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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: September 9, 2025 Attendees: Councilor Jake Wilson (Chair), Councilor Will Mbah, Councilor Willie Burnley, Councilor Jesse Clingan, Councilor J.T. Scott.

Executive Summary:

The Finance Committee met to discuss and vote on a 22-item agenda. Key discussions included appropriations for pension adjustments, affordable housing, and Vision Zero initiatives (which was later withdrawn). The committee also reviewed several grant applications for public health, Union Square development, police department security, and crisis intervention training. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing prior year invoices, with the administration providing detailed explanations for the delays and outlining measures to prevent future occurrences. Several items were recommended for approval, while one grant request was discharged without recommendation due to concerns regarding its scope and clarity.

1. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting

• ID Number: 25-1253
• Description: Approval of the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting of July 8, 2025.
• Discussion: No discussion.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval with a single vote at the end of the meeting.

2. Appropriation for Non-Contributory Pension Account

• ID Number: 25-1289
• Description: Mayor requested approval to appropriate $56,601 from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Burnley requested a summary for public understanding.
  • Administration clarified that the appropriation is for a pension recipient whose benefits are tied to agreements with the Police Department, ensuring compliance with previously passed legislation and a recent collective bargaining agreement.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

3. Appropriation for Affordable Housing Trust

• ID Number: 25-1280
• Description: Mayor requested the appropriation of $2,630,071 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust.
• Discussion:
  • Director Alan Inacio (Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development) explained that this is the FY26 CPA 50% allocation to the Housing Trust, moved up for earlier disbursement to projects.
  • Councilor Mbah expressed appreciation for the funds going to the Affordable Housing Trust.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

4. Appropriation for Vision Zero Safety Efforts (WITHDRAWN)

• ID Number: 25-1303
• Description: Mayor requested the appropriation of $240,664.10 from the Receipts Reserved Transportation Network Company Revenue Fund to the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund for Vision Zero safety efforts.
• Discussion:
  • Administration requested to withdraw the item due to an error.
  • Councilor Mbah suggested renaming the "Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund" for brevity when the item is resubmitted.
• Decision: Item marked as withdrawn.

5. Grant Acceptance for Shared Services Coordinator and Clinical Community Health Worker

• ID Number: 25-1285
• Description: Mayor requested approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new match required from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a shared services coordinator and a clinical community health worker.
• Discussion:
  • Manager Malik (Health and Human Services) provided an overview of the Mass Municipal Public Health Shared Services Grant Program, funded by the FY2020 state budget.
  • The grant enables Somerville and Cambridge to share staff and resources to improve public health services.
  • The Metropolitan Area Planning Council serves as the fiscal agent.
  • Funds will support a regional coordinator and a regional community health worker (hosted by Somerville), and a regional vaccine nurse (hosted by Cambridge).
  • The program also supports a rodent mitigation effort.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

6. Grant Acceptance for Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1 (DISCHARGED WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION)

• ID Number: 25-1339
• Description: Mayor requested approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new match required from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1.
• Discussion:
  • Director Inacio (OSPDCD) explained the grant is an annual Gaming Commission Block Grant.
  • Funds are allocated for three subcategories:
    • $775,000 for Union Square Plaza design (100% design completion).
    • Continuation of ARPA MBTA advertising for local businesses.
    • Police patrols around the Broadway area.
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) clarified the police component: $308,000 for 4,000 hours of overtime over two years for increased traffic enforcement patrols and community engagement efforts on Thursday through Saturday evenings in the Lower Broadway and East Somerville area, particularly impacted by casino traffic.
  • Councilor Scott requested clarification on the specific areas for police patrols and the nature of community engagement. Director Wisdom offered to provide a memo with maps and details.
  • Councilor Wilson requested that traffic enforcement in East Somerville not be conducted by unmarked vehicles, citing community concerns from immigrant populations.
  • Councilor Mbah sought assurance that no unmarked vehicles would be used for enforcement. Director Wisdom stated she would inquire about the policy and provide a memo.
  • Councilor Burnley expressed "consternation and confusion" regarding the inclusion of traffic enforcement on Broadway as part of Union Square development, suggesting Mystic Ave is more impacted by casino traffic. He requested specific areas and routes for enforcement.
• Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to approve, then withdrew the motion.
• Motion: To discharge without a recommendation.
• Vote on Motion to Discharge without Recommendation:
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Aye
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Scott: Yes
  • Chair Wilson: Yes
• Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Item discharged without recommendation.

7. Grant Acceptance for Police Department Headquarters Target Hardening

• ID Number: 25-1300
• Description: Mayor requested approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new match required from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the police department headquarters.
• Discussion:
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) explained this is a UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative) funded item for critical infrastructure target hardening.
  • Councilor Burnley inquired about potential federal requirements for increased cooperation with ICE. Director Wisdom confirmed this is an FY23 grant, adhering to previous guidelines, and not subject to newer requirements.
  • Councilor Mbah asked for clarification on "target hardening." Director Wisdom explained it means making an area or place more secure against threats, such as security cameras, card access systems, fences, or barriers. She clarified it is not intended to prevent public access to the building.
  • Councilor Scott inquired about the specific project. Director Wisdom stated the funds would be used to control traffic in parking lots where critical equipment is stored, specifically the detective's lot on Washington Street and the main lot where cruisers are kept, potentially using bollards or arms for controlled access.
• Motion: To recommend approval.
• Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval:
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Aye
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Scott: Yes
  • Chair Wilson: Yes
• Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval.

8. Grant Acceptance for Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance (WITHDRAWN AND REPLACED)

• ID Number: 25-1304
• Description: Mayor requested approval to accept and expend a $55,000 grant with no new match required from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for crisis intervention training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses.
• Discussion:
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) requested to withdraw this item as the initial amount was only for Quarter 1. A new item will be submitted for the full year amount of $301,000.
  • Director Wisdom explained the grant funds three positions on the core team (deputy director, project assistant, coordination of law enforcement partnerships) and covers expenses for the Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Center.
  • Councilor Scott requested access to recurring grant documents, including quarterly report data on behavioral health calls and CIT officer responses.
  • Councilor Mbah inquired about the connection to restorative justice programs. Director Wisdom stated she would investigate how this fits into the broader landscape.
• Decision: Item withdrawn; a replacement item with a higher amount will be submitted. Discussion held in anticipation of the new item.

9. Grant Acceptance for Jail Diversion Program Personnel Expenses (WITHDRAWN AND REPLACED)

• ID Number: 25-1305
• Description: Mayor requested approval to accept and expend a $10,000 grant with no new match required from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for jail diversion program personnel expenses.
• Discussion:
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) requested to withdraw this item as the initial amount was only for Quarter 1. A new item will be submitted for the full year amount of $50,000.
  • Director Wisdom explained the grant covers 60% of the clinical coordinator's salary for the jail diversion program.
  • Councilor Scott requested access to recurring grant documents, including quarterly report data on behavioral health calls and CIT officer responses.
  • Councilor Mbah inquired about the connection to restorative justice programs. Director Wisdom stated she would investigate how this fits into the broader landscape.
• Motion: To recommend approval for both items 8 and 9 (in anticipation of the replacement items).
• Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval:
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Aye
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Scott: Yes
  • Chair Wilson: Yes
• Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval (for the anticipated full-year amounts).

10. Transfer for Shannon Grant Match Requirement

• ID Number: 25-1299
• Description: Mayor requested approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement.
• Discussion:
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) apologized for the re-submission, noting it was initially submitted for the wrong fiscal year.
  • The grant amount is $23,105 and funds community youth programs, specifically the Youth Police Academy and basketball events.
  • Director Wisdom acknowledged council concerns about overtime spending and stated the department is actively reviewing overtime use and seeking other grants to supplement the OT budget.
  • Director Wisdom confirmed that recommendations from previous discussions on the FY26 grant application are being considered.
• Motion: To recommend approval.
• Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval:
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Yes
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Scott: Yes
  • Chair Wilson: Yes
• Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). Recommended for approval.

11. Payment of Prior Invoices for Police Department

• ID Number: 25-1298
• Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance, Software, Professional and Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items.
• Discussion:
  • Director Wisdom (Police Department) explained that employee turnover and vendors sending invoices to former staff led to invoices slipping through the cracks.
  • The department is now using a departmental email for vendors and aligning processes with city procurement procedures to prevent future issues.
  • Some outstanding invoices are still trickling in, but efforts are being made to eliminate them by the end of FY26.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

12. Payment of Prior Invoices for Information Technology

• ID Number: 25-1279
• Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment accounts for monitoring software and uninterruptible power supply hardware.
• Discussion:
  • CIO David Goodrich (Information Technology) explained two invoices:
    • One for monitoring software was delayed due to a disagreement/misunderstanding with the vendor and subsequent oversight.
    • The other for UPSs was due to an E-rate submission error by consultants. The Law Department is investigating to recover funds from the consultant.
  • Councilor Scott and Chair Wilson commended the administration for providing thorough explanations for prior year invoices and outlining corrective actions.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

13. Payment of Prior Invoices for Human Resources (Medical Screening Services)

• ID Number: 25-1301
• Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services account for medical screening services.
• Discussion:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter summarized a memo from Ann Gill (Director of Human Resources).
  • Invoices from February and June 2024 were not paid due to discrepancies (incorrect rates) that required back-and-forth with the vendor (CHA). Once settled, it was past the fiscal year end.
  • HR has worked with CHA to prevent future issues.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

14. Payment of Prior Invoices for Human Resources (Confidential Shredding Services)

• ID Number: 25-1302
• Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services account for confidential shredding services.
• Discussion:
  • Legislative Liaison Hunter summarized a memo from Ann Gill (Director of Human Resources).
  • The invoice was not paid because the vendor was acquired, and HR was not notified until mid-July, meaning the address on the purchase order was incorrect. A new purchase order was required.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

15. Payment of Prior Invoices for Communications Department (Civic Day Event Food)

• ID Number: 25-1283
• Description: Mayor requested approval to pay prior invoices totaling $1,497.50 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies and Refreshment account for Civic Day event food.
• Discussion:
  • Chair Wilson noted the invoice was from Gurley's Ice Cream, a local, woman-of-color-owned business, for an event in April, with the invoice issued June 10th. He expressed concern about the 90-day delay in payment to a local vendor and emphasized the need to fix invoicing processes.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

16-22. Payment of Prior Invoices (Small Dollar Amounts)

• ID Numbers: 25-1281, 25-1282, 25-1284, 25-1286, 25-1287, 25-1288, 25-1290
• Description: Requests to pay prior invoices with small dollar amounts (double or triple figures) for various items across different departments.
• Discussion: Items were taken up together, and readings were waived due to small dollar amounts. No specific discussion on individual items.
• Decision: Laid on the table to recommend approval.

Adjournment

• Motion: Councilor Scott moved to recommend approval of the items on the table and to adjourn.
• Items Recommended for Approval: 2, 3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 through 22.
• Vote on Motion to Recommend Approval and Adjourn:
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Aye
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Scott: Yes
  • Chair Wilson: Yes
• Outcome: Motion passed (5-0). The items were recommended for approval, and the meeting was adjourned.