MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
March 12, 2026
41 recorded votes, 40 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. These minutes have no attendance list; attendance is from the council’s official “Call of the Roll” record on the city’s Legistar site.
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 #26-0368
Approve the minutes of the February 12, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 12, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-0347
Commending the Kendall Wanderers Football Club on the occasion of its 50th anniversary
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0304
Comcast applying for a Grant of Location to install 20 feet of conduit in Allen Street, from Utility Pole 3 to a point of pickup at 13-17 Allen Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0305
Dagle Electrical applying for a Grant of Location to install 57 feet of conduit and one new charging station in the City Hall Concourse, from the War Memorial to a point of pickup at the proposed...
Dagle Electrical applying for a Grant of Location to install 57 feet of conduit and one new charging station in the City Hall Concourse, from the War Memorial to a point of pickup at the proposed electrical vehicle charging station.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0306
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to relocate existing Utility Pole 60/40 four feet northerly of its current location, near 3 Chester Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0312
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 164 feet of conduit and one new Manhole in Grant Street, from an existing Manhole 1900 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.
Grant of Location #26-0309
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 82 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street, from Utility Pole 122/2 to a point of pickup at 17 MacArthur Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0307
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 64 feet of conduit in Stone Avenue, from existing Manhole 14068 to a point of pickup at 11 Stone Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0310
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 6 feet of conduit in Chandler Street, from Utility Pole 227/6 to a point of pickup at 53 Chandler Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0343
That this City Council appoints Derrick Rice to the Review of Multiple Member Bodies Committee
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0336
That the Director of Inspectional Services discuss with this Council how to ensure that temporary dumpster permits do not conflict with handicapped parking spaces, or that temporary handicapped...
That the Director of Inspectional Services discuss with this Council how to ensure that temporary dumpster permits do not conflict with handicapped parking spaces, or that temporary handicapped parking spaces are relocated for the duration of the dumpster permit.
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 #26-0337
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure that handicapped parking spaces are not used for snow storage and are cleared at the same time as other spaces
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 #26-0338
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure that accessible sidewalk ramps are cleared following snowstorms, and ensure that 311 reports on this issue are...
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure that accessible sidewalk ramps are cleared following snowstorms, and ensure that 311 reports on this issue are promptly responded to.
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 #26-0350
In support of House Bill H.965 and Senate Bill S.2721, an Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0352
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council, the policy of prohibiting parking on alternating sides of the street during a snow emergency, and whether it is the best way to...
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council, the policy of prohibiting parking on alternating sides of the street during a snow emergency, and whether it is the best way to meet snow removal needs.
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 #26-0353
That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council the frequency of street sweeping throughout the period of April through November
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 #26-0356
In support of Senate Bill S.2975, an Act protecting access to justice
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0358
That this City Council calls on the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor to increase Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) by at least 6% in Fiscal Year 2027
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0359
That this City Council calls on the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, and maintain the $150 per pupil minimum aid increase in Fiscal Year 2027
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0362
That the Administration create a publicly accessible dashboard tracking progress toward planning and development goals in Gilman Square
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 #26-0363
That Director of Mobility evaluate opportunities for improved pedestrian safety at the intersection of Broadway and Main 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 #26-0364
That the Director of Housing provide data on units produced through the city’s inclusionary housing program, including length of occupancy, unit refusal by lottery winners and other data to...
That the Director of Housing provide data on units produced through the city’s inclusionary housing program, including length of occupancy, unit refusal by lottery winners and other data to demonstrate the health of the program.
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 #26-0365
Recognizing March 2026 as National Social Work Month
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0332
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 10, 2026
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on March 10, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #25-0849 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $127,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team equipment and training.
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Link, Mbah, McLaughlin, Sait, Strezo, WheelerNo: Scott
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor At Large Link, 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 NAY: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #26-0169 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $43,000 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for software
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Link, McLaughlin, Sait, Strezo, WheelerNo: Mbah, Scott
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor At Large Link, 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, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis NAY: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Mayor's Request #26-0268 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $31,000 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Public Works for upgrades to the Hazardous Household Waste Facility.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0270 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the Boynton Union Connect Transportation...
Requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 from the Bike Share Stabilization Fund for installation and startup costs of a Blue Bike station at the Boynton Union Connect Transportation Management Association development site.
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 #26-0271 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800.08 grant that requires a match, from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention.
Yes: Clingan, Davis, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Strezo, WheelerNo: Hardt, Link, Mbah, Sait, Scott
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, City Councilor At Large Strezo, City Councilor At Large Wheeler, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis NAY: City Councilor At Large Link, Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Five City Councilor Sait, Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt, and City Councilor At Large Mbah.”
Committee Report #26-0331
Accept the report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on March 4, 2026
Report of the Committee on Housing, Community Development and Equity, meeting on March 4, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0333
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 11, 2026
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on March 11, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-0181 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 62 feet of conduit in Ivaloo Street, from Utility Pole 179/5 to a point of pickup at 38 Ivaloo Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0334
Requesting that this Council convene in Executive Session to receive an update on collective bargaining negotiations
Yes: Davis, Ewen-Campen, Hardt, Link, Mbah, McLaughlin, Sait, WheelerThe minutes list J.T. Scott, Jesse Clingan and Kristen Strezo as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AYE: Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen, City Councilor At Large Link, 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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Clingan, and City Councilor At Large Strezo.”
Public Event #26-0316
Dormition of the Virgin Mary applying for a Public Event License for Greek Independence Day Celebration 2026 on March 28 from 10am to 1:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0315
St. Benedict Parish applying for a Public Event License for Good Friday Stations of the Cross on April 3 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0319
Tufts Engineers without Borders applying for a Public Event License for Fred Berger Memorial 6K Run/Walk on April 12 from 10:30am to 3pm (raindate April 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0318
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Nepali National Flag Raising Ceremony 2026 on April 12 from 1pm to 4:30pm (raindate April 19)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0320
SomerPromise applying for a Public Event License for Week of the Young Child Celebration 2026 on April 16 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0317
Mystic River Watershed Association applying for a Public Event License for Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on May 17 from 6am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0314
Mass Farmers Markets applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Farmers Market every Wednesday from May 20 to November 25
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-0313
The Curl Bar applying for a Public Event License for The Curl Bar Community Event 2026 on May 30 from 6am to 7pm (raindate May 31)
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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