MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
November 25, 2025
42 recorded votes, 38 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, 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 #25-1773
Approve the minutes of the October 23, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 23, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1756
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 10 feet of conduit in Harvard Street, from Utility Pole 163/1 to a point of pickup at 25 Atherton Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1752
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 28 feet of conduit in Indiana Avenue, from Manhole 8411 to a point of pickup at 8 Indiana Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1753
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 37 feet of conduit in Cleveland Street, from Utility Pole 420/4 to a new Handhole next to 11 Harvard Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1755
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 47 feet of conduit in Berkeley Street, from Utility Pole 30/3 to a point of pickup at 24 Berkeley Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1751
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 52 feet of conduit in Bolton Street, from Utility Pole 378/1 to a point of pickup at 8 Bolton Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1758
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 223 feet of conduit in Broadway, from Manhole 10195 to a point of pickup at 299 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #25-1735
Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2026 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2026 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59...
Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2026 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2026 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.
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, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, 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.”
Order #25-1716
That the City Attorney's Office is authorized to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaint by Osnat Hoffman on behalf of the City Council
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #25-1722
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on how snow and ice is removed from different types of surfaces in schoolyards, including any limitations based on surface type
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 #25-1721
That the Administration and the School Department discuss with this Council the budgetary and planning impact of snow days, and how adaptation to climate change may affect future snow day planning
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 #25-1720
In support of Climate Forward 2024
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1763
Supporting the resale of certain city owned property
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #25-1700
In support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3
Yes: Burnley, Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Mbah, McLaughlin, Sait, Scott, WilsonNo: Hardt, Strezo
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., Ward Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis NAY: Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, and City Councilor At Large Strezo.”
Committee Report #25-1730
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 19, 2025
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on November 19, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1620 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $15,500 from various SomerStat Ordinary Maintenance Accounts to the SomerStat Salaries & Wages Temporary Account to fund additional temporary employee time
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1621 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $87,450 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Office of Grants & Research to the Police Department for public safety staffing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1622 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,765.28 using available funds in the Police Department Professional and Technical Services Account for case management services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1636 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $109,296 grant, with no new match required, from Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department for staffing costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1638 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $125.43 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Computer Equipment Account for freight charges
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1640 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $5,285.77 using available funds in the Police Department Computer Supplies Account for computer supplies
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1646 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,547.55 using available funds in the Police Department Animal Control Professional and Technical Services Account for veterinary services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1648 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $271 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for educational achievement award bars
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1649 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a Pedestrian Access Easement and grant of a Maintenance License for 495 Columbia Street
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, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, 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.”
Mayor's Request #25-1651 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $54 using available funds in the Police Department Badges, Emblems, Trophies Account for a hat badge
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1679 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $403,980 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Debt Service, Interest on Notes/BANS Account for payment of interest for the 90 Washington Street...
Requesting the appropriation of $403,980 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Debt Service, Interest on Notes/BANS Account for payment of interest for the 90 Washington Street property acquisition.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1680 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $407,090 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to the Water Enterprise Fund Debt Service Account to fund debt service for a Massachusetts Water...
Requesting the appropriation of $407,090 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings Account to the Water Enterprise Fund Debt Service Account to fund debt service for a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority loan.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1698 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Armory Revolving Fund to prepare the Armory for onboarding and support of tenants
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, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, 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.”
Committee Report #25-1729
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 18, 2025
Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, meeting on November 18, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1731
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 20, 2025
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 20, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1594 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of the amended 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project Plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1595 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of an amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement between the City Council and Redevelopment Authority regarding the redevelopment of 90 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1596 (report of the Land Use Committee)
Requesting approval of the development objectives for the redevelopment of 90 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #25-1718
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 17, 2025
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 17, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1765
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the potential settlement of a claim against a former employee
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, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, 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.”
Mayor's Request #25-1750
Requesting the appropriation or reserve of $7,260,181 in estimated FY 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenue for CPA projects and expenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1734
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $304,954.10 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Health and Human Services department...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $304,954.10 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Health and Human Services department for the 2025-2026 Winter Warming Center.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1759
New Drainlayer's License, Elite Construction Management Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1761
New Sign/Awning License, 59-61 Bow St LLC, 59-61 Bow Street, 6 Balconies and 12 Bays
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1760
New Sign/Awning License, Bakery and Cafe Komugi, 68 Prospect Street, 2 Signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1781
Requesting the appropriation of $2,400,000 from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation, Parking Meter Receipts Account to reduce the FY 2026 Tax Rate
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1739
Requesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for staff participation in...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for staff participation in the PK-8 School Building Planning Focus Group Session.
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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