By Luda Tang

The regular Somerville city council meeting was called to order on July 14 by Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, lasting three and a half hours. Nine City Councilors were present, and discussed different matters that influence residents’ daily lives.

The Council commended Frank Wright, the former City Solicitor, and the former Assistant City Solicitor Eileen McGettigan’s retirement for their extensive work and distinguished service at the Law Department of Somerville.

The Somerville Museum requested an appropriation of $100, 000 from the Community Preservation Act Undesignated Fund for unanticipated cost increases for the Elevator and Collection Storage projects.

Roberta Cameron, the Community Preservation Act Administrator at the City of Somerville, explained that this appropriation is to complete the renovation of the ground floor and bring the historical collection back into the museum without paying more storage fees. More specifically, the renovation project entails waterproofing the entire ground floor, making the entire floor handicap accessible, and re-arranging the space. This item was approved.

Other items of note were sponsored by City Councilor At-Large Kristen Strezo. The first is for the Director of Economic Development to discuss the ability of small businesses to access loading zones in heavy traffic areas while outdoor dining is present.

Strezo pointed out that even though people are back to their regular lives for the most part, some restaurants are still struggling to receive regular deliveries. According to Strezo, it is important to reassess and discuss the loading zone problems for small businesses. This item was approved.

The next order is for the Director of Health and Human Services to discuss the potential effects of the recent Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health on Somerville women, pregnant women, and reproductive health.

Strezo initiated this order because she felt the ruling is an absolute assault on women and reproductive justice, which is anti-women, anti-family, anti-choices, and anti-LGBTQ. The item must be sent to equity, and was approved as well.