Committee Report - Leg Matters - 3-9-15 — File 198592

Legislative Matters Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 3/11/2015 March 9, 2015 REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mary Jo Rossetti Chair Present Mark Niedergang Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Maryann M. Heuston Ward Two Alderman Absent Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Tony Lafuente Ward Four Alderman Absent Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present Others present: David Shapiro, Matt Buckley, Omar Boukili 198318: That this Board discuss an amendment to the Snow Ordinance as it relates to the time frame for clearing sidewalks following a storm. Mr. Shaprio distributed copies of the current city ordinance and Mr. Boukili spoke about the reasoning for snow emergencies to clear the streets and sidewalks in a reasonable amount of time. Mr. Boukili talked about the city maintaining a list of handicapped parking spots for snow removal and noted that the city maintains a list of 50-60 Somerville High School students who provide shoveling services for the city. Mr. Boukili distributed a list of properties that were ticketed from January 26th to date, totaling approximately 200 tickets. Chairman Rossetti asked if there is a way to find out how many of these properties are owned by absentee landlords. There was some discussion about possibly adding snow removal reminders to the city's welcome packet and tax bills, exploring what options the city may have to encourage the MBTA to remove snow from bus stops and the possibility of alternating parking from odd to even sides of streets during snow emergencies. Alderman Connolly’s motion to amend the current hours of 10:00 AM. to 10:00 PM to 12 noon to 12 midnight failed on a Roll Call vote of 2 in favor, 6 against and 3 absent.

Legislative Matters Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 3/11/2015 Chairman Rossetti made a motion for 12 hours and later withdrew the motion. Alderman McLaughlin’s motion to revert back to the 6 hours between sunrise and sunset on any day, as stated in Sec. 12-8, was approved. (Chairman Rossetti voted against the motion) Alderman Niedergang’s motion to change the swath of 42 inches in width, as stated in Sec. 12- 8, to 36 inches was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197785: Proposing an Anti-Nepotism Ordinance. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198251: Assistant City Solicitor submitting a proposed Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance. Mr. Buckley distributed the plastic bag ordinance for the committee to review. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE