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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/8/2026 7:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: City Council Chamber and Remote Participation
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes Revised Agenda Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
26-0076 11.1.Roll CallCall of the Roll.Placed on file  Roll call Video Video
26-0077 11.2.RemembrancesRemembrances.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0078 11.3.MinutesApproval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 25, 2025.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0033 13.1.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 2.7 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from an existing Manhole 18944 to an approximate point of pickup at 185 Highland Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0032 13.2.Grant of LocationEversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 110 feet of conduit in Jaques Street, from Utility Pole 182/4 to an approximate point of pickup at 146 Jaques Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0046 14.1.OrdinanceAmending Chapter 2, Article III of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new section establishing the time and place of regular meetings of the City Council.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0049 14.2.OrderThat the Director of Housing report to this Council how many new housing units have been approved for development, year-by-year, since adoption of SomerVision 2040, and of those numbers, how many are permanently affordable, and how the department defines affordability.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0050 14.3.OrderThat the Director of Office of Housing Stability discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0051 14.4.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an update on upcoming inclusive playground accessibility plans and redesign projects.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0052 14.5.OrderThat the Commissioner of Public Works and relevant departments discuss the future community use of Founders Rink for 2026 and beyond.Approved and sent for discussion  Action details Video Video
26-0059 14.6.OrderThat the Director of Mobility provide an update on the Kensington Connector.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0057 14.7.ResolutionThat the Director of Human Resources and the Chief of Police work with state officials to provide crossing guards on McGrath Highway.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0058 14.8.ResolutionThat the Administration collaborate with East Somerville Main Streets and the Ward 1 City Councilor to promote Eat Out in East to support East Somerville immigrant-owned businesses.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0060 14.9.ResolutionThat the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility work to block off the end of Virginia Street and Aldrich Street to through traffic.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0061 14.10.ResolutionThat the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit-oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0070 14.11.OrderThat the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the recommendations of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee regarding the 25% design documents of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation McGrath Boulevard project.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0068 14.12.OrderThat this Council work with the Administration to clarify understanding of the rules for accessory dwelling units or affordable dwelling units as detailed within.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0069 14.13.ResolutionThat the Administration consider convening issue-specific community meetings for residents to share their perspectives and experiences on long-term issues such as: mobility and transportation, school integration, inclusion, choice and specialization.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0062 14.14.OrderThat the Chief Assessor provide this Council with an inventory of city-owned parcels as detailed within.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0063 14.15.ResolutionThat the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering explore the feasibility of establishing a teen center at the Cummings School, accessible via School Street, considering current building uses and provide this Council with an analysis on space availability, operational considerations, community impacts, and potential next steps.Approved as amended and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0064 14.16.ResolutionThat the Director of Mobility, install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Bow Street and Warren Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and report back to this Council on implementation timing.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0065 14.17.WithdrawnWithdrawn.Withdrawn  Action details Not available
26-0066 14.18.ResolutionThat the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry develop and report on a standardized green score for public parks and identify appropriate benchmarks and expectations for publicly owned parkland.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0067 14.19.ResolutionThat the Administration explore the feasibility of a year with no swag, as detailed within.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
25-1770 15.1.OrderThat this City Council discuss the safety of the Summer Street bike lane design around or near Putnam Street to Benton Road and how and if additional safety modifications can be made.Approved and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0041 17.1.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to use available funds in the Executive-Administration Salaries account in the amount of $4,543.04 to fund Executive Liaison - Public, Executive Liaison - Community Partnerships, and Executive Liaison - Legislative positions.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0011 17.2.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0053 17.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the continuation of the short term housing bridge pilot program.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0045 17.4.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Office of Food Access and Healthy Communities for the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0054 17.5.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing bridge pilot program for seniors.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0012 17.6.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as City Auditor.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0013 17.7.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as Finance Director.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0014 17.8.WithdrawnWithdrawn.ApprovedPass Action details Not available
26-0015 17.9.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Anne Gill as Director of Human Resources.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0016 17.10.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Kimberly Wells as Chief Administrative Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0017 17.11.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of David Goodridge as Chief Information Officer.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0018 17.12.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of William Fisher as Director of Emergency Management.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0019 17.13.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Denise Taylor as Director of Communications and Community Engagement.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0020 17.14.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Karin Carroll as Director of Health and Human Services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0021 17.15.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Ohemeng Kyeremateng as Director of Parks and Recreation.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0022 17.16.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Jerome Thomas as Director of Veterans Services.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0023 17.17.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Thomas Galligani as Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0024 17.18.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of James Plotkin as Municipal Hearing Officer.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0025 17.19.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of David Jackson as Tree Warden.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0026 17.20.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven Ross as City Sealer of Weights and Measures.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0027 17.21.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the appointment of Chris Roche as Deputy City Sealer of Weights and Measures.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0073 17.22.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Samir Messaoudi to the posisiton of Police Lieutenant.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0074 17.23.Mayor's RequestRequesting confirmation of the promotion of Diogo deOliveira to the position of Police Captain.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0028 17.24.Mayor's RequestRequesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 26, 2026.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0029 17.25.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the temporary appointment of Kevin Klein as Interim Director of Inspectional Services.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0030 17.26.Mayor's CommunicationConveying the temporary appointment of Neil Viner as Interim Director of Water and Sewer.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0031 17.27.Mayor's CommunicationConveying an updated End of Term Report at the request of former Mayor Ballantyne.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0042 18.1.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 91, relating to the appointment and removal of constables.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0043 18.2.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to Section 10-20 of the Code of Ordinances to align the constable appointment process with the provisions of the revised City Charter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0044 18.3.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk submitting an amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances to add a review of multiple-member bodies, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0047 18.4.Officer's CommunicationCity Clerk conveying information regarding the City Council's responsibilities pursuant to the 2025 City Charter.Laid on the table  Action details Video Video
26-0034 19.1.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0038 19.2.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0035 19.3.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0037 19.4.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 308 McGrath Highway.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0036 19.5.LicenseRenewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 182 Washington Street.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0039 19.6.LicenseNew Livery License, DRN Bus Transportation, 40A Memorial Road, operating 1 vehicle.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0040 19.7.LicenseNew Second Hand Dealer License, Cambridge Used Bicycles, 378R Somerville Avenue.ApprovedPass Action details Video Video
26-0071 19.8.Public CommunicationCole Rainey-Slavick submitting comments re: cannabis social consumption.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0072 19.9.Public CommunicationHarriotte Ranvig submitting comments re: Commission for Persons with Disabilities.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0048 19.10.Public CommunicationCrystal Huff submitting comments re: surveillance cameras.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video
26-0082 110.1.OrderThat the Director of Parks and Recreation report on the stock and condition of previously installed playground communication boards that assist nonverbal children in playtime.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
26-0083 110.2.OrderThat the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers.Referred for recommendationPass Action details Video Video
26-0088 110.3.Mayor's RequestRequesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B.Referred for recommendation  Action details Video Video
26-0086 110.4.Public CommunicationPedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitting comments re: McGrath Boulevard.Placed on file and sent for discussionPass Action details Video Video
26-0087 110.5.Public CommunicationMargery Williams submitting comments re: ballot question.Placed on filePass Action details Video Video