CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a License Commission recommendation to approve the jitney application from EZ Ride Shuttle to amend their route.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to disapprove the jitney application from H/M Transportation for a shuttle service between the airport and hotels in Cambridge.

Mohamed Hassani, H/M Transportation, 500 Governors Drive #35, Winthrop, MA 02152
RE: Application for a Jitney route, H/M Transportation

Dear Mr. Hassani,

On Dec 16, 2008 the Board of License Commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend disapproval to the City Manager for the City Council on your application for shuttle service between the airport and hotels in Cambridge.

The reasons for which the License Commission is recommending disapproval are:

1. Taxi-cab drivers fear this business will cut into their business during this economic downturn.

2. Enforcement of solicitation for jitney service cannot be effectively monitored or enforced.

3. In order for the taxicab community to provide for short trips, they depend on the airport runs.

4. The taxicab community provides a service to all facets of the community without regard for profitability of the fares.

5. The client base for airport runs is not consistent enough to support the scheduled runs being proposed by the jitney operators.

6. Unlike the price of medallions, it is difficult to assess the impact of jitney services in terms of devaluing the cost of medallions. It is difficult to assess how many jitney licenses are too many.

7. There is a claim that there is already a saturation of jitney and limousine services servicing the Cambridge area.

8. Not able to police whether jitney services are keeping to their proposed schedules.

Your application will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration at their Jan 5th, 2009 hearing. Please be sure to attend the hearing.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a License Commission recommendation to disapprove the jitney application of Copley Coach, Inc. for a shuttle service from the airport to hotels in Cambridge.

Jamal Alamleh, 176 Billings Street #3, N. Quincy, MA 02171
RE: Application for a Jitney route, Copley Coach, Inc.

Dear Mr. Alamleh,

On Dec 16,2008 the Board of License Commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend disapproval to the City Manager for the City Council on your application for shuttle service from the airport to hotels in Cambridge.

[same letter as above]

The City Council voted to accept the recommendations of the License Commission in Agenda Items #2 and 3. Several city councillors stated that a committee would take up the matter of regulation of jitneys and the taxicab industry with some suggestion that transitioning away from the current regulatory scheme might be worthy of consideration. The vote to deny these jitney applications was 6-3 with Councillors Davis, Maher, and Reeves voting NO.
[Note: Credit goes to Councillors Reeves, Kelley, Davis, Murphy, and Simmons for speaking on this matter and not just waving it through.]

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from The Beal Companies ("Beal") for three (3) permanent aerial easements for three aluminum sunshade structures to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over portions of the public sidewalk.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter right exercised by Councillor Kelley on a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-119, regarding a report on possible impacts of the new police detail regulations and on the City's reliance on detail work.
Report accepted, placed on file.

2. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Davis on Policy Resolution #10 of Dec 22, 2008 expressing support for Leonard Peltier.
Placed on file under Rule 19 with no action taken.

ON THE TABLE
3. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Nov 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on Unfinished Business.]

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.]

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger transmitting support for maintaining funding for the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club.

2. A communication was received from the Trustees of The Harvard Crimson Trust II transmitting its support of the retention of the present name of Plymptom Street in honor of the Plympton family's contribution to local and state government.

3. A communication was received from Steven DeMaio transmitting a request for the review process for approving construction projects in Cambridge.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Roberta F. (Blake) McLeod.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis

2. Resolution on the death of Gerald C. Leavitt.   Councillor Maher

3. Congratulations to Hall Kirkham on his Ordination to the Priesthood on Jan 10, 2009.   Councillor Kelley

4. That the City Council go on record honoring William Edward Gurry for his four decades as a role model to the young people of Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

5. Commending North Cambridge Catholic for its commitment to their students and efforts to prepare the student body for a college education.   Councillor Toomey

6. Thanks to Carl Barron for his work and efforts to keep Central Square a thriving center for culture and business as he steps down from the Presidency of the Central Square Business Association.   Councillor Decker

7. Happy Birthday wishes to Alice Wolf.   Councillor Decker

8. Congratulations to Michael Sussman on the publishing of his children's book entitled "Otto Grows Down."   Councillor Toomey

9. Congratulations to Eva Blythe on her 20th anniversary as a YWCA Administrator.   Mayor Simmons

10. Congratulations to Elena Kagan on her nomination as United States Solicitor General.   Vice Mayor Murphy

11. Happy birthday wishes to Jenny Carvello.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves

12. Resolution on the death of Isabel E. "Bella" (Bettencourt) Branco.   Councillor Toomey

13. Resolution on the death of John E. "Jack" Broughall Jr.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Sheila M. (Jennings) Hirtle.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report on the status of the greenhouse gas emission reduction goal and to inform the City Council on exactly how this goal is being measured.   Councillor Decker

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on Nov 3, 2008 regarding an update on the new transitional jobs program.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Jan 6
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss a petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.88 - Memorial Drive Overlay District.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss a petition to amend the zoning in the East Cambridge area filed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Jan 7
5:30pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to hear from the public regarding the evaluation of the City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Jan 13
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss opportunities to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Jan 14
6:00pm   Human Services Committee meeting  (Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center)

Thurs, Jan 22
5:00pm   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Homeland Security grant for installation of surveillance cameras and an opportunity to have a community discussion with city officials.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting on emergency preparedness. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 3
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting with NSTAR. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 24
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss outdoor lighting.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting with School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 29
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Jan 5, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council supported a Cambridge Climate Protection Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on the status of this goal and to inform the City Council on exactly how this goal is being measured; and be it further
ORDERED: If, based on this status report, this goal is not achievable by the 2010 deadline, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to solicit a response from the appropriate department on what a realistic deadline for this goal is, or if aggressive measures can be taken to meet the 2010 goal.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Nov 3, 2008 beginning at one o’clock and five minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving an update on the new transitional jobs program.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Richard Harding, Cambridge Department of Public Health; Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer, Cambridge Department of Public Health; Susan Walsh, Director of Workforce Development, Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP); Susan Minsk, Adult Employment Director, Office of Workforce Development, DHSP; Mike Merullo, Program Coordinator, Cambridge Works, DHSP; Gabriel Mondon, Employment Services Coordinator, Cambridge Works, DHSP; Michele Scott, Case Manager, Cambridge Works; Allyson Allen, Planning and Development Director, DHSP; and Steven Swanger, Director of Workforce Development, Cambridge Housing Authority.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and explained the purpose. He provided background information on the origin of the new transitional jobs program in the work of the Neighborhood Safety Task Force. One subcommittee was entitled "Jobs." Richard Harding and Ellen Semonoff were Co-Chairs. They looked at the nine-week program and saw that it was a group of people for whom those nine weeks of employment would be their only job every year. They looked at the possibilities of enhancement to that nine-week employment.

Councillor Reeves introduced Ellen Semonoff and Richard Harding. Mr. Harding began the presentation. He announced that the official name of the program is "Cambridge Works." The program is what they recommended in the final report of the Neighborhood Crime Task Force. They did a focus group of the employees with histories of repeatedly working in the nine-week jobs to ask them what could help then get permanent employment with other employers. They met with many people from many other programs that do similar work, for example, ROCA and Youth Build.

Mr. Harding said that for the new Cambridge Works program, they started with a structure similar to that of the nine week job program, that is, nine weeks of work. They extended the time on the front end with a training program and, at the other end, they added another three weeks in which job development is incorporated into the work program. Mr. Harding told the committee that they heard a lot about how to stay in touch with participants. In the Cambridge Works program, there will be intensive training and case management during the jobs. They added the job development part in response to recommendations from other professionals in the area.

Susan Minsk said that the program’s target is young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, especially people who have not been well-served by the Cambridge Employment Program, mostly because they have some serious barriers, such as criminal justice issues, no high school diploma, and problems with previous employees.

Susan Walsh described the program design and the thinking that went into its design. This program teaches people how to go to work. The program will have supportive supervisors who see themselves as coaches or mentors. She added that there will be a very targeted job match and job development. Ms. Walsh added that there will be long term follow-up with ongoing support for at least a year. The transitional employment and training piece will be thirteen weeks, allocated as follows: there will be one week of intensive unpaid orientation, followed by thirteen weeks of a subsidized job with the City, during which there will be coaching and case management. The program will accept twelve participants three times a year. Eight will be placements and four will be bench slots. The bench slots placements will be people with fewer barriers and they may be able to be placed directly, similar to the ROCA program design. The program will include five hours of professional development per week and intensive case management.

Allyson Allen described the case management as very focused on outcomes. Michael Merullo then discussed the job placement plans as follows:
Department of Public Works– office assistant and laborer
Cambridge Police – office assistant and laborer in vehicle maintenance
Senior Center – food preparation
Water Department – maintenance
Recreation – golf course and Danehy Park
Library – custodial position

He said that the supervisor is crucial. The supervisor must see himself or herself as a mentor/teacher. Mr. Merullo said that he has begun to reach out to local businesses to be sure job interviews are lined up to begin in week nine. On Dec 1, 2008 there will be a supervisors program. He noted that the participants will have access to job development services for the year following the program.

Susan Minsk then described the professional development progress development training. Most workshops will be led by Michael Merullo, Richard Harding and Michele Scott. The workshops will focus on issues such as what jobs their skills best meet, conflict resolution on the job and how to work. They have enough curricula to provide two cycles of workshops.

Michele Scott then described the case management portion. The case managers will meet with each participant at least three times a week, and will also maintain contact with the participant’s supervisor. In addition the case manager will be available for small crises at the workshop and will continue the relationship with participants for up to a year after they complete the program.

Ms. Scott then moved to a description of where the program is now. She said that last Monday they had an outreach meeting with members of the community to give them information about the criterion for participation. They have reached out to probation officers, directors of teen programs, the Boys and Girls Club, Center for Race and Justice at Harvard and the Community Learning Center.

Ms. Scott then discussed intake. Applicants will meet with either her or Michael. They will fill out applications. Thirteen people have come in already. Twelve interviews have been scheduled, starting today. The orientation will take place Dec 1-5, and work starts Dec 8th.

Ms. Walsh said that there has been a great deal of discussion about the nine-week program. They have decided to require anyone who wants to get on the nine-week list to come in and meet with Gabriel Mondon and take an educational assessment. They are hoping to pull some folks from the nine-week program and give them exposure to the Cambridge Employment Program. Mr. Mondon then described the intake process in more detail and Ms. Minsk distributed three handouts, which are attached to this report.

Claude Jacob asked if the nine weeks and Cambridge Works are mutually exclusive. Susan Minsk described several differences. Mr. Harding said for that the nine week program there are about 253 applicants; 100 obtain nine-week jobs in a calendar year, more during the good weather.

Councillor Reeves noted that an important purpose of the nine-week program is to supplement the City workforce. Ms. Semonoff agreed and added that many of the particular jobs that the nine-week employees have require them to be at their jobs all day long.

Councillor Reeves said that there is a view that to truly succeed we must look at the whole individual as one who needs a job, and should have housing and better health. He asked how, if at all, the physical health aspect is being introduced. Mr. Harding said that is a good question. Having Health Department staff as part of the program will provide an access point to helping those contacts happen.

Councillor Reeves said that there is a very good potential link here. Mr. Jacob agreed that the programs should make good use of the synergies. His other questions have to do with what privileges of membership the Cambridge Works program will provide. He said that he has another question about what more intensive services may be added. Ms. Walsh said that absolutely will be one of the goals. Ms. Scott added that from the beginning, the applications will have questions to flag other issues, such as mental health issues. Ms. Semonoff said that to the extent that the City runs the services, there is the capacity to get help.

Councillor Reeves suggested exploring the use of support groups.

Councillor Reeves invited questions and comments from other City Councillors present. Councillor Kelley said he is really impressed at the level of base work that the program goes into. These statistics will be very important going forward in such a competitive economy.

Councillor Reeves recommended that the group read "Left Behind Black Males." He said that the people who are chronically unemployed have any number of syndromes. ROCA has the "never go away" approach, similar to the Harlem Children’s Zone "whatever it takes," and he is interested in that kind of approach. He invited Mr. Merullo to describe his experience and Mr. Merullo did so. He graduated from college in 1992 and has worked in employment/job placement for fifteen years, beginning at ERI.

Councillor Reeves expressed his interest in the Strive and Year Up programs. Ms. Semonoff said that Year Up is quite competitive. The folks that Cambridge Works will be serving would probably not be accepted. Some might be accepted after they go through the Cambridge Works program.

Councillor Reeves said that his interest is that Year Up is standards-based. Cambridge Works sounds more like a reality-based program rather than a skill building program.

Mr. Harding said that the Cambridge Works program will be dealing with a variety of skills and abilities, the bench placements might be people who are more likely to end up at Year Up.

Councillor Reeves said that if he had his choice, he would probably have discontinued the nine-week program, but he got the sense that Mr. Healy needs it for the workforce. He has tried to understand the function of the Office of Workforce Development. He asked what the difference is between the new program and the existing Office of Workforce Developments. Allyson Allen said that there people are in need of basic skills, such as how to work and how to keep a job. They are hoping that this program will be more of a feeder into more targeted workforce development.

Ms. Scott said that in the site visits she and Mr. Merullo have been doing, the worksites have discussed some willingness to do the next level of training to help participants to be able to get a similar job elsewhere.

Councillor Reeves asked about the danger that participants will expect that they will be able to continue to work at their Cambridge Works city job placement when they complete the program. Ms. Semonoff said that it is the obligation of this program to tell them they will not have a city job afterwards. However, there is also some money for additional training, for example someone who worked at the Senior Center kitchen could go on to culinary training.

Councillor Reeves said that the people being discussed are a group of people who are more marginal than he had expected. Steve Swanger said that the discussion is one of apples, oranges, grapes and lemons. That is one of the difficulties that they have always had. In his experience it has worked better to make the training available after there has been basic job readiness work. The Cambridge Housing Authority has some funds for specific training and would be happy to make it available to successful participants to this program.

Councillor Reeves said that he would like more conversation about the job development piece and potential placements. He listed the unions, restaurants and universities as potential sources.

Mr. Swanger said that for the next meeting on this topic, his question will be about people who go through the program and do not find jobs. Ms. Walsh said that if they lose their jobs they can come back for job placement assistance.

Councillor Reeves said that he would feel more comfortable if this program resulted in a certification. He suggested using the images of success to motivate the participants, similarly to the way the Harlem Children’s Zone calls its parent education program "Baby College." He also urged glossy promotional PR material.

Councillor Reeves asked whether having a first week that is unpaid will work. Mr. Harding said that they tested this question extensively in the focus group. The thought was that the requirement to exhibit that level of commitment would be useful to participants. Councillor Reeves suggested not ignoring the value of incentives as motivation.

Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting adjourned at two o’clock and fifty two minutes PM.

Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the responsibility of the developers for a safe crossing will be upheld by the MBTA and that plans will coincide with the vision of future development.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-5)

08-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the position the City can take on altering the NorthPoint special permit now that the land swap is no longer necessary.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-7)

08-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of addressing rodent complaints and whether the number of complaints has increased or decreased.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-8)

08-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining options to make the parking lot and abutting sidewalk located along Linnaean Street at the corner of Mass. Avenue a safer place for non-vehicular traffic.
Councillor Seidel 09/08/08 (O-22)

08-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible impacts of the new police detail regulations and on the City's reliance on detail work.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 09/22/08 (O-6)

08-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the new Berkeley, California program to give city-backed loans to property owners who install rooftop solar-power systems is applicable to Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-16)

08-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there has been an increase of arrests of homeless persons or people in need of services in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/20/08 (O-14)

08-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the fiscal lessons from the budgets in the wake of the last recessions and implications for the next few budgets in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/03/08 (O-11)

08-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership of Fifth Street between Bent & Binney Streets and the ownership of Rogers Street from Fulkerson to Third Streets and ensure maintenance of these roadways.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-1)

08-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of awarding points to affordable housing applicants based on the number of times they've applied.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-5)

08-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on landscaping plans for the CRLS project and on the impact to trees in the area of the project.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 11/17/08 (O-10)

08-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that all playgrounds adjacent to schools are in good, safe, working order on Monday mornings when children return to school.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/24/08 (O-1)

08-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on restoration of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Davis 11/24/08 (O-9)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-149. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of Article XXIV Special District Parking Regulation and on proposed remedies to residents' concerns who live in Harvard University dormitories and housing developments constructed after Oct 27, 2003.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-8)

08-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many businesses similar to Biogen have relocated some or all of their personnel from Cambridge-based offices, whether there is an indication that others will be leaving, and what the strategies are to keep businesses in Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-9)

08-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of pedestrian access in and around Russell Field.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-10)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on security cameras installed in Cambridge by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-4)

08-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the fire hydrants closest to 72-74 Lexington Avenue were functioning properly during the recent fire.
Councillor Decker 12/15/08 (O-12)

08-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a campaign similar to New York's Safe Streets for Seniors.
Mayor Simmons 12/22/08 (O-1)

08-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on remedy to placing a bus shelter at 2518 Mass Ave. for the #77 bus.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership

08-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on opposition to Channel 25's actions to switching from analog early.
Councillor Decker 12/22/08 (O-5)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)