Regular City Council Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Somerville City Council held its regular meeting on July 9, 2026, addressing a variety of procurement and budget-related matters. Key procurement discussions included approval of a $130.4 million bond to fund the Morrison Avenue linear storage project, a major flood relief and sewer infrastructure initiative, with potential loan forgiveness and a four-year construction timeline. The council also approved a $185,352 appropriation from the street reconstruction stabilization fund for ongoing sidewalk and pavement assessment and design services. Additionally, a $50,000 allocation was authorized to establish a police detail revolving fund to expedite payments to superior officers working details. The council received an update on the 90 Washington Street redevelopment RFP process, noting that Wood Partners remained the sole finalist after North River Lurink withdrew, with the redevelopment authority set to decide on designation and subsequent land agreement negotiations. Several labor agreements were discussed, including funding for the school custodians' collective bargaining agreement with 2% COLAs and staffing flexibility. The council also deliberated on a $232,000 state grant for police body-worn cameras, ultimately voting to lay the item on the table pending further public hearings due to concerns about ongoing costs. Policy discussions included reaffirming July as Disability Pride Month in light of recent Supreme Court rulings and Department of Justice memoranda affecting disability rights. The council approved tenant protection measures, including a home rule petition regulating leases and tenancy-at-will agreements and an ordinance requiring property owners to notify tenants of building sales. Several committee reports were accepted, and multiple items were referred to legislative matters for further review. No votes were taken during the executive session held to discuss confidential financial details related to the 90 Washington Street project.