Somerville Council discusses gender equity in hockey and crossing guard recruitment

The Somerville City Council meeting on April 24, 2025, focused on several key issues, including gender equity in sports, the status of crossing guards, and the implementation of a guaranteed basic income program.

A significant discussion centered around the potential for a girls' intramural hockey program. Councilor Davis highlighted the inequities faced by young girls in hockey, emphasizing barriers such as fees, equipment costs, and cultural challenges. Parent advocate Annette McKee spoke passionately about these issues, framing them as critical to gender equity in sports. City officials, including Director Yerkes from the recreation department, acknowledged the importance of this initiative and expressed a commitment to increasing girls' participation in sports. The council decided to keep the discussion in committee for further exploration of the program's feasibility.

The meeting also addressed the safety of schoolchildren, with updates on crossing guards. Sergeant McCray reported that there are currently 45 crossing guards, with 10 more in the onboarding process. However, the city is still short of the 57 positions funded for crossing guards. The council noted the alarming incidents of children being hit by cars while walking to school, underscoring the need for more crossing guards. Community members were encouraged to apply for these positions to enhance street safety for vulnerable residents.

Lastly, the council received an update on the guaranteed basic income program funded by ARPA. The ARPA director provided insights into the program's rollout, noting that recipients primarily used the funds for rent, debt repayment, food, and childcare. This initiative has had a significant positive impact on the lives of participants, with a more detailed discussion planned for May.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing gender equity in sports, enhancing child safety, and supporting residents through financial assistance programs.