Somerville City Council Regular Meeting – June 11, 2026

The Somerville City Council held a lengthy regular meeting on June 11, 2026, commencing at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including citations, public hearings, orders, resolutions, and significant financial decisions. Key topics included a proposed ethical procurement ordinance related to Israel/Palestine, a collective bargaining agreement with police superior officers that included a body-worn camera policy, a 15% increase in water and sewer rates, and capital appropriations for school and DPW facility repairs. Numerous orders were approved or referred to committees.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the Regular Meeting of May 14, 2026 and Special Meeting of May 20, 2026.
• Citations approved: Mary Jeka (retirement), Alex Epstein (safe streets activism), Jane Gardner (retirement), Kimberly Baker (retirement).
• Several license renewals (drainlayer, extended operating hours, flammables, garage, outdoor parking, taxi medallion, used car dealer) and public event licenses (St. Benedict Parish "A mile with Jesus", Horizons Trio "Elation") were approved without objection.
• Block party licenses were placed on file.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Teen Empowerment (Items 4.2 & 4.4): Multiple speakers from Teen Empowerment addressed the council. CEO Abragaul Forrester urged continued support, stating the program is at a "crossroads." Program director Aliyah Ewing cited a 2024 city report and UMass Boston studies showing positive outcomes. A youth participant expressed gratitude for the program's impact. All spoke in favor of maintaining full funding.
• Ethical Procurement Ordinance (Item 4.11): Several residents spoke. Erin Axelman (Somerville for Palestine) called for passage and urged inclusion of the American Friends Service Committee list and tightening procurement loopholes. Aaron Axelman (Jewish American filmmaker) expressed support, stating "the era of pro-Israel Democrats is over." Jeremy Burton (Jewish Community Relations Council) opposed the ordinance, saying it would create division and make Jewish residents feel unsafe. Le Ron Maton (Israeli American resident) called the measure "an act of hate and discrimination."
• Police Body-Worn Cameras (Item 9.16): Derek Rice (petition organizer) requested a public hearing before any final action on body-worn cameras, emphasizing the need for robust public engagement as recommended by previous city studies.

Discussion Items

• Teen Empowerment Funding: Councillor McLaughlin introduced orders to address a change in the RFP process that could reduce Teen Empowerment's funding by $300,000. He noted that despite the city having the money, a bureaucratic shift from one $400,000 grant to three separate grants may leave Teen Empowerment unable to qualify for some. Multiple councillors expressed surprise and concern, with Councillor Link noting the change was not reflected in the budget book. The item was referred to the Finance Committee.
• Ethical Procurement Ordinance (Item 4.11): Councillors Ewen-Campen and Wheeler sponsored a proposed ordinance to prohibit city contracts and investments with companies found to be in violation of international law, specifically naming Israel and Palestine due to a ballot question passed by voters. Supporters argued it reflects community values and is a response to a genocide. Opponents, including Councillor Strazza, argued it is discriminatory, likely to result in costly litigation, and a distraction from local needs like food security and school staffing. After extensive public comment, the item was referred to the Legislative Matters Committee.
• Police Body-Worn Cameras (Items 5.1, 7.31, 7.32, 9.16): A collective bargaining agreement with the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association (SPSOA) including a revised body-worn camera policy was debated. Attorney Syrigo explained the policy had been significantly revised through executive session and community input. Councillor Scott opposed ratification, arguing it would bind future councils and should wait for a public hearing. The contract was approved 10-1, with Councillor Scott voting no. The related surveillance technology impact report and technology-specific use policy were referred to Legislative Matters. A citizen petition for a public hearing on body-worn cameras was also referred to the same committee.
• Water & Sewer Rate Increase (Item 7.1): Director Raish and Michael Richards presented a 15% increase for both water and sewer rates for FY27, lower than the previously projected 18-20%. The reduction was attributed to improved billing and cash collections. Key drivers included MWRA assessments, debt service, and capital needs (especially the combined sewer overflow program). The average annual residential bill impact was shown for various housing types. Councillors expressed frustration with the lack of affordability programs, though a senior discount exists but is underutilized. The increase was approved by a 9-2 roll call vote (Strazza and Mbah opposed).
• Capital Appropriations (Items 7.2-7.5, 7.14): The council approved a $6.6 million transfer from free cash to the facility stabilization fund, and appropriations of $2.5M for DPW roof replacement, $2M for West Somerville Neighborhood School roof, $900,000 for Healey School classroom conversion, and $500,000 for Argenziano School boiler replacement. Director Raish noted the time-sensitivity of these projects. Councillor Wheeler expressed a wish that some funds could support teacher positions. The items were approved by roll call (10-0).
• Other Resolutions and Orders: Numerous items were approved or referred to committees, including traffic enforcement in Teele Square (Item 4.5), pedestrian safety on Curtis Street (Item 4.6), one-way sign enforcement on Whitfield Road (Item 4.7), recognition of rodent control work at West Somerville School (Item 4.8), a report on drug activity in Davis Square (Item 4.9), a study of driveway parking permits (Item 4.10), a public hearing on construction parking permits (Item 4.12), a request for legal advice on charter compliance for the FY27 budget (Item 4.13), a status update on a previously approved special act (Item 4.14), clarification of mayoral veto procedure (Item 4.15), an update on sidewalk closure policies (Item 4.17), a report on AI vendors (Item 4.18), and support for state legislation on creative spaces (Item 4.20). A communication opposing armed police in schools (Item 4.16) was placed on file and referred to the School Committee. Appointments to the Wage Theft Advisory Committee (Item 4.21) were referred to the Confirmation of Appointments Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Teen Empowerment funding concerns: Referred to Finance Committee.
• Ethical Procurement Ordinance: Referred to Legislative Matters Committee.
• Police Superior Officers CBA (including body-worn camera policy): Approved 10-1 (roll call).
• Body-worn camera surveillance impact report and use policy: Referred to Legislative Matters.
• Citizen petition for public hearing on body-worn cameras: Referred to Legislative Matters.
• Water & sewer rate increase (15%): Approved 9-2 (roll call).
• Capital appropriations (7.2-7.5, 7.14): Approved 10-0 (roll call).
• Appointments to Police Officer positions (Items 7.28-7.29): Approved.
• Surveillance technology annual report and smart tree inventory report: Referred to Legislative Matters.
• ADA coordinator update (Item 7.34): Placed on file with copy to Housing Equity and Community Development Committee.
• Budget position changes (Item 7.35): Placed on file with copy to Finance Committee.
• Web accessibility compliance update (Item 8.1): Placed on file with copy to HECD.
• Grants of Location (Items 3.1, 3.2): Laid on table initially, later referred to committee to ensure public opportunity to comment.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 PM.