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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 11/13/2025 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
25-1693 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1694 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1695 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1696 11.4.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 21, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1691 12.1.CitationCommending Fire Lieutenant Danielle O'Hearn for the publication of her book about and work with a first responder dog.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1658 13.1.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 164 feet of conduit and one new vault in Broadway, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 168 Broadway, continuing to points of pickup at 168, 174, and 176 Broadway.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1656 13.2.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit and one new vault in Cross Street, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 5 Cross Street, continuing to points of pickup at 5, 7, and 9 Cross Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1657 13.3.Grant of LocationComcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 83 feet of conduit in Stickney Avenue, from Utility Pole 2 to a point of pickup at 15 Stickney Avenue.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1661 13.4.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 48 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/14 to a point of pickup at 124 Professors Row.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1659 13.5.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 253 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32124 in Innerbelt Road and Roland Street, from existing Manhole 24106 to a point of pickup at the Somerville/Boston line.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1660 13.6.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 181 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 39136 in Taylor Street, from Mystic Avenue to a point of pickup at 9-15 Taylor Street.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1637 14.1.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on how the foundation at the Brown School is monitored, whether mitigation is required to address any concerns, and if so, the details of those mitigation plans.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1654 14.2.CommunicationIn his capacity as President, conveying this Council's updated Standing and Special Committee assignments and Commission appointments for 2025.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1644 14.3.ResolutionThat the Administration and relevant city departments discuss the cost and work required to get the Founders Rink reopened and functioning.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1645 14.4.ResolutionThat the Administration immediately assign a direct phone number connecting to a city liaison who is designated to answer questions from residents about food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits support.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1688 14.5.ResolutionThat the Administration, the Director of Mobility and the Director of Health and Human Services, discuss the recent closure of the West Somerville Community Bike Path bordering Cambridge, and present a plan to address this closure.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1689 14.6.ResolutionThat the Administration take any available steps, including communication strategies such as robocalls, texting and electronic road signs, to reach out to residents about food insecurity due to the increase of poverty in Somerville.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1690 14.7.CommunicationConveying concerns regarding the increasing costs to low income pet owners and inviting community members to help solve concerns about pet food insecurity and the cost of veterinary care.Placed on file and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1655 14.8.ResolutionIn support of direct assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1678 14.9.ResolutionRequesting that the Administration cooperate with this Council to establish a Water and Sewer Rate Commission to establish water and sewer rates and to oversee abatements, as is common in other Massachusetts cities.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1677 14.10.ResolutionIn support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1685 14.11.OrderThat the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility coordinate to install a traffic light at the intersection of Benton Road and Highland Avenue to prevent fatalities.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1684 14.12.CommunicationConveying a report of the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1686 14.13.OrdinanceAmending Chapter 8, Article III of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to secondhand dealer licenses.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1687 14.14.OrderThat the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the rodent hormonal birth control program being jointly piloted with the City of Cambridge.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1671 16.A.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 10, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1560 16.A.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to create the Community Benefits Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $3,946,742.98 from the community benefit contributions outlined in project development covenants.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1584 16.A.3.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.Approved  Action details Not available
25-1585 16.A.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23,109.33 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services.Approved  Action details Not available
25-1599 16.A.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to create a Housing Assistance Stabilization fund under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5B.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1600 16.A.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $1,110,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1.Approved  Action details Not available
25-1670 16.B.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Redevelopment Authority on November 6, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
24-0328 16.B.2.Public CommunicationTen individuals, including five residents, submitting comments re: item 24-0059, a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 321 Washington Street from Fabrication (FAB) to Commercial Industry (CI).Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1239 16.B.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting that this City Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Somerville Redevelopment Authority regarding updating the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1672 16.C.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 12, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1628 16.D.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 30, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-0064 16.D.2.OrderThat the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1180 16.D.3.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.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1340 16.D.4.OrderThat the Director of Emergency Management and Mayor inform City Councilors in real time when emergency events are occurring in the city, such as fires or emergency evacuations.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1353 16.D.5.ResolutionThat the Administration direct all relevant departments, including Health and Human Services, to appear before this City Council to discuss and update on current unhoused outreach efforts.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1561 16.D.6.ResolutionThat the Administration discuss with this Council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1562 16.D.7.ResolutionThat the Administration discuss with this Council whether there is a need to create additional alternative locations for people to store their belongings.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1563 16.D.8.ResolutionThat the Administration provide data on needles found in and around Davis Square, outside of the designated receptacle box, including a breakdown by specific location, and used vs. unused.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1625 16.E.1.Committee ReportReport of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1355 16.E.2.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on when the school buildings maintenance project website will be available to the public.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1356 16.E.3.ResolutionThat the Administration release the report on the School Department composting pilot program and that the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on any plans to re-introduce composting in the schools.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1422 16.E.4.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works provide information regarding the installation, safety and accessibility of a railing on the concrete stairs between the play structures and the soccer field at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School playground.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1438 16.E.5.ResolutionThat the Administration inform this Council of the process, action and communication used to consider acquiring the closed school building privately owned by the Archdiocese of Boston, on Thurston Street, after the Winter Hill Community Innovation School was deemed unsuitable for use.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1517 16.E.6.OrderThat the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the condition of the High School building exterior tiles, and efforts to prevent and mitigate future tile failures.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1623 16.F.1.Committee ReportReport of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 27, 2025.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1016 16.F.2.ResolutionThat the Mayor disclose to this Council any communication with Waymo or its parent company Google regarding autonomous driving tests within city limits.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1017 16.F.3.OrderThat the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether this Council can restrict the use of autonomous driving testing within city limits, either through an outright ban or through requirement of a special permit.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1018 16.F.4.OrderThat the City Solicitor provide an opinion on whether an individual within a vehicle or the autonomous vehicle company would be responsible if issued a citation during autonomous driving testing.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1019 16.F.5.ResolutionThat this Council consider whether to ban or restrict autonomous vehicle testing locally, if permitted by law.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1502 16.F.6.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install a solar powered digital YOUR SPEED IS display sign on Shore Drive westbound.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1550 16.F.7.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install a speed bump on Ashland Street.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1564 16.F.8.OrderThat the Director of Parking place NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER signs on Walnut Street at Sunnyside Avenue.Work completed  Action details Not available
25-1652 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-309.9 and 2-309.10 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify term length and appointment process for the Community Preservation Committee.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1649 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Easement and grant of a Maintenance License for 495 Columbia Street.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1681 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $875,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund for food security initiatives.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1682 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to support the Senior Taxi Program.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
25-1680 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $407,090 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to the Water Enterprise Fund Debt Service Account to fund debt service for a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority loan.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1679 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $403,980 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Debt Service, Interest on Notes/BANS Account for payment of interest for the 90 Washington Street property acquisition.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1620 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $15,500 from various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to fund additional temporary employee time.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1624 17.8.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville High School (SHS) Salaries Account for SHS staff participation in the new PK-8 School Building Planning Focus Group Session.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1639 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to retain McHaffey & Nice, LLC, as outside legal counsel with respect to employment matters relating to immigration status.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1636 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant, with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1621 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend an $87,450 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Grants & Research to the Police Department for public safety staffing.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1627 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept the in-kind donation of two K-9 animals to the Police Department for the purpose of providing support to victims and serving as an investigative resource.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1640 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,285.77 using available funds in the Police Department Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1622 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,765.28 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1646 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,547.55 using available funds in the Police Department Animal Control Professional and Technical Services Account for veterinary services.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1648 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $271 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for educational achievement award bars.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1638 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $125.43 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Computer Equipment Account for freight charges.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1651 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $54 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for a hat badge.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1629 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Steven Mauras to the position of Fire Deputy Chief.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1630 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Marc Ardolino to the position of Fire District Chief.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1631 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Jay McKenzie to the position of Fire Captain.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1632 17.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael Marino to the position of Fire Captain.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1633 17.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Nicholas Halloran to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1634 17.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Raymond Busi to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1635 17.25.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Ronald Hampton to the position of Fire Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1619 17.26.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Rona Fischman to the Community Preservation Committee.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1692 17.27.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of an exemption for Marco MacElhiney as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b).Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1647 17.28.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the appointment of Charles McGonigal and reappointment of Darci Hanna and Cindy Lee to the Municipal Scholarship Committee.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1626 17.29.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1641 17.30.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1642 17.31.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1643 17.32.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1650 17.33.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1666 17.34.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1667 17.35.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1669 17.36.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
25-1676 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to the Rules of the City Council to align with the provisions of the City Charter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1673 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying Block Party Licenses issued.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1674 18.3.Officer's CommunicationRetirement Board notifying this Council of the declaration of Thomas Ross as the 4th member.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1668 18.4.Officer's CommunicationDirector of Housing conveying the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment and Financial Feasibility Analysis reports.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1662 19.1.LicenseRenewing Drainlayer's License, JF Excavation Corp.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1675 19.2.Public EventSomerville Friends of Democracy applying for a Public Event License for Dance for Democracy on November 15 and 23 from 10am to 5:30pm (raindate November 16).Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1664 19.3.Public EventUnion Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Holiday Event on December 7 from 11am to 7pm (raindate December 14).Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1663 19.4.Public EventBA Events Promotion Inc. applying for a Public Event License for Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on December 14 from 7am to 3pm.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1653 19.5.Public Communication52 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Out of the Blue Community Arts Space at Arts at the Armory, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1665 19.6.Public CommunicationCrystal Huff submitting comments re: food access.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1713 110.1.CitationCommending Somerville for Palestine for their pursuit of justice and civic engagement.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1700 110.2.ResolutionIn support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
25-1701 110.3.OrderThat the Director of Mobility install a Blue Bike station at Junction Park.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
25-1698 110.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Armory Revolving Fund to prepare the Armory for onboarding and support of tenants.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1683 110.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting the appropriation of $67,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Executive Department Special Items Account for Mayoral transition expenditures.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1706 110.6.Officer's CommunicationExecutive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development conveying a summary of Community Benefits Funds.Placed on file  Action details Video Video
25-1702 110.7.LicenseNew Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Square Auto Sales, 39 Webster Avenue, 20 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
25-1705 110.8.Public EventTufts University Project SHARE applying for a Public Event License for Stride for Strength on November 15 from 9am to 1:30pm.Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1704 110.9.Public EventMutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Clothing Store on November 22 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 23).Approved  Action details Video Video
25-1703 110.10.Public EventMayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 from 4pm to 8pm (raindates December 8,9,10).Approved  Action details Video Video