MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
September 11, 2025
48 recorded votes, 47 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 L.
Present: Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis
Absent: Willie Burnley
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-1436
Approve the minutes of the July 10, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 10, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Minutes #25-1437
Approve the minutes of the July 30, 2025 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 30, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-1430
Commending participants of the inaugural Municipal Civics Academy for their commitment to civic engagement and devotion to the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1388
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 10 feet of conduit in Aldersey Street, from Utility Pole 4/3 to a point of pickup at 17 Aldersey Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1389
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 40 feet of conduit in Hinckley Street, from Utility Pole 170/6 to a point of pickup at 35 Richardson Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1390
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 104 feet of conduit in Glenwood Road, from Manhole 7417 to a point of pickup at 72 Glenwood Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1422
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information regarding the installation, safety and accessibility of a railing on the concrete stairs between the play structures and the soccer field...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information regarding the installation, safety and accessibility of a railing on the concrete stairs between the play structures and the soccer field at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School playground.
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 #25-1424
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering collaborate to install crosswalks across Walnut Street and Wigglesworth Street near Sunnyside Avenue to protect Winter Hill Community...
That the Director of Mobility and the Director of Engineering collaborate to install crosswalks across Walnut Street and Wigglesworth Street near Sunnyside Avenue to protect Winter Hill Community Innovation School students, families, and educators using the Otis Street footbridge.
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 #25-1426
That the City Clerk provide this Council with an update regarding promulgation from the state Cannabis Control Commission of regulations and licensure procedures related to the operation of...
That the City Clerk provide this Council with an update regarding promulgation from the state Cannabis Control Commission of regulations and licensure procedures related to the operation of cannabis consumption lounges.
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 #25-1427
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry discuss with this Council, a policy for use of open space on municipal property around city buildings for community gardens
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 #25-1425
That the Administration, including the Director of Mobility, discuss with this Council a process for establishing municipal standards for furnishings at bus stops and shelters
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 #25-1428
That the Mayor update this Council on any plans to issue a requirement for federal law enforcement agents acting within the City of Somerville to provide identification upon request and preventing...
That the Mayor update this Council on any plans to issue a requirement for federal law enforcement agents acting within the City of Somerville to provide identification upon request and preventing the use of identity-concealing masks within the city by federal agents.
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 #25-1431
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 9, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 9, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1271 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $323.75 using available funds in the CityTV R&M - Audio/Visual Equipment Account for on-site engineering services and travel expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1274 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $840 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Slice of the City events pizza orders
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1277 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $91.62 using available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $91.62 using available funds in the Office of Immigrant Affairs Neighborhood Improvement Council Account for snacks for Community Get Together event.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1279 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $19,188.01 using available funds in the Information Technology Maintenance Software and Computer Equipment Accounts for monitoring software and Uninterruptible Power Supply hardware.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1280 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $2,630,071 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 #25-1283 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,497.50 using available funds in the Communications Department Food Supplies & Refreshment Account for Civic Day event food
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1284 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $925 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Equipment Rental Account for equipment rentals during Family Fun Day event
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1285 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $212,842.26 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a Clinical Community Health Worker.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1286 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $98.39 using available funds in the Parks & Recreation Athletic Supplies Account for tag belts for a teen flag football program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1289 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,601 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Non-Contributory Pension Account to fund an increased pension amount
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1298 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $8,748.66 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software, Professional & Technical Services, and In-State Travel accounts for various items.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1299 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $5,777 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Grant Match Account for the FY 2025 Shannon Grant match requirement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1300 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the Police...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $128,500 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for target hardening at the Police Department headquarters.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1301 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $4,015 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1302 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $100.08 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for confidential shredding services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1309 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $25.69 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1332 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $71.88 using available funds in the Emergency Management Office Supplies Account for office supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1339 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,100,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Police Department for the development of the Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Phase 1.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1401
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 4, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 4, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1420
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2025
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-1317 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Licensing Commission requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 138, Section 12D, to allow current wine and malt beverages license holders to apply to convert to a...
Licensing Commission requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 138, Section 12D, to allow current wine and malt beverages license holders to apply to convert to a non-transferable all forms alcohol license.
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, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr..”
Mayor's Request #25-1385
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $301,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $301,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Crisis Intervention Training and technical assistance for personnel and program expenses.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1386
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Mental Health to the Police Department for Jail Diversion Program personnel expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1374
Requesting approval of an exemption for Johnathan Tsirigotis 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 #25-1391
New Drainlayer's License, Mackay Construction Services Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Small Wireless Facility #25-1392
Crown Castle Fiber LLC applying for a Small Wireless Facility License for facilities on an existing pole at 8 Central Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1371
Neighborways Design applying for a Public Event License for Assembly Mobility Hub Paint Day on June 18 from 4pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1397
Federal Realty applying for a Public Event License for Riverfest on September 13 from 9am to 11pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1395
Davis Square Village applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Village Community Event on September 13 from 11am to 5pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1393
BluBoiBooking applying for a Public Event License for Astrofest on September 20 from 12pm to 10pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1394
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for ChocoMingle: Level Up on September 25 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1396
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Ignite Festival on September 27 from 2pm to 10pm (raindate September 28)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1398
Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Updated Design Open House on October 1 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1399
Elizabeth Peabody House applying for a Public Event License for Winter Hill Community Event on October 18 from 8am to 6pm (raindate October 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1444
New Livery License, Med Transportation, 34 Grant Street, operating 2 vehicles
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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