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Meeting Minutes of the Somerville City Council Finance Committee

Governing Body: Somerville City Council Finance Committee Meeting Type: Committee Meeting Meeting Date: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 Attendees: Councilor Jake Wilson (Chair), Councilor Will Mbah, Councilor Willie Burnley, Councilor J.T. Scott. Absent: Councilor Jesse Clingan. City Staff: Kimberly Hutter (Legislative Liaison), Chief Benford (Police Department), Jake Peek (Assistant City Solicitor), Alan Inasio (Director of Finance and Community Development, OSPCD), Rachel Ned Carney (Director of Economic Development), Ben Demers (Senior Planner, Real Estate Specialist, OSPCD), Kathy Lester Salkert (Law Department), Suzanne Renfret (Director of Parking). Other Attendees: Scott Lombardi (Mark Development), Brett McDonald (Nutter, McClennan & Fish).

Executive Summary

The Finance Committee convened to address a 14-item agenda. Key discussions included the withdrawal of a $38,500 grant request for the Police Department's Special Response Team equipment, and the approval to dispose of 78 abandoned bicycles to the YMCA for community distribution. The committee also considered a 10-year contract for the Blue Bikes program, a lease renewal for the Grove Street parking lot, and a time extension for a training program with Franklin Cummings Institute. Significant debate occurred regarding the Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCTIF) agreement for the 299 Broadway project, specifically concerning public park hours and the inclusion of "hostile architecture" provisions, leading to the withdrawal and planned resubmission of two related agenda items for further amendment.

Official Agenda Items and Summaries:

Agenda Items 1-6: Minutes from Previous Meetings

• Summary: The minutes from the committee's meetings during the previous month's budget season were presented.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval with a single vote at the end of the meeting.

Agenda Item 7: ID 25-0848 - Mayor's Request for Approval to Accept and Expend a $38,500 Grant

• Description: Mayor requests approval to accept and expend a $38,500 grant from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment, with no new match required.
• Discussion:
  • Legislative Liaison Kimberly Hutter requested to withdraw the item, citing a larger, similar grant request that would consolidate these funds.
  • Councilor Scott requested that the administration provide the "UIC fiscal year 23, UIC plan project justification U23, 1.2 regional SWAT sustainability" document when the consolidated item returns.
• Action: Item marked as withdrawn.

Agenda Item 8: ID 25-1086 - Mayor's Request for Authorization to Dispose of Abandoned Bicycles

• Description: Mayor requests authorization to dispose of bicycles previously abandoned in the City of Somerville to a charitable organization.
• Discussion:
  • Chief Benford presented the program, highlighting its benefits for sustainable transportation, community health, equity, and safety education. The YMCA was selected as a partner due to its capacity to handle 78 bikes, repair them, and assist with equitable distribution.
  • Councilor Wilson inquired if Cambridge Bike Give Back was considered. Chief Benford stated the initial focus was on local in-city organizations, but acknowledged the suggestion for future iterations.
  • Legislative Liaison Hutter confirmed this would be a recurring process, and new agreements would be made for additional bikes, allowing for consideration of other organizations.
  • Councilor Burnley asked if recipients needed to be YMCA members. Chief Benford clarified that membership is not required, ensuring broad community access.
  • Councilor Mbah inquired about city policy or ordinance governing abandoned property disposal. Assistant City Solicitor Jake Peek explained an internal policy for surplus municipal property, which was amended to allow donation to charity under state statute 30B section 15. He also detailed the public notice process for unclaimed bikes, which occurred on February 26th.
  • Chief Benford outlined the criteria for selecting a charitable organization: capacity to intake 78 bikes, willingness to repair bikes without city funding, and commitment to equitable distribution.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Agenda Item 9: ID 25-1068 - Mayor's Request for Approval to Enter into a Contract for Blue Bikes Operator

• Description: Mayor requests approval to enter into a contract of up to 10 years for the services of an operator of the Greater Boston Bike Share Program, Blue Bikes.
• Discussion:
  • Alan Inasio, Director of Finance and Community Development, explained that Somerville is a participating municipality in the regional Blue Bikes system, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is procuring the next 10-year contract for 13 municipalities.
  • Councilor Wilson advocated for new Blue Bike stations in underserved areas, specifically mentioning the Mystics, Healy School, Blessing the Bay Boathouse, Lincoln Park, Argenziano, Capuano, Glen Park, 165 Broadway, and Dillboy Stadium. Director Inasio committed to relaying this feedback to the mobility team.
  • Councilor Mbah supported the expansion to ensure wider access.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Agenda Item 10: ID 25-0978 - Mayor's Request for Approval of Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement for Grove Street Parking Lot

• Description: Mayor requests approval to execute the fourth amendment to the lease agreement with Dana Family Series LLC for the Grove Street parking lot through June 30th, 2026.
• Discussion:
  • Suzanne Renfret, Director of Parking, stated this is a renewal of the lease for 17 parking spaces behind McKinnon's Market in Davis Square.
  • Councilor Wilson inquired if the property owner was amenable to continued renewals given potential future development. Director Renfret confirmed the agreement allows for cancellation if development proceeds.
  • The Fourth Amendment includes a 90-day termination for convenience clause, consistent with changes made in 2023.
  • Councilor Wilson noted the city had been operating the lot without a lease for a week.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Agenda Item 11: ID 25-1001 - Mayor's Request for Approval of Time Only Extension for Contract with Franklin Cummings Institute

• Description: Mayor requests approval of a time-only extension for the contract with Franklin Cummings Institute to December 31st, 2026.
• Discussion:
  • Rachel Ned Carney, Director of Economic Development, explained this is a time extension for a training program run in conjunction with the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust, with no additional funding. The extension allows for more participants next year.
  • Councilor Mbah, a member of the aforementioned body, supported the continuation of the program.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Agenda Item 12: ID 25-1160 - Mayor's Request for Approval of Final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCTIF) Agreement for 299 Broadway Project

• Description: Mayor requests approval of the final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCTIF) agreement for the 299 Broadway project.
• Discussion:
  • Ben Demers, Senior Planner, Real Estate Specialist, OSPCD, provided context on the UCTIF program, which provides a real estate tax exemption on increased property value for up to 20 years to support housing and commercial development, especially affordable housing.
  • The City Council conditionally agreed to a 100% exemption for 20 years in 2023. The project will create 319 housing units (136 affordable), retail space, and public civic spaces.
  • An independent real estate consultant, Abramson & Associates, confirmed the full exemption is still needed for a reasonable return on investment. The agreement reflects updated project financials and an increase in unit count approved by the ZBA.
  • Councilor Burnley inquired about the $4.3 million figure in the agreement. Attorney Kathy Lester Salkert clarified that this refers to the base, unimproved value, and the UCTIF applies to the increment in value, which is deferred for 20 years.
  • Councilor Mbah sought clarification on the different financing mechanisms (TIF, DIF, UCTIF). Director Ned Carney explained UCTIF is a specific state program for housing in commercial areas, currently only applied in Winter Hill. Director Inasio added that District Improvement Financing (DIF) was used at Clarendon Hill for infrastructure.
• Action: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Agenda Items 13 & 14: ID 25-1163 & ID 25-1164 - Mayor's Requests for Easements for 299 Broadway Project

• Description:
  • ID 25-1163: Mayor requests approval of a public access and maintenance access easement for 299 Broadway Property Owner, LLC.
  • ID 25-1164: Mayor requests approval of a maintenance, access, easement, and landscape management and maintenance plan for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC for the future Sewell Park at the 299 Broadway development facility. (Note: A replacement item for 1164 was on the agenda for Thursday night).
• Discussion:
  • Attorney Kathy Lester Salkert explained these easements are being executed in advance to provide predictability for financers. The agreements cover the Broadway Pocket Park and Sewell Park, connected by a pedestrian "Muse." A single landscape maintenance and management plan covers all three areas.
  • Sewell Park will be purchased with MassWorks grant money, held by the SRA, and then conveyed to the city. This explains the substitute item for 1164.
  • Councilor Wilson summarized the agreements: 24/7 public access to the Muse and Temple Street Passageway, 8 AM to sunset access to Broadway Park and Plaza. The property owner is responsible for maintenance and repairs of civic spaces and pedestrian access areas, and any changes require city approval. Sewell Park will be transferred to the city in perpetuity, with the property owner responsible for its maintenance.
  • Councilor Scott raised concerns about "hostile architecture" in the park design, noting the detailed nature of the documents regarding plant species and pest management but the absence of specific prohibitions against such architecture.
    • Brett McDonald, attorney for the developer, clarified that Condition 83 of the comprehensive permit requires PSOP approval for all landscape construction plans and details, including outdoor furniture, addressing Councilor Scott's concern.
  • Councilor Wilson questioned the "sunset" closing time for the Broadway Park and Plaza, noting that sunset can be as early as 4:15 PM in winter. He suggested aligning with the city's standard park hours (10 PM to 8 AM).
    • Attorney Salkert initially stated it was based on a city ordinance for general park hours.
    • Councilor Burnley cited Somerville's Code of Ordinances, Article 3, Section 12-48, which states parks and playgrounds are closed between 10 PM and 8 AM.
    • Scott Lombardi from Mark Development stated the intent was to follow city ordinances and expressed willingness to change the language to reflect the 10 PM closing time.
  • The committee agreed to request changes to the easement language to reflect the 10 PM closing time for the park.
  • Legislative Liaison Kimberly Hutter requested to withdraw both items 13 and 14 to allow for the necessary amendments and resubmission of new items for Thursday's agenda.
  • Councilor Mbah requested clean, updated documents for review by tomorrow, not Thursday.
• Action: Items 13 and 14 marked as withdrawn. New items will be submitted for Thursday's agenda, with one replacement item (for 1164) already posted and a supplemental item (for 1163) to be posted tomorrow, incorporating the agreed-upon changes to park hours.

Roll Call Vote for Recommended Approval and Adjournment:

Motion: To recommend approval of items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and to adjourn the meeting.

• Councilor Mbah: Yes
• Councilor Burnley: Aye
• Councilor Clingan: (Absent)
• Councilor Scott: Yes
• Councilor Wilson: Yes

Vote: 4 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions.

Outcome: The motion passed. The listed items are recommended for approval, and the meeting is adjourned.