Committee Report - Leg Matters 4-24-12 — File 192965

April 24, 2012 Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 4/26/2012 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Rebekah Gewirtz Chair Remote John M Connolly Vice Chair Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Thomas F. Taylor Ward Three Alderman Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Frank Wright City Solicitor Present Dave Shapiro Asst. City Solicitor Present David Lutes Environmental Programs Manager Present Sarah Kloos Director of Personnel Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present 192528 - That the City Solicitor immediately draft a City Ordinance for the licensing of food trucks.: Mr. Shapiro explained that this proposed ordinance would not apply to temporary event permits as stated in section 8-305 of the Code of Ordinances and he reviewed section 8-308, which deals with the criteria of issuance of the license. Alderman White suggested alternative language to make the ordinance more specific. Mr. Boukili stated that the Administration does not want to treat food trucks and restaurants with comparable requirements differently so as to avoid any challenges down the line. Under the proposal, food truck vendors would not be allowed to operate between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Vendors already licensed would be grandfathered. The committee discussed the use of compostable containers, healthy foods, operating and prohibited locations and flexibility in licensing for special events. Chairman Gewirtz requested a copy of the food truck vendor application currently in use. RESULT: LAID ON THE TABLE 192656 - That this Board offers its support of the 5th Annual White Ribbon Day campaign, advocating against domestic violence.:

Committee Meeting April 24, 2012 Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 4/26/2012 Mr. Boukili discussed the city's current policies regarding domestic abuse and what state action is being planned. Mr. Boukili added that department heads would receive a one time training in this matter in the next month. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192682 - City Clerk conveying a Determination from the Attorney General re: the Open Meeting Law and participation at committee meetings.: Mr. Shapiro reported on his conversations with the Attorney General's office and Mr. Wright spoke about how other communities are handling the recent ruling. There was some discussion about how the ruling would impact deliberations. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192707 - That the City Solicitor research existing domestic violence ordinances in other communities and prepare a report for this Board's Committee on Legislative Matters.: Ms. Kloos spoke about her discussions with the Health Department regarding this matter and explained how such a policy would be implemented. Alderman Sullivan, speaking as a private citizen, expressed concerned about hiring a consultant to deal with this issue and favors paid leave for victims of domestic abuse. Members of the committee feel that the issue of domestic abuse should be addressed in the city's employee handbook. Mr. Boukili assured the members that the Administration takes this matter very seriously and wants to deal with it correctly. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192726 - That the Environmental Programs Manager and the City Solicitor work with the Legislative Matters Committee to create an ordinance for recycling at fast food establishments.: Alderman Taylor provided some background on this issue and Mr. Lutes apprised the members of his communications with fast food establishments, stating that those businesses generally do not use recyclable materials and are not inclined to offer recycling in their establishments. Alderman Taylor's motion that a communication be sent to the corporate offices of major fast food establishments in the city to advise them that the City of Somerville is concerned about this issue, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192813 - Requesting acceptance of the provisions of MGL c149 s33E, to allow city employees to take a leave of absence to serve as an organ donor.:

Committee Meeting April 24, 2012 Legislative Matters Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 4/26/2012 Solicitor Wright reviewed the provisions of the law and discussed how affected employees would be impacted. RESULT: APPROVED