MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
February 12, 2026
73 recorded votes, 72 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Somerville ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
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 #26-0252
Approve the minutes of the January 8, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 8, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-0194
Commending Dan Moore on the auspicious occasion of his retirement after 12 years of distinguished service in the Communications and Community Engagement Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0174
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 133 feet of conduit in Highland Avenue, from existing Manhole 44/164 to a point of pickup at 393 Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0175
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 640 feet of conduit in Broadway, from existing Manhole 1798 to existing Manhole 24058 next to 167 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0176
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 54 feet of conduit in Benton Road, from Utility Pole 79/1 to a point of pickup at 2 Benton Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0178
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 28 feet of conduit in Gilman Street, from Utility Pole 142/3 to a point of pickup at 13 Gilman Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0179
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 10.5 feet of conduit in Hudson Street, from Utility Pole 202/4 to a point of pickup at 17 Hudson Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0180
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 35 feet of conduit in Belmont Street, from Utility Pole 27/9 to a point of pickup at 37 Belmont Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0183
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 12 feet of conduit in White Street, from Utility Pole 648/2 to a point of pickup at 44 White Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0184
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 2 feet of conduit in Franklin Avenue, from Utility Pole 133/5 to a point of pickup at 60 Franklin Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0186
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 452 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32561 in Summer Street, from Utility Pole 325/28 to three points of pickup at 156, 157...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 452 feet of conduit and one new Manhole 32561 in Summer Street, from Utility Pole 325/28 to three points of pickup at 156, 157, and 162 Summer Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0187
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 40 feet of conduit in Leland Street, from Utility Pole 201/3 to a point of pickup at 321 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0147
That the Chief of Police provide this Council with data on pedestrian and bicyclist enforcement activities in the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0148
That the Chief of Police annually review pedestrian and bicyclist enforcement data to identify disparities in enforcement patterns across demographic or neighborhood lines and submit this data to...
That the Chief of Police annually review pedestrian and bicyclist enforcement data to identify disparities in enforcement patterns across demographic or neighborhood lines and submit this data to this City Council.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0149
That the Commissioner of Public Works remove snow from dead end streets, private ways and alleyways in a timely manner
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 #26-0235
That the Director of Parks and Recreation discuss with this Council, options to create year-round indoor programming for kids and families
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 #26-0236
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council whether the sidewalk snow clearing pilot worked as intended this year, or whether there are other strategies to improve pedestrian...
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council whether the sidewalk snow clearing pilot worked as intended this year, or whether there are other strategies to improve pedestrian mobility following a large snowstorm.
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 #26-0237
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council lessons learned from the recent large snowfall about resources and policies needed to improve snow clearance, including...
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council lessons learned from the recent large snowfall about resources and policies needed to improve snow clearance, including Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus stops, business district sidewalks and parking, private ways and dead ends, accessible ramps and bike lanes.
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 #26-0238
That the Administration increase publicity of the Senior Tax Deferral Program, which allows qualifying homeowners over 65 years of age to spend their income on living expenses rather than tax payments
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0245
Supporting the fourth amendment rights provided in the Constitution of the United States
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 #26-0249
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development discuss with this Council, the Homeowner Improvement Program (HIP) and the role of the city in disputes...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development discuss with this Council, the Homeowner Improvement Program (HIP) and the role of the city in disputes between homeowners and city-approved contractors.
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 #26-0243
That the Director of Racial and Social Justice provide an update to this Council on the status of the Police Civilian Oversight Committee
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 #26-0242
That this City Council commends the students at Somerville High School for their action and resolve in protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations in Somerville and across...
That this City Council commends the students at Somerville High School for their action and resolve in protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations in Somerville and across the nation.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0239
That the Director of Human Resources review the hiring for crossing guards, ensuring that the process and requirements are right-sized and not unnecessarily burdensome such that they deter...
That the Director of Human Resources review the hiring for crossing guards, ensuring that the process and requirements are right-sized and not unnecessarily burdensome such that they deter qualified candidates.
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 #26-0240
That the Director of Inspectional Services review the rules for short-term rentals and inform this Council what enforcement tools are available and how the city may take action against known...
That the Director of Inspectional Services review the rules for short-term rentals and inform this Council what enforcement tools are available and how the city may take action against known violations.
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 #26-0241
That the Administration provide the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill...
That the Administration provide the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance with regular updates on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the Winter Hill and Brown 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 #26-0246
In support of House Bill H.1588 and Senate Bill S.1122, an Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0247
In support of proposed House Bill, the PROTECT Act, an Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0158
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 2, 2026
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on February 2, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0016 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kimberly Wells as Chief Administrative Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0021 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Ohemeng Kyeremateng as Director of Parks and Recreation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0073 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Samir Messaoudi to the posisiton of Police Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0074 (report of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee)
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Diogo deOliveira to the position of Police Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0218
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 10, 2026
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 10, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0150
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on January 28, 2026
Report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on January 28, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0219
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 11, 2026
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on February 11, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #25-1754
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 38 feet of conduit in Warwick Street, from Utility Pole 357/3 to a point of pickup at 16 Warwick Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0215
Accept the report of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on February 9, 2026
Report of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on February 9, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0200
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the matter of Joseph A. Sater, Trustee of Highland Avenue Realty Trust v. City of Somerville
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Mayor's Request #26-0182
Requesting the appropriation of $3,500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department Judgments and Settlements Account to fund the settlement of Joseph A. Sater, Trustee...
Requesting the appropriation of $3,500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Law Department Judgments and Settlements Account to fund the settlement of Joseph A. Sater, Trustee of Highland Armory Realty Trust v. City of Somerville.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0205
Requesting the appropriation of $167,168 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville...
Requesting the appropriation of $167,168 from the Salary Contingency account to various departmental Personal Services accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit D.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0198
Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,000 from the Health and Human Services Salaries Account to the Professional and Technical Services Account to fund increased costs associated with the FY...
Requesting approval of a transfer of $30,000 from the Health and Human Services Salaries Account to the Professional and Technical Services Account to fund increased costs associated with the FY 2026 Warming Center.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0165
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $100 donation from the Massachusetts Councils On Aging to the Somerville Council on Aging for the Active Aging Kick Off Party
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0170
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $149 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional and Technical Services Account for medical screening services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0206
New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 91 Professors Row, 50 residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0207
New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 93 Professors Row, 50 residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0208
New Lodging House License, Tufts University, 95 Professors Row, 50 residents
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0213
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 90-92-94 Curtis Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0231
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 136 Curtis Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0216
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 176 Curtis Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0227
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 40A Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0226
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 43 Latin Way
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0224
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Packard Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0225
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 73 Powderhouse Boulevard
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0221
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 125 Powderhouse Boulevard
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0220
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 8 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0209
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 92 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0223
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 98 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0222
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 106 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0211
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 13 Sawyer Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0217
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 37 Sawyer Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0212
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 45 Sawyer Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0210
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 9-11 Sunset Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0229
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 13-15 Talbot Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0230
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 45 Talbot Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0214
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 101 Talbot Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0228
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 15 Whitfield Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0232
Renewing Lodging House License, Tufts University, 21 Whitfield Road
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0189
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Automotive Transport Service Inc, 40 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0191
Somerville Community Growing Center applying for a Public Event License for SCGC Maple Boil Project and Boil 2026 on March 6 and 7 from 7:30am to 8pm (raindate March 13 and 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0190
Elizabeth Babriecki applying for a Public Event License for 5k Charity Walk/Run for Boston Community Pediatrics on March 28 from 6:30am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0192
Tufts University Graduate Student Council applying for a Public Event License for Tufts University 30th Annual 5K Charity Race on April 11 from 7am to 2pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0253
That this City Council commends the Fire Department for its fast and professional emergency response to the recent fire at 26 Summer Street
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →