Monday, December 4, 2023 at 6 PM
Online only
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
23 items of legislation were taken up.
- 11 kept in committee
- 11 recommended to be marked work completed
- 1 accepted
Agenda 23 items
Notices from the agenda
This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Clingan at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:29 p.m. on a Roll Call Vote: 3 in favor (Councilors Kelly, Gomez Mouakad, Clingan), 0 opposed, 0 absent. Others present: Michael Potere – Assistant Clerk of Committees; Demetrios Vidalis – Director of Water and Sewer; Richard Raiche – Director of IAM; Hannah Carrillo – Legislative Liaison; Jake Wilson – At-Large City Councilor.
(Posted online: 11/27/23 at 8:45 AM)
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_xTWoPtSlTQec5amqe5pakg 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.
Roll Call
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1.
Approval of the Minutes of the Public Utilities and Public Works Committee Meeting of November 13, 2023.
Roll call: 3 aye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Aye
- Charlotte KellyAye
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2.
That the Director of Engineering provide this Council with a timeline for all utility work and paving projects scheduled for Highland Ave including the Highland Ave redesign project.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Legislative Liaison Carrillo stated that administration staff are currently working on drafting this timeline.\cf1\f1\par }
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3.
That the Director of Water and Sewer explain the increases in water bills for households with new water meters and consider a forgiveness period for unexpected increases due to inaccuracies in prior metering.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Vidalis explained that the bill increases resulted from faulty water meters that stopped communicating usage to the city. Without readings from meters, ratepayers were billed based on estimated usage, and when the actual usage information was received, it was determined that in some cases their usage was either over- or underestimated. As a result, some ratepayers received bills for usage due to underestimation, and some received credits to their account for overestimation.\par \par Chair Clingan asked how the city is progressing on installing new meters, and Director Vidalis replied the department has installed 2/3 of the new meters.\par \par Councilor Gomez Mouakad asked if the percentage or number of ratepayers who were overcharged as compared to undercharged was known, and Director Vidalis said it was not. Councilor Gomez Mouakad explained that if only a small number of ratepayers received a bill, it might be a more manageable situation and response for the city.\par \par Councilor Gomez Mouakad noted that receiving an unexpected water bill could place a hardship on Somerville residents. Director Vidalis replied that the department is working on a ratepayer\rquote s assistance program to help those having difficulty making payments, but explained that the city is itself billed for actual water consumption by the state and must pay the state for that usage.\par \par Director Vidalis stated that the city does not shut off water service for nonpayment, that interest accrues on unpaid water bills at a rate of 14% per year, and that seniors are eligible for a 25% discount on city service bills. Councilor Gomez Mouakad replied that it is unfair to charge a ratepayer 14% interest on a bill they received by no fault of their own, and Councilor Kelly agreed.\par \par Chair Clingan suggested creating an option for ratepayers who received credits to return them and give them to a ratepayer who received a bill.\par \par Legislative Liaison Carrillo noted that the administration is currently in the process of developing a ratepayer assistance program.\cf1\f1\par }
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4.
That the Commissioner of Public Works install a water fountain for people and dogs at Nunziato field.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan noted that a memorandum was submitted regarding this Item, that the request is more complex than originally thought, and that it will be kept in committee for future discussion.\cf1\f1\par }
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5.
That the Administration report on capacity to allow parallel staffing and funding for the development of the 1895 Building, School Building Master Plan and the Fire Department Master Plan Building Study.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Raiche noted that the administration plans to address Items 5 (ID # 23-1437), 6 (ID # 23-1436), and 7 (ID # 23-1435) in this Committee during a future meeting.\cf1\f1\par }
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6.
That the Administration collaborate with the School Department on determining the best and future use of the 1895 Building.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Raiche noted that the administration plans to address Items 5 (ID # 23-1437), 6 (ID # 23-1436), and 7 (ID # 23-1435) in this Committee during a future meeting.\cf1\f1\par }
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7.
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management report on ongoing deficiencies of City Hall and the City Hall Annex that could impair the future use of these buildings.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Raiche noted that the administration plans to address Items 5 (ID # 23-1437), 6 (ID # 23-1436), and 7 (ID # 23-1435) in this Committee during a future meeting.\par \par Councilor Gomez Mouakad noted that although school buildings are very important to maintain, other city administrative buildings should not be ignored along the way.\cf1\f1\par }
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8.
That the Director of Water and Sewer and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management explain what maintenance will be required for the new Poplar Street Pump Station and Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project, and how these maintenance requirements will be staffed to ensure their proper upkeep.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Vidalis explained that the maintenance for the Poplar Street Pump Station will vary based on need, that it will primarily consist of maintenance for the equipment and pumps, and that staffing this maintenance will require one full-time employee for the first year, and then approximately one quarter of a full-time employee beyond that; for the Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project, it will be continuous maintenance facilitated by the preventative maintenance programs currently employed by the city, and as such no additional staffing will be required.\par \par Councilor Gomez Mouakad expressed support for continuous preventative maintenance for the city\rquote s large capital improvement projects to ensure they do not fall into disrepair, and Chair Clingan agreed.\par \par Director Raiche noted that consideration of maintenance is done during the project\rquote s planning phases.\cf1\f1\par }
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9.
That this Council’s Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works discuss the Somerville Internet Access Task Force's recommendation regarding Municipal Broadband.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan stated that this Item has been previously discussed and is on the Agenda to be marked work completed.\cf1\f1\par }
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10.
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management and the Director of Engineering discuss with this Council, a policy of burying utilities when a new thoroughfare is constructed.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Raiche stated that when a new development is constructed, utilities are typically relocated underground as part of the project\rquote s development, but that doing the same can be more difficult on smaller streets or in situations where the underground space is occupied by other utilities such as water or gas lines.\par \par Chair Clingan asked if utilities could be fed through gas lines, and Director Raiche replied they cannot because gas lines are too small to accommodate utility wiring.\par \par Chair Wilson sponsored At-Large Councilor Wilson, who expressed support for the administration\rquote s work in this area, and noted that Somerville is an old city with an old infrastructure.\cf1\f1\par }
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11.
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information on options to engage local and minority owned businesses in contract work.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Legislative Liaison Carrillo stated that administration staff are working on a memorandum with this information to be presented at a future meeting.\cf1\f1\par }
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12.
That the Administration work with the City Council to establish a process for enforcement of Section 11-63 of the Code of Ordinances.
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13.
That this Council discuss municipal broadband, and the implementation of the Somerville Internet Access Task Force.
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14.
That the Administration make information about all licenses and permits viewable without requiring a CitizenServ account.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Legislative Liaison Carrillo explained that anyone can search for information by address, parcel permit, license and subtype, or a license or permit number without a CitizenServ account, and that the administration is working to make more information available without an account in the future. Legislative Liaison Carrillo provided the following link to access information as it is currently available: https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=149.\cf1\f1\par }
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15.
That the Administration update this Council on developments related to the Request for Proposals for the disposition of the property located at 90 Union Square.
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16.
That the Administration update this Council on actions taken related to the possible relocation of the Somerville Media Center and Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese Speakers from the city-owned property at 90 Union Square.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan stated that this Item has been previously discussed and is on the Agenda to be marked work completed.\cf1\f1\par }
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17.
That the Commissioner of Public Works update the Ward 1 City Councilor regarding plans to find a location for excessive snow other than 90 Washington Street.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan noted that a memorandum was submitted indicating that this has been addressed by the administration. Legislative Liaison Carrillo does not yet know the location that has been selected.\cf1\f1\par }
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18.
That the Director of Engineering develop safety protocols and notification requirements for any projects, planned or emergency, taking place within a determined radius of a school.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan explained that this Item has been addressed with engineering and is currently being implemented.\cf1\f1\par }
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19.
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management present to this Council, a plan to fix the Somerville Media Center's roof.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan stated that this Item has been previously addressed.\cf1\f1\par }
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20.
Amending Sec. 11-63 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the removal of poles, conduits and wires.
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21.
That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the MA Department of Transportation to address highway safety measures along I-93 that directly abut the East Somerville neighborhood.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Chair Clingan noted that this has been addressed by the state, but that there could be more done to improve the safety in the area. Councilor Kelly agreed, and noted that such improvements could be a larger wall and improving the barricades.\cf1\f1\par }
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22.
That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management consider implementing a pilot program for Green Infrastructure as a means to reduce issues of flooding in the Gilman Square Neighborhood.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Director Raiche explained that, as a matter of policy, the department already does put green stormwater pumphouses and bio-basins when doing a major sewer project, but that Gilman Square was a not a candidate for that because the flooding in that area is caused by the hydraulic grade line systems backing up.\cf1\f1\par }
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23.
That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development work with this Council to create policies to reduce the length of time that construction projects block sidewalk access, including the possibility of increasing fees to discourage extended sidewalk closures.
