Committee Report - PUPW - 10-20-15 — File 200163

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 1 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 October 20, 2015 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Robert J. McWatters Chair Present Tony Lafuente Vice Chair Absent Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Mark Niedergang, Steve MacEachern - DPW, Stan Koty - DPW, Brad Rawson - OSPCD, representatives from utility companies (Verizon, Eversource, Comcast and RCN), Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman McWatters and adjourned at 7:00 PM. Document List: • Dbl Pole Aging • Dbl Pole Summary Data • PW Responses Mr. MacEachern discussed the double pole situation and informed the committee that, according to the utility companies, 22 of the double poles belong to the city. He distributed a double pole summary data sheet and noted that the number of Eversource double poles in the city has increased. Mr. Koty stated that the utility companies lists are not accurate. Chairman McWatters said that he would like to have 100 double poles removed within 2 weeks. The utility companies will meet with the DPW next week and report back to the committee in 4 weeks. 1. Approval of the September 18, 2014 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 195746: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide the Committee on Public Utilities and Works with a year end report on the performance of the street light repair vendor, including the number of lights repaired vs. replaced.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 2 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 195994: That the Director of SPCD (ISD) consider revising its scheduling system for inspections so that it is more predictable for home owners. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196186: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board whether it is possible to have the Public Schools open when there is a declared snow emergency, and, if it is possible, to also report the plan for teacher and staff parking, since school parking lots are used then for resident parking. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196302: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board on the performance of the contractor who maintains the street lights, the terms of the contract and deliverables, and the process to ensure that street lights are maintained and operable. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196378: That the Director of SPCD and/or the Commissioner of Public Works notify property owners along lower Broadway of the five year moratorium on renovations to private sewer systems and encourage them to make appropriate plans. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196445: That the Commissioner of Public Works, in conjunction with the State Delegation, request that the MA Dept. Of Transportation remove all equipment and inventory from, and clean and improve the entire area under, I-93, between Temple Street and McGrath Highway. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196608: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify the appropriate utility regarding the double pole on Perkins Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196621: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility and cable vendors to address the low hanging wires on Allen Street.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 3 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196624: That the Director of Traffic and Parking place new pedestrian crossing signs at crosswalks located at Perry Park, Calvin and Beacon Streets, Newton Street and other pedestrian crossing locations in Ward 2. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196768: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct all parties involved in the construction work along lower Broadway to provide better communication with neighbors in the construction areas. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196770: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility company regarding the removal of double poles on Perkins Street, Glen Street, Cutter Street, Kennison Avenue and Garfield Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196785: That the Commissioner of Public Works explain the policy regarding the height of utility wires suspended from poles, and the protocols in place to ensure adherence to the policy. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196888: That the Director of SPCD publicize the Davis Square Streetscapes construction timeline. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196913: That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the banks of the Mystic River along Assembly Row and ensure that a regular cleaning schedule is put in place. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196946: That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that there are enough trash receptacles along the Assembly Square waterway, adding additional barrels where needed. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196958: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted April 24,

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 4 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 2014. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196970: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility companies to remove the double pole at the corner of Willow and Kidder Avenues. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196983: That the Administration dedicate certain public buildings for community use. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197063: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 5/8/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197065: Traffic and Parking Interim Director submitting responses to various Board Orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197233: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct Verizon to remove unused utility boxes from the side lawn of the West Somerville Neighborhood School, and from the north side of the grounds of the Powderhouse Community School. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197238: That the City Engineer review drainage on Shore Drive, especially with storm water runoff during heavy rains, particularly at the corner of Shore Drive and Putnam Street, as well as the impact of development at Assembly Square on the sewer outflow line. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197266: That the Commissioner of Public Works add Meacham Road and Cottage Avenue to this year’s street paving list. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197277: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify the appropriate utility companies to remove the double pole on Cambria Street.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 5 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197314: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 5/22/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197354: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 6/26/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197355: DPW Commissioner responding to supplemental Board Orders submitted 6/12/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197387: That the Director of SPCD (ISD) direct the utility maintaining the transfer station on Willow Avenue and Whipple Street to cut back the overgrown weeds. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197395: That the Administration add Hall Street, Cherry Street, and Josephine Avenue between Kidder and Morrison Avenues to the street repaving list and report to the Ward 5 Alderman when they are likely to be repaved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197423: DPW Commissioner responding to #197238 re: Shore Drive drainage. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197428: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the depression in the roadway in the east bound lane on Broadway just past its intersection with School Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197429: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the depression in the roadway on Mt. Pleasant Street, just after its intersection with Broadway. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197465: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify the appropriate utility company to realign the utility pole in front of 47 Oliver Street.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 6 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197472: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact NStar about removing the double pole at 72 Curtis Street. (2nd request.) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197482: That the Commissioner of Public Works confer with SPCD on the proper maintenance of Quincy Park, and clear the Park of overgrowth. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197489: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board about how utilities inform residents about work on their streets, utility poles or power lines. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197495: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide the Ward 5 Alderman with the timeline for repaving Linden Avenue and Porter Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197502: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct the appropriate utility company to remove the leaning double pole at 33 Columbus Avenue immediately. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197625: That NStar Electric report to this Board on its preparations to insure sufficient power for the redevelopment of Union Square. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197643: That the Commissioner of Public Works request that the state clean the space under I-93 in the Ten Hills area and in Ward One, and remove all vehicles and stored items. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197650: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the bulbs in the three street lights in Junction Park nearest to Woodbine Street and Centre Street that have been out for many months. (3rd Request)

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 7 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197651: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the bulb in the street light on Woodbine Street that is second closest to Junction Park. (3rd Request) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197659: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact Mass Highway to request that they cut back the overgrowth on the right-hand side of the Broadway - Somerville exit ramp off of Route 93. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197662: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief Fire Engineer order the appropriate utility companies to remove the double pole at 33 Columbus Avenue as it is creating a public safety issue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197684: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 8/28/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197694: That the Commissioner of Public Works assess the adequacy of street lighting along Chester, Fitchburg and Poplar Streets, install additional lighting where needed and repair street lights which are not working on those streets. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197722: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify immediate abutters in advance when a tree of a certain minimum size is cut down near their residence. Alderman Niedergang spoke about communication with neighbors when a tree is scheduled to come down. Mr. MacEachern explained the process and said that a notice is posted. Alderman McLaughlin commented that he would like the tree issues on Jasper Street addressed. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197723: That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board of any public process that must be followed to cut down a tree of significant size. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 8 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 197724: That the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board on the development, staffing and cost of a program to maintain street trees and keep tree wells clean and weed-free, and/or a program to assist and inspire residents to do so. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197737: NStar Electric responding to #197625 re: planning for the redevelopment of Union Square. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197773: That the Commissioner of Public Works devise a strategy to address instances of low hanging utility/cable wires throughout Somerville. Alderman McLaughlin spoke about the need to address the low hanging wire problem in East Somerville. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197793: That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that the street, sidewalk, handicapped ramp and catch basin work at Berwick and Hinckley Streets is completed before winter. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197834: Chief Fire Engineer responding to #197662 re: removing double pole at 33 Columbus Avenue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197836: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 9/11/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197858: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 9/23/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197873: That the Director of SPCD and the DPW Commissioner update this Board on the lower Broadway construction, including e a timeline for completion, updates on any problems and explanations of tree selections and trash barrel distributions. Mr. Koty reported that the problem lies with NSTAR, as they would not pay for the work.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 9 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197883: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct the developers of 143 and 181 Cedar Street to repair the sidewalks in front of their properties. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197892: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the sidewalk panel in front of 7 Belmont Place. (Second request) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197905: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 10/9/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197917: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct all utility companies to clean up their lines throughout the city. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197972: That the Commissioner of Public Works complete all work before the winter in the Magoun Square neighborhood on the street, sidewalk, handicapped ramp and catch basin at Berwick and Hinckley Streets and also at Fennell and Hinckley Streets. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197984: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the broken and upraised sidewalk panels on Warren Avenue from Properzi Manner to Citizens Bank. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198025: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 10/23/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198092: That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Board with a list of sidewalks that will be redone with new ADA accessibility under the $2,700,000 bonding recently approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 10 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 198109: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify the appropriate utility company to remove the double pole in front of 46 Elmwood Street. Chairman McWatters requested that the double pole be removed within 1 week. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198110: That the Commissioner of Public Works re-install the street light that was removed 4 years ago at 72 Curtis Street. The committee was assured that this would be handled within 1 week. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198156: That the Commissioner of Public Works attach an explanatory tag to bicycles that are suspected of being abandoned to provide due notice to owners of impending removal. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198195: That the Commissioner of Public Works communicate with state snow removal agencies to ensure that state properties, such as Foss Park and Sullivan Square, are having snow removed in an expedient manner. Mr. Koty informed the committee that the state is responsible. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198213: That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the rotting 10 foot high tree base that is being used to anchor a telephone pole in front of 11 Barton Street. Mr. MacEachern explained why the tree in question was handles the way it was. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198215: That the Commissioner of Public Works advise the Ward 7 Alderman on eliminating water pooling at 128 Powderhouse Blvd., caused by the new raised intersection at Powderhouse Blvd. and Packard Ave. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198256: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 11/13/14. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198280: That the Commissioner of Public Works schedule another yard waste pickup this month, and report to this Board whether yard waste pickupsc can be extended through

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 11 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 December in the future. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198315: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the street lamps at the locations described within. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198316: That the Commissioner of Public Works arrange for the ash trees on Chapel Street, and citywide, if necessary, be treated to prevent the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198351: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the street light at Harvard and Monmouth Streets. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198352: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the street lamp in front of 58 Dartmouth Street. (2nd Request) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198381: That the Commissioner of Public Works note the lack of repairs to the city's streetlamps, as previously noted at this Board's last meeting, and attend the next meeting of the this Board’s Public Utilities and Works Committee with the streetlamp maintenance vendor. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198386: That the Commissioner of Public Works update the Ward 5 Alderman on repairs to prevent pedestrians from tripping in the crosswalks at Linden Avenue on the south side of Summer Street, Aberdeen Road by Highland Avenue, and Hall Street by Cherry Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198420: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 1/8/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198421: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 11/25/14.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 12 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198442: That the Commissioner of Public Works look into the deployment of plow arm extensions, which can be lowered to clear driveways that have had snow plowed into them, and report to this Board about their potential use here. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198444: That the Director of SPCD (ISD) report to this Board on the process for issuing citations during snowstorms to private plowing and shoveling contractors who are plowing snow into the street or onto neighbors' sidewalks. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198575: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility company regarding low hanging wires at the corner of Columbus and Bonner Avenues. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198602: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 2/12/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198729: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the sidewalk on Warren Avenue from Properzi Manor to Citizen’s Bank. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198778: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 3/12/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198944: That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the stairs and surrounding area from Mystic Housing to the Healey School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199129: That the Commissioner of Public Works or the City Solicitor report to this Board on making the Albion Street sidewalk contractor repair the sidewalks there or refund the city, and that the Commissioner repair those sidewalks.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 13 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199245: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Board with the street paving plan for the upcoming season. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199289: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide the Ward 2 Alderman with an explanation regarding a patched section of roadway on Hammond Street, which was recently paved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199295: That the Director of SPCD discuss capitalizing on street repaving to bury utilities, beautify the city, and reduce the threat of power outages due to rain/snow/ice storms. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199353: That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the Sacramento Street pedestrian underpass, set a regular cleaning schedule, and communicate that schedule to the Ward 2 Alderman. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199359: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 4/9/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199360: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 4/23/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199361: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 5/14/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199369: That the Commissioner of Public Works immediately assess the stability of the listing utility pole at 6 Windsor Road and act expeditiously to remediate the double pole. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199499: That the Administration begin charging rent, or additional charges, to the owner

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 14 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 of 240 Elm Street for every day his scaffolding remains on the public way. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199516: That the Director of SPCD report to this Board monthly on the Beacon Street reconstruction project. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199547: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of SPCD work with Eversource to remove the unsafe telephone poles secured to rotting trees on Woods Street at North Street, and on Barton Street at Broadway. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199564: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 5/28/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199699: That the Commissioner of Public Works examine 88 Pearson Road for connection to the city sewer system, including replacement of any pipes, and provide appropriate assistance to the homeowner. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199843: That the Commissioner of Public Works remove the cement curbs and the bench in Kelley Park that were put in the skate board area without authorization from the city. (Photos attached) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199856: That the Director of SPCD (Transportation and Infrastructure) update this Board on the Beacon Street reconstruction project and work with the Ward 2 Alderman on a Community meeting to update the public. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199860: That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board of the plan for fall plantings and flowers for Union Square and Somerville Avenue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199862: That the Commissioner of Public Works maintain and make needed repairs to all

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 15 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 of the tree wells and traffic islands along Somerville Avenue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199867: That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board how the city addresses the increase in trash during late August and early September due to the influx of students. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199869: That the Administration inform the Clark Street neighbors about the TV pipe testing which should have been performed in 2014. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199872: That the Commissioner of Public Works modify the sidewalk at 69 Pearl Street to make it ADA accessible. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199877: That the Commissioner of Public Works ensure that the sidewalk at 43 Cross Street is ADA compliant. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199950: That the Director of SPCD (Transportation) update the Ward 5 Alderman on the planned reconstruction of Cedar Street between Broadway and Highland Avenue. Alderman Niedergang requested a street paving schedule and he, along with Chairman McWatters, expressed concern that some streets need attention now. Mr. Koty discussed the pavement management plan and said that to take politics out of the process, the DPW doesn't make the determinations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199953: That the Commissioner of Public Works cut the curbs and install sidewalk ramps at the intersection of Clyde and Warwick Streets, by Maxwell’s Green. Mr. Koty informed the committee that the DPW does not install ramps. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199955: That the Director of SPCD (Transportation) consider installing a bollard at the top of the stairs at the Community Path Extension by Lowell Street, to prevent people from accidentally tumbling down the stairs.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 16 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199956: That the Commissioner of Public Works determine if the lighting at the Community Path Extension ramp and stairs by the Lowell Street bridge is sufficient, and if not, install more. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199960: That the Commissioner of Public Works install new benches in the park area of Bryant Manor. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199961: That the Commissioner of Public Works dispose of the trash in barrels on Cross Street East, by the Stop and Shop. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200034: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the three (of six) bollards that have come unglued on the Lowell Street bridge sidewalk at the end of the Community Path Extension ramp. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200035: That the Commissioner of Public Works cut the curb at the Warwick Street elbow by the Community Path Extension ramp (as promised as part of the Maxwell’s Green development), and provide the public a chance to comment on the proposed design. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200036: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board on plans to repave the Community Path between Cedar Street and Willow Avenue, and fix the damaged section near Willow Avenue. Mr. Rawson spoke about funding and possible contamination issues related to this project. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200049: That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the safety of the tilting telephone pole at Clarendon and Weston Avenues. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 17 of 17 Printed 10/22/2015 200051: That Commissioner of Public Works repair the broken utility light at 1036 Broadway. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200087: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 9/10/15. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED