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Subcommittee backs fire-safety amendments to require timely payment for fire watches; public raises cost concerns
Summary
The Legislative Affairs Subcommittee recommended an amendment to the city's fire-safety rules that clarifies fire-watch payments and recordkeeping; residents expressed concern about costs to condominium owners and whether the city would require Revere Fire personnel or allow certified private companies to perform watches.
The Legislative Affairs Subcommittee voted to recommend amendments to Revere's fire-safety regulations that establish clearer requirements for fire-watch details and payments.
City Solicitor Claire Zurillo told the committee the changes address prompt payment for fire-watch details and aim to protect firefighters and residents. She said the revisions arose from collaboration with Acting Fire Chief James Cullen and Captain Kevin O'Hara and are intended to make sure properties that must have a fire watch pay for those services "promptly" and that records and procedures align with the state fire code.
Public commenters expressed concern about costs and scope. One resident said some constituents are already incurring substantial costs for fire watches and cited a local example, saying a firm (Carabetta) owes the city more than $500,000. The commenter asked whether the ordinance would require using Revere Fire personnel for watches or allow certified private fire-protection companies. Solicitor Zurillo said the state fire code supersedes the city and requires thorough checking and recordkeeping; she said the code and the Office of the State Fire Marshal set obligations and that whoever performs the watch must document checks consistent with code.
Councilors asked staff to ensure communication with the fire department and to stress that records of rounds and checks would be available for state review when required. On roll call the subcommittee recommended the ordinance to the full City Council.
The ordinance will be forwarded to the council for final action; staff were asked to clarify whether private providers may be used and to ensure processes for required documentation are in place.
