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December 11, 2025

Somerville City Council Meeting

TL;DR: $500K for immigrant legal services, council committees restructured, farewell to Mayor Ballantyne and two councilors

Votes & Decisions

Immigrant Legal Services Funding – Approved Unanimously (11-0)

The Council approved two funding items totaling $500,000 for immigrant legal services, discharged from committee due to an administrative error that left them off the Finance Committee agenda. The first item transfers $250,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Immigrant Legal Services Stabilization Fund. The second appropriates $250,000 from that fund for legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers seeking permanent residency. Councilor Wilson noted these funds are needed "to deal with the nonsense happening in our city," referencing federal immigration enforcement concerns.

Council Committee Restructuring – Approved (11-0)

The Council voted to consolidate its committee structure, reducing the number of committees to 10—one for each councilor to chair. Key changes include:

  • Eliminating the Rodent Issues Special Committee (those issues move to Public Health and Public Safety)

  • Making School Building Facilities and Maintenance a regular committee

  • Renaming the Community and Equity Committee to "Housing, Community Development, and Equity" after Councilor Strezo raised concerns about the original proposed name being too vague

Council President Davis explained the rationale: scheduling committee meetings has been extremely difficult, and this restructuring will enable more regular monthly meetings on broader topics. Councilor Strezo expressed frustration at not being consulted beforehand, though she ultimately supported the changes with her naming amendment.

Senior Tax Work Off Program Expansion – Approved

The Council raised the income eligibility cap for the Senior Tax Work Off Program from $48,800 to $92,650 (80% of Area Median Income). Director Ashley Speliotis explained that the current cap, set in 2015, hasn't kept pace with inflation. The program allows 25 seniors to work up to 133 hours at city departments for a $2,000 property tax rebate. Despite 25 available slots, the program typically fills only about 12 positions because income limits have disqualified interested seniors. Councilor Strezo suggested the city consider expanding the program's capacity in future budgets, noting the current $50,000 annual cost is modest.

City Clerk Office Reorganization – Approved

The Council approved consolidating three positions in the City Clerk's office into two, with expanded responsibilities. Clerk Kimberly Wells explained the change will save approximately $50,000 this fiscal year and about $100,000 annually going forward while improving service delivery.

Fire Department Promotions – Approved

Seven firefighters were sworn in after the Council confirmed their promotions:

  • Steven Mauras to Deputy Chief

  • Marc Ardolino to District Chief

  • Jay McKenzie and Andrew Patriquin to Captain

  • Nicholas Halloran, Raymond Busi, and Ronald Hampton to Lieutenant

Union Square Plaza Grant – Approved ($1.4M)

A MassWorks grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development for Union Square Plaza & Streetscape Phase 1 construction. This will be combined with a recent design grant from the Mass Gaming Commission. Councilor Ewen-Campen confirmed the project includes improvements to the "really, really dangerous" intersection of Prospect and Webster streets.

Blessing of the Bay Grants – Approved ($1.87M total)

Two grants for environmental projects along the Blessing of the Bay:

  • $1,367,300 from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for urban heat resilience

  • $500,000 from the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Greenway project

These funds combine with existing Community Preservation Act funding to continue the project to completion.

Senior Taxi Program Grant – Approved ($25,000)

MassDOT funding for direct transportation costs. The program provides about 650 rides monthly, with 71% going to medical appointments, 20% for food access, and 6% to pharmacies. Starting in January, it will also help seniors access meals at the senior center.

Gift of Ralph & Jenny Center – Approved

The city accepted a donation of the property at 17 Inner Belt Road from the RCD Foundation. Councilor Wilson called it "an exciting opportunity for us to show that we can learn lessons from the armory about being a landlord."

Street Resurfacing Funding – Approved ($6M+)

The Council approved bonding $3,057,826 and appropriating an additional $3,000,000 from the Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing Stabilization Fund for the FY2026 program.

Zoning Amendments – Ordained

  • Home-Based Child Day Care: Amendments to permit home-based child daycare accessory uses across various zoning districts

  • Pre-submittal Meetings: Made optional for most permits to reduce bureaucratic burden

  • 363 Highland Avenue: Upzoned from MR4 to MR5/MR6, removing a provision for 110 Willow Avenue (an Eversource property) per Planning Board recommendation. Councilor Davis recused himself as an abutter.

Snow Removal Ordinance – Ordained

Commercial property owners must now clear snow and ice from accessible curb cuts adjacent to their properties. The original proposal would have applied to all corner properties, but committee members worried about placing an unfair burden on residents whose curb cuts get repeatedly buried by snowplows. Councilor Ewen-Campen noted "we all want them to be cleared" but "the city needs to play a larger role" before expanding requirements to residential properties. Council President Davis called this "a starting point" with more discussion to come.

Community Preservation Committee Terms – Ordained

Amended the appointment process to allow members to serve out partial terms, addressing turnover issues on the committee.

Neonicotinoid Sunset Extension – Ordained

Extended the sunset date for restrictions on neonicotinoid-treated plant sourcing from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the city can continue planting trees.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Actions – Placed on File

Councilor Mbah reported the Trust approved:

  • Extending repayment terms for Visiting Nursing Senior Housing at 259 Lowell Street from 40 to 50 years

  • Converting a $2.5M loan to the Somerville Community Land Trust for 12 Pleasant Street into a grant, plus an additional $700,000 grant

  • A $2.8M loan to Somerville Community Corporation to acquire the former Patsy's Pastries site at 176-182 Broadway for 56 units of 100% affordable housing

Councilor McLaughlin called the Patsy's news "Christmas has come early," noting the site has been abandoned for over a decade.

License Renewals – Approved

Routine renewals for 25+ business licenses including used car dealers, automatic amusement devices, and a dog kennel.

Key Discussions

Winter Warming Center After-Action Report

Emergency Management Director Bill Fisher presented a detailed review of the 2024-2025 warming center operations at the former Cummings School. Key findings:

What worked well:

  • 3,692 safe overnight stays provided

  • High satisfaction (65%+) across most service categories

  • Transportation rated at 94% satisfaction

  • Guests felt "welcome, respected, safe" and praised staff

Areas for improvement:

  • Long outdoor wait times created anxiety about bed availability (though no one was actually turned away)

  • Inconsistent outside security presence

  • Need for more multilingual staff

  • Cleanliness and blanket availability issues

Changes implemented:

  • New security vendor with experience serving unhoused populations

  • ADA-accessible bathroom renovations completed

  • Renovated entrance for wheelchair accessibility

  • Clear donation pathways established (Housing Families and Somerville Homeless Coalition)

Councilor Strezo raised concerns about unhoused individuals sleeping in Gilman Square park on freezing nights, asking about protocols. Director Fisher explained that outreach workers, police, and the Homeless Coalition offer transportation and highly encourage shelter use, but individuals cannot be forced to go.

Greentown Labs Update

Councilor Mbah reported on the clean energy incubator, which has assisted over 500 new firms since 2015. Currently 140 companies and about 200 workers operate from the Somerville Avenue facility. However, he noted federal policy changes are impacting the sector—after opening the Sublime facility with $150 million in support, $87 million has been "slashed by this current administration."

Rental Registry Referred to Committee

The long-awaited rental registry and energy disclosure ordinance was finally submitted by the administration. Councilor Sait, who has been pushing for this, said "I've been waiting for this for a long time. The last meeting we had was November 2024." The item was referred to Legislative Matters for review.

Notable Moments

Farewell to Mayor Ballantyne

Mayor Ballantyne delivered her end-of-term report, highlighting:

  • 30% increase in school funding over four years

  • $44 million in ARPA funds for infrastructure, $35 million for equity initiatives

  • Historic pay equity study raising most SMEU positions to start at ~$60,000

  • Expected $255 million in community benefits from commercial development

  • Zero traffic crash fatalities under her administration

Councilors praised her investments in schools, commitment to equity, support for immigrant services, and street safety work. Councilor Scott noted her office's immigrant legal services helped free a constituent who was "abducted off the streets of East Somerville" by ICE. Councilor Strezo called her "a strong female visionary."

Farewell to Councilor Wilson (Mayor-Elect)

Councilors praised Wilson's transformation of the Finance Committee process, his collaborative approach, and his commitment to fairness. Councilor Burnley recalled Wilson giving him rides to debates during the campaign, calling it "an extremely rare and absurd thing" in politics. Councilor Scott said Wilson's "sense of openness and joy" impressed him, joking he wanted a head start on next year by "calling you an absolute bum" about future budget priorities.

Wilson thanked each colleague individually and reflected on being "one of 11 legislators" as an administrator by nature. He noted Mayor Ballantyne "never stuck us in a situation where we had no choice but to approve something," contrasting with past administrations.

Farewell to Councilor Burnley

Councilors highlighted Burnley's extensive legislative record and courage in speaking on difficult issues including Gaza/Palestine. Councilor Scott said Burnley's presence was "a balm to the soul" and noted he doesn't think "many people in the public appreciate what a rough road you've had of it."

Burnley reflected on learning legislative process from Councilor Scott, working with Council President Davis on legislative matters ("debates about the difference between shall and will"), and passing the ordinance making Somerville a sanctuary for gender-affirming healthcare during Pride month 2023.

Mutual Aid Recognition

The Council recognized MAMAS (Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville), which has distributed over $1 million since 2020 through community fridges, clothing drives, mutual aid gardens, and direct assistance. Representatives spoke about their multilingual hotline, grocery card distribution, and car-sharing for community needs. They encouraged the Council to "stop testing people to see if they're really poor enough to need support" and reduce means testing for city programs.

SEPAC Recognition

The Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council was recognized for advocacy work including surveys of families with IEPs and 504 plans, holding the school district accountable, and launching a new 501(c)(3) fundraising organization.

Lifesaving Actions Recognized

Two city employees were recognized for administering Narcan to save lives:

  • Kevin Ryan (DPW) at Statue Park on October 15

  • Kelly Gates (West Branch Library) on November 5

Library Director Cathy Piantigini praised Gates's "compassion" and the "calm and professionalism" library staff showed during the incident.

What's Next

  • Rental Registry: Referred to Legislative Matters for detailed review

  • Police Road Safety Grant ($65,000): Referred to Finance Committee as a "great way for next year's finance committee to cut their teeth"

  • Summer Street Bike Lane Safety: Laid on the table pending constituent testimony

  • New Council Term: Begins January 2026 with new committee assignments under the restructured system

  • 250th Anniversary: First Flag Raising Ceremony at Somerville Museum on January 1, 8am-1pm