MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
November 13, 2025
47 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. Matthew McLaughlin arrived late (9:16 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Emily Hardt
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #25-1695
Approve the minutes of the October 9, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Minutes #25-1696
Approve the minutes of the October 21, 2025 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 21, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #25-1691
Commending Fire Lieutenant Danielle O'Hearn for the publication of her book about and work with a first responder dog
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1658
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 164 feet of conduit and one new vault in Broadway, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 168 Broadway, continuing to points of...
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 164 feet of conduit and one new vault in Broadway, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 168 Broadway, continuing to points of pickup at 168, 174, and 176 Broadway.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1656
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit and one new vault in Cross Street, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 5 Cross Street, continuing to...
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit and one new vault in Cross Street, from an existing Manhole to the new vault at 5 Cross Street, continuing to points of pickup at 5, 7, and 9 Cross Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1657
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 83 feet of conduit in Stickney Avenue, from Utility Pole 2 to a point of pickup at 15 Stickney Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1661
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 48 feet of conduit in Professors Row, from Utility Pole 289/14 to a point of pickup at 124 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1659
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 253 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32124 in Innerbelt Road and Roland Street, from existing Manhole 24106 to a point of...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 253 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32124 in Innerbelt Road and Roland Street, from existing Manhole 24106 to a point of pickup at the Somerville/Boston line.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1660
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 181 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 39136 in Taylor Street, from Mystic Avenue to a point of pickup at 9-15 Taylor Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1637
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on how the foundation at the Brown School is monitored, whether mitigation is required to address any concerns, and if...
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management update this Council on how the foundation at the Brown School is monitored, whether mitigation is required to address any concerns, and if so, the details of those mitigation plans.
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 #25-1644
That the Administration and relevant city departments discuss the cost and work required to get the Founders Rink reopened and functioning
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 #25-1645
That the Administration immediately assign a direct phone number connecting to a city liaison who is designated to answer questions from residents about food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition...
That the Administration immediately assign a direct phone number connecting to a city liaison who is designated to answer questions from residents about food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits support.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1688
That the Administration, the Director of Mobility and the Director of Health and Human Services, discuss the recent closure of the West Somerville Community Bike Path bordering Cambridge, and...
That the Administration, the Director of Mobility and the Director of Health and Human Services, discuss the recent closure of the West Somerville Community Bike Path bordering Cambridge, and present a plan to address this closure.
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 #25-1689
That the Administration take any available steps, including communication strategies such as robocalls, texting and electronic road signs, to reach out to residents about food insecurity due to...
That the Administration take any available steps, including communication strategies such as robocalls, texting and electronic road signs, to reach out to residents about food insecurity due to the increase of poverty in Somerville.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1655
In support of direct assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1678
Requesting that the Administration cooperate with this Council to establish a Water and Sewer Rate Commission to establish water and sewer rates and to oversee abatements, as is common in other...
Requesting that the Administration cooperate with this Council to establish a Water and Sewer Rate Commission to establish water and sewer rates and to oversee abatements, as is common in other Massachusetts cities.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1677
In support of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority committing additional resources to stormwater management
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 #25-1685
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility coordinate to install a traffic light at the intersection of Benton Road and Highland Avenue to prevent fatalities
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 #25-1687
That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on the rodent hormonal birth control program being jointly piloted with the City of Cambridge
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 #25-1671
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 10, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 10, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1560 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create the Community Benefits Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $3,946,742.98 from the community benefit contributions outlined in project development...
Requesting approval to create the Community Benefits Stabilization fund and accept a payment to the fund of $3,946,742.98 from the community benefit contributions outlined in project development covenants.
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Mbah, Sait, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Matthew McLaughlin as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, 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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin.”
Mayor's Request #25-1584 (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
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1585 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $23,109.33 using available funds in various Department of Public Works Accounts for various services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1599 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to create a Housing Assistance Stabilization fund under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5B
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Mbah, Sait, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Matthew McLaughlin as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, 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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin.”
Mayor's Request #25-1600 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $1,110,000 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 $1,110,000 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 #25-1670
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Redevelopment Authority on November 6, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting in Joint Session with the Redevelopment Authority on November 6, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1672
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 12, 2025
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on November 12, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1628
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 30, 2025
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on October 30, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1625
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2025
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1623
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 27, 2025
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on October 27, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1681
Requesting approval to appropriate $875,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund for food security initiatives
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Mbah, Sait, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Matthew McLaughlin as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, 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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin.”
Mayor's Request #25-1682
Requesting approval to appropriate $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to support the Senior Taxi Program
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Mbah, Sait, Scott, Strezo, WilsonThe minutes list Matthew McLaughlin as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, 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, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis ABSENT: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin.”
Mayor's Request #25-1639
Requesting approval to retain McHaffey & Nice, LLC, as outside legal counsel with respect to employment matters relating to immigration status
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1627
Requesting approval to accept the in-kind donation of two K-9 animals to the Police Department for the purpose of providing support to victims and serving as an investigative resource
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1619
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Rona Fischman to the Community Preservation Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1692
Requesting approval of an exemption for Marco MacElhiney 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 #25-1662
Renewing Drainlayer's License, JF Excavation Corp
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1675
Somerville Friends of Democracy applying for a Public Event License for Dance for Democracy on November 15 and 23 from 10am to 5:30pm (raindate November 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1664
Union Square Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Union Square Holiday Event on December 7 from 11am to 7pm (raindate December 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1663
BA Events Promotion Inc. applying for a Public Event License for Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on December 14 from 7am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Communication #25-1653
52 registered voters submitting a petition requesting a public hearing regarding Out of the Blue Community Arts Space at Arts at the Armory, pursuant to Section 2-11 of the City Charter
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.”
Citation #25-1713
Commending Somerville for Palestine for their pursuit of justice and civic engagement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1701
That the Director of Mobility install a Blue Bike station at Junction Park
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 #25-1683
Requesting the appropriation of $67,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Executive Department Special Items Account for Mayoral transition expenditures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1705
Tufts University Project SHARE applying for a Public Event License for Stride for Strength on November 15 from 9am to 1:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1704
Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Free Clothing Store on November 22 from 8am to 4pm (raindate November 23)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #25-1703
Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 from 4pm to 8pm (raindates December 8,9,10)
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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