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Meeting Minutes: City Council Meeting

Governing Body: City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: Thursday, July 10th

Attendees: * Councillor Mbah * Councillor Wilson * Councillor Ewen-Campen (joined remotely) * Councillor Scott * Councillor McLaughlin * Councillor Burnley * Councillor Sait (absent) * Councillor Strezo * Councillor Clingan (joined remotely) * Councillor Davis * Clerk

Executive Summary: The City Council convened for a regular meeting on July 10th, where significant actions included the election of Councillor Lance Davis as President and Councillor Will Mbah as Vice President for the remainder of 2025. The Council approved several grants of location for Eversource and Crown Castle Fiber, with one Eversource grant conditioned on a meeting with residents. A resolution supporting Teamsters Local 25 in their labor dispute with Republic Services was unanimously approved, alongside a mayoral communication urging resolution to contract negotiations. The Council also approved resolutions regarding a speed bump on Cherry Street and condemning Harvard's actions against its graduate student union. Financial appropriations totaling over $6.4 million were approved for collective bargaining agreements, participatory budgeting projects, Cummings School renovations, and police department retroactive payments. Discussion on condominium conversion ordinance amendments was tabled to the next meeting.

1. Call to Order & Roll Call * Meeting called to order by Councillor Lance Davis. * Roll Call: * Councillor Mbah: Present * Councillor Wilson: Present * Councillor Ewen-Campen: Present * Councillor Scott: Present * Councillor McLaughlin: Present * Councillor Burnley: Present * Councillor Sait: Absent * Councillor Strezo: Present * Councillor Clingan: Present * Councillor Davis: Present * Quorum established with seven councillors present and three absent.

2. Moment of Silence * A moment of silence was observed.

3. Approval of Minutes * Regular Meeting of June 12th: Approved.

4. Election of City Council President (Remainder of 2025 Term) * Nomination: Councillor Mbah nominated Councillor Lance Davis. * Motion to Close Nominations: Approved. * Roll Call Vote for President: * Councillor Mbah: Councillor Lance Davis * Councillor Wilson: Councillor Lance Davis * Councillor Ewen-Campen: Councillor Lance Davis * Councillor Scott: Councillor Davis * Councillor McLaughlin: Councillor Davis * Councillor Burnley: Councillor Davis * Councillor Strezo: Councillor Davis * Councillor Clingan: Councillor Davis * Councillor Davis: Councillor Davis * Outcome: Councillor Lance Davis elected President with 7 votes. * Oath of Office: Administered by the City Clerk.

5. Election of City Council Vice President (Remainder of 2025 Term) * Nomination: Councillor Wilson nominated Councillor Will Mbah. * Motion to Close Nominations: Approved. * Roll Call Vote for Vice President: * Councillor Mbah: Councillor William Ba * Councillor Wilson: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Ewen-Campen: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Scott: Councillor Mbah * Councillor McLaughlin: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Burnley: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Strezo: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Clingan: Councillor Mbah * Councillor Davis: Councillor Mbah * Outcome: Councillor Will Mbah elected Vice President with 7 votes. * Oath of Office: Administered by the City Clerk.

6. Public Hearings (Items Taken Out of Order)

• Item 3.1: Small Wireless Facility from Crown Castle Fiber (10 Hawthorne Street)

  • Description: Upgrade of existing outdated equipment, including power conversion for updated antenna and radios.
  • Public Comment: Randy Spisano (Crown Castle Fiber) presented the upgrade.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 3.2: Grant of Location from Eversource (Broadway and Mount Vernon Street)

  • Description: Install approximately 166 feet of conduit from Manhole 1784 to 44 Broadway to provide electric service to an 81-unit building and two retail spaces.
  • Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 3.3: Grant of Location from Eversource (Given Street)

  • Description: Install one new manhole and approximately 76 feet of conduit in Given Street from utility pole 383 over 1 through new manhole 32650 to 156 Highland Ave for electric service.
  • Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 3.4: Grant of Location from Eversource (Warren Street)

  • Description: Install one new manhole 32350 and approximately 30 feet of conduit in Warren Street to 8 Medford Street for electric service to 18 residential units.
  • Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 3.5: Grant of Location from Eversource (Moreland Street)

  • Description: Install approximately 40 feet of conduit in Moreland Street from utility pole 236 over 9 to 77 Moreland Street for electrical service to 79 R Moreland Street.
  • Public Comment:
    • Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
    • Nick (77 Moreland Street resident) expressed concern about the "approximate" pickup point, requesting an exact location to avoid impeding private property and potential easement issues.
  • Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to add a condition that Eversource meet with the neighbors to address concerns regarding the exact location.
  • Outcome: Approved with the condition that Eversource meet with the neighbors to sort out the exact location.

• Item 3.6: Grant of Location from Eversource (Prospect Street)

  • Description: Install approximately 5 feet of conduit in Prospect Street from manhole 23059 to 86 Prospect Street for electric service to a 29-unit building.
  • Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 3.7: Grant of Location from Eversource (Prospect Street)

  • Description: Install approximately 17 feet of conduit in Prospect Street from manhole 23058 to an approximate point near 110 Prospect Street to enhance system reliability.
  • Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) presented the request.
  • Outcome: Approved.

7. Resolutions & Communications (Items Taken Out of Order)

• Item 4.1: Resolution in Support of Teamsters Local 25 (Councillors Clingan, Burnley, Ewen-Campen, Scott, Sait, Mbah, Strezo, Wilson, and Davis)

  • Description: Resolution supporting Teamsters Local 25 in their labor dispute with Republic Services. Councillor McLaughlin added as co-sponsor.
  • Item 10.7: Communication of the Mayor Conveying a Communication to Republic Services
    • Description: Urging expeditious resolution to contract negotiations.
  • Discussion:
    • Councillor McLaughlin highlighted the corporatization of wealth at the expense of workers and the CEO's high salary compared to trash collectors.
    • Public Comment: Bridget Quinn (Legislative Director, Teamsters Joint Council 10 New England) spoke on behalf of Local 25, representing 450 workers. She stated demands for higher wages, affordable health insurance, and safe working conditions, noting Republic Services' refusal to bargain in good faith. She emphasized the strike's impact on 14 communities and small businesses, and that Republic Services, the second-largest waste company, should provide competitive wages and benefits.
    • Councillor Strezo commended Teamsters Local 25 and condemned Republic Services' contempt for its workforce and customers.
    • Councillor Mbah reiterated the resolution's points on fair wages, affordable healthcare, safe working conditions, and adequate paid time off as basic dignities.
    • Councillor Scott expressed support for the strike, noting the impact on over 100 residential and commercial customers in Somerville. He requested the administration consider extending municipal tipping services for large residential buildings during the conflict.
    • Councillor Davis requested the City Clerk ensure the resolution and mayoral communication are sent to Republic Services.
  • Outcome: Both items approved.

• Item 10.1: Order by Councillor Burnley (Cherry Street Speed Bump)

  • Description: Request for the Director of Mobility to assess the feasibility and need for a speed bump on Cherry Street between Highland Avenue and Summer Street.
  • Discussion: Councillor Burnley emphasized the safety concern for residents due to speeding cars on a relatively small road.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 10.2: Resolution by Councillor Burnley (Condemning Harvard's Attack on Graduate Student Union)

  • Description: Resolution condemning Harvard University's attempt to strip union protections from graduate student workers.
  • Motion: Councillor Burnley moved to replace the item with a revised version.
  • Revised Resolution Language (read by Clerk): "Whereas education, research, and academic inquiry are values intimately connected to the lives, careers, and passions of Somervillians, and whereas the Trump administration has targeted education and research, including grants, funding, and academic freedom at Harvard University, and whereas Harvard University employs many residents of Somerville, and whereas labor unions play a critical role in workplace and economic justice, and whereas Harvard University is attempting to strip union protections away from workers who are in tenuous positions in science research, including by removing hundreds of students from the Harvard Graduate Student Union, now therefore be it resolved that the Somerville City Council strongly opposes these actions by Harvard, is opposed to all forms of union busting, and urges Harvard administrators to undo these actions, and be it further resolved that Somerville urges Harvard administration to seriously engage with the demands of the Harvard Graduate Students Union on issues from fair pay to protections from harassment and discrimination to resources for non-citizens, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Harvard University administration and president."
  • Outcome of Motion to Replace: Approved.
  • Discussion on Revised Resolution:
    • Councillor Burnley spoke about the "disturbing and frankly disgusting actions" by Harvard, attempting to remove 973 workers from their union, arguing they are not workers. He called this an attack on the dignity of all workers and an attempt to bankrupt the union.
    • Public Comment: Dorothy Manovich (Somerville resident, Harvard Graduate Students Union member) spoke about the benefits of her union membership (dental surgery, protection from overwork/harassment) and the impact of Harvard's actions on 1,000 workers who would lose wage protections, harassment protections, and access to emergency funds. She stated the actions are "pretty explicitly illegal" and weaken the union's capacity.
    • Co-sponsors: Councillors Wilson, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, Mbah.
    • Councillor Mbah thanked Councillor Burnley and Ms. Manovich, sharing his own experience as a union member in grad school.
    • Councillor Wilson condemned Harvard for taking advantage of the rollback of labor gains under the Trump administration, calling it "disgusting" and an exploitation of student labor.
    • Councillor Scott urged Harvard to de-escalate the conflict, stating graduate students and workers are not the enemy and make the institution flourish.
    • Councillor Strezo expressed solidarity with the workers.
    • Councillor Davis echoed support, emphasizing the fundamental right to withhold labor and the importance of collaboration on labor issues.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 10.3: Resolution by Councillor Burnley (Public Workers' Right to Strike)

  • Description: Resolution in support of a pair of bills at the State House that would give certain public workers the right to strike.
  • Discussion:
    • Councillor Burnley argued that withholding labor is a fundamental right for workers and citizens, and public workers should have the same rights as private sector workers to pursue better working conditions, wages, and dignity. He noted that Somerville's voice matters at the state level.
    • Public Comment:
      • Colette Burrard (Ward 7 resident, public school teacher) shared her experience with the Andover Education Association strike in November 2023, highlighting the risks and the lack of incentive for school committees to negotiate when strikes are illegal. She argued that making strikes illegal doesn't stop them, but rather incentivizes employers to wait out workers.
      • Jim Kaplan (Ward 6 resident, former Somerville teacher, Mass Teachers Association) discussed the historical division between private and public sector labor rights, noting its origins in excluding certain groups. He argued that increasing labor power is crucial for the Democratic Party and that the right to strike would lead to earlier contract settlements and prevent loss of workers.
      • Mary Ann Wallace (Ward 4 resident, Regional Vice President for SEIU 509) spoke about public sector workers being "held at gunpoint" due to their inability to strike, leading to stalled negotiations and delayed payments. She emphasized that contracts are about working conditions and fighting for community members, not just wages.
    • Co-sponsors: Councillors Wilson, Davis, Scott, Mbah, McLaughlin, Strezo.
    • Councillor McLaughlin discussed the historical struggle for labor rights, noting that strikes are a significant risk for workers and not taken lightly. He supported the right to strike as a means to ensure fair pay for vital work.
    • Councillor Wilson referenced the UK's approach to public sector strikes, suggesting that providing good contracts to unions prevents strikes.
    • Councillor Scott highlighted that public sector workers often take lower pay due to their belief in public service and that the right to strike empowers them in decision-making processes, leading to a better system.
    • Councillor Mbah thanked the speakers and Councillor Burnley for their leadership.
    • Councillor Davis emphasized that this resolution is an expression of support to state representatives for a fundamental issue affecting millions of workers, and that the October 1st effective date for the condominium conversion ordinance would not change regardless of the timing of the vote.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 10.4: Communication by Councillor Burnley (Wage Theft Advisory Committee)

  • Description: Conveying information regarding the reconstitution of the Wage Theft Advisory Committee.
  • Discussion: Councillor Burnley informed the Council that he would be working with the Council President to find representatives from various unions to fill positions on the committee, which currently lacks a quorum. He expects to present suggestions after the recess to ensure the committee can effectively address wage theft.
  • Outcome: Approved.

8. Executive Session

• Item 5.1: Officer's Communication from the Director of Economic Development (90 Washington Street)
  • Description: Requesting an executive session to discuss strategy regarding the disposition of 90 Washington Street.
  • Legal Opinion: Attorney Selkirk confirmed the item was appropriate for executive session.
  • Motion to Move to Executive Session: Councillor Wilson moved to enter executive session.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Aye
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion approved with 7 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 3 absent. Council entered executive session.
  • Return from Executive Session: No votes were taken in executive session other than the vote to adjourn.

9. Committee Reports

• Item 6C: Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters (Meeting on July 1st, 2025)

  • Presenter: Councillor Davis.
  • Discussion:
    • The committee discussed regulation of mopeds/motorized bicycles, focusing on insurance and making the community path safer. The item was left in committee for further research.
    • The primary discussion was on proposed amendments to the condominium conversion ordinance (Item 24-1740, later identified as 25-1044).
  • Motion: Councillor Davis moved to sever Item 25-1044 with the intent to place it on file, as it would be replaced by Item 7.1.
  • Outcome of Motion to Sever: Approved.
  • Outcome of Placing on File: Approved.
  • Outcome of Report: Accepted as submitted.

• Item 7.1: Request of the Mayor (Amendment to Condominium Conversion Ordinance)

  • Description: Requesting ordainment of an amendment to sections 7-64, 7-65, and 7-68 of the Code of Ordinances to reduce displacement of tenants and update relocation payments. This item replaces the one previously discussed in committee.
  • Discussion:
    • Councillor Davis clarified that this item is substantively the same as the one discussed in committee, with the addition of an October 1st effective date. The changes aim to mitigate tenant displacement by making it more attractive to keep residents in their homes.
    • Councillor Scott (member of the working group) explained that the amendment addresses a loophole where tenants were displaced before receiving relocation benefits. The changes ensure that tenants receive compensation as intended by the ordinance.
    • Councillor Wilson moved to table Item 7.1, along with public communications 9.8, 10.18, 10.19, and 10.20, until the next meeting to allow more time for public feedback and for all councillors to be present for the discussion and vote.
    • Councillor Davis supported the motion to table, noting that the October 1st effective date would not change regardless of when the vote occurs, allowing for further consideration of constituent concerns.
  • Outcome: Motion to table approved.

• Item 6A: Report of the Committee on Finance (Meeting on July 8th, 2025)

  • Presenter: Councillor Wilson.
  • Discussion:
    • The committee met for 1 hour and 13 minutes, with 4 of 5 members present.
    • Recommended approval of minutes from six budget season meetings.
    • Recommended approval of authorization to dispose of unclaimed bicycles through a YMCA program.
    • Recommended approval of a new contract with Blue Bikes.
    • Recommended approval of an extension of the lease agreement for the parking lot off Grove Street.
    • Recommended approval of a time-only extension with the Franklin Cummings Institute for Job Training for the Job Creation Retention Trust.
    • Marked as withdrawn three items at the administration's request, with two being replaced by Items 7.2 and 10.5.
  • Roll Call Vote on Committee Report Acceptance:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Committee report accepted with 8 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent.

• Roll Call Votes on Items from Finance Committee Report:

  • Item 25-0978: Fourth Amendment to a Lease for the Grove Street Parking Lot
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councillor Wilson: Yes
      • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councillor Scott: Yes
      • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
      • Councillor Burnley: Aye
      • Councillor Sait: Yes
      • Councillor Strezo: Yes
      • Councillor Clingan: Yes
      • Councillor Mbah: Yes
      • Councillor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.
  • Item 25-1160: Final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing Agreement for the 299 Broadway Project
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Councillor Wilson: Yes
      • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
      • Councillor Scott: Yes
      • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
      • Councillor Burnley: Aye
      • Councillor Sait: Yes
      • Councillor Strezo: Yes
      • Councillor Clingan: Yes
      • Councillor Mbah: Yes
      • Councillor Davis: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

10. Financial Appropriations (Items Taken Out of Order)

• Item 7.2 (25-1238): Request of the Mayor (Sewell Park Maintenance Agreement)

  • Description: Requesting approval of a maintenance agreement and landscape management and maintenance plan for the future Sewell Park at the 299 Broadway development.
  • Item 10.5: Request of the Mayor (Public Access and Maintenance Easement for 299 Broadway)
    • Description: Requesting approval of a public access and maintenance access easement for 299 Broadway property owner, LLC.
  • Discussion: Councillor Wilson thanked the developer, legal department, and IGA for quickly preparing the replacement items.
  • Roll Call Vote (for both items):
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Both items approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

• Item 7.3: Request of the Mayor (Appropriation for Collective Bargaining Agreements)

  • Description: Requesting approval to appropriate $1.5 million from the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund to the school department to fund collective bargaining agreements.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

• Item 7.4: Request of the Mayor (Appropriation for Participatory Budgeting)

  • Description: Requesting the appropriation of $1,045,000 from the Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund for the purpose of implementing the winning projects from the second participatory budgeting cycle.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

• Item 7.5: Request of the Mayor (Appropriation for Cummings School Renovations)

  • Description: Requesting approval to appropriate $800,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund for renovations to the Cummings School for the Warming Center project.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Aye
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

• Item 10.6: Request of the Mayor (Appropriation for Police Department Retroactive Payments)

  • Description: Requesting approval to appropriate $3,892,796 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 Police Employees Association.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Wilson: Yes
    • Councillor Ewen-Campen: Yes
    • Councillor Scott: Yes
    • Councillor McLaughlin: Yes
    • Councillor Burnley: Yes
    • Councillor Sait: Yes
    • Councillor Strezo: Yes
    • Councillor Clingan: Yes
    • Councillor Mbah: Yes
    • Councillor Davis: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved with 9 votes in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

11. Administrative Items (Taken Out of Order)

• Item 7.6: Request of the Mayor (Mass Works Infrastructure Program Grant)

  • Description: Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3 million grant with no new match required from the Mass Works Infrastructure Program to the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management for the Inner Belt and Brick Bottom Pedestrian Crossing and Associated Project Area.
  • Discussion: Councillor Wilson suggested approving the item directly rather than sending it to finance.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 7.7: Request of the Mayor (Appointment of Daquan Goodnow)

  • Description: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Daquan Goodnow to the position of police officer.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 7.8: Request of the Mayor (Appointment of Andrew Pasqualino)

  • Description: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Andrew Pasqualino to the position of police officer.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 7.9: Request of the Mayor (Appointment of Benji Antoine)

  • Description: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Benji Antoine to the position of police officer.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 7.10: Request of the Mayor (Appointment of Victor Souza)

  • Description: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Victor Souza to the position of police officer.
  • Outcome: Approved.

12. Committee Reports (Continued)

• Item 6B: Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development (Meeting on June 30th, 2025)
  • Presenter: Councillor Strezo.
  • Discussion:
    • The committee met with 2 of 3 members present (Councillor Ewen-Campen and Councillor Strezo).
    • Discussed Councillor McLaughlin's order regarding the housing bond bill and strengthening condominium conversion and tenant protection laws.
    • Key Information: Sealing of evictions: Effective May 5th, tenants can petition to seal records from no-fault evictions. The Office of Housing Stability is working with Cambridge to disseminate information and offer workshops.
    • Discussed the economic impact of small businesses due to federal immigration policies. Deputy Director Dana Whiteside discussed efforts like the business impact packets (1033) and grants. Programs exist to help small businesses obtain tax IDs for city vendor opportunities.
    • Discussed the one-year action plan for the Community Development Block Grant. Director of Finance and Community Development Ellen Ancisco reported that for the first time in 20 years, the city will fully leverage the financing capabilities, requiring an annual entitlement payment of $500,000, resulting in long-term community benefits.
    • Discussed the impact of construction on small businesses, which remains in committee for ongoing discussion.
  • Outcome: Minutes approved.

13. New Business

• Item 7.11: Request of the Mayor (90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan)

  • Description: Requesting that the City Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Somerville Redevelopment Authority regarding updating the 90 Washington Street demonstration project plan.
  • Outcome: Approved to be referred to the Land Use Committee.

• Item 8.1: Officer's Communication from the Chief of Police (Biannual Report)

  • Description: Conveying a biannual report pursuant to section 2-6G of the Code of Ordinances.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

• Item 8.2: Officer's Communication from the City Clerk (Block Party Licenses Issued)

  • Description: Conveying block party licenses issued.
  • Discussion: Councillor Wilson inquired about the availability of block party supplies from the budget. The Clerk responded that the city is sourcing vendors and moving urgently, but the contracting process is lengthy.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

• Items 9.1 - 9.6 & 10.8 - 10.16 (Waiver of Readings)

  • Motion: Councillor Burnley moved to waive the readings and approve these items.
  • Discussion:
    • Councillor Scott expressed enthusiasm for the July 19th Honk Community Concert at Lincoln Park Soccer Field.
    • Councillor Davis announced the second annual community event at Davis Square on September 4th or 5th, sponsored by the Somerville Foundation and Davis Square Merchants.
  • Outcome: Approved.

• Item 9.7: Public Communication from Courtney Foster

  • Description: Submitting comments regarding item 25-1170 in support of the Climate Superfund Bill.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

• Item 10.17: Public Communication from Margaret Sapir

  • Description: Submitting comments regarding a sea spire.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

• Item 10.21: Public Communication from John Angeloni

  • Description: Submitting comments regarding Davis Square.
  • Discussion: Councillor Davis noted he had spoken with the Director of Engineering regarding this item.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

14. Late Item / Motion from the Floor

• Motion: The President moved that the Council congratulates Councillor Sait on the birth of her child, who arrived on July 3rd.
• Outcome: Approved.

15. Adjournment * Motion to adjourn by Councillor McLaughlin. * Meeting adjourned.