February 17, 2026

Items Recommended for Full Council

Multi-Member Body Review Ordinance – Recommended 3-0

The committee recommended approval of an amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances establishing a process for periodic review of multi-member bodies, as required by the new city charter. The ordinance adds specific dates for convening the review committee and a deadline for its report—details that were "hinted at" but not explicit in the charter. Analyst Brendan Salisbury noted this will be the only city body constituted by ordinance once the administrative code is adopted, which may require a future change.

Constable Appointment Process – Recommended as Amended 3-0

The committee amended and recommended striking the entirety of Section 10-20, which had governed constable appointments with council confirmation. Salisbury explained that under Mass. General Law Chapter 41, Section 91 (the next agenda item), the council has no role in constable appointments—that power rests entirely with the mayor. The original ordinance had included a Somerville residency requirement; Salisbury indicated that any future residency policy would need to be part of the administrative code. Councilor Ewen-Campen expressed support, citing years of "confusing" reappointment processes.

Acceptance of MGL Chapter 41, Section 91 (Constable Law) – Recommended 3-0

The committee recommended accepting the state law governing appointment and removal of constables. Without this acceptance, the city currently has no enabling legislation for appointing constables—meaning process service and evictions default to the Middlesex Sheriff's Office. Under the state law, the mayor appoints constables and can remove them for gross misconduct with council consent.

Council Rules Amendment (Group Petitions) – Recommended 3-0

The committee recommended amending Rule 57 of the City Council Rules to clarify group petition procedures under the new charter. The charter requires a public hearing within three months of a group petition (50 resident signatures) and bars more than one hearing on the same issue within twelve months. The amendment starts the twelve-month clock at the time of petition submission rather than when the hearing is held, removing ambiguity for future council presidents.

Surveillance Technology Impact Reports (Ball Cameras, Thermal Imaging Monoculars, Under Door Cameras) – Recommended 3-0

Three updated surveillance technology impact reports were recommended for approval. These are revised versions resubmitted after Councilor Lance Davis requested changes at a previous meeting. Captain Sean Sheehan confirmed that Davis's suggestions were incorporated. Councilor Ewen-Campen explained the committee's approach: the surveillance oversight ordinance is less about "nitpicking specific law enforcement techniques" and more about ensuring technologies are not overbroad and don't impinge on civil rights. Chair Scott noted the under door camera, for example, requires SRT authorization and a commanding officer's presence. The three older versions of these reports were placed on file.

Committee Discussion

Surveillance Report Transparency

Councilor Ben Wheeler (attending as a member of the public) raised a question about inconsistency in how costs are reported across surveillance technology impact reports—some list full dollar amounts while others simply say "none" when grant-funded. Chair Scott noted the committee has historically focused on ongoing maintenance costs, while also including acquisition costs with grant offsets noted.

Analyst Salisbury announced that all surveillance technology impact reports are now available in a central online location at the city's Encode Plus portal under "Other City Documents," accessible from the city clerk's page, city council's page, or the government tab on the city website.

Charter Transition Details

Discussion touched on how the new charter interacts with existing ordinances. Salisbury explained that a "continuation of governance" provision keeps current ordinances in effect until an administrative code is established, even where the charter shifts organizational authority to administrative orders rather than ordinances.

What's Next

• All recommended items head to the full City Council for votes

• Chair Scott expressed hope that more substantive policy items and ordinances sitting in the committee's queue will begin moving in March once the new administration settles in

• Captain Sheehan offered to incorporate any additional feedback from Councilor Davis on the surveillance reports if needed