Agenda - Leg Matters - 10-5-10 — File 190227

October 5, 2010 Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 10/14/2010 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Thomas F. Taylor Chair Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Vice Chair Present Robert C. Trane Ward Seven Alderman Absent John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Absent Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Dave Shapiro Assistant City Solicitor Present Eddie Nuzzo Superintendent of Inspectional Services Present Andrew Upton Chair, Licensing Commission Present 189056 - An Ordinance Regarding Providing a Procedure for Reasonable Accommodation in the City’s Land Use and Zoning and Building Regulations Pursuant to the Fair Housing Laws.: Mr. Shapiro explained that reasonable accommodation applies to persons with disabilities and covers sober and group homes. The city has developed a policy for group homes to become eligible for reasonable accommodation and would require documentation to be on file to ensure that the standards for a waiver are satisfied under federal law. Mr. Shapiro went on to say that the ordinance was developed to stop any challenge or lawsuit that might arise. Alderman Gewirtz would like agencies, especially CASPAR, to be notified and asked to provide input on the impending ordinance. Mr. Shapiro will send the notifications and a draft copy of the ordinance. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE Next: 12/31/2010 12:00 AM (ID # 1384) - Asst. City Solicitor Submitting a Proposed Ordinance to Provide for Reasonable Accommodation in the Land Use and Zoning and Building Regulations Per the Fair Housing Laws.: RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Committee Meeting October 5, 2010 Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 10/14/2010 189600 - That the Chief Assessor Inform This Board Why the City Cannot Accept Partial Payments from Residents for Excise Tax Bills, Especially in Circumstances that Make it Impossible for Them to Pay Entirely Upfront.: The City Treasurer was unavailable to discuss this item, therefore, it will remain in committee. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE Next: 10/12/2010 7:00 PM 189685 - That the City Solicitor Draft an Ordinance Banning Text Messaging While Driving Within the City Limits of Somerville.: RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 189961 - Licensing Commission proposing an amendment to Ordinance 2-219, to reduce the required weeks of legal advertisement to two from three, for certain liquor and entertainment licenses.: Mr. Upton told the members that the 3 week advertising period has caused problem for applicants in the past and he noted that most cities/towns only advertise for 1 or 2 weeks. The Chamber of Commerce would be in favor of a 1 week advertising period. Committee members expressed concern that all relevant parties receive notice about applications for liquor and entertainment licenses and discussed additional methods of notification. Mr. Upton stated that the notification requirements are already in the ordinance. Chairman Taylor’s motion that a communication be sent to the Licensing Commission requesting that notice of applications for liquor and entertainment licenses be sent to neighbors (of the establishment) when there is an expected impact on a neighborhood and that elected officials be notified of the process, was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE Next: 12/31/2010 12:00 AM