Committee Report - PHPS - 2-6-12 — File 192556

February 6, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 2/7/2012 REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present William M. Roche Vice Chair Absent Rebekah Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Present Tony Lafuente Ward 4 Alderman Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Michael Cabral Deputy Chief of Police Present Eddie Nuzzo Supt., ISD Present 189248 - That This Board’s Subcommittee on Public Health and Public Safety Invite the Owner(S) of the Armory Building to a Meeting to Discuss Their Inability to Contain Noise During Performances.: The committee discussed this issue several times over the past 2 years and has completed its deliberations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190149 - That the Clerk of Committees send a communication to the owner of the Armory, requesting that he provide the committee with a timeline for completing the work to abate the noise emanating from the building.: The committee discussed this issue several times over the past year and has completed its deliberations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190167 - Submitting the City’s Evaluation and Strategic Plan for the Fire Dept.: The committee reviewed the study with the appropriate personnel and has completed its deliberations on the matter.

Committee Meeting February 6, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 2/7/2012 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 190957 - That the City Solicitor and the Director of SPCD (ISD) provide recommendations for the abandoned property at 47 Harrison Street, and advise this Board on actions the city can take to address safety and health issues as well as taxes and fees owed the city.: The committee discussed this issue several times over the past year and has completed its deliberations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192046 - That the Director of SPCD dispatch the Neighborhood Inspection Team to 113- 115 Hillsdale Road to examine the property for code violations.: Mr. Nuzzo reported that during a recent site visit, a contractor’s truck was seen on the premises. No permits have been pulled for work on the property, which is now owned by the mortgagee. Chairman White requested that Mr. Nuzzo and the Law Department contact the bank that owns the property to ensure that any necessary permits are obtained. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192056 - That the Commissioner of Public Works, or his representative, attend the next meeting of the Public Health and Safety Committee to discuss further measures to reduce the noise of the freezer fan at the Winter Hill Community School.: The committee has completed its deliberation on this matter. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192345 - That the Chief of Police advise this Board on the safety measures in place in the Lexington Park area of the community path with respect to dogs off leash.: Deputy Chief Cabral reported that over 300 directed patrols have been performed on the bike path, making a police presence clearly visible. Enforcement of applicable regulations will be stepped up. Residents acknowledged the work that the Police Department is doing, but complained that problems still exist when the police are not present. Chairman White suggested that a plain clothes police officer be utilized during peak dog walking times and that citations be issued for violations, in an effort to make it known that enforcement is being actively pursued. Chairman White also suggested that the city place information on the cable “wheel” to advise residents that enforcement is being escalated. The committee will re-visit this matter in 90 days. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Committee Meeting February 6, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 2/7/2012 192350 - City Solicitor responding to #192224 re: health insurance coverage for survivors under GIC.: This matter was previously discussed by the committee. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192433 - That the Director of SPCD (ISD) inform this Board of the steps planned to ensure construction at Assembly Square is in keeping with the building codes, in light of the recent fire in Quincy at a development constructed by Avalon Bay.: Mr. Nuzzo reported on his research of the Quincy project and stated that the problem was not with Avalon Bay, but rather with some subsequent maintenance. The construction portion of the project had no flaws. The committee discussed mandating maintenance after certificates of occupancy are issued and would like the Law Department to draft a regulation/ordinance to that effect. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192439 - That the Chief of Police provide the Committee on Public Health and Safety with an analysis of crimes and arrests in 2011 compared with 2006 through 2010.: The committee will request that the Police Chief appear at a future committee meeting to discuss this issue. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192465 - That the Director of SPCD (ISD) and the City Solicitor direct the owner of 34 Glenwood Road to take appropriate measures to rectify any conditions that might pose a safety hazard to the surrounding neighborhood.: Mr. Nuzzo reported that the building is secure and that there are no utilities going into the house nor are there any code violation on the exterior of the building. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192481 - That the Chief of Police inspect the area behind 1, 3, and 5 Woodbine Street and Somerville Junction Park for illegal drug activity, and conduct directed patrols there without compromising the element of surprise.: Deputy Chief Cabral reported that surveillance is ongoing and that there has been no evidence of illegal drug activity in those areas.

Committee Meeting February 6, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 2/7/2012 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192482 - That the Superintendent of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Public Health and Safety to provide an update on rodent abatement efforts in the Curtis Street area.: Mr. Nuzzo informed the members that the Teele Square area is experiencing a rodent infestation. Store owners in the area have been directed to clean the alleyways behind their businesses and to keep refuse covered. The committee will follow-up on this matter in 30 days. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE