Committee Report - Leg Matters - 3-29-11 — File 191066

March 29, 2011 Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 4/17/2011 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Thomas F. Taylor Chair Present William A. White Jr. Vice Chair Absent Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Rebekah Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Present Thomas Pasquarello Chief of Police Present David Lutes Environmental Programs Manager Present Eddie Nuzzo Supt. of Inspectional Services Present Matt Buckley Asst. City Solicitor Present Ray Zonghetti Chamber of Commerce Present Stephen Mackey Exec. Director, Chamber of Commerce Present J. J. Williams Present 189880 - That the Environmental Programs Manager investigate creating a paper/plastic recycling initiative at fast food establishments.: The committee discussed the recycling of paper and plastic at fast food restaurants and Mr. Lutes noted that the City does not regulate fast food establishments. Private haulers could be hired by these establishments to remove the recycled products, however the City would have to create a licensing process for the haulers since most communities regulate the haulers rather than the establishments. There was some discussion about how broad the approach should be regarding this issue and what effect it might have on various establishments. Some restaurants have initiated a voluntary recycling program and are asking their customers to participate. Chairman Taylor’s resolution that the Environmental Programs Manager and the City Solicitor work with the Somerville Chamber of Commerce to develop a voluntary initiative encouraging fast food establishments to recycle, was approved.

Committee Meeting March 29, 2011 Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 4/17/2011 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 190686 - That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance requiring properties of a certain use and size, to obtain a permit before using an amplified sound system, and be soundproofed.: The committee discussed the problems being experienced by residents in RB zones due to noise emanating from some churches that use sound amplification systems and suggested methods to deal with the issue. The committee would like the Law Department to examine the possibility of establishing an ordinance to deal with the problem and Mr. Buckley informed the members that he would also examine a permitting process. Chairman Taylor’s resolution that the City Solicitor, the Chief of Police and the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (ISD) draft amendments to the city’s noise ordinance to deal with organizations using enhanced sound systems in RA and RB districts and report back to the Committee on Legislative Matters at its April 26th meeting, was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE