MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 23, 2025
53 recorded votes, 52 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. Naima Sait arrived late (7:02 PM). Wilfred Mbah arrived late (7:02 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: J.T. Scott
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-0146
Approve the minutes of the December 12, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 12, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0106
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 436 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from existing Manhole 15224 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 15222
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0107
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 86 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 8655 to an existing Handhole at 52 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0108
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 61 feet of conduit in Lowell Street, from Utility Pole 215/35 to a point of pickup at 326 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0117
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss in the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, the introduction of an ongoing middle school girls intramural...
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss in the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations, the introduction of an ongoing middle school girls intramural hockey program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0118
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better...
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #25-0116
That the Superintendent of Schools consider opening the Highlander Cafe within Somerville High School to the public for regular lunch hours while school is in session and that the Administration...
That the Superintendent of Schools consider opening the Highlander Cafe within Somerville High School to the public for regular lunch hours while school is in session and that the Administration address any barriers to this request.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0121
That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to address resident claims that newly installed water meters are falsely registering air pockets in residential cold water lines as...
That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to address resident claims that newly installed water meters are falsely registering air pockets in residential cold water lines as leaks, leading to significantly inaccurate bills.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0123
That the Director of Capital Projects update this Council on installing a water fountain at Nunziato Dog Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0124
That the Commissioner of Public Works construct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk path around the large tree at the corner of Walnut Street and Summit Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0125
That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the feasibility of signal priority for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) busses in Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0126
That the Director of Mobility develop plans for a safe pedestrian crossing of Lowell Street, at Bailey Park, and additional traffic calming measures between Summer Street and Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0122
That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Council, in writing, what types of demolition permits are granted without requiring an on-site fire detail
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0127
That the Director of Veterans Services report to this Council on any plans to honor the memory of Airman Staff Sergeant Loring E. Lord, a Somerville resident and high school graduate who was shot...
That the Director of Veterans Services report to this Council on any plans to honor the memory of Airman Staff Sergeant Loring E. Lord, a Somerville resident and high school graduate who was shot down over Germany in the spring of 1945.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0130
That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on the current policy regarding usage of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and any plans to remove SGARs currently...
That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on the current policy regarding usage of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and any plans to remove SGARs currently deployed in bait boxes in light of multiple recent birds of prey deaths apparently related to ingesting rat poison.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0132
That the Director of SomerViva update the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on efforts to address immigrant rights
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0133
That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on recent changes to condominium conversion and tenant protection laws as a result of the 2024 Housing Bond Bill and how Somerville may...
That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on recent changes to condominium conversion and tenant protection laws as a result of the 2024 Housing Bond Bill and how Somerville may strengthen its protections.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0134
That the Director of Housing Stability update this Council on efforts to raise awareness for eviction sealing assistance in light of recent state legislation enabling the sealing of evictions
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0135
That the Director of Economic Development and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on the potential impacts of the proposed soccer stadium in Everett
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0136
That the Director of Health and Human Services and the Chief Fire Engineer update this Council on potential impacts of a proposed lithium battery complex in Everett
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0137
That the Director of Mobility work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to increase flex post usage and other pedestrian safety measures on crosswalks along McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0138
That the Director of Mobility address the increased traffic along Lombardi Street, Mystic Avenue and Grand Union Boulevard due to signal changes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0139
That the Director of Parking place NO IDLING signs on New Washington Street, behind the Cobble Hill complex, to discourage large truck idling by the senior homes
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #25-0140
That the Memorialization Committee dedicate a memorial to Kenneth Lonergan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Committee Report #25-0119
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 21, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1642 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,725.65 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Administration In State Travel Account for EZ pass
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1643 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,063.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Fire Alarm R&M Account for fire alarm equipment programming
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1660 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $40,021 grant with no new match required, from Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the continuation of partial funding for the Jail...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $40,021 grant with no new match required, from Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for the continuation of partial funding for the Jail Diversion Coordinator position.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1694 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $4,757,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the recurring FY 2025 Sewer Improvements program
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld, and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #24-1713 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $110,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the 90 Washington Demonstration Project Account for ongoing litigation costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1718 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,159 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Ordinary Maintenance Account for Tree Keeper/311...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $60,159 from the Public Space and Urban Forestry Capital Account to the Public Space and Urban Forestry Ordinary Maintenance Account for Tree Keeper/311 Integration expenses.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1725 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services for reimbursement of expenses relating to the Chief...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.03 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services for reimbursement of expenses relating to the Chief of Police interview process.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1727 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for 911 personnel costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1728 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $133,427.11 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for training and...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $133,427.11 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for training and recertification and additional staffing support.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1729 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for ambulance service
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0016 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Fire Department for staffing costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0018 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a Community Heat Resilience Pilot...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Barr Foundation to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a Community Heat Resilience Pilot Grant Program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0020 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Economic Development to the Economic Development Division for a Small Business...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Economic Development to the Economic Development Division for a Small Business Success Technical Assistance program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0021 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for a Senior...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100,000 grant with no new match required, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for a Senior Housing Bridge pilot program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0101
Requesting the appropriation of $186,343 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Building Insurance Account to insure additional properties
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0109
New Livery License, Med Transportation LLC, 34 Grant Street, operating 1 vehicle
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0110
New Sign/Awning License, Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine, 104 Broadway, 2 signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0111
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, 28 Motorsports Inc., 486R Columbia Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0143
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Sam's Auto Sales, 166 Boston Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0141
That the Administration create an annual survey of Somerville parents and guardians, similar to but unrelated to the Happiness Survey and unrelated to Somerville Public Schools, and distribute it...
That the Administration create an annual survey of Somerville parents and guardians, similar to but unrelated to the Happiness Survey and unrelated to Somerville Public Schools, and distribute it through various channels in print and online.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0147
That this City Council hold a public hearing in the Committee on Finance on the community’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #25-0153
That the Director of Economic Development work with the Licensing Commission to ensure the creation of on-site social consumption licenses are discussed at upcoming meetings
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0154
That the Director of Economic Development present to this Council a plan to ensure compliance with Section 8-18 of the Code of Ordinances
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #25-0152
Urging the creation of supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer licenses for on-site cannabis consumption
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0150
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,730 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and the Information...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $13,730 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software Account for voice maintenance, and the Information Technology Computer Hardware Account for laptop accessories.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0155
Somerville Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for Maple Project and Boil Down on February 28 and March 1 from 8am to 8pm (raindate March 7 and 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0156
That the City Solicitor's Office is authorized to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaint by Laura Ortiz on behalf of the City Council
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0157
That the Administration immediately withdraw the School Building Community Feedback Survey, released this morning, regarding the replacement of the Winter Hill and, potentially, Brown School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
From the Somerville City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s Legistar meeting calendar (July 2022 on) and its older meeting portal (2010 to mid-2022), both linked from the City Council page on somervillema.gov. We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Somerville (somervillema.gov) official headshots for Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Wilfred Mbah, Naima Sait, J.T. Scott and Kristen Strezo; The Somerville Times (thesomervilletimes.com) for Emily Hardt, Jon Link, Matthew McLaughlin and Ben Wheeler. Former councilors show initials.
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