MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 22, 2026
32 recorded votes, 32 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, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis
Absent: J.T. Scott, Emily Hardt
Every vote, in order
Minutes #26-0131
Approve the minutes of the December 11, 2025 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 11, 2025.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0091
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility draft a plan to convert the intersection of Ivaloo Street and Harrison Street into a pedestrian-only open space closed to vehicular...
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Mobility draft a plan to convert the intersection of Ivaloo Street and Harrison Street into a pedestrian-only open space closed to vehicular traffic.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0100
That this Council discuss a pilot program that incentivizes backyard cottages and/or Accessory Dwelling Units in owner occupied properties
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 #26-0098
That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers that provide free menstrual products in all city owned bathrooms
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 #26-0099
That the Director of Health and Human Services immediately install menstrual product dispensers on each floor of City Hall that provide free menstrual products
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 #26-0101
That the Administration purchase and install outdoor patio furniture, including tables and chairs, for the patio located outside of the first floor of City Hall on the Highland Avenue side of the...
That the Administration purchase and install outdoor patio furniture, including tables and chairs, for the patio located outside of the first floor of City Hall on the Highland Avenue side of the building.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0108
That the Commissioner of Public Works install privacy film and replace the shades of the women's bathroom on the second floor of City Hall
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 #26-0125
That the City Council calls for an end to period poverty, and an end to barriers making it difficult for residents to be able to afford menstrual products in Somerville
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 #26-0109
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide a written update to this Council and the School Committee on the status of restoring hot water to all areas of the Capuano Early Education Center...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide a written update to this Council and the School Committee on the status of restoring hot water to all areas of the Capuano Early Education Center, including which areas are affected, actions taken, and an estimated timeline for full restoration.
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 #26-0102
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide to the City Council a full-time equivalent analysis and recommendations for custodial staffing at each Somerville Public School, including...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide to the City Council a full-time equivalent analysis and recommendations for custodial staffing at each Somerville Public School, including distinctions between day versus evening shifts, disparities between school size, usage, and current custodial assignments.
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 #26-0103
That the Administration prioritize finalization of a Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, including updating community input in the content of the plan
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0107
That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on maintenance issues in the East Somerville, Capuano and Edgerly Schools
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 #26-0105
That the Administration form a commission to investigate the possibility of Ranked Choice Voting, as required by passage of the new city charter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0106
That the Administration provide monthly updates to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety on progress towards addressing homelessness in Somerville
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 #26-0104
In support of an Act ensuring law enforcement identification for public safety
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0123
That the Director of Mobility update this Council on the intersection improvements at Webster Avenue and Prospect Street
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 #26-0124
That the Director of Mobility implement colored lane markings for bus and bike lanes on Prospect Street between Webster Avenue and Somerville 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.”
Resolution #26-0118
That the Commissioner of Public Works install waste receptacles near the entrance of the Warming Center on Prescott Street
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 #26-0119
That the Commissioner of Public Works perform regular litter clean-ups along Prescott Street near the Warming Center
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 #26-0120
That the Administration investigate the possibility that deliveries, emergency vehicles, pick-ups, etc., occur in the Cummings School parking lot rather than on Prescott Street
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 #26-0121
That the Director of Mobility pilot the installation of dedicated bicycle YIELD signals to operate during the walk cycle at several intersections throughout the city, including Washington Street...
That the Director of Mobility pilot the installation of dedicated bicycle YIELD signals to operate during the walk cycle at several intersections throughout the city, including Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, and Prospect Street and Somerville 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.”
Resolution #26-0122
That the Director of Mobility prioritize speed hump installation and other traffic calming measures on Lowell Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0126
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 20, 2026
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on January 20, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-1801 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $65,000 grant with no new match required, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Police Department for the Municipal Road Safety Program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0011 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer...
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension for three months with a new expiration date of 3/31/2026, for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design services for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0053 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $200,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the continuation of the short term housing bridge pilot program.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0054 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $20,000 grant with no new match required, from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Office of Housing Stability for the housing bridge pilot program for seniors.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0088 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $103,421 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a memorandum of agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0128
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on January 21, 2026
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on January 21, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #25-1702 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Union Square Auto Sales, 39 Webster Avenue, 20 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-2pm, Sun: closed
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0116
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Aris Auto Inc., 3 Craigie Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0140
CultureHouse applying for a Public Event License for CultureHouse Polar Putt on February 2 from 10am to 7pm
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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