MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
September 25, 2025
47 recorded votes, 40 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: Willie Burnley, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis
Absent: Wilfred Mbah, Matthew McLaughlin
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-1507
Approve the minutes of the August 28, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 28, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-1365
Commending the Somerville Firefighters for their life saving actions in Summer 2025
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1463
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 6 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/2 to a point of pickup at 13 Warwick Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1464
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 68 feet of conduit in Cedar Street, from Utility Pole 55/4 to a point of pickup at 33 Cedar Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1465
Verizon New England applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 305 feet of conduit in Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 44/42 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 44/33
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1466
Verizon New England applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 385 feet of conduit in Bow Street, from existing Manhole 44/32 to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 44/33
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1455
That the Director of Health and Human Services inform this Council which school buildings have menstrual products available and which school buildings have inoperable menstrual product dispensers...
That the Director of Health and Human Services inform this Council which school buildings have menstrual products available and which school buildings have inoperable menstrual product dispensers and when they are scheduled to be replaced.
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 #25-1456
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council the recent snagging of overhead wires by a semi-truck, that took out the electricity in Ward Seven, and what plans have been put in...
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council the recent snagging of overhead wires by a semi-truck, that took out the electricity in Ward Seven, and what plans have been put in place to prevent a similar occurrence.
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 #25-1457
That the Administration discuss with this Council its recent press release announcement of a Home Rule Petition to expand procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1498
That the Director of Mobility develop and install quick-build safety infrastructure at the intersection of Webster and Prospect Streets
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 #25-1499
That the Director of Mobility install a pedestrian light signal at the intersection of Vinal Avenue and Highland 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 #25-1500
That the Director of Mobility deploy quick-build traffic calming measures on Grant Street until permanent speed humps are installed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1501
That the Director of Mobility deploy quick-build traffic calming measures on Derby Street until permanent speed humps are installed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1502
That the Director of Mobility install a solar powered digital YOUR SPEED IS display sign on Shore Drive westbound
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 #25-1503
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 23, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 23, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1294 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $330 using available funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Professional and Technical Services Account for monitoring the...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $330 using available funds in the Office of Sustainability and Environment Professional and Technical Services Account for monitoring the Argenziano School solar array.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1295 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from Commonwealth of MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from Commonwealth of MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a study investigating possible zoning incentives to increase the ability to comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1382 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the discontinuance of a portion of Sewall Court
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1383 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of the partial termination of the City Utility Easement on Sewall Court
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1384 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to extend and amend a contract with Eastern Bank for an additional year until 8/31/2026, for the banking services of the Treasury Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1387 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $545.31 using available funds in the Police Department Equipment Maintenance Account for electronic access door service
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1400 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the adoption of an Order of Taking for the acquisition of Lot 3 at 299 Broadway for municipal purposes including parking
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1411 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting authorization to borrow $4,300,000 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the design of the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Sewer Separation project
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1412 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $350,048 from the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Services Account to the IAM Capital...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $350,048 from the Department of Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Services Account to the IAM Capital Outlay Professional & Technical Services Account.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1413 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,452.22 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $10,452.22 using available funds in the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management Ordinary Maintenance Professional & Technical Account for Strategic Asset Management Plan.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1414 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $596.25 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Repairs-Comm Equipment, Repairs-Fire Alarm, and Reimbursement of Licenses...
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $596.25 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Repairs-Comm Equipment, Repairs-Fire Alarm, and Reimbursement of Licenses Accounts.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1415 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23.41 using available funds in the Emergency Management Public Safety Supplies Account for public safety supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1416 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $137.77 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 #25-1417 (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 #25-1433 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of temporary and permanent easements over Lot 3 of 299 Broadway in favor of 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, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Committee Report #25-1477
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 18, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on September 18, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1448
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 15, 2025
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on September 15, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1432
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the proposed settlement of opioid litigation involving the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1496
Requesting approval to appropriate $2,286,090 from the Salary & Wage Stabilization Fund to the Police Department Other Lump Sum Payments Account to fund retroactive payments in accordance with the...
Requesting approval to appropriate $2,286,090 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 Superior Officers Association.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Wilson, Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #25-1497
Requesting the appropriation of $97,160 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 $97,160 from the Salary Contingency Account to various Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1440
Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Richard Scanlon to the Board of Assessors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1441
Requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Michael Flynn to the Board of Assessors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1450
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nick Pittman to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1474
Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Updated Design Open House on October 4 from 11am to 2:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1473
Zinnia Smith applying for a Public Event License for Poetry in the Park on October 10 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm (raindate October 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1469
Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for KLYAM Autumnal Music Spectacular on October 18 from 1pm to 8pm (raindate October 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1472
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Monster Mash on October 19 from 11:30am to 8pm (raindate October 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1471
Federal Realty Investment Trust applying for a Public Event License for 5th Annual Halloween Family Bike Ride on October 26 from 9am to 4pm (raindate November 2)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1470
Somerville Road Runners applying for a Public Event License for 29th Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race on November 27 from 6am to 1pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1513
That the Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs discuss with this Council the most critical content to include in an immigrant defense Know Your Rights document and how best to make it...
That the Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs discuss with this Council the most critical content to include in an immigrant defense Know Your Rights document and how best to make it available in the preferred languages of residents.
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 #25-1512
That the Mayor allocate funds for a citywide immigrant defense Know Your Rights mailing, and make this document available in Somerville's most prominent languages
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.”
Public Event #25-1516
Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Harvest Festival on October 4 from 9am to 6pm (raindate October 5)
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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