Somerville City Council Regular Meeting – July 9, 2026

The Somerville City Council met from 7:01 PM to 12:07 AM on July 9, 2026, to address over 25 agenda items. Key actions included approving a $130.39 million bond for the Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Project, tabling a body-worn camera grant, confirming 27 appointments to city boards, and adopting resolutions supporting MGB healthcare workers and Disability Pride Month. The Council also heard an update on the 90 Washington Street redevelopment and referred the Davis Square Neighborhood Council recognition to committee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved as amended (corrected scrivener’s error) for the June 11, 2026 meeting.
• Citation: Approved a citation commending Jenneen Pagliaro on her retirement after 38 years of city service.
• Eversource Grants of Location: Approved two of three grants: 4.5 feet of conduit on Line Street (to serve 62 Line Street) and 199 feet of conduit on Elm Street (to serve 199 Elm Street). The third grant (7 feet on Wheatland Street) was referred to the Licenses and Permits Committee.
• Committee Reports & Work Completed: Approved reports from the Committees on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters, Finance, Housing/Community Development/Equity, Legislative Matters, Public Health/Public Safety, and Sustainability/Infrastructure. Marked 20+ items as work completed, including updates on inclusive playgrounds, free menstrual products in city bathrooms, ADA compliance, bike lane safety, and fire apparatus maintenance.
• Appointments Confirmed (27 total): Taylor Perkins and Calli Masters to Fair Housing Commission; Jurett Mooltrey-Weathers, Rachael Drew, and Duncan Stuard to Affordable Housing Trust; Alexis Washburn, Corey Donahue, Courtney Koslow, Kenzie Ballard, Zahra Atti, Lauren Gunther, Ritika Philip, Paxti Martinez, Larry Yu, Monte Allen, Sierra Moll, Bhavika Kalia, and Rio Hunter Black to Climate Action Commission; Danielle O’Hearn, Jessica Resendes, Katie Andalcio, Phoenix Stoddard, and Jessie Gerson-Nieder to Commission for Persons with Disabilities; and Rodrigo Badaro, Bea Gomez-Mouakad, Marianne Walles, Martin Sanchez, Yesenia Alfaro, and Marcy Goldstein-Gelb to Wage Theft Advisory Committee.
• Ordinances Ordained: (1) Amendment to prohibit use of taxpayer funds for self-promotion (Item 25-1762). (2) Amendment requiring property owners to provide notice of building sale to tenants (Item 26-0882).
• Home Rule Petition Approved: Authorizing the city to regulate leases and tenancy at will (early leasing limits).
• Public Event Licenses: Approved 11 license applications for events including Global Grooves (July 11), Summer Cargo Bike Test Drive (July 26), Comixcon (July 25), Somerville Nepali Street Food Festival (Sept 5), Civic Day (Sept 10), and others.
• License Renewals: Approved garage, livery, and taxi medallion licenses (Assembly Square Auto Sales, Boston Elite Limo, Centurion Executive Transport, BAETDA Transportation).

Public Comments & Testimony

• MGB Healthcare Workers: Shannon Vieira (nurse) and Karen Estee (speech therapist) spoke about their ongoing strike, seeking a first union contract with productivity metrics, caseload limits, and competitive wages. They noted no cost-of-living adjustments and a 2.5% annual raise versus a 40% CEO pay increase over four years.
• Disability Rights Advocate: Holly Simione, Chair of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, explained that a recent DOJ memorandum could narrow the Olmstead decision, risking reinstitutionalization. She highlighted accessibility barriers in the Council Chamber and called for integrating disability access into affordable housing and other policies.
• Davis Square Neighborhood Council (DSNC): President Elaine Almquist, VP Chris Beland, and Treasurer PJ Kim-Santos presented the council’s formation, outreach, and 642 voting members (567 Somerville residents). They requested formal recognition under city ordinance. Resident Ed Gall voiced concerns about quorum bylaws needing revision for the growing membership.
• Written Submissions: 74 registered voters petitioned for a public hearing on an ethical procurement ordinance; ten individuals submitted comments on body-worn cameras; the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee submitted comments on bus network redesign; Joel Paul submitted comments on Davis Square neighborhood plan; others submitted comments on MGB strike, body-worn cameras, and off-leash dogs.

Discussion Items

• Body-Worn Camera Grant (Item 26-0378): The Finance Committee recommended not approving a $231,635 state grant (no match) because ongoing costs would total $446,000/year plus $18,000 for batteries and $117,000 for a technical administrator. After debate, the Council voted 8-2-1 (Councilors Scott and Link opposed; Davis absent) to table the item pending a public hearing scheduled for September.
• 90 Washington Street RFP Update: Senior Planner Ben Demers reported that Wood Partners is the sole remaining respondent after North River Leerink withdrew. The updated proposal includes 418 rental units (up from 324), 244 parking spaces (down from 398, now underground), 15,000 sq ft of retail, and 7,000 sq ft of community space. The redevelopment authority will decide on a developer at its July 13 meeting. Councilors raised concerns about a new access road removing green space, the need for a laundromat/grocery/bank, ADA accessibility, and the financial offer (discussed in executive session). Councilor Scott urged the SRA to reject the proposal and instead pursue a more ambitious project.
• Morrison Avenue Linear Storage Project (Item 26-1156): Director of Infrastructure Richard Raiche presented a $130,392,395 bond request (Clean Water State Revolving Fund, 2% interest, 30-year term) for a flood and CSO reduction project. Benefits include reducing 10-year storm flooding from 1.33M to 0.17M gallons, a 15% reduction in CSO frequency, and retirement of a high-risk sewer pipe. The Council approved the bond 10-0.
• Other Mayor’s Requests: Approved appropriations of $834,595 from Facility Renovation Stabilization Fund, $185,357 from Street Reconstruction Stabilization Fund, $50,000 for a Police Detail Revolving Fund, and $204,400 for school custodians MOA.
• Disability Pride Month: The Council reaffirmed July as Disability Pride Month (Resolution 26-1190) and placed the Mayor’s proclamation on file. Councilors highlighted threats to the Olmstead decision and pledged to advance accessibility.
• Support for MGB Nurses: Unanimously approved Resolution 26-1181 supporting nurses and healthcare workers in contract negotiations with Mass General Brigham.
• Executive Session: The Council convened in executive session from 10:24 PM to 11:25 PM to discuss 90 Washington Street (purchase/sale agreement) and took no votes.

Key Outcomes

• Body-Worn Camera Grant: Laid on the table (8-2-1) pending public hearing.
• Morrison Avenue Bond: Approved (10-0) for $130,392,395.
• Body-Worn Camera Policies (Items 26-0999 and 26-1000): Referred back to Legislative Matters Committee (9-1).
• Body-Worn Camera Resubmissions (Items 26-1189 and 26-1192): Referred to Legislative Matters Committee (10-0).
• Eversource Grant (Wheatland St): Referred to Licenses and Permits Committee.
• Davis Square Neighborhood Council Recognition (Item 26-1165): Referred to Legislative Matters Committee; public hearing planned for early September.
• Ethical Procurement Ordinance Petition (Item 26-1185): Placed on file and sent to Legislative Matters.
• Bus Network Redesign Comments (Item 26-1183): Placed on file and sent to Traffic and Parking Committee.
• Non-Union Salary Ordinance (Item 26-0956): Referred to Legislative Matters.
• Appointments Confirmed: All 27 appointments approved.
• Regular Meetings Canceled: July 23 and August 13 meetings canceled (placed on file).
• Adjournment: The Council adjourned at 12:07 AM on July 10, 2026.