Sunday night's Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate meeting was unusually packed as senators met with representatives from the University administration, Tufts University Police Department (TUPD), and the Somerville Police Department (SPD).
The aim of the meeting was to address the strained relations between Tufts students and Somerville residents. There have been several student complaints since a crackdown on parties began last month.
SPD Sergeant Steve Carrabino's description of his first night on his new patrol left listeners with a powerful impression. He came across five students with open containers, two students publicly urinating on lawns, and one streaker on Upland Ave.
"It just can't be done," he said. "It makes you guys look bad, really makes the neighbors angry. We have to do something to control that."
Carrabino was recently moved from a gang-unit in east Somerville to the Tufts area. There has been a redistribution of police officers after budget cuts caused the department to lose 30 officers.
Carrabino discussed the issues regarding Tufts-community relations from a patrolman's perspective. "I'm here to ask for your help," Carrabino said. "I see where this situation is heading and it looks bad."
Senators had several different ideas on how to restore community relations. TCU Vice President Joe Mead suggested a group project clean up with volunteers from both the University and Somerville.
Senator Simon Sassenberg said letting a student caught with an open container violation off with a warning would have less of impact than arresting the student.
Carrabino felt such consequences would be too dire for the type of crime committed. "It's really hard locking someone up who's really apologetic when you know what can happen to their future [because of their record]," he said.
While the meeting Sunday did not have tangible results, senators and administrators alike saw the heightened communication as a step in the right direction. "No one expected to solve all the problems. The problem starts with Tufts students and Somerville residents and that's where it will end," TCU President Chike Aguh said.
Senators were given the chance to address their concerns to guests. The visitors included Captain Mark Keith and Captain Doug Mazzola from TUPD. Dean of Students Bruce Reitman and Director of Community Relations Barbara Rubel represented the Tufts administration.
"We've had a focus on community relations this semester," Reitman said. "We're back to a normal situation now, but this year has had tense and frustrating levels at an all-time high."
Efforts to improve relations will begin immediately. "To be ready for the last five weekends, if some of you would like to work with us, we can work on materials as a campaign," Reitman said.
Though nothing for the future concrete, both administrators and senators see this as a good forum to discuss town-gown issues and problems.
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