Committee Report - Leg Matters - 9-6-11 — File 191955

September 6, 2011 Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 9/7/2011 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Thomas F. Taylor Chair Absent William A. White Jr. Vice Chair Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Rebekah Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Thomas Pasquarello Chief of Police Present Frank Wright City Solicitor Present Robert May OSPCD Present Barbara Rubel Dir. of Community Relations, Tufts Present 191788 - Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition authorizing the increase of the number of liquor licenses that the Licensing Commission may issue.: Solicitor Wright and Mr. May addressed the committee and spoke about the experiences of other communities in dealing with license quotas. The number of licenses that a city may have is based on its population and Somerville needs to stay competitive with other communities in order to attract investments. Alderman Gewirtz asked that the Law Department research what is happening at the state level with respect to liquor licenses. Vice Chairman White requested a print out of all liquor licenses in the city, indication which are “all form”, “beer and wine” and transferrable. Alderman Connolly requested that a representative of the Licensing Commission be invited to appear at a future Legislative Matters Committee meeting to discuss this proposed Home Rule Petition and the various types and numbers of licenses. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 191924 - That this Board ordain the attached Nuisance Control Ordinance to protect the health, safety and welfare of the city’s inhabitants.:

Committee Meeting September 6, 2011 Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 9/7/2011 The committee reviewed the proposed ordinance and heard from Chief Pasquarello, who feels that the tools are already inplace to address the city’s concerns without the use of the proposed ordinance. Ms. Rubel discussed similar ordinances from other communities and addressed Tufts’ policy governing fraternity parties. Vice Chairman White directed the Law Department to determine if the City may require that one day licenses be required for house parties. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE