MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
97 recorded votes, 95 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 →Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin. These minutes have no attendance list; attendance is from the council’s official “Call of the Roll” record on the city’s Legistar site. Emily Hardt arrived late (7:01 PM).
Present: Jon Link, Kristen Strezo, Ben Wheeler, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Emily Hardt
Absent: Wilfred Mbah, Lance Davis
Place on file: Call of the Roll
The minutes record the result as “Placed on file”, with a roll call.
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 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, and Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin.”
Approve the minutes of the March 26, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 26, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Approve the minutes of the April 9, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 9, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Approve the minutes of the April 14, 2026 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 14, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Commending Lillian Bartolucci on the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Commending the Salvation Army for their dedicated commitment and generosity in supporting the city
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Verizon New England applying for a Grant of Location to install 4 feet of conduit in Pearl Street, from existing Manhole 44/52A to a proposed new handhole next to 115 Pearl Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Verizon New England applying for a Grant of Location to install 61 feet of conduit in Medford Street, from existing Manhole 44/430 to a proposed new handhole next to 350 Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Administration, the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Office of Housing...
That the Administration, the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, the Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Office of Housing Stability, engage with leadership of Saint James Church to explore opportunities for partnership between the city and the church to activate underutilized space for community-serving purposes.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility install speed bumps on Elmwood Street and assess whether closing the street to non-residents during rush hours would be possible and useful to reduce the cut-through...
That the Director of Mobility install speed bumps on Elmwood Street and assess whether closing the street to non-residents during rush hours would be possible and useful to reduce the cut-through traffic to and from Cameron Avenue.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Public Works place a portable restroom at Hoyt-Sullivan playground
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility install a speed bump on Vernon Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator submit a written report to this City Council regarding the timeline for ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 under Title...
That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator submit a written report to this City Council regarding the timeline for ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 under Title II, and the plan for its completion.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Administration submit a written report to this Council regarding the timeline and process for staffing the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator role and update this Council on...
That the Administration submit a written report to this Council regarding the timeline and process for staffing the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator role and update this Council on the plan to process ADA complaints and accessibility coordination when this position is vacant.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Supporting the Governor’s Executive Order “Facilitating Safe and Affordable Single-Stair Multifamily Residential Buildings”
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Administration work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to ensure that extremely loud construction does not occur overnight
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development develop and share with the public, a list of all the spaces that are available for community use...
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development develop and share with the public, a list of all the spaces that are available for community use, including and especially those that are part of private developments.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Water and Sewer provide an overview of the water and sewer metering and billing practices
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning consider revising the demolition review cutoff date to 1945, rather than a date relative to the present year
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Commissioner of Public Works install a street light at the corner of Tufts and Washington Streets near the East Somerville Station crosswalk to increase visibility and pedestrian safety
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Director of Mobility use urban Neighborways art on Perkins Street, in front of the playground, to increase pedestrian safety
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Chief Information Officer provide this Council with a summary report on the current accessibility status of city-operated digital properties including websites, platforms, and portals...
That the Chief Information Officer provide this Council with a summary report on the current accessibility status of city-operated digital properties including websites, platforms, and portals, and share any plans to ensure new properties comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) using principles like “accessibility-first design."
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update to this Council on improvements made to custodial staffing at the East Somerville Community School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on the improvements made to the temperature in the Edgerly Education Center Cafetorium and kitchen following the installation of the air...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on the improvements made to the temperature in the Edgerly Education Center Cafetorium and kitchen following the installation of the air conditioning unit.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Mobility evaluate the feasibility of implementing a raised intersection or crosswalk at the intersection of Columbus Avenue, Prospect Hill Parkway, and Stone Avenue, and...
That the Director of Mobility evaluate the feasibility of implementing a raised intersection or crosswalk at the intersection of Columbus Avenue, Prospect Hill Parkway, and Stone Avenue, and report findings to the City Council.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
That the Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry consider snow clearing requirements to maintain inclusive winter use when selecting turf materials for the new Kennedy School inclusive playground
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Accept the report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 4, 2026
Report of the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, meeting on May 4, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Logan Brill to the Conservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Valerie Locker to the Conservation Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Eric Weisman as Commissioner of Public Works
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Dennis Sullivan to the position of Fire District Chief
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Sean Marquis to the position of Fire Lieutenant
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Michael J. Marino to the position of Fire Captain
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
In his capacity as President, recommending the appointment of Courtney Henderson to the position of City Clerk
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 7, 2026
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 7, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility, and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing...
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 8.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility, and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing projects.
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED 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, and Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
That the Director of Planning, Preservation, and Zoning prepare a revised amendment to item #26-0287 to include a two-foot setback for dormers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That the Director of Planning, Preservation, and Zoning prepare a revised amendment to item #26-0287 to remove the third story by right from detached house, semidetached house, and duplex house
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 28, 2026
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on April 28, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 5, 2026
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 5, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
That Rule 4 of the Rules of the City Council be amended to update submission deadlines for agenda items, consistent with the provisions of the Open Meeting Law
“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, and Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin ABSENT: City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 13, 2026
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on May 13, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 318 feet of conduit in Kent Street and Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 14831 to point of pickup at 22 Kent Street, and additional...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 318 feet of conduit in Kent Street and Somerville Avenue, from existing Manhole 14831 to point of pickup at 22 Kent Street, and additional conduit from Manhole 14831 to an existing Manhole 8634.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on April 30, 2026
Report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on April 30, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on April 29, 2026
Report of the Committee on Sustainability and Infrastructure, meeting on April 29, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on April 27, 2026
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on April 27, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting approval of an exemption for Linzy Buffington as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting approval of an exemption for John Haverty as required by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting approval of an exemption for Peter George as required by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting approval of an exemption for Jasper Coles as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Camara to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kaleigh Kosta to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Alfa Excavation Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, BSI Engineering
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, CRL Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, F.E. French Construction Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, J.J. Phelan & Son Co., Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Kealey Excavation Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Milltown Plumbing & Heating Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Riccio Excavation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, 288 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Cataldo Ambulance Service Inc., 137 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Chow N Joy, 626 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lemon Thai Cuisine, 215 Highland Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Lucky Strike, 325 Revolution Drive
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Mayer Campus Center, 44 Professors Row
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Papa John's, 622 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Flammables License, Hillside Auto Repair, Inc., 583 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Flammables License, Somerville Mobil, 360 Medford Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Auto Plus, 229 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Boston Sand and Gravel Company, 492R Rutherford Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Building 2 Owner LLC, 808 Windsor Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, DW Propco EF LLC, 250 Water Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Four Wheels Auto, 83A Albion Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Fred M. Susan Auto Body, Inc., 269 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Green Automotive Inc., 600 Windsor Place
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Garage License, Somerville Auto Center, 193 Somerville Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Yolande Trans., Inc., Med. #15
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Green and Yellow TNC of Somerville, Med. #27,33,34,35,36,37,38,53,54,67,68
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Mount Pleasant Taxi Inc, Med. #28,30,31,32,39,40,41,42,43
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Early Bird Transportation, LLC, Med. #49
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Charlie's Family LLC, Med. #80
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, HollyPaul Desravines, Med. #92
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Renewing Taxi Stand License, Green and Yellow Cab, 1 Davis Square
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Haitian Flag Raising on May 18 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for New England Hong Kong Festival on May 30 from 8am to 8pm (raindate May 31)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Veterans Services Department applying for a Public Event License for Pride Flag Raising on June 4 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mobility Division applying for a Public Event License for Quick Build Safety Improvements Open House on June 9 from 5pm to 8pm (raindate June 10)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Department of Racial and Social Justice applying for a Public Event License for Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 16 from 11am to 1:30pm (raindate June 17)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
St. Anthony Parish applying for a Public Event License for Festa Junina 2026 on June 20 from 10am to 1am (raindate June 21)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Parks and Recreation Department applying for a Public Event License for Family Fun Day on June 27 from 10am to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citixen Joy LLC applying for a Public Event License for Somer Fest on July 25 from 10am to 7:30pm (raindate July 26)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Alex Pickert applying for a Public Event License for NICE, a fest Vendor Market on July 25 and July 26 from 12pm to 12am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Police Department applying for a Public Event License for National Night Out on August 4 from 9am to 10:30pm (raindate August 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Benjamin G. Brown School applying for a Public Event License for BGB Fun Run on May 22 from 7:30am to 2:30pm (raindate June 5)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Isabel Calder applying for a Public Event License for Touch Grass & Meet IRL on May 23, June 21, and July 25 for various times (raindate May 24)
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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