MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
September 24, 2026
51 recorded votes, 44 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, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Emily Hardt
Absent: J.T. Scott
Every vote, in order
Minutes #26-1440
Approve the minutes of the July 27, 2026 special meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 27, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #26-1410
Commending Gonzalo Puigbo for his work as the Executive Director of Somerville Community Corporation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Grant of Location #26-1400
Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install 140 feet of conduit in Newton Street, from the intersection of Prospect Street and Newton Street to a point of pickup at existing Manhole 31233
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-1420
That the Director of Parking discuss with this Council the feasibility of considering vehicle size and weight when establishing residential parking permit fees, so that permit costs may better...
That the Director of Parking discuss with this Council the feasibility of considering vehicle size and weight when establishing residential parking permit fees, so that permit costs may better reflect the amount of parking space used and the relative impact of different sized vehicles on city streets.
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 #26-1421
That, in view of the proliferation of rats in the city, the Director of Public Health and/or designees update this Council on the status of dumpster license registration and enforcement...
That, in view of the proliferation of rats in the city, the Director of Public Health and/or designees update this Council on the status of dumpster license registration and enforcement, including: estimates of the numbers of licensed and unlicensed dumpsters in the city which regularly contain discarded food; procedures for identifying unlicensed dumpsters and encouraging licensing; criteria for approval of dumpsters; staff capacity for dumpster inspection and enforcement; and current methods and best practices for excluding rodents from dumpsters.
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 #26-1419
That the Administration develop a procedure allowing the Parking Department, upon identifying a vehicle parked in a location such as a fire lane where it poses a public safety concern, to arrange...
That the Administration develop a procedure allowing the Parking Department, upon identifying a vehicle parked in a location such as a fire lane where it poses a public safety concern, to arrange for the vehicle to be towed.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #26-1429
That the Director of Finance and the Director of Economic Development report to this Council on the situation of financial bankruptcy, involving the investor funds, holding equity in the empty lab...
That the Director of Finance and the Director of Economic Development report to this Council on the situation of financial bankruptcy, involving the investor funds, holding equity in the empty lab building at 808 Windsor Place, Boynton Yards.
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 #26-1428
In remembrance of Lobga Rangzen and in recognition of Somerville’s Tibetan Community
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1422
That the Director of the Parking install drop-off/pick-up signage on Cherry Street, across from the Kennedy School
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 #26-1423
That the Director of Mobility add bike racks at the Kennedy School
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 #26-1424
That the Director of Mobility paint bike markings in the bike lane on Elm Street, across from the Kennedy school
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 #26-1425
That the Director of Mobility install a NO TURN ON RED sign at the intersection of Broadway and Cedar 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 #26-1426
That the Director of Mobility take the steps necessary to make the intersection of Vernon Street and Partridge Avenue safer
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 #26-1427
That the Administration and relevant departments submit a memo to this Council showing the cost of staffing Somerville High School to be used as a teen center after school hours
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 #26-1430
That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council possible strategies to address safety concerns caused by large trucks using Weston Avenue as a cut-through from Broadway to Clarendon...
That the Director of Mobility discuss with this Council possible strategies to address safety concerns caused by large trucks using Weston Avenue as a cut-through from Broadway to Clarendon Avenue, particularly the dangerous conditions created when these trucks make a right turn from Weston Avenue onto Clarendon Avenue.
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 #26-1431
That the Director of Parking issue free temporary parking permits for residents who do not have a parking permit and whose driveways are temporarily obstructed by ongoing city construction projects
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 #26-1432
In support of the "Yes in God’s Backyard" (YIGBY) legislation
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #26-1433
In support of an act relative to preventing home insurers from forcing tree removal
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-1435
Accept the report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 22, 2026
Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on September 22, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1221 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $9,809.81 grant that requires a match, from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Somerville Police Department for body armor vests
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1240 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $255,045 from the Transportation Network Receipts Reserved Account to the Transportation Network Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2027 Vision Zero efforts
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1254 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $215,919.15 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $215,919.15 grant with no new match required, from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to the Health and Human Services Department for a Shared Services Coordinator and a Clinical Community Health Worker.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1320 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $24,500 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for emergency medical dispatch
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1322 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $295,463 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for E911 dispatcher personnel costs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1323 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $159,754.04 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for E911 dispatcher certification...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $159,754.04 grant with no new match required, from the State 911 Department to the Police Department for training costs for E911 dispatcher certification and recertification.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1334 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to appropriate $350,000 from the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency
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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #26-1341 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $80,852.95 using available funds in various Department of Public Works accounts for various services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1354 (report of the Finance Committee)
Requesting approval to enter into lease agreements with various tenants to provide commercial arts space at the Somerville Armory Building, 191 Highland Avenue
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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Committee Report #26-1441
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2026
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 8, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #26-1434
Accept the report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 15, 2026
Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on September 15, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-0956 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 2-323 of the Code of Ordinances to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED 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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Ordinance #26-1111 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That Chapter 3, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within
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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Public Communication #26-1165 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Davis Square Neighborhood Council submitting comments re: formal recognition by this Council as a neighborhood council under Chapter 7, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances
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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Mayor's Request #26-1257 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to regulate anticoagulant rodenticides
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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Ordinance #26-1310 (report of the Legislative Matters Committee)
That Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDINANCE ORDAINED 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 ABSENT: Ward Two City Councilor Scott.”
Committee Report #26-1436
Accept the report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 23, 2026
Report of the Committee on Licenses and Permits, meeting on September 23, 2026.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1068 (report of the Licenses and Permits Committee)
New Extended Operating Hours License, Wings Over Somerville, 519 Somerville Avenue, for in-store, take-out, and delivery service until 2am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1411
Requesting the appropriation of $19,986 from the Salary Contingency Account to Police Department Personal Services Accounts to fund a collective bargaining agreement with Local 888 - Crossing Guards
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1390
Requesting approval to establish a Grant Match Account with a $15,000 transfer from the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Professional & Technical Services account to the...
Requesting approval to establish a Grant Match Account with a $15,000 transfer from the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Professional & Technical Services account to the Health and Human Services-Community Wellness Division's Special Items account for the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture's Fiscal Year 2027 Food Security Infrastructure Grant match requirement.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1378
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoice totaling $2,500 using available funds in the People Operations Employee Training Account for manager training
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1380
Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $2,000 using available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account for pre-employment drug testing & physicals
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1381
Requesting approval to a pay prior year invoice totaling $1,912.50 using available funds in the People Operations Professional & Technical Account for a 111F record review
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #26-1386
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $59,497 grant that requires a match, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department - Community...
Requesting approval to accept and expend a $59,497 grant that requires a match, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to the Health and Human Services Department - Community Wellness Division for the expansion of cold storage capacity of the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Officer's Communication #26-1437
City Clerk requesting approval to hold a special election to fill vacancies in the Ward 2 and Ward 3 City Council seats pursuant to § 2-12 of the City Charter
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1401
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, Raymy Inc, Med #59
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #26-1402
Renewing Taxi Medallion License, SSR Cab Inc, Med. #81
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1403
Davis Square Neighborhood Council applying for a Public Event License for Davis Square Neighborhood Yard Sale on September 27 from 12pm to 6pm (raindate October 4)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1404
Mayor's Office applying for a Public Event License for Italian Heritage Month Flag Raising on October 15 from 4pm to 6:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1446
La Corsa Club applying for a Public Event License for The Autumn 5k Fun Run on September 26 from 8am to 11:30am
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1447
Groundwork Somerville applying for a Public Event License for Harvest Festival on October 3 from 9am to 6pm (raindate October 4)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #26-1448
Somerville Foundation and Ultimate Entertainment Group applying for a Public Event License for Gurk McGurk Back to School Corps and Cars Show on October 4 from 9:30am to 2pm
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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