Secretary Kevin Sluka called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm on January 12, 2026.

Kevin Sluka swore in the new council liaison Theresa Bonner to the Board of Trustees.  

Kevin Sluka conducted roll call and the following Board Members were present:

Board Members Present: Natalia Kleyman, Kevin Sluka, Tania Althoff, Conlyn Chan, Theresa Bonner

Board Members Absent: Allison Reilly Snyder

Professional Staff Present: Leah Horowitz, Becky Pollard, Dana Kessel 

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Motion to approve the December minutes was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

A resolution designating 401(k) trustees and bank signatories for Board Secretary and Board Chair was approved. The Board then conducted officer elections for 2026, unanimously electing Natalia Kleyman as Chair, Tania Althoff as Treasurer, with Kevin Sluka remaining as Secretary by borough ordinance.

The 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Sponsorship & Media Kit were introduced, highlighting the DSA’s mission to revitalize Downtown Somerville. Key metrics included 835,000 visitors, an average dwell time of 75 minutes, and significant social media growth. The presentation emphasized the Alliance’s shift toward proactive, mission-driven planning. 

Several Service Awards were presented recognizing outstanding contributions to Downtown Somerville. Honorees included Chas Stevens for leadership during a period of organizational transition, RanD Pitts for exceptional board service and hands-on support of major events, and Rick St. Pierre for decades of leadership, philanthropy, and sustained commitment to the downtown community. 

Looking ahead to 2026, staff outlined planned district enhancements, including infrastructure improvements, refurbished benches, new solar-powered waste receptacles, placemaking initiatives, expanded cultural programming, and strategic partnerships.

The DSA launched a new mobile app for members and announced the Lloyd F. Silverman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Jeff Silverman spoke on behalf of the family thanking the DSA and the Mayor for its creation.  

The meeting concluded with a review of the Alliance’s budget oversight process, emphasizing transparency, monthly financial monitoring, municipal approval, and annual independent audits.

NEW BUSINESS

N/A

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were made.

ACTION ITEMS

• Post announcement on DSA social media tomorrow and accept Letters of Intent and resumes by email for the three open Board of Trustees positions (business-owner or property-owner seats in the SID)
• Coordinate with the Infrastructure Committee to deliver recommended Main Street and Division Street improvements and pedestrian amenities (wayfinding, signage, seating, targeted placements) for the Main Street Transformation Grant as early as next month, to meet the grant spending deadline in June
• Open nominations for the Lloyd F. Silverman Entrepreneur of the Year award on January 15, accept nominations through the DSA mobile app, and manage nomination processing through the March 1 deadline (announce winner first Friday in June, notify in May)

FINAL REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM.