Committee Report - Public Health - 11-18-10 — File 190452

November 18, 2010 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 11/19/2010 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Vice Chair Absent John M Connolly Alderman At Large Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Walter F. Pero Ward Four Alderman Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Stan Koty DPW Commissioner Present Michael Cabral Police Chief Present George Landers Supt. of Buildings and Grounds Present Corey Mashburn Director, SCAP Present Alderman Sullivan was appointed to the committee for this meeting only, to attain a quorum. 190303 - That the Chief of Police update this Board on the robbery that occured on the community path near Willow Avenue and what additional steps police are taking to secure the path, particularly after dark.: Chief Cabral distributed an Incident Report for the bike path for the period from September 1st through November 16th and spoke about an arrest that was made following a robbery on the path. The Chief also noted that crime is not up on the bike path. Chairman White's motion that funding be allocated in the next budget for the installation of additional lighting on the bike path, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190309 - That the Chief of Police order a directed patrol of Albion Park and Albion Street to observe and prevent any illegal drug activity, specifically the use and discarding of hypodermic needles and syringes.: Chief Cabral told the members that needles were found discarded at Albion Park and that there are now directed patrols in place. The Chief also noted that 5 arrests have been made at the Florence Street Park. Anyone wishing to anonymously report illegal drug activity may do so by calling [phone removed].

Committee Meeting November 18, 2010 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 11/19/2010 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190310 - That the Commissioner of Public Works check Albion Park and Albion street each morning for discarded hypodermic needles and syringes as they have recently been found in and around the park.: Chief Cabral advised that the Police should be contacted whenever a needle is found. A kiosk is available at the Police Department for needle disposal and the Chief spoke about securing FDA approval for a prescription drug drop off. Chief Cabral noted that there has been an increase in heroin use in the city and that this has contributed to an increase in vehicle break-ins. Mr. Koty requested clarification of who should be contacted when needles are discovered, i.e., the Police or the Board of Health. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 190351 - That the Director of Health work in conjunction with Somerville Cares About Prevention to contact all holders of off premise liquor licenses in the City of Somerville and request that they voluntarily remove all Four Loko alcoholic beverages from their shelves and commit to never stocking or selling the product in the future.: Mr. Mashburn told the members that certain liquor stores would not be selling these products and that this issue has now received national attention. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED