MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 8, 2026
43 recorded votes, 43 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: Jon Link, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Ben Wheeler, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Emily Hardt
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #26-0078
Approve the minutes of the November 25, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 25, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0033
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 2.7 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from an existing Manhole 18944 to an approximate point of pickup at 185...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 2.7 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from an existing Manhole 18944 to an approximate point of pickup at 185 Highland Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0032
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install approximately a total of 110 feet of conduit in Jaques Street, from Utility Pole 182/4 to an approximate point of pickup at 146 Jaques Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0049
That the Director of Housing report to this Council how many new housing units have been approved for development, year-by-year, since adoption of SomerVision 2040, and of those numbers, how many...
That the Director of Housing report to this Council how many new housing units have been approved for development, year-by-year, since adoption of SomerVision 2040, and of those numbers, how many are permanently affordable, and how the department defines affordability.
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 #26-0050
That the Director of Office of Housing Stability discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance
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 #26-0051
That the Director of Parks and Recreation provide an update on upcoming inclusive playground accessibility plans and redesign projects
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 #26-0052
That the Commissioner of Public Works and relevant departments discuss the future community use of Founders Rink for 2026 and beyond
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 #26-0059
That the Director of Mobility provide an update on the Kensington Connector
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 #26-0057
That the Director of Human Resources and the Chief of Police work with state officials to provide crossing guards on McGrath Highway
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 #26-0058
That the Administration collaborate with East Somerville Main Streets and the Ward 1 City Councilor to promote Eat Out in East to support East Somerville immigrant-owned businesses
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 #26-0060
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility work to block off the end of Virginia Street and Aldrich Street to through traffic
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 #26-0061
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit-oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other...
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances for transit-oriented height and density bonuses for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits.
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 #26-0070
That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the recommendations of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee regarding the 25% design documents of the Massachusetts Department of...
That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council the recommendations of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee regarding the 25% design documents of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation McGrath Boulevard project.
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 #26-0068
That this Council work with the Administration to clarify understanding of the rules for accessory dwelling units or affordable dwelling units as detailed within
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 #26-0069
That the Administration consider convening issue-specific community meetings for residents to share their perspectives and experiences on long-term issues such as: mobility and transportation...
That the Administration consider convening issue-specific community meetings for residents to share their perspectives and experiences on long-term issues such as: mobility and transportation, school integration, inclusion, choice and specialization.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0062
That the Chief Assessor provide this Council with an inventory of city-owned parcels as detailed within
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0063
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering explore the feasibility of establishing a teen center at the Cummings School, accessible via School Street, considering...
That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Engineering explore the feasibility of establishing a teen center at the Cummings School, accessible via School Street, considering current building uses and provide this Council with an analysis on space availability, operational considerations, community impacts, and potential next steps.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED AND SENT FOR.”
Resolution #26-0064
That the Director of Mobility, install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Bow Street and Warren Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and report back to this Council on...
That the Director of Mobility, install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Bow Street and Warren Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and report back to this Council on implementation timing.
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 #26-0066
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry develop and report on a standardized green score for public parks and identify appropriate benchmarks and expectations for publicly owned parkland
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 #26-0067
That the Administration explore the feasibility of a year with no swag, as detailed within
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 #25-1770
That this City Council discuss the safety of the Summer Street bike lane design around or near Putnam Street to Benton Road and how and if additional safety modifications can be made
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 #26-0041
Requesting approval to use available funds in the Executive-Administration Salaries account in the amount of $4,543.04 to fund Executive Liaison - Public, Executive Liaison - Community...
Requesting approval to use available funds in the Executive-Administration Salaries account in the amount of $4,543.04 to fund Executive Liaison - Public, Executive Liaison - Community Partnerships, and Executive Liaison - Legislative positions.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0045
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Office of Food...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Office of Food Access and Healthy Communities for the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0012
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as City Auditor
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0013
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Ed Bean as Finance Director
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0015
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Anne Gill as Director of Human Resources
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0017
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of David Goodridge as Chief Information Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0018
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of William Fisher as Director of Emergency Management
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0019
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Denise Taylor as Director of Communications and Community Engagement
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0020
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Karin Carroll as Director of Health and Human Services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0022
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jerome Thomas as Director of Veterans Services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0023
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Thomas Galligani as Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0025
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of David Jackson as Tree Warden
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0026
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Steven Ross as City Sealer of Weights and Measures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0027
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Chris Roche as Deputy City Sealer of Weights and Measures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0028
Requesting that City Councilors submit budget funding priorities by March 26, 2026
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0034
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Assembly Square Auto Sales, 37 Mystic Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0038
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Sunoco, 258 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0035
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Gene Automotive, 56 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0037
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 308 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0036
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Pat's Enterprises, Inc, 182 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0039
New Livery License, DRN Bus Transportation, 40A Memorial Road, operating 1 vehicle
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0040
New Second Hand Dealer License, Cambridge Used Bicycles, 378R Somerville Avenue
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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