Committee Report - Seniors - 6-1-15 — File 199432

Senior Services Committee Page 1 of 5 Printed 6/11/2015 June 1, 2015 REPORT OF THE SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John M. Connolly Chair Present Dennis M. Sullivan Vice Chair Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Others present: Alderman McWatters, Alderman Rossetti, Cindy Hickey - Council on Aging During a question and answer period, residents expressed concern about speeding on McGrath Highway, having ample time to cross streets and about restaurant patrons parking in the Brady Towers parking lot. 1. Approval of the October 16, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 2. Approval of the October 17, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 3. Approval of the October 21, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 4. Approval of the October 22, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 5. Approval of the October 23, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED

Senior Services Committee Page 2 of 5 Printed 6/11/2015 6. Approval of the October 28, 2013 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 190220: That this Board requests that the Traffic Commission consider re-instating the policy of providing free resident parking stickers for residents 60 years old and older. Alderman McWatters reported that the Traffic Commission approved the 60 year age at their last meeting. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190693: That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that the two street lights on Skilton Avenue, along the tracks closest to 240 Pearl Street, are continually illuminated, and that the Chief of Police monitor the area on a regular basis, from dusk to dawn, for individuals gathered there. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190885: That this Board supports the Mayor in conducting a thorough investigation of the allegations pertaining to the Council on Aging, and urges that the findings of this investigation be reported to the Senior Services Committee. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190905: That the Chief of Police coordinate with the Housing Authority Police to enforce "Resident & Visitor Only" parking at 114 Highland Avenue, 252 Medford Street and 13 Warren Avenue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 191363: That this Board requests that the Administration investigate establishing a Seasonal Senior Clean Up Program in specific areas, for not more than 19 hours per week, to provide a stipend in conjunction with the Senior Tax Write-Off Program. Ms. Hickey sttated that the program is at 80% of the poverty level. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192149: That this Board stands opposed to the proposed increase in the Medicare eligibility age currently being debated in Congress. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192159: That the Director of the Council on Aging update the Senior Services Committee

Senior Services Committee Page 3 of 5 Printed 6/11/2015 of any personnel changes, programming changes and number of regular attendee changes for each senior center. Ms. Hickey spoke about the Fit for Life program; which helps people with mobility issues. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192281: That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the city's Traffic Engineer appear before this Board’s Committee on Senior Services to address pedestrian safety concerns in Union Square. Alderman McWatters is working on this matter. The committee will invite the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Traffic Engineer to attend the next meeting of this committee. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192403: That the Water Superintendent review the water bills of the Somerville Home on Summer Street for accuracy, advise of water conservation measures, and review its eligibility for reimbursable state or federal funds. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192550: That this Board’s Committee on Senior Services and the city's Communications Dept. caution residents, especially senior citizens, to beware of ads sent to them by private vendors about water line insurance, and that the Law Dept. determine the legitimacy of these offers. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192564: That the Director of Traffic and Parking report back to the Committee on Senior Services whether Parking Control Officers can issue tickets to truck operators who keep their vehicles idling. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 194842: That the Director of Traffic and Parking lengthen the pedestrian WALK signal in Union Square beginning at the corner of Warren Avenue/Bow Street and continuing to Somerville Avenue. Alderman McWatters is working on this matter. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 195685: That the Traffic Commission examine the traffic pattern on Franklin Street and Broadway and report its findings to the this Board's Committee on Senior Services.

Senior Services Committee Page 4 of 5 Printed 6/11/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 195760: That the Director of SPCD (ISD) enforce the restriction against allowing dogs in the park beside 252 Pearl Street and report back to the Committee on Senior Services. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198440: That this Board supports the Don't Leave Seniors Behind Healthcare Campaign of the MA Senior Action Council. Ms. Hickey reported that this campaign is being worked on. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198504: That the Directors of Constituent Services and the Council on Aging work with the Mayor’s Office to develop a more robust program for low-cost shoveling for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who can't shovel or pay market rates. Ms. Hickey spoke about working with the Youth Department. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199248: That the Director of the Council on Aging consider providing transportation to local supermarkets for seniors at Cobble Hill until construction of a new corner store is complete. Ms. Hickey spoke about her conversations with the Law Department to find a solution. The Council on Aging will be getting its own van in August. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196052: Traffic and Parking Interim Director submitting a response to #195685 re: the intersection of Franklin Street and Broadway. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192685: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192611: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Senior Services Committee Page 5 of 5 Printed 6/11/2015 192327: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 195028: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED