Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6 PM

Agenda 3 items

1. 1.
   25-0163 Committee Minutes Accepted

   Approval of the Minutes of the Legislative Matters Committee Meeting of January 28, 2025.

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 nay

   • Lance L. DavisAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenNay
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
   • Kristen StrezoAye

   • 📎 Minutes - Leg Matters - 1-28-25 Full
2. 2.
   25-0142 Mayor's Communication Recommended to be marked work completed

   Conveying the 2024 Surveillance Technology Annual Report.

   {\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\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\tx720\cf1\f0\fs24 Councilor Scott opened questions directed at Caption Sheehan around the ShotSpotter report and discrepancy in the number of reports outlined on various pages. Captain Sheehan shared filings adjusted from fiscal year to calendar year and displayed 18 months of data and highlighting two different time periods. Chair Davis asked for clarification around the time this data was collected and why the adjustment was made. Captain Sheehan stated the adjustment in time was due to following other departments who file an annual report under a calendar year cycle.\par Councilor Scott went on to ask about Grey Key how the devices are secured where they are only used when a warrant is obtained, the response stated there is a room that is contained in a dedicated car key access only room where only three people have access. \par Chair Davis inquired about the method of collecting revenue through tickets for Parking and Director Singh confirmed the process as stated in the report. Chair Davis asked Caption Sheehan regarding changes to the impact report on newly obtained technology, the Caption confirmed grant funding allowed the Police Department to make upgrades to various security cameras in the department for the fixed cameras that exist in the City. The cameras that were replaced two were kept and used as pole cameras, which are used for specific investigations. \par \pard\f1\par }

   • 📎 Surveillance Technology Annual Report 2024
3. 3.
   25-0213 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval of a Home Rule Petition to prevent landlords from passing realtor's fees on to tenants.

   {\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\nowidctlpar\sl-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Housing Policy Coordinator Morena Zelaya outlined the proposals in the Home Rule Petition (HRP) that aims to make a more equitable playing field in the renting market. Councilor Strezo asked the realities of getting this HRP passed and what challenges are anticipated. Policy Coordinator Zelaya stated that there is a lot of momentum to get this through either through the state budget and proposed amended language or through an HRP, and she is seeing a lot of enthusiasm for this topic. Councilor Strezo asked if this proposal does not go through as an HRP is there a plan B like a ballot question at the city level. Policy Coordinator shared additional pathways have not been explored but if need be additional avenues will be explored. Councilor Singh further elaborated that Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) will track this HRP and will flag advocacy opportunities for the Council when appropriate.\par Chair Davis asked if there were any substantive differences between the proposed HRP and Boston\rquote s, Boston included for commercial transactions and the city is focused on residential transactions which also aligns with the Governor\rquote s budget priorities considering some concerns it would not be supported and not being well versed in commercial rental usage.\par \pard\f1\par }

   Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent

   • Lance L. DavisAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAbsent
   • Wilfred N. MbahAye
   • Kristen StrezoAye

   • 📎 Somerville Broker Fees HRP