Meeting of the public safety committee to order. Uh the assistant clerk to please call the role. Councelor Brook >> present. >> Councelor >> present. >> Council >> present. >> Uh open meeting recordings. No one here
recording our meeting. Uh first item on agenda reading of minutes of prior meetings. There are no minutes of prior meetings. Uh item two is departmental updates. Start police department. Good morning. >> Thanks for having me. Um
staffing. Uh we're currently we currently have three three recruits andmies. Um one is graduating later today actually. Um so we'll be heading down to Fittburg State University to attend that. So that's good news. Um so the officer will be starting field training uh Monday. Uh it's
approximately 10 weeks for the pro and then they'll be on their own after that. So um we're getting a little bit of help back. So um we're currently sifting through the deputy chief and uh the um the group that's look the initial hiring group that's looking at resumes is going
over the the resumes now. Um we've got a lot of uh highly qualified candidates that we're looking through. So um that's very positive. Um we're we're still waiting for uh notification on a burn grant. Uh we're
we applied for the burn grant an attempt to make our domestic violence advocate a full-time position. Um she currently works um 19 hours a week, but we'd like to make that a full-time position. Uh the position has uh evolved tremendously since we brought it back and I couldn't
be more happy with the direction it's headed in and the person we have in there. So, um, I'd like to obviously, uh, push to make that a full-time position here in the city because I think there's a strong need for it. So, um, my just to kind of I still am
anticipating the three retirements. Um, one in December 1st, another one on January 20th, and then the third by by March of next year. We have been trying to hire in the meantime. Um there's been some logistical issues withmies and stuff, but we are working on it. So
we're still too short. Um with that overtime, um I've had several officers out with longerterm injuries this year. Um one I've had out for 9 months, almost 9 months now. Um so these are things I was just notified that another officer
is probably going to be out for another per uh 6 to 8 months as well with an injury. So um this obviously has a cascading effect with back filling shifts and overtime to keep a um a static level of that we feel safe in the
city to respond to calls and uh you know assist each other. So, um some of our community outreach right now, um still, uh continue to expand any programs we have. Budget cuts we were notified are coming to Shannon funds
that we fund a lot of our like the junior academy and and uh some of our hotspot patrols. It augments a lot of our overtime and stuff like that. So, there is some cuts that I don't think it'll be dramatic, but um we'll just have to tighten our belt a little bit with with Shannon.
>> Is Shannon a federal grant? It's a state. It's a state. Um it's an annual state. It's it's a anti-gang in truency initiative. >> Um so we were actually part of the tri city initiative with that with Fitchburg, Lemonster and us. Um I don't
know if Lemonster is back yet, but it's it's been Fitchburg and us for several years. So um but but it's been a phenomenal source uh revenue source for us to fund some of the fun the the programs that we do. um between that and um some private donations, that's how we
fund the Junior Police Academy with all the extras and stuff. So, um it's it's it's a it's a great program. Um we are currently exploring a comfort dog program uh for the community. Uh there's we're working with uh the Lunberg uh
comfort dog handler to get some information on that. There's also one in Westminster. It's a uh it's it's a well-received program. I think it'll it'll do do great things here. So, we're kind of in the uh the infancy stages of that, trying to determine how it'll look, how it'll roll out, um who will
oversee the program and things like that. Uh uh the homeless outreach and post OD follow-up that we do with Gamma, we're still continuing to do it. Homelessness, we realize, is still still a obviously an issue. Um and we're looking to assist
in any way. Uh we do do a lot of the outreach and try to offer services. Um but but unfortunately a lot of the folks that are in the homeless a lot of them choose to do that and choose to stay homeless. So but we we do offer services where we can.
Budget uh as I briefly mentioned previously um overtime is definitely an issue of through about $128,000 so far in overtime since July 1st. Uh that's pretty much mostly to cover uh contractual obligations, time off, and
um to keep shifts at a with injuries and sick time and everything else to keep in um shifts at a static level. So um projects that we're working on will be actually coming to the council for a supplemental funding uh for our body
worn camera program. We have been waiting for this. It has been ready to go since April. >> Y >> we just haven't had the funding. We've been waiting for grants. There have been no grants since the last time and we were we did not receive the grant the last time for the the body camera
program. Unfortunately, I just don't think we can wait any longer. It's too much of a liability. We we really need to uh to to uh get this done. Uh we have we've done a pilot program. We've worked with unions to establish policy. It's all ready to go. The only thing we need
is funding and I do think it's a major area of liability for the city if we do not do this. Um, we're also researching vendor alternatives to our current building security. Um, uh, it's it's signet and the price of
warranties and is is becoming almost cost prohibitive. So, we're looking at different vendors to try to reduce the cost of that. Um and if we may come to the council for a 5-year if if uh we feel that it can keep the the costs at a lower level for a longer period of time.
Uh the other issue big project that we're going to be having is our records management system is and our CAD computer rated dispatch system is is coming to the end of life. Um currently we pay I believe $28,000 a year for our
subscription to what we have. We are looking at other um RAM systems. However, some of them are significantly more expensive, like six figures per year expensive. Um so, we're still trying to work through that. It's something we know we need to do and we're going to need to do in the in the
in the relatively near future. Uh there's a lot of data in there, uh information that we are required by law to keep for public records. So, we really have to make sure that any data migration is done in the correct manner so we do not lose anything. So, these are all things that we're we're kind of
working on. We pay obviously we pay under $30,000 a year for what we have and uh like I said, some of them are well over $100,000. Um emergency operation, the EOPS um kitchen is I actually just got an email
yesterday from the Monte cabinet um teacher. They wanted to come out to do the measurements. So, that's in the queue. Um, I believe it's a significant cost reduction having Monte Tech do it with what they're doing through um, rather than having a commercial kitchen put in like we originally the original
plans were were supposed to have. Um, it's not going to be a commercial kitchen, but it'll be a functional kitchen and it'll work for what we needed for. Um, and it'll kind of close the loop on a 10-year project that we've had. So, hopefully we can get that done. Uh, dispatch, we have 10 positions
filled, two still open. Um, we're still trying to hire through that. It's pretty much been a constant hiring cycle. So, we're still looking uh but everything else is is has been functioning well. Animal control, um I've I spoke with the the two veteran
animal control officers who informed me that the new one we had we had start the end of July. She's just about ready to go on her own. So, that's excellent news as well. Um so we'll be back up to full staff for the four communities um for in
control very very shortly. Uh the shelter building is in relatively good shape and any issues have been minor down there. So um but just a kind of a quick overview if anybody has any questions or thoughts. >> I have a question.
>> Sure. >> You talked about homeless and there's homeless everywhere. You know I as I venture out. Um, as for gangs, I wouldn't It's a It's a blunt question, but Eric, just
>> we we do have gang we do have some gang members that have been identified. Um, a lot of it kind of revolves around the drug trade. Um, so what you don't what you probably won't see in Gardener is like a a a group of, you know, a gang
like on a corner like maybe like you might think of in a city or something that way. >> It's it's not quite the same. um it's more spread out and usually it's it does revolve around narcotics and um but but we do see it and fortunately I think
because of you know the the proactive approach to we take a lot of things we we haven't seen what we in other places what we've seen so we we do try to stay proactive and and address anything like that >> okay >> that we see
y >> right thank you can you Please. Um, anyone else who has an electronic copy, can you just email myself from the clerk's office with a copy of your >> Oh, sure. Of course. Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We'll move out of the building
department. >> Morning. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. I'm new here, so not really. I've never done anything like this. >> So, you got your defensive. >> I'm sorry. >> You got your defenses up.
>> I'm trying to put them way down. It's more like nervousness, but not defensiveness. So, um staffing, I have recently started as the new commissioner. Um, we welcomed a new
local inspector, Tim, and we're still interviewing for an additional local inspector as the current one, Scott, is leaving. Sean continues to serve as our electrical inspector. Jimmy has retired
and Dennis has stepped in as the part-time plumbing inspector. Um, workload. The department is experiencing a high volume of activity in my opinion right now.
Um, as this is my first week, my focus has been on assessing the current processes and supporting other departments to ensure that all of that their needs are met. Uh, technology and systems. So, I'm
working with our open gov representative to schedule a training for staff, identify opportunities for efficiency, and create more standardized procedures across the department. Uh, early conversations with all of the or most of the department heads have been positive
and their interest in using open gov to streamline operations and improve transpar transparency has been positive. Um, community development So,
a priority moving forward for for me in this department is to encourage businesses um or to invite them back to gardener um to reinvest, fostering growth and strengthening the
city's economic base needs and challenges. So training and certification for both inspectors and administrative staff are priorities as well as as well as establishing consistent internal systems
to improve workflows. My goal is to bring the team together, strengthen collaboration and build department culture that is both efficient and supportive. >> Um does anyone have any questions?
>> Yes. So if if I hear you right very shortly everybody's going to be new in your department >> almost >> or let me rather all the inspectors going to be new? >> Yes. >> And then your um administrative staff has been there a few years. >> Yes.
>> Okay. That's a huge challenge. >> It's a fresh start. >> That's that's a fresh start. And just as a as an aside that's basically what's happened to us with community development. >> Okay. It's a little helpful because now I can create the processes and
>> Yep. >> It'll be easier with the staff, >> right? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Is that it? >> I had someone in my um ward call me. They had some problems >> where we just had a gentleman that was on for 10 to 12 weeks before you
started. >> Yes. >> They were not getting the >> the return calls and the feedback they wanted. But I did get a call the other day about you, one of them saying that you actually called them on a Saturday >> and they said, "Oh, we're just thrilled. Thank you so much. I want to thank you."
>> Oh, my pleasure. Yes. I'm just trying to, you know, get everyone happy again. So, >> thank you. >> My pleasure. >> Thank you. You're just fine. >> Oh, great. Thanks. Um, okay. I'll uh start off with the
personnel situation. Um, and at this time, as of today, all budgeted fire departments positions are filled. Um, which is good news again. Um, we have three recruit firefighters that were
hired back in April that are now at the Mass Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in the 10-week um, career recruit training program. Um, and graduation is scheduled for next Friday, September 19th.
Um, and the way the fire department handles it is field training and in-house training is completed before they go to the recruit academy. So once they graduate they are um fully trained at that point and they immediately get
assigned to two regular shifts and we'll be filling um vacant slots on those shifts. So as of um after next Friday they will be they will be on shifts. Um also I had uh one um firefighter um
that was deployed overseas on a military assignment um who has completed that. Um he is completing demobilization right now and is scheduled to return to work on October 2nd. So that's another another slot that will be filled.
Um I still have uh one firefighter on modified duty um due to an on the job injury. Um still no anticipated return date for that um firefighter yet. And I also have a lieutenant who's on out on
injury leave right now. Um he's expected to return to full duty in early October. Um so overall the the staffing situation is is definitely looking better. Um it seems to have
stabilized, you know, over the past year or so. Um and hopefully, you know, we continue in that that direction. Um the overtime budget for the first couple months of the year um has has been
expenditures have been high due to these positions being vacant. Um we are anticipating that with them all returning that you know starting the beginning of October that we should see a significant decrease in overtime
expenditures um to backfill staffing vacancies. So hopefully moving forward, you know, that will continue with lower overall overtime expenditures. Um on the the grant side, um the we did receive a award of $4,754.34
from the second round of the Massachusetts FY25 firefighter safety equipment grant. Um, with that funding, we were able to purchase uh 10 ballistic helmets that provide protection to firefighters and EMTs that have to
respond into um active shooter or violent um other violent incidents um to provide uh either EMS care or fire control. Um these the helmets will um supplement
ballistic vests that were purchased several years ago um that that were also funded with um with grant money. Um unfortunate equipment that we have to buy and have on the trucks, but in today's world uh it's something we really need.
Um the uh awards um have not yet commenced for the FY 2024 FEMA assistance to firefighters grant commonly known as the AFG grant program.
Um we have repeatedly applied for new portable radios. Um hopefully we're hoping the funding comes through this year. Um the current radios we are using are um now 16 years old, not fire
service rated. Um not heat resistant, not water resistant. Um which um caused issues repeatedly for us. Um the current radios we are used because of their age are also now considered obsolete. They are no longer supported by the
manufacturer. Um parts are basically not available for them anymore. Um, and over the last several months since since I reported to you last, we've had a couple more radios that have failed that have been permanently removed to service cuz they just they can't be fixed. Um, so
we're not quite at the critical level of operational radios right now, but it's it's quickly approaching that because we can't nothing can be fixed now. As soon as they get damaged, they're they're removed from service. Um, so we're really hoping that this uh funding comes
through so we can um purchase the new the new radios with the vast majority of it being through grant money. Um, but at some point in the not too distant future, it's going to become a a real critical operational issue for the fire
department. Um on the the fleet side, uh all of the new um apparatus that was purchased with the APA funding is now in fully in frontline service. The the new engine, the new heavy rescue truck and the
ambulance. Um so that has really bolstered our fleet. Um and the new uh E1 tower ladder that um was funding was approved last fiscal year, two fiscal years ago now. Um, it is still currently
scheduled to be in production at the factory before the end of 2025 with hopefully delivery being before the end of 2026. Um, I don't I haven't gotten any further
update from the from the sales company or the the or the manufacturer um on that. So, I believe that schedule is still holding at this time. Um the um roof replacement project at fire
headquarters is finally complete um after a long winter of the uh roofing company working out there with a lot of challenging conditions and issues. Um now we're looking inside the building to
um repair damage to the ceiling and insulation on the apparatus garage. um that that's from water damage not related to the wind damage event. Um it was from previous leaks on the the
gutter system um in that section of the building. >> Um and we had to remove a significant amount of of drywall and insulation in there a couple years ago. Um, and we're now looking now that the roof
is complete and not leaking, um, that we we need to replace that. Um, it's not part of the insurance, um, settlement that paid for the roof because it was a pre-existing leak, um, and damage. Um, so the city's going to have to foot that
part of the bill. Um, and we're looking, we're getting quotes right now with the the hope to be able to get the work completed before the winter sets in um to get that the insulation and drywall back in place to try to reduce heating
costs on that apparatus garage. It's it's a very difficult space to heat in the winter under normal conditions because apparatus is going in and out all day. The doors are going up and down a lot. It's difficult to to heat. It's expensive to heat and also with the a
significant amount of the insulation that had to be removed um due to water damage. It's been very expensive to heat over the last few years. So, we're hoping to get um get this done again before cold weather so we can um reduce
the the heating and utility bills over at the fire station. And it's it's going to be an expensive project. It's not an easy place for a contractor to work. They're, you know, they're working around fire apparatus that um a lot of them have to stay inside in the colder
weather because of um carrying water so they can't be left outside. Um and it's a challenging project because it's already a finished space and there's a lot of obstacles um hanging from the ceiling already that they have to work
around to to work up there. Um, so I I don't believe we're going to be able to cover this project from within the regular um repairs and maintenance budget in the in the regular operating budget. So, I would anticipate most likely we're going to be coming before
the council with a a free cash request um to to fund this project. Um, not sure on what the the cost is going to be, but I'm I'm anticipating at this point I'm anticipating somewhere in the in the range of $50,000.
Um, so it's not cheap, but um the the payoff will be in reduced energy bills over over time. Um, and um, call volume continues to be high um, this year at the fire department. Um, as of today, we're we
just passed um 4,500 calls for emergency assistance throughout 2025. Um, and at that pace were if that pace continues, um, it will be approximately an 8% increase in call volume over last
year. Um, which has been a trend since uh, post pandemic that the call volume continues to continues to increase annually. That's all I have >> question. >> So, you talked about the call volume
increasing. What's increasing? Is it is it fire? Is it um medical? >> Um it's or is >> it something else? >> It's overall. Um there's no one area where it's a really distinct increase. Um, a a couple areas
that I have noted increases in are um calls for uh what we refer to as lift assists >> where um someone elderly or physically challenged person suffers a fall. They're not injured. Um
and we go in and we have to assist them back up. Y >> um they're they don't get transported to the hospital or or most of them don't have any injury. whatsoever. Um, and that's we've seen a significant increase of that over the last few years. Um, and
I I would anticipate that is a result of more elderly people trying to stay in their homes for longer longer periods, which is is great. Um, a lot of them will have, you know, part-time
home assistance, home health care. Um, and the health care system is is trying, I believe overall, is trying to move in that direction to keep keep, you know, people in their homes as long as they can and not need um, you know, full-time
care in an assisted living or a nursing home environment. Um, which is is great and overall that's going to reduce health care costs as well, right? Um and the the other um call type that we've
seen an increase in in um which is another direct result of that situation is um accidental activations of lifelines. Um the these the devices have changed
evolved in the last few years where they used to be a a stationary device in the person's house that was directly linked to their landline telephone. Um now the the trend is that these are moving to um
either cellular or or satellite devices that a lot of times the people will have like a a watch type um >> activation device. Um a lot of these have fall detection. Um so we're we're
we're getting more and more accidental in activations um where the person is either mobile on the road in a store, something like that, and they accidentally hit the device or or a
a fall detection alert. that was not a fall. It was a banging the device into a wall or something like that. Um the the life the lifeline companies and there's there's many different providers now out there, they
always attempt to contact the subscriber to confirm if it was accidental or not, but if they can't contact them, they initiate a response. Um, and it we've there's definitely been an uptick in those like something that went from a
handful a year to now we're doing a couple hundred a year. Um, so it o overall in the in the incident volume total, it's not a big percentage, but those two areas are definitely upticks and I think they kind of reflect
what's going on um in in the elderly population these days. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And last but not least, public health. >> Good morning.
>> All right. Uh for staffing, we currently have one vacancy open for uh admin administrative assistance. Um that is normally a full-time position. Uh I'm looking to try and fill that for a part-time position for 19 hours a week
to assist with uh license commission duties. That's one of the most detailoriented permitting processes that we have with um a lot of back and forth and a lot of assistance to the applicant. And it
seems that we're we tried to absorb all of those duties, but it's it's been a little bit over our capacity with what we're able to handle. So, I'm looking to get a part-time person in there to help with that. Uh I have one transfer station employee who's
been out on medical leave. Um that's expected to last at least six more weeks and then we'll re-evaluate that position if we have any needs there. Um if he's able to come back or not. Um
now move on to the landfill and solid waste. Um at the landfill I currently have two projects needing completion. Um the first one would be repair to the landfill erosion.
It's the landfill is slowly settling over time um leading to issues with our let down channels and that is something that we have um an open corrective item with mass DP. Um and that kind of leads
to the second project which is the Lee pump station uh pump system at the landfill. It is 20 years old and it is basically at the end of life and uh basically has to be replaced at this
point cuz it's no longer functioning as intended. Um which could risk having the lee escape the landfill and escape containment. So, we have an open bid right now for that project. The bid's going to be closing on October 3rd, and
then we will hopefully have a a contractor who's going to be able to start working on that in like November time frame and get that done. Uh, but that will most likely put the landfill budget over budget. Um, but at this
point, it we have no other choice but to to do that. Um, I've already had to have Wind River come out and pump the leech down for us. Um, and that is a costly thing to do. Um, so we're trying to
avoid having to do that too much before we get this uh system fixed. um for the transfer station, the DPW has stepped in and helped us repair some of
the the drainage issues that have been in fact impacting like the transfer station lot. So, they've kind of repaired the drainage between the landfill and the transfer station lot where we were getting a a big flow of
water that led to some erosion right behind where we keep our open top containers. Um, so DPW helped us out and repaired that as well. Um, we're also working on just general safety out there. We have some new stairs that we
installed for for one of the bays. Um we've established some new protocols for operation of heavy equipment out there. Um, and we are also looking to either start utilizing trash compactors
or at least improve the the solid waste drop off area um with railings and and better better uh footing there for improved safety to residents. Um, I think the addition of compactors
would also kind of offset its own costs with just the reduction in trip fees. Um, so it it wouldn't take long to sort of pay for itself if we were able to get that in. We just kind of have to figure out
if the landfills if the electrical out there is good enough to actually um facilitate compactors. and we would also need to install some concrete pads for those. Um,
so we are also currently in negotiations for the next curbside collection contract starting in uh July of 2026. So I got bids from Waste Management, Yel
Harvey, and GW Shaw. Um, right now I'm negotiating with GW Shaw and Eel Harvey to try and get the lowest cost possible. Um, so I'm kind of working on that right now and I'm hoping to get something
uh agreed upon here relatively soon just because there's a a big lead time if anybody has to purchase a new trash truck or do anything else to to start doing the curbside collection.
Um let's see. We have had no food born illness complaints or um really very low number of food establishment complaints in general. So I think the inspectors are doing a great job of getting out there
and making sure to follow up with everyone and um stay on top of all our food establishments. For new establishments, we have Walmart still in the process of um they're going to be remodeling and that includes some
of their food service areas. Uh we just approved plans for a new market and bakery called Joy Market and Bakery. That's going to be at 22 Union Square. Next for for title five and private
wells. Um the mass D released some additional guidance for ADU construction. Um so if we if we do get any inquiries about that, we'll have the guidance as far as what what needs to be done, but
for in most cases it'll bas basically result in the need for a brand new uh septic system unless somebody planned ahead and built in extra capacity into the system they already have. So, we've only had one inquiry on that so far.
Um, the board of health is going to be voting on the final draft of our private well regulations at the next board of health meeting. So, the big change there would be that we are adding PAS testing to the water testing quality
requirements. Um and that would just be a good way to um kind of indicate if there are any PAS issues in the water table around town. So um I think that's a a great development.
Um let's see. We haven't had any tobacco or alcohol violations um since the last meeting and um we're hoping to keep it that way. So,
um for prevention coordinator that we had our national night out and it was a extremely well attended event and um I just want to thank Veronica for putting that on and it seems like we um benefited from doing it on a
different night from all the other towns and also just had a lot more activities and events and vendors for people and people had a lot of great feedback about that. Um and then the last two things are that
gardener is still at low risk for triple E and West Nile virus. Um there's zero triple E human or animal cases in the state right now and there are four West Nile human cases. uh one animal case
and it seems like the weather has definitely helped with mosquito activity and if it continues this way I think we'll we'll stay at low risk until the the end of the season. Um we are going to be having
respiratory disease vaccine clinics. So that would normally include flu and co shots. Uh we will definitely have flu shots available at those clinics. Uh but due to some of the uncertainty with federal versus state recommendations and
then um insurance reimbursements, uh it most likely we most likely won't have COVID vaccine available for those clinics and we may have to schedule some additional clinics later on in the year if we're able to to get our hands on
that. Uh, but that's going to be the first one coming up at the PACC on the 24th, uh, from 3:00 to 6:30. The Benol House on October 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. And then we'll have
one at City Hall, which will be open to all city hall employees. And that's going to be on October 20th from 9:00 am to 12 pm. That's all I've got for you. Questions? Council? All set. Thank you. >> All set.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you to the department heads for those updates. We now move on to old business 11552 with communication craft community regarding a number of vehicles towed under the city of Winter Park.
Speak on this morning. Um so we did have a traffic commission meeting after the last meeting we had here. Uh we did discuss and decided to revamp what we presented to you folks and we're looking still at the hybrid
model but maybe just starting it out with two months uh the month of January and February which seem to be the months we get more snow and then anything outside of those two months would be the way we we're currently doing it with the code red system. So, the January
and February months would be the hard no parking um 10:00 a.m. to or 10 p.m. to or 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. I think is what was in there. And that would be for those two months. And that's what we'd be that's what we're presenting and to
see if um you folks agree with that and if it goes to council or a public hearing or or whatnot. Um but those are the recommendations from the traffic commission. to get out of that. >> As I'll just reiterate, as I mentioned
last time, um it's the system right now is is very cumbersome and difficult um and it's it's a pretty good burden on um our our public safety to to clear the roads before the plows can get through. This would help especially during the
peak, you know, winter event times to to to clear the roads. the DPW obviously you know I don't know if they have all the roots stacked or not but um you know it's going to be much easier to make a pass once as opposed to two or three times you know time consum you know
consuming as well the roads will be cleared quicker it is an inconvenience I get it um we we certainly do understand that parking is limited but it's one of those things that's competing interests here so we got to figure out and in my opinion the the need to clear the roads
is just carries a much higher um need. So, >> and I did update the numbers for 2025. Um I think it was 144 at the time the original one was done and that was in February 9th. Um so I went from February
10th to the current date and there was uh 33 more vehicles that were towed. So a total of 177 vehicles so far just for 2025. All right, I'll open this item up for discussion. Um, I think that something definitely
has to be done. You know, it's not going to be popular with a lot of people, but sometimes you have to do what works. It's best for. And I agree with the traffic commission at this time. And if that eventually doesn't work, then you can move it around a little different
again, you know, but you really have to do something there. I understand that a lot of these landlords and a lot of these um apartment houses that were built years ago with hardly no parking, but years ago, people didn't have a lot of cars. Some people walk to work,
>> the furniture factories, and if they had one car, they were lucky. >> So now you've got multiple cars everywhere, and it's tough out there. It's tough when there's no snow out there to get by them with snow. So, I I I would I have no problem with what
you've um out there. And I guess I would piggy back on that that when the change was made from from a winter parking ban to what I call a code red system, um I think there there was there was kind of an understanding
that for that code red system to work, people had to be cooperative, had to be aware of when the storms were and had to u get off the road. And we're finding that that's becoming a challenge because people don't want to I think this is
kind of a hybrid system is is good because it forces people to figure out where they're going to put their car for the winter, which forces which then gives them a place when there is a storm, when there is a code red, they know where they can go. And
so it also makes it easier, of course, for for city personnel to keep the roads clear. The irony with with people is that they they're bad because they have to move their cars to plow. But if we were to just not make them move and plow the
roads and leave the snow where it lay around their cars, they'd be upset about that, too. So, what what's what's the best? What's the safest? I think doing it this way um allows us to it says to people, okay, you've got to have a place
to go in the winter. a couple of months, we're going to just say you have to be off because those are the months most likely to have snow. And then uh if if this works, we leave it. If we still continue to have trouble during
code reds, then we just we can expand. We can it's easier than to expand the time because there's a presumption that people do have a place to put their vehicle. Um so at this point we would need uh to
draft amendments to reflect uh this recommendation. Um, I'd also suggest if someone is interested in my motion to have a public hearing, I suggest perhaps an hour before
not council meeting but October's council meeting and that would be I'll I'll be glad to make the motion. Um, is that with with us or with the council? I would suggest it be with us but having
it before the council meeting >> allows other counselors to allow other counselors to be >> and that's why it's a public area so we're not really talk we have to sit there and be quiet so I'll make the motion that that we move forward with drafting an ordinance and with
at u scheduling a public hearing before the committee before a regular council meeting about an hour an hour before regular council meeting. >> I second that. >> Motion by councelor Brook, second by councelor Hardurn to recommend drafting
the ordinance as recommended by traffic commission and scheduling a public hearing for uh a regular council meeting. All those in favor? >> I I opposed. Motion carries.
And then the second item on to this agenda was uh item 11692, communication from the past commission relative to a measure to adopt master law chapter 90 section 17C establishment of a 25 mph speed limit in thickly settled or business district in city or
town. Deputy chief, >> so the city clerk had sent me something and I did find some wording in the city ordinance. Um it looks like maybe the council already voted on this in 2021. Um they did accept for the traffic
commission to set the 25 mile per hour zones in the city. Um in the letter that was drafted that I looked at from 2021 is very similar to what we drafted. Um so I'm thinking it already has been brought in front of the council. I just
don't think I guess the question would be was the there was no letter sent to the state. Um, and was it for the citywide or was it just for they're going to do the individual roads? cuz we're asking for the citywide one, which would make it so the the traffic
commission could recommend the streets and then council could vote on it and accept those streets and then create a section for it similar to our no parking section in the city ordinance that would list those streets as opposed to having to do each street individually and then
individually sending those to the state. So, the overall city one wouldn't mean we're setting the speed limit for the city completely for 25 mph. It would just be a working document as um areas evolve because it would be for business districts and thickly settled areas. Um
so as our neighborhoods become more um population increases, more houses being built, it would allow the traffic commission to re-evaluate due to the size of the the growth of that roadway. Is this something that we need to look at as 25 mile per hour as opposed to
having to individually vote every time and then send a new letter to the state? Um, so I don't know if that was what the intention was on the one in 2021 or not. Uh, we'd have to look at that as a a traffic commission to see um if that was
actually what the vote was was for in 2021. Um, or if it was just to allow the commission to come up with those roadways. And then do we have to individually uh send them to the state? So our
proposal is that the council accept it as a citywide and then we wouldn't need we only need to send one letter to the state saying we've adopted the citywide and then it would just go through council every time if we were adding streets to a list that was established.
And we did come up with a list based off what we have currently. Um, and that's the recommendation that we would ask for for the 25 mph zones. >> As I understand it, section 17 was citywide. Section 18 is what you're specifying by street.
>> I think with 17C, it gives this the city more local control. Um, is is kind of the gist of >> Yeah. And that looks like that was the one that was voted on, but it doesn't sound like anything maybe was sent to the state after that. So, we would just be now just notifying the
state that that was accepted um when the date was it was accepted. So, they have it on file. So, then we can now create our 25 mph zones. >> Who would be notifying the statement of that? The traffic commission DW >> that I don't I don't know if the city
clerk would have been responsible for that. I have I don't know um how that would work. I would think once the council voted that a letter would be sent out. I don't know who that would come from. I was I think usually if the city adopts
a state law, it's it's the clerk's office that would notify secretary of state, I think, because they >> the city has has accepted the statute. >> Yes. So, it I actually have where it would go to be sent to and it's a
the traffic enforcement or I forget the exact name, but it was through Mass DOT. Okay. So, is the traffic commission still wanting chapter 18 to specify street by street? I know we discussed
both in traffic commission. >> Yeah, I think what we were looking for was the citywide one and then it would be up to city council to accept the streets that we recommend. Um and that would we I think we felt that
would be the the easier way to do it just in the event um and that that list needs to expand at any point. I I think I don't know if there's any confusion, council, but um so 18 you every time you would want to designate a certain area, you'd have to do the process. You have
to to to change the code, you'd have to send a letter into the state. But my understanding is 17C. You just that the council would approve state, you know, citywide and then as we deemed fit locally, >> you could add we the traffic commission
could bring you those streets and then the council as a whole could could approve those streets and we wouldn't have to keep sending a letter to the the state and 18 we would have to basically send a letter every time we changed like a special regulation street. So that
that it just gives a I think seven my understanding is 17C gives us more control locally. So we can say council this is what we see for problems in this particular area. We can it's a heavily it's a densely populated we can make this a 25 zone is this okay and you
guys can determine if yeah this is we should make this a 25. >> So the action at this point would be to make sure the clerk uh informs the state >> yes to also >> to see what the vote was on in 2021. I think it was September 2021 >> and update
>> um to see if the vote was for to actually adopt >> cuz the way the wording is it just says to give the traffic commission authority to establish 25 mph zones. Um so if the council had voted and accepted
um 9017C then I would say they just need to be not the state just needs to be notified that we've adopted that and then we would as a commission a traffic commission could recommend the streets which we did put with that letter um and then it would just go up to city council
and then it would be a drafting of an or a separate ordinance for specialty speed zones. Um, I don't know where you would have that fall under current ordinances. U, but it would be set up similar to the no parking one where it lists the streets that are designated. You can't park on one side or both sides of the
street as a city ordinance. >> Yeah. Look at a few uh places and they all seem to be under vehicle operation. >> Yep. >> And one thing I don't know if this needs to be clarified for anybody listening is that just because the city adopts this
doesn't mean your street can be a 25. It has to meet the criteria to so anybody who hears this and says, "Well, my street can be a 20 because we get speeding complaints a lot on a lot of streets through the city." That's not how it exactly works. So, just because you want it on your street doesn't mean
it necessarily can happen. It has to be on criteria. So, I just want to, you know, anybody listening caution that too before they we start getting calls for 25 mph everywhere in the city. So, >> because it would have to be the criteria for thickly settled or business district.
I say as a kid, Elm Street was 25 miles an hour post at 25 and somewhere it changed to 30 and I'm assuming it changed because >> we're not we were not allowed to post to 25. We had to >> post 30.
>> It's exactly correct, Council. And I and again, we get a lot of speeding complaints and I I do think a lot of times 30 miles an hour in a densely populated or thickly settled area looks a lot faster than it is. So, I think that the purpose of the 25 is we
can locally reduce that and try to slow things down in in neighborhoods. So, but you're you're right. It was probably an illegal $25 million back in the day. Questions or comments?
>> No. I think we'll we'll ask for more time on this item so we can follow up on what was voted on 2021 and then draft more uh appropriate as such. There's no objection.
We'll take more time on this item. Council questions, concerns, comments. >> Um I don't have any questions. I'd like to thank um all the department heads and the gentlemen here sitting here off
be safe all of you. >> Thank you. I have no counselor uh comments or concerns. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. Motion by councelor Hartman. Second by councelor Brooks to adjurnn.
All in favor? I. Motion carries.