Committee Report - Finance - 6-15-15 — File 199508

Finance Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 June 15, 2015 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Tony Lafuente Chair Present Maryann M. Heuston Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present 1. FY-16 Departmental Budget review Police: Chief Fallon said that the Police Department answered 46,000 calls during FY-15 and he spoke about the restructuring of Neighborhood Policing; with accountability, business contacts and citizen contacts, noting that policing needs to move away from incarceration. Grant funding will pay for 2 police officers at Assembly Square on fulltime basis and the department is working on certification and accreditation Standards, which will hopefully allow for the awarding of additional grant funds. Chief Fallon also stated that since Boston is among the top 3 terror targets and Somerville is one of the main evacuation routes out of Boston, the SPD is thoroughly briefed on all incidents. Alderman White requested a breakdown of patrolmen and assignments. Alderman McLaughlin requested that data on the numbers on drug arrests be included in future budget books and ResiStat meetings. Alderman White requested a detailed analysis and projection of revenue from moving violations. Alderman Heuston requested an explanation of why there is a reduction in Land Court recording revenue. Animal Control: Chief Fallon reported that the city’s kennel is not in best condition, therefore, animals are

Finance Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 not kept in the city for more than 24 hours. They are, instead, sent to another kennel. Fire: Chief Fire Engineer Patrick Sullivan reported that the Fire department responds to 12,250 calls annually. Three new trucks are being delivered in about 1 month. The equipment in the eastern part of city is in good shape, Engine 2 is up for replacement this year and Engine 3 in FY-17. The department presently has 98 firefighters, not including officers. The department’s long range plans will focus on growth in the city. Alderman Rossetti was surprised that the study she requested last year has not yet been undertaken and Mr. Boukili responded by saying that the Police and Fire Departments were fine with the last study, performed in 2010. This new study will complement the 2010 report. Mr. Boukili said that Phase 1 of Assembly Square was already studied and covers Assembly Square as it stands now. Alderman Heuston requested information on the condition of fire stations, including the living quarters. Alderman White requested a breakdown of staffing levels for the past several years. Traffic and Parking: (Alderman Sullivan recused) Suzanne Rinfret informed the committee that there will be a crosswalk at the Lowell Street bridge and that the plan would be explained at the June 16th Lowell Street area meeting. Ms. Rinfret noted that although traffic revenue is down, warnings are up. There was a discussion about raising the parking permit fees and most members voiced opposition to the proposal. Alderman Heuston said that the city needs to change its parking policies to make more spaces available to residents, through meter changes and permit parking areas. Alderman Connolly requested data on the number of violation hearings and their outcomes. Alderman Heuston requested information on the cost of credit card convenience fees, i.e., how much came in and what was the % paid in fees, what is the best rate available. Information Technology: Bruce Desmond presented the department’s budget request, pointing out that the increase to the salary line was due to merit and grade changes. Alderman White noted that there is an overall increase in personal services for all departments, and requested a breakdown of how much is due to union contracts, job categorizations, merit, etc. (by Wed, June 17th). Alderman Ballantyne requested an explanation for the $40,000 increase in line 534007 PSTN Communications: (Alderman Rossetti recused)

Finance Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 Denise Taylor presented the department’s budget request. Alderman Heuston is interested in knowing what people think of Somerville and what’s trending in the city and asked if that information could be shared with the Board of Aldermen. MMs. Taylor replied that many things are tracked and data could be included it their weekly updates. Alderman Heuston also requested that welcome package for new residents have a more personal touch, linking new residents to their aldermen and letting aldermen know who the new residents are in their wards. Alderman Niedergang requested a breakdown of the two television stations’ expenses Alderman McLaughlin requested a breakdown of advertising expenses paid to each newspaper. 311: - Steve Craig The department lost 3 employees with a combined 15 years of service, so the response time of calls went up slightly. A new application coming July 1st to streamline service. Mr. Craig added that moving 311 under the umbrella of Communications won’t effect anything in the department. Telco: The budget request was reviewed.