Committee Report - PHPS - 10-4-17 — File 204397

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 October 4, 2017 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: Wilford Dubin - City of Cambridge, Annie Connor - Legislative Liaison, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairman Connolly and adjourned at 6:55 PM. Approval of the September 13, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 201410: That the Administration submit a Home Rule Petition relative to allowing Special Police Officers to serve up to age 70. Ms. Connor informed the committee that the attorney has responded to this item. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 201988: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 33-35 Barton Street weekly for continual overgrowth onto the public sidewalk. Ms. Connor stated that ISD has issued multiple tickets. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202182: That the Chief of Police or the Director of SPCD report to this Board on plans to educate motorists about using the “Dutch Reach” to open the driver’s door as a way to avoid “dooring” cyclists. Ms. Connor said that no update is available at this time, but that she will continue to work with OSPCD on the matter.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202341: That the Commissioner of Public Works request of the commuter rail operator that the trash behind 104 Gilman Street be removed. This matter has been resolved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202617: That the Administration advocate for sound barriers along I-93 in East Somerville to help reduce air pollution by up to 50 percent. Mass DOT has a list of areas wanting sound barriers. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202625: That the Director of SPCD develop and report to this Board an outreach campaign to start in the spring of 2017, to educate motorists about using the “Dutch Reach” to open the driver’s side door to avoid “dooring” cyclists. See discussion of 202182. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202733: That the appropriate department head request that the commuter rail operator address some early morning noise issues. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202763: That this Board's Committee on Public Health and Safety determine the extent of soundproofing to be installed for the Green Line Extension. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202776: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services, with the assistance of other departments as necessary, forward to this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety a list of AirBnB-type lodging facilities in the city. Mr. Dubin shared what the City of Cambridge is doing regarding Airbnb’s. Permits were submitted and inspectors performed on-site safety inspections checking the number of bedrooms, fire exits and smoke detectors. Inspections have not been defined in the City of Cambridge. Cambridge’s Inspectional Services Department is developing a registry that will allow anyone to check if an Airbnb is in compliance. If someone is renting a condo and wants to list it with Airbnb, he would need to obtain permission from the property owner and the condo association before doing so. Somerville's administration will draft similar language to review with the committee members.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202801: That the Administration advise this Board on the proposed state regulation of AirBnB properties, and options the city might have for taxation and regulation. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202865: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services take steps to revoke all licenses held by the Winter Hill Market at 269 Broadway. Ms. Connor told the committee that the city has not revoked the license for the Winter Hill Market. ISD will continue to review this area in the future. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202901: That the Director of Communications send a CTY call to residents during a water main break in addition to knocking door to door. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202913: That the Administration prepare a Home Rule Petition to increase the maximum age of Special Police Officers from 65 years old to 68. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202922: That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with the Committee on Public Health and Safety, the plan for using any proceeds realized from medical marijuana facilities. Ms. Connor met with Mr. Kress and reported that the community funds will be available after the first six months of operation. The HHS department will be directed to check on the usage of the funds. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202930: That the City Solicitor advise the Ward 6 Alderman on whether the city's noise ordinance can be enforced against waste companies that empty dumpsters overnight and in the early morning. Ms. Connor spoke with the Law Department and a legal opinion will be written. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203004: That the Mayor work with the State Delegation on an agreement with the State to permit City crossing guards at the crosswalks at Highland Avenue and McGrath Highway, and to permit the Police Department to enforce traffic laws there.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 4 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 Ms. Connor reported that DCR does not have the resources and that the city still needs DCR's permission to proceed. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203066: That the Administration update this Board on recent efforts to minimize Logan air traffic noise. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203075: That the Administration work with Mass DOT to add Somerville to the state list for sound barriers along I-93. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203229: That the Chief of Police, the Chief Fire Engineer and Administration appear at the next meeting of this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety to detail public safety plans for the Porchfest event on 5/13/17. Ms. Connor told the committee that the Fire Department is considering deploying additional fire fighters for next year’s event. The committee would like to have this resolved next March, before the next event in May of 2018. There was a discussion about hiring additional support personnel including police on bicycles. Last May’s event had crowds of people in the streets, blocking the roadways and there were concerns about the amount of alcohol being consumed. Alderman McLaughlin’s motion that the Director of the Arts Council, the Chief of Police and the Chief Fire Engineer convene a meeting next February to plan for the 2018 Porchfest event, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203231: That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the construction site at Highland Avenue and Thorpe Street to ensure that proper rodent control measures are in place. No rodent control is needed for this area and there is no construction going on at this site. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203248: That the City Solicitor and Director of Inspectional Services review The Chicken & Rice Guys' license for the number of trucks allowed and the idling time allowed, and advise this Board of the findings. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203249: That the Traffic Commission consider prohibiting truck access on Knowlton Street by Tufts Street.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 5 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203260: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services continue to fine the owner(s) of the abandoned Cobble Hill Plaza for neglecting the property. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203369: That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, the need for additional AEDs in our community. Ms Connor met with the Director of HHS, who thinks having a device in restaurants is a good idea however, doing so would require training and an associated cost along with liability. A volunteer program would be the first step for this initiative. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203481: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor provide a written summary of actions taken and planned to address 20 Adrian Street and its use as an AirBnB. The law office looked into this matter and ISD issued more tickets. Presently, there are long term residents living there and the matter has been resolved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203482: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor provide a written summary of actions taken and planned to address the blighted property at 32 Webster Avenue. The Attorney General's office has sent demand letters. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203489: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 20 and 22 Durham Street for all code violations, including an abandoned vehicle, extensive overgrowth, a decayed building facade, and uninhabited units, and advise, with the City Solicitor, the potential of whether the city can force the owner to fix the property, and whether the city should begin the process of having a receiver appointed for the property. This matter was referred to the Attorney General's Office on June 1st. Dates for the renovation of the property have been scheduled. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203512: That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services report to this Board on the condition of 17 Ashland Street, and advise, with the City Solicitor, whether the city can force the owner to fix the property, and whether the city should begin the process of having

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 6 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 a receiver appointed for the property. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203594: That the City Solicitor draft an Ordinance prohibiting the public consumption of marijuana. The City Solicitor is looking into increasing the fines and will consult with the committee. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203719: That the Director of SPCD inform the Ward 3 and Ward 5 aldermen if the developer of 31 Porter Street violated any laws by doing work without permits and if any landscape regulations were violated with the defoliation of the property. No permits were issued and a Stop Work Order has been issued. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203802: That the City Solicitor and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services provide this Board with a plan to address the use of AirBnB for whole house rentals, including communications to residents who report such uses. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203801: That the Administration establish a Pedestrian Safety Committee to promote pedestrian concerns and provide feedback from a pedestrian perspective. Ms. Connor is waiting for an update from OSPCD. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203739: That the Director of Health and Human Services report in writing to this Board by October 1, 2017 on the progress of supportive efforts with our community's non-profits to address substance abuse. Ms. Connor submitted a letter from Mr. Kress on this matter. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203860: The Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect the Beacon Street Star Market for health code violations and for the source of odors reported by neighbors, and report the findings to the Ward 2 Alderman. An inspection was performed and no odor was detected.

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 7 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203836: The Superintendent of Inspectional Services inspect 33 Teele Avenue for yard trash. Citations are being issued. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203966: That the Administration update this Board on the request that the FAA reject any design of the Millennium Tower in Boston that includes 775 feet of height, which would lead to more traffic on Logan Airport's Runway 33L. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203988: That the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison and appropriate city staff attend a meeting of this Board’s Public Health and Public Safety Committee to review Airbnb matters before the Committee. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 204128: That the Administration convene a meeting to discuss airplane noise, similar to a meeting being held in Cambridge, and include congressional representatives, the state delegation, elected city officials and city staff. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201482: Conveying the Carlson Group's study of Somerville's fire and rescue services. Ms. Connor request an update from the Fire Department. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202314: Director of Transportation and Infrastructure responding to #201794, #201799, and #202111, re: a safety education campaign for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Ms. Connor told the committee that Mr. Rawson make a presentation on this matter and provide updates before the end of the year. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202907: Conveying statistical and policy information from Airbnb relative to home sharing usage in Somerville. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 8 of 8 Printed 10/11/2017 202914: Conveying Mike Wiser's report of the Massport RNAV Hearing and Forum, held on February 22, 2017, with the associated Massport presentation. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203106: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to Board Orders approved at the 3/23/17 meeting. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203355: District Attorney responding to #196432 re: the investigation of the murder of Deanna Cremin. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203526: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #203482 re: 32 Webster Avenue. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203527: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #203248 re: issues with the Chicken & Rice Guys food trucks. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203675: Superintendent of Inspectional Services and Assistant City Solicitor responding to #203481 re: 20 Adrian Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203760: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #203489 re: 20 and 22 Durham St. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203761: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #203512 re: 17 Ashland St. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Handouts: • Memos - Porchfest (with 203229) • Memo - Community Partnerships (with 203739)