Public Utilities and Public Works Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 14 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 2/3/25 at 2:45 PM) Original (Posted online: 2/10/25 at 3:30 PM) Corrected numbering
2. 1 The meeting took place remotely via Zoom and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Clingan and adjourned at 7:27 PM on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors McLaughlin, Scott and Clingan), none against and none absent. Others present: Nick Antanavica – Director of Inspectional Services, Commissioner Jill Lathan – DPW, Kimberly Hutter – Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk.
3. 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, 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_18CzfJJKRdO-UfQjoVjhMg 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 Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting of December 9, 2024. 24-1767 Accepted Pass
6. 2. That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to address resident claims that newly installed water meters are falsely registering air pockets in residential cold water lines as leaks, leading to significantly inaccurate bills. 25-0121 Kept in committee
7. 3. That the Commissioner of Public Works update this Council on the use of beet juice to address ice and snow during winter storms. 25-0093 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 4. That the Commissioner of Public Works address maintenance issues within 165 Broadway. 25-0092 Recommended to be marked work completed
9. 5. That the Commissioner of Public Works clear the second floor of 165 Broadway of unused city materials to expand building uses for Teen Empowerment. 25-0091 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 6. That the Director of the Arts Council work with Teen Empowerment and other related city agencies to develop youth-led murals within the walls of 165 Broadway. 25-0090 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 7. That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator provide an estimate for the costs of upgrading 165 Broadway for ADA compliance. 25-0089 Kept in committee
12. 8. That the Administration prioritize 165 Broadway for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to ensure full use of youth-related activities in the building. 25-0088 Kept in committee
13. 12 Referenced Documents: • PUPW - 2025-02-10 Memo (with 25-0091)
14. 9. That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public Works discuss how uncleared and/or unsalted sidewalks and driveways are addressed and fined after it snows, including how much staff it takes to address community reports of uncleared private property. 25-0035 Recommended to be marked work completed