Committee Report - OSEE - 7-12-17 — File 203883

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 7/13/2017 July 12, 2017 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 Absent Others present: Vanessa Boukili - OSPCD, Annie Connor - Legislative Liaison, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:51 PM by Chairman Ballantyne and adjourned at 8:30 PM. Approval of the May 24, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 201857: That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Sustainability and Environment inform the Special Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy which elements of the AMA's 2016 guidelines on LED lighting could be or have been used to minimize potential harmful effects. Ms. Connor said the lights for squares and pedestrian areas were received today and will be installed. Alderman Davis said the issue is the health impact and that the LED’s give off too much light and shine into houses, disturbing the sleep of residents. He said that he is concerned about the lights in the neighborhoods, not the squares, and would like a retrofit undertaken. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202973: That the Director of SPCD provide this Board with the tree planting plan for the city, by Ward. Ms. Boukili said 70 trees were planted in the spring, with about half all of them being native, and she reviewed the number of trees planted in each ward. In discussing the types of trees planted

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 7/13/2017 she said that power lines were taken into account as was tree diversity. Alderman Davis said that he wants native species planted at all times unless there is a compelling reason to not do so. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203267: That the Commissioner of Public Works ascertain the number of gas leaks in the city, keep data on all reported leaks, and develop a plan with Eversource and National Grid to eliminate the leaks. Ms. Connor said the city is interested in helping on this matter. Alderman Ballantyne mentioned a non-profit, called Mothers Out Front, that is tagging all gas leaks in the city. Alderman McWatters wants to collect the data and use it with SomerStat. Alderman Davis discussed the state creating a process to notify of leaks, rectify them, different levels of urgency and providing proper notice. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203268: That the Director of Sustainability and Environment work with the city's arborist to compile data on trees that die as a result of gas leaks. Alderman McWatters would like the city to coordinate the collection of data on this subject. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203360: That the Administration discuss with the Commissioner of Public Works efforts to de-pave city-owned schools. Chairman Ballantyne said residents are working on redesigning the school yards. OSPCD should come up with a process and then there will be a joint meeting on the matter. Alderman Davis stressed that these spaces are active spaces for the city’s youth. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203387: That the Mayor update this Board on discussions with DCR about the fields at Draw 7 Park and Foss Park. Ms. Connor discussed the city’s discussions with DCR and said that the mayor’s priority is to have an artificial turf field installed that would be compatible with a concert venue. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203389: That the Director of SPCD update this Board on plans for a soccer field at the Healey School playground and the redevelopment of the fields at Conway Park, with timelines for both projects. Ms. Connor told the members that Mr. Rawson, from OSPCD, was on vacation but she tried to get as much info as possible. The contractor will be testing the sites. Alderman Niedergang stated his concern about the shortage of fields and wants to see deadlines. Chairman Ballantyne and Alderman Davis discussed their experiences with field usage in the city

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 7/13/2017 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203493: That the City Arborist evaluate the vitality of the trees at 70 Craigie Street, 64 Craigie Street, and the intersection of Prospect Hill Avenue and Munroe Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203559: That the Director of Sustainability and Environment update this Board’s Special Committee Open Space, Environment and Energy regarding Community Choice Aggregation. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203600: That the Commissioner of Public Works report to this Board on the use of the toxic herbicide Finale on weeds at Trum Field, and what alternative methods of weed control have been tried. The committee was informed that the weeds are being pulled by hand and that Finale is not being used. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203697: That the City Arborist update this Board’s Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy on the Ash Borer prevention and maintenance plan for this year. Chairman Ballantyne asked about the information on the city’s website and Ms. Boukili said the site would be updated. There was a discussion about potential diseases that may threaten trees. Alderman McWatters asked about removing diseased and/or infected trees and Ms. Boukili said they are being monitored. Alderman Davis asked that information about tree diseases and tree classification be placed on the city’s website and said that he is concerned about cutting down trees owned by the city. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203744: That the Director of Sustainability and Environment provide all constituents interested in opting out of the Community Choice Aggregation program with Dynegy’s contact information: [email removed], [phone removed] (M-F 9AM–8PM). RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203811: Director of Sustainability and Environment responding to #203588 re: the Community Choice Aggregation Initiative. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Open Space, Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 7/13/2017 203812: DPW Commissioner responding to various Board Orders submitted 6/8/17. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Handouts: • AMA Health Concerns (with 201857) • Community Choice Flyer (with 203559)