MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 27, 2025
100 recorded votes, 97 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.
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: Lance Davis
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-0365
Approve the minutes of the January 23, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-0347
Commending Cristiano Oliveira for his Youth National Team success and continued soccer legacy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-0348
Commending Fred Berman on the auspicious occasion of his retirement from the Office of Housing Stability
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0339
In support of transgender and gender diverse community members
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Communication #25-0360
Conveying budget priorities and requests for FY 2026
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 #25-0350
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on how the Municipal Sidewalk Clearing Pilot program for Broadway and School Street is functioning during this challenging winter
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 #25-0351
That the Director of Mobility design measures to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Prospect Hill Parkway
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 #25-0352
That the Director of Mobility design measures to improve pedestrian safety at Summer Street and Porter Street
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 #25-0355
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss the feasibility of removing snow from city playgrounds
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 #25-0356
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss the process for clearing bike lanes of snow
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 #25-0358
That the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator update this Council on the current status of the Braille embosser
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 #25-0359
That the Director of Engineering update this Council on the whereabouts of the Portland Loos
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 #25-0353
Supporting Teamsters Local 25 in the labor dispute with Stop & Shop
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0354
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development consider increasing permanent supportive housing across the city
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.”
Mayor's Request #25-0212
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Guylerna Pierre to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0215
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kristopher Taylor to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0345
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 25, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 25, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0158 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $54,400 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0159 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $18,300 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for unrestricted operating support
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0169 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,312.50 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Translation Services Account for Communication Access...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,312.50 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Translation Services Account for Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0170 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Open Space Reserve for the renovation of Quincy Street Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0173 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,000,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Strategic Planning and...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,000,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division for 14-16 Sewall Street acquisition.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0174 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,500,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Economic Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $2,500,000 grant with no new match required, from MA Executive Office of Economic Development to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Economic Development Division for the 299 Broadway redevelopment project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0342
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on February 20, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Planning Board on February 20, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1447 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be...
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be permitted in the Urban Residence (UR) zoning district.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Mayor's Request #24-1448 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1 and 11.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to improve the regulation of bicycle parking
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Order #25-0338 (report of the Land Use Committee)
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning provide the Committee on Land Use with an opinion as to whether the City Council may dictate standards and materials used for outdoor bike...
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning provide the Committee on Land Use with an opinion as to whether the City Council may dictate standards and materials used for outdoor bike facilities.
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 #25-0286
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 18, 2025
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 18, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0213 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to prevent landlords from passing realtor's fees on to tenants
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld ABSENT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Committee Report #25-0346
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 26, 2025
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 26, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0184 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Garage License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue, 1 vehicle inside, 18 vehicles outside for washing vehicles and storing unregistered vehicles, 7 days a week: 8am-8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0271 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue, 1 vehicle inside and 18 vehicles outside, Monday - Sunday: 8am to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0340
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 20, 2025
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on February 20, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0288
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on February 19, 2025
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on February 19, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0344
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 24, 2025
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on February 24, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0290
Requesting approval of the Municipal Election Calendar for 2025
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-0164
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Lawyers For Civil Rights Boston as outside legal counsel on a pro bono basis to represent the City in connection with any Executive Order issued by the...
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Lawyers For Civil Rights Boston as outside legal counsel on a pro bono basis to represent the City in connection with any Executive Order issued by the Trump Administration impacting sanctuary cities.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0291
New Drainlayer's License, Doherty Excavating Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0293
Renewing Drainlayer's License, A. A. Will Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0294
Renewing Drainlayer's License, BSI Engineering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0295
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Classic Site Solutions Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0296
Renewing Drainlayer's License, D&M Civil Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0297
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Insite Contracting Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0298
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Keash Excavating Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0300
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mirra Co. LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0301
Renewing Drainlayer's License, R. M. Pacella Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0302
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Raffaele Construction Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0303
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Sean Farrell Excavation Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0304
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tim Zanelli Excavating LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0305
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tufts Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0306
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Vinny Mofford Excavation LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0307
Renewing Drainlayer's License, W.L. French Excavating
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0292
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0308
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Cataldo Ambulance Service Inc, 137 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0309
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Dakzen, 195 Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0310
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0311
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, McDonalds, 14 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0312
Renewing Flammables License, Metropolitan Pipe and Supply Company, 30 Inner Belt Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0313
Renewing Flammables License, Winter Hill Yacht Club, 500 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0314
Renewing Garage License, Cataldo Ambulance Service, 4 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0315
Renewing Garage License, Drain Doctor Inc., 612 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0316
Renewing Garage License, Gasper Ostuni, 195 Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0317
Renewing Garage License, Herb Chambers I-93 Inc., 71 Linwood Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0318
Renewing Garage License, Herb Chambers I-93 Inc., 259 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0319
Renewing Garage License, Mass General Brigham Inc., 399 Revolution Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0320
Renewing Garage License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0321
Renewing Garage License, Original Auto Body and Mechanic, Inc., 12 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0322
Renewing Garage License, Teele Square Auto, 1284 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0323
Renewing Garage License, Tracer Technologies Inc., 20 Assembly Square Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0324
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Mercedes Benz of Boston, 161 Linwood Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0325
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Star Markets Company #2575, 275 Beacon Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0326
Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Atlas Metals Inc., 475 Columbia Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0327
Renewing Second Hand Dealer License, Buffalo Exchange Ltd., 238 Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0328
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Jean B. Victor, Med #85
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0329
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, LTK Inc., Med. #66
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0330
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Renaissance Taxi Service LLC, Med. #50
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0332
Theatre@First applying for a Public Event License for The Tempest on various dates between April 30 and June 22 from 5pm to 9pm (raindates June 27, June 28 and June 29)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0331
Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for M.O.M.'S 5K Run and Walk for Cancer on May 11 from 7am to 2pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-0397
Commending Michael Feloney for ten years of dedicated service in the Housing Division
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0367
That the Director of Health and Human Services submit in writing monthly updates to this Council regarding ongoing efforts to address homelessness
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0378
That the Director of Mobility address the dangerous conditions with the bike lane entrance at Washington Street and Webster 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 #25-0379
That the Director of Inspectional Services enforce Section 11-111 of the Code of Ordinances - Registration and maintenance of vacant property, in light of the recent collapse of 316 Somerville 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 #25-0394
That the Director of Mobility and Director of Engineering discuss with this Council the effectiveness of speed cushions as a traffic calming measure and potential applications on key Fire...
That the Director of Mobility and Director of Engineering discuss with this Council the effectiveness of speed cushions as a traffic calming measure and potential applications on key Fire Department response routes.
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 #25-0396
That the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and Eversource do everything within their power to reduce the burden of rising natural gas costs for Somerville residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0381
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Anderson Construction & Excavation Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0384
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Edward Ahern
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0382
Renewing Drainlayer's License, K.B. Aruda Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0383
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Minkin Construction
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0385
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Tascon Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0386
Renewing Drainlayer's License, USA Excavating Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0387
Renewing Garage License, Goodyear Auto Service Center, 1 Bow Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0388
Renewing Garage License, Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0389
Renewing Garage License, Mass General Brigham, 21 Third Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0390
Renewing Livery License, Boston Novelty Limo LLC, 333 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0391
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, Martha Lee Trust, 147 Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0380
New Taxi Medallion License, Joseph Aime, Med. #78
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0392
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Joseph Nicolas, Med. #79
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #25-0393
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 41 Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1761
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Tran to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1763
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Victor Romero Palomo to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
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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