Things a mess here.

All right, here we go.

Calling this meeting to order.

Uh please note that audio and video of this meeting is being recorded and may be shown live on local uh access government channels and on the city of Somerville website, and will be available for future review.

Will the clerk please call the roll.

This is roll call.

Counselor Ewan Campen.

Here.

Counselor Link?

Here.

Counselor Scott.

Present.

Counselor Klingon.

Present.

Counselor Strezzo.

Present.

Counselor Saeed?

Here.

Counselor Wheeler.

Here.

Counselor Hart.

Here.

Counselor McGaughlin?

Yeah.

Counselor Mbaugh.

Present.

Counselor Davis.

Here.

With all twelve counselors present, we have quorum.

All right, thank you.

Uh pursuant to our rule thirty-two.

Let it be known that this 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 begin our meetings with a moment of silence.

Are the counselors wishing to say a few words about members of our community this evening?

Councilor Ewan Campen.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I'd like to ask us to remember Barbara McGecorn, who passed away on March 2nd at the age of 72.

Um this is a particularly personal one for me because Barbara's my next door neighbor.

Um and there's some debate in the family of whether it was for the last 20 years or 40 years.

Um Barbara has been cared for at home by her devoted sister Pauline.

So they're a very big part of our lives, the streets life, um, my kids' life, all the kids on the street.

Um and I just want to read a little bit from the family's obituary that they wrote for Barbara.

Um Barbara was known for her big smile, sharp wit, and enthusiastic presence, always up for the party, since she preferred blue dresses, big earrings, bright lipstick, and longs to wear fancy shoes.

Since Barbara had a live-in stylist in her sister Pauline, she was enviably fashionable, adding her own special sparkle to the room at holidays and family gatherings.

And Halloween was an especially favorite time because she loved handing out candy and enjoying the neighborhood kids in their costumes.

Barbara loved her television shows and never tired of watching The Golden Girls, The Love Boat, or MASH, enjoying the familiar characters and timeless humor.

She also loved feel good movies and musicals from the sound of music to Mamma Mia, and she liked it best when you had time to spend watching it with her and enjoy some laughs together.

Um she also spent the last 30 years at the day program at uh Metro Boston and had a large community there.

And so I'd ask that uh we keep the McEchern family in our thoughts this evening.

Any others?

Councilor McLaughlin.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I'd like to remember Daniel Matthews, uh, who's a former Somerville firefighter, former Marine Corps veteran, uh born in Arlington in nineteen thirty-five.

He's a son of Peter and Molly Young Matthews.

Uh he loved his family and friends and was always looking for a reason to laugh, who would always be there to help people out in their time of need and enjoyed fishing, kayaking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Uh just thinking of him and the firefighters in this community today.

Counselor Scott.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

Um I'd like us to keep in our minds.

Uh two groups of people that have been uh on my mind recently.

Uh in the last six months, over 20 uh of our neighbors have died in ICE captivity.

Uh and there is no reason that this should have been the deadliest year uh in prisons run by our government um detaining people that have no business being detained.

I'd also like us to uh keep in our hearts tonight um the well over a hundred school children at the Shah Jarad Tayyeba School in Iran uh that in the opening moments of yet another illegal conflict.

Um being pressed by our country, our government uh died in Tomhahawk missile strike on their school, and then the dozens of responders who were there attempting to help who were killed in the second strike that followed on just 20 minutes after.

So I would ask that we uh keep the lives of all those uh lost and all those who are in increased danger due to the horrific actions of our of our government as we uh work tonight to do better.

Thank you.

Okay.

Uh would everyone in the chamber please rise as you are able for a moment of silence for the aforementioned of individuals.

Madam Clark, first item.

Agenda item 1.3, approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 12th, 2026.

See no discussion that item is approved.

Agenda item 2.1, a citation by Councillor Wheeler and Councillor Klingon commending the Kendall Wanderers for Football Club on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Through the chair, I am proud to present this citation along with uh colleague from our word four and the council and the mayor.

Uh I'll read the citation text aloud.

Citation.

Be it hereby known to all that the Somerville City Council and the Mayor offer their sincerest commendations to Kendall Wanderers Football Club on the happy occasion of its 50th anniversary.

The City Council and Mayor celebrate the club as one of the oldest amateur soccer clubs in Massachusetts and recognizes its impact as an athletic and social outlet for residents.

Now I know Kendall Square is in Cambridge, but there are a large number of people over the years who are participated in Kendall Wanderers FC who have lived in Somerville or do live in Somerville.

This is a part of our community, one of the many things that weaves us together as a uh cultural unity.

Um I'm proud uh to have in attendance Jonathan Kilpatrick of Kendall Wanderers FC.

Uh and I would like to present this citation.

Okay.

Thank you.

Uh Mayor Wilson is asked to uh say a few words about the football club.

Thanks, Mr.

President.

Y'all y'all know I wasn't gonna let a a soccer moment go without uh saying some thanks for thanks for let me have the opportunity.

Um for those who don't know the wanderers is a not uncommon thing to have in the title of a football club uh over in in the UK and in Ireland.

Um it comes historically for clubs that haven't had a home ground, right?

Uh there's a famous famous club that had no home state, they played every game away from home.

One a lot of fans with that approach.

Uh the name has lived on.

It's particularly poignant here for a club that has played such a big role uh for immigrants, particularly from Ireland, who've come over, have found a home, have found community.

Uh you know, it can feel you know, in the immigrant experience, uh, you know, like a wanderer, and this is this is provided uh that connective tissue.

And I it's just I know so many folks from Somerville who've been part of this club over the years.

Uh that's why we are putting this in for a club that yes is based in Cambridge.

Uh but I I'm really really grateful to y'all for for joining in in recognizing such an amazing achievement for a club that's done so much for so many people here in the area.

Thanks.

Okay, next item.

Agenda item 3.1, a grant of location.

Comcast applying for a grant of location to install 20 feet of conduit in Allen Street from Utility Pole 3 to a point of pickup at 1317 Allen Street.

All right, and now declare this public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone in the chambers here to speak on the item?

Sir, please step forward, introduce yourself.

Uh Robert Rugman, I'm the uh utility coordinator for Comcast.

Okay.

Um the project is just uh poll number three on Allen Street across it uh approximately 20 feet, two foot deep trench to service a new project going on to that property.

Okay.

Is there anyone else here to speak on the item?

If you're online, please use the raise hand function.

All right, see no one.

I declare the public hearing to be closed.

Is there any discussion?

No.

All right, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.2, Dagle Electrical applying for a grant of location to install 57 feet of conduit and one new charging station in the City Hall concourse from the war memorial to a point of pickup at the proposed electrical vehicle charging station.

And now declare the public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Anyone online?

All right, I now declare the public hearing to be closed.

The item appears to be pretty self-explanatory.

Any discussion?

Questions?

No.

All right.

Uh seeing no objection, that item is approved.

Agenda item 3.3, Ever Source applying for a grant of location to relocate existing utility poll 60 over 40, four feet northerly of its current location, near three Chester Avenue.

And now that uh declare the public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie Duffy Jackie Duffy.

Hi, good evening.

Um Eversource would like to relocate poll 64 over zero.

This work is necessary for the MBTA safety department, the city assemble fire department are very interested in relocating the poll as it is very difficult for fire trucks to make the turn on to Chester Avenue.

Okay.

Is there anyone else here to speak on the item?

All right, and now declare the public hearing to be closed.

Any discussion?

All right, seeing none, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.4.

Ever source applying for a grant of location to install 164 feet of conduit in one new manhole in Grant Street from an existing manhole 1900 to a point of pickup at 299 Broadway.

I declare the public hearing open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie Duffy would like to install 164 feet of conduit in a new manhole on Grant Street.

Divide electric service to a new 114 unit multi-family building in four retail spaces at 299 Broadway, which is the old Star Market.

All right.

Anyone else here to speak on the item?

All right, seeing none, I declare the public hearing closed.

Any discussion?

All right, seeing none that that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.5.

Eversource applying for a grant of lodification to install 82 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street from utility poll 122 over 2 to a point of pickup at 17 MacArthur Street.

I declare the public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie Duffy, Ever Source would like to install 82 feet of conduit in MacArthur Street to provide electric service to 17 MacArthur Street.

Okay.

Anyone else here to speak on the item?

Seeing none, I hear I declare the public hearing to be closed.

Uh any discussion.

All right, seeing none, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.6.

Eversource applying for a grant of location to install 64 feet of conduit in Stone Avenue from existing manhole 14068 to a point of pickup at 11 Stone Avenue.

Now declare this public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie Duffy Eversource would like to install 64 feet of conduit Stone Avenue.

This is to provide electric service for the city of Somerville at electric vehicle charging stations on Stone Avenue at Union Square.

Okay.

Anyone else here to speak on the item?

Okay, seeing none, I declare the public hearing to be closed.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.7.

Eversource applying for a grant of location to install six feet of conduit in Chandler Street from utility poll 227 over 6 to a point of pickup at 53 Chandler Street.

I now declare this public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie.

Yeah, I lost you.

Sorry.

It went blank.

I would like to install six feet of conduit on Chandler Street, and this is to provide electric service for 51 Chandler Street, which is right next door to 53 Chandler Street.

And just a point of interest, I ran into John Lawn today when I was out there.

Good old Jordan.

Lucky you.

I know I was so happy.

Is there anyone else here to speak on the item?

Okay.

I declare the public hearing to be closed.

Any discussion?

All right, seeing none, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.8.

Eversource applying for a grant of location to install six feet of conduit in Line Street from utility poll 211 over 7 to a point of pickup at 62 Line Street.

I declare this public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Oh Jackie Duffy, Eversource, sorry.

I would like to install six feet of conduit in Line Street.

This is to provide electric service to a new construction at 60 Line Street.

Okay.

Anyone else here to speak on the item?

Okay.

I declare the public hearing to be closed.

Any discussion?

Counselor Scott.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

And um hello, Jackie Duffy.

I've seen John Long always makes me smile too.

Uh 60 Line Street.

Sound very good.

Is uh very close to 56 Line Street poll number 211-6.

Poll number 211-6 has been on our city's list of doubled polls.

Uh and the list to be removed by Eversource uh for over three years now, sir.

Uh so I would uh request that this be conditioned uh to wait on the completion of that work that is long overdue.

Uh and if we need to do some extra work to make sure we get the conditions right, I'm happy to send this to committee.

Okay.

Uh so that item is any other discussion.

All right, seeing none, we will refer that item to licenses and permits.

And through you, Ms.

President, can uh can we hear from Jackie Duffy about how she'll be following up on this?

Um I can go back to the division and see about who's on the poll.

I don't know anything about this one.

I know there's another double poll that we're working on on ILU, two of them as a matter of fact, that we're waiting for other utilities to come off of.

So I don't know who is left on this poll.

I can send someone out there tomorrow if we can get this approved tonight with the stipulation that we can get this done.

Uh well I appreciate that the work's happening on Ivalu Street, uh, Mr.

President.

This one has been had the status of cable TV next to go for over three years now.

Uh I'm I don't think that's still the case, but um why don't we just hold on to this for two weeks and we'll get a status update on it.

So are we going to send it to licensing committee?

Yes.

Okay.

Any other discussion?

All right, that is referred to license and permits.

Next item.

Agenda item 3.9.

Ever source applying for a grant of location to install five feet of conduit in Heath Street from utility poll 165 over 13 to a point of pickup at 16 Edgar Avenue.

And I now declare the public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Yeah, I keep deputy up.

So it's what five feet of conduit.

Uh in Heat Street, service to 116 Heath Street.

Did you say what 116 Heath Street?

Was that the end?

Um I'm sorry, it's 91 for us.

I don't wait.

It's the 16 acre.

6 acre.

Okay.

So thank you.

Anyone else here to speak on the item?

Okay.

It declared the public hearing to be closed.

Any discussion?

Councilor Hart?

I just have a question about um uh a concern really that in that area, which is right around the Healy School, there has been a tremendous amount of construction and road blockages, and uh there's a lot going on there right now.

And um so I just wonder if we could send this to committee as well to figure out timing with the to coordinate.

Any other discussion?

All right, seeing none, that item will be referred to license and permits.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh we have one more light uh grant of location.

Uh this is we're taking uh without objection, we'll take item 5.1 out of order.

Um see no objection, Madam Clerk retrieve 5.1.

5.1 Eversource 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.

Just so folks understand this was uh an item that was in a long list of uh grants of location that we had a couple meetings back, and we had some technical issues, and uh it appears that I sent this off to committee without doing a public hearing.

So my bad.

So we're doing a public hearing tonight.

Uh so I now declare this public hearing to be open.

Is there anyone here to speak on the item?

Jackie Deffy Eversos would like to install 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street to provide electric service to 91 Prospect Street.

All right, anyone else here to speak on the item?

Any discussion?

Council Scott.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

This is one of those two that was for a project that does not exist.

Uh so I would ask that we send this to committee until we can find out what's going on.

Thank you.

All right, back to committee.

This one goes very well.

Now at least we've had our public hearing on it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Duffy.

All right, so we have a few other items that we want to take out of order this evening unless there's any objection.

Find my list.

Uh so we will take items 716 uh and then items 4.9 and 4.11 together.

Uh and then 419, and then we have an executive session, 7.1.

All right.

So seeing objection, uh, could we go to item 7.16, please.

Agenda item 7.16, a mayor's communication proclaiming 2026 to be the year of the neighbor.

Mr.

Mayor.

Thanks, Mr.

President.

Uh folks, I promise I'm not trying to take over y'all's meetings.

Um, I I bring this to you in a spirit of hope and to get your buy-in on this as well.

Um saying I keep hearing it at mayor's events that uh good mayors borrow great mere great mayor's steal.

Uh ideas, not money.

Um this is an idea that a colleague of mine uh at the Bloomberg Kennedy new mayor's program came up with in Omaha, Nebraska.

And I loved it.

Uh I it's uh it really speaks to something I think we need to be coming together on as a community right now, uh, with the threats that we are facing here in Somerville.

Um it recognizes a thing that I picked up on the first time that I visited Somerville uh in in 2001.

I was living in Brighton.

I remember coming up out of the the subway in Davis Square and thinking, what is this amazing place?

Um and and it was uh subsequent trips to Somerville, it really just drove home the idea to which this is this is a neighborhood uh with a neighborhood field with neighbors who care about each other who look out for each other, a sense of community, and we need that right now.

Um I attended a meeting uh in in Davis Square earlier this week that uh featured speakers being heckled uh by their neighbors and community members who disagreed with them.

And it did not resemble a neighborhood meeting.

I thought it looked more like a WWF uh event.

And that really saddened me because we should never lose sight of the fact that ultimately we are neighbors, we are hopefully friends, uh, we are community members together, and we might disagree on things.

We're gonna disagree on things, but we have to be able to listen to our our our friend, our neighbor, say something that we disagree with without feeling the need to to start yelling at them when they're when they have the microphone.

And so we were planning on doing this before that.

That just drove home the need for this.

Uh we want to come up with not just words, but but tangible actions.

I paid attention for four years on this body.

Uh things like neighborhood cleanups.

We're bringing those back.

Uh we know those were missed.

We love a neighborhood cleanup in this city, right?

It's a chance to come together as a community, show pride in our city, bring it back.

Uh, I know Councilor McLaughlin, I'll credit with with just going going rogue and doing some community cleanups.

Yeah, you know when the city stop doing that.

Those are coming back.

Uh and we're gonna be looking for more ways to connect, more creative ways to connect, things like we're looking at a at a best shovel block contest uh for next winter, right?

To recognize the people who come together and and just make the city better.

So I'm asking for your for your buy-in on this as a council, uh do the same to the school committee.

Would love to see us speak with with with one one voice as a government and say this is a year where we're gonna remember the things that bind us together.

We're gonna come together, we're gonna stand alongside the people who truly need that protection right now.

And when when we disagree, we're not gonna lose sight of that fact.

So asking for your for your uh your your buy-in on this, and and thanks for letting me talk about this.

Happy to answer any questions too if anyone has questions about this.

Thank you.

I saw Councillor Strezzo, Councillor Scott.

Why thank you, Mr.

President, through you to Mayor Wilson?

Um, yes, I think this is great.

Um and much needed, and uh yeah, I think we've been in a few rooms where um community members are willing to try to demonize others for uh differences of opinions.

So let's try to transcend that, right?

Um with that on topic, I please ask you to look into my uh budget requests and hoping on topic that that also includes some chairs over there and uh um in an on-city hall concourse so we can connect and talk and have a cup of coffee, all of us as a community and agree and disagree and really find simple ways and the neighborways program.

I put that in the budget, I think I did this yeah.

I took it out because like it's not gonna happen.

But I put it back in, I think, where we can do street design for cheap, like two thousand dollars, and maybe find ways to connect with our neighbors.

Yeah, we have to find low-cost ways and simple ways to connect with each other and um find out that we have more in common than we don't, because quite frankly, um, as a community, we have to remain strong and find reasons to help each other out because those that want to tear us down as a community are relying on that dissonance, and we cannot have that.

Mr.

President, I don't want to stray too far off the uh the topic in front of us, but I'll just say we are looking to make City Hall uh a nexus of community and of neighbors able to come together.

Uh and yes, a big fan of neighborways.

Councillor Scott.

No.

You good?

All right, Councillor Bays.

No, thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh to the honorable mayor.

Uh I support this idea.

I will chat with you later on about the mechanics because all about how to implement something like this.

I'm happy to have that conversation with you behind this in.

Thank you.

Counselor Saeed.

Um thank you, Mr.

President, through you.

Uh to Maya Wilson, uh, thank you for bringing this forward.

I am very thrilled to see something like this, an opportun just given neighbors an opportunity more opportunities to get together.

We already have so many amazing events in our community where people get together.

But this is the way I'm interpreting this.

This is these are opportunities for people like will live on the same block to get together in the same ward in the same neighborhood.

Um I think more than ever it's important for neighbors to get to know each other, for parents to connect for this intergenerational type of activities.

Um I'm really excited to see you know what we can come up with together as a community.

And um I would just um end this by saying that of all places they chose this place to live in.

Um, and it's for all these reasons because we're already an amazing community, so this will just you know make us uh give us the opportunity to get together to celebrate things to get to know each other instead of getting together just in as you when you started speaking in like um moments of crises when we disagree on things.

Uh so thank you, Mayor Wilson.

Counselor Clayton.

Thank you, Mr.

President, through you to the mayor.

Um, like any cool idea.

Does this day have a theme song?

Um but seriously, I like the spirit of this.

You know, um oftentimes, you know, growing up in the city, uh you know, people tend to keep to themselves until you have like a child, then you maybe like on the park circuit, or if you get a dog, you end up talking to your neighbors more.

Um maybe this will be that impetus for uh connection with neighbors uh just by putting in a little more effort and um not getting freaked out when somebody says hi to you on the street.

Um but good idea, mayor.

Thank you.

Stress it, something else.

Thank you.

One more thought bombed our um Mr.

President through you too, Mayor Wilson.

I'm excited to bring back the um neighborhood cleanup because it's important.

We had Comcast sponsoring that, and he's no longer here.

He left that the Comcast representer, which is a major bummer.

But if we can save some cash uh and have a corporate sponsor that does help us with this or find ways to help us get out of this six million dollar pitfall, we're going less of money we're gonna have this year in the budget.

That would be cool.

Thank you.

Mr.

President, happy to report we are actively pursuing corporate sponsorship of those community cleanups.

All right, very good.

Uh seeing no further discussion, that item is placed on file.

Thank you.

Next out of order item.

That's actually gonna take items four.

Through 4.11 together.

Yes?

Okay.

Madam Clark, if you could read those items.

Brings us to agenda item 4.9, an order by Councilor U and Campen that the director of inspectional services discuss with this council how to ensure that temporary dumpster permits do not conflict with handicapped parking spaces, or that temporary handicapped parking spaces are relocated for the duration of the dumpster permit.

And 410, a resolution by Councilor U and Campen that the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this council how to ensure that handicapped parking spaces are not used for snow storage and are cleared at the same time as other spaces.

And for Dot 11, a resolution by Counselor Ewan Campen that the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this council how to ensure that accessible sidewalk ramps are cleared following snowstorms and ensure that 311 reports on this issue are promptly responded to.

All right.

Uh Councillor Link and Strezzo and Saeed would like to sign on.

Counselor Young Campbell.

Counselor Scott.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

So these are three items related to access for people with disabilities.

Um two of them were issues that really became urgent during the snowstorm recently.

Um but I'm gonna start with the the first one, which is not snow related.

Um and it has to do with the placement of dumpsters.

So there is a construction site right now on Bow Street, um, and the construction dumpster is it's just in a handicapped spot.

Um and it certainly does not appear that there's like an alternate handicap spot that was moved for the duration of the dumpster or anything like that.

So this is really kind of a technical question of when dumpster permits are being reviewed by inspectional services.

Are they reviewed for whether they're going in a handicapped spot?

And if not, how do we get that to happen?

I mean, this is obviously a solvable problem, um, but it needs to be solved.

Um and then the other two issues do have to do with snow plowing.

So I heard um from the chair of our commission for persons with disabilities, Holly Simeone, um, who's here tonight, that there were a lot of locations around the city.

Um, and I don't think it's gonna come as a surprise that there were issues with accessibility, but these really stood out to me.

There were issues where snow was actively piled up by plows into like the one or two handicapped spots in the corner of a parking lot, which means that the rest of the spots get plowed, and the one handicapped spot not only doesn't get plowed, but is like a mountain of snow for weeks, um just completely unacceptable.

Um the last order has to do with an issue I know many of us have heard about, have been fielding complaints, um, and many of us have been working on for years, um, including my colleague, Councillor Klingon.

This has to do with clearing ADA ramps on sidewalks at the corners.

Um the the way it's supposed to work is that people who live there are supposed to clear them when possible.

If not, if they don't get cleared, we want them, we want people to be able to report them to 311 and have them get cleared that way.

Um I've just heard too many reports this storm that that that wasn't happening, even after requests were going in.

So I put in this item.

Um and so I wanted to sponsor um Holly Simeoni to speak on these items.

Um she has just been doing a bang up job documenting these issues and of course um uh leading on these in the commission.

Um, but I thought it would be helpful for us to hear directly at the council as well.

Okay, thank you.

Um let's see.

I also had counselor in addition to counselor Scott and Councillor Hart and Ba would like to sign on.

I'll sign on as well.

Counselor Ewan Camp and Councillor Klingon, Councilor the Hull Council would like to sign on.

Um counselor you and camp would like to sponsor Holly Simeone to speak.

See no objection.

Ms.

Mione, go ahead.

Thank you, President Davis.

Thank you very much.

Um Councillor Campen.

Um I name is Holly Simeone.

I live in Ward 4.

I serve as the chair of the disability commission.

I'm here as a resident and as a former parent of a child who used a wheelchair in our city um for tw 18 years and met many obstacles.

And um the issue, and and I really appreciate you bringing these forward.

We haven't had a snowstorm like this in a long time, but we live in New England.

It's it it happens.

Um, and I think that it's an opportunity to look at the process and people understanding where you cannot pour put snow uh in the city.

You cannot pilot uh excuse me, you cannot plow an entire city parking lot, make it nice and clean, and put it into the HP spots because they're on the corners.

And I I also understand the perspective of a person who's riding in a plow, they have to move it to the corner.

They can't leave it in the middle of the street.

But there needs to be a discussion that involves how are we training people to understand where those spots are and also who is responsible for them.

And I can tell you the law says the city's responsible because they are an accessibility feature.

Doesn't matter if they're in a public parking lot, a city-owned parking lot, or on a street.

Not only do they have to be clean, but the aisles are front, front, back, and the sidewalk next to them because you can't get your wheelchair lift out.

You can't also get out into a snow pile.

So this isn't to criticize anything or anyone.

I can't imagine what it was like for the hours and days that DPW and other workers worked in whiteout conditions, um, in darkness, clearing our roads and streets, but it is an opportunity to take a look back and see what we did and how do we fix it before we have more snow.

So I was really asking for the commission to have a seat at the table uh and be able to talk these things through.

Same goes for curb cuts and sidewalks.

Um I would like to add one thing though.

When uh typically when you have streets intersect the curb cuts at the top of the street, we have moved to a model where we're pushing them for for further down.

And residents who don't understand where the actual curb opening is for someone to cross are are hey, here's a great example.

Here's two side streets is the curb cut.

Instead of having the crosswalk here, we're moving them here.

People are shoveling here, and we are pushing the snow here in blocking the access aisles.

So I've had friends in wheelchairs, people and strollers who can't get their kids to school, can't get um around the city.

And it's not just here, but I just feel we have an opportunity to resolve this.

Okay, thank you.

Uh Counselor Camp, anything further?

No, Mr.

President, I'd ask that these please go to committee for discussion.

Hold that thought.

I saw Councillor Klingon and then Councillor Strazzo.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

Through you, I just want to thank the good counselor from Ward 3 for bringing these forward and working with the commission.

Um, as mentioned, uh, this is something that I've been working with, especially with regards to the uh the pedestrian curb cutouts and who is responsible for those.

Um we're failing our people with disabilities here in the city.

And you know, we talk about wheelchairs, but I've seen things where uh can you imagine being blind and having a white cane and having to try to traverse the city uh through those those curb cuts, which what they rely on.

Um otherwise I've heard of people having to walk in the middle of the street essentially.

It's extremely dangerous.

So I think we can do better.

Uh I've been talking to the administration about this, about a snow core, uh, different ideas of ways we can really just tackle this if it's too much of a burden to put on the residents because I do recognize that piles of mounds of snow are pushed from by the plow.

So we need to figure something out.

We need to keep our pedestrians safe uh and and certainly our most vulnerable uh uh pedestrians of people with disabilities.

Thank you.

Councilor Strasbo.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I'm glad that the uh the counselor you and campen mentioned uh the intentions to put it to send it to committee because I did want to know, and and and as it is heading in, uh a few questions for uh the administration as they prepare to address this item in committee.

First off, we know that the uh there we hired the city hired contractors to help with snow removal this year.

So where in the process do contractors um lie in that and what repercussions do we have to uh to address with them and their service to the city?

Um, of course priority is to have the work done in house.

And then also um right I I'm astounded to hear about the the um the uh dumpster on Bow Street.

How is that even possible?

How did that that even get approved and why is it still there?

So how do we get it removed?

And are there finding techniques that that we can implement?

Uh in addition to that, to um when we talk about snow removal, what what levers do we have?

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Councilor Scott?

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um very grateful to my colleague for Ward 3 for bringing this up, especially the third item uh is it related to curb cuts.

Um some of y'all might have gotten some emails from neighbors, and I'm sure I've told this story at least once in public, where even when the neighborhood comes together to actually get those curb cuts cleared, uh, even when the city uh does a good job making sure the snow does not get piled up under those sidewalks.

Uh sometimes they're just bad actors like the contractor at 121 Prospect Street that uh went to dig out all their parking spaces and use their bobcat to just dump it into all of the cleared curb cuts on Houghton, Oak, and Bolton Streets and Prospect, uh, which led to a lot of folks having some consternation and some strong feelings about uh why the city would do this to them, why the city doesn't care about them.

Uh so um to the credit of inspectional services and DPW, um they went to a lot of links to try to figure out uh what went wrong there.

Um fortunately we have video of the contractor doing this.

Um but uh I I look forward to the conversation in committee.

Um and uh I really uh look forward to being able to appoint uh my constituents and neighbors uh to that conversation so that we can uh highlight both the good work the city is doing and the better work we will do in the future.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

All right, so uh given the uh city staff that it would be uh appropriate to address these, we'll send these to sustainability and infrastructure so we can take them all up with other related items.

All right, so those are uh referred approved with a copy to sustainability infrastructure.

All right, next out of order item is 4.19.

419, a resolution by Councilor McLaughlin and Councillor Klingon in support of Senate Bill 2975, an act protecting access to justice.

Council McLaughlin.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I just want to uplift this piece of legislation.

Uh don't need to tell our state delegation to support it because they all already support it.

Uh, but I always want to give, especially on issues like this, uh, a local's perspective as someone who grew up in the city and knows a lot of people who are on the other end of immigration issues in this country.

Um I want to read something I read on Reddit recently.

I'm gonna avoid the name, but it's a public comment someone made about a her partner who is uh detained by ICE while at a courthouse.

Uh she said her husband um they've been living in the United States for about 10 years.

Recently, her partner was scheduled for a court appointment related for a traffic citation that required him to appear when he arrived at the courthouse, he was detained before he could even appear before the judge.

Uh this has been a very difficult time for the family.

They have a young daughter who is a U.S.

citizen and needs special care, and now they're facing leaves with legal expenses while also losing income.

Um I just want to bring this up because I believe that people should be able to go to court and face justice.

I believe people who are the victims of crime should be able to testify in court and get justice.

And what's happening in this country is we're undermining the right of due process.

So some people may look and say this person was not supposed to be in this country, therefore they should get deported.

It's like, let a court decide that.

This person showed up to face justice.

He did something wrong, he showed up to face justice and is now being punished unjustly for it.

And it's just an example of something that happens all over this country.

Uh, there's two people in the audience who can speak even more to this, uh State Senator Lydia Edwards and State Rep Christine Barber, who are both sponsoring this bill.

And I just want to point this out and just say this is really common sense to me, and I hope it's common sense to the Commonwealth.

I'd like to sponsor both speakers.

Okay.

Uh Council McLaughlin would like to sponsor as State Senator Edwards and State Representative Barber.

Any objection in that order.

Senator Edwards, why don't you step forward and we'll uh take it from there.

Good evening.

Um I'm Lydia Edwards, I'm State Senator representing the Third Suffolk.

Uh, first of all, I think this is the first time I've had the honor to testify in front of this body.

Um I know several of you as individuals have come before my former body of the Boston City Council, and um I thank you for being active and seeing our collective fight for justice as beyond city borders.

Um, when you came to testify there, it was about either student rights, it was about uh rights uh with with regards to cannabis, and so what I feel and what I'm trying to convey is um thank you, and I look forward to working with you.

Thank you for the support and for bringing forth this resolution.

In 2025, there were about 465 people arrested at courthouses by ICE.

That's more than one a day in about 46 different courthouses.

And how courthouses respond to them are different, uh, depending on the resources that they have.

Uh smaller courthouses are combined with larger ones in one building.

Uh you have family court, you have uh small claims court all in one building with criminal court.

And so what is happening is there's different ways in which people are approaching court or or they're not bothering to go at all.

I believe a lot like Councilor McLaughlin said, people should have not only the right to go to court, but it is essential foundation to our democracy is due process, the ability to defend yourself, the ability to also bring forth complaints against individuals.

What you will find with this bill in this moment is that the convergence of the uh prosecutors as well as the defense council and the courts all agreeing with that very face basic foundation that due process uh has nothing to do with your immigration status.

And still we have ICE, which has, by the way, this isn't a new thing.

ICE has come into courthouses, and many cases they did so after people were driving without a driver's license.

And uh, thank goodness to some of the leadership here.

Um, we were able to get driver's licenses for all.

But they're not uncommon.

This particular administration has been particularly cruel about how they're approaching people going to court.

They're using a civil arrest, and I want to make that very clear to people who are concerned about this.

Why can't we arrest people in court?

They get found guilty in court.

They are arresting them on a civil matter.

They are interrupting criminal trials, taking the witness off the stand, taking the defendant in the middle of the trial, who could be found guilty, by the way, and will not be serving any time because he is now with ICE.

They are in the middle, they're preventing victims of domestic violence, um, children, people from coming forward.

It's disgusting.

It does not make us safer, and it again is violative of our basic fundamental rights.

Now, what this is proposing to do is essentially say we read the Constitution in this Commonwealth, and under the Tenth Amendment, we have the right to say whether we will or will not comply with ICE or work with them.

Our state courts, our courts, are our business.

And how people have access to them will be determined by our constitution and our understanding of due process and human dignity.

The Protect Our Courts Act does several things.

One, while currently, you only need an administrative warrant.

That's somebody when DHS can file a little piece of paper saying, Here's your warrant to go get Councilor McGofflin as a bad as an example.

They walk in the courts and our courts comply with that.

This raises that standard.

It doesn't prevent them from going into court, but it does require that they have a judicial warrant.

A judge must sign this.

You must be pursuing someone so important that a judge has said you've got to go get them now.

And it not only protects them while they're in the courthouse, it prevents arrests on the courthouse grounds, and goes further than any version of the court's protections that we have pending right now, and says it also protects people going to court on their way to court as well as on their way home from court.

That's how expansive this is.

And by the way, it's completely constitutional.

Thank goodness in New York, uh, they have a great attorney general like we do here.

Uh they have the Protect Our Courts Act that was challenged by the Trump administration with the same provisions that I just described.

It was found to be constitutional by the second circuit.

So we're on good case law.

Mine goes a little bit further.

It also helps family members.

It isn't just the person who is required to come to court.

It's a supportive spouse, it's their advocate, it's somebody with them, a witness in the hallway.

You want any of them, you better have a judicial warrant.

Moreover, it also assures that if you are coming into the court as a law enforcement I uh uh uh law enforcement agent, you better say who you are, why you're there, present the warrant for who you're trying to pursue.

And also um you, according to my bill, and hopefully what you support, you will not be wearing a mask.

This prevents anybody from wearing a mask in the courthouse unless it's for health reasons, COVID.

And finally, this has the enforcement component of the attorney general um for individual issues as well as to defend the commonwealth.

Essentially, and for me, this is this is deeply personal because it was the courthouse that I represent and go to in East Boston that was on the news where a man was drug out, he was his shirt was removed from him, his shoes were removed, and he was screaming in the hallway or in the alleyway where they drug him in uh to the ICE vehicle.

That same alleyway is shared by a head start class, so the children could hear him screaming, and many people in the neighborhood could as well.

It is horrific time that we're in.

It is a sometimes surreal moment, and it's moments like this where we reach out to our municipal partners and say, please stand up and stand with us.

Please talk about how this is impactful to you because your voices do matter to your local law enforcement who we will need to be supporting these bills.

This matters.

And I'm greatly, greatly appreciative to be this is the first um municipality, the first city that would be standing for this particular bill.

And I'm grateful for the opportunity to answer any of your questions and also to present and uh to speak to you today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Questions for uh the Senator First, and then okay, Council Stress.

Thank you, Mr.

President, through you to uh Senator Edwards.

Thank you for this.

Thank you for your care and compassion and just action.

Uh how long, providing that this gets passed and moved, can this be implementable?

Um immediately.

And once it's passed, it would be um all the protections.

We we do give it to the courts to implement and come up with any regulations so that they can go from the SJC all the way down, but um it it would be immediate.

Um thank you, and one more question, if I may, Mr.

President, Senator Edwards.

Uh, is this um uh uh to keep our municipalities and our municipal spaces safe as well?

No, this this is just for our courts.

I will say happily the um governor has an executive order for all state properties, and she has a um sensitive areas component of her set of bills, which includes hospitals, medical centers, daycares, uh houses of worship, um, and courthouses that will all require judicial warrants for them to go on that property.

Okay, thank you.

Council Clingen.

Just one quick question along the same lines as Council Stress.

Um when is this due to sort of be deliberated on?

Um, and so when can we expect uh to hear as if it moves forward?

Um we are looking forward at the Judiciary Committee and having a hearing either at the end of this month or at the beginning of April, so we look forward, and of course you'll be invited to submit testimony.

I did want to give a shout out to the um Black and Latino Caucus, of which I'm a member, who also had incredible um uh hearing and moment some of you were there and testified in support specifically on uh the Protect Act, which has a component of the judiciary uh protections as well.

Some of you were there and testified in support, um, specifically on uh the Protect Act, which has a component of the judiciary uh protections as well.

Um just know that the fact that the governor, the house, the Senate are all moving, it's not in separate directions.

It's a very rare moment where we all agree something needs to be done.

It's just a matter of how urgent and how big we're gonna get it done.

But it's an exciting moment.

Thank you.

Representative Barber.

Thank you.

Thank you, President Davis and and the council for taking up this resolution.

I'm Christine Barber, State Rep for the 34th Middlesex District.

Um thank you for um indulging me to speak here tonight.

So I'm co-sponsor of the Senate 2975, which Senator Edwards just talked about, and I really want to thank the Senator for her leadership on this bill and putting this bill together so quickly after the uh trauma that we have seen across the country and in our communities.

So access to courts is not a privilege, it is the cornerstone of our democracy.

Last year there were our count is 600 ICE arrests in Massachusetts court courthouses, which is a three-fold increase.

I was just at a local um domestic violence organization yesterday where we were talking about survivors of domestic violence who are not seeking protective orders because they are scared to go into court.

This is real and it's happening in our community.

Witnesses are afraid to testify, and we're seeing this um over and over right here at home.

So this bill, as you've heard, it is very focused and it is enforceable.

So no civil arrest can happen at a courthouse without a judicial warrant, and law enforcement must identify themselves and state their purpose, which would be a huge step.

The organizing around this bill is working, as the Senator mentioned.

Um the Protect Act, which uh was put together with the leadership of the Black and Latino Caucus, um, is moving forward in the House.

And the Protect Act incorporates parts of this bill on keeping courthouses safe.

It also incorporates the dignity not deportations bill, which is a bill I filed, and I'm grateful that this body passed a resolution already in support of um and that bill stops um local and state police from being deputized as ICE agents.

We all know that progressive rhetoric is a not enough to protect folks who are under attack in our communities.

Progressive legislation is what we need.

And passing this resolution tonight, this is the exact right moment to keep up this momentum.

So this is what we need to make sure that we pass this in the legislature and that the governor signs this.

There's precedent for doing this.

Um when I filed the work and family mobility act to make sure that immigrants could get driver's licenses regardless of their immigration status.

It took a lot of coalition building across the whole state, and many local city councils, school committees, and others stood with us, and that is how we built the momentum to get there and pass that bill.

So I urge the council to pass this resolution, and I hope that we can continue to work together to make sure that everyone is safe in their access to justice.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any additional questions uh discussion?

Uh Councilman would like to sign on.

Um campus sign on.

Everybody wants to sign on.

Here, here.

Um Councillor Clangan, another question.

Yeah, thank you, Mr.

President.

Through you, just on the item.

Um, as the co-sponsor of uh this resolution, I just want to thank our delegation that has come up this evening and thank Councilor McLaughlin uh for being the lead sponsor on this.

You know, this falls right in our in in with our values as far as a welcome uh welcoming city city ordinance.

We have a court summer will district court serves a huge population.

I which is in Council McLaughlin's ward.

I live a my ward starts across the street.

I walk to the train station in the morning.

I've seen ICE um posted up in the parking lot of that courthouse many times.

Uh so we need to act now uh as a state to address this, and um I'm proud as was mentioned that to be the first city who uh is supporting this uh locally here for the um this particular Senate bill.

Um and uh thank the good uh senator for for being the lead sponsor on this.

Um and just really proud to to do things like this because this is the type of um legislation that is really really important to keep everybody safe.

I mean, as was mentioned, witnesses uh uh or victims even victims of crimes who whose um you know they can't even get their their due justice their day in court to face their uh their um attackers.

Um so yeah, um happy and proud to be a co-sponsor of this and just thank everybody for their time.

Okay, thank you, Council.

Thank you, Mr.

President, and thank you, Rebecca and Senator Edwards, for your leadership on this.

I guess so first it's fundamental, like access to the court is a fundamental you know, part of a fair and functioning democracy, and we've observed that, you know, time and time and again the federal government has abused this.

What they have been doing is still unconstitutional, it's unlawful.

I'm really curious to know because some of us are also running for a state city right now.

But what if they keep violating this?

What happens like they've been violating other stuff?

I'm not sure.

Like they've never I've never heard about us being prosecuted for violating uh civil.

So I'm not sure like what is like what is how do we know that this is like something that is implementable, is not just another, you know, uh bill that will be out there, but yet I still keep doing what they're supposed to be doing.

Can you can you can somebody tell me like is there something tangible that is proved that they've been prosecuted?

I've not heard about one IS agent that has been held accountable for all this stuff that they've been doing.

So what makes us think that this is like they think now that they're gonna you know do something different?

I defer to the the author of the bill, but I would say this is enforceable by the attorney general.

It's an important piece that she has oversight over this.

Um thank you for the question.

It's actually a very important one because what you have demonstrated or what you've asked about is something that a lot of people have asked about specific individual rights against individual ICE agents.

The attorney general will likely represent the commonwealth and pursue an injunction saying stop going into certain courthouses or stop going there.

Um I will give credit to um Senator Wills Will Brownsburger, who has introduced a bill um amending our uh 1983 civil uh rights statute, uh essentially allowing for individuals to sue anybody acting under the color of law, federally, locally, municipal, as at the municipal level, and sue them individually for damages.

Um so that's going to get we will need to have I'm sure a huge conversation as many people see this as um controversial and brushing up against some police reform activities that we've had with um immunity.

However, um that is a pending bill that is um going to be heard in the judiciary committee.

I can say that I'm the chair of the judiciary committee, we will hear it.

Um then the also um the actual enforcement uh against um ICE, you will note uh DA Hayden did the DAs have tried to hold ICE agents in contempt of court, and unfortunately, um due to the federal laws and federalism, uh the um they excused themselves and just didn't and completely ignored it.

So we are working on it at the best that we can.

At most, we're gonna provide defenses and be able to get our people out of custody from ICE, and we'll see what we can do on the individual level.

Uh thank you, Senator Edwards, for your leadership on this.

Again, this is just something we witnessed it.

They cracked open people's vehicles, homes and stuff.

This is not unconstitutional, and yet nothing we've never seen in IS agents being arrested and prosecuted.

So that's why I'm just like we feel helpless.

We can make all this noise, stand here, pontificate, write bills, and then ISO still come and pick somebody in front of us.

We just look all we can do is take a camera, take a video, and find legal support for them.

It's it's it's it's unbelievable.

But thank you.

Okay, thank you.

Any further discussion?

Uh thank you both for being here, really appreciate it.

Uh see no further discussion, that item is approved.

Next out of order item, Madam Clerk.

That brings us to agenda item 7.1, a request of the mayor requesting that this council convene in an executive session to receive an update on collective bargaining negotiations.

All right.

I see we have uh representative for the law department here.

Can you speak to us as to uh whether this is an appropriate item for executive session?

Uh yes, Council President, through you, uh the law department has reviewed the statement on the agenda and the purpose of the executive session and approves this as to an appropriate use of executive session.

All right, very well.

Roll call to go into executive session, please.

Roll call to enter into executive session.

Counselor Young Campbin?

Yes.

Counselor Link?

Yes.

Councillor Scott.

Counselor Klingon.

Counselor Streso?

Councilor Sae?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Councilor McGaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor.

Yes, please.

Counselor Davis.

Yes.

With eight counselors in favor.

All right, I'll call this meeting back to order.

Uh no votes were taken in executive session other than the votes to uh adjourn from executive session.

Leave executive session.

Um we have two more items that we want to take out of order, sorry.

We need a roll call to return.

Right.

This is the special, even though I can see that y'all are here.

Roll call to make sure that we're all here.

Counselor Link?

Here.

Counselor Scott.

Present.

Counselor Klingon?

Present.

Counselor Schrezzo?

Present.

Counselor Said.

Here.

Counselor Wheeler?

Here.

Counselor Hart.

Here.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Here.

Counselor Mbell?

Counselor Davis.

Here.

With all counselors present, we have quorum.

All right.

Unless there's any objection, we'll take up item four dot two six next.

And that brings us to agenda item four twenty-six, a resolution by Counselor Klingon recognizing March twenty twenty-six as National Social Work Month.

Can we read it?

Yes, please.

Okay.

And the official text of the resolution, whereas individuals have entered the social work profession for generations out of a commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

And whereas the twenty twenty-six social work month theme, social workers uplift, defend, transform, designated by the National Association of Social Workers, highlights the essential role social workers play in strengthening communities, advocating for social justice, protecting vulnerable populations, and transforming systems to create a more equitable society.

And whereas social workers serve in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, veteran centers, and government, helping people access critical services, including mental health care, family support, and community resources.

And whereas social workers are at the forefront of addressing many of the nation's most pressing challenges, including mental health care needs, substance use disorder treatment, and increasing economic and social division.

And whereas the profession has long helped advance important social progress, including strengthening worker protections, expanding health care access, and promoting equal rights and dignity for all people.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Somerville City Council hereby recognizes the contributions of social workers and declares the month of March 2026 as National Social Work Month and encourages all residents to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating and supporting the social work profession.

Here here.

Councilor Clinton.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Before I bring up to just say a bit uh sponsor um a few social workers uh that are here this evening to accept um our this resolution and our praise.

Uh I just want to say I apologize to them for the oversight of um I didn't communicate properly.

Uh uh so I know it's this late hour, but nonetheless, this is really important, so I'm glad uh everybody they could stick around to be here for this.

So, Mr.

President, colleagues, I proudly speak today in support of this resolution recognizing March as National Social Worker Month.

This year's theme set by the National Association of Social Workers is social workers uplift, defend, transform.

And I can't think of three words that better capture the moment we are at right now.

Social workers uplift people every day, helping families navigate schools, mental health systems, housing challenges, and the many complexities of modern life.

They defend the dignity and well-being of some of our most vulnerable members of our community, and they work to transform systems so that people are treated with fairness, compassion, and humanity.

That work is especially important right now as many immigrant families across the country are facing deep uncertainty around immigration enforcement in response.

Social workers here in our community have stepped up in powerful ways.

They have been working alongside immigrant advocates to ensure that families understand the importance of family safety plans, making sure parents have arrangements in place so their children are protected if something unexpected happens.

They are also helping parents prepare the unthinkable caregiver authorization affidavit so that a trusted adult can pick the children up from school and care for them if needed, prevent uh preventing those children from unnecessarily entering into the system.

This work is quiet, often unseen, but profoundly important.

It it reflects the very heart of our social work profession, meeting people where they are, helping them navigate fear and uncertainty.

Uh fear and uncertainty and ensuring that families remain supported and connected.

The moments of national tension and uncertainty, social workers are often this sorry, in the moments of national tension and uncertainty, social workers are often the steady hands helping communities hold together.

So today, as we recognize Social Work Month, I want to thank the social workers of Somerville, some of which are at this horseshoe.

Our own counselor McLaughlin is a social worker by by trade.

Um in Somerville and across our region who continue to uplift families, defend humanity, dignity, and work every day to transform our systems for the better.

So thank you.

And with that, I'd like to um sponsor to speak this evening, uh, Marianne Walls and Coquina Fuller, who together across two different DCF offices represent, uh I'm sorry, uh who work on behalf of thousands of children and families uh for the Department of Um Children and Families for the state.

So first I would rec uh like to sponsor Mary and Walls.

Counselor Clinton, sponsor Mary and Walls, see no objection.

Go ahead.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Klingon, and thank you to the Somerville City Council for always being supportive of social workers and really and helping us to help our families and always being accessible.

We appreciate the support, especially as Councillor Clinton said.

During these times, people are so traumatized.

Children are traumatized, not knowing that their parents are going to be home when they come home from school.

Parents concerned about their children.

Um in Somerville, we've seen the lack of access or inability to access substance abuse or mental health or even in actual primary care health given the climate of our country.

So we appreciate the recognition and the support that you give not only social workers but our residents.

Thank you.

And answer clearly.

No pressure if uh Coquina, if you'd like to just say a brief word, it's up to you.

No objection, go right ahead if you have anything to say.

My sister Mary Ann in service has said it so eloquently.

So thank you so much.

Well, I'll say thank you both for your work and for being here and for your patience this evening.

Any discussion of the questions?

Counselor Hart.

Um, I just want to thank uh Counselor Klingon for bringing this forward, and thank you both for coming.

I think that uh there's no there's there's no way to overstate the importance of social workers and the work that you do, and it's incredibly um undercompensated, and you know, I know that there's uh it's uh there's more work than can one person can do, but um really appreciate your work and really appreciate you for uplifting this month.

Thank you.

Counselor Hart would like to sign on.

I will as well.

Counselor Wheeler, say the whole council is gonna sign on to this one.

Counselor Wheeler, go ahead.

I wanted to extend the comments of my colleagues and appreciate you both and all social workers who work in Somerville and elsewhere.

Uh my mother worked for many years in Somerville as a social worker.

She would be deeply upset with me if I didn't mention that tonight.

Uh, she's still using her social work license in her 80s today.

I've seen the life-changing power that social workers can have, and I appreciate this chance to celebrate your work.

Thank you.

Council Claire.

Ms.

President, lastly, I'll just say, and I know I always I really like to emphasize the fact that you know um Visa DCF social workers.

The things they see, you know, would keep you up at night.

It's uh, you know, I have an affinity for DCF social workers as my mother was a foster parent.

But the but the term social worker captures such a wide breadth of um work that's done in individuals.

So since Holly Simeoni is in the chamber, I would like to recognize her as her work does fall under that uh work of social work with regards to helping families with children with disabilities.

Um I say we give these three a round of applause and call it a night.

Thank you.

All right, thank you, Councilor Klingan.

All right, uh, one more item out of order.

Uh we if there's no objection, we'll take the finance committee report up next.

Brings us to agenda item 6A1, a report of the Committee on Finance meeting on March 10th, 2026.

Counselor Wheeler.

Thank you, Chair.

The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, via remote participation with four members present.

Our Word II colleague was sick, still is, and with the help of Clerk Delaney Fisher Cassial and legislative liaison Yasmin Radassi.

We took up a seven-item agenda.

We recommended approval of a $31,000 grant from the Mass Department of Environmental Protection for upgrades to the FRANI Road Hazardous Household Waste Facility.

Department of Public Works staff explained that this will fund winterization and a new garage door with pedestrian cutout for better access.

We discussed DPW's commitment to accessibility at the Franny Road facility and the need for residents to be able to communicate with staff while outside at street level and protected from the elements.

We also recommended appropriating approximately $56,000 from the bike share stabilization fund for an 18-dock blue bike station at Point and Union Connect.

These funds were donated by the developer for the city to purchase equipment using our existing regional contract.

Three police department grants generated extended discussion.

First, we recommended an approximately $23,000 grant for youth violence prevention with an approximately $6,000 local match from the city.

The new captain of community relations is exploring programs like aquarium trips and basketball games alongside hotspot patrols and youth academies.

There was concern regarding a requirement in the grant text that the police department submit daily crime data to the Greater Boston Fusion Center through the system known as either Coplink or Crime Tracer.

And we received written confirmation that this data is not shared at the federal level, though some questions about the risk around this sharing remained.

Ultimately, this item was recommended for approval by a split three to one vote.

We recommended approval for a $43,000 police software grant.

Police department staff explained that the gray key forensics tool is used to bypass smartphone passwords in crime investigations, but only by a small number of approved officers, and only with a search warrant or explicit consent, often from victims seeking to share evidence.

Existing surveillance technology impact reports provided transparency regarding these legal and procedural safeguards.

This grant also covers Blue Voice, a new large language model AI tool.

We discussed how this might be used, what data would be uploaded to it, and how to ensure it's not used to leak personally identifiable information about Somerville residents, nor to substitute AI decision making for human decision making.

Additionally, we recommended a 127,000 dollar grant for special response team equipment and training, including protective armor and cameras that are pole mountable and investigation specific and detailed in their own surveillance technology impact report.

Addressing concerns regarding overmilitarization, police department staff emphasized that department policies ensure this tactical gear remains behind the scenes and only used to protect residents in high security incidents.

When the council sees a clear affordability benefit in a case of development, this tool allows us to waive a portion of future taxes on the added value that development will bring to a property.

To be clear, this is not a tax cut or a city payment.

It's a time-limited reduction of the increased taxes that development would normally generate.

While the state sets minimum subsidy criteria to qualify, Somerville and the city council in particular will maintain the power to demand deeper affordability on a project-by-project basis.

This item was marked work completed.

Chair, I ask that this committee report be accepted as submitted.

All right.

On the report, Councilor Scott.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I'd request that we can sever the three police related items.

That's items uh on our agenda here, 6A2, 6A3, and 6A7.

I can give you the item numbers specifically if you like.

250849, 260169, 260271, simply to place those items before the full council so that I can uh provide brief comment and get a uh roll call vote recorded.

All right, Councilor Scott moves to sever items 6A2, 6A3, and 6A7 from the committee report.

Uh any discussion on the motion?

All right.

Any objection?

All right, seeing none, those three items are severed from the port and uh are now before us.

Uh first we have the committee report before us.

Any uh further discussion on the committee report.

Okay, seeing none, that is approved, and we have the three items.

Or do we need a roll call vote on the other ones?

One item.

Okay, let's do a roll call vote on the other item from the committee report, and then we'll take up the items that were severed.

And that puts agenda item 6A6.

A request of the mayor requesting approval to appropriate $56,339.46 cents from the bike share stabilization fund for installation and startup cost of a blue bike station at the Bohemian Union Connect Transportation Management Association Development Site.

Any discussion?

All right, on the item.

Counselor Young Campen.

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

Yes.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Shrezo?

Yes.

Counselor Said?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler?

Yes.

Counselor Hart?

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin?

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh?

Yes.

Counselor Davis?

Yes.

All counselors in favor, that is approved.

All right.

So that brings the three separate items before us.

Do we read those in separately?

Yes.

Council Scott, you would take this up together?

Um, Ms.

President, that would be just fine.

You eventually want to do a row individual roll call vote for each.

Is that my understanding?

That would be fine, or we could take all three up with a single roll call vote.

Let's let's discuss them together and then we'll take a vote separate.

Is that what we okay?

Any objection to that?

All right.

Uh so yeah, Madam Clerk, if you would please read those three separate items into the record.

Agenda item 682, a request of the mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a hundred twenty-seven thousand dollar grant with no new match required from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Special Response Team Equipment and Training.

6A3, request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a 43,000 dollar grant with no new match required from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Software, and 6A7, a request of the mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800 and eight cents grant that requires a match from the Metropolitan Mayor's Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the police department for youth violence prevention.

Got it, do you want to speak on any of the items?

Uh yes, thank you, Mr.

President.

I'll go in reverse order here.

Um and I apologize for the disruption here.

Uh thank you to the chair for for uh bringing this out of order.

Uh as the hour is late and I am very ill, uh, I will spare my standard soaring overation on these matters.

But um four members of the public who uh may be curious about this.

But um four members of the public who uh may be curious about this, um one of these items, the 22,800 grant, uh known as the Shannon Grant from the mayor's metropolitan uh Metro Mayor's coalition uh is always pitched as a grant to allow us to host a basketball tournament, and it's been happening for years, and every year this council accepts that grant.

Uh but one of the terms of that grant is that we continue to participate in the system known as Coplink.

The system known as Coplink is uh not one that is particularly uh subject to discretion.

Uh we are a full map community and have been since before I got elected, which means that every single encounter, that's every traffic citation, parking citation, uh, every accident report, every complaint, somebody calls in a noise complaint, the address, the names of the people present when an officer goes to check it out.

Any information that the officer records goes into our system and then is directly pipelined into the copling system.

Review of a presentation that was published back in 2017 reveals how coplink uses that information.

It associates people with events.

So if you are a, for example, minor child who happened to be present at a uh at a house where a um or in an apartment building, for example, where there was a noise complaint, and then later there was uh uh report of suspected drug deal.

Uh now all of a sudden that person is associated with each of those and becomes a person of interest that shows up when searched for uh possible uh possible uh not to call it a dragnet, but persons of interest uh to look into when investigating future incidents.

This is all very clear.

It's in a uh presentation that was made by Mass State Police to explain how useful coplink was.

Uh as such, I as always, I don't believe I'm gonna convince anybody in this chamber tonight, uh, but this is so my neighbors understand why it is that I believe we can find other money to run a basketball tournament.

Uh next, uh I will briefly address uh the grant for 43,000 uh for software.

Uh one piece of this is very easily understood.

That's the gray key software which is used to crack cell phones.

Uh there's been a lot of discussion about this.

Um, but I have grave concerns about it, but we do have surveillance technology impact reports and uh policies in place that supposedly govern uh how and when uh our law enforcement officers uh can just crack anybody's cell phone.

Uh but more concerning to me is the inclusion of Blue Voice uh, which is an AI tool uh to be used by our police department to generate police reports and to uh assist our police officers uh in the field uh given the um I don't want to go into too much detail about the horrific consequences, but let's just uh will suffice to say that I have uh grave concerns about the injection of AI into uh our systems, especially with the fact that um facial recognition uh is already part of the cop link system, and uh allowing that to integrate even closer into a facial recognition system that you're in my opinion, just a recipe for disaster.

There's uh story in the national media of a grandmother in Tennessee who was uh arrested and uh jailed for six months uh on suspicion of a financial fraud, a bank fraud in North Dakota.

She had never been to North Dakota.

She was just flagged by an AI system and uh lost her house as a result of being jailed for six months on this.

So I I don't want to uh inject any more possibility for inadvertent harm uh for people coming into a uh in contact with our police department.

And then finally, uh the 127,000 dollar grant for special response team equipment and training.

This is for the shields, for the helmets, for the batons, for the chemical weapons.

This is I am old enough uh to have been on the other end of that from our Somerville Police Department.

I'm old enough to remember my colleagues uh around this horseshoe uh talking about being pepper sprayed at protests by the Somerville Police Department.

I'm old enough to remember when uh we had the uh deputy chief of the police department on camera uh placing a summer of a resident in a headlock at a protest.

Um we see across the nation, even when communities are steadfast in their commitment to supporting their neighbors in Minneapolis where the mayor, the governor, everybody up and down the chain says we are steadfast in supporting our neighbors and opposing ice.

It is the Minneapolis police department in that riot gear, not preventing ICE from kidnapping their neighbors, but instead preventing the neighbors from being able to help each other.

In Burlington, Vermont, just I believe yesterday, it was the police department that kept the neighborhood at bay.

While ICE laid siege to a house to a house which they eventually did break the door down, searching for a person who was not there.

They arrested three other people from that house and put them in detention.

And it was the Burlington Police Department with their special response team gear with their backs to ICE facing down the members of their community.

I can foresee a situation in the not too far distant future where it will be in our community, and I, Mr.

President, cannot vote to accept that money to pay for uh the weapons that will be pointed at me.

So uh with that I appreciate your forbearance.

Again, I don't need this to necessarily be a full discussion from the council.

I don't expect to change anybody's mind, but I do appreciate the opportunity to say my piece and to get my vote in the negative on the record.

Thank you.

Okay, Councilor Link.

Uh I I see that um legislative um Leah's underassies.

I'll I'll yield to her.

Fairwell.

Liaison Radazi.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I just wanted to correct the record uh related to item 260169 uh with regards to Blue Voice.

Um as was shared during the committee meeting, uh Chief generously reached out to the vendor, Blue Blue Voice, sorry, I keep mixing it up with Great Key.

Blue Voice to get more details for actually uh in response to a request from Councillor Link.

It was shared with the full committee, and it basically says that it is a closed system that is literally just going to be used to look up our own ordinances and state laws.

Um I don't want to try to paraphrase the whole document that was shared, but I would encourage counselors to take a look at that document.

Um it will not be used to generate police reports.

Thank you.

Counselor Link.

Hi, yeah.

So um through the president, thank you.

Uh yes, I would encourage everyone to look at the answers which are now uh available um through the legislature.

You can um see I have huge concerns about uh the use of AI and uh especially the the police use of AI.

Um and if everything is as described, it is essentially just a search engine, um, which I'm I'm less concerned with.

Um, but if it ever did become um that there was public um uh personal identifiable information PII, anything like that was ever put into it, um I would have a much, much, much different stance.

Uh and then um I I just want to um also address uh I think what um the the good counselor from Ward II um is it about uh coplink, which is also now known as crime tracer.

I have I remain very skeptical um of that and uh I do think that there is um some concerns there in terms of uh you know it uh just like when we put our data into the on the on the internet, you can't get it back.

Um I don't know where that data goes.

Uh and uh while I have seen an email um assuring us that it doesn't uh the feds don't have access to it, uh I'm still not clear uh why that policy changed in 2023 and um what uh guardrails there are to ensure that it does not happen that we reverse that policy in 2026.

Uh so uh I am uh yeah very worried about that one still.

Uh thank you.

Other discussion?

Council McBafflin and Council Wheeler.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I hate to put our mayor on the spot, but when you show up to every council meeting, I'm gonna have to ask a question.

Um I was just curious about his position on all of this at the time.

Mr.

Mayor, care to address the question.

Mr.

President, uh thank you.

Uh through you two, uh, Councilor McLaughlin.

Uh yeah, uh we would not have put these forward if we did not feel that there was merit to these requests.

Uh we knew it would go through a rigorous examination by this council, and we trusted in the end result of of that uh that examination.

Uh we trust you all to do the work and uh determine whether this is something that uh you also are willing to get by sorry, don't don't mean to do it like this, but it's coming up right now in this meeting.

But I am just more curious about the stated concerns from our colleagues and how the city feels about those positions.

Uh I'm genuine genuinely curious.

Mr.

President, I don't want to get into a back and forth with counselors and you know arguing arguing against uh claims they've made.

Uh I appreciate folks raising their concerns about it.

Uh you know, that there's I'm not I'm not gonna say uh I'm not without concerns on on a great many things.

Uh in the end, uh you're left balancing uh concerns versus versus potential benefits, and uh that's where I trust people to make up their own minds on it.

Okay, Councilor Wheeler.

Uh thank you, Chair.

Um I wanted to first of all appreciate the concerns that have been raised uh and acknowledge there's uh a limit to how much I know and understand about all the complexities uh of these systems.

One thing that uh that mattered to me in in making my decision on the the question of the uh the uh 23 approximately 23,000 dollar grant uh was that uh to my knowledge municipalities including Somerville um are already in a an essentially unavoidable relationship of sharing certain kinds of data, such as uh when people are booked for crimes um in a in a broader way.

And uh that existing fact together with the the written confirmation we were able to get, and uh I'd like to to learn more about how reliable this is, but the the confirmation that we were able to get that this particular data um is not going to be shared with uh the federal government, those things together uh made a difference to me on that point.

Thank you.

Counselor Clinton.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Through you know, yeah, I mean, as stated by some, I feel like we could sort of doomsday just about anything.

You know, you could come up with different scenarios.

Um I think that uh ICE and other agencies probably have more than enough tools at their disposal.

Um I guess what I'm trying to say is like like like was mentioned as far as weighing um the positive and the negative, you know, uh I have to go back to the mystics mystic housing and and when the kids like you know they they they really look forward to uh these trips to the aquarium and different uh outings that they may never you know leave the housing uh development in other words uh in other circumstances and go to these different places.

And so, you know, I mean this is you know I hear concerns are raised.

I again I also share those concerns, but what is what will we lose uh if we vote down this, you know, basically free money uh that has an impact in the community amongst the most vulnerable people.

Um I mean I certainly don't want to be responsible for bad things happening.

Um I did listen to the meeting in real time the other night, and it the chief continued to reiterate that um you know, and it's sort of in line with what the mayor is saying is that we we are going for these grants.

We are a welcoming city.

We understand, you know, that they can't guarantee anything, but uh that's kind of how life is, is not there's no guarantee for a lot of things.

So really I think to just take away this benefit um in the name of you know fear, which may or may not be materialized, and I haven't really heard any uh specific scenarios or like that, or you know, you know how this could how this people believe that this will play out versus you know walking into the mystics and seeing the bus there, uh taking the these kids out of the city during the summer summer months uh to somewhere cool.

So um I will be supporting these grants as I have in the past.

Um and that's it.

Uh Councillor Strezzle.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

Quick reiteration on the discussion that happened in the finance committee, and anyone can read the minutes on this.

Um again, this is a grant that is every year has been accepted.

And yes, it's for our most disenfranchised children and families in the community.

So I'd like to remind our colleagues that uh they will be the ones impacted by this.

And uh I won't let our most vulnerable residents slip through the cracks uh based on on hypotheticals and what we've already seen is in in weighing in the other side of that of actual proven um assistance that it does provide to the community.

Uh the chief reiterated that that anything that the information here is already public record has already is already out there um that uh any concerns that the colleagues raised about that um of data sharing and with the with the um AI uh apps or the um technology that was accepted.

Uh the sergeant detective that spoke on these items, uh may I remind our colleagues that these help assist with child molestation cases, with human trafficking cases, and we're instrumental in rape cases that most specifically with Uber drivers and was and and rape cases are notoriously notoriously difficult to prove.

This data actually helps.

Some of us have daughters in this room.

Some of us have daughters heading to college soon.

Um with human trafficking cases, this can be useful.

So again, all this information, all this discussion has already been had.

I will be supporting this.

I have done my research and uh have been paying attention to what goes on in the city long enough to understand how this actually implements and is in your our community and and assists or can I'm confident that uh that this is a yes vote for me.

And can we please move on?

Mr.

President, please let the record reflect I have three daughters.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Just to be quick, I mean, just get in this conversation.

I think for the three thousand dollars is very small amount of money.

If we need to take kids to the aquarium, I will not rely on the you know Department of Homeland Security for the three thousand dollars to take the kids to the aquarium.

So I'll not be supporting this.

Counselor Hart.

Um just similar to uh the counselor mabaugh who just spoke.

Um I would since the finance committee on Tuesday and finding out more about Cop Link, I no longer feel um comfortable supporting that item.

And I but I would urge the administration to find a way to put that money to continue the program in the budget.

Okay, uh back to Councillor Link.

Uh thank you.

Just uh Mr.

President, just uh one quick clarification before I I finish up here.

Uh so um just so that we're we're clear here, this isn't uh necessarily a hypothetical.

Uh up until 2023, ICE actually had access, regular access, full access to this.

So it's not something that maybe they would want.

It's something that they definitely do want.

Um I would say the the other thing here is that the email, the the assurances that we received from the email is that they just they don't have access.

It's not that they can't get the data.

Um it's not that there's no path for them to get that data that gets in there, it's just that they don't have direct access.

And that is a very different thing than saying that they cannot get access.

I want these kids to have this um opportunity.

I want this these this program to continue, and uh like the the good counselor from Ward 7, I would love to see uh our administration find other ways to fund it, but um I think that uh it's it's yeah, uh it's too it's a bridge too far for me.

Thank you.

Any other discussion all right?

Let's say uh a separate roll call vote on each of the items in the order they appear on the agenda.

Okay.

If you get it out, Miss uh Council Clayton.

Before we vote, I just want to say that you know, uh it's easy, you know, we can certainly set the table of fear and then vote something potentially good down.

Um, but we're basically saying that we're basically, you know, that our mayor, our chief, and some of our colleagues here, you know, uh uh are basically being derelict of duty and putting people in harm's way.

And you know if we're gonna do this about all kinds of issues, whether it be any type of safety issues, I mean this is certainly you know, hot politically or whatever uh in terms of you know the those concerns, but uh uh you know I just I just think that um you know we're we're in a well I'm gonna vote the way I'm gonna vote, but I just I just want to I want the record to show that you know the chief of police made it clear that while they can't guarantee things, most of this is public record, and I I mean if it's an abundance of caution that people feel well, you know, uh uncomfortable, I would with the way the table's been set.

I mean certainly I would too, and I'm sure the public watching is thinking, you know, that we must be completely irresponsible.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

On that, I think it's really uh devious and dubious to conflate a vote like this um with colleagues trying to assume that uh conflating that anyone that supports us is supporting us that is totally out of line.

And uh the mayor who spoke earlier on uh the whole concept of neighborhood and having healthy dialogues, this is an opportunity for that of a healthy dialogue.

But to uh demonize a neighbor, we're watching this live in real time over one opinion or another, when we're all hopefully in good faith, making decisions that are best for constituents of over 81,000.

Let's hope that we are making decisions uh collectively in good faith.

Thank you.

Mr.

President, just one comment briefly.

Council Young Kappen.

Um just before we vote.

So I I've been working for the last few months with Councillor Link with the ACLU on what we hope will be an ordinance to look at data sharing with the federal government, um, specifically in law enforcement.

I hope that we have something ready to submit soon.

It's currently being uh the administration is taking a look to give us their feedback.

Um I'm gonna support these because I have in the past, and because my understanding is you know, voting this down doesn't get us out of cop link, I don't think.

Um it's a basketball game for the kids.

Maybe I'm incorrect about that.

Um but I just wanted to explain that this is an issue I care a lot about.

Um actively working on this is not how I'm choosing to take a stand on that.

Um but I you know don't begrudge folks who do uh we're gonna recognize the mayor.

Um I'll remind folks that our rules do uh limit folks to speaking twice on an item.

So if you've already spoken twice, I'm not gonna recognize you again.

Just to follow our rules so we can move along here.

Um Mayor Wilson, go ahead.

Mr.

President, thank you.

I came up here to make the point similar to what uh Councilor Ewan Campan just made.

Uh you can be very, very concerned about copling.

How you vote on this will not have one IOTA to do with any change about copling.

All you are doing is turning down money.

It will not change anything about coplink.

Full stop.

Counselor Hart.

Um actually I would love more clear through you, Mr.

President.

I would love more clarification on that because during the finance committee meeting, I asked if there were any other grants that required our uh you know, participation in cop link, and Chief Benford said no.

So that led me to believe that other than this grant, we could opt out of copling.

But please correct me if I'm wrong.

Uh Mr.

Mayor or anyone from the administration, can you uh clarify the statement in response to Councilor Hart's question?

Thanks, Mr.

President.

Uh the relationship with coplink has existed long before.

Simply opting out of the declining this grant will not change anything about that relationship.

Council Hart, does that address your question?

Um actually can I ask a follow-up question?

Um so uh let's say that with the work that um counselor link and uh you and campen are doing, you know, they uh decided that we shouldn't participate in cop link.

But but we had this grant, so we had to continue it for that period of time.

Like is that a real a realistic um scenario?

Question to Councilor and Kempen?

Sure, yes.

Councilor Campen, you can respond.

Um Mr.

President, I I don't know the answer.

You know, my interpretation of what we're hearing is that the administration is gonna make a decision about whether to participate in cop link on the merits in their mind, and it's not about whether this grant requires us to or not.

My understanding of this administration in the last few from what has been represented to us that they want to be a part of copling.

That's how I've heard that.

Any further discussion?

No.

All right.

Go to roll call votes.

Each one individually, please.

Uh yes, let's reread them just so we're not everyone's sure exactly which one they're voting on.

Okay.

And on agenda item six A2, a request of the mayor requesting your approval to accept and expend a hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollar grant with no new match required from the Boston Office Office of Emergency Management to the police department for special response team equipment and training.

Counselor Ewan Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

No.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Yes.

Counselor Said.

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McGaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor Mba.

Yes.

Counselor Davis.

Yes.

With 10 counselors in favor, the item is recommended to be approved.

Next item.

Going to agenda item 6A3, a request of the mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a 43,000 dollar grant with no new match required from the Boston Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for Software.

Counselor Ewan Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Scott.

Excuse me, Counselor Link.

Yes.

Counselor Scott?

No.

Counselor Lincoln.

Yes.

Counselor Streso.

Yes.

Counselor Sae?

Yes.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

Yes.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor Mbah.

No.

Counselor Davis.

Yes.

With nine counselors in favor, the item is recommended to be approved.

Thank you.

Next item.

And agenda item 6A7, a request of the mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $22,800 and eight cent grant that requires a match from the Metropolitan Mayor's Coalition Community Safety Initiative to the police department for youth violence prevention.

Counselor Ewan Campen?

Yes.

Counselor Link.

No.

Counselor Scott?

No.

Counselor Klingon?

Yes.

Counselor Shrezo.

Yes.

Counselor Sae?

No.

Counselor Wheeler.

Yes.

Counselor Hart.

No.

Counselor McLaughlin.

Yes.

Counselor Mbaugh.

No.

Counselor Davis.

Yes.

With six counselors in favor, that item is recommended to be approved.

All right.

Thank you, everyone.

Feel better, Counselor Scott.

All right.

Thank you for that.

Um, let's start the meeting.

Uh remind all the uh committee chairs that it is 1015 and use your discretion in committee in providing your reports when we get to those.

Not that they're not in any way important, um, but there's lots of different ways folks can catch up on what happened.

Next item, Adam Clark.

That brings us back to the order of business with agenda item 4.1.

Chair, I move to waive the readings of the counselor's budget priority memos, agenda items 4.1, 4.8, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.18, 4.22, 4.27, and 10.1, and place them on file with a copy sent to finance.

We'll have the chance to discuss these at the Tuesday, March 24th meeting of the committee of the whole.

On the motion, Councilor Strado.

Uh permission to uh um uh present a four million four-minute uh no, I'm sorry, uh four-hour presentation.

Uh I brought I brought a PowerPoint on my my budget request.

I'm keeping not tonight.

I'm not funny, okay.

Too soon.

Uh you're welcome.

Those items are placed on file with a copy to finance.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.2, an order by Councilor Davis that Rule 4 of the rules of the city council be amended to update submission deadlines for agenda items consistent with the provisions of the open meeting law.

Uh so just a quick clarification.

I I've uh teased this before.

This is the rule change, and thank you to our uh legislative policy analyst for putting the correct words in the page to effectively um have the supplemental agenda reflect what the law actually allows and not maybe what our practice has been over the uh the past number of years.

So um if an item is is not submitted in accordance with the rules, um I guess we actually did we we we we gave you till Tuesday morning.

We gave us all till Tuesday morning to submit items for that week's agenda for a regular Thursday meeting.

Um anything after that needs to either have been unanticipated uh or uh uh some timely aspect to it for it to go in the supplemental agenda and Brendan's mouthing something else to shout it out.

And sorry, and yes, both both unanticipated and has some timely um timely aspects to it.

So um we'll take a look.

We're gonna send this to I I'm gonna incline to send this to legislative matters unless there's an objection um just so that we can make sure we're all clear and ask as questions and have that on the record.

Um any discussion at the moment, yes, Councilor Say?

Um Yeah.

Uh Mr.

President, I have a question.

So uh we used to say Monday by midnight.

So you just said Tuesday.

Correct.

So this is the change.

So this is the change.

So there's a there's a balance between what the law requires, the law requires the presiding officer to put anything that is anticipated that that can be anticipated up to 48 hours before the meeting is on the agenda.

So the presiding officer is required to put that on the agenda.

From a practical standpoint, we can't have something at 659 and 30 seconds on Tuesday actually make it to the agenda.

So we it uh adopt rules establishing a deadline sometime prior to that, so our clerk staff can actually create the agenda and publish it on time.

Um the law department has advised that they believe that's a that that adopting rules is an appropriate that is sometime sometime before 48 hours is is an appropriate interpretation of that law.

And you know, we may be proven, otherwise, some some uh uh someone may inform us that we need to adjust that.

But uh the intent here was to um to to get a little bit closer to that.

So it's now 8 30 Tuesday morning, essentially the start of the business day Tuesday morning.

Um gives us a little more time uh to get things in.

Um, but after that, we want to, you know, uh this is essentially what we've been doing for the last several months since I since I took this role to um to to not deliberate on things that weren't that we didn't tell the public about prior to Thursday, right?

Um the idea of the open meeting law being folks should should know what we're gonna talk about so they can come in here or weigh in or whatever the case may be.

So um this aligns with that.

It still does allow those exceptions um pursuant to open meeting law.

Um and uh we we've all been doing a really good job of that anyway.

So hopefully this will not be uh be a big change.

But as I said, I want to I do want to uh have the opportunity to discuss it in uh legislative matters just to make sure that everyone's clear and I mean there might be some nuances or wrinkles that we want to adjust, so we'll have that opportunity.

Okay.

All right, so uh that is uh that is referred to legislative matters.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.3 and order by counselor Davis that this city council appoints Jessica Smith to the public financing of campaigns committee.

So the next three items are all uh appointments to the uh committees that were formed by the charter.

Um Madam Clerk, would you read the other two?

The next two is what four, five four, five, and four, six.

Agenda item 4.4 and order by counselor Davis at this city council appoints James Leo Badard to the ranked choice voting committee.

Agenda item 4.5 and order by counselor Davis at the City Council appoints Crystal Huff to the ranked choice voting committee, and agenda item 4.6 and order by councillor Davis at the City Council appoints Derek Rice to the review of multiple member multiple member bodies committee.

So the all of these appointments are based on recommend recommendations that you all provided to me.

Um or some of someone of someone of you provided each of these in some case.

Um we can certainly send these to committee if there's uh desire for a discussion.

Um I'm seeing a little a little bit of nodding.

So um so that's fine.

Um is there any uh looking to the administration?

Is there any specific timing concerns if we were to send any of these to committee?

These commissions can start up in two weeks if that's necessary.

Okay, getting thumbs up.

All right, so we will uh refer each of these to uh confirmation of appointments uh for discussion.

Um and seeing no objection, those are referred to confirmation of appointments.

Agenda item 4.7, a communication by counselor Davis in his capacity as president conveying this council's updated standing committee assignments and commission appointments for 2026.

These are just the council rolls on those same commissions.

So if you asked for something, I'm I think I pretty much gave everybody what they asked for.

There wasn't a whole lot of requests.

So if if I got it wrong in any way, let me know and we can always fix it.

I look forward to uh to seeing the output of all these committees.

Um there's some pretty cool, pretty cool topics here.

So thank you for those who uh who stepped up to serve.

Next item.

Uh that's placed on file.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.14, a resolution by counselor link in support of House Bill 965 and Senate Bill 2721, an act restricting the use of rodent rodent to sides in the environment.

Counselor Link.

Thank you, uh Mr.

President.

So this is just uh a very simple um uh bill that uh some uh constituents have brought to me.

Um you know uh we've got raptors, we've got owls.

Let's make sure we don't uh um in the interest of time.

Uh let's make sure that we don't uh poison them.

Um and that's that's basically what this comes down to.

Uh uh.

Council Hart would like to sign on, Councilor Campin would like to sign on, I just sign on as well.

Councilor Strazzo, Councillor Say, Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Ba.

Did you want to make uh anything else on this item, Councilor Link?

Councillor Klingon would like to sign on.

All right.

Uh and then uh sorry, yes, uh one quick um uh amendment was just to insert uh in the what was it, the one, two, three, four the in the fourth clause.

Um f GARS um parentheses first generation anticalagulant rodenticides and um before SCARs in the Commonwealth.

This is a different different sort of flavor of side as you're yes, I I opened it by accident.

All right, very well.

Uh so that motion is on the table to add that uh other type of redenticide to the item.

Any uh on the on the amendment?

Mr.

President, I don't want to set a precedent that we have to fix typos.

I think we should have typos in our stuff and be cool with that.

Well, we actually can fix typos without a vote.

But I think of this case is this is a substantive addition.

Uh any uh further discussion on the amendment.

All right, seeing none of that is approved on the item before us.

Any discussion, Council Wheeler?

Just a quick note for anyone who's concerned about this completely preventing the use of a redenticide, these Statehouse bills do not seek to completely ban these redundicides, but rather to provide clarity about limiting them to short-term uses and indoor uses.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh see no further discussion.

That item is approved as amended.

Next item.

That brings us to agenda item 4.16, an order by Councillor Hart that the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this council the policy of prohibiting parking on alternating sides of the street during a snow emergency and whether it is the best way to meet snow removal needs.

Councilor Hart.

Um thank you.

Um I just will say briefly, I had uh four constituents reach out to me with this same um concern, and I thought it merited discussion.

And in particular, uh constituent pointed out that with uh our changing climate, we're having winters with no snow, but then also the severity of snow when we get it, you know, is it's much greater.

Um so we're more likely to have these storms like we saw this winter with a high level of snow, which really impacts um our snow policies, like how much snow we're getting.

So I thought that merited discussion.

So I'd love for that to go to sustainability and infrastructure to be part of that.

There's some other items related to snow removal.

We'll tag that one on to Snow Talk.

Councilor Clay.

Yeah, thank you.

Uh thank you to the counselor.

Um I've already been told that yeah, we're we're gearing up for a big big snow talk at the next um sustainability infrastructure meeting.

So happy to get these right on the agenda.

Uh then hopefully that'll put snow behind us uh officially for the year.

But I do want to say just on this particular item, um, you know, uh it's it's we've been there and I'm I'm not taking an opinion either way, because I do hear what people are saying, especially since we're not really going all the way to the curb for obvious sort of not obvious obvious reasons, but when you have two feet of snow on an you know a 10 foot wide area, you know, that gets pushed pretty high.

So if we went back to the sort of no odd side even side, it just buries the cars in basically, but you know, uh so it's still a lot of work to do.

Uh it's no getting around that, but but certainly it wouldn't uh take away parking on the opposite side of the street for as long as this does, too.

So looking forward to this discussion.

Uh just to see where the DPW's heads are at if they have that you know historical knowledge or why we switched to this.

Um but yeah, happy to take this one.

Okay, any other discussion?

All right, so that is approved with a copy to sustainability infrastructure.

Uh Councilor Ba, you wanted to uh move move for reconsideration of an item.

Uh yes, Mr.

President.

Um the Chief Administrative Officer.

Uh the request of the city clerk.

So I move to uh reconsider uh this uh appointment that we we send to committee but which item?

Uh 4.3 true 4.7 No, true 4.6 and move to approve the clerk, would you like to address the council?

Thank you through the President.

Kim Wells City Clerk.

Um there is one of these uh items that does require some action in a shorter period of time than the others.

And after confirming with the chair that it is unlikely that a committee will be able to be scheduled in that time, I have requested that that be addressed by the council this evening.

And can you let us know which item that is?

Yes, it I don't have an agenda in front of it.

Is that item?

Oh, we're on a different page.

It's the one about multi-member body review committee.

Um given that that committee has a deadline of December.

Uh we we aim to have it start meeting in April, and so we would like to have the appointments in place in order for that convening to happen.

This is item 4.6.

Uh that the city council appoints Derek Rice to the review of multiple member bodies committee.

All right, Council Bob moves for reconsideration of item 4.6.

Uh is there anyone who objects to reconsidering this item?

All right, see no objection that item is back before the uh the body.

Uh, Councilor Ba, you wish to uh move to approve this item this evening?

Yes, Mr.

President.

All right, any discussion on the item.

All right, seeing none that item is approved.

Thank you.

All right, back to where we left off.

Madam Clerk, next item.

Next item is 4.17, an order by Councillor Hart that the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this council the frequency of street sweeping throughout the period of April through November.

Counselor Hart.

Thank you.

Um this was another item that came through a constituent wondering, you know, if we could um not have the frequency of street sweeping throughout the summer months when it's not a particular need to clean the streets.

In particular, they were thinking about the impact on parking and the difficulties, which we all know are real in the city.

So um I'd love this to go to the sustainability and infrastructure committee as well.

All right, any discussion?

Counselor McLaughlin?

It's on this uh Mr.

President.

So this has been discussed in the past.

Um and I just want to be clear that if other people do uh want to see limited sweeps street sweeping, I will gladly accept all of it because our streets get particularly dirty.

So I I I actually want more street sweeping.

It might be different in different neighborhoods, but my streets, as has been pointed out, I organize my own community cleanups because there's a lot of trash out there.

Perhaps there's an opportunity to uh be more nuanced in our in our timing and and frequency.

So uh never hurts to have a conversation.

Um I'm curious about the choice of which committee to refer this item to and the previous item, not trying to reconsider that.

But uh that there is a traffic and parking committee.

Uh I happen to be on it, but that's neither here nor there.

Seems to me like this is right up that alley.

I'm not opposed to it going to sustainability and infrastructure.

I'm just not sure if there's a history of thinking behind this.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um Commissioner Weissman and DPW are frequent visitors to what was previously the Public Works Public Utilities Committee and is now sustainability infrastructure, and he generally does not attend traffic and parking.

So just wanted to opportunity to get it in front of the right folks, maybe a little quicker.

So that's the thinking.

But good question.

Thank you for uh for asking.

So um seeing no further discussion, then this is approved with a copy to sustainability and infrastructure.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.20, a resolution by Councilor Wheeler that the City Council calls on the Massachusetts legislature and governor to increase unrestricted general government aid by at least six percent in fiscal year 2027.

Council Wheeler.

Thank you, Chair.

Uh the City of Somerville delivers essential services every day.

Yet state aid to municipalities like ours has not kept pace with the costs that cities and towns face.

According to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, unrestricted general government aid, AGA for short, has only just returned to 2008 levels without adjusting for inflation.

Restoring the state local partnership requires sustained growth in this funding.

A year-to-year increase of at least six percent to AGA would help rebuild that partnership and ensure communities like Somerville can maintain core services without placing additional pressure on property taxpayers.

Thank you, Chair.

All right, uh Council Clinton.

Um thank you and thank you to the counselor at large.

You know, we've brought this up many years.

Uh you know, when that state aid was cut down really low to almost nothing, and you know, how we've suffered from it.

I don't pretend to know how all the money is spent uh up on Beacon Hill in terms of um like the millionaires tax, for instance.

I would think that would be a would have been something that they could have kind of increased the percentage back to cities and towns um from that money there.

So yeah, it would be great to to recoup uh sort of get gets get a higher percentage than we than we've been getting since I forget what year it was they cut the local aid.

Um so thank you.

All right, that item is approved.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.21, a resolution by Councillor Wheeler that this city council calls on the Massachusetts legislature and governor to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act and maintain the 150 dollar per pupil minimum aid increase in fiscal year 2027.

Council Wheeler.

Thank you, Chair.

The Student Opportunity Act was a landmark commitment to ensure that Massachusetts schools have the resources that students need.

As we reach the final year of its implementation, it's critical that the state follow through fully.

Maintaining a hundred a 150 dollar per pupil minimum aid increase year over year will help every district keep pace with rising costs so we can continue investing in the success of all students.

Thank you.

Councillor Link would like to sign on, Councillor Hart would like to sign on.

Any discussion?

Councilor McLaughlin, Councillor Black, the whole council.

All right, that item is approved.

Thank you.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.23, a resolution by Councillor Klingon and Counselor Ewan Campen that the administration create a publicly accessible dashboard tracking progress toward planning and development goals in Gilman Square.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Through you, we have a new administration now, and you know, um the the people down in Gilman Square are just as hungry as ever for progress.

I know that the mayor has been focusing on this, so I will say that it is a priority.

Uh but in the in the sort of the spirit of the name, and and there is somewhat of a timeline laid out for activity down there.

And so I I was just thinking that you know, uh a um a dashboard uh, you know, on you know, we have very various city websites uh with with specific projects, if you will, uh uh uh on those websites.

And um so I thought maybe a dashboard of some type would uh you know provide visible accountable um visible timelines with accountability.

Sometimes, you know, we can say dates, but then that's how the game of telephone works, where then those get shifted, but no one really knows.

I think like it's good to kind of have that place where those though that that timeline is laid out in a uh in a very visible uh tangible way.

And I want to thank Counselor who I share the Gilman Square with, who I know also put in some um budget priorities around that, as we know we both know that uh this is still a major priority uh area for the residents down there for all of us really.

I mean, it's a great opportunity.

So I just hope that we can come up with some simple dashboard on a on a Gilman Square neighborhood plan website, since we do have a Gilman Square neighborhood plan and uh whether we've deviated from it nonetheless.

I think if we have uh dashboard with milestones and and um dates and goals, that would be really helpful to people.

I was arguing it should be a giant neon sign on the Home inside that's like a ticker.

But uh and Mr.

President, I guess that can just go on vial to the Office of Uh I don't know, economic development or something.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I don't know if if the good counselor from what for know how much Gilman Square is very close to my heart.

You know, I was involved in the initial conversation for the formation of you know that neighborhood with Justin Morin after Union Square Neighborhood Council was created, and so I like to sign on to anything, you know, that is human square related.

Thank you.

All right, see no further discussion that it was approved.

I copied to uh H H E H C D E.

I can never read it.

It's just one letter.

H C D E.

H C D E.

See how easy it will be.

H C it's March now, Mr.

President.

Please, H C D E.

Agenda Item 4.24, resolution by Counselor Clingen that the director of mobility evaluate opportunities for improved pedestrian safety at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street.

Counselor Clinton.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I'm just gonna speak on this.

I normally would just send this to you know, traffic and parking.

Um, but I really can't emphasize enough uh the amount of uh parents who walk kids to the Haley school uh in the morning time and just the level of danger that they describe to me and how how fearful they are.

Um I have met with the mayor recently.

I know that they're putting in a light further down near Fenwick, hopefully, but uh that intersection of Main Street and Broadway continues to be uh an extremely treacherous uh crossing.

And so I'm just hoping that you know whoever Brad and the team or Brian in engineering can can uh kind of just take another look at it and evaluate and see what we can do to make it uh safer.

Um I know this challenges, you know, the the light cycles, they've tweaked those before, but uh I think we could do maybe do a little more there.

Uh so I think they're creative enough that they can come up with something sound to traffic and parking.

Counselor Link.

Uh yeah, Mr.

President, uh I just want to say thank you.

Um safe roots to schools are hugely important.

This actually used to be main street's my old street, so I am intimately familiar with how terrible that intersection is.

Uh and I think this is awesome.

All right, that item is approved to the copy to traffic and parking, he said.

Yep.

Next item.

Agenda item 4.25, a resolution by Councillor Klingon that the director of housing provide data on units produced through the city's inclusionary housing program, including length of occupancy, unit refusal by lottery winners, and other data to demonstrate the health of the program.

Counselor Clingen.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I know that's kind of a kind of a heavy lift, you know.

I know in terms of staff and their time and stuff, but I really think it's important we look at this.

We hear a lot of stuff.

I I per I have personal antidotes about people who sort of pen out and do the math.

They win a lottery and they get really excited, and then you know, in addition to the rent, whether you know what are the percentage of AMI when they pencil in these like other, you know, the the the apartments are individually metered for water uh and sewer, uh you know, different charges that the complexes are able to put on.

It just doesn't pan out.

They just it's not it comes out they they oftentimes refuse a unit.

I've heard of multiple people just staying where they were uh just because of uh all those charges.

So you know, uh and on top of that, like maybe some people go in and then not really looking fully at all the charges and and and maybe they're leaving after a year.

They realize that they actually can't afford it.

Now they're now we've maybe created more disruption.

So I really just want to look at the health of this and our inclusionary uh housing uh 20 percent policy around how how is it how are people doing um you know how how the health of this program essentially um and again I it may take a while, but I think it's something that we really should should take a look at.

Okay, that item is approved.

Council Link would like to sign on a copy to HCD.

Next item.

Next item is agenda item six B1, a report of the committee on housing, community development equity meeting on March 4th, 2026.

Council Strezzo.

I'm on.

Oh, come back, please.

I lost I misplaced my minutes.

Thank you.

Agenda item six C1, a report of the committee on licenses and permits meeting on March 11th, 2026.

Counselor Hart.

Okay.

Um we had a 30-minute meeting with the three of us in attendance and addressing one item which you see uh was the grant of location on Ibaloo Street, and um we had a creative solution for conditioning that grant of location on um Eversource doing a review of the safety of the lines and poles on the street and submitting a written report.

And that was it.

Thank you.

All right, any discussion on the uh report.

All right, seeing none, uh the report is accepted as submitted.

Uh let's pick up item six B off the table.

The report of the housing community development and equity committee.

Councilor Strazo.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Yes.

So we met Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, 6 p.m.

hybrid in person and virtual.

This was strictly one agenda item.

It was a public hearing.

Uh request uh via part um petition to discuss uh the the actual item public communication that the city council hold a public hearing of the petition submitted by 52 registered voters regarding out of the blue community arts space at Arts in the Armory.

Um Counselor Said had to had to recuse herself.

And so we had 11 uh members of the public to speak on this item.

And you some were residents, some were um had had uh were artists, and it actually was a really painted uh a beautiful picture, pun intended, of just uh of just uh the the the importance of the gallery and what it meant to them in the community.

So um no votes or decisions were taken on that, and I submit this committee report for your approval as it is.

All right, any discussion on the report.

Seeing none, the report is accepted as submitted, and that puts item uh 26-0265 before us.

Um that is just the uh the petition for the hearing, which which did happen, so uh um we'll place that on file unless there's any objection.

And that item is placed on file.

No, wait, not placed on file.

Placed on file.

Can't approve all right.

That is placed on file.

Uh next item.

Agenda item 7.2.

Chair, I move to wave the readings of agenda items 7.2 through 7.9 and refer them to the finance committee for recommendation.

All right.

Seeing no objection, those items are referred to finance.

Next item, Adam Clerk.

Agenda item 7.10, a request of the mayor requesting confirmation of the promotion of Courtney Reese to the position of police sergeant.

That items referred to confirmation of appointments.

Agenda item 711, a request of the mayor requesting confirmation of the promotion of Ashley Catatio to the position of police sergeant.

That items referred to confirmation of appointments.

Agenda item 7.12, a communication of the mayor conveying the appointment of Chris Duan to the review of multiple member bodies committee.

This is the same uh same committee that uh needs to get working.

So uh the administration would like to take action on this this uh this evening.

Is there any discussion?

You'll move to the code.

Sorry, there seems to be some confusion.

Lia's number dazzi.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

It's just a mayor's communication.

There's no action to be taken on it.

Okay.

You okay?

You all set with that, Councilor Bottom.

It I don't understand.

I I just got a I just I'm communicating with someone that is also in wonder why it wasn't approved.

So uh I so this I may if I if I could try and clarify, um and I'm not sure what communication you got, but this is a this is the mayor communicating his appointment to that same committee.

So we just say thanks for letting us know.

Oh okay, thank you.

Thanks for letting us know, Mr.

Mayor.

That item was placed on thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Next item.

Agenda item 7.13, a communication of the mayor conveying the 2025 surveillance technology annual report.

Uh I'd like to refer that one to legislative matters unless there's any objection.

Agenda item 714, a communication of the mayor conveying the 2026 Safe Streets Ordinance Annual Report.

Any discussion?

All right, that item is placed on file.

Mr.

Do we want to send that one to committee?

Mr.

President, um we the mobility team would love to discuss that in traffic and parking.

Absolutely.

Sounds good.

Uh traffic and parking or sustainability infrastructure.

Traffic and parking okay, traffic and parking it is.

That item is referred to traffic and parking.

Next item.

Agenda item 715, a communication of the mayor conveying public safety for all findings and current initiatives.

Any discussion on that?

Should we refer that one to public health and public safety?

All right, let's do it.

Next item.

Agenda item 8.1, an officer's communication from the city clerk conveying conveying block party licenses issued.

Block parties.

Even though there's so much snow, it's never too early to start thinking about block parties, especially this year, the year of the neighbor.

So check out the block parties that are on the list.

And if your block if your block isn't there, contact the clerk's office and find out how to hold your very own block party because they're awesome.

Any discussion?

That item is placed on file.

Agenda item 9.1.

Mr.

President.

Councilor Hart.

Okay.

I would like to waive the readings of 9.1 through 9.8.

But first, I would like to point out that there's some exciting events to put on your calendar, including Greek Independence Day celebration, Nepali National Flag raising, the Week of the Young Child Celebration, the Mystic River Herring Run, and the Davis Square Farmers Market starting up.

So just wanted to highlight those events before we waive the readings.

Absolutely.

Councilor Wheeler on the items that are before us.

Chair on the motion, uh just a brief comment on one of these items before it's waived.

The Fred Berger Memorial 6K.

Just wanted to mention I happened to know Fred Berger, who this race is named for, uh, a close friend of my family.

Uh I'm really excited to see this race.

Uh he was somebody who was an ambassador for peace, goodwill, and uh generosity, and I'm excited that this is part of our community.

Thank you.

Fantastic.

Thank you.

Well, I'll encourage folks to go out, participate in, cheer for produce, all of these events.

Uh those items are all um the the reading reading is waived and those items are all approved.

Mr.

President, I move to waive the readings of items 99 to 912 and refer them to land use with a copy of the planning board.

Those items are referred to land use with a copy of the planning board.

Agenda item 9.13, a public communication from Tufts University conveying its spring 2026 accountability report.

Counselor Hart.

I just wanted to say briefly, um, I wasn't aware of this report prior to this, and so if other people are wondering what it's about, um, in 2015, the Board of Alderman passed an ordinance requiring Tufts to submit this each semester, the addresses of students living off campus to help Somerville um enforce occupancy limits.

Um I just wanted to convey that among other things, occupancy limits no longer exist, at least other than for uh uh uh part of the health code.

Council McLaughlin?

Mr.

President, I just love sharing history as the senior member of this council.

You two predecessors ago, our former mayor and ward seven city council, and made this happen to prevent overcrowding uh instead of having the no more than four rule that we decided to get rid of because it was unfair.

Excellent, very well.

Thank you.

Uh Council Cereza, yes.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um through you to Councilor Hart.

Thank you for for going a little deeper uh then about that.

And because we do have the there were supposed to be some a dorm process happening in Tufts.

I'm interested in bringing it for committee if you would be.

And if it is okay, would love to have you speak in that committee for the HCDE if you don't mind sending it, and if you're okay, uh through you to Councilor Hart.

If you're okay, sending it to committee.

I always like it's always good to be thorough.

Yes, I would love to discuss it further, actually.

Thank you.

Let's go.

All right, this item will be um uh well it's just referred to uh a copy referred to uh do we place on a file and a copy, right?

Place on a file with a copy to HCD.

Thank you.

Next item.

Agenda item 10.2 in order by Councilor Wheeler that this council review construction related parking in the area of Oak Street and Bolton Street.

That'll be laid on the table for next meeting.

Um, or referred to traffic and parking.

We can refer to traffic and parking, that's fine.

Next item.

Agenda item 10.3, a public communication from 62 individuals, including 60 residents, submiting comments about agenda item 26-0114, fiscal year 2027 budget priorities.

That item is placed on file.

Agenda item 10.4, a public communication from Thuise Jones, so many comments about bike lanes.

That item is placed on file.

And agenda item 10.5, public communication from Courtney Pollock submitting items, submitting comments about items 26 0055, 26 0156, and 26 0168 requests regarding public safety grants.

And that item is placed on file.

That brings us to the end of the agenda.

Are there any late items?

There are no further items before this body.

All right.

With that, Council and Campin moves to adjourn.

And we are adjourned.

Good work, folks.