02-09-2012 — File 192629

City of Somerville, Massachusetts Matters of Business of the Board of Aldermen REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 9, 2012, 7:00 PM Aldermanic Chambers ***************** Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 1 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 NOTICE: This is NOT the official version of the Board of Aldermen's minutes. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking with the City Clerk. OPENING OF THE MEETING Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present William M. Roche Ward One Alderman Present Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Present Thomas F. Taylor Ward Three Alderman Present Sean T. O’Donovan Ward Five Alderman Present Rebekah Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Present Robert C. Trane Ward Seven Alderman Absent Tony Lafuente Ward 4 Alderman Present 1. #192540 Roll Call Call of the Roll. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 2. #192541 Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting, January 2, 2012, the Special Meeting, January 10, 2012, and the Regular Meeting, January 12, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED CITATIONS 3. #192542 Citation By Ald. Heuston, and the Entire Board and the Mayor Commending Frank Senesi, who is retiring after 8 years of dedicated service as the Director of Veterans Affairs. RESULT: APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. #192543 Grant of Location Grant of Location submitted by NStar Electric, to relocate a pole and install 10 feet of conduit in Fellsway West.

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 2 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 RESULT: APPROVED Ald. Roche recused. 5. #192544 Grant of Location Grant of Location submitted by NStar Electric, to install 40 feet of conduit in from a pole to a point of pick up on Perkins St. RESULT: APPROVED Ald. Roche recused. 6. #192545 Grant of Location Grant of Location submitted by NStar Electric, to install 5 feet of conduit from a pole to a private property at 11 George St. RESULT: APPROVED Ald. Roche recused. ORDERS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS OF MEMBERS 7. #192546 Order By Ald. Lafuente, White Jr., Sullivan That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase the number of drop off spaces and improve systems to keep student drop-off vans out of the middle of the street at the Winter Hill Community School and ensure that they stay on the school side of Sycamore Street. RESULT: APPROVED 8. #192547 Order By Ald. Lafuente, White Jr., Sullivan That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the sidewalk on Heath Street. RESULT: APPROVED 9. #192548 Order By Ald. Lafuente, White Jr., Sullivan That the Commissioner of Public Works repair and paint the front stairs to the City Hall Annex. RESULT: APPROVED 10. #192549 Order By Ald. Lafuente, White Jr., Sullivan That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the concrete and remove the graffiti from the stairs leading from the Mystic Housing Development to the Healy School. RESULT: APPROVED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 3 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 11. #192550 Order By Ald. O’Donovan, Gewirtz That this Board’s Committee on Senior Services and the city's Communications Dept. caution residents, especially senior citizens, to beware of ads sent to them by private vendors about water line insurance, and that the Law Dept. determine the legitimacy of these offers. RESULT: APPROVED FOLLOWUP: Senior Services Committee Public Utilities and Public Works Committee UNFINISHED BUSINESS REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 12. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE A. #192551 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Environment and Energy, meeting on February 9, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED B. #190218 Resolution By Ald. Trane, Sullivan, Gewirtz, O’Donovan That this Board requests that the Administration investigate the availability of grant funding for electric car charging stations being offered by the state. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED C. #192235 Order By Ald. Gewirtz That the Commissioner of Public Works advise this Board of the timeline for delivering single stream recycling totes to medium to large condo buildings. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 13. FINANCE COMMITTEE A. #192552 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Finance, meeting on February 8, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED B. #188313 Mayor’s Communication Requesting an Appropriation Of, and Authorization to Borrow, $300,000, in a Bond for the Purchase of an Artificial Ice-Skating Rink. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 4 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 C. #188404 Mayor’s Communication Requesting Approval to Extend a Contract with Symmes Maini & McKee Associates Inc. for Architectural Services at the Argenziano School, to August 31, 2010. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE D. #188669 Mayor’s Communication Requesting Authorization for the City Treasurer to File an Application with the MA Municipal Finance Oversight Board to Qualify Under MGL C44A Any and All Bonds Authorized But Unissued, and to Execute Such Documents as the MA Board May Require. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE E. #188877 Mayor’s Communication Requesting Approval to Return $20,000 from the MaxPak Stabilization Fund to KSS Investment LLC. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE F. #189721 Order By Ald. Desmond That OSPCD and the Law Department Provide the Committee on Finance with Information Regarding Fines and Legal Action Taken Relative to To the Owner of 46 Pearl Street. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED G. #190197 Order By Ald. White Jr. That the Director of Finance appear before this Board's Committee on Finance to discuss all insurance claims relating to the July 10, 2010 flood, including the claims approved and rejected, and that a representative of the City Solicitor's Office appear to discuss the claims that have been rejected. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED H. #190263 Public Communication Bradford Johnson submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED I. #190264 Public Communication Grace Kessenich submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 5 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 J. #190265 Public Communication Ruth Nunnally submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED K. #190266 Public Communication Kate Wheeler submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED L. #190267 Public Communication Lori Johnston submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED M. #190268 Public Communication Jeff Levine submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED N. #190269 Public Communication David Scott submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED O. #190270 Public Communication Tom Marchese submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED P. #190271 Public Communication Barry Rafkind submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Q. #190272 Public Communication Michael Chiu submitting comments re: the Union Sq. DIF. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 6 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 R. #191434 Public Communication Senator Brown responding to #190904 re: the federal CDBG program. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE S. #191887 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $24,000 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund for the purchase of 6 mobile radios for the Police Dept. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, White Jr., Roche, Heuston, Taylor, O’Donovan, Gewirtz, Lafuente ABSENT: Robert C. Trane T. #191971 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $45,000 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund for the purchase of 1 Ford 14-passenger van for the Police Dept. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, White Jr., Roche, Heuston, Taylor, O’Donovan, Gewirtz, Lafuente ABSENT: Robert C. Trane U. #192091 Mayor’s Request Requesting acceptance of a $10,120.20 grant from the Cambridge Health Alliance acting as agent for the MA Dept. of Public Health, for the Health Dept.’s tuberculosis prevention and control efforts. RESULT: APPROVED Ald. Heuston recused. V. #192190 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of $2,856.87 from Federal Realty Investment Trust for the Fire Dept. to cover overtime associated with the Riverfest Fireworks. RESULT: APPROVED W. #192260 Mayor’s Request Requesting a transfer of $1,000 in the Public Health Dept., from the Salaries Acct. to the Professional and Technical Services Acct., to support the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. RESULT: APPROVED X. #192323 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $150,000 and authorization to borrow that amount in a bond for renovations to the ISD Office.

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 7 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, White Jr., Roche, Heuston, Taylor, O’Donovan, Gewirtz, Lafuente ABSENT: Robert C. Trane Y. #192326 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of $7,665 grant from the MA Dept. of Fire Services for the FIre Dept.’s Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) campaign. RESULT: APPROVED Z. #192445 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of a $60,000 grant from the MA Dept. of Public Health for the Health Dept.’s strategies to increase healthy eating and active living. RESULT: APPROVED AA. #192446 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of a $4,950 grant from the MA Public Safety and Security Highway Safety Division for the Police Dept.’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Mobilization. RESULT: APPROVED AB. #192461 Public Communication Attorney Paul Hynes submitting comments re: the arbitration decision with the Firefighters Union. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED AC. #192462 Public Communication Paul Kafka-Gibbons submitting comments re: Veterans Memorial Rink operating hours. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED AD. #192472 Mayor’s Request Requesting departmental transfers totalling $1,157,534 as described within to the Fire Dept. Salaries Acct. to fund the JLMC Decision in the Arbitration with the International Association of Firefighters Local 76. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AE. #192473 Mayor’s Request Requesting Use of $418,957 in available funds in the Fire Dept. Salaries Acct. to fund the JLMC Decision in the Arbitration with the International Association of Firefighters Local 76. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 8 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 AF. #192474 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $255,648 from Unreserved Fund Balance to the Fire Dept. Salaries Acct. to fund the JLMC Decision in the Arbitration with the International Association of Firefighters Local 76. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AG. #192475 Mayor’s Request Requesting a transfer of $2,400,000 from the Salary Contingency Acct. to the Fire Dept. Salaries Acct. to fund the JLMC Decision in the Arbitration with the International Association of Firefighters Local 76. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE AH. #192506 Mayor’s Request Requesting approval of two Amended and Restated Easement Agreements for Assembly Square. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, White Jr., Roche, Heuston, Taylor, O’Donovan, Gewirtz, Lafuente ABSENT: Robert C. Trane AI. #192507 Mayor’s Request Requesting approval of an Amendment to the Assembly Square Layout and Alteration Order adopted by this Board in January, 2010. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, White Jr., Roche, Heuston, Taylor, O’Donovan, Gewirtz, Lafuente ABSENT: Robert C. Trane 14. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE A. #192553 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Information Technology, meeting on February 8, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED B. #192116 Order By Ald. Gewirtz That the Director of SPCD research Boston’s New Urban Mechanics program, that engages community members in promoting civic innovation, and determine if a similar program is feasible in Somerville. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED C. #192322 Order By Ald. Roche That the Chief Information Officer make recommendations for a centralized database so that information may be shared among various city departments when tracking problem properties, etc.

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 9 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED D. #192437 Order By Ald. White Jr., Gewirtz, Sullivan, Taylor That the Chief Financial Officer post on the City’s website, an “Open Checkbook” so the public can search details of city spending and vendor payments. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED E. #192539 Order By Ald. Desmond, Roche, Gewirtz, and the Entire Board That the Director of Communications appear before this Board's Committee of Information Technology to explain why Comcast charges residents much more for its service than in other surrounding communities and to provide suggestions on if and how Somerville's rates could be lowered. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED F. #192554 Resolution By Ald. Desmond, Roche That the Director of Communications and the Administration consider obtaining a discounted rate for senior citizens when the contracts with cable providers are renegotiated. RESULT: APPROVED 15. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE A. #192555 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Legislative Matters, meeting on February 7, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED B. #192402 Public Communication Erving Board of Selectmen requesting that this Board consider supporting a proposal in MA for Congressional District apportionment of Presidential Electors for the Electoral College. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 16. PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE A. #192556 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on February 6, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 10 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 B. #189248 Board Communication By Ald. O’Donovan 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED C. #190149 Order By Ald. White Jr. 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED D. #190167 Mayor’s Communication Submitting the City’s Evaluation and Strategic Plan for the Fire Dept. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE E. #190957 Order By Ald. Heuston 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED F. #192056 Order By Ald. White Jr., Pero 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED G. #192350 Officer’s Communication City Solicitor responding to #192224 re: health insurance coverage for survivors under GIC. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED H. #192481 Order By Ald. O’Donovan 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. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 11 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 17. SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE A. #192557 Committee Report Report of the Committee on Senior Services, meeting on February 1, 2012. RESULT: APPROVED B. #192525 Order By Ald. Sullivan, Taylor, White Jr., Connolly, Desmond, Trane, Heuston That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the city’s Traffic Engineer attend the February 1, 2012 Senior Services Committee meeting at Properzi Manor to discuss traffic and pedestrian safety in Union Square. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED C. #192558 Order By Ald. White Jr. That the Chief of Police implement a directed patrol to enforce stopping at the STOP sign on Prospect Street. RESULT: APPROVED D. #192559 Resolution By Ald. White Jr. That the Traffic Commission consider amending the city’s traffic regulations to prohibit bicycle riding in business districts and in the areas of the city’s senior buildings RESULT: APPROVED E. #192560 Order By Ald. Connolly That the Director of Traffic and Parking contact the owner of the property housing Citizens Bank, as well as other proprietors on the lot, to discuss how they might prevent the lot from being used as a cut through for drivers attempting to avoid the traffic lights in Union Square. RESULT: APPROVED F. #192561 Order By Ald. Connolly That the Director of Traffic and Parking contact the manager of Citizens Bank to request that one end of the bank’s parking lot be closed to prevent it from being used as a cut through. RESULT: APPROVED G. #192562 Order By Ald. Connolly That the Director of Traffic and Parking examine the flow of traffic in Union Square and provide recommendations for any possible changes, including the installation of signage to improve safety in the area.

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 12 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 RESULT: APPROVED H. #192563 Order By Ald. Connolly That the Chief of Police prevent trucks from idling all night at the Reliable Market in Union Square and determine whether they are complying with all traffic regulations. RESULT: APPROVED I. #192564 Order By Ald. Trane That the Director of Traffic and Parking report back to the Committee on Senior Services whether Parking Control Officers can issue tickets to truck operators who keep their vehicles idling. RESULT: APPROVED FOLLOWUP: Senior Services Committee COMMUNICATIONS OF THE MAYOR 18. #192565 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $781,250 for construction of a new park at 15-25 Cross Street and authorization to borrow that amount in a bond. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 19. #192566 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of a PARC 19 grant of $500,000 from the Division of Conservation Services for construction of the park at 15-25 Cross Street. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 20. #192567 Mayor’s Request Requesting approval of a $20,000 grant from the MA Cultural Council for the Arts Council’s ArtsUnion program. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 21. #192568 Mayor’s Request Requesting the appointment of Jack Hamilton to the Public Library Board of Trustees. RESULT: APPROVED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 13 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 22. #192569 Mayor’s Request Requesting the appointment of Anil Gullapalli to the Public Library Board of Trustees. RESULT: APPROVED 23. #192570 Mayor’s Request Requesting the Appointment of Jeremy Mendelson to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. RESULT: APPROVED 24. #192571 Mayor’s Request Requesting the appointment of Robert Smyth to the Arts Council. RESULT: APPROVED 25. #192572 Mayor’s Request Requesting the appointment of Nicole Pierce to the Arts Council. RESULT: APPROVED COMMUNICATIONS OF CITY OFFICERS 26. #192573 Officer’s Request City Clerk requesting approval of his Public Official’s Bond. RESULT: APPROVED 27. #192574 Officer’s Communication Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE FOLLOWUP: Traffic and Parking Committee NEW BUSINESS 28. #192575 License/Permit Public Event Permit, Groundwork Somerville Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival, 22 Vinal Ave., Mar 3, 10-2PM. RESULT: APPROVED 29. #192576 License/Permit Public Event Permit, Wheelbarrow Push For Our Troops, Charlestown to Medford via Broadway and Boston Ave., May 12, 9:30-11:30AM. RESULT: APPROVED

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 14 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 30. #192577 License/Permit Public Event Permit, M.O.M.’s 5K Run for Cancer, Davis Sq. And Area Streets, May 13, 9:30AM. RESULT: APPROVED 31. #192578 License/Permit Public Event Permit, MA Motorcycle Assn. Storm the State House, 9 New Washington St. To Boston, May 17, 10-2PM. RESULT: APPROVED 32. #192579 License/Permit New Hawker Peddler License, The Tear Drop Inc., Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables Vendor. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Licenses and Permits Committee SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 33. #192580 Order By Ald. Trane That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the sidewalk at 24-26 Sterling Street, ASAP. RESULT: APPROVED 34. #192581 Order By Ald. Trane That the Director of Constituent Services (311) provide the Ward 7 Alderman with any call data regarding 24-26 Sterling Street. RESULT: APPROVED 35. #192582 Order By Ald. Lafuente, White Jr., Sullivan That the Committee on Public Health and Safety investigate the circumstances surrounding the February 6 fire at 35R and 37R Jaques St. RESULT: APPROVED FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 36. #192583 Mayor’s Request Requesting a transfer of $931,762 from the Salary Contingency Acct. to the School Salaries Acct. to fund salary increases for the settlement of various collective bargaining agreements. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 15 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 37. #192584 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of a $45,000 grant for FY2013 for the Police- Based Jail Diversion Program Grant for individuals with mental illnesses or emotional disturbances. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 38. #192585 Mayor’s Request Requesting the acceptance of a $32,000 grant for FY2012 for the Police- Based Jail Diversion Program Grant for individuals with mental illnesses or emotional disturbances. RESULT: REFERRED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWUP: Finance Committee 39. #192586 License/Permit Public Event Permit, Ras na h’Eireann USA Road Race, Davis Sq. and area streets, Mar 18, 11AM. RESULT: APPROVED 40. #192587 License/Permit New Drainlayer License, TRI Construction Inc. RESULT: APPROVED LATE ITEMS 41. #192588 Mayor’s Request Requesting an appropriation of $159,836.89 from Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Insurance Losses (Fund 3204) to DPW Flood Costs (Fund 5059) to pay for expenses related to the July 10, 2010, flood RESULT: APPROVED 42. #192259 Mayor’s Request Requesting a transfer of $20,000 in the Public Health Dept., from the Salaries Acct. to the Professional and Technical Services Acct., to fund the Healthy Dining Initiative Consultant. RESULT: APPROVED 43. #192407 Mayor’s Request Requesting that this Board review and approve the attached MBTA lease relating to the Community Path. RESULT: APPROVED. [7 TO 3] AYES: Connolly, Desmond, Sullivan, Roche, Heuston, O’Donovan, Lafuente NAYS: William A. White Jr., Thomas F. Taylor, Rebekah Gewirtz ABSENT: Robert C. Trane

February 9, 2012 Somerville Board of Aldermen Page 16 of 16 Printed 2/10/2012 44. #192589 Order By Ald. White Jr. That the City Solicitor and Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety to discuss the city’s application for a variance before the Architectural Access Board regarding 50 pedestrian facilities #V11-201. RESULT: APPROVED FOLLOWUP: Public Health and Public Safety Committee 45. #192590 Resolution By Ald. Desmond, Roche A resolution thanking Lincoln Technical Institute for their fund raising efforts on behalf of the Somerville Youth Development and Boxing Club. RESULT: APPROVED ADJOURNMENT Adjournment Submitted by John J. Long, City Clerk