Committee Report - PHPS - 11-19-12 — File 193986

November 19, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 11/19/2012 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 John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Thomas Pasquarello Chief of Police Present Dave Shapiro Asst. City Solicitor Present Eddie Nuzzo Supt., ISD Present Omar Boukili Aide to Mayor Present 192100 - That this Board requests that the Administration update this Board on actions proposed and taken regarding the negative impact of activities, lighting, and noise on the quality of life in the neighborhoods abutting Conway Park and the Skating Rink.: Sound barriers to reduce the noise caused by the compressors will be installed by December. Mr. Boukili discussed the proposed parking plan and will submit same to the committee for review. Mr. Boukili also spoke about improved relations with the neighborhood and Alderman Roche commented on the improvements with the rink’s new management. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192180 - That the Administration inform the Committee on Public Health and Safety when the parking plan for the skating rink is ready.: Same as 192100, above. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192181 - That the Commissioner of Public Works submit a lighting plan for the skating rink to the Committee on Public Health and Safety.:

Committee Meeting November 19, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 11/19/2012 Same as 192100, above. 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 informed the members that Avalon Bay will install the latest fire suppression equipment. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192589 - 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.: Mr. Shapiro spoke about a 4-year plan to mediate the subject streets and crosswalks. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192737 - That this Board’s Committee on Public Health and Safety arrange for representatives of Riverside Community Care aka Somerville Mental Health Association, to appear before the Committee to explain where the programs are and how the City can assist them.: Representatives from Riverside Community Care were unable to attend this meeting and have requested that a meeting be scheduled for January, if possible. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 193570 - That the Chief of Police increase enforcement of bicycle regulations in the city’s business districts.: Mr. Greg Hill showed a video of bicycles being ridden on sidewalks and asked that a public safety campaign be undertaken to prohibit bicycle riding on sidewalks. The committee discussed various methods of disseminating the information and Chairman White suggested that violators be subject to losing their Hubway memberships. Chief Pasquarello stated that the Police Department is enforcing the prohibition of motor vehicles travelling in the bicycle lanes, in an effort to keep bicyclists safe. Chief Pasquarello and Mr. Shapiro spoke about the mechanics of enforcing the collection of fines and Chairman White

Committee Meeting November 19, 2012 Public Health and Public Safety Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 11/19/2012 requested that the Law Department examine the city’s ordinances with respect to state regulations on this matter. Chairman White also requested that the Law Department examine the City of Cambridge’s ordinance on this subject, as well. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 193650 - That the Commissioner of Public Works create curb cuts on the western side of the intersection of Willow Avenue and Beech Street, heading up Willow Avenue, and that the Director of Traffic and Parking evaluate the sight lines on Beech Street, at the crosswalk at Elm Street, and that this matter be referred for a full vetting by the Committee on Public Health and Safety.: Chairman White's motion that the Director of Traffic and Parking investigate the legality of the crosswalks at Willow Avenue, Elm Street and Beech Street, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 193765 - That this Board requests that the Administration provide information regarding the noise-reduction installation schedule at the new Conway Park skating rink, and review the parking restrictions behind the building.: Same as 192100, above. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 193886 - That the Commissioner of Public Works appear before the Committee on Public Health and Safety to speak on baiting requirements for street openings.: Alderman Roche's motion that the City Solicitor research the city's current ordinances relative to street openings to determine whether provisions are included regarding baiting for rodent control, and if not, amend the ordinance to do so, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED