Public Health and Public Safety Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 25 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 10/30/24 at 7:30 AM) Original (Posted online: 11/3/24 at 10:00 AM) Revised - Date change
2. 1 The meeting took place remotely via Zoom and was called to order at 6:01 PM by Chair McLaughlin and adjourned at 7:43 PM on a roll call vote of 2 in favor (Councilors Davis and McLaughlin), none against and 1 absent (Councilor Sait). Others present: Nick Antanavica – Director of Inspectional Services, Chief Shumeane Benford - SPD, Captain Jeffrey Digregorio – SPD, Hannah O’Halloran – Director of Homeless Services - Somerville Homeless Coalition, 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_DQtyD4TlQqSDiUQl7mggGQ 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. 4 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of September 23, 2024. 24-1386 Accepted Pass
6. 7 Homelessness
7. 2. That the Director of Health and Human Services provide monthly updates to this Council’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety regarding ongoing efforts to address homelessness. 24-0062 Kept in committee
8. 3. That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on interdepartmental efforts to establish a Warming Center at the Cummings School and the repairs needed to accomplish this. 24-1299 Recommended to be marked work completed
9. 4. That the Director of Health and Human Services update this Council on the establishment of an Overdose Prevention Center, including a timeline for implementation. 24-1209 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 5. That the Administration update this City Council on efforts to open an Overdose Prevention Center. 24-1207 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 12 Davis Square
12. 6. That the Administration update the Ward Six Councilor in writing on efforts to address open substance use in Seven Hills Park and other areas. 24-1206 Recommended to be marked work completed
13. 7. That the Administration install or replace needle disposal receptacles in Seven Hills Park and other areas with secure, appropriately designed equipment. 24-1204 Recommended to be marked work completed
14. 8. That the Administration greatly increase the trash and needle pickup in and around Davis Square, including Seven Hills Park and the Community Path. 24-1201 Recommended to be marked work completed
15. 9. That the Administration discuss with this Council, its policies and plans to address the widespread and open drug use in Davis Square. 24-1200 Recommended to be marked work completed
16. 20 Police
17. 10. That the Chief of Police update this Council on how the Police Department will ensure members of the public remain separated during counter-protests. 24-1414 Recommended to be marked work completed
18. 11. That the Director of Racial and Social Justice update this Council on the promised road map from the consultant for implementing the recommendations in the report on Police Staffing and Operations delivered in November. 24-0471 Recommended to be marked work completed
19. 12. That the Administration discuss with this Council, the programs and services being offered to the un-housed population in Davis Square. 24-1199 Recommended to be marked work completed
20. 24 Buildings
21. 13. That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure that staff and students have safe and appropriate facilities. 24-1413 Kept in committee
22. 25 Referenced Documents: • PHPS - 2024-11-12 CHW Info (with 24-1199) • PHPS - 2024-11-12 Living with Turkeys (with24-0478) • PHPS - 2024-11-12 HHS Memo (with 240062, 24-1199, 24-1201, 24-1299) • PHPS - 2024-11-12 Memo_OutdoorDiningFees_wAppendicies (with 24-1034) • PHPS - 2024-11-12 Memo SPD (with 24-0471, 24-0478, 24-1200, 24-1206, 24-1414)
23. 14. That the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator take the necessary measures to ensure ADA compliance for the second floor of 165 Broadway for the purposes of expanding youth services. 24-1326 Recommended to be marked work completed
24. 15. That the Director of Economic Development discuss outdoor seating policies and fees, especially pertaining to small businesses. 24-1034 Kept in committee
25. 16. That the Administration convene the appropriate departments to discuss the monitoring efforts of the wild turkey population within Somerville and the surrounding regions. 24-0478 Recommended to be marked work completed