Public Utilities and Public Works Committee — Minutes, Feb 12, 2024

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes 6:00 PM Monday, February 12, 2024 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Clingan at 6:00 pm and adjourned at 6:20 with a roll call vote of two in favor (Councilor Strezo and Chair Clingan), none opposed, and one absent (Councilor McLaughlin). Others present: Hannah Carrillo - Mayor’s Office, Stephanie Widzowski - Clerk of Committees. Roll Call Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan and City Councilor At Large Kristen Strezo Present: Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin Absent: 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting of December 4, 2023. Committee Minutes (ID # 23-1812) ACCEPTED RESULT: Ward Four City Councilor Clingan and City Councilor At Large Strezo AYE: Ward One City Councilor McLaughlin ABSENT: 2. By Councilor Strezo That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on leaks at the Arts at the Armory Building and any exterior envelope damages in the past six months, and actions being taken to address such leaks and damages including the recently dislodged downspout. Order (ID # 24-0118) Chair Clingan read the response from the memo attached to the agenda, which is titled “PUPW - 2024-02-12 PUPW Response 2.12.24 (With 24-0118, 24-0085, 24-0039)”. RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: 3. By Councilor Ewen-Campen That the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this City Council how the sidewalk clearing pilot program is working this winter. Order (ID # 24-0085) Chair Clingan read the response from the memo attached to the agenda, which is titled “PUPW - 2024-02-12 PUPW Response 2.12.24 (With 24-0118, 24-0085, 24-0039)”. Page 1 of 2

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes February 12, 2024 RECOMMENDED TO BE MARKED WORK COMPLETED RESULT: 4. By Councilor Strezo That the Commissioner of Public Works re-install the bench, previously donated and installed in honor of longstanding Brown School principal Marilyn Haggerty, on the Brown School grounds. Order (ID # 24-0039) Chair Clingan read the response from the memo attached to the agenda, which is titled “PUPW - 2024-02-12 PUPW Response 2.12.24 (With 24-0118, 24-0085, 24-0039)”. Liaison Carrillo explained that the bench had been removed following repairs to damage in the general area, and that the city has identified potential budget sources but there are a few outstanding questions. She added that the original bench was lost during repairs, so the replacement will not be the original. KEPT IN COMMITTEE RESULT: 5. By Councilor Strezo That the Administration and the Director of Water and Sewer update this Council, in writing, on the plan to support residents who cannot afford the recent water bill increases. Resolution (ID # 24-0040) Liaison Carrillo said that the city has found a consultant and has been meeting regularly with them. The Administration plans to present to the City Council in March on the issue. Councilor Strezo commented that she thinks the eligibility threshold for financial assistance should be $100,000, not $40,000. KEPT IN COMMITTEE RESULT: Referenced Documents: • PUPW - 2024-02-12 PUPW Response 2.12.24 (With 24-0118, 24-0085, 24-0039) Page 2 of 2