CivicPulse

AI Generated Summary

  • Meeting Title: City Council
  • City: Somerville, MA
  • Date Published: 2025-09-25
Back to all meetings
View Official Recording
View Full Transcript

AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

Audio Version

Meeting Minutes: City Council

Meeting Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025 Governing Body: City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: * Present: Councilor Wilson, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Scott, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Burnley, Councilor Sait, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Davis (Presiding) * Absent: Mayor Katjana Ballantyne (ill), Councilor Will Mbah (UN Climate Week)

Executive Summary: The City Council convened remotely on September 25th, 2025, with a quorum present. Key actions included the approval of minutes from the August 28th meeting and a citation commending Somerville firefighters for their heroic actions during summer 2025 fires. The Council also approved several grants of location for Eversource and Verizon New England for utility installations. Financial matters included the approval of a $4.3 million bond for the Morrison Avenue storage sewer separation project and significant appropriations from the salary and wage stabilization fund and salary contingency account to fund retroactive payments for the Somerville Superior Officers Association collective bargaining agreement. Discussions also covered the ongoing issue of inoperable menstrual product dispensers in schools, a semi-truck incident causing power outages in Ward 7, and a proposed home rule petition to expand procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. The Council also referred several items to committees, including a request for quick-build safety infrastructure at Webster and Prospect Streets and a pedestrian light signal at Vinyl and Highland Avenues.

1.3 Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 28th, 2025

  • Discussion: No objections raised.
  • Outcome: Approved.

2.1 Citation by Councillors Clingan, Strezo, and Wilson, Commending the Somerville Firefighters for their Life-Saving Actions in Summer 2025

  • Sponsors: Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Wilson (joint effort with Mayor's Office).
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Clingan recounted the devastating fire on July 6th on Wheatland Street during a severe heat advisory, displacing 27 residents.
    • Somerville Fire Department units responded quickly, battling the blaze and extreme heat, preventing further loss.
    • The citation also recognized firefighters' actions at fires on Powderhouse Avenue and Thurston Street.
    • Councilor Clingan highlighted community efforts in supporting firefighters at the Wheatland Street fire.
    • Direct Quote from Citation: "Somerville, be it hereby known to all that the City of Somerville, I'm sorry, that the Somerville City Council and the Mayor offer their sincerest commendations to the Somerville firefighters for the heroic actions in summer 2025 providing swift and life-saving response to protect life and property in large fires on wheatland street powderhouse avenue and thurston street offered this 25th day of september 2025 signed by the entire council and her madam mayor."
    • Public Comment: Mike Jefferson, President of Somerville Fire Local 76, expressed gratitude for the recognition and pride in representing the men and women of the department.
    • Public Comment: Hunter, representing Mayor Ballantyne, conveyed the Mayor's thanks to the firefighters for their bravery and efforts.
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.1 Grant of Location from Eversource to Install Conduit in Warwick Street

  • Description: Install a total of six feet of conduit in Warwick Street from utility pole 357 over 2 to a point of pickup at 13 Warwick Street.
  • Public Hearing: Opened.
    • Speaker: Jackie Duffy, Eversource, explained the purpose was to provide electric service to 13 Warwick Street.
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.2 Grant Application from Eversource to Install Conduit in Cedar Street

  • Description: Install a total of 68 feet of conduit in Cedar Street from utility pole 55 over 4 to a point of pickup at 33 Cedar Street.
  • Public Hearing: Opened.
    • Speaker: Jackie Duffy, Eversource, explained the purpose was to provide electric service to 33 Cedar Street.
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.3 Grant of Location from Verizon New England to Install Conduit in Somerville Avenue

  • Description: Install a total of 305 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue from existing manhole 44 over 42 to a point of pickup at existing manhole 44 over 33.
  • Public Hearing: Opened.
    • Speaker: Alexander Lassie Marrero (Pike Telecom and Reunions LLC, authorized contractor for Verizon New England), detailed the installation of one new four-inch conduit from existing manhole 44 over 33 (intersection of Bow Street and Somerville Avenue) to existing manhole 44 over 42 (intersection of Somerville Avenue and Hawkins Street).
  • Outcome: Approved.

3.4 Grant of Location from Verizon New England to Install Conduit in Bow Street

  • Description: Install a total of 385 feet of conduit in Bow Street from existing manhole 44 over 32 to a point of pickup at existing manhole 44 over 33.
  • Public Hearing: Opened.
    • Speaker: Alexander Marrero (Pike Telecom, Verizon contractor), detailed the installation of one new 4-inch PVC conduit from existing manhole 44 over 32 (intersection of Bow Street and Walnut Street) to existing manhole 44 over 33 (intersection of Somerville Avenue and Bow Street).
  • Outcome: Approved.

4.1 Order by Councillor Strezo Regarding Menstrual Products in School Buildings

  • Request: That the Director of Health and Human Services inform the Council which school buildings have menstrual products available and which have inoperable dispensers, and when they are scheduled for replacement.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Strezo highlighted that free menstrual product dispensers are jamming or non-usable, requiring students to manually retrieve products.
    • This issue was previously discussed last year with no resolution.
  • Co-Sponsors: Councilor Wilson, Councilor Sait.
  • Referral: School Buildings Facilities and Maintenance Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

4.2 Order by Councillor Strezo Regarding Overhead Wires and Semi-Truck Incident

  • Request: That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with the Council the recent snagging of overhead wires by a semi-truck in Ward 7, causing a power outage, and plans to prevent similar occurrences.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Strezo described a CVS semi-truck taking a shortcut through a "tiny side street" in Ward 7, snagging an electric pole and causing a neighborhood power outage.
    • Residents incurred costs for repairs.
    • Councilor Clingan noted that wind and wear and tear can cause wires to sag, leading to similar incidents.
    • Councilor Strezo emphasized the "dangling wire saga" and the need for better management of low-hanging wires.
  • Referral: Public Utilities, Public Works Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

4.3 Resolution by Councillor Strezo Regarding Home Rule Petition for Disadvantaged Businesses

  • Request: That the administration discuss with the Council its recent press release announcement of a home rule petition to expand procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Strezo's intent was to ensure continued intention, strategy, and a plan for implementation, particularly in Housing and Community Development.
    • Councilor Davis expressed concern about sending items related to the same home rule petition to two separate committees, potentially causing public confusion.
    • Councilor Strezo agreed to withdraw the item and resubmit it at a later time, after the home rule petition progresses through the State House.
  • Outcome: Withdrawn by Councilor Strezo for resubmission at a later date.

7.1 Request to the Mayor for Executive Session (Opioid Litigation)

  • Description: Request to convene an executive session to discuss the proposed settlement of opioid litigation involving the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case.
  • Legal Justification: Jason Peek, Assistant City Solicitor, stated that discussing the settlement negotiations in open session would be detrimental to ongoing litigation.
  • Vote to Enter Executive Session:
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councilor Scott: Yes
      • Councilor McLaughlin: Aye
      • Councilor Burnley: Aye
      • Councilor Sait: Yes
      • Councilor Strezo: Yes
      • Councilor Clingan: Yes
      • Councilor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Motion passed.
  • Return from Executive Session: No votes were taken in executive session other than the vote to adjourn.

6A Report of the Committee on Finance Meeting on September 23rd, 2025

  • Reporter: Councilor Wilson.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • The Finance Committee met on September 23rd with four of five members present, addressing a 23-item agenda in 55 minutes.
    • Recommendations for Approval:
      • $50,000 grant for OSE.
      • Six small-dollar prior-to-invoice items.
      • Two infrastructure and asset management items.
      • Bond: $4.3 million bond for the Morrison Avenue storage sewer separation project.
      • Extension of a contract with Eastern Bank for banking services.
      • Four legal items related to 299 Broadway (paving the way for work to begin).
    • Items Kept in Committee:
      • Two of Councilor Burnley's items on UASI grants due to federal government strings attached (requiring 10% of funds for cooperation with federal immigration enforcement). The committee agreed that Somerville's values are not negotiable and that prior UASI grants did not have these problematic requirements.
      • Report from the Director of Finance on stabilization funds, to allow Councilor Mbah (originator) to participate in the discussion.
  • Outcome: Accepted as submitted.

25-1382 Discontinuance of a Portion of Sewell Court

25-1383 Partial Termination of the City Utility Easement on Sewell Court

25-1400 Order of Taking for the Acquisition of Lot Three at 299 Broadway for Municipal Purposes

25-1433 Temporary and Permanent Easements Over Lot Three of 299 Broadway

  • Discussion: These four items, related to 299 Broadway, were taken together.
  • Vote:
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councilor Scott: Yes
      • Councilor McLaughlin: Aye
      • Councilor Burnley: Aye
      • Councilor Sait: Yes
      • Councilor Strezo: Yes
      • Councilor Clingan: Yes
      • Councilor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Items approved.

25-1411 Bond of $4,300,000 for Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation Project

  • Description: Bond to appropriate $4,300,000 for the design of the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation Project.
  • Vote:
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councilor Scott: Yes
      • Councilor McLaughlin: Aye
      • Councilor Burnley: Aye
      • Councilor Sait: Yes
      • Councilor Strezo: Yes
      • Councilor Clingan: Yes
      • Councilor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Item approved.

7.4 Request to the Mayor to Appropriate $2,286,090 from Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund

7.7 Request to the Mayor to Appropriate $97,160 from Salary Contingency Account

  • Description (7.4): Request to appropriate $2,286,090 from the salary and wage stabilization fund to the police department other lump sum payments account to fund retroactive payments in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Superior Officers Association.
  • Description (7.7): Request to appropriate $97,160 from the salary contingency account to various police department personal services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • A representative from the City Solicitor's office confirmed these funds are for the retroactive components of the three-year agreement with the Superior Officers Union.
    • Councilor Scott clarified that these funds do not include salary bonuses for body camera policy, as officers are not yet wearing body cameras.
  • Vote (on 7.4 - 25-1496):
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councilor Scott: Yes
      • Councilor McLaughlin: Yes
      • Councilor Burnley: Yes
      • Councilor Sait: Yes
      • Councilor Strezo: Yes
      • Councilor Clingan: Yes
      • Councilor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent. Item approved.
  • Vote (on 7.7): No discussion.
    • Outcome: Approved.

4.4 Order by Councillor Mbah (Withdrawn)

  • Outcome: Withdrawn by Councilor Mbah for resubmission with adjustments.

4.5 Communication by Councillor Mbah Conveying a Report of the Affordable Housing Trust

  • Outcome: Laid on the table until Councilor Mbah's return.

4.7 Order by Councillor Ewen-Campen and Councillor Scott Regarding Safety Infrastructure at Webster and Prospect Streets

  • Request: That the Director of Mobility develop and install quick-build safety infrastructure at the intersection of Webster and Prospect Streets.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Ewen-Campen highlighted the intersection as a long-standing "nightmare" for all modes of transportation, with recent accidents.
    • Councilor Scott noted that Concord and Newton Streets also feed into this complex intersection, and a pedestrian was recently struck there.
    • The need for quick-build solutions was emphasized due to capacity issues preventing proper final reconfiguration.
  • Co-Sponsors: Councilor Wilson, Councilor Burnley.
  • Referral: Traffic and Parking Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

4.8 Order by Councillor Ewen-Campen Regarding Pedestrian Light Signal at Vinyl Avenue and Highland Avenue

  • Request: That the Director of Mobility install a pedestrian light signal at the intersection of Vinyl Avenue and Highland Avenue.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Ewen-Campen acknowledged previous improvements (crossing guard, flex posts, no left turn from high school) but stressed the continued danger, especially during school hours.
    • Suggested solutions included a blinking yellow light, a HAWK signal, or a button-activated red light.
    • Councilor Strezo noted the "Frogger-like" conditions due to bumper-to-bumper traffic and teenagers crossing outside of painted crosswalks.
    • Councilor Strezo suggested lowering "no turn left" signs for better visibility and considering a second crosswalk.
  • Referral: Traffic and Parking Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

4.9 and 4.10 Orders (Waived Readings)

  • Outcome: Readings waived, sent with a copy to the Mobility Department. Approved and sent.

4.11 Order by Councillor Clingan Regarding Your Speed Is Display Sign on Shore Drive Westbound

  • Request: That the Director of Mobility install a solar-powered digital "Your Speed Is" display sign on Shore Drive westbound.
  • Co-Sponsor: Councilor Strezo.
  • Referral: Traffic and Parking Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

6B Report of the Committee on Land Use Meeting on September 18th, 2025

  • Reporter: Councilor Ewen-Campen.
  • Outcome: Accepted as submitted.

6C Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance Meeting on September 15th, 2025

  • Reporter: Councilor Clingan.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • All members of both the School Committee and City Council were present.
    • Pool Issues:
      • Chief of Staff Spencer is working with Parks and Rec and the contractor.
      • Proposal to close the pool one day a week for maintenance; day to be determined.
      • Director of Operations Yanni Sigridis is exploring expanding weekend hours.
      • Updates to lifeguard manual, including new chemical testing procedures.
      • Chemical spill in June (muriatic acid) was due to human error; DPW installed a shutoff valve to reduce leak risk.
    • Contingency Plan for School Building Unavailability:
      • The TAB building would be used as a school, with current staff relocated.
    • Items Kept in Committee:
      • Plan to accommodate public school students if a building is unavailable, pending completion of an MOU with the School Committee.
    • MSBA Process Update: A visual timeline was provided by the Mayor's Office.
    • DPW and IAM Accomplishments: A presentation highlighted significant preventative maintenance and work completed over the summer.
  • Outcome: Accepted as submitted.

7.2 Request to the Mayor for Home Rule Petition to Raise Maximum Fines for Violations

  • Description: Requesting approval of a home rule petition to raise the maximum amount of fines for violations allowed by Mass General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D.
  • Referral: Legislative Matters Committee.
  • Outcome: Referred.

7.3 Request to the Mayor for Amendment to Code of Ordinances (Parking Permit Restrictions)

  • Description: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 7 and Section 1-11B of the Code of Ordinances to require notification to tenants of parking permit restrictions in transit areas.
  • Referral: Legislative Matters Committee.
  • Outcome: Referred.

7.5, 7.6, 7.8-7.14 (Waived Readings)

  • Outcome: Readings waived, sent to Finance Committee.

7.15-7.22 and 7.26 (Waived Readings)

  • Outcome: Readings waived, sent to Confirmation of Appointments Committee.

7.23 Request to the Mayor for Reappointment of Richard Scanlon to Board of Assessors

  • Outcome: Approved.

7.24 Request to the Mayor for Reappointment of Michael Flynn to Board of Assessors

  • Outcome: Approved.

7.25 Request to the Mayor for Appointment of Nick Pittman to Affordable Housing Trust Fund

  • Outcome: Approved.

8.1 Officer's Communication from the City Clerk Conveying Block Party Licenses Issued

  • Outcome: Placed on file.

9.1 Order by Councillor Burnley (License and Permits)

9.2-9.7 (Waived Readings)

10.3 (Waived Reading)

  • Discussion: Councilor Burnley moved to waive readings of 9.2-9.7 and 10.3 and approve them, with a shout-out to Zinnia Smith for poetry. Item 9.1 was referred to committee.
  • Outcome (9.2-9.7, 10.3): Readings waived, approved.
  • Outcome (9.1): Sent to License and Permits Committee.

9.8 Public Communication from Katie Pilat Regarding Bike Lanes

  • Outcome: Placed on file.

10.1 Order by Councillor Burnley Regarding Immigrant Defense Know Your Rights Document

10.2 Resolution by Councillor Burnley Regarding Immigrant Defense Know Your Rights Mailing

  • Description (10.1): That the Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs discuss with the Council the most critical content to include in an immigrant defense "Know Your Rights" document and how best to make it available in preferred languages.
  • Description (10.2): That the Mayor allocate funds for a citywide immigrant defense "Know Your Rights" mailing and make this document available in Somerville's most prominent languages.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Burnley presented examples from Providence, Rhode Island, of "Know Your Rights" mailers sent to every household in English and Spanish.
    • These documents aim to equip residents with knowledge to protect their constitutional rights, especially concerning interactions with federal agents.
    • The content of the mailing is debatable, and discussion with the Office of Immigrant Affairs is desired.
    • Councilor Burnley emphasized the importance of an allocation for this effort in FY26.
  • Co-Sponsors: Councilor Wilson, Councilor Scott, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Sait.
  • Referral: Equity Committee.
  • Outcome: Approved and referred.

10.4 Public Communication from Bill Valletta Regarding Stabilization Accounts

  • Description: Submitting comments regarding item 24-1344, an order that the Director of Finance provide a comprehensive accounting of all stabilization accounts.
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Councilor Scott highlighted the 17-page memo from resident Bill Valletta, praising its documentation and recommended courses of action.
  • Outcome: Placed on file, with a copy sent to the Finance Committee.

10.5 Public Communication from Crystal Huff Regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ShotSpotter

  • Description: Submitting comments regarding items 25-1445 and 25-1446, orders regarding immigration and customs enforcement and ShotSpotter.
  • Outcome: Sent with a copy to the Finance Committee (where the related items are currently located).

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion from Councilor Wilson, with no objections.

Back to top