Committee Report - OSEE - 2-29-16 — File 200895

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 3/10/2016 February 29, 2016 REPORT OF THE OPEN SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Katjana Ballantyne Chair Present Robert J. McWatters Vice Chair Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Absent Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Present Tony Lafuente Ward Four Alderman Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Absent William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Others present: Jason Tanco - Tanco Lighting, Andrea Ranger - CEUCC, Stan Koty - DPW, 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 8:27 PM. Document List: • Street Lighting (with 200289) • Field Surface (with 200299) Approval of the February 2, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 199125: That the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change appear before this Board to discuss their activities, and submit a brief report with the highlights of their work. Ms. Ranger spoke about the work of the city’s Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC) and its concern with global warming. A range of topics were discussed, including solar systems, home weatherization, examination of municipal buildings and municipal operations, electricity load aggregation, green energy, the launching of Somerville Energy

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 3/10/2016 Efficiency Now and the commission’s work with the Mass Clean Energy Center. Alderman Rossetti inquired about solar powered kiosks in playgrounds and Alderman Davis asked about the mechanics of the renewable energy plan. Alderman Heuston asked about potential cost savings and was told that renewable energy comes at a higher cost. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199294: That the Director of Sustainability and Environment discuss methods to reduce light pollution with dark sky lighting. This item was discussed with #200289 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200299: That the Director of SPCD, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Sustainability and Environment consider the pros and cons of artificial turf and identify alternative designs for publicly accessible open space. With the large community discussion about fields and which is the better option for fields Ald. Ballantyne requested the proponents of grass and the proponent of synthetic turf suggest experts on each side of the issue come to the committee meeting to share their subject matter expertise. This meeting was strictly a sharing of information for all aldermen to become better acquainted with the issue. It was not a debate. David Nardone from Stantech was selected by the synthetic turf proponents to share information. The share back of information ranged from ; synthetic turf material construction; drainage properties; padding; fiber material; infill materials; warranties â dependent on maintenance plan; temperature, e.g. 95 degrees outside fields temperature could be up to 135 degrees. Also there was discussion about the types of in-fill materials, synthetic or natural. If there is natural in-fill, then the fields would require watering. Mr. Nardone also stated that maintenance IS required for synthetic turf. Alderman expressed concern about abrasions caused by falling on the turf, surface temperature, drainage and health concerns associated with in-fill made from rubber tires. Jerad Minnick from the Natural Grass Advisory Group & Grass Innovation Inc. was selected by the grass field proponents to share back information. The share back of information ranged from; field aeration; field maintenance training; field rest periods; fertilizer consumption, reusable field cloth coverage (cost $7,500-$10,000), recommended maximum field usage. He noted that there is increased grass field usage and increase in demand for better field quality. Additionally Mr. Minnick expressed the opinion that grass fields are under maintained, and that many fields aren't maintained at all. However now a days through updated, creative, new maintenance approaches

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 3/10/2016 and improved technologies allows for high use natural grass fields. He suggested that grass could be programmed over 1000 hours. Aldermen expressed skepticism regarding the number of usages hours on grass fields. Ald. Ballantyne asked if he could give examples of highly programmed grass fields in the North East. He said he could not, however that his company has worked on grass sporting fields in the Ukraine. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200289: That the Administration review concerns raised by residents about LED street lights, and change course if the problems seen in other communities are imminent. Mr. Tanco, a sub-contractor involved in the conversion to LED lighting spoke about the work in Winchester and Sharon and said that some communities feel that the lights are too bright or too dim. He said that the type of street impacts the illumination. The lights being installed in Somerville will be DLC and Dark Sky compliant. There is a geographical plan for the installation. Alderman Heuston commented on the maintenance of the street lights and asked if that topic would be discussed at this meeting. Aldermen Rossetti spoke about discussions that were held in the PHPS Committee regarding the maintenance of street lights. Alderman Niedergang spoke about a report done by a Ward 5 resident, Luis Morales, and made a motion that the LED lighting consultants performing the installation review the report and provide the committee with written comments. The motion was approved. Mr. Koty stated that the contractor has 4 people working on maintaining the lights and reported that the DPW has made great progress with the prime contractor, Dagle. The cost of the bulbs is $35 each and the replacement schedule depends upon street sweeping routes. Alderman Heuston expressed concern about the uncertainty of the installations and requested that both an installation map and schedule be provided. Alderman Lafuente said that the outside contracting has not worked out and that the maintenance should be brought in-house. Mr. Tanco stated that the new fixtures should last 10 years and require little maintenance. The project will encompass 3,800 lights and will cost $300,000, including labor and project management. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE