So, welcome everyone.

And I'll call this meeting of the Somerville City Council to order.

Pursuant to chapter two of the acts of 2025.

This meeting of the City Council may be conducted via remote participation.

Please know that we will post an audio recording, audio video recording, transcript, and other comprehensive record of this proceeding as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels.

I will be available for future review.

Would the clerk please call the role?

This is roll call.

Councillor Young Campin?

Here.

Councilor Link.

Here.

Councillor Scott.

Present.

Councillor Klingon.

Councillor Schrezo.

Present.

Councillor Saeed?

Here.

Councillor Wheeler?

Here.

Councillor Hart?

Here.

Councilor McLaughlin.

Councillor Mbaugh.

Present.

Councillor Davis.

With nine councillors present, we have quorum.

Thank uh may the record reflect that Councillor Davis is has some other commitment.

So pursuant to our Rule 32, let it be known that this City Council salutes the flag of the United States of America, and let us recall our oath to uphold the constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth to the best of our abilities and understanding.

We'll begin with a moment of silence.

Are there counselors who wish to speak about community members?

I have one.

If since you know it nobody has one, I think uh our colleague Stevie Noodle.

I saw him uh recently, his mom passed away.

Um recently, mom's name is Deborah Nota, 91 year old of Union Town, passed away on February 15th, leaving a legacy of faith, family devotion, service to others.

Born September 7, 1934 in Enterprise.

She supported her family through years of travel during her husband's service in the United States Navy and later built a respected career, including becoming an award-winning realtor with Conwell Banker, a devoted apostolic musician and creative artist.

She shared her talents through church ministry, painting, cake decorating, gardening, and caring for her beloved family and pets.

Services were entrusted to Hammer Funeral Home.

We ask that this, you know, we remember her, you know, in our thoughts and prayer.

So everyone in the chamber who is able, can we rise for a moment of silence?

Thank you.

So colleagues, after we go through the citation, the administration has requested a few items that we need to take out of order.

And these items are 7.3, 7.7, finance report, and then 7.1.

Mr.

President, please repeat that.

Oh sorry, so we would be taking the administration has requested we take a few items out of order.

That's 7.3, 7.7.

Then we're gonna take finance report, and then we the last item will take out of order is 7.1.

Sure.

And with that next item, Madam Clerk.

The first item is agenda item 1.3, approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 22nd, 2026.

See no objection, the item is approved.

Brings us to agenda item 2.1.

A citation by Councillor Mbaugh, commanding director of libraries, Kathy Pianchini on her return to work following the medical procedure.

Oh, it's been a while since I've been up here.

The power, the power, Councillor Barr.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

During my time serving on the Somerville Library Foundation, I had the privilege of working closely with Cathy Piantigini, who's leadership as director of the Somerville Public Library has strengthened the library's role as a welcoming, inclusive and dynamic civic institution.

True collaborative initiatives and my volunteer work teaching citizenship classes at the library.

I witnessed firsthand Kati's deep commitment to expanding access to knowledge, fostering lifelong learning, and creating spaces where residents of all backgrounds can connect, grow and thrive.

Libraries serve not only as repositories of books, but as essential community and cost that support education, digital access and cultural exchange and democratic institutions.

Cat is thoughtful stewardship has ensured that some of his library continue to embody these values and remain vital public resources for our community and society a large.

Any further discussion on this item?

Seeing none, the item is approved.

That brings us to our first item out of order, 7.3 request of the mayor requesting approval of a transfer of $5,700 from the law department professional and technical services account to the executive department salaries and wages temporary account to establish the position of senior advisor to the mayor for labor.

Mayor Wilson.

Apologize for that.

Yeah, this is something that uh I'm extremely enthusiastic about.

Uh y'all know from my time serving on this body how much I love the idea of taking things currently done out of house, doing that in-house.

Uh this is us doing that.

This is us listening to the voices of uh labor leaders in our city who've asked us uh to not use outside counsel in those negotiations.

There's a clear track record of this approach working extremely well next door in Boston.

Uh Mayor Wu in Boston, uh he gets called her her labor whisperer.

Uh, but Lou Mandarini in Boston uh has proven a really really invaluable hire.

Uh and we're going in that same direction here.

I can't tell you a name yet, uh, but y'all approving this tonight.

Uh will allow us to go uh bring in someone who I think uh you all be very impressed by.

Uh and basically money that would have been spent on much costlier outside council.

We're gonna spend on bringing someone in uh to work in the city.

It's not a full-time position, we don't have that that workload.

Uh, but uh we anticipate it being uh, you know, we're shooting for in the neighborhood of an estimate of 40 hours a month.

Uh could be as much as 19 hours a week uh during some peak times.

But uh yeah, it's uh I think this is gonna help us do amazing things uh and and really pursue shared goals that we have uh as a government, uh as as an administration with our uh union employees in this city and really take us forward as a city.

Happy to answer questions from people, but uh yeah, very enthusiastic about this.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Consul you and campaign.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh, through you, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, I I just want to make sure that I kind of am understanding this.

This is we're bringing in someone to advise you on labor negotiations, your administration, but this is someone who is respected by the labor movement.

Um exactly.

Uh in Boston, uh, sorry to cut you out.

Through through you, Mr.

President.

Uh, in Boston, uh, the mayor brought in someone who spent a career sitting on the other side of the table.

That's what we're doing here.

Uh again, I can't can't say a name, but it's a name you will know.

Uh in the in Massachusetts labor circles, uh, someone who will have credibility with the folks on the other side of the table.

One of the main goals, if you come in and cause an affront to the other side, if you step in it, you're gonna pay for that.

You're gonna pay for it either on the policy side, you're gonna pay for it financially.

Uh having having everyone, you know, in alignment, working together on unshared things, showing respect goes a long way in this game.

And this is us doing that.

There was a clear call.

I heard it from uh from one of our locals asking directly, please don't bring outside counsel to negotiations.

This is us listening to them, and this is us pursuing a strategy that I am convinced is going to bear fruit uh in in ways that that you all and I are really gonna appreciate and in ways that are gonna bring the city forward.

Uh well, Mr.

President, I I'm very supportive of this.

I'm thankful.

I think this is a real sign of goodwill and respect for for our municipal unions.

I uh I I hope this works as well as we all think it will.

And Mr.

President, can I add this is a huge vote of confidence, also an expression of confidence in uh Matt Sirogu.

Uh Attorney Sirogu uh serves basically we don't use the term chief labor counsel anymore.

Uh but you know, Attorney Syrigo is out there, you know, doing all these negotiations.

Um, and this is an expression of how much we believe in attorney Syrigoo that he's ready to take the lead on this without needing outside council.

This position will be there at the at the bargaining table uh as well to make sure that that we're going about things in a way that's mutually beneficial to to management and to labor.

US said, Councilor Yunka.

Council McGloffin.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh through you to the mayor.

Uh so the to be clear, this is an internal position now.

Uh so for people who don't know, the reason why this might be a good idea is outside council gets paid by the hour.

Uh so that would not be the case in this situation, correct?

Mr.

President, this is an hourly it's a part-time position, so it is being paid hourly.

We don't we don't uh we don't entirely gain that benefit of going full salary here.

Uh just because we don't believe that there is that demand at this point in a city our size.

Boston, I think I might get this wrong, I think has 35 units.

Uh we don't have nearly that number.

Uh yeah, this is uh we believe this is the best approach here to really intelligently uh look to put things in in the best possible position, they can be on the labor front.

Well, I made a mistake there, but to be clear too.

I have heard from organized labor as well that they'd prefer this approach because they feel outside council often uh intentionally drags things out when things could be settled easier.

Yeah, Mr.

President.

I if anyone isn't convinced by me telling you how enthusiastic uh you know our our labor unions are in the city about this, I'd encourage you to reach out to them and ask them and hear it directly from them.

They're very excited about this.

Anyway, yeah, I mean, if the if the level if the level unions excited, I mean I think we should all be excited about it.

Councilor Scott.

Uh Mr.

Chair, I am normally very dubious about mid-year positions.

This is what we've been asking for for years to bring more of these roles in-house and to have a better relationship with our labor union, so I appreciate it.

And uh unless there's objection, I would move to approve tonight.

So is a motion on the table.

Uh sorry, without I don't know if I'm allowed to speak anymore now.

There's a motion on the table, probably not.

I was just gonna say I appreciate Councillor Scott's uh uh support for you know, with a long track record of being very dubious of mid-year uh position creations.

Really appreciate this.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I mean, we appreciate you you know speaking on the motion, which you are not allowed, but it's so you know, seeing no objection that that item is approved.

Next are we supposed to do we need a roll call vote?

Just oh let the record indicate that counselor Klingon has joined the meeting.

Welcome, Councillor Next.

Do we need a roll call for that?

Okay, nice.

Next agenda item is 7.7.

A request of the mayor requesting approval of an extension to the temporary appointment of Kevin Klein as interim director of inspectional services.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

For the record, Yazman Rodasi legislative liaison with IGA.

Um, we didn't have any uh remarks prepared for this item.

It's just uh extension of the interim appointment of Kevin Klein as ISD director.

Um hoping to have immediate consideration on this item.

Thank you.

Councillor Scott.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

This is as just mentioned, this is an extension of uh an interim posting that has been in place now longer than I would have liked it to.

Uh, but I can speak to uh uh interim director Klein's long history with the uh city.

Uh long been in ISD, started as a plumbing inspector there.

Uh he's been doing a great job along with Deputy Director Zano keeping the lights on down there.

So uh while I'm anxious for this uh hiring process to continue through and to have a permanent director appointed soon, uh I'd move to accept this this evening just so the wheels uh keep turning.

So motion on the table.

Seeing no objection is approved.

Next item, Madame Clit.

That brings us to agenda item 6A1, a report of the committee on finance meeting on February 24th, 2026.

Council Wheeler.

Uh thank you, Chairs.

Uh thank you, Chair.

Um, I move to sever item uh 6A22, ID 26-0156 from the finance committee report to be taken up separately.

So counselor Wheeler moved to several six point six point a point twenty-two.

Six point eight point twenty-two seeing objection, the item is severed.

Thank you.

The finance committee, uh, I'll proceed with the finance committee report now, if that's the right item.

Thank you.

The finance committee met on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, via remote participation with all five members present, and with the help of Clerk Madeline Latelier and legislative liaison Yasmin Radasi.

We took up a long 39 item agenda, which is too long to list in detail.

I encourage everyone interested to consult the minutes and video transcript for each item.

Very briefly, a few notes.

We recommended approval for two distinct items for the Kennedy school yard.

A one million dollar appropriation from the community preservation committee and a two million dollar bond.

The cost covers an expanded schoolyard that'll have numerous elements of accessibility for the full student body of all the academic programs of the Kennedy, as well as extensive stormwater parking lot and surface permeability work that will count towards the city's overall burden of stormwater mitigation.

The intention is to solicit contractor bids for this project soon and to complete a first phase of this work during the summer recess this year.

I'm excited.

And regarding public safety, we considered a series of items that involve grants.

After consultation with city staff and discussion on the committee, the committee was satisfied that these grants are in line with the city's values and the law.

I realize there are serious concerns about some of these grants and their conditions, and several residents have reached out to me to learn more about that and share their views.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Um and I am looking for the last thing that I was supposed to say for this.

I move for this committee report to be accepted in full and a question on the committee report.

So that committee report is approved.

And do we have any roll call votes?

Or should we you know take on the seva items or like because these are two distinct call votes?

Okay, so there are nine roll call votes, you know, for within the committee report.

So okay, do you want to go each one and then we can we can do that?

Yes, yeah.

Oh, should we just approve?

Can we just take roll call votes on these items?

So they say when in doubt, 10 right.

So okay.

So we have to do a roll call vote for all day.

Okay, so we have multiple items before the body for a roll call.

First being 26-0084 requesting an appropriation authorization to borrow two million in a bond for financing a portion of the Kennedy School Yard renovation project as recommended by the community preservation committee.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Streso?

Yes.

Counselor Sae?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With 11 counselors in favor, that is approved.

The next item in front of the body is 26-0160, requesting approval of a pedestrian access sidewalk easement and maintenance license at 16 to 20 Medford Street.

Counselor Ewan Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Streso?

Yes.

Counselor Saeed?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh yes.

Counselor Davis.

With 10 counselors in favor, that is approved.

The next item in front of us is 26-01.

Oops.

And now I just let me make sure I get my papers correct.

Did that one?

Yes.

26-0162 requesting authorization to borrow 1,530,000 in a bond and to appropriate the same amount for the annual FY2026 sewer system evaluation and infiltration inflow assessment.

Counselor UN Campan?

Yes.

Counselor Link?

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Strezo?

Yes.

Counselor Saeed?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis with 10 counselors in favor.

That is approved.

And that brings us to agenda item 26-0172 requesting approval to appropriate 324,360 from the Ministral Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of four positions related to youth in FY2027.

Counselor Young Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Link?

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Schrezo?

Yes.

Counselor Saeed?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis with 10 counselors in favor.

That is approved.

And then that puts in front of us five different items related to the energy stabilization fund for various amounts.

We'll do them all at once unless there's any objection to me reading them all.

Counselor Ewan Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Link?

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Shrezo?

Yes.

Counselor Saeed?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With 10 counselors in favor, those items 6A30 through 6A34 on the agenda are approved.

That is all of the roll call votes on the committee report.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

So uh on the sever item.

Thank you, Chair.

Uh I wanted to bring this item back for consideration because uh Summerville Police Department and Summerville Fire Department staff have clarified the technical setup and access control for this data.

The cameras in question here are not part of the uh FEMA UASI or PS networks.

They use servers housed entirely within Somerville in the control of Summerville Police Department and Somerville Fire Department with access provided only under a system of strict logging.

Partners and other municipalities can request specific narrow data, and all such requests are recorded and considered through a deliberate process controlled entirely by the city of Somerville.

All data is destroyed after 30 days unless there's a specific investigation that Somerville documents and assents to.

While no system is perfectly immune to external threats, the staff has demonstrated that we have reasonable barriers in place to protect our data from unauthorized access.

For these reasons, I believe this grant is a reasonable way to maintain our fire facilities safely while fully protecting the privacy values of our residents.

Thank you, Councilman Campen.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

Through you, I want to thank Chair Wheeler for that.

Um and I just for folks who who've followed this conversation, every time the city wants to get any kind of surveillance, anything, even if it's just surveillance equipment, you know, cameras to look at fire trucks, make sure they don't get damaged.

They have to come before this council and give us a report that explains exactly what the technology is, how much costs, who has access to the data, etc.

etc.

All of those reports, and including this, there was a specific report for this technology.

Um and these are all publicly available.

Um, our wonderful city council staff.

If you Google Somerville surveillance technology reports, you'll find a list of them, and one of them is called Homeland Security Cameras at the fire station, and you will hear exactly what Chair Wheeler just said.

This is like a it was described to me as like a convenience store surveillance camera, right?

It's not getting shared.

So I think there was confusion in the committee meeting, but that's all been clarified, and I just want to um reaffirm that this is all happening according to that surveillance technology oversight.

So thank you.

Counselor Link Yes, thank you, uh Mr.

President.

Um so yeah, just uh to I guess reiterate there was very clearly some uh some I guess not just new information but also some corrections um of the information that we were given in the committee meeting um that that were I think very material uh um Madame Clark, can you just read the item so that you know members of the public can understand the details of what we are talking about?

The severed item in front of us 26-0156 requesting approval to accept and expend a 48,000 dollar grant with no new match required from UASC to the fire department for the replacement of security cameras at fire headquarters.

Thank you.

Councilor Scott.

Uh thank you very much.

I really wanted to say thank you to uh the mayor staff and staff in the fire and police department that reached out um when I had a conversation with them.

Um I am a trust but verify kind of person.

Uh maybe that's well.

But uh I actually asked for a copy of the quote.

Uh I reviewed the quote in the RFP.

This is uh a closed system, which means it is as secure from uh the feds as any camera footage can be.

Uh obviously it can be obtained through a subpoena, but uh yeah, I I really appreciate clearing the record on that, making it um something that I am comfortable accepting the money for.

Um so I really appreciate this, and I think this is a great opportunity.

Uh it's never too wrong to or never too late to correct a mistake.

Uh and I'm I'm glad we're getting it right.

So thank you, sir.

Thank you, Councillor Scott.

At this point, I would like to sponsor you know my friend Christa who wants to speak on this item.

Krista, you have the floor.

Oh, we can approve because if we have a difficulty, my name is Crystal Huff.

My pronouns are they them, and I live in Ward 5.

Um, and I and several of our neighbors have been contacting you this week, this month, about our concerns about DHS, about ICE in our community.

And it sounds like you have already made your decision about accepting more integration of DHS and ICE in the city.

But I am asking you to reconsider um I prepared things to say that aren't helpful now.

But I'm a member of several mutual aid networks.

I I help almost every week clean up after ICE has kidnapped someone from Somerville, or someone has self-deported.

That happens more than once a week.

And I am just asking you to decide that we don't want more integration with Department of Homeland Security, that we don't want more integration with ICE in Somerville.

I'm asking you to decide that free money isn't free, and we will take a stand to not move more along that path, and we'll instead sever ourselves from that path, decide not to be co-opted by money, decide to refuse it.

And our community is hurting.

And because we have made decisions that make our community less welcoming and less able to surface the voices who are the most vulnerable.

You're not hearing from them as much anymore.

You're not hearing from us as much anymore.

It's called a nested barrier.

Um I think that is what is happening here, and I wish you would choose the other path and make a clear decision not to accept money from Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

I really do.

Thank you.

Thank you, Krista.

So we're not um IJ.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I just want to say I appreciate a lot of the anxiety that exists around this, um, and just want to reassure everyone that the law department fully vats and reviews terms and conditions for every grant that comes through the city.

Um, and they ensure that we have there's alignment with the values of our city and with our local ordinances, including the welcoming community ordinance.

So I just wanted to put that on the record.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So with that, you know, Councillor Uinka.

Um Thank you, Mr.

President.

I I I don't want to have a long conversation about this.

Um, and I I regret that I wasn't able to connect in person um with Crystal this week, and I very much look forward to doing that in the next couple days.

Um I did for folks who are paying attention to this, thank you.

You know, it it makes perfect sense.

Um there is a lot of detail in these documents that I think is easy to miss.

Um, and I just want to point out in specific, if folks look, for example, item 6A2 on our agenda has to do with uh breathing apparatus, a 618,000 dollar grant.

Um scroll to the very end of that grant.

It's attached to the agenda.

There's an article 58, and it says non-applicability of specific agreement articles.

Notwithstanding their inclusion in this award package, the following agreement articles do not apply to this grant.

Communication and cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration officials.

I just want folks to know that these have been very, very carefully vetted.

Um and I don't want misinformation to spread.

Um so these are difficult and nuanced conversations, and I very much am willing to have them in person with anyone who would like to.

Um but I did just want folks to to know that.

So we're not for that conversation that Councillor Weaver.

Thank you, Chair.

Very briefly, I just want to say uh how much I I do truly appreciate uh the many members of our community who stand up for their values and who want to make sure that every decision we make is in line with the values of the city.

Thank you.

Uh thank you.

Um move to approve, Mr.

President.

Uh wait, I can you we draw that motion.

I wanted to speak on the item.

Okay.

Councilor Bar.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I just wanted to also just acknowledge all this conversation.

It's very moving because I personally know Krista, and we'll work together, especially during the pandemic.

I got to know how up close.

We drove around the city, stocking community fridges.

So when I see an email from someone, I know up close, you know, it's it's very personal to me.

So this is something that you know it's nothing uh about the grant or anything like that.

I personally would not be voting for this, you know, just to honor my friend and the work she does in the community.

Thank you.

So that item is approved, and we need a roll call vote.

President.

Oh, Councilor Councillor McGroffin.

Uh I will be voting for these items, and I thank the city for upholding the welcoming city ordinance that many of us voted for, and was later approved by the cities of Cambridge and Medford.

So I'm very happy that we're here upholding our values.

So I moved here three years ago.

We're deliberating on the item.

We I did not recognize that's because I'm a recent person here.

I grew up in Kansas.

I live went through many meetings, much like this one.

Where people vote on an item.

You've not been recognized.

I don't know where you needed approval to speak for your community.

I hope you made it right soon.

Let's go.

Madame Clip.

We don't need a roll call.

Yeah, I mean, we need a roll call vote.

Uh just Mr.

President, I'm gonna speak very quickly.

Oh, Councilor.

Yeah, just really quick, really quick.

Listen, I know this is scary where we are in this country right now and here in our city.

Luckily, we are united to work together for a community and uphold our values.

We take this job seriously, never for a second, wouldn't consider it anything less.

I know a lot of people are scared.

I know.

I know.

We're gonna get through this together as a community.

And trust that process.

Okay, we are working together for the best of all of us and upholding our values with love and respect to all of us.

Move to approve.

Thank you, Councillor Strozzo.

We need a roll call vote too.

Yes.

All right, and roll call for approval on the item in front of us, 26-0156.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon.

Yes.

Counselor Strezzo.

Yes.

Counselor State.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh.

No.

Counselor Davis.

With nine counselors in favor, that is approved.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

What's the next item?

That brings us to agenda item 7.1, a request of the mayor 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.

Councilman Lynn Campin.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

You may be wondering why I'm asking to speak on an item from the mayor's office, so let me explain.

In 2020, this council passed the affordable housing overlay.

Um that is a zoning tool that makes it easier to build affordable housing.

Something we're all very proud of, rightfully so.

We're starting to see the fruits of that effort.

There's a groundbreaking right now on Webster Street, and there are a few other uh projects in the hopper that are taking advantage of that.

Um the item tonight is the first significant set of amendments to improve and expand the overlay district, and so I just wanted to explain why.

Um so last year, Councillor McLaughlin was chair of land use, he brought into the committee a resident named Gavin Robb, who gave us a presentation about a new building construction technology called Mass Timber, um, and some building code elements that support it.

And he made a recommendation to the committee that one way that we can take advantage of this new cost effective and kind of interesting construction um technology is to amend the affordable housing overlay to allow up to eight stories instead of the current seven.

That's something that mass timber makes cost effective uh in a new way.

So Councillor McLaughlin and I reached out to the planning department to prepare that really simple amendment.

And what we learned was that the planning department had been working internally on a few other improvements based on feedback that they'd heard from affordable housing uh developers.

And so what's before us is that combined amendment.

So I just wanted to take a moment tonight to um invite Gavin Rob um to introduce this concept to the council, um, give us some very brief remarks, and then I'd ask that it be referred to land use with a copy to the planning board.

And I believe he's joining us remotely.

Oh is I don't Madame Claude, do you recognize?

I don't see anybody online.

I am here, I don't know if anyone can hear me.

So, Governor Oz, you have the floor.

Great.

Thanks, Ben.

Uh hi everyone.

I'll be very brief.

Uh I just want to say thanks for the opportunity to say a few words on the use of the most pressing intersectional and existential issues facing SARW today.

As we all know, we're deep in a housing crisis, and we desperately need more affordable housing.

At the same time, we should be building durable, high quality, beautiful, sustainable housing.

Not just for the next five years, but for the next 100 years.

And this amendment gets us closer.

Among other things, as Councillor Huren Campin mentioned.

This amendment provides an additional density bonus for the housing overlay to go from seven stories, eight stories, and it specifically incentivizes uh mass timber.

Which I could go on and on about, but just to keep it brief, is a durable, sustainable, and beautiful construction technology, which is new and old.

And it represents how we should build our city for the long term.

So this is one more step towards a future of sustainable, dense, transit-oriented, high quality housing and to build a city that we deserve.

And I'm very excited to have that uh played a small part.

Councilman Will Campin.

Through you, thank you again to Gavin Rob for spending your time to help us improve our affordable housing overlay.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I'd ask that this be referred to land use.

This item is referred to land use.

We did copy to the planning book.

Next item, Madam Clint.

Okay, that brings us back to our regularly.

No, no, no, one second.

Uh Kat, I'm about to take your item.

So um uh Madame Claire, can you just uh take up 8.1 and 8.2 That brings us to 8.1 and officers' communication from the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management conveying the strategic asset management plan report and 8.2, an officer's communication from the Director of Public Safety and Urban Forestry conveying information regarding the Kennedy School inclusive schoolyard renovation.

So those items are approved with uh uh place on fire with uh copy to the sum of the building uh school building facilities and maintenance.

Thank you.

So next item, Madame Clark.

Okay, and that brings us to the regular agenda.

Item 4.1, a resolution by Councillor Mbaugh, Councillor McLaughlin, Councillor Shazo, and Councillor Hart in support of Senate Bill 237, an act regulating self-checkouts and grocery establishments.

Councilor McLaughlin.

Thank you, Mr.

President, and thank you for including me on this.

Um this is an issue close to my heart and my stomach.

Um I go to the stop and shop all the time, and uh for years I've been frustrated by this.

You you go there and there's a self-checkout.

First of all, you go there and um I have to ask for help every single time to get my fruits and vegetables to plug in the PLU code.

Someone has to come and physically help me while he's helping three other people.

I'd much rather wait in a line, but there's only two lines open and uh aisles, long aisles of just nobody there to help employ to help customers.

Not only does it affect customers, but it affects workers who are being phased out and automated uh when it would just be much easier for both the customer and the employee for someone to physically be there to help us.

Uh this item was introduced by Senator Paul Feeney, a great uh union leader in the community.

Uh it would limit grocery stores to be restricted to a maximum of eight self-service checkout stations.

It would have staffing ratios uh for these for these stations.

There would be monitoring requirements and there'd be just accountability to make sure that not only our customers being satisfied but employees are uh not being overwhelmed.

So I would like to approve this item and I thank you for including me.

Thank you.

Any uh counselor Klingon would like to sign on.

Counselor Yuan Campion would like to sign on as well.

Councillor Said.

Seems like the whole council would like to sign on.

Okay.

We're all tired of waiting in line.

Everybody is tired of waiting in line, that is for sure true.

Next item is agenda item 4.2, a communication by Councillor Mbaugh conveying a report of the job creation and retention trust funds Councillor Barr.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

So this the committee met on on February 19, and staff reported an uncommitted balance of approximately 202.5 million dollars with an anticipated 500,000 linkage payment expected to bring in a total near three million dollars.

Why not in limited additional revenue projections in the near term?

Updates also highlighted ongoing and forthcoming workforce initiative delivered through partners, including mass higher metronot, workforce, but some of the incentive for adult learning experiences.

Again, it's well detailed in the in the report online.

So I asked that this committee report be you know accepted as submitted.

No, the communication be accepted as submitted.

Any discussion on the item?

Seeing none, the items placed on file.

Next item I'm not to address.

Counselor Link.

That was a mouthful, sorry.

Uh clerk.

Uh so Mr.

President, uh, I'm a parent, um, as many of you are, uh, and you know, uh getting around to the Kennedy school during the vacation week this week was very challenging.

I saw a lot of other parents um also struggling um both on um mostly in the bike lanes.

Uh the sidewalks have gotten reasonable at that point.

Uh but yeah, I've also seen photos uh and and discussion online, and I've had some some other parents reach out to me.

Uh so uh I just want to know uh I guess I think as a city we need to know like kind of what we're able to uh expect.

Um, and then um you know, as as a city we can decide uh if we want to um be able to do do more.

Uh that's of course also acknowledging the tremendous challenges that uh February has brought us.

Uh and I'd like for this to be sent to uh traffic and parking.

So we we approve this item with a copy to traffic and parking.

Next item, Madam Clerk.

Next agenda item 4.4 resolution by counselor link that the administration report to this council regarding whether the city maintains or can establish a process to identify vendors that materially support United States immigration and customs enforcement as detailed within.

Councillor Link.

Yeah, uh thank you, Mr.

President.

So I would just like um for us to kind of make sure we know who we're doing business with and uh you know evaluate uh what course we want to plot out when we we have that information um to make sure that we're uh kind of answering the moment.

Uh I'm not sure what committee would be most appropriate for this one.

So do you want to just approve it?

Uh and then the administration will know what to do next.

IGH.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair, uh Mr.

President.

Um I would like to recommend to connect offline about this um if possible, um, if that's agreeable to everyone, but just wanted to put that out there.

I'm happy to do that, yes.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you.

So I approved.

Next item, Madame Claire.

Agenda item 4.5, a resolution by Councillor Link that the City Council reaffirms and recognizes the importance of the arts in Somerville and the role of the Arts Council in supporting artists, cultural organizations, and community arts programming.

Councillor Link.

Thank you.

Almost done here.

Uh so uh a lot of residents reached out um uh to me and I'm I'm sure to all of my colleagues here uh about the the recent changes in the Somerville Arts uh Council.

Uh of course our our mayor has uh you know um recently clarified um what his vision is uh and that he um plans to put new energy into the arts which I'm very thankful for and which is the opposite of what a lot of people were worried about um so I just wanted uh this resolution in here uh to kind of make it uh clear that um that to the arts community uh that this council uh and this body uh is also going to um continue supporting the arts then is up counselor through the chair thank you um I appreciate this item uh I think uh this item and uh the recent communications from the mayor about the vision for the future of the arts in Somerville um a reminder that even when matters are tricky we can always take the opportunity to articulate our intentions our vision and our priorities uh especially so people are not left in a state of uncertainty it's a reminder for all of us including me thank you thank you any other comment should I think it's approved next item Madam Clerk Agenda item 4.6 a resolution by counselor link in support of Senate Bill 1010 and House Bill 1576 an act relative to creating a permanent affordability home ownership program Counselor Link Thank you Mr.

President this is my last one here uh so I just want to really quickly uh let everyone know what this bill does so it establishes a statewide program um and uh new subsidy source that's dedicated to construction of permanently affordable housing uh it expands uh housing options for low and moderate income earners uh it supports small and mid-sized projects uh which would be one to twenty five units um aids in the development of mixed use projects uh and also um adds some missing tools to the state's housing program by providing subsidies uh so it's uh a really great um it's a really great bill and I'm really really hopeful that uh it will pass so that we can continue to uh add affordable housing stock to our city I think I would like to sign on uh that uh counselor clinging to let counselor Saeed Councillor Wheeler okay that then the whole counselor like you wanted to say something oh okay so the whole counselor Its thank you counselor link next item Madame Clerk that brings us to agenda item 6b1 a report of the committee on legislative matters meeting on February 17th 2026 Councillor Scott thank you Mr President uh we met for a brisk 30 minutes and I will make sure that this uh report is exactly that long um we covered uh some of the surveillance technology impact reports that have been submitted uh previously uh counselor davis and other counselors had concerns about the way they were drafted and uh wanted uh more elaboration on what get what happens with this data uh as was mentioned earlier this is part of our surveillance oversight um structure that this council has built and invested a lot of time in and I want to thank the administration for investing that time because now anybody can look and see not only who uh can access the data from these various systems uh but in our annual report that we receive can see how many times that data was requested and provided and to whom uh so it's actually uh really really interesting read sometimes uh depressing one at the end of the year but uh illuminating in any case so uh having approved those uh they were for uh a ball camera uh a thermal imaging uh device and an underdoor camera uh and all of those are available to the public to review uh we also uh handled a few uh charter alignment issues which are just straightforward uh changes to the code of ordinances uh and one to the city council's rules uh simply to make our uh our laws uh compatible with the charter that was adopted by the voters back in november uh with that i request the uh report be accepted as submitted seeing no objection that committee report is approved i think i believe they are four roco but roll call vote madam clerk is that yes you are correct the first item in front of us is agenda item 26 004 two city clerk requesting acceptance of massachusetts general laws chapter 41 section 91 relating to the appointment and removal of constables counselor you encampen yes counselor link yes counselor scott yes counselor clinging yes counselor strezzo counselor say yes counselor wheeler yes counselor heart yes counselor mclaughlin yes counselor and boss yes

The first item in front of us is agenda item 26-0042, city clerk requesting acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 91 relating to the appointment and removal of constables.

Counselor Ewan Campen Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes, Counselor Scott, yes, Counselor Klingon?

Yes, Councilor Streso.

Counselor Saeed?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor and Baugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis with nine counselors in favor, that is approved.

And that brings us to the enrollment and ordainment of agenda item 26-0043, the city clerk submitting an amendment to section 1020 of the code of ordinances to align the constable appointment process for the provisions of the revised city charter and on enrollment.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Wait, did I not say your name out loud?

Sorry.

Counselor.

I was ready for it.

Sorry, Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Counselor Sae.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor and Baugh.

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With 10 counselors, or excuse me, nine counselors in favor that is enrolled and on ordainment.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon.

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Counselor Saeed.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor and Baugh.

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With nine counselors in favor, that is ordained.

And that brings us to the second enrollment and ordainment.

Agenda item 26-0044.

City clerk amend submitting an amendment to chapter 2, Article 5, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances to add a review of multiple member bodies pursuant to the requirements of the city charter.

On enrollment, Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon.

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Counselor Said.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor and Baugh.

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With nine counselors in favor, that is enrolled.

And on ordainment.

Counselor Ewan Campin.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon.

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Counselor Saeed.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor and Baugh.

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

With nine counselors in favor.

That is ordained.

And that brings us to the last roll call, hopefully, of the evening.

Agenda item 26-0127.

City clerk submitting amendment to the rules of the city council to align with the provisions of the city charter.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Yes.

Counselor Klingon.

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Counselor Sae.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh.

Yes.

With nine counselors.

Counselor Davis.

With nine counselors in favor.

That is approved.

Thank you, Madame Clot.

What's the next item?

That brings us to the next agenda item 6C1, a report of the committee on license and permits meeting on February 25th, 2026.

Counselor Hart.

Thank you.

Yes, the licenses and permits committee met yesterday evening with all members present.

We, as you can see, approved or recommended to be approved the new used car dealer class two license.

And I move that the report be accepted as submitted.

So Counselor Hart, you know, move to that this report be accepted as submitted.

Counselor Scott.

Thank you.

On the motion, Mr.

President.

I just wanted to extend my thanks to Counselor Hart.

The entire agenda of license and permits was Ward 2 stuff, so thanks.

And unless I've got more information, it will go right back to committee and sit there.

These are requests in one case for a grant of location on Ivalu Street, where I am waiting for guidance from the administration on how to properly condition it to ensure that ever source takes care of some of its maintenance obligations on the street before they are allowed to dig a new trench in it.

Uh and then on the two properties, one on Oak and one on Prospect Street.

Uh as I mentioned last time, these are applications for service to new parcels uh or to projects, uh new buildings on those parcels.

And while I'd love to see new buildings on those parcels, there are none.

And there have been no building plans filed with the city to produce them.

So any such project is many months away.

I'm I've never seen one of these requested for a project that is prospective in the future.

And given what everybody down on Oak Street and Prospect Street have been going through over the last couple years, I think we can say uh hold your horses until we get uh until we at least get a business uh building permit uh filed.

So thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Councillor Scott.

So if there's no further discussion, the I the committee report is approved.

And so there's one item that we're gonna lay on the table.

Madame Clerk, can you just read that for the record that we can?

Yep, that's agenda item 26-0185.

Ever source applying for a grant of location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street from utility poll 291 over 12 to a point of pickup at 91 Prospect Street.

So that'll be lay on the table.

Next item, Madame Clerk.

That brings us to agenda item 7.2, a request of the mayor requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 cents from the bike share stabilization fund for installation and startup costs of a blue bike station at the Boyton Union Connect Transportation Management Association development site.

Finance.

So uh Councilor Wheeler, do you move to also waive the readings of uh of 7.2 through 7.6 to finance?

Um thank you.

I move to wave the readings of 7.4, 7.5.

And I think that is the only finance related ones.

Uh uh waive those and have those sent to committee.

Um, there's a separate request I'd like to make for 7.6.

Okay.

Madam Clerk, did you get that?

So those item will be sent to finance and on 7.6.

Thank you, Chair.

On 7.6, uh good.

Oh, sorry, shall I wait for the screen record?

You read 7.6 clerk.

And that brings us to agenda 7.6 of request of the mayor requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling 565.50 cents using available funds in the police department professional and technical services account for case management services and biohazard cleaning.

Counselor Wheeler.

Thank you, Chair.

Um, due to the relatively small size of this item, I move for immediate consideration uh of this before this council mail.

Any I move for approval of this item.

Yeah, thank you, Counselor.

Any objection?

That item is approved.

Next item.

That brings us to agenda item 9.1, a new second hand dealer license nostalgia 322 Somerville Avenue, selling used clothes, footwear, and accessories.

What about 7.7?

I see.

We took that up earlier.

Okay, I see.

Yeah.

Yes.

Okay.

So which one 9.1?

We are at agenda item 9.1.

Oh, Councillor Hood.

That's um I would like it sent to licenses and permits committee.

Or is that is that you can also approve it, but I think okay.

So the clerk, Madame Clerk said that this one doesn't require public hearing, so should be you know it's not like in your so we can approve it.

Yes.

Right now, okay.

I take back my motion.

Motion and I move to approve.

Okay.

So the item is approved.

Next item.

I'm sorry, uh Chair, I I have a small comment on that item.

Um before before we move on.

I just want to recognize that the property owners um in this case uh invested uh a lot in renovating this building.

It did a great job.

Uh and I am really excited to see this investment in our community and the creation of the type of shops that invite shoppers to visit multiple spots as a destination.

Uh Union Square gets better and better every month.

Thank you.

Nice.

The item is approved.

Next item, Madame Clerk.

Agenda item 9.2, a public event from Bill Rogers, Jingle Bell 5K run walk, applying for a public event license for the race of Ireland 5K run walk 2026 on March 15th from 7 a.m.

to 3 p.m.

Jingle Bell.

Everybody loves Jingle Bay around.

The item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 9.3, a public event from Union Square Main Streets applying for a public event license for Union Square Farmers Market 2026.

Saturdays from May 9th to October 31st from 6 30 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

Farmers Market.

Who doesn't like farmers market?

It's like the item is approved.

Sorry, Chair.

I do have one brief comment.

I promise I'll be brief.

Uh on the subject of Union Square.

Um I just want to speak to the power that our farmers markets provide uh for neighborhood connections.

Uh former Mayor Curtitoni said that there was a bump factor.

You can bump into a neighbor and create or renew a connection.

Uh additionally, I just want to highlight that our farmers markets, uh, all four of them across the city do fundraising so that there's a citywide snap match program.

And if people don't know, you can get your SNAP benefits matched at our farmers' markets.

It's really incredible.

A lot of a lot of work goes into that.

It's a tremendous thing for the city.

Um thank you very much.

Thank you, Councillor Wheeler.

That's useful information.

Counselor Mike Lovin.

I just wanted to add, Mr.

President, you said farmers market like a real Bostonian.

Thank you.

Councillor Link.

Sorry, uh, thank you, Mr.

President.

Just to add on to what uh Councilor Wheeler said, you can so not only can um people get uh can make purchases with SNAP, but also um, if you're so moved, you can donate towards that to um increase it.

So uh you know if you're if you're feeling like you want to support your neighbors uh and give them healthy food, you can you can give some more money and they can make that snap dollar go a little further.

Nice.

No, they say innovation depends on the quality of the conversation.

The more we talk about this, it's like it's almost like we're peeling the onions and getting more substantive in our addition to the item.

So the item is approved.

Next item, Madame Clerk.

Agenda item 9.4, public communication from 26 registered voters requesting a zoning text amendment to amend the zoning ordinance sections 38 318 C319C 3110 C, 3113 K, 311 L, 3212L, and 3212M.

So the item should be sent to land use with a copy to planning board.

Next item.

Next item is agenda item 9.5, a public communication from Elise Best submitting comments regarding agenda item 26-0114 fiscal year 2027 budget priorities.

See no comment, the item is placed on five.

Next item.

Agenda item 9.6, a public communication from Ida KO submitting comments about the arts council.

Placed on fi.

Next item.

And that brings us to agenda item 10.1, a public communication from Shannon Noel Curtis, submitting comments about snow.

See no discussion item is placed on fire.

Next item, Madame Clerk.

Agenda item 10.2, a public communication from the pedestrian and transit advisory committee submitting comments with the 2025 annual report.

Councillor Scott.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

On the item, I just want to uh lift this one up.

Uh it can be easy to miss some of these, but this is uh the annual report is appended to it.

It is uh 18 pages of really thoughtful discussion.

And um it this has been probably the best year ever for PTAC.

Um, and that's saying something because this committee has been doing great work.

So I just wanted to uh congratulate them on this and encourage folks who are concerned about street safety, uh concerned about pedestrians in transit to give it a look and see what hard work your neighbors are doing and encourage you to apply to serve on that commission as well, because the more the merrier.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Councillor Scott.

Any more any other comment?

I also would like to say I used to you know have the privilege to be, you know, on uh the council liaison to P TAC, and yeah, it's quite uh impressive group of folks that really care about street safety.

So the item is placed on fire.

Next item, Madame Clerk.

Brings us to the final agenda item 10.3, public communication from Michael Steele.

So many comments on the arts council.

See no discussion, the item is placed on fire.

And then late item, Madame Clerk.

There are no other items before the body.

Wow.

This is like we hit the record.

Councillor Hadd moves to a join.

So uh on adjoinment, Madame Clerk.

Oh, so we are joined.

Wow.