Somerville City Council Meeting – August 27, 2026

The Somerville City Council met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:15 PM. After technical difficulties with the new audio system, the meeting was called to order with a quorum of 10 members. The council approved several routine items, heard public testimony, and debated ordinances and resolutions on rodenticides, SNAP access, labor solidarity, bus service, and housing. Key outcomes included a roll-call vote to fund a new firefighter contract, approval of body camera policies sent to committee, and a commitment to schedule a public hearing on civilian police oversight.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 25, 2026 meeting): Approved unanimously.
• Citations: Dan Amlin (8 years in Engineering Division), Ramon Bueno (9 years on Climate Commission), Eliza Johnston (17 years on Climate Commission) – all approved with brief remarks.
• Grants of Location (Public Hearings): Items 3.1 (Lightpath), 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 (Eversource) – each approved after public testimony and, in the case of 3.3, discussion with Councillor Scott about alternative connection methods.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rodenticide Ban (Item 4.2): Morgan Pinney of Save Somerville Wildlife testified that three dead owls found in Somerville had lethal doses of anticoagulant rodenticides and that a single owl can consume over 1,000 rats per year. She urged the council to join 30+ Massachusetts communities in banning the chemicals.
• SNAP Access Crisis (Item 4.3): Ray Santana, president of the Mystic Tenant Association, and a letter from resident Kathy described difficulties reaching DTA, with callers waiting on hold for hours and documents going unprocessed. Santana noted that 91.5% of callers could not reach DTA from January to April 2026, and that 70% of denials were due to procedural issues.
• Tufts International Graduate Student (Item 4.4): Christopher Molinari, a Tufts graduate worker union steward, detailed retaliation against an international student, including retroactive grade changes and administrative withdrawal after she raised concerns about unpaid work. He called for corrective action.
• Security Officers & Airport Workers (Item 4.5): Stanley Washington, a security guard at Faneuil Hall, testified that 15% of security officers and 30% of Logan Airport workers are uninsured, and 19% of airport workers skip meals. He asked for affordable employer-paid health care.
• Tufts Facility Workers (Item 4.6): James Good, a groundskeeper at Tufts, said the university’s contract proposal includes only 2% annual wage increases (below cost of living) and refuses to reduce health insurance premiums. He requested council support for a fair contract.
• Route 80 Bus Service (Item 4.12): Alessandra Seiter (via Zoom) from the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee argued that the MBTA’s proposed elimination of Route 80 is premature, as the route serves schools, commercial areas, and vulnerable populations not well served by the Green Line Extension. She urged public comment by September 8.
• 90 Washington Street (Item 9.28): Anne Ryan, a Project-Based Section 8 tenant at Cobble Hill, expressed fear that development plans will destroy the green space and harm residents’ quality of life. She asked for soil remediation and preservation of the park.

Discussion Items

• Rodenticide Ban on Municipal Property (Item 4.2): Councillor Hart introduced an ordinance to ban rodenticides on city property, noting that poison does not reduce rat populations and harms natural predators. Councillor Link supported it, citing the death of a bald eagle from poison. Councillor Klingon highlighted risks to pets and children. Councillor Scott urged a systemic change in city policy. The ordinance was referred to Legislative Matters.
• Home Rule Petition for Rodenticide Regulation (Item 7.1): Mayor Wilson requested a home rule petition to ban anticoagulant rodenticides on private property, as previous efforts on public land have not stopped raptor deaths. The petition was referred to Legislative Matters.
• SNAP Access Crisis (Item 4.3): Councillor Hart presented a resolution noting that since July 2025, the SNAP caseload in Massachusetts declined by 175,000 people (including 62,000 children), with Somerville participation dropping 15% (992 residents). She called for hiring additional DTA caseworkers. Councillor Ba emphasized that eligible families face procedural barriers. Councillor Wheeler and others supported. The resolution was approved with a copy to the state delegation.
• Tufts International Graduate Student (Item 4.4): Councillor Umba introduced a resolution urging Tufts to correct allegedly retaliatory grades and provide financial compensation. Councillor Hart noted the importance of due process for international students. Councillor Wheeler clarified it does not presume guilt but calls for good-faith resolution. Approved.
• Security Officers & Airport Workers (Item 4.5): Councillor Umba and Strazzo sponsored a resolution supporting unionized workers at Logan Airport and Greater Boston offices. Statistics cited: 15% of security officers and 30% of airport workers uninsured. Approved.
• Tufts Facility Workers (Item 4.6): Resolution supporting SEIU 32BJ facility workers; Councillor Strazzo noted that Tufts proposed only 2% annual raises and rejected health care premium reductions. Approved.
• Route 80 Bus Service (Item 4.12): Councillor Ewan Campin introduced a resolution opposing the MBTA’s elimination of Route 80, arguing it is not redundant with the Green Line Extension. Councillor McLaughlin noted the bus serves areas far from the train. The council urged public comment by September 8. Approved.
• Body Worn Cameras (Items 7.29 & 7.30): John Hellman, Public Safety Project Manager, presented updated TSUP and STIR documents incorporating council feedback, including a good-faith commitment to prioritize public records requests from subjects, and stronger oversight provisions. The items were referred to Legislative Matters for a public hearing.
• Civilian Oversight of Police (Item 4.1): Council President Davis announced a schedule for a public hearing on civilian oversight, including executive sessions for collective bargaining discussions. The matter was referred to Legislative Matters.
• Accessible Housing (Item 4.10): Councillor Link introduced a resolution to create incentives for private developers to build accessible housing. Received broad support. Approved.
• Street Harassment Near Warming Center (Item 4.7): Councillor Strazzo reported abutters’ complaints of harassment, including catcalling and following, especially near the high school. She called for a proactive plan when the warming center reopens. Approved with copy to Public Health and Public Safety.
• Short-Term Rental Enforcement (Items 4.8 & 4.9): Councillors Link and Hart requested data on registered vs. illegal short-term rentals and a 311 reporting category. Councillor McLaughlin noted that the current registration process may deter lawful operators. Councillor Klingon reported a blatant case of a vacant home listed on Airbnb. Referred to Housing, Community Development & Equity.
• Citywide Trash Cleanup (Item 4.11): Resolution for a fall cleanup. Approved.
• Street Painting (Item 4.13): Resolution to prioritize painting near Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace for better emergency vehicle access. Approved.
• Crossing Guard Pay (Item 4.14): Resolution to increase pay to recruit and retain crossing guards. Councillor Strazzo noted that crossing guards on state roads are lacking. Approved.
• Fire Department Contract (Item 7.4): Mayor Wilson presented a collective bargaining agreement with Local 76. Steve Tolman and Mike Jefferson praised the negotiation process. The $937,409 appropriation from salary contingency was approved via roll call 10-0.
• Elections Commission Appointment (Item 7.26): Michael Avery appointed to fill a vacancy, expedited due to upcoming primary election. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent items, citations, grants of location, and most resolutions were approved unanimously. The fire department contract (7.4) passed 10-0 on a roll call.
• Referrals: Rodenticide ban (4.2) and home rule petition (7.1) to Legislative Matters; Body camera policies (7.29, 7.30) to Legislative Matters for public hearing; Civilian oversight (4.1) to Legislative Matters; Short-term rental items (4.8, 4.9) to Housing, Community Development & Equity; Street harassment (4.7) to Public Health and Public Safety.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a public hearing on body cameras at a future Legislative Matters meeting. A public hearing on civilian police oversight will be scheduled after executive sessions on collective bargaining. The administration will update the short-term rental website and 311 system. The Route 80 public comment period ends September 8; the council encourages residents to submit feedback.
• Proclamations: July 2026 proclaimed South Asian Heritage Month; August 26, 2026 proclaimed Women’s Equality Day in Somerville.