MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 10, 2025
96 recorded votes, 94 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. Matthew McLaughlin arrived late (7:05 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-0756
Approve the minutes of the March 13, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0738
That the Middlesex District Attorney appear before this Council to provide an update on the unsolved murders of Deanna Cremin and Charline Rosamond
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0741
In support of an Act Facilitating Public Ownership of Public Utilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0743
That the Director of Mobility install a rapid flashing beacon with push button STOP sign in front of the East Somerville Community School, on the Cross Street side, to assist in street crossings
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 #25-0744
That Commissioner of Public Works increase the lighting at Chuckie Harris Park along the fence abutting properties on Minnesota 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 #25-0745
That the Chief Assessor and the City Treasurer discuss with this Council the issue of residents not receiving initial motor vehicle excise tax bills, resulting in demand fees
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 #25-0609
In support of completing the Mass Central Rail Trail
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0748
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 8, 2025
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 8, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0572 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Saulnier to the position of Fire Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0573 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Wall to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0574 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Patrick Barry to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0575 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Joseph Laudano to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0577 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Troy Saulnier to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0578 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Collins to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0667
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 2, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 2, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0747
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 8, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on April 8, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0280 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $25,600 grant that requires an in-kind match which is a portion of the Director's salary, to the Office of Emergency Management for emergency management...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $25,600 grant that requires an in-kind match which is a portion of the Director's salary, to the Office of Emergency Management for emergency management and Fire Department supplies.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #25-0375 (report of the Finance Committee)
Amending the Code of Ordinances by adding Section 2-325 to Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3 related to compensation for elected officials
Yes: Burnley, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, Sait, Scott, WilsonNo: Clingan, Davis, McLaughlin, Neufeld, StrezoThe minutes record this as not approved even though more councilors voted yes than no (6 to 5). Some council votes need more than a simple majority (for example two-thirds for borrowing); MassVoter shows the result as the minutes record it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: NOT APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Five City Councilor Sait NAY: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0414 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $787.50 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Supplies Account for ray catchers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0415 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the approval of a time-only contract extension for three years for the Somerville Hispanic Association for Community Development for restoration of 59 Cross Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0493 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $276.94 using available funds in the Parks and Recreation Department Kennedy Pool Account for paint supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0531 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000 grant with no new match required, from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to the Council on Aging for senior transportation services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0542 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $76,787.19 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of the Prevention Services Coordinator for FY 2026
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, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0579 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $1,200 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for arbitration services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0585 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,282.76 using available funds in the Police Department Public Safety Supply Account for bicycles, parts, and accessories
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0601 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $9,750,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for a portion of the costs associated with the development of the Clarendon Hill Phase II Housing Project
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, Ward Six City Councilor Davis, and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Committee Report #25-0721
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on April 3, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on April 3, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0660
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 1, 2025
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 1, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0746
Accept the report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 7, 2025
Report of the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy, meeting on April 7, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0658
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on March 31, 2025
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on March 31, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0727 (report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee)
That the Administration report to this Council on the cause of the reported chemical imbalance at the Ginny Smithers Pool and the process being used to address the imbalance
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 #25-0729 (report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee)
That the Administration develop a new process to address ongoing maintenance at the Ginny Smithers Pool and report to this Council to describe that process
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 #25-0720
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kevin McGuirk to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0730
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mitzschael Myrthil to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0731
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Norberto Maldonado to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0733
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nolan Carrier to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0734
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Peter Donovan to the position of Firefighter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0669
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Caruso Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0670
Renewing Drainlayer's License, E.B. Rotondi & Sons Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0671
Renewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0672
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Form Up Sitework LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0673
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0675
Renewing Drainlayer's License, LaMountain Brothers Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0676
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Meninno Construction Co., Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0677
Renewing Flammables License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0678
Renewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, Inc., 583 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0679
Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 23R Inner Belt Rd
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0680
Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 70R Third Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0681
Renewing Flammables License, Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, 132 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0682
Renewing Flammables License, Pearl Street Auto Sales, 182 Pearl Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0684
Renewing Garage License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0685
Renewing Garage License, Automotive Transport Services Inc, 40 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0687
Renewing Garage License, BBC Auto Repair, 42 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0688
Renewing Garage License, Brazil Auto Repair Inc, 635 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0689
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Gulf Inc., 212 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0690
Renewing Garage License, Dino's Auto Center, 308 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0691
Renewing Garage License, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 445 Artisan Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0692
Renewing Garage License, GE Auto Repair, 631 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0693
Renewing Garage License, John's Auto Sales, Inc., 181 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0694
Renewing Garage License, Mass Inspection, 712 Mystic Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0695
Renewing Garage License, New England Collision Center Inc., 224 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0696
Renewing Garage License, Ravelo's Auto Service, 63 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0697
Renewing Garage License, Union Gulf Service LLC, 231 Washington St
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0698
New Livery License, Osho Uber Services LLC, 68 Gilman Street, operating 1 vehicle
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0699
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0700
New Sign/Awning License, Los Tacos Hermanos, 253 Washington Street, 1 sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0701
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Bostonshuttles.com LLP to Renesans LLC for Medallions #69,71,89
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0702
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans., Inc., Med. #15
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0703
Renewing Taxi Medallion, Jolina Taxi, Inc., Med. #52
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0704
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Michael H. Garvey, Med. #57
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0705
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0706
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0709
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 295 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0707
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0708
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 22-26 Union Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0710
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Ravelo's Auto Sales, 63 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0715
Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Store on April 19 from 10am to 4pm (raindate April 27)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0719
Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Patriots Day Colonial Fair on April 21 from 8am to 1:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0712
Arts Council and SomerViva applying for a Public Event License for Haitian Flag Festival on May 17 from 12pm to 8pm (raindate May 18)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0716
Mystic River Watershed Association applying for a Public Event License for Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on May 18 from 7am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0717
SomerViva applying for a Public Event License for New England Hong Kong Festival on May 31 from 8am to 8pm (raindate June 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0713
Abbey Judd applying for a Public Event License for Joy Fest on May 31 from 9am to 7pm (raindate June 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0714
Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for KLYAM Summer Series on May 31 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate June 1)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0718
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: Carnaval on June 1 from 2pm to 8pm (raindate June 8)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-0766
Commending the Somerville Public Libraries in honor of National Library Week
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0762
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 14 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/4 to a point of pickup at 25 Warwick Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0757
That this City Council convene in Executive Session with relevant departments, to discuss the interaction between the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Racial and Social Justice...
That this City Council convene in Executive Session with relevant departments, to discuss the interaction between the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Racial and Social Justice Department and to receive an update on what steps and goals have been established to resolve the disconnect between both parties.
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.”
Small Wireless Facility #25-0763
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 81 Newton Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0764
Renewing Billiards and Bowling License, The Public, 563 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0765
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0767
Renewing Garage License, Boston Sand and Gravel Company, 492R Rutherford Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0768
Renewing Garage License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0769
Renewing Garage License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0770
Renewing Garage License, Fred M. Susan Auto Body, Inc., 269 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0771
New Sign/Awning License, Ginger Exchange & Bok Bok Chicken, 22 Highland Ave, 1 sign
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0772
Bow Market applying for a Public Event License for Annual Curated Vintage Market on June 1 and September 28 from 8am to 9pm (raindate June 8)
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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