Committee Report - Leg Matters - 8-23-16 — File 201912

Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 8/25/2016 August 23, 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 Absent John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Absent Others present: Nick Salerno - Elections, Goran Smiljic - ISD, David Shapiro - Law, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman Rossetti and adjourned at 7:05 PM. Approval of the July 12, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 197795: That this Board explore an ordinance to allow restaurants with outdoor seating the option to be dog friendly. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 199603: Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the City to appropriate funds to assist commercial properties in maintaining and improving exterior storefronts. Mr. Snyder has been working with the City Solicitor on this matter and reported that the city is awaiting an opinion from the Department of Revenue. Alderman Niedergang provided some background on the subject and voiced his opposition to the item. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 8/25/2016 199934: That the Supervisor of Inspectional Services create a Rental Registration Program to require owners of 6 or more rental units that are not owner-occupied to annually register those units, pay a registration fee, and provide information to facilitate inspections, notices of violations, and resolution of complaints. Mr. Smiljic and Mr. Shapiro addressed this item. Two documents were distributed; (Certificate of Inspection; list of the number of buildings with 6 or more residential units). Mr. Smiljic told the committee that if all buildings with 6 or more units are to be inspected, it would create a “logistical nightmare” and ISD would need at least 3 additional inspectors to accomplish the task. Alderman Niedergang asked about Boston’s requirements on this subject matter and Mr. Smiljic will come back to the committee with his likes and dislikes Boston’s regulations. Chairman Rossetti inquires about the status of the vacant position in ISD. Alderman Niedergang agreed with Alderman Connolly that rather than inspecting all 6+ unit buildings, only those apartments generating continual complaints be inspected. Alderman Connolly’s motion, that the Administration meet with Alderman Heuston, and other members of the Board of Aldermen, as necessary, to discuss ORDER # 199934 and make recommendation to the Legislative Matters Committee prior to the Committee’s next meeting, was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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 distributed a revised list of polling locations and hours and stated the Election Department has spent a tremendous amount of time on this matter. He noted that the city will receive 3 state computers for early voting. Mr. Snyder stated that one of the goals of early voting is to provide, to those who would normally be unavailable during regular voting hours, the opportunity to vote at more convenient times. The Administration examined how other communities are handling early voting and found that there appears to be one location per 8 or 9 square miles. Parking considerations include placing voter parking signs on Highland Avenue and School Street, thereby giving voters the ability to come to a location with parking and accessible via the M.B.T.A. Chairman Rossetti requested that the recently approved state regulations for early voting be provided to all aldermen prior to this week’s BOA meeting (on August 25th). Alderman Connolly asked about the marketing campaign for early voting and whether it would include using social media. Mr. Snyder stated the Communications Department will publicize the information utilizing various methods which could include social media, newsletters and possibly the CTY system. The deadline for setting the schedule is 3 weeks prior to the date of the election. Alderman Niedergang questioned the inconsistency of the weekend hours.

Legislative Matters Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 8/25/2016 Mr. Salerno informed the committee that it appears that the Election Commission may be the authoritative body responsible for creating and approving voting schedules. Chairman Rossetti requested that, if that turns out to be the case and since the committee has already worked on this matter, the Election Commission meet with the Legislative Matters Committee to share information and finalize the details of the schedule. Chairman Rossetti requested that all aldermen receive either a copy of the draft regulations (distributed July 12 2016), ORDER #200523 and tonight's suggested early voting hours prior to this week’s BOA meeting (on August 25th). RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 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 and Mr. Shapiro addressed this item and discussed a prior meeting that included the Director of Housing and advocates from Somerville Community Corp. The parties are committed to coming together again for another meeting and to meeting with the Legislative Matters Committee. There was a question about necessity of a Home Rule Petition for this request. Members were told that a consensus on the matter should be ready in 4 to 6 weeks. 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. Shapiro distributed a draft of the noise ordinance for the committee’s review. Discussions were held on the possible implementation date of the noise ordinance and how the revisions would effect job sites with construction already underway. The committee would like to have this item approved without delay. Two amendments were made to the draft: adding the word “and” in the first paragraph, as noted, and adding an effective date of October 1, 2016. RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED 201275: Requesting approval of an Administrative Order relative to the organization of administrative offices. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Committee Meeting Handouts 1. Certificate of Inspection (with 199934)

Legislative Matters Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 8/25/2016 2. Buildings with 6 or more units (with 199934) 3. Poll Location Times (with 200523) 4. Draft ordinance regulating noise during construction (with 201151)