Public Health and Public Safety Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 15 items

1. 1 (Posted online:10/27/25 at 8:00 AM) Original (Posted online:10/28/25 at 10:30 AM) Revised
2. 1 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair McLaughlin at 6:34 pm and adjourned at 7:32 pm on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Scott, Clingan, McLaughlin), 0 opposed, and 0 absent. Others present: Council President - Lance Davis, Nikki Spencer - Chief of Staff, Michael Potere - Licensing Operations Manager, Andi Benvenuto - Community Health Worker Manager. Kimberley Hutter - Legislative Liaison, Rachel Nadkarni - Director of Economic Development, Madalyn Letellier - Legislative Services Manager.
3. 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m5gS8xkJRVyr9sJXItiRxg Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
4. 3 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of June 9, 2025. 25-1109 Accepted Pass
6. 2. That the Administration provide data on needles found in and around Davis Square, outside of the designated receptacle box, including a breakdown by specific location, and used vs. unused. 25-1563 Recommended to be marked work completed
7. 3. That the Administration discuss with this Council whether there is a need to create additional alternative locations for people to store their belongings. 25-1562 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 4. That the Administration discuss with this Council the process for removing abandoned items from public spaces. 25-1561 Recommended to be marked work completed
9. 5. That the Administration direct all relevant departments, including Health and Human Services, to appear before this City Council to discuss and update on current unhoused outreach efforts. 25-1353 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 6. That the Director of Emergency Management and Mayor inform City Councilors in real time when emergency events are occurring in the city, such as fires or emergency evacuations. 25-1340 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 7. That the Director of Economic Development and City Clerk discuss with this Council policies regarding outdoor seating and how the city may make it easier and less expensive for small businesses. 25-1180 Recommended to be marked work completed
12. 8. That the Director of Inspectional Services appear before this Council to discuss recent changes to business permitting in relation to "risk categorization" and the impact they may have on businesses. 25-0923 Kept in committee
13. 9. That the Director of Health and Human Services, Director of Housing, and Director of Housing Stability update this City Council regularly on progress towards addressing homelessness. 25-0087 Kept in committee
14. 10. That the Chief Fire Engineer and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss with this Council how to ensure Fire Department facilities are well maintained. 25-0064 Recommended to be marked work completed
15. 14 Referenced Documents: • PHPS - 2025-10-30 Outdoor Dining Fees (with 25-1180) • PHPS - 2025-10-30 SFD Facilities 10.30.25(with 25-0064) • PHPS - 2025-10-30 Addressing Homelessness (with 25-0087) • PHPS - 2025-10-30 Davis Sq sharps memo 10.29.25 (with 25-1563) • PHPS - 2025-10-30 Davis Sq Sharps Pick Up Report 10.16.25 (with 25-1563) • PHPS - 2025-10-30 Davis Square Hypodermic Needle Recovery SFD 10.30.25 (with 25-1563)