MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
August 27, 2026
52 recorded votes, 51 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, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Emily Hardt
Absent: Naima Sait
Every vote, in order
Minutes #26-1326
Approve the minutes of the June 25, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 25, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-1251
Commending Dan Amelin for eight years of service in the Engineering Division
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-1312
Commending Ramón Bueno for his commitment to climate action
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-1313
Commending Eliza Johnston for her commitment to climate action
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-1278
Lightpath applying for a Grant of Location to install 41 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard, from existing telephone conduit near the intersection of Revolution Drive and Grand Union...
Lightpath applying for a Grant of Location to install 41 feet of conduit in Grand Union Boulevard, from existing telephone conduit near the intersection of Revolution Drive and Grand Union Boulevard to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 29310 next to 188 Assembly Park Drive.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-1275
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 208 feet of conduit in Taylor Street and Sydney Street and one new Manhole 32883, from Utility Pole 387/4 passing through the new Manhole...
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 208 feet of conduit in Taylor Street and Sydney Street and one new Manhole 32883, from Utility Pole 387/4 passing through the new Manhole 32883 to a point of pickup at 9 Taylor Street.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-1276
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 201 feet of conduit in Charlestown Street and Allen Street, from proposed Manhole 32885 to a point of pickup at 37 Allen Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-1277
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 51 feet of conduit in Prescott Street, from Utility Pole 287/8 to a point of pickup at 53 Prescott Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-1321
In his capacity as President, that this Council schedule a Public Hearing regarding the establishment of an entity to provide civilian oversight of the Police Department
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1301
To end the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program access crisis
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1302
In support of a fair and dignified resolution for an international graduate student at Tufts University
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1303
In support of security officers in Greater Boston and airport service workers at Logan International Airport
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1304
In support of Service Employees International Union 32BJ facilities workers at Tufts University
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Resolution #26-1305
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the street harassment reported by abutters and pedestrians on Prescott Street, School Street and the area surrounding the Warming Center...
That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss the street harassment reported by abutters and pedestrians on Prescott Street, School Street and the area surrounding the Warming Center (when it is open) and what steps are being taken to address this going forward.
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 #26-1306
That the Director of Inspectional Services provide a report to the City Council detailing the number of 1) short-term rentals registered, 2) illegal short-term rentals reported during 2025 and 3)...
That the Director of Inspectional Services provide a report to the City Council detailing the number of 1) short-term rentals registered, 2) illegal short-term rentals reported during 2025 and 3) a high-level summary of the outcomes and enforcement actions taken.
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 #26-1307
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of Constituent Services work together to update the short-term rental webpage with reporting instructions, and to establish a designated...
That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Director of Constituent Services work together to update the short-term rental webpage with reporting instructions, and to establish a designated 311 category for reporting suspected illegal short-term rentals.
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 #26-1308
That the Director of Planning work with this Council to increase accessible housing
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1309
That the Administration organize another city-wide neighborhood trash pickup for public spaces this fall
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1314
In support of retaining Route 80 service through Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1317
That the Director of Mobility consider prioritizing the area near the intersection of Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace for street painting in several areas
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1318
That pay for crossing guards be increased, both in recognition of the crucial work that they do serving the children in our schools, and as a means to ensure the city is adequately staffed with...
That pay for crossing guards be increased, both in recognition of the crucial work that they do serving the children in our schools, and as a means to ensure the city is adequately staffed with crossing guards.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1253
Requesting the appropriation of $937,409 from the Salary Contingency Account to various Fire Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters...
Requesting the appropriation of $937,409 from the Salary Contingency Account to various Fire Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Association of Somerville, Local 76 Union.
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, 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 Five City Councilor Sait.”
Mayor's Request #26-1223
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Somerville Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Sewer Capital Fund Union Square Sewer...
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Somerville Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Sewer Capital Fund Union Square Sewer Bond Account to fund required project expenditures.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1224
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project Design Capital Fund to pay for required project...
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project Design Capital Fund to pay for required project expenditures.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1225
Requesting approval of an inter-fund transfer of $1,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Debt Service Account to the Poplar Street Pump Station Design Capital Fund to pay for required project expenditures
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1252
Requesting approval to accept a gift of 200 soccer balls with an approximate value of $5,000 from the United States Conference of Mayors
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1235
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Chanthan Neang to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1236
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Isaiah Saint-Vil to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1237
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Joshua Benson to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1238
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Christian Marsden to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1260
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Odamarys Pamela Acosta to the position of Police Officer
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1296
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Michael Avery to the Elections Commission
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1297
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mary Otiato to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1239
Requesting approval of an exemption for Mark Antonelli as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, § 20(b)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Communication #26-1300
Proclaiming July 2026 as South Asian Heritage Month in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Communication #26-1299
Proclaiming August 26, 2026 as Women’s Equality Day in Somerville
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1283
Somerville Public Schools applying for a Public Event License for 2026 Back to Fair on August 25th from 2pm to 7pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1290
Health and Human Services Office of Prevention Services applying for a Public Event License for Overdose Awareness Day on August 27 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1284
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Brazilian Flag Raising on September 10 from 2:30pm to 5pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1292
Council on Aging applying for a Public Event License for Senior's Picnic on September 10 from 7am to 6pm (raindate September 11)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1293
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for SomerStreets: G26 Gilman Arts and Music Festival on September 12 from 9am to 7pm (raindate September 13)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1295
Veterans Services Division applying for a Public Event License for Health and Wellness Day on September 12 from 10am to 3pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1285
Society of S.S. Cosmas & Damian of Somerville & Cambridge applying for a Public Event License for Procession for S.S. Cosmas & Damian on September 13 from 3pm to 6pm (raindate September 14)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1288
East Somerville Main Streets applying for a Public Event License for Foodie Crawl on September 15 from 2pm to 9:30pm (raindate September 16)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1287
Arts Council applying for a Public Event License for Legally Fluff on September 19 from 10am to 7pm (raindate September 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1286
Davis Square Village applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Village Community Event on September 19 from 11am to 5pm (raindate September 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1291
Kids Like You and Me applying for a Public Event License for Somerville Underground Pop Arts Performance Showcase on September 19 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate September 20)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1289
Office of Immigrant Affairs applying for a Public Event License for Latin American & Caribbean Heritage Celebration on September 26 from 1pm to 6pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1294
Homeless Coalition applying for a Public Event License for Somerville 5k Road Race on October 3 from 6am to 11:30am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1279
New Drainlayer's License, J Busteed Construction LLC
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1281
Renewing Flammables License, Speedway #02513, 709 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1280
Renewing Extended Operating Hours License, Pepi's Pizzeria, 516B Medford 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.
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