By Carlie Lombardi

On April 24, the Somerville City Council met and covered topics including senior services, federal relief fund updates, sports equity initiatives, and zoning changes.

Council on Aging presentation reveals senior needs

Director Ashley Spiliotis introduced Sierra Somerville, a senior research associate from UMass Boston, who presented key findings from a comprehensive survey of Somerville’s older residents. According to the study, over 11,000 Somerville residents are aged 60 or older, which is 14% of the city’s population – a number expected to remain stable over the next decade.

Key findings showed low awareness of Council on Aging (COA) programs, a desire for expanded fitness and educational offerings, transportation and mobility challenges, housing insecurity, financial hardship, and social isolation among older residents.

Among the report’s recommendations were increasing outreach by initiatives like sending birthday greetings to residents when they turn 60, exploring partnerships for expanded program space, expanding transportation options, and addressing financial insecurity through working with local businesses.

Councilors raised questions about space limitations at COA centers and discussed creative solutions to address food insecurity. Councilor Strezo suggested developing programs like a “coupon club” or collective Costco memberships to help seniors save on groceries. In response, Spiliotis affirmed that technological support for seniors using digital coupons is already being explored.

ARPA funds successfully obligated

ARPA Director Satin Hernandez reported that Somerville successfully obligated all its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds before the December 31, 2024, federal deadline. Over 80% of funds have already been spent across 44 projects.

Hernandez noted that a federal compliance review is upcoming, but expressed confidence, stating that the city is up to all regulations and submitted the necessary documentation on time. She also confirmed that while some flexibility remains for reallocating funds among approved projects, the Flex ARPA rental assistance program had already transitioned to stable, non-ARPA funding.

Council approves CPR education resolution

Later in the meeting, the council accepted a late item resolution supporting proposed state legislation to require CPR and AED training in Massachusetts high schools. Harvard junior Nayan Sapers, co-founder of the CPR Ambassador Program, spoke virtually to advocate for the resolution, noting that bystander CPR can double or triple survival chances after cardiac arrest.

Sapers said, “City council resolutions matter,” explaining that local government support can encourage state lawmakers to prioritize the issue.

Pool closures and zoning hearings

Councilor Davis reported frustrations regarding the continued closure of the Ginny Smithers pool due to chemical imbalance issues. Although maintenance has been performed and efforts made to correct the problem, the pool remained closed as of the meeting.

Looking ahead

The council laid several items on the table for further action, including continued discussions on the city charter revision and guaranteed basic income program results.

The next city council meeting on April 29, will include further updates on these ongoing initiatives.