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Meeting Minutes: Somerville City Council

Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Governing Body: Somerville City Council Date: June 27, 2025 Attendees: * Councilors Present: Will Mbah, Jake Wilson, Ben Ewen-Campen, J.T. Scott, Matt McLaughlin, Willie Burnley, Naima Sait, Kristen Strezo, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda-Newfeld (President) * Mayor: Katjana Ballantyne * City Staff: Jill Lathan (DPW Commissioner), Jeffrey Harrington (Cambridge Network Solutions, Director of Construction), Jackie Duffy (Eversource), Grace Hall (UU Mass Action), Mike Mastroboni (Budget Director), Addison Baker (Budget Analyst), Megan Huck (Budget Analyst), Paula (Budget Analyst), Director Galgani (OSBCD), Director Salerno (Elections)

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Executive Summary

The Somerville City Council convened for a regular meeting on June 27, 2025, addressing a range of critical city matters. Key actions included the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, following extensive deliberation and a vote to retain a previously contested administrative position. The Council also ordained several significant zoning amendments, notably establishing a new Arts and Innovation Subarea within the Master Planned Development Overlay District, a new Research and Development Zoning District, and revised regulations for arts, creative enterprise, office, and residential uses. Additionally, the Council recognized community members and organizations for their contributions and discussed ongoing concerns regarding construction impacts on small businesses and power outages in Magoon Square.

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1.3 Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 22nd, 2025

• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

1.4 Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 29th, 2025

• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

2.2 Citation by Councillor Wilson Commending Jason Di Iorio and Kevin McCormick for Their Actions on June 11, 2025, Providing Assistance to a Community Member in Need

• Discussion: Councilor Wilson commended Jason Di Iorio and Kevin McCormick of the DPW Highway Division for assisting a community member who fell and hit her head. They called 911 and provided care until EMTs arrived. DPW Commissioner Jill Lathan praised their actions, highlighting their embodiment of core values: dependability, teamwork, and customer service.
• Action: Citation presented.

2.3 Citation by Councillor Wilson Commending the Somerville Pride 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team on Their Win in the Metro West Youth Basketball Championship

• Discussion: Councilor Wilson recognized the Somerville Pride 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team for winning the Metro West title, a rare achievement for the program. Coach Israel Garcia thanked the Council and Mayor, emphasizing teamwork, passion, discipline, and pride.
• Action: Citation presented.

5.1 Citation by Councillor Pineda-Newfeld Commending the Kiwanis Club on the Auspicious Occasion of Its 100th Anniversary of Support to the Community

• Discussion: Councilor Pineda-Newfeld and Mayor Ballantyne presented a citation to the Somerville Kiwanis Club for 100 years of service, acknowledging their impact through initiatives like toy drives, scholarships, Thanksgiving dinners for seniors, and bike safety helmet distribution. Robert Nissenbaum, representing the Kiwanis Club, highlighted their long-standing commitment to community service and introduced co-presidents Tom Austin and Dom Austin.
• Action: Citation presented.

2.1 Citation by Councillor Davis Commending Outgoing Councillor Judy Pineda-Newfeld for Her Outstanding Service to the People of Somerville as Ward 7 City Councillor from 2022 to 2025, and Her Distinguished Service as President of This Council in 2025

• Discussion: Councilor Davis, Mayor Ballantyne, and several councilors (Clingan, Strezo, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Wilson, Mbah, Sait, Scott) offered commendations and farewells to President Pineda-Newfeld.
  • Councilor Davis praised her leadership, calm voice, and information-backed approach.
  • Mayor Ballantyne highlighted her dedication, leadership during COVID-19 (leading the Immigrant Services Unit), championing language justice, public housing funding, and the Holland Street redesign. She noted the historic "trifecta" of women in top leadership roles.
  • Councilor Clingan expressed sadness at her departure but respected her decision to prioritize family, acknowledging the "major hole" she leaves.
  • Councilor Strezo lauded her as a "true leader" who united the body and recalled her swift action in bringing Dignity Matters to Somerville.
  • Councilor Ewen-Campen commended her professionalism and effectiveness, particularly in overturning the "no more than four adults" rule and her ability to collaborate despite differing votes.
  • Councilor McLaughlin praised her as a "steady grinder" who prioritized human beings and their needs, citing her dedication during charter meetings while on vacation.
  • Councilor Wilson appreciated her perspective as a former city staffer, influencing his approach to orders, and her advocacy for immigrants, small businesses, and municipal composting.
  • Councilor Mbah acknowledged initial challenges but respected her professionalism and collaborative spirit.
  • Councilor Sait thanked her for leadership, thoughtfulness, and balancing her role with a young child.
  • Councilor Scott recognized her valuable government experience and the difficulty of leaving a ward councilor role, particularly regarding the "Teal Square pit."
  • President Pineda-Newfeld reflected on her public service, starting with COVID-19 response, and her love for Somerville. She urged colleagues to prioritize people, equity, and moral courage, emphasizing listening to vulnerable voices. She announced her move to Ward 6 and commitment to continued advocacy.
• Action: Citation presented.

3.1 Grant of Location from Cambridge Network Solutions to Install a Total of 75 Feet of Conduit in Meacham Road from Utility Pole 225 Over 9 to a Point of Pickup at 55 Davis Square

• Public Hearing: Opened. Jeffrey Harrington (Cambridge Network Solutions) spoke, requesting permission to install underground conduit for a new fiber optic line to 55 Davis Square.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

3.2 Grant of Location from Cambridge Network Solutions to Install One New Hand Hole 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 Hand Hole to a Point of Pickup at Utility Pole 196 Over 9

• Public Hearing: Opened. Jeffrey Harrington (Cambridge Network Solutions) spoke, requesting permission to install a new hand hole and conduit to connect to an existing fiber line.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

3.3 Grant of Location from Eversource to Install Approximately Five Feet of Conduit in Herbert Street from Utility Pole 88 Over Zero to a Point of Pickup at 53 Chester Street

• Public Hearing: Opened. Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke, requesting permission to install conduit for electric service to 53 Chester Street.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

3.4 Grant of Location from Eversource to Install Approximately 50 Feet of Conduit in Berkeley Street from Utility Pole 30 Over 8 to a Point of Pickup at 54 Berkeley Street

• Public Hearing: Opened. Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke, requesting permission to install conduit for electric service to 54 Berkeley Street.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

3.5 Grant of Location from Eversource to Install Approximately 236 Feet of Conduit in Walnut Street, 148 of Conduit in Giles Park, and Two New Manholes from Manhole 25271 to a Point of Pickup at 33 Bow Street

• Public Hearing: Opened. Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke, requesting permission to install conduit and two new manholes for electric service to 33 Bow Street.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

4.1 Resolution by Councillor Pineda-Newfeld in Support of the Climate Superfund Bill

• Sponsors: Councilor Pineda-Newfeld, Councilor Burnley, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Sait, Councilor Mbah (whole Council signed on).
• Discussion: Grace Hall (UU Mass Action, Ward 7 resident) spoke in support of the Climate Superfund Bill (popularly known as "Make Polluters Pay").
  • Key Points:
    • The bill seeks to make large fossil fuel companies contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
    • Similar bills passed in Vermont, New York State, and Michigan.
    • Funds could be used for infrastructure (sewers, bridges, school buildings, public housing, electric grid), combating heat island effects, and protecting food systems.
    • 40% of funds are designated for environmental justice communities.
    • Fossil fuel companies ignored their own scientists' predictions and deliberately sowed doubt about global warming.
    • The bill aims to make these companies pay a small portion of their profits for the damage caused.
• Action: Approved.

6A Report of the Committee on Finance, Meeting as a Committee of the Whole on June 3rd, 2025

• Discussion:
  • Mayor Ballantyne presented the FY26 budget, totaling $380.1 million (including a $112.3 million school budget).
    • Highlighted a 7.4% increase in school funding, totaling a 34% increase since she took office.
    • $1.5 million was set aside for the new Somerville Educators Union contract, contributing to the school budget increase and settling a three-year contract with salary increases for teachers, paraprofessionals, liaisons, and administrators.
    • Emphasized preserving core city services and advancing initiatives like an emergency vehicle preemption system, permanent supportive housing, 77 climate-forward strategies, 974 affordable housing units in the pipeline, a compost pilot for 1,000 households, cross-training DPW workers, and establishing the Armory as a publicly owned arts center.
    • Noted the city's AAA bond rating for the third consecutive year.
    • Expressed "significant concern" regarding a vote on Tuesday night to cut a salary line in her office, arguing it was an unjust action against an individual, undermining staff morale and the city's ability to attract talent. She stated the position was supported in the Charter reform proposal.
  • Councilor Wilson moved to sever Item 6E13 (25-1189), an order by Councilor Scott to reduce the Executive Office Administration personal services salaries line by $186,744 in the FY26 budget, for a separate vote.
  • Councilor Davis expressed disappointment with the Mayor's statement, arguing the cut was about the position's necessity, not the individual. He stated the Council's power to cut funds and that the Charter-created position is distinct from the current one.
  • Councilor Ewen-Campen acknowledged the Council's power to cut but criticized the lack of deliberation on the motion, noting the psychological impact on staff.
  • Councilor Clingan agreed with the ability to cut positions and the distinction of the Charter position but was "offended" by the Mayor's statement. He intended to switch his vote to support the position.
  • Councilor Wilson urged colleagues to set aside emotions and consider the impact on the Charter Home Rule petition at the State House.
  • Councilor Mbah expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the administration regarding the position's role but would switch his vote to support the position for the sake of the Charter's passage.
  • Councilor McLaughlin stated he would vote against the cut, as his previous reasons for supporting it (lack of communication, union negotiation, Charter status) had been addressed. He criticized the lack of an "open door policy" from the administration.
  • Councilor Scott emphasized the Council's role as a deliberative body and criticized the Mayor's statement as "corrosive" and disrespectful to the legislative branch.
  • President Pineda-Newfeld shared her experience as a city contractor during COVID-19, highlighting the anxiety city staff face during budget season. She argued the cut felt personal and that the Council should focus on broader constituent needs.
  • Councilor Clingan defended the Council's role in accountability and expressed offense at the implication that councilors don't understand city operations.
  • Councilor Davis reiterated that city staff are overworked and that the cut was about resource allocation, not a personal attack.
• Vote on Item 6E13 (25-1189) - Reduce Executive Office Administration Personal Services Salaries by $186,744:
  • Outcome: Not approved.
  • Roll Call:
    • Yes (2): Scott, Burnley
    • No (9): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld

Finance Committee Reports (6A-6E)

• Discussion: Councilor Wilson, as Finance Chair, reported on the budget review process.
  • Key Points:
    • The committee met for 55 minutes (June 3rd), 4 hours 18 minutes (June 10th), 4 hours 42 minutes (June 16th), 1 hour 51 minutes (June 18th), and 59 minutes (June 24th).
    • Perfect attendance from all councilors.
    • A new approach of pre-submitted questions and staff memos significantly improved efficiency, reducing total meeting time to under 15 hours (compared to 40+ hours in 2022).
    • Thanked Budget Director Mastroboni, finance staff, IGA, city staff, department heads, and Council staff (Muhammad Uddin, Brendan Salisbury, committee clerks).
    • Encouraged future Finance Chairs to adopt a similar approach.
  • Councilor Clingan praised Councilor Wilson's leadership, attention to detail, and management skills, acknowledging the improved efficiency.
  • Councilor McLaughlin thanked the Chair, Mayor, and staff, noting the budget reflects city values despite "dark, uncertain times."
  • Councilor Mbah thanked the Chair for his leadership and statesmanship.
  • Councilor Sait thanked the Chair for his leadership, organization, and willingness to answer questions.
  • Councilor Burnley acknowledged initial resistance to process changes but praised the Chair for creating a "more humane process" and a smoother budget year.
  • Councilor Scott quoted Big Daddy Kane, "chairing ain't easy," and commended the Chair's work.
• Action: Accepted as submitted.

FY2026 Budget Items (5.2-5.23, 7.6-7.13, 10.3)

• Action: Councilor Wilson moved to approve all FY2026 budget items.
• Discussion:
  • Budget Director Mike Mastroboni presented a memo detailing small adjustments and corrections to the budget, noting the final grant total remained unchanged. He thanked his staff, including Addison Baker, Megan Huck, and Paula.
  • Councilor Davis thanked the administration and Finance Committee for their work. He praised Councilor Wilson for reinventing the budget process, acknowledging concerns about transparency but recognizing the significant improvement.
• Action: Approved.
• Outcome: No opposition.

Roll Call Vote on Specific Financial Items

• Items Voted On:
  • 25-1079: Repurposing $77,000 in the Racial and Social Justice Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1080: Appropriating $77,000 from the Racial and Social Justice Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1095: Repurposing and appropriating $40,500 from the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1034: Appropriating $2,055,000 from the Facility Construction Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1035: Appropriating $2,715,270 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1155: Appropriating $1,126,489.31 from the Facility Reconstruction Stabilization Fund.
  • 25-1156: Appropriating $150,955.61 from the Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund.
• Outcome: Approved.
• Roll Call:
  • Yes (9): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (2): Scott, Burnley

Motion for Reconsideration of All Finance-Related Items

• Action: Councilor Wilson moved for reconsideration.
• Outcome: Reconsideration failed.
• Roll Call:
  • Yes (0): None
  • No (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld

6F Report of the Committee on Land Use Meeting on June 17, 2025

• Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin, as Land Use Chair, reported on the committee meeting.
  • Item 25-0200 (Yimby-Dormer item): Severed from the report and kept in committee for further discussion with Somerville YIMBY group and the city.
  • NOVA Items: All four amendments were approved, including the Arts and Innovation Subarea for the Master Plan Development Overlay District.
    • Councilor Ewen-Campen's amendment to guarantee affordable housing was included.
    • Concerns about transportation, parking, and traffic were discussed.
    • The committee voted 5-0 in favor.
  • Citywide Zoning Proposals: Samantha Carr (Land Use Analyst) and Dan Bartman (Planning Department) updated the committee.
    • More housing is being built in UR and NR districts than MR districts, attributed to "as-of-right" development.
    • Concern was raised that making MR "as-of-right" could jeopardize inclusionary zoning enforcement. This item remains in committee.
  • Building Official to Waive Certain Dimensional Standards for Means of Egress: Councilor Wilson's amendment to strike "possible" and insert "feasible without undue financial hardship" was approved to clarify interpretation.
• Action: Accepted as submitted, with Item 6F5 (25-0200) sent back to committee.

25-0131: An Amendment to Articles 8 and 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to Establish a New Arts and Innovation Subarea of the Master Planned Development Overlay District

• Discussion:
  • Councilor Davis acknowledged extensive community communication. He emphasized the overlay district as key, providing comfort that the zoning change is part of a long community process with ongoing oversight from the Planning Board and Urban Design Commission. He reiterated that the community benefits agreement (CBA) vote did not influence his zoning decision.
  • Councilor Ewen-Campen stated he would vote yes, calling it a "tough vote." He detailed the process, starting with the developer's withdrawn proposal in 2023, leading to city-led planning. He highlighted:
    • Minimization of traffic issues (low parking ratio, free shuttles, aggressive mobility management plan with stop points after each phase).
    • Amendment to require a residential component.
    • Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) negotiated by the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC), including a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), 1,000 sq ft of art space, a youth community center, financial contributions to nonprofits, and independent oversight of traffic issues.
    • Defended the USNC from "unfair shade," stating criticism should be directed at elected officials.
  • Councilor Wilson reiterated his support, acknowledging neighbor concerns but trusting the changes made to the zoning and the developer's incentive to minimize construction and traffic impacts.
  • Councilor Mbah thanked the Land Use Committee and supported the overlay zoning, calling it "the best of what community-driven planning can look like." He cited the unanimous committee support, the CBA, and PLA as creating opportunities for local jobs, youth pipelines, art space, and a climate tech cluster. He also supported an independent oversight committee.
  • Councilor Scott praised the Land Use Committee's work and the decade-long organizing effort. He called the CBA and PLA "absolute wins" and the best development review process yet, setting a new standard for community engagement.
  • Councilor McLaughlin supported the item, crediting the ward councilors and neighborhood council for their work. He stated the community vote did not impact his decision, as he evaluates deals independently. He highlighted the new standard set for developers to meet community standards, unlike past projects in Assembly Square and Union Square.
  • Councilor Clingan supported the item, agreeing with previous comments and praising the Land Use Committee's thoroughness and the community's role in negotiations.
  • Councilor Sait supported the item, citing traffic mitigation plans (including a four-phase parking spot build-out with Planning Board oversight), the CBA, PLA, and the amendment requiring residential housing.
  • Councilor Burnley recalled his initial stance three years ago: "get the community on your side, and you'll have my support." He honored that promise, supporting the agreement forged by the community.
  • Councilor Strezo supported the project, emphasizing the community-driven process, the CBA, and the PLA. She confirmed with Director Galgani that the proposed shuttles would be available to all Somerville residents.
• Action: Enrolled and Ordained.
• Roll Call (Enrollment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None
• Roll Call (Ordainment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None

25-0128: An Amendment to Articles Six, Nine, and 10 of the Zoning Ordinance to Establish a New Research and Development Zoning District

• Discussion: Councilor Scott briefly noted his previous concerns about this item but was now comfortable moving forward with it at four stories, given the passage of the overlay.
• Action: Enrolled and Ordained.
• Roll Call (Enrollment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None
• Roll Call (Ordainment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None

25-0129: An Amendment to Articles Two, Three Through Six and Nine of the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the Regulations for Arts and Creative Enterprise, Office and Residential Uses

• Discussion: Councilor Burnley briefly commented, "Don't F with fab."
• Action: Enrolled and Ordained.
• Roll Call (Enrollment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None
• Roll Call (Ordainment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None

25-0590: An Amendment to Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance to Allow the Building Official to Waive Certain Dimensional Standards for Means of Egress

• Action: Enrolled and Ordained.
• Roll Call (Enrollment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None
• Roll Call (Ordainment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None

7.14 Request to the Mayor Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend a $119,095.58 Grant with No New Match Required from the Mass Department of Public Health to the Health and Human Services Department for Public Health Services

• Discussion: Councilor Wilson noted this was one of three grant acceptances needing immediate consideration before month-end.
• Action: Approved.

7.15 Request of the Mayor Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend a $110,280 Grant with No New Match Required from the Mass Department of Public Health Bureau of Community Health and Prevention to the Health and Human Services Department for Tobacco Control and Cessation

• Action: Approved.

7.16 Request to the Mayor, Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend a $10,000 Grant with No New Match Required from the 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

• Action: Approved.

7.1 Request of the Mayor Requesting Ordainment of an Amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to Update Categories and Associated Salaries for Non-Union Positions

• Action: Enrolled and Ordained.
• Roll Call (Enrollment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None
• Roll Call (Ordainment):
  • Yes (11): Mbah, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Davis, Pineda-Newfeld
  • No (0): None

4.2 Communication by Councillor Pineda-Newfeld in Her Capacity as President, Canceling This Council's Regular Meetings Scheduled for July 24th and August 14th, 2025

• Action: Placed on file.

4.3 Order by Councilor Ewen-Campen That 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

• Sponsors: Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Mbah.
• Discussion: Councilor Ewen-Campen highlighted the dangerous 90-degree turn with bad visibility at the School Street community path crossing. He noted an architectural consultant has been hired and public energy on the issue is welcome. Councilor Strezo emphasized the danger, especially for cargo bikes, and the urgent need for a fix.
• Action: Approved and sent to Traffic and Parking Committee.

4.4 Order by Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Director of Mobility Install a Watch for Bicycle Signage for Each Street That Intersects with the Two Bicycle Lanes on Central Street

• Discussion: Councilor Ewen-Campen expressed concern about the bike lane on Central Street that goes against traffic, potentially leading to accidents for cars exiting cross streets. He requested signage to emphasize the importance of looking for bikes.
• Action: Approved.

4.5 Resolution by Councillor Sait That the Administration Notify Magoon Square Businesses of Planned Construction Projects

• Discussion: Councilor Sait reported that small businesses in Magoon Square were not notified of a recent large construction project. She requested the Director of Economic Development to address this. Councilor Strezo suggested sending it to Housing and Community Development, noting similar issues elsewhere in the city.
• Action: Approved and sent to Public Utilities and Public Works Committee (with a copy to Housing and Community Development).

4.6 Resolution by Councilors Sait and Wilson That Eversource Explain the Reasons Behind Repeated Power Outages in Magoon Square and Share What They Have Done to Address Them in the Near Term and What Is Being Done to Prevent Long-Term Recurrence

• Sponsors: Councilor Sait, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley.
• Discussion: Councilor Sait highlighted repeated power outages in Magoon Square, affecting small businesses and seniors, and requested short-term and long-term solutions from Eversource. Councilor Wilson noted the recurring nature of the problem, its worsening trend, and the significant financial impact on businesses (e.g., $6,000 loss for one coffee shop).
• Action: Approved and sent to Public Utilities and Public Works Committee.

4.7 Order by Councillor McLaughlin That the Director of Economic Development and the City Clerk Discuss with This Council Policies Regarding Outdoor Seating and How the City May Make It Easier and Less Expensive for Small Businesses

• Sponsors: Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Davis, Councilor Mbah, Councilor Strezo.
• Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin expressed support for outdoor seating but noted that the current process and costs are deterring businesses, particularly on East Broadway. He requested a discussion to streamline the process. Councilor Strezo supported the item, noting the importance of outdoor seating for businesses.
• Action: Approved and sent to Public Health and Safety Committee.

6G Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits Meeting on June 25th, 2025

• Discussion: Councilor Burnley, as Licenses and Permits Chair, reported on the committee meeting.
  • Double Poles: Discussed with Eversource, RCN, Comcast, and Verizon representatives. 110 double poles remain in Somerville. 12 poles were removed since January. The committee plans bi-annual meetings to monitor progress.
  • Public Hearings: Two public hearings were held regarding a garage and 1,000 gallons of flammables; both were recommended for approval.
  • Closed Captioning Ordinance: Enforcement efforts have been minimal, with only an initial email to businesses.
• Action: Accepted as submitted.

7.2 Request of the Mayor Requesting Approval of Early Voting Dates for the September 16th, 2025 Preliminary Election and the November 4th, 2025 City Election

• Discussion: Councilor Ewen-Campen made a lighthearted comment about Director Salerno's attire.
• Action: Approved.

7.3-7.5 (Grants)

• Action: Councilor Wilson moved to waive readings and send to Finance Committee.
• Outcome: Sent to Finance Committee.

8.1 Officer's Communication from the Director of Human Resources and Chief of Police, Conveying Information on Entry-Level Police Officer Hiring Practices

• Discussion: Councilor Wilson noted the effectiveness of the new hiring practice in filling vacancies. He expressed a desire for earlier communication from the administration on such initiatives, rather than after implementation. Councilor Ewen-Campen reminded councilors that new police officer candidates would be on the July 10th agenda and encouraged them to familiarize themselves with the new process.
• Action: Placed on file.

8.2 Officer's Communication from the Director of Economic Development Requesting That This Council Convene an Executive Session to Discuss Strategy Regarding the Disposition of 90 Washington Street

• Action: Laid on the table for the next meeting.

9.1 Public Communication from Patrick Conti and Bill Shelton, Submitting Comments Regarding Items 24-1460, 25-0128, 25-0129, and 25-0131, Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for Lab, Research and Development, and Arts Uses

• Action: Placed on file.

10.1 Order by Council Pineda-Newfeld That 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 Businesses Affected by Construction, and What Additional Support Can Be Made Available

• Sponsors: Councilor Pineda-Newfeld, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson.
• Discussion: President Pineda-Newfeld highlighted the adverse effects of construction on small businesses, citing a Florida bill for construction mitigation funds. She requested a discussion with the Economic Development team on support beyond basic communication. Councilor Strezo supported the item, emphasizing the need for a proactive plan. Councilor Wilson noted complaints from Davis Square merchants about significant impacts and suggested sharing weekly right-of-way emails with business owners.
• Action: Approved and copy sent to Housing and Community Development Committee.

10.2 Order by Councillor Pineda-Newfeld That the Director of Housing Discuss with This Council Ways to Inform Tenants, Landlords, and Real Estate Professionals in Somerville of the Fair Housing Laws

• Sponsors: Councilor Pineda-Newfeld, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Burnley.
• Discussion: President Pineda-Newfeld shared her personal experience of discrimination in the rental market as a mother of a child under six, despite strong lead and fair housing laws. She noted brokers often "ghost" her after learning about her child, leading to fewer apartment viewings (10% return rate). She suggested better communication with tenants, landlords, and brokers about fair housing laws and tenant protections. Councilor Strezo encouraged filing complaints with the Somerville Fair Housing Commission and noted that Cambridge has more local investigative power for fair housing complaints, requiring a home rule petition for Somerville to achieve similar. Councilor Burnley supported the item, highlighting the need for fair housing checks to collect data on discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders and racial lines.
• Action: Approved and copy sent to Housing and Community Development Committee.

10.4-10.11 (Various Items)

• Action: Councilor Burnley moved to waive readings and approve.
• Outcome: Approved.

10.12 Public Communication from 12 Residents Submitting Comments Regarding the Summer Nova Community Benefits Agreement

• Action: Placed on file.

10.13 Public Communication from Enrique Navarro Submitting Comments Regarding a Pedestrian Signal

• Action: Placed on file.

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Adjournment: Motion to adjourn approved.