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January 22, 2026

Somerville City Council Meeting

TL;DR: Free menstrual products in city buildings, $220K housing stability grants, Feb 10 budget hearing

Votes & Decisions

Free Menstrual Products in City Buildings – Approved and Sent for Discussion

The entire council unanimously supported Councilor Strezo's push to install free menstrual product dispensers in City Hall and all city-owned bathrooms. Strezo noted that City Hall currently has zero menstrual product dispensers in any bathroom—"2025, not one"—and called on the new administration to make an immediate budget allocation. The Somerville Commission for Women testified in support, with co-commissioners Alexandra Barbat and Caitlin Firth emphasizing that one in five menstruators cannot afford period products and that this affects participation in public life. The commission voted unanimously to endorse the resolution calling for an end to "period poverty." All items sent to Public Health and Public Safety committee for further discussion.

Housing Bridge Pilot Programs – Approved ($220,000 total)

The Finance Committee recommended approval of two grants from the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities:

  • $20,000 for a housing bridge pilot program for seniors

  • $200,000 for continuation of the short-term housing bridge pilot program

Both grants require no local match. The committee discussed how these programs help prevent residents from becoming displaced or unhoused while connecting them to longer-term stable housing.

Municipal Road Safety Grant – Approved ($65,000)

After the Finance Committee's longest discussion of the evening, the council approved a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for the Police Department's road safety program. Police representatives told the committee the cyclist/pedestrian component would focus on education and distributing safety items (helmets, bicycle lights, light-up bracelets for runners). However, officers will also stop cyclists they judge to be riding dangerously—a point that drew scrutiny from councilors who noted cyclists often run red lights specifically for safety reasons to avoid dangerous traffic. The department agreed to provide data on when and where safety items were distributed last year.

Ranked Choice Voting Commission – Approved

Councilor McLaughlin's order directing the administration to form a commission investigating ranked choice voting was approved. This fulfills a requirement in the new city charter. McLaughlin noted the charter process determined RCV was "so complicated that it really deserves its own separate commission." He added a personal note: "Something happened to me recently... that made me suddenly think that it's very important to have elections where a mere plurality does not determine a race." Council President Davis confirmed the process is already underway, with an email sent to councilors requesting volunteers.

Support for State Bill Banning Masked ICE Agents – Approved

The entire council signed onto Councilor McLaughlin's resolution supporting State Senator Pat Jehlen's bill to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks in Massachusetts. McLaughlin argued that "everyone but ICE thinks that it's a bad idea for law enforcement agents to wear masks" and that people may need to identify officers in court. The bill includes exemptions for protecting officers in specific situations and for health/safety reasons. A copy was sent to the state delegation.

Davis Square Neighborhood Plan – Approved

Councilor Davis's resolution asking the administration to prioritize finalizing the Davis Square neighborhood plan was approved. Davis emphasized this was "not meant to be adversarial," noting he has commitments from Mayor Wilson and Director Galligani. He provided history: the neighborhood plan process began in 2015 when then-Mayor Curtatone proposed lab development for Davis Square, and Davis requested a community conversation first. "That was 2015. We still don't have a finalized approved neighborhood plan."

Warming Center Neighborhood Items – Approved and Sent for Discussion

Three items from Councilor Ewen-Campen addressing neighborhood concerns around the overnight warming center on Prescott Street were approved and sent to Sustainability and Infrastructure:

  • Installing waste receptacles near the entrance

  • Performing regular litter cleanups along Prescott Street

  • Investigating whether deliveries and emergency vehicles could use the Cummings School parking lot instead of Prescott Street

Ewen-Campen praised Mayor Wilson for meeting face-to-face with neighbors within days of an uptick in complaints, calling the warming center "an absolutely critical lifesaving resource" while acknowledging "unavoidable challenges with having this facility in the middle of a residential neighborhood."

Bicycle Yield Signals Pilot – Approved and Sent for Discussion

Councilor Ewen-Campen's proposal to install dedicated bicycle yield signals at specific intersections was sent to Traffic and Parking. The signals would operate during walk cycles, allowing cyclists to get a head start. Ewen-Campen cited federal data showing safety benefits and shared that a Somerville artist was recently "pulled over at the intersection of Prospect and Somerville Ave... arrested, jailed in the Somerville police station, taken to court, and then everything immediately being dismissed because it was completely asinine." He asked, "Is this a good use of our public safety time and dollars?"

Councilor Link supported the item, noting he's seen parents on bikes pulled over at school crossings "for trying to cross while there was a pedestrian signal without pedestrians in the way."

ADU/Backyard Cottage Pilot Program – Approved and Sent for Discussion

Councilor Strezo's order to discuss incentivizing accessory dwelling units in owner-occupied properties was sent to Housing, Community Development and Equity. Strezo noted this has been discussed "for three years in a row" and referenced New York State's ADU Plus One program as a model. Councilor Wheeler mentioned Salem has implemented a property tax exemption for ADUs that rent below 70% of fair market value.

Union Square Auto Sales License – Approved

A new Class 2 used car dealer license for 39 Webster Avenue was approved. The Licenses and Permits Committee noted this is a new business in the same location as a prior dealership with similar operations.

Other Approvals

  • Ivaloo/Harrison Street Pedestrian Space: Plan to convert the intersection into pedestrian-only open space was approved

  • City Hall Patio Furniture: Resolution to purchase outdoor tables and chairs for the Highland Avenue patio was approved

  • Lowell Street Traffic Calming: Speed hump installation prioritized between Summer Street and Highland Avenue

  • CultureHouse Polar Putt: Public event license approved for February 2 mini-golf event in Union Square

  • Aris Auto Inc.: Used car dealer license renewal approved

  • Spring Hill Sewer Separation: Three-month contract extension approved

  • Union Agreement Transfer: $103,421 approved for memorandum of agreement with Somerville Municipal Employees Union, Unit B

Community Preservation Act Items – Laid on Table

Five CPA items totaling over $2 million were laid on the table to avoid conflicts with the February 10 budget hearing:

  • Elizabeth Peabody House restoration ($420,566)

  • Buddy's Diner preservation ($74,365)

  • Kennedy Schoolyard improvements ($1,000,000)

  • Somerville Hispanic Association preservation at 59 Cross Street ($480,000)

  • Kennedy Schoolyard bond authorization ($2,000,000)

Eversource Grant of Location – Referred Back to Committee

A request to install 38 feet of conduit on Warwick Street was sent back to Licenses and Permits after a neighbor raised concerns about multiple projects affecting the same utility pole. Councilor Sait explained her constituent spoke with Eversource and reached an agreement, but wants the conversation to happen in public committee. The work can't happen for months anyway while the ground is frozen.

Key Discussions

Community Budget Hearing Announced for February 10

Councilor Wheeler announced the first community budget hearing under the new charter will be held Tuesday, February 10 at 6 PM via Zoom, with in-person attendance available at City Hall. Live translation will be provided in Spanish and Portuguese, with additional languages available on request via 311. Wheeler emphasized: "You do not need to be a registered voter to participate. You don't need to be a particular age. You just need to be someone who calls Somerville home."

New Charter Responsibilities Explained

Legislative and Policy Analyst Brendan Salisbury presented on changes under the 2025 charter. Key points:

  • Orders vs. Resolutions: Requests to the administration will now be labeled "resolutions" to clarify they are requests, not binding directives. Orders will be reserved for compelling information the council has legal authority to demand. "Functionally, nothing has actually changed," but the distinction reduces confusion.

  • Information Requests: The council can demand information about city affairs with 14 days notice, though collaborative requests through IGA typically get faster responses.

  • Appointment Confirmations: The council has 30 days to act on department heads, city attorney, and chief administrative officer appointments (automatic approval if no action). Rejection requires two-thirds vote plus written reason. Multiple member body appointments have 60 days.

  • Administrative Code: The mayor no longer has unilateral authority to reorganize city government. The council can approve or reject (but not amend) administrative orders. A comprehensive administrative code is required, which will necessitate removing conflicting provisions from ordinances.

Councilor Clingan questioned the requirement to provide written reasons for rejecting appointments. Councilor Ewen-Campen explained the rationale: it protects both against mayors appointing unqualified cronies and against councils rejecting qualified candidates over petty disputes.

School Maintenance Concerns

Multiple items addressed school building conditions:

  • Councilor McLaughlin requested updates on maintenance issues at East Somerville, Capuano, and Edgerly schools, citing problems with warm water and rodents

  • Councilor Davis submitted items (referred from School Committee) on hot water restoration at Capuano Early Education Center and custodial staffing analysis

  • Councilor Sait submitted items on school environment monitoring and a school buildings maintenance website

All items were sent to the School Building Facilities and Maintenance committee.

Community Path Safety

Councilor Sait submitted items to Traffic and Parking addressing safety on the Community Path, including improved signage through Maxwell's Green, enforcement of the motorized vehicle ban, coordination with community partners, and potential e-bike speed limits.

Notable Moments

  • Public Health Warning: Councilor Wheeler opened remembrances by noting that five children and over 100 adults have died from flu in Massachusetts this winter, encouraging vaccines and masks. Councilor Clingan added that there were three fatal overdoses in Somerville in the past couple weeks.

  • First Meeting Without Grants of Location: Councilor Davis noted this may be his first meeting in 11 years without Eversource utility hearings on the agenda.

  • Interim DPW Commissioner: The appointment of Eric Weisman as Interim Commissioner of Public Works was placed on file.

  • Police Biannual Report: The Police Chief's report required by the Welcoming Community Ordinance was placed on file.

What's Next

  • February 10: Community Budget Hearing (Finance Committee, 6 PM via Zoom)

  • Pending: CPA items totaling $2+ million laid on table for next meeting

  • Licenses and Permits: Eversource Warwick Street conduit and USA Auto Hub license to be discussed

  • Legislative Matters: Three surveillance technology impact reports (under door cameras, thermal imaging monoculars, ball cameras) to be reviewed

  • Finance Committee: FEMA breathing apparatus grant ($618,181.81) and related items