement.   Not available Not available
26-1671 110.7.Public CommunicationLisa Shatz submitting comments re: item #26-1023, that Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.   Not available Not available