MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
July 10, 2025
53 recorded votes, 45 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. Ben Ewen-Campen arrived late (10:07 PM). Jesse Clingan arrived late (10:10 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis
Absent: Naima Sait
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-1248
Approve the minutes of the June 12, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 12, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Election #25-1205
Elect the 2025 City Council President (Lance Davis) for the rest of the year
An election of a council officer, so MassVoter shows the result only (as for every council election). The minutes record the motion that Lance Davis be elected President as approved.
Election #25-1206
Elect the 2025 City Council Vice President (Wilfred Mbah) for the rest of the year
An election of a council officer, so MassVoter shows the result only (as for every council election). The minutes record the motion that Wilfred Mbah be elected Vice President as approved.
Small Wireless Facility #25-1208
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on a new pole at 10 Hathorn Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1210
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 166 feet of conduit in Broadway and Mount Vernon Street, from Manhole 1784 to a point of pickup at 44 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1214
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install one new Manhole and approximately 76 feet of conduit in Gibbens Street, from Utility Pole 383/1 through new Manhole 32650 to a point of...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install one new Manhole and approximately 76 feet of conduit in Gibbens Street, from Utility Pole 383/1 through new Manhole 32650 to a point of pickup at 156 Highland Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1209
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install one new Manhole and approximately 30 feet of conduit in Warren Street, from the new Manhole 32350 to a point of pickup at 8 Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1211
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 40 feet of conduit in Moreland Street, from Utility Pole 236/9 to a point of pickup at 77 Moreland Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1212
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 5 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Manhole 23059 to a point of pickup at 86 Prospect Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1213
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately 17 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Manhole 23058 to an approximate point of pickup near 110 Prospect Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1230
In support of Teamsters Local 25 in their labor dispute with Republic Services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1231
That the Administration submit to the City Council and School Committee, the city’s contingency plan in the event of an emergency school closure during the 2025-2026 school year
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.”
Officer's Communication #25-1168
Director of Economic Development requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss strategy regarding the disposition of 90 Washington Street
Yes: Burnley, Davis, Mbah, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Ben Ewen-Campen and Jesse Clingan as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, and Ward Four City Councilor Clingan.”
Committee Report #25-1226
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on July 8, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on July 8, 2025.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait, and Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-0978 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to execute the Fourth Amendment to the lease agreement with Dana Family Series, LLC, for the Grove Street parking lot, through June 30, 2026
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1001 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only extension for the contract with Franklin Cummings Institute, to December 31, 2026
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait, and Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1068 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into a contract of up to ten years for the services of an operator for the Greater Boston Bike Share program (Bluebikes)
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait, and Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1086 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to dispose of bicycles previously abandoned in the City of Somerville to a charitable organization
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Wilfred Mbah as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait, and Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1160 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the final Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Agreement for the 299 Broadway project
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Committee Report #25-1222
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on June 30, 2025
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on June 30, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1005 (report of the Housing and Community Development Committee)
Requesting approval of the 2025-2026 Housing and Urban Development One Year Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1223
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 1, 2025
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on July 1, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1238
Requesting approval of a Maintenance Agreement and Landscape Management and Maintenance Plan for the future Sewall Park at the 299 Broadway development
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1227
Requesting approval to appropriate $1,500,000 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the School Department to fund collective bargaining agreements
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1245
Requesting the appropriation of $1,045,000 from the Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund for the purpose of implementing the winning projects from the second Participatory Budgeting cycle
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1221
Requesting approval to appropriate $800,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund for renovations to the Cummings School for the Warming Center Project
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1207
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000,000 grant with no new match required, from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management for the...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $3,000,000 grant with no new match required, from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management for the Inner Belt & Brickbottom Pedestrian Crossing and associated project area.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1241
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Dayquan Goodnow 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 #25-1242
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Andrew Pasqualino 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 #25-1243
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Benjy Antoine 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 #25-1244
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Victor Souza 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 #25-1239
Requesting that this City Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Somerville Redevelopment Authority regarding updating the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan
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.”
License #25-1215
New Drainlayer's License, WES Construction Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1216
New Hawker Peddler License, Wander Cat Cola
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1217
Portuguese-American Civic League applying for a Public Event License for Annual Holy Spirit Procession on July 11 from 7pm to 8:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1218
Chuck Lechien Jr. applying for a Public Event License for HONK! Community Concert on July 19 from 12pm to 5:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1220
Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for Underground Pop Arts and Performance Showcase on July 19 from 1pm to 7pm (raindate July 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1219
Office of Immigrant Affairs and India Association of Greater Boston applying for a Public Event License for India Flag Raising and United States Flag Honoring Ceremony on August 9 from 9am to 1pm...
Office of Immigrant Affairs and India Association of Greater Boston applying for a Public Event License for India Flag Raising and United States Flag Honoring Ceremony on August 9 from 9am to 1pm (raindate August 10).
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1251
That the Director of Mobility address in writing, the steps the department will make to assess the feasibility and need to install a speed bump on Cherry Street between Highland Avenue and Summer...
That the Director of Mobility address in writing, the steps the department will make to assess the feasibility and need to install a speed bump on Cherry Street between Highland Avenue and Summer Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1249
Condemning Harvard's attack on its Graduate Student Union
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1250
In support of certain public workers right to strike
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1254
Requesting approval of a Public Access and Maintenance Access Easement for 299 Broadway Property Owner LLC
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #25-1229
Requesting approval to appropriate $3,892,796 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department, Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund retroactive payments in accordance with...
Requesting approval to appropriate $3,892,796 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department, Other Lump Sum Payments account to fund retroactive payments in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Employees Association.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: 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., City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Davis ABSENT: Ward Five City Councilor Sait.”
Public Event #25-1260
Portuguese-American Civic League applying for a Public Event License for The Annual Holy Spirit Feast on July 11-13 from 6pm to 12:30am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1269
Department of Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Disability Pride Flag Celebration on July 24 from 4pm to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1256
Public Library applying for a Public Event License for Comixcon on July 26 from 9am to 5pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1259
Leila Skiner applying for a Public Event License for Community Gathering for Peace on July 26 from 11am to 8pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1262
Somerville Public Schools applying for a Public Event License for Get Ready for School Fair on August 20 from 2:30pm to 7pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1261
Health and Human Services Office of Prevention Services applying for a Public Event License for Overdose Awareness Day Event on August 28 from 5pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1258
The Somerville Foundation applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Community Event on September 4-5 from 2pm to 10pm (raindate September 7)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1255
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Rock and Roll Yard Sale an ArtsUnion Event on September 7 from 8am to 7pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1257
Society of S.S. Cosmas & Damian of Somerville & Cambridge applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on September 7 from 3pm to 6pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1270
That this Council congratulates Councilor Sait and her family and welcomes Masten Cypress to Somerville
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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