Committee Report - PHPS- 4-5-12 — File 192808

April 5, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 4/12/2012 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 Present Rebekah Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Tony Lafuente Ward 4 Alderman Present Sean T. O’Donovan Ward Five Alderman Present Thomas Pasquarello Chief of Police Present Paulette Renault-Caragianes Director of Health Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Michael Glavin Exec. Director, OSPCD Present Eddie Nuzzo Supt., ISD Present 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.: This item was previously discussed by the committee but kept in committee for a follow up as to the issuance of noise citations. Chief Pasquarello reported that in 2011, 10 tickets were issued for noise complaints (with only 1 being after the ordinance) and so far in 2012, just 1 ticket has been issued. 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 reported that he visited the site two weeks ago and directed the businesses to clean the alley behind their establishments, as this appeared to be the source of the problem. No further problems have been reported. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Committee Meeting April 5, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 4/12/2012 192496 - That the Commissioner of Public Works (Lines and Lights) analyze the streetlights on Bailey and Temple Roads, under Route 93, and report the findings to the Committee on Public Health and Safety.: Chairman White referenced a communication from DPW Commissioner Koty informing the committee that he (Commissioner Koty) spoke with Alderman Roche and informed him that a discussion took place with Mass DOT regarding the lighting at Temple Street and the Mystic Avenue overpass. Mr. Koty will provide the committee with a complete written report prior to the next meeting of the committee, outlining the actions that Mass DOT and Somerville’s Department of Public Works will take to correct this problem. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192582 - That the Committee on Public Health and Safety investigate the circumstances surrounding the February 6 fire at 35R and 37R Jaques St.: This item was previously discussed by the committee. Mr. Nuzzo provided information on the buildings occupancy and said that all occupants are there legally. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192635 - That the Chief Fire Engineer determine the cause of the recent fire at the MBTA shaft site, and, with the Director of SPCD, report whether this should have any bearing on recently approved plans for development at the site.: This item was previously discussed by the committee. Mr. Proakis, representing the Director of OSPCD, reported that one condition of the special permit required the developer to make any changes to the plan that the MBTA requests. The MBTA did not want to review the plans prior to the issuance of the permit and recently requested a copy of the plans for the site. In the event that the MBTA requests changes to those plans, the developer must comply according to the special permit. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192651 - That the Director of SPCD dispatch the Neighborhood Inspection Team to 35-37 Jackson Road for possible building violations, health violations, illegal activity and disturbances.: Several residents spoke on this matter and expressed concern about the rodent problems, noise and auto vandalism taking place. The problems have been going on for some time and neighbors have made calls to both the Police Department and 311 to report various incidents. Police patrols have increased, however the problems still persist - to the point where residents don’t feel safe in their homes. Mr. Nuzzo stated that the property was inspected last August and the owner was fined $1800, which has since been paid. Mr. Nuzzo stated that the owner lives within the letter of the law and

Committee Meeting April 5, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 4/12/2012 that the city can't force him to paint or do anything else to the property unless it's a public safety issue. The committee wants ISD to perform interior and exterior inspections as frequently as possible to impress upon the property owner that neighborhood deserves better treatment. The Committee will also consider expanding the noise ordinance or determining if there are other ways to penalize these types of activities. Chief Pasquarello explained how reported incidents are tracked through the use of manifests and how that information is used to be pro-active in dealing with potential problem situations. All reports made to the Police Department by phone or via the department’s web site will be reflected in the ward manifests. Additionally, there are 7 neighborhood police officers who act as umbilical cords between the police and the neighborhoods, passing information along to their sector commanders for appropriate action. Alderman Roche stressed that it is imperative for residents to report incidents to the police as well as to an alderman, so that the city can build a case against owners of problem properties. Alderman Lafuente, speaking as a private citizen, informed those present that a neighborhood crime watch would be starting in Ward 4 in next few weeks. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192652 - That the Director of SPCD dispatch the Neighborhood Inspection Team to 3-5 Walter Terrace for possible building violations, health violations, illegal activity, and disturbances.: Chief Pasquarello reported that there were no noise, crime or violence calls made regarding this property during 2011 and added that since the last committee meeting, police presence at that location has been increased and 35 directed patrols were performed. The tenants of the property have been spoken to by police and Captain Fallon has spoken to neighbors. Chief Pasquarello stated that calls made to 311 aren't always passed along to the police. The accuracy of the report log was questioned by some residents, however it appears that it might be due to an error in not reporting the address as 3-5 Walter Terrace. Chief Pasquarello will pull the report for all of Walter Terrace for next follow-up meeting. Neighbors complained that broken glass is strewn about and that their properties have been damaged by individuals attempting to evade the police. Neighbors also complained about the items that had been left on the porches and the fire hazard and wondered why no citations had been issues. Mr. Nuzzo reported that since the last meeting, the property owner has been contacted and the yard has been cleaned. Mr. Nuzzo will contact the Fire Department about the porches. The owner has backed out of two scheduled meetings with Mr. Nuzzo and the city will take court action if this happens again. The committee wants a thorough inspection of the property to be performed RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192731 - That the Director of SPCD (ISD) inspect 30 Wheatland Street for building code violations, rooming house activity, and the yard being used as a debris transfer station for a contractor living in the building.:

Committee Meeting April 5, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 4/12/2012 Mr. Nuzzo has made two attempts to access the property and has thus far been unable to investigate the dumpster situation. Alderman Lafuente, speaking as a private citizen, informed the committee that at the present time, there is no dumpster on the property, however it remains to be seen whether another will be placed there. Mr. Nuzzo will follow up on the possibility that the premises is being used as a rooming house and Chief Pasquarello will pull the records for this address. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE