Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee

Committee Room and Remote Participation

Agenda — 13 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 11/20/24 at 9:30 AM)
2. 1 This meeting was held in the Committee Room and virtually via Zoom, was called to order at 7:02 pm by Chair Strezo, and adjourned at 8:30 pm with a roll call vote of 2 in favor (Councilors Pineda Neufeld and Strezo), none opposed, and one absent (Councilor Clingan). (Councilor Clingan joined the meeting at 7:27pm and left the meeting at 8:25pm) Others present: Jill Lathan - DPW Commissioner, Demetrios Vidalis - Director of Water and Sewer - Kimberely Hutter - Legislative Liaison, Madalyn Letellier - Legislative Services Manager.
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_11lYrvqxSOWBIo77bYg28g 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 Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee Meeting of September 19, 2024. 24-1385 Accepted Pass
6. 2. That the Director of Health and Human Services discuss with this Council the findings from the recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents and its recommendations to better support parents and caregivers. 24-1396 Recommended to be marked work completed
7. 3. That the Director of Health and Human Services provide an update on the availability of free menstrual products in all city owned bathrooms. 24-1262 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 4. That the Administration install diaper changing stations in both restrooms on the second floor of City Hall. 24-1183 Recommended to be marked work completed
9. 5. That the Director of the Somerville Housing Authority discuss the Family Self Sufficiency Program, which assists public housing residents to reach financial goals, and how to expand its purpose, presence and usage. 24-1033 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 6. Conveying an update on water and sewer rate restructuring. 24-1614 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 7. That the Administration address its plan to prevent displacement in relation to water and sewer bills. 24-0717 Recommended to be marked work completed
12. 8. Conveying an update on the development of a water bill ratepayer assistance program. 24-0674 Recommended to be marked work completed
13. 11 Referenced Documents: • Equity - 2024-12-10 HHS Memo (with 24-1262) • Equity - 2024-12-10 HHS Memo (with 24-1396) Revised • Equity - 2024-12-10 Water&Sewer Update (with 24-1614) • Equity - 2024-12-10 Parents Under Pressure Report (with 24-1396)