Committee Report - PUPW- 9-22-16 — File 202127

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 1 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 September 21, 2016 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Robert J. McWatters Chair Present Tony Lafuente Vice Chair Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present Also in attendance: Alderman McLaughlin, Alderman Niedergang, Rick Willette - DPW, Stan Koty - DPW, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:30 PM by Alderman McWatters and adjourned at 7:15 PM. Approval of the March 15, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 195521: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of SPCD (ISD) implement a plan to address trash and code violations each May and September, when student moves have the greatest impact on the City. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 195528: That this Board’s Committee on Public Utilities and Works explore Boston’s Code Ordinance CBC 9-1.3, which requires private rental units to be registered on an annual basis and inspections to be conducted for non-exempt units on a 5-year cycle. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 2 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 The question was asked if it is possible to have schools open during snow emergencies since school lots are used for resident parking during those times. Mr. Koty spoke about road safety and teachers who do not live in the area. Alderman Niedergang stated that several parents have been asking him about this matter for approximately 10 years. It was asked if the city could separate the school from the snow emergencies at the interest of the school. The school superintendant is interested and will be working on this matter. Mr. Koty said that some may think the snow emergency stays in effect longer than necessary, however, there are many students who walk to school and the city must think about safety first. The city purchased 4 additional Bobcats last year that are used to help make the sidewalks safer. There is nothing stated that the schools must be cancelled during snow emergencies. Mr. Snyder stated the city is looking into what other protocols could be followed relative to snow emergencies and school closings. There will be follow up conversations on this matter and the committee would like to hear about other municipalities who may suggest that residents find other parking locations during snow emergencies, to free up school parking lots. Chairman McWatters suggested formulating a policy going forward with the school superintendant and DPW commissioner to find alternative parking locations. Mr. Snyder will meet with the commissioner and superintendant to publish the policy online. Mr. Koty pointed out that snow operations are already posted on the city’s website, explaining why a snow emergency is handled in a certain way. Everyone has access to this policy and it includes clearing walkways and crossing guard stations. 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: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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 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 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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 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 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 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 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 4 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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. 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 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 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 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 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.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 5 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197756: That the Administration report to this Board on its plan to implement the Tree Advisory Committee that is required by Ordinance 12-100, the Tree Preservation Ordinance. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197773: That the Commissioner of Public Works devise a strategy to address instances of low hanging utility/cable wires throughout Somerville. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197917: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct all utility companies to clean up their lines throughout the city. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198088: That the Commissioner of Public Works investigate and report back on installing solar powered kiosks in our parks and playgrounds to communicate youth and family activities in our city. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198109: That the Commissioner of Public Works notify the appropriate utility company to remove the double pole in front of 46 Elmwood Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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 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

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 6 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 snow into the street or onto neighbors' sidewalks. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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 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 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 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 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. 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 200136: That the Commissioner of Public Works fix the broken pedestrian warning signal for the exit from the Magoun Square CVS onto Medford Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200149: That the Commissioner of Public Works plant grass in front of the East Branch

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 7 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 Library. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200150: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the broken street lights on Broadway, from Fellsway West to Grant Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200151: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the broken street lights at 10 Wheatland Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200223: That the Commissioner of Public Works create clearly defined lines along Walnut Street, by Pearl Street and Broadway, to eliminate two lane traffic problems. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200266: That the Commissioner of Public Works repaint the faded NO CYCLING markers on sidewalks and install NO BIKE RIDING – PLEASE WALK YOUR BIKE signs in central business districts. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200276: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the clock in the Argenziano School cafeteria which has been broken for the last 5 years. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200440: That the Director of Constituent Services appear before this Board’s Committee on Public Utilities and Works with a written report on streetlamp repairs citywide. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200528: That the Commissioner of Public Works provide this Board with a timeline for repair of the backstop behind the large baseball diamond at Trum Field, by Broadway and Charles E. Ryan Road. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200529: That the Commissioner of Public Works make needed repairs to Trum Field in time for the spring baseball season.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 8 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200637: That the Director of SPCD provide all Ward Aldermen with the 2016 street paving plan for all Wards. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200645: That the Commissioner of Public Works explain to this Board how to find out when a particular street is scheduled to be re-paved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200680: That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before the Committee on Public Utilities and Works to address the assistance the City can provide for a city tree root that is growing into the basement of the home at 25 Meacham Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200695: That the Director of Capital Projects and the Disability Coordinator appear before the Committee on Public Utilities and Works to discuss ADA issues and construction defects at the East Somerville Community School. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200747: That the Commissioner of Public Works consider using pet safe salt on city walkways. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200748: That the Commissioner of Public Works address the icing on Assembly Row sidewalks. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200772: That the Commissioner of Public Works consider installing cigarette butt disposal boxes in public areas citywide. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200773: That the Commissioner of Public Works describe to this Board, the rationale for treating multi-unit residences the same as single family residences for purposes of volume- based escalation of water rates.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 9 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200874: That the Director of Capital Projects advise the Ward 7 Alderman of the start date and schedule for sewer/relining on Powderhouse Blvd. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200882: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Supervisor of Inspectional Services report to this Board on the repair of the sidewalk that is collapsing on Vernon Street, and what precautions are being taken for public safety. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201007: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of SPCD consider replacing the unused concrete bus shelter at Broadway and Cedar Street with a garden, small park or sitting area, and report back by 5/12/16. Alderman Niedergang requested that someone look at this unused bus shelter and come up with a plan for cleaning or updating it. The administration will look into the matter. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201010: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the decorative lamppost that is missing from the stump at Old Magoun’s Saloon in Magoun Square. (2nd request) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201011: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the 3 missing yellow bollards on the east side of the Lowell Street bridge at the Community Path Extension ramp. (2nd request) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201012: That the Director of SPCD install pigeon spikes underneath the Lowell Street bridge, above the Community Path Extension. (4th request) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201133: That the Commissioner of Public Works contact the appropriate utility to address the low hanging wire on Lincoln Avenue. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 10 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 201144: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the disintegrating sidewalk at the entrance to the parking lot on Central Street used by the Cambridge Health Alliance, or require them to fix it if it is their responsibility. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201270: That the Commissioner of Public Works inform this Board of the options to adjust new LED street lighting, and the process to request such adjustments. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201303: That the Director of Engineering and/or the Supervisor of Inspectional Services provide address numbers to the properties on Chestnut Street and notify the property owners to display them on their buildings to facilitate identifying them. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201319: That the Commissioner of Public Works remove trash from the north side of the Cambridge Health Alliance parking lot off Central Street and behind Junction Park, and post NO DUMPING signs there. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201423: That the Commissioner of Public Works address the leaning utility pole at the East Somerville Community School on Glen Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201473: That the Commissioner of Public Works and/or the City Solicitor report to this Board on efforts to make the Albion Street sidewalk contractor repair the sidewalks or refund the City, and that the Commissioner of Public Works have the sidewalks repaired and report to this Board on when that will happen. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201499: That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the Community Path between Cedar and Lowell Streets, and consider erecting a barrier to prevent erosion from the hill alongside the path. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201504: That the Commissioner of Public Works consider installing an additional street lamp near 27, 31 and 33 Winslow Avenue.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 11 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201586: That the Director of SPCD and the Commissioner of Public Works consider creating shade at Grimmons Park and designing future parks with appropriate shade as well. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201612: That the Commissioner of Public Works trim all foliage blocking memorial dedication signs, traffic signals, and parking regulation signs. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201618: That the Director of Engineering explain to this Board how to find out when a particular street is scheduled to be re-paved, or provide the city’s street paving list. (3rd request) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201691: That the Commissioner of Public Works evaluate the low-hanging lines (from multiple poles) behind 52 Powder House Blvd. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201712: That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the brick walkway between Holland Street and College Avenue in Davis Square Plaza. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201713: That the Commissioner of Public Works inspect the damaged wall at 93 Pearson Road and take action to remedy the situation. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201701: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the 3 raised sidewalk panels at 61 Dartmouth Street. (2nd request) RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201767: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services direct Healey School staff to keep the grounds clean and properly dispose of trash, due to increased rodent activity around the school.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 12 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201771: That the Commissioner of Public Works remove all brush from the Mystic River along Shore Drive. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201778: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct Eversource to immediately remove the heavy plant overgrowth at the transfer station at Willow Avenue and Whipple Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201795: That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the Sacramento Street ramp that runs beneath the railroad tracks and confirm the regular maintenance schedule previously agreed to. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201797: That the Director of Engineering add Porter Street, between Summer and Elm Streets, to the 5-year paving plan, and include the streets off the west side of Porter Street, especially Carver Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201826: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the black hot topped sidewalk at 985-987 Broadway with concrete and explain why Eversource claims they are not allowed to use concrete when replacing an opened sidewalk. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201830: That the Commissioner of Public Works cut down the rotting 12 foot stump at 7 Barton Street. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201906: That the Commissioner of Public Works direct the contractor who recently did work on Porter Street to repair and resurface the sink hole that is beginning to develop on Summer and Porter Streets. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201908: That the Commissioner of Public Works replace the sidewalk panels from

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 13 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 Properzi Manner to Bow Street as they have become a public safety hazard. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202029: That the Director of SPCD, the Director of Capital Planning, and the City Engineer create a timeline from September 2016 to September 2019 for streetscape reconstruction projects in Ward 2 and post the timeline on the city’s website with continual updates as changes occur. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202032: That the City Engineer and the Director of SPCD report back to the Ward 2 Alderman on repairing the sidewalk on the Dane Street bridge and the wooden slats on the Webster Avenue/Newton Street Bridge, and on communications with the responsible State agencies. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202034: That the Director of SPCD add Avon Street to the paving list. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202082: That the Commissioner of Public Works, the Superintendent of Inspectional Services and the City Engineer report to this Board, the process for obtaining permission for a curb cut, including provisions made to ensure that the city’s ordinances are followed. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202096: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief of Police report to this Board whether their departments bring claims against, or cite, motorists who damage city trees. Resident Eileen Schofield was in attendance regarding the damaged trees. It was stated that if there is a police report, then the tree would be replaced. Alderman McLaughlin spoke about 2 or 3 other incidents involving damaged trees. Chairman McWatters asked the Administration to look into dump trucks that are going down streets before 7:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. Alderman Lafuente asked that the Administration have the police send an email to the members of the committee regarding incidents involving trees and to include any follow up on this matter. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200192: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 9/24/15.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 14 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200560: Traffic and Parking Director submitting responses to various Board Orders submitted 11/24/15. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200759: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 1/14/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200760: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 1/28/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200853: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 2/11/16 and 2/25/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200989: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 3/10/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201198: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 3/24/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201345: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 4/14/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201445: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 4/28/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201571: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 5/12/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201572: DPW Commissioner responding to supplemental Board Orders submitted 5/12/16.

Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Page 15 of 15 Printed 9/22/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201573: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted this evening. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201750: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 6/9/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201815: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 6/23/16. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE