Committee Report - PHPS - 10-19-16 — File 202280

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 October 19, 2016 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John M. Connolly Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Vice Chair Absent Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Lance Davis, Doug Kress - HHS, Brad Rawson - OSPCD, Lt. Polito - SPD, Stan Koty - DPW, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:04 PM by Alderman Connolly and adjourned at 7:14 PM. Approval of the September 14, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 200140: That the Chief of Police, the Chief Fire Engineer and the Director of Traffic and Parking consider a "Don't Block the Box" program at key intersections that impede the flow of traffic and present a public safety hazard, and report back to this Board in writing within 30 days. Mr. Snyder discussed intersections that presently have the signage and said that a study would be conducted on other intersections. Lt. Polito spoke about Union Square and enforcement. Pavement marking areas, various locations and evaluation time and methods were discussed. Chairman Connolly noted that similar signage is used in mid-town Manhattan and he asked that a memo regarding a plan of action be provided prior to the next meeting of the committee. He also suggested posting the fine on the signage. Alderman McLaughlin would like to move forward on this quickly and as inexpensively as possible. He voiced his objection to the look of the signage exampled provided. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201777: That the Mayor and the Chief of Police update the city website with expanded

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 information on Police policies on Biased Based Policing, with all recent complaints and outcomes, as well as the complaint filing process and relationship with the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Snyder reported that all policies and procedures have been posted on the website. Chief Fallon will be providing a more detailed briefing. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202024: That the Director of Traffic and Parking initiate a citywide “Don’t Block the Box” program by painting and installing signage at the intersection of Medford Street and Lowell Street. See discussion of item 200140. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202025: That the Chief of Police, the Chief Fire Engineer and the Director of Traffic and Parking attend the next Public Health and Safety Committee meeting to discuss #200140 regarding a "Don't Block the Box" program. See discussion of item 200140. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201889: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 15-17-19 Henderson Street for all code violations and unauthorized removals of stop work orders and unsafe building notices, and report back to this Board on recommended actions to ensure the public's health and safety. A court hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2017. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201988: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 33-35 Barton Street weekly for continual overgrowth onto the public sidewalk. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202162: That the Director of Health and Human Services advise this Board of any potential public health concerns raised by a recent report that one out of eight samples of Somerville tap water showed small amounts of Chromium-6, and detail any more recent test results. Mr. Kress stated that this issue is not a threat to consumers. The MWRA will keep the city updated on the situation.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200878: That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Board in writing on the street lamp contractor’s repair of street lamps since the last Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. Mr. Koty had a conversation with the lighting contractor and reported that all of the LED lights have been installed. A final list is expected tomorrow (Oct. 20th). Eversource still needs to power certain lights. The work on the decorative lights is almost complete, however the new lights are taking a bit longer due to a change in the lighting requirements. Mr. Koty stated that each lighting concern has been addressed. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201334: That the Commissioner of Public Works report on the LED conversion project to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety by the second week of June. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201794: That the Director of SPCD report to this Board on measures to design streets and bike lanes, and educate drivers and bicyclists, to increase safety with respect to the door- opening zone for parked cars. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201799: That the Director of SPCD update this Board on a bicycle public safety/education campaign. (3rd request) RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192737: That this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety arrange for representatives of Riverside Community Care aka Somerville Mental Health Association, to appear before the Committee to explain where the programs are and how the City can assist them. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199520: That the Administration prioritize a public health initiative to control the opiate abuse epidemic, including nearby health and educational institutions and any other available resources. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 4 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 199724: That the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer appear before the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to discuss concerns regarding #198703 and #199522 for public safety at Assembly Row and citywide. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200309: That the Administration arrange for Matrix Consulting to appear before this Board's Public Health and Safety Committee to report their findings on public safety. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200216: That the City Clerk invite the Logan Airport Community Advisory Committee representative to this Board's next meeting to recommend action for the increased impact of Logan air traffic. Mr. Snyder referenced an upcoming airport impact meeting to be held at Partners Healthcare. Problems being experienced in Milton and other communities were discussed. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200479: That the MassPort Community Advisory Committee seek to address Logan Airport noise, pollution, and traffic issues by sponsoring a regional citizens' forum, an online runway database, and federal research. See discussion of item 200216. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200519: That the Chief of Police consider deploying body cameras for all police officers, and prepare a feasibility report within 30 days for this Board's Public Health and Public Safety Committee. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200641: That the Administration consider implementing a Certified Emergency Response Team as outlined by FEMA. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 200846: That the Administration inform this Board of efforts to assist Riverside Community Care, formerly at 78 College Avenue, in finding a new location for its mental health day treatment program.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 5 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201308: That the Chief of Police extend school crossing guard services from 3:15 PM to 3:30 PM. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201410: That the Administration submit a Home Rule Petition relative to allowing Special Police Officers to serve up to age 70. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201498: That the Chief of Police and the Animal Control Officer enforce the leash law on the Community Path and around Lexington Park. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201565: That the Administration work with this Board to provide evidence of the City's runner-friendly activities to the Road Runners Club of America in order to be designated a Runner Friendly Community. Mr. Snyder congratulated Chairman Connolly for his efforts. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201932: Requesting the adoption of the 2016 Update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202111: That the Director of SPCD implement a bicyclist and pedestrian safety education campaign. (3rd request) Mr. Rawson discussed the ways the Bicycle Committee would like to increase safety. He also spoke about education, the “dutch reach” method, street markings, additional bike lanes, on street parking, hot spots, crash data, directed patrols, fines and contractor notifications. Alderman Davis spoke of his concern of having bike lanes next to car doors. He also suggested that bike safety information be provided during the parking permit process. Alderman Davis said that bicycles are vehicles and have the same rights as automobiles, adding that bike safety should be made part of driver education. Alderman McLaughlin would like to see educational videos and more bike lanes, noting that there are no bike lanes on Somerville Avenue, but there are bicycle accidents. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 6 of 6 Printed 10/25/2016 200587: Ben Asack submitting comments re: establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201198: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 3/24/16. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201375: District Attorney responding to #196432 re: the investigation of the murder of Deanna Cremin. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201482: Conveying the Carlson Group's study of Somerville's fire and rescue services. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202136: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 8/25/16. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Handouts: • Som Bicycle Advisory Comm Letter (with 202111) • Bicycle Street Markings and Facilities (with 202111) • MWRA Advisory (with 202162) • Photos (with 200140, 202024, 202025)