Somerville City Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 28, 2026
Somerville City Council Regular Meeting – May 28, 2026
The Somerville City Council met on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:08 PM in the City Council Chamber and remotely, with all eleven councilors present. The meeting was called to order by Ward Six Councilor Lance L. Davis, presiding. The Council approved a revised Welcoming Communities Ordinance, passed a resolution supporting unionization for Somerville Workers United, and addressed multiple fiscal and operational items from committee reports. A late-item resolution regarding cyclist enforcement in Union Square was tabled without discussion.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of April 23, 2026 and Special Meeting of May 11, 2026 – Approved.
- Citation (ID # 26-0923) – Commending crossing guards Jerry Cajuste and Medno Dawson; presented at a ceremony on May 27. Councilor Wheeler noted open crossing guard positions.
- License renewals (items 9.1–9.7, 9.9–9.16) – Approved en bloc on motion of Councilor Hardt.
- New Extended Operating Hours License (Ever Fitness, 14 McGrath Highway) – Approved individually; no public hearing required per the Chief Administrative Officer.
- Block Party Licenses (ID # 26-0924) – Placed on file.
- Fleet Manager Annual Report (ID # 26-0925) – First such report; placed on file.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Somerville Workers United – Three city employees spoke in support of voluntary recognition for their union:
- Luis Quizhpe (former Strategic Planning & Equity Manager, laid off just shy of four years) emphasized the need for collective bargaining to protect equity-centered work and prevent unceremonious layoffs.
- Benjamin Wyner (Inclusionary Housing Program Manager) described chronic understaffing, working over 50 hours per week, and inability to take lunch breaks, arguing a union would ensure sustainable workloads.
- Kate Bossingham (Office of Sustainability & Environment) contrasted the Mayor’s public pro-union stance with delayed responses to recognition requests and layoffs affecting the bargaining unit.
- Public comments filed on record – Topics included zoning map changes (11 individuals), backyard cottages (27 residents), a conduit installation, Davis Square, police presence in schools, off-leash dogs, and water/sewer rates.
Discussion Items
- Welcoming Communities Ordinance (ID # 26-0919) – Councilor Ewen‑Campen introduced a clean revised version, clarifying that the City will not cooperate with federal overreach beyond immigration. The ordinance was passed unanimously after three roll calls (approval, enrollment, ordainment).
- Resolution on Voluntary Recognition for Somerville Workers United (ID # 26-0921) – After testimony, the resolution passed unanimously with all councilors as co-sponsors.
- Order on School Traffic Safety (ID # 26-0917) – Councilor Mbah requested review of traffic flows and enforcement around schools. Councilor Hardt’s amendment to add “and construction impacts” was approved; the order was sent to the Traffic and Parking Committee.
- Resolution on FY27 Budget Cuts (ID # 26-0916) – Councilor Mbah asked the administration to share all positions cut and explain alignment with equity goals. Approved.
- Resolution on Organizational Restructuring (ID # 26-0918) – Councilor Mbah requested an administration presentation on restructuring. Approved.
- Resolution on ADA Crossing at Route 16 & Woods Ave (ID # 26-0931) – Councilor Hardt noted dangerous conditions; Councilor Mbah noted it is a state issue. Approved.
- Committee Reports – Finance (6.A), Land Use (6.B), Legislative Matters (6.C), School Building (6.D), and Traffic & Parking (6.E) were all approved after summaries by respective chairs.
Key Outcomes
- Welcoming Communities Ordinance – Ordained by 11–0 after three roll calls.
- Resolution supporting Somerville Workers United – Approved 11–0.
- Finance Committee items – All recommendations approved, including:
- $182,469 from Opioid Recovery Stabilization Fund for Healthcare for the Homeless.
- Approximately $8 million in bond paydowns (street reconstruction, Union Square plaza, building improvements) from stabilization funds.
- $1,078,434 for two new fire pumpers.
- 60‑month waste disposal contract renewal with Waste Management.
- Multiple other transfers and grant acceptances (see agenda for full list).
- Legislative Matters Committee – Approved minor amendments to the Welcoming Communities Ordinance (removal of “without limitation” and addition of “religious expression”).
- School Building Committee – Report approved; resolution on snow removal (ID # 26-0492) laid on table; resolution on Kennedy School air quality (ID # 26-0709) marked work completed.
- Traffic & Parking Committee – Report approved; several resolutions marked work completed (bike yield signals, Webster/Prospect improvements, Safe Streets report, Broadway/Main pedestrian safety).
- Mayor’s Communications – 19 items (7.2–7.20) waived and referred to Finance Committee; notice of building sale ordinance (7.1) referred to Legislative Matters; HUD One Year Action Plan (7.21) referred to Housing, Community Development & Equity; appointment of Steven Tolman (7.22) placed on file; Older Americans Month proclamation (7.23) placed on file and sent to HCDE.
- Officer’s Communications – Condominium Review Board annual report (8.1) placed on file and sent to HCDE.
- Late Items:
- Resolution on cyclist enforcement in Union Square (ID # 26-0944) – Laid on the table without discussion.
- Resolution thanking Legislative Liaison Yasmine Raddassi (ID # 26-0945) – Approved.
- Resolution congratulating Councilor McLaughlin on Harvard University graduation (ID # 26-0946) – Approved.
- FY2027 Budget Hearing – Scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM online; public invited to submit comments.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.
Meeting Transcript
A couple minutes past the hour. Um sorry for the slight delay there. Uh this is it is this is a meeting of the city council. Uh it is Thursday, May 28th. My name is Lance Davis uh presiding. I use he him pronouns. Um please note that audio and video of this meeting is being recorded and may be shown live on local government access channels and on the city of Summerville website and will be available for future review. Would the clerk please call the roll? Yes. Councilor Ewan Campen. Here. Counselor Link? Here. Councillor Scott. Present. Counselor Klingon? Present. Councillor Shrazo. Present. Counselor Saeed. Councilor Wheeler? Here. Councillor Hart. Here. Councillor McLaughlin. Here. Councilor Umba? President. And Councillor Davis. Here. We are at quorum. All right. Thank you very much. Pursuant to our Rule 32. Let it be known that the City Council salutes the flag of the United States of America and let us recall our oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth to the best of our abilities and understanding. We begin our meetings with a moment of silence. Are there any members wishing to say a few words about members of our community tonight? Councilor Ba. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like us to remember Patricia Seal Silva, who recently passed away at the age of 96. Born and raised in Somavie, Patricia was remembered by her family and friends as someone who embraced life with joy, curiosity, and an independent spirit. Her family described her as someone who was always fully present in every moment and on afraid to dance to her own beat. We extend our deepest condolences to her son Jim Silva Junior. High extended family, friends, and all will love her. Thank you. Any others? All right. See none would uh everyone in the chamber please rise as you're able for a moment of silence. Thank you.
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