Committee Report - Legislative Matters - 7-12-16 — File 201805

Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 7/14/2016 July 12, 2016 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mary Jo Rossetti Chair Present Mark Niedergang 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 Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Present Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Tony Lafuente Ward Four Alderman Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Others present: Nick Salerno - Elections, Michael Feloney - OSPCD, Kelly Donato - OSPCD, David Shapiro - Law, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees. Approval of the May 19, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 200523: That the Election Commissioner report to this Board on implementing the new state early voting law, and respond to the recommendations of the MA Election Modernization Coalition Early Voting Challenge. Mr. Salerno discussed the polling schedule and locations for early voting and informed the committee that applications may be downloaded from the internet or mailed. Early voting must be for eleven days. Public notification will be the same as for other elections. Members discussed and offered other timeframes for the voting hours. Chairman Rossetti requested that the Election Department adjust the proposed schedule to include additional evening, early and weekend hours. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 7/14/2016 201023: That the two non-zoning proposals on tenancy preservation and waiting lists be severed from the Planning Board’s recommendation (#200995) and referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters for consideration. Mr. Snyder stated that this item requires some legal analysis and noted that there must be a definition of “good cause”. Mr. Feloney spoke about a fair housing rule, implemented throughout the country, which had a ripple effect on states. Alderman White pointed out that if they are separated out, the HUD regulations would not have to be followed. This could be done at the administrative level. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201151: That the Legislative Matters Committee with the City Solicitor review the Noise Ordinance for any changes with regard to permitted construction noise in residential areas early on Saturdays and holidays, so it's consistent for contractors and residents. Mr. Snyder stated that the administration would like to know the will of the BOA, so that it may present its suggestions. Alderman Heuston noted that a definition of “residential neighborhood” is needed. Alderman White’s motion to amend Sec. 9-116 to include holidays was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201168: Requesting, with the President of this Board, consideration of a new draft of the Pay to Play Ordinance. Mr. Shapiro explained the references used to draft this proposal. Members discussed refunding contributions to donors. Alderman Niedergang made a motion to change “request” to “requests” in part VI on page 4. RESULT: APPROVED 201500: That the Administration and City Solicitor prepare a Home Rule Petition to allow a transfer fee on all real estate transactions, the proceeds of which would be used for affordable housing and perhaps the City’s potential financial commitment to the Green Line Extension. Alderman Niedergang said that he realizes there are commitments with the GLX and new high school and he feels that those issues should be dealt with first. Alderman White referenced Nantucket’s pending transfer tax and Chairman Rossetti discussed an opinion (by Wig Zamore) on funding the GLX. Alderman McLaughlin was concerned that if the proposal isn’t tied to the GLX, it probably won’t happen. Alderman McWatters would like to see more cities and towns on board and feels that this is a way to tackle affordable housing. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 201728: Superintendent of Schools notifying this Board of a vacancy on the School

Legislative Matters Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 7/14/2016 Committee as of August 21, 2016, with the resignation of Ward 6 representative Paul Bockelman. Mr. Salerno reported that the election staff has explored all of the options and explained how the state’s guidelines impacted the choices and said that he feels that the presented recommendation would work. RESULT: APPROVED Committee Meeting Handouts: 1. Preliminary Early Voting Schedule (with 200523) 2. Tenancy Preservation Info (with 201203) 3. Noise Ordinance (with 201151) 4. Proposed Pay to Play Ordinance (with 201168) 5. School Committee Special Election Calendar (with 201728)