Public Utilities and Public Works Committee
Virtual
Agenda — 37 items
- 1 (Posted online: 10/15/24 at 6:45 AM)
- 1 The meeting took place remotely via Zoom and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Clingan and adjourned at 8:05 PM on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Strezo, McLaughlin and Clingan), none against and none absent. Others present: Nick Antanavica – Director of Inspectional Services, Kimberly Hutter – Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk. .
- 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_3C1U7sNpQfOjVsMcdig_sQ 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.
- 3 Roll Call
- 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting of March 18, 2024.
- 6 Public Hearing
- 2. 76 registered voters submitting a petition for a public hearing on the Somerville Internet Task Force 2019 Report and a Feasibility Study on Municipal Broadband, pursuant to Section 8 of the City Charter.
- 8 Grant of Location
- 3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a new hip guy and anchor at Utility Pole 291/11 in Prospect Street.
- 10 Traffic and Parking
- 4. That the Director of Parking install a NO THROUGH STREET sign on Alston Street by the Cross Street intersection.
- 5. That the Director of Parking enforce parking permit laws on Alston Street.
- 13 Mobility
- 6. That the Director of Mobility prioritize Alston Street for a potential Neighborways project.
- 7. That the Director of Mobility place a sided bump on Alston Street.
- 16 ISD
- 8. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect any exterior finishing down to the wood to ensure there is no asbestos shingling present before granting building permits.
- 9. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue for rodent activity and bait accordingly.
- 10. That the Director of Inspectional Services address graffiti on Alston Street and ensure the property owners are maintaining their properties.
- 11. That the Director of Inspectional Services and the Commissioner of Public Works appear before this Council to discuss the problems of local restaurants complying with the requirements of proper waste handling and contracting for city waste collection.
- 22 Tree Warden
- 12. That the Tree Warden inspect the trees behind Chester Avenue and address falling limbs.
- 24 DPW
- 13. That the Commissioner of Public Works clean the open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue of trash and debris.
- 14. That the Commissioner of Public Works create a process for residents to report downed and dangling utility lines.
- 15. That the Commissioner of Public Works install big belly trash barrels at the intersection of Meacham and Moreland Streets.
- 16. That the Commissioner of Public Works re-install the bench, previously donated and installed in honor of longstanding Brown School principal Marilyn Haggerty, on the Brown School grounds.
- 29 Assessor
- 17. That the Chief Assessor determine the ownership of open space parcels along McGrath Highway, behind Alston Street and Chester Avenue to determining who is responsible for maintenance.
- 31 Comms
- 18. That the Director of Communications discuss the communication plan to address move-in/move-out related discarded furniture, including items left on sidewalks blocking pedestrian pathways and restricting public way accessibility.
- 34 Administration
- 19. That the Administration allocate additional resources to proactively clean up used needles and other potentially hazardous items in Seven Hills Park and other areas.
- 20. That the Administration update this Council on plans for the Cummings School building and Founders Memorial Skating Rink this fiscal year.
- 36 Referenced Documents: • PUPW - 2024-10-30 OEM Memo (with 24-1182) • PUPW - 2024-10-30 Memo Bench at Brown School (with 24-0039) • PUPW - 2024-10-30 Eversource Withdrawal Letter (with 24-1240) • PUPW - 2024-10-30 Plan Taking 1954 Shawmut St (with 24-1418) • PUPW - 2024-10-30 Relevant Assessors map 0 Alston (with 24-1418) • PUPW - 2024-10-30 Taking book8352 page93 1954 Shawmut St (with 24-1418)
- 37 Director of Emergency Management
- 21. That the Director of Emergency Management discuss the city’s emergency response plan for freight train routes and action plans in the event of a derailment or chemical spill.