Committee Report - Flood - 5-19-15 — File 199307

Flood Forum Special Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 May 19, 2015 REPORT OF THE FLOOD FORUM SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present Mark Niedergang Vice Chair Present Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Mary Jo Rossetti, Rob King - Capital Projects, Oliver Sellers-Garcia - OSE, Brad Lawson - OSPCD, Frank Wright - Law, Stan Koty - DPW, Omar Boukili - Mayor's Office and representatives from Kleinfelder 1. Approval of the October 30, 2014 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 197624: That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance to require backflow regulators in new construction. Mr. Wright informed the members that state law prohibits the city from changing the plumbing code. Chairman Heuston's motion that the Somerville Board of Aldermen hereby supports the Somerville Board of Health petition to the State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 142 Section 13, to allow the City to require so called back flow prevention devices, below the first floor fixtures, in all new building construction projects and/or major renovation projects, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197637: That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring developers of new residential projects to install backflow preventers to prevent combined sewer overflow during heavy rains. See 197624 (above) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Flood Forum Special Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 198204: That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment report to this Board on plans for participation in the Spring 2015 regional summit on climate change. Mr. Sellers-Garcia discussed the city's participation in the summit and the creation of a task force. Representatives from Kleinfelder discussed the city's challenges regarding climate change, rainfall and storm water runoff and the need to be proactive when dealing with climate change. The committee discussed what quick fixes might be available until long range plans are implemented. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198205: That the Director of Sustainability and the Environment present a written plan to this Board to develop a vulnerability assessment and climate change mitigation and adaptation plan, especially regarding flooding in Union Square and all vulnerable areas of economic revitalization. Mr. Sellers-Garcia discussed this item and referenced research done at MIT. He also discussed zoning and a climate change sub-committee. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198323: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board where homeowners should discharge water pumped out of basements that are flooded in the winter, to avoid water freezing on sidewalks. Mr. Koty explained what is and is not allowed. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198355: That the City Engineer inform the Ward 2 Alderman about flooding on Oak Street and any steps that can be taken to mitigate it. Mr. King spoke about getting information to the neighborhoods and discussed sewer separation in Union Square and the planned work at Annuziato Field. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198970: That the Administration detail a plan to mitigate flooding on the community path in the vicinity of Morrison Avenue and Highland Road. Mr. King reported that the reason for the flooding has to do with soil issues along the old train tracks. Alderman Niedergang made it clear that he does not see this issue as a priority. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199063: That the Administration provide an update to plans for the mitigation of flooding on Clark Street and Dane Avenue. See 198355 (above)

Flood Forum Special Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198388: That the Director of SPCD discuss with this Board the possibility of a curbside gardens program, similar to what other cities have done, to soak up storm water and ground water runoff. Mr. Lawson spoke about the requirement that streets be ADA compliant and he also discussed pilot programs and tree planting to help with the problem. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED