By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The Board of Aldermen’s regular meeting March 13 began with a discussion on the support of Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, which seeks to empower domestic workers with similar rights to those of other members of the workforce. Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz explained how action needs to be taken because of exploitive actions taken against these types of workers by their employers.

After hearing from several members of domestic work-related activist group members, BOA President Bill White declared that the item would carry.

The next resolution, introduced by Alderman At Large Mary Jo Rossetti, related back to addressing the snow-related concerns affecting public safety that came through in the form of a letter from mothers of school-aged children. This item carried as well.

Alderman Gewirtz introduced an ordinance that called for the city’s human-rights policy to be amended by adding the words “gender identity and expression” to protect transgender individuals from discrimination. Alderman White called for this item to be submitted to the Committee of Legislative Matters to get legal feedback.

Orders related to the commissioner of public works to repair potholes in several areas throughout Somerville, as well as graffiti removal, were passed by the BOA.

Ward 5 Alderman Mark Neidergang introduced an order to call upon the city solicitor to appear before the BOA to describe the process for responding to requests for public records, as significant negative feedback has been reported in various publications regarding the city not releasing certain information. White called for this order to be submitted to the Committee on Legislative Matters.

Ward 7 Alderman Katjana Ballantyne submitted several items that were approved related to housing and properties, including one that calls for a public hearing to allow residents to weigh in on proposed new zoning code overhauls before their submission to the board.

Alderman Ballantyne explained that the city’s plans to completely overhaul its zoning codes should require institutional ‘master plans’ to ensure all projects are consistent with approved best practices and that residents of the neighborhoods understand what adjustments will be made and why.

Alderman At Large Dennis Sullivan introduced a resolution to call upon the administration to consider exempting senior citizens from paying the surcharge associated with the Community Preservation Act, as well as an order to have the commissioner of public works explain how the city deals with handicap parking spots during snow emergencies.

The board also approved several orders submitted by Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin that covered property owner notification for the five-year moratorium on renovations to private sewer systems along lower Broadway, sidewalk repairs and street corner dedications for local veterans.

Finally, Ward 3 Alderman Robert McWatters and White introduced an order to call upon the city solicitor to determine whether the U.S. Postal Service has complied with federal law in its selling of the Union Square Post Office facility. McWatters explained that several public hearings should have been held before the historic parcel was sold off and that a federal congressional hearing called for an audit of relevant post-office actions across the country.

Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston endorsed this order and added that residents are beginning to have concerns about the delivery of mail following the sale of the building and reallocation of responsibilities to an external city’s postal facility. She called for a USPS manager to speak before the BOA regarding these matters.

Alderman Mark Neidergang also spoke to the order for the city solicitor to determine the legality of the USPS’ actions, and White declared the order approved.