MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
May 8, 2025
60 recorded votes, 56 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Six City Councilor Lance Davis. Matthew McLaughlin arrived late (7:03 PM). J.T. Scott arrived late (7:22 PM).
Present: Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis
Absent: Willie Burnley, Judy Pineda Neufeld
During the meeting:
- Ben Ewen-Campen recused from the vote on Public Communication #25-0269 (report of the Land Use Committee) (John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, requesting a Zoning...).
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-0930
Approve the minutes of the April 10, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0877
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 46 feet of conduit in Cross Street East, from Utility Pole 588/2 to an existing Manhole 20716
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-0878
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 49 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from existing Manhole 23058 to a point of pickup at 110 Prospect Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0917
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, opportunities to create a dog park in West Somerville
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 #25-0906
That the Mayor create and make public specific plans that outline the full scope of the work necessary at the Cummings School, including capacity, time, and cost, to host Somerville Public School...
That the Mayor create and make public specific plans that outline the full scope of the work necessary at the Cummings School, including capacity, time, and cost, to host Somerville Public School students in the event of an emergency, and provide regular updates to this Council on such plans until completed.
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 #25-0916
Recognizing May as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Month and May 15 as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0918
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on when the Highland Avenue redesign community process will begin
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0923
That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss recent changes to business permitting in relation to "risk categorization" and the impact they may have on businesses
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 #25-0924
That the Director of Mobility replace the flex posts by the bus and bike lane on Washington Street, near the East Somerville Green Line station
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0925
That the Director of Mobility place a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS sign on Garfield Street at the intersection of Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-0927
That the Director of Parking consider adding additional handicapped parking spots on Washington Street by the Cobble Hill senior center
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 #25-0926
That the Mayor include $266,000 in the FY 2026 budget to continue funding Food For Free services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0869
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 30, 2025
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on April 30, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0654 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Primrose Chareka to the Human Rights Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0655 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Suelin Chen to the Human Rights Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0657 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paola Mendez to the Human Rights Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0732 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Martin Pavlinic to the Urban Design Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0931
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 6, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 6, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0398 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the transfer of $55,631 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Open Space Reserve
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0399 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserve and Open Space Reserve for improvements to Dilboy Auxiliary Fields
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0523 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a Deed, Maintenance License, and Maintenance Easement for 808 Windsor Street
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, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0524 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Chestnut Street Multimodal Safety Stabilization Fund and accept a payment of $99,127 from the developer of 100 Chestnut Street to implement multimodal safety and...
Requesting approval to create the Chestnut Street Multimodal Safety Stabilization Fund and accept a payment of $99,127 from the developer of 100 Chestnut Street to implement multimodal safety and access improvements.
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, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0651 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $1,468,693 from the Community Preservation Act Affordable Housing Reserve to the Affordable Housing Trust
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0652 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $300,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund to the CPA Open Space Land Acquisition Fund
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0674 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,300 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for upgrades to the Emergency Operation...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $35,300 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for upgrades to the Emergency Operation Center.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0683 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $61,301.89 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for replacement of cameras
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0686 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,430.19 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training, Professional & Technical Services, Repairs to Radio Alarm...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $12,430.19 using available funds in the Police Department In Service Training, Professional & Technical Services, Repairs to Radio Alarm, and Public Safety Supplies accounts.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-0824 (report of the Finance Committee)
City Solicitor requesting approval to retain Verrill Dana, LLP, as outside legal counsel with respect to Combined Sewer Overflow Control matters
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0890
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 1, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 1, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #25-0269 (report of the Land Use Committee)
John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3...
John Fragione and Agostino Feola, Trustees of Frala Realty Trust, requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 295-297 Medford Street and 93 Walnut Street from Mid-Rise 3 (MR3) to Mid-Rise 4 (MR4).
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Mbah, McLaughlin, Sait, Scott, Strezo, WilsonBen Ewen-Campen recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED AYE: City Councilor At Large Mbah, City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld RECUSED: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen.”
Committee Report #25-0865
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 29, 2025
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 29, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0566 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Chapter 12, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances to modify the Tree Preservation Ordinance
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, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0781 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to authorize the City of Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations
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, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., and Ward Seven City Councilor Pineda Neufeld.”
Mayor's Request #25-0838 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Hudl Focus cameras
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-0868
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on April 30, 2025
Report of the Special Committee on Rodent Issues, meeting on April 30, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0901
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alba Solis to the Affordable Housing Trust
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0856
Requesting approval of an exemption for Tara Murphy Beardsley as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0866
Requesting approval of an exemption for Keegan Bliss as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0879
Renewing Drainlayer's License, GVC Construction, Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0880
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0881
Renewing Flammables License, 74M Property Owner, LLC, 74 Middlesex Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0882
Renewing Flammables License, BBS Services, 45 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0883
Renewing Flammables License, Cumberland Farms #2469, 701 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0884
Renewing Flammables License, Sam's Gas & Service, 166 Boston Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0885
Renewing Flammables License, The Home Depot #2667, 75 Mystic Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #25-0886
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 53 Boston Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0889
Wandering Fusion Festival applying for a Public Event License for Wandering Fusion Festival on June 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0888
Sophia Li applying for a Public Event License for DIS Midsummer Picnic on June 21 from 11am to 1:30pm (raindate June 22)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0887
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Big Gay Dance Party on June 21 from 2pm to 9pm (raindate June 22)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-0933
That the Administration work with Somerville Public Schools and the Commissioner of Public Works to effectively budget for and fund current equipment maintenance costs, including but not limited...
That the Administration work with Somerville Public Schools and the Commissioner of Public Works to effectively budget for and fund current equipment maintenance costs, including but not limited to air compressors and ovens, at the High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and develop plans to include CTE equipment maintenance needs in future budgeting and funding cycles.
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 #25-0944
Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Salary Contingency account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville...
Requesting the appropriation of $170,000 from the Salary Contingency account to various Police Department Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Employees Association.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0938
Renewing Drainlayer's License, DOG Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0939
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Mass Earthworks & Demolition
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0940
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0941
Renewing Flammables 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 #25-0942
Renewing Flammables License, Good Gas Somerville, 343 Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-0943
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, BAETDA Transportation Services LLC, Med. #51,73,77,87,93
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0947
Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Concept Design Open House on May 13 from 4pm to 8pm (raindate May 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0945
Brown School Parent Teacher Association applying for a Public Event License for Brown School Fun Run on May 23 from 8am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-0946
Health & Human Services Department applying for a Public Event License for Pride Flag Raising on June 5 from 5pm to 6:30pm
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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