MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 28, 2026
50 recorded votes, 41 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. Naima Sait arrived late (7:12 PM).
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 #26-0934
Approve the minutes of the April 23, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Minutes #26-0935
Approve the minutes of the May 11, 2026 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 11, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-0923
Commending Jerry Cajuste and Medno Dawson for outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service as crossing guards in one of the busiest and most heavily trafficked neighborhoods
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Ordinance #26-0919
Proposing an amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances, the Welcoming Communities Ordinance
From the minutes
“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, Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin, City Councilor At Large Mbah, and Ward Six City Councilor Davis.”
Resolution #26-0921
In support of voluntary recognition for Somerville Workers United
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0917
That the Director of Mobility, the Director of Engineering, the Director of Parking and the Chief of Police appear before the Traffic and Parking Committee to review traffic flows and enforcement...
That the Director of Mobility, the Director of Engineering, the Director of Parking and the Chief of Police appear before the Traffic and Parking Committee to review traffic flows and enforcement practices around schools citywide during drop-of and pick-up, 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 AS AMENDED AND SENT FOR.”
Resolution #26-0916
That the Administration share all the positions that were cut from the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and their departments, and explain how they align with the Mayor's equity agenda
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0918
That the Administration appear before the City Council to present its organizational restructuring
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0931
Requesting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of Route 16 and Woods Avenue
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Communication #26-0742
Proclaiming May 2026 to be Jewish American Heritage Month
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0930
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2026
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on May 26, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0707 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $6,660 using available funds in the Police Department Maintenance Software Account for fingerprinting machine software
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0732 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $11,000 grant and a $4,200 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire safety education and...
Requesting approval to accept and expend an $11,000 grant and a $4,200 grant with no new match required, from the Department of Fire Services to the Fire Department for fire safety education and supplies for school children and senior citizens.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0733 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a transfer of $4,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Undesignated Fund Balance to the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0738 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to establish an Arts Council Furniture Account and to use $2,000 in available funds from the Arts Council Professional & Technical Services Account to purchase new desks and...
Requesting approval to establish an Arts Council Furniture Account and to use $2,000 in available funds from the Arts Council Professional & Technical Services Account to purchase new desks and chairs for staff.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0740 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of a time-only contract extension until 5/22/2027 for the contract with UELContractors Inc. for the completion of improvements at Junction Park
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0745 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval of an amendment to the Assembly Square District Improvement Financing District Map and Program to include the Assembly Square Fire Station, 45 Middlesex Avenue, and...
Requesting approval of an amendment to the Assembly Square District Improvement Financing District Map and Program to include the Assembly Square Fire Station, 45 Middlesex Avenue, and improvements to the intersection of Middlesex Avenue and Mystic Avenue.
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 #26-0763 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into a 60-month contract renewal term with Waste Management of Massachusetts Inc. for solid waste disposal
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0803 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $182,469 from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Stabilization fund for the Healthcare for the Homeless program
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 #26-0807 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $999,000 from the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund to the Building Improvements Bond Fund to pay down building renovation expenses
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 #26-0808 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $2,381,625 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Somerville Avenue Streetscape Bond Fund to pay down capital expenses
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 #26-0810 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $320,000 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Union Square Streetscape and Plaza Bond Fund to pay down streetscape...
Requesting approval to appropriate $320,000 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Union Square Streetscape and Plaza Bond Fund to pay down streetscape improvement expenses.
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 #26-0818 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $3,940,905 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Street Resurfacing Bond Fund to pay down street reconstruction and...
Requesting approval to appropriate $3,940,905 from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Stabilization Fund to the Street Resurfacing Bond Fund to pay down street reconstruction and resurfacing expenses.
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 #26-0819 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $545,985 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to Fire Pumper Bond Fund 51855 for the purposes of funding a new fire pumper
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 #26-0820 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $532,449 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to the Fire Pumper Bond Fund 5187 for the purpose of funding a new fire pumper
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.”
Committee Report #26-0929
Accept the report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 21, 2026
Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on May 21, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0927
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 19, 2026
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on May 19, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0883 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney remove the remaining uses of “without limitation” in the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances...
That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney remove the remaining uses of “without limitation” in the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances document to remain consistent.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0884 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney include “religious expression" after “assembly” in (13) (B) (I) of the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of...
That the City Council Legislative and Policy Analyst and the City Attorney include “religious expression" after “assembly” in (13) (B) (I) of the proposed amendment to Section 2-6 of the Code of Ordinances and resubmit to the Council.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0928
Accept the report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on May 21, 2026
Report of the Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on May 21, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-0926
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 18, 2026
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on May 18, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-0373 (report of the Traffic and Parking Committee)
That this Council review construction-related parking in the area of Oak Street and Bolton Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0886
Renewing Drainlayer's License, Albanese Brothers Inc
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0887
Renewing Flammables License, Boston Closet Company, 229 Lowell Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0888
Renewing Flammables 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.
License #26-0889
Renewing Flammables License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0890
Renewing Flammables 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.
License #26-0891
Renewing Flammables License, Silicon PropCo 2021, LLC, 101 South Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0892
Renewing Flammables License, U-Haul of Boston, 151 Linwood Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0894
New Extended Operating Hours License, Ever Fitness, 14 McGrath Highway, opening 24/7 for in-store
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0895
Renewing Garage License, 101 South Street Owner LLC, 101 South Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0900
Renewing Garage License, Automotive Transport Services Inc, 40 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0901
Renewing Garage License, D.M. Auto Body, Inc, 48 Joy Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0902
Renewing Garage License, DW Propco JK, LLC, 0 Dawes Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0904
Renewing Garage License, Valvoline Instant Oil Change AB0001, 182 Washington Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0905
Renewing Outdoor Parking License, John's Auto Sales, 216 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0906
New Second Hand Dealer License, Mile Bee Ventures LLC, 21 Cherry Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-0907
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from BAETDA Transportation to Skyline Taxi for Medallion #93
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0945
That this City Council extends its gratitude to Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-0946
That this City Council congratulates Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin on his graduation from Harvard University
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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