Somerville City Council Regular Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Somerville City Council met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:04 PM in the City Council Chamber and via remote participation. The meeting included public hearings, consideration of resolutions, committee reports, and mayor's requests. The council approved the acquisition of the Assembly Square fire station, endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, and referred several items to committees. The meeting adjourned at 11:06 PM after two executive sessions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of March 12, 2026.
• Bulk renewal of 63 licenses (drainlayer, flammables, garage, etc.) moved by Councilor Hardt, all approved.
• Approval of multiple public event licenses for Somerville Patriots Day Colonial Fair, Trolley Tour, Salute to Service Parade, Curated Vintage Market, Somerstreets: Carnaval, Big Gay Dance Party, Fireworks Celebration, and MAMAS Free Store.
• Confirmation of appointment of Aidan Slattery as Police Officer.
• Approval of committee reports: Confirmation of Appointments (approving promotions of Courtney Reece and Ashley Catatao to Police Sergeant, appointment of James Plotkin as Municipal Hearing Officer, and appointments to committees), Finance Committee (approving grants and gift), Land Use Committee (report accepted), Licenses and Permits Committee (approving new used car dealer license).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Plant Based Treaty (Item 4.2): Councilor Sait sponsored Veronika Potter, Brandon Luo, and Rosa Diaz Rivera, who spoke in support of the resolution. Potter emphasized the environmental impacts of food systems and suggested plant-based defaults at city events. Luo noted that meat and dairy are the largest sources of emissions in Somerville’s consumption-based inventory. Diaz Rivera stated that Somerville would be the second city in Massachusetts to endorse the treaty, and urged support for local plant-based businesses.
• Welcoming Communities Ordinance Amendment (Item 4.3): Councilor Ewen-Campen sponsored Gideon Epstein, policy counsel with the ACLU of Massachusetts, who explained that the amendments close critical gaps in the existing ordinance, including prohibiting city assistance with federal immigration enforcement except where required by law, and adding enforcement mechanisms such as the ability for residents to seek injunctive relief.
• Eversource Grant of Location (Item 3.1): Jacqui Duffy, representing Eversource, spoke in favor of the request to install conduit on Kent Street. Councilor Scott noted a leaning utility pole on Kent Street and requested referral to Licenses and Permits.

Discussion Items

• Plant Based Treaty Resolution (Item 4.2): Councilor Sait introduced the resolution calling on the mayor to incorporate plant-based solutions into climate planning, implement plant-based purchasing for city events, and promote plant-based options. Councilors Mbah and Hardt expressed support, noting the equity, health, and environmental benefits. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Welcoming Communities Ordinance Amendment (Item 4.3): Councilor Ewen-Campen presented the amendment to strengthen protections against federal overreach, including prohibiting cooperation with federal operations targeting First Amendment activities and requiring review of city contracts for compliance. Councilor Mbah suggested a friendly amendment for monthly reporting instead of every six months, but agreed to discuss in committee. The item was referred to the Legislative Matters Committee.
• Fire Station Acquisition (Items 7.4 and 7.7): The council authorized the execution of a purchase and sale agreement and borrowing of $7 million to acquire the commercial condominium unit at 122 Assembly Park Drive that houses the Assembly Square fire station. Executive Director Tom Galligani explained that the city currently leases the space and the acquisition will save approximately $1 million over 28 years. Councilor Scott raised questions about condo fees, taxes, and the lack of a finalized purchase and sale agreement, but he ultimately supported the motion after receiving assurances. The items were approved unanimously on roll call votes.
• Home Rule Petition for Special Police Officers (Item 7.3): The mayor requested a home rule petition to create a new mechanism for appointing special police officers, primarily for the Somerville Housing Authority. Councilor Scott expressed concerns about exemptions from civil service and collective bargaining, and potential loopholes. After discussion, the item was laid on the table to allow for further review.
• Double Poles and Abandoned Wires (Items 4.9, 4.10, and 10.4): Councilors Hardt and Scott introduced resolutions to address the systemic issue of double poles and abandoned wires. Councilor Hardt noted that councilors now have access to the NJUNS database. The items were referred to the Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee, along with a public communication from Chris Dwan documenting specific issues.
• Kennedy School Radiator (Item 4.1): Councilor Sait reported that a classroom is at 90 degrees and DPW's repair attempt was unsuccessful. The resolution was approved and sent to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Committee.
• Traffic Safety (Items 4.4 and 4.5): Resolutions for daylighting at Durham and Hanson Street and traffic calming on Herbert Street for the Farmers Market were approved, with the first referred to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
• Housing Stability for Older Adults (Item 4.6): A resolution supporting state bills H.4015 and S.475 to expand the successful housing stability pilot program statewide was approved unanimously.
• Tiered Water Base Rate (Item 4.8): Councilor Clingan's resolution regarding the tiered residential base rate structure was approved and sent to the Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee.
• Community Garden (Item 10.1): Councilor Mbah's resolution to evaluate transforming unused lawn space at the small white church across from West Branch Library into a community garden was initially sent to Sustainability and Infrastructure, then laid on the table at Councilor Mbah's request to allow approval at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Plant Based Treaty resolution (unanimous), Housing stability resolution (unanimous), Fire station acquisition (unanimous, 11-0), Appointment of Aidan Slattery as Police Officer, Promotions of Courtney Reece and Ashley Catatao to Police Sergeant, Appointment of James Plotkin as Municipal Hearing Officer, Appointments to committees (Jessica Smith, James Leo Bedard, Crystal Huff), and all items in the Consent Calendar.
• Referred: Welcoming Communities Ordinance amendment to Legislative Matters; Grant of Location on Kent Street to Licenses and Permits; Double poles resolutions to Sustainability and Infrastructure; Kennedy School radiator to School Building Facilities; Daylighting to Traffic and Parking; Tiered water base rate to Sustainability and Infrastructure; Many mayor's requests (items 7.5-7.21) to Finance Committee; Conservation Commission appointments to Confirmation of Appointments; Public communications to respective committees.
• Laid on the Table: Home Rule Petition for special police officers (Item 7.3); Community garden resolution (Item 10.1, after reconsideration).
• Executive Sessions: Two executive sessions were held: one at 8:00 PM to discuss real property at 122 Assembly Park Drive (returned at 8:26 PM), and one at 8:58 PM to discuss collective bargaining negotiations with the police unions (SPEA and SBSOA) (returned at 10:28 PM). No votes were taken in either session.
• Next Steps: The council will continue discussions on the Welcoming Communities Ordinance, special police officers, double poles, and other items in committee meetings.