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Report of the Committee on Parks and Open Space
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEON PARKS AND OPEN SPACEThe Committee on Parks and Open Space held a meeting on May 3, 2010, with Chairman Rebekah Gewirtz presiding and Committee Member Alderman Maryann Heuston also present and voting. Also present were Aldermen Walter Pero and Denns Sullivan, Executive Director od OSPCD Monica Lamboy, Environmental Programs Manager David Lutes and residents Courtney Koslow, Colleen Butler, Rebecca Schrumm, Brad Arndt and Jen Lawrence.189255- voluntary composting program: Mr. Lutes discussed the possibilities of exploring voluntary composting and told the members that he would examine the logistical issues involved. Mr. Lutes stated that he feels that a voluntary program is a good way to gauge the demand for this program and he told the members that someone from his office has visited the Cambridge facility for ideas. The DPW yard seems to be the logical place for the drop off spot but staffing issues would have to be addressed for after hours drop offs. Chairman Gewirtz discussed having drop off bins at farmers markets and she asked Mr. Lutes to find out how Cambridge obtains and transports the composted soil from Saugus to Cambridge. She also suggested that Mr. Lutes confer with an intern from Tufts University who has been researching this topic. Mr. Lutes discussed alternative spots where people would be willing to host a drop off location and he would like to explore whether the drop off spots need to be supervised. Over 1,000 composting machines have been handed out to residents and Mr. Lutes stated that he would apply to the DEP for a funding grant that could only be used to pay for equipment. Alderman Heuston wants to be sure that the cost of the proposed composting program is fully explored due to the current budget constraints. Mr. Lutes will update the committee after further research. (Note: Adam Mitchell is from Save that Stuff and Randy Mail is the recycling director in Cambridge.)189256 - formation of a task force called the "Green Community and Open Space Initiative:Ms. Lamboy discussed the amount of linear feet of roadway in the city, noting that Somerville has more roadways than other communities due to the tight configuration of its streets. Ms. Lamboy also spoke about the updates made to city parks that have increased the amount of green space at Hodgkins and Grimmins Parks. Ms. Lamboy updated the committee on meetings with the Mystic River Water Association and the Somerville Avenue project and she discussed private property and using zoning as a way to improve the system, noting that people feel very strongly about private property issues. IKEA will have a green roof and a water garden. There is a comprehensive plan for impervious surfaces and green space. Ms. Lamboy spoke about having a dialogue regarding what the city wants to be in the future and told the members that there would be a meeting at the Argenziano School to discussed visions, resources, policy and actions. Community members will have the chance to discuss their ideas and concerns. Ms. Lamboy feels that the city is on a good track could stem other solutions and healthy discussions. Alderman Heuston discussed having a task force to get more immediate results and she believes that a task force would be able to work on concrete issues. She also spoke about private property owners doing things on their property without neighborhood input and she further discussed the possibility of green borders between private property and the sidewalk. Alderman Heuston suggested that property owners should have to obtain a permit for paving, as required by many other communities.Chairman Gewirtz discussed who would be on the proposed committee, e.g., members of the Parks and Open Space Committee, Representatives from Apex Green Roofs and the Garden Club, interested residents, Mr. Lutes, Vital Deshpande from the DPW, Water Superintendent Carol Antonelli, representatives from Climate Action, Groundwork Somerville and the Mystic River Watershed, Arn Franz from OSPCD and representatives from the city?s Transportation and Infrastructure Departments. She is envisioning a 10-15 person committee to discuss turning paved surfaces into green surfaces. Residents Jen Lawrence and Courtney Koslow stated that community members and groups need to know that their efforts are being acted upon by the city. Alderman Heuston feels that larger groups are not focusing on the smaller areas. She feels the next step is to invite people onto the task force and have a couple of meetings to pull in ideas. Ms. Lamboy offered to be the contact person from the city along with Michael Lambert from OSPCD. The garden club can be invited but they are very busy right now with current projects. APEX Green Roofs will be invited. Brad Arndt suggested invited the green infrastructure planner that is being hired by the city. This new position will report to Transportation Director Michael Lambert. Alderman Heuston?s motion that the City Solicitor summarize what is in the zoning code and code of ordinances that limits, controls or restricts paved surfaces on private property in the city and report the findings to the Committee on Parks and Open Space, was approved.No papers were acted on.