The Board of Aldermen met Dec. 9, discussing revenue predictions for Fiscal Year 2011 and the board’s upcoming leadership, among other items . The full meeting video is available here.
New board leadership announced
Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz was announced as the 2011 board president, replacing Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly. Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor will take Gewirtz’s place as vice president.
“Alderman Sullivan is the only one clapping,” Gewirtz noted.
ISD recommendations kept in committee
A recently released report that recommends sweeping changes for the city’s Inspectional Services Department is still being looked over by the board’s Public Utilities and Public Works Committee.
Aldermen approved a motion asking for the drafts and responses between the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, which controls ISD, and the company producing the report, California-based Zucker Systems.
‘Temporary fix’ sought for Davis Square bricks
Following a Public Safety Committee meeting this week that saw several disabled residents describe the difficulties presented by the city’s continued use of brick crosswalks throughout the city, several aldermen put in an order asking the city’s Department of Public Works to repair brick issues in Davis Square, even temporarily.
Several aldermen noted that residents have complained of the situation in Davis Square for years.
“It’s time for a major facelift,” Connolly said.
Resident-requested Somerville Avenue hearing stalled
Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche, chair of the Traffic and Parking Committee, reported the committee is asking the city to verify signatures on a petition asking the city for a public hearing to hear concerns being raised about the near-complete Somerville Avenue reconstruction project.
