Cambridge City Council meeting – January 12, 2004 – AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Harvard University Office of Government, Community and Public Affairs for $1,000 to the Grant Fund Emergency Management Travel and Training account to be used to educate and train volunteers of the Cambridge Auxiliary Fire Department.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Dev. for $70,393 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary & Wages ($67,904) and Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance ($2,489) to be used by the Community Learning Center to provide computer classes for Cambridge Housing Authority residents at Jefferson Park and 119 Windsor Street.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Roback, et al Petition to rezone a city block in Central Square from Residence C-2A to Residence C-1.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to proposed Cambridgeport Zoning Modifications in the Office 3 and Business A Districts at Memorial Drive, in response to Calendar Item #1, dated November 4, 2002.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2004:
With Power
Taylor Ford Massie, Jr., 35 Harvey Street, Unit 6, Cambridge, MA 02140
Without Power
Ryan Galliuan, 71 Waldemar Ave., Winthrop, MA 02152
John J. O'Leary, 648 Solen Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $267,000 in projected FY04 surplus traffic and parking revenues to the Parking Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for additional costs related to the First Street and Green Street Garages and equipment needs for the renovated Traffic, Parking and Transportation offices.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 6, 2003 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by John Roback et al. to amend the zoning in an area bounded by the centerlines of Green, Pearl, Franklin and Brookline Streets from the existing Residence C-2A to Residence C-1. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after December 15, 2003. Petition expires February 4, 2004.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 23, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Casa Nia requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises Massachusetts Avenue at Porter Road near Beech Street.
2. An application was received from B-Side Lounge requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 92 Hampshire Street.
3. Approval of constable bond surety received from David Sullivan.
4. Approval of constable bond surety received from Mark Edwards.
5. Approval of constable bond surety received from Leanders H. Smith.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the month of August.
2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding the Riverside agreement.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of William B. Morrison. Councillor Galluccio
2. Resolution on the death of Janet Summers Aaron. Councillor Galluccio
3. Resolution on the death of John E. Casey, Sr. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Maria A. Carreiro. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. Burke. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey
6. Resolution on the death of Richard Silva. Councillor Toomey
7. Resolution on the death of Maria V. Sousa. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
8. Resolution on the death of Robert Bradley. Councillor Toomey
9. Congratulations to Mark Lloyd on being selected to deliver the Keynote Address at the Twenty-ninth Annual Birthday Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Councillor Simmons
10. Congratulations to Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. on being selected to deliver the Keynote Address for the Cambridge NAACP Annual Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast Celebration on January 17, 2004. Councillor Simmons
11. Resolution on the death of John C. Acton. Mayor Sullivan
12. Resolution on the death of Susan Eaton. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
13. Resolution on the death of George H. Spindler. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan
14. Resolution on the death of David R. Schwarz. Councillor Galluccio
15. Resolution on the death of Vera Cox. Councillor Galluccio
16. Resolution on the death of Harold F. MacGilvray, Sr. Mayor Sullivan
17. Resolution on the death of Albert Jensen. Councillor Toomey
18. Resolution on the death of Anna F. Mangone. Councillor Toomey
19. Resolution on the death of Elma Ina Lewis. Councillor Simmons
20. Resolution on the death of Gertrude V. Walker. Mayor Sullivan
21. Resolution on the death of Ella Kenworthy Lewis. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher
22. Resolution on the death of Thomas P. Downes. Councillor Maher
23. Resolution on the death of Reverend Francis Ready. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan
24. Resolution on the death of John Stackiewicz. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher
25. Resolution on the death of Fortuna Correnti. Councillor Toomey
26. Resolution on the death of Jacintho A. "Jesse" Branco. Councillor Galluccio
27. Resolution on the death of Richard J. "Ricky" Coppenrath. Councillor Galluccio
28. Resolution on the death of Robert H. McGowan. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan
29. Resolution on the death of Claire Cabral. Councillor Toomey
30. Resolution on the death of Helen Zuk. Councillor Toomey
31. Resolution on the death of John F. Perkins. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey
32. Resolution on the of the death of Louise Soldani. Councillor Galluccio
33. Resolution on the death of Catherine "Alma" Brodie. Councillor Galluccio
34. Resolution on the death of Ann Wrenn. Mayor Sullivan
35. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth M. Murphy. Councillor Galluccio
36. Resolution on the death of Anne J. Jeansonne. Councillor Galluccio
37. Resolution on the death of Salvatore John Lechiaro. Mayor Sullivan
38. Congratulations and thanks to Katherine Rafferty, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, for her two years of dedicated service to the City and wish her well in all her future endeavors. Mayor Sullivan
39. Resolution on the death of Martha Clancy. Mayor Sullivan
40. Congratulations to Bob and Jane Richards on the birth of their new grandchild, Maxwell Daniel. Vice Mayor Decker
41. Congratulations to Domenic Fucci on the occasion of his 60th anniversary working in the Meat Department at Shaw's/Star Market and wish him continued success. Mayor Sullivan
42. Extend best wishes to all the participants in the 2004 Greater Boston Track Club Invitational and wish the event great success. Mayor Sullivan
43. Resolution on the death of Estelle Galera. Councillor Galluccio
44. Resolution on the death of Abigail J. Cronin. Councillor Galluccio
45. Congratulations to Peter Popovics , a Veteran MBTA worker who found a wallet and return it to the owner. Councillor Toomey
46. Resolution on the death of Maria Pacheco. Councillor Toomey
47. Resolution on the death of Claire M. Cameron. Councillor Toomey
48. The Grand Opening of Calm Intervention will be on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00p.m. Mayor Sullivan
49. The Kendall Community Group's Annual Breakfast will be held on Friday, January 23, 2004 at the Hotel at MIT from 8:00am - 9:30am. Mayor Sullivan
50. Congratulations to the Community Dispute Settlement Center on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary of mediation in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
51. Extend best wishes to the students and staff members of the CRLS Drama and Dance Department with their presentation of the Martian Chronicles. Mayor Sullivan
52. Happy 75th Birthday to Rea Alkema and proclaim Saturday, January 17, 2004 as REA ALKEMA DAY in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
53. Congratulations to Jerome Falbo on his election as the new president of the Justinian Law Society and wish him great success. Mayor Sullivan
54. Congratulations to Geoff Bartley who is being honored by the Boston Bluegrass Union during its 19th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival February 13-15, 2004 and proclaim February 13, 2004 as GEOFF BARTLEY DAY in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
55. The Asian American Civic Association will be holding its annual Lunar New Year Gala on January 25, 2004 at the Empire Garden in Boston from 6:00-10:00pm marking the arrival of year 4702 and extend congratulations on their thirty-sixth anniversary and wish them good luck in the new year. Mayor Sullivan
56. Congratulations to Mother Mary Mark Pizzotti on the occasion of her fiftieth anniversary as a daughter of Mary of the Immaculate Conception and wish her continued spiritual success. Mayor Sullivan
57. Club Passim's "Unveiling" event will take place on January 18, 2004 and this event signifies the change of operational structure to express the mission and programs of the forty-six year old organization. Mayor Sullivan
58. Thanks to Cambridge Police Officers David Atherton, Nick Mochi and Frank Gutoski for a job well done with the child car seat installation service. Mayor Sullivan
59. Congratulations to the Community Development Department, Cambridge Savings Bank and Just A Start for their achievements in stabilizing occupancies in owner and tenant housing units, and in coordinating other below-market resources to help seniors, working families and individuals to continue to affordable place to live. Mayor Sullivan
60. Resolution on the death of Mario F. Carreiro. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey
61. Resolution on the death of Margaret L. Borelli. Councillor Galluccio
62. Resolution on the death of Theresa Killoren. Councillor Toomey
63. Resolution on the death of Frances McCormick. Councillor Toomey
64. Resolution on the death of Reverend Dismas J. Centrella, O.F.M. Councillor Toomey
65. Resolution on the death of Richard Cully, Sr. Councillor Galluccio
66. Congratulations to Jamie Sabino on her milestone birthday. Councillor Murphy
67. Congratulations to Trellis Stepter and Lisa Bromer on their recent engagement. Vice Mayor Decker
68. Welcome to Cambridge Dick and Rick Hoyt, known as Team Hoyt. Councillor Toomey
69. A Cambridge welcome to the Barrett Sisters. Councillor Reeves
ORDERS
1. City Manager to direct the Community Development Department to organize a conference/meeting of all the limited equity homeowners with the view in mind of assisting the formation of a Cambridge Association limited equity homeowners.
Councillor Simmons
2. Dedicate a suitable location in honor of Robert Bradley. Councillor Toomey
3. Dedication a suitable location in honor of Maria A. and Mario Carreiro. Councillor Toomey
4. City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft for City Council consideration an ordinance to ban motorized scooters from city streets and sidewalks. Councillor Davis
5. City Manager to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Planning Board to discuss the possibility of joint televised meetings for review of the Town Gown Reports by the Planning Board and City Council. Councillor Maher
6. City Manager to confer with NSTAR with regard to the replacement of a street light on Follen Street. Mayor Sullivan
7. City Manager to confer with any and all appropriate agencies to investigate sharp increase in gas and electric costs for Cambridge residents and report back to the City Council in two weeks. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan
8. City Manager is requested to work with the Chair of the Housing Committee to arrange an update meeting with the Trolley Square Committee. Councillor Galluccio
9. Contact the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Somerville to continue to protect workers' health by not reversing the Somerville Clean Air Works regulation. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy
10. City Manager to convene a meeting with officials of Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont to develop a plan for a regional approach to the open space at the Alewife Reservation and the Silver Maple Forest. Councillor Davis
11. City Manager instruct the Police Commissioner to provide a report to the City Council on running red lights at intersections and enforcement of "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks". Councillor Davis
12. City Manager to direct the appropriate departments to establish priority walking routes, for snow clearance, especially around all schools in the city, and a pedestrian snow removal operation policy whereby snow is removed for the benefit of pedestrian travelers. Councillor Davis
13. City Manager to direct the Public Works Commissioner to investigate the possibility of using private contractors for sidewalk snow clearance. Councillor Davis
14. City Manager requested to create a link from the city to the Attorney General's Office regarding charitable contributions. Councillor Davis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on December 17, 2003 to discuss the status of a proposed development along the Alewife Reservation and the related water and sewer connectivity.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on December 16, 2003 was to discuss an update on the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign, the Anti-Idling Campaign and the fundraising tactics practiced by the Police Department.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from City Clerk, D. Margaret Drury, transmitting a 2003 extension of the Agreement Co-Operation and Exchanges between City of Yerevan and the City of Cambridge executed by Mayor Yervand Zakharyan of Yerevan and Mayor Michael A. Sullivan of Cambridge.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to organize a conference/meeting of all the limited equity homeowners with the view in mind of assisting the formation of a Cambridge Association of Limited Equity Homeowners and be if further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be requested to recommend that appropriate funds be allocated to this effort.
O-2 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location to be chosen in consultation of family in honor of Robert Bradley; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is requested to consult with the family and Department of Public Works on a suitable location and dedication ceremony.
O-3 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in honor of Maria A. Carreiro; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant City Council be and hereby is requested to consult with the Carreiro family and the Department of Public Works on a suitable location and dedication ceremony.
O-4 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft for City Council consideration an ordinance to ban motorized scooters (push scooters with engines attached) from city streets and sidewalks. (see attached letter)
O-5 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: In the 2003 Roundtable Meeting of the City Council and the Planning Board, members of the Planning Board and the City Council agreed that more collaboration between the Planning and the City Council on review of the Town Gown Reports would be helpful to both the Planning Board and the City Council; and
WHEREAS: At both that Roundtable discussion and meetings of the University Relations Committee joint televised meetings/hearings of the Planning Board and the City Council were recommended; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Planning Board to discuss the possibility of joint televised meetings in the Sullivan Chamber for review of the Town Gown reports by the Planning Board and the City Council during the winter and spring of 2004.
O-6 January 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with NSTAR
with regard to the replacement of a street light on Follen Street.
O-7 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with any and
all appropriate agencies to investigate sharp increases in gas and electric
costs for Cambridge residents and report back to the City Council within two
weeks through the City Council Agenda.
O-8 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Chair
of the Housing Committee to arrange an update meeting with the Trolley Square
Committee.
O-9 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council passed an ordinance on June 9, 2003 to
eliminate secondhand smoke in all work places including restaurants and bars in
the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This occurred as part of a regional effort called Clean Air Works
designed to eliminate workplace smoking; and
WHEREAS: Nineteen communities, including Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston were
engaged in Clean Air Works to work toward similar worker protection; and
WHEREAS: Ninety-one communities in Massachusetts have passed similar workplace
smoking ordinances or regulations; and WHEREAS: This effort is important to
protect the health of all workers by preventing workplace exposure to secondhand
smoke; and
WHEREAS: Both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate have
passed legislation to protect workers from secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston have implemented their ordinance and
regulations; and
WHEREAS: The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Somerville have asked the Somerville
Board of Health to reverse its Clean Air Work regulations; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council of Cambridge goes on record to ask the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen to continue to protect workers' health by not reversing the
Somerville Clean Air Works regulation.
O-10 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a meeting
with the officials of Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont to develop a plan for a
regional approach to the open space at the Alewife Reservation and the Silver
Maple Forest.
O-11 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police
Commissioner to provide a report to the City Council on the following:
• running red-lights at intersections; and
• enforcement of "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks".
O-12 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the
appropriate departments to establish priority walking routes, for snow
clearance, especially around all schools in the city, and a pedestrian snow
removal operation policy whereby snow is removed for the benefit of pedestrian
travelers.
O-13 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public
Works Commissioner to investigate the possibility of using private contractors
for sidewalk snow clearance.
O-14 January 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a link from
the city to the Attorney General's Office regarding charitable contributions.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on December 17, 2003, beginning at five o’clock and thirty-five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the status of a proposed development along the Alewife Reservation and the related water and sewer connectivity.
Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Davis, Chair of the Committee, Julia Bowdoin, Assistant to the City Manager, Owen O’Riordan, City Engineer, State Representative Anne Paulsen and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk
Vice Mayor Davis opened the meeting and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to find out the role of the City of Cambridge in this development. She asked Mr. O’Riordan to make a presentation.
Mr. O’Riordan stated that Cambridge was approached by Belmont. The final Environmental Impact Report stated that it would not be in the best interest to convey to Cambridge. Cambridge has not been contacted by the architect. Cambridge is addressing flooding issues. Any action would be taken with the Conservation Commission, but to date no action has been taken. Cambridge is not officially involved in the development.
At five o’clock and forty-five minutes p.m. Vice Mayor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.
Ms. Ellen Mass, 104A Inman Street, President of Friends of Alewife Reservation. Distributed a statement and two articles from the Boston Globe dated December 14, 2003 and December 17, 2003, written by Anthony Flint (ATTACHMENT A-1, A-2 and A-3). This meeting, she said, is an opportunity for Cambridge to talk to Belmont on the importance of the natural treasures of the region. A regional approach is critical to the future of the region. Cambridge, she said, did a good job supporting the master plan.
Peter Alden, 11 Riverside, Concord, Massachusetts, Author, NE Field Guide to New England and internationally renowned naturalist, President of the Nuttall Society at Harvard University stated that this area is a superb piece of land which should be annexed to the Alewife Reservation. The Silver Maple Forest is an uncut virgin forest. The Silver Maple Forest is important for the habitat of wildlife and is a migration place for birds. The national symbol the bald eagle forages and roosts in the area. The Silver Maple Forest is the last forest in the Boston Basin. Its proximity to the Alewife Reservation makes it an invaluable ecosystem.
Ernest Kirwan, 2 Kenway Street, Cambridge, stated that if the housing project were approved, eight acres would be flattened out for the structure. The structure is unattractive and it would be hard to market the building. If the Conservation Commission enforced the setback, the building would be smaller and harder to see. He urged the Conservation Commission to not approve the site. A research and development building would have the same detriment. There are no amenities in the developers’ plans. Two hundred fifty apartments would not be allowed.
In response to a question by Vice Mayor Davis, Mr. O’Riordan stated that since 1996 there have been three one-hundred-year storms.
Charles Katuska, 4 Upland Road, Southborough, Massachusetts, stated that he has forty years of experience in wetlands and forestry and he is a forester and ecologist. He reviewed the property for the values of the forest and provided information to the Belmont and Cambridge officials. He stated his hope that Cambridge would advocate to preserve this site. The value of the property is the value in undeveloping the property. The Silver Maple Forest type makes it an important parcel. The shape of the parcel makes it highly viable for forest species. The property has value above and beyond that of open space. The value is the shape and the habitat. He urged Cambridge to evaluate its part in the development.
Darrell King, 30 Long Avenue, Belmont, stated that he has attended selectman, planning and conservation meetings in Belmont and noted the lack of cooperation. He wanted a regional approach that included Cambridge, Belmont and Arlington.
Alison Feld-Juma, 363 Concord Avenue, member of the Climate Protection Committee, stated that she has a background in biology. The strategy in the Climate Protection Plan states in Section 6 to work to preserve natural open space in Cambridge and refers to the Alewife Reservation. The Concord-Alewife Plan Study includes plans to increase interest in access to the Alewife Reservation and make it a resource for Cambridge. The third area of concern was flooding in the area. The development is in a problematic area. There are more than two acres located in Cambridge that will not be built on.
Kerrie Harthan, 91 Montgomery Street #2L, Environmental Minister, Congregational Church in Somerville, stated that she has fallen in love with the Alewife Reservation. She has held religious services at the Alewife Reservation. She favored a regional approach. She urged consultation with churches in Cambridge and Belmont. She urged creative ideas such as land swap.
Chris Young, 56 Concord Avenue, stated that he enjoyed visiting the Alewife Reservation area. It is a beautiful area, but care has not been taken of this area. He addressed the access issue. Parking is limited to residents. Alewife is the last wilderness; it is priceless.
Representative Anne Paulsen stated that the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA) review was for a commercial plan and a new MEPA review would be required for a residential plan. She favored a regional approach. She hoped that the two communities could work together to protect the Alewife Reservation. Conservation land in Belmont is open to all. Parking is not restricted to Belmont residents only.
At this time Vice Mayor Davis made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a meeting with the
officials of Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont to develop a plan for a regional approach to the open space at the Alewife Reservation and the Silver Maple Forest.
The motion carried.
Vice Mayor Davis stated that Cambridge’s only involvement is for a sewer or water permit for the development.
Ralph Yoder, Rindge Avenue, stated that this area is a wildlife oasis. He expressed his concern that this area would become a playground and a dumping ground for water run-off. More animal species are scared away with the increase of the number of people that travel through the area. Heron roost could lead to Heron rookery if encroachment is limited. This area should not be a solution to an engineering problem.
David Morimoto, Professor of Natural Sciences at Lesley University, stated that the Silver Maple Forest is important because of the ecological makeup. He outlined the many species he saw in the area. Migrating birds use this area in transit. This area is a jewel. He opposed the development.
Sue Bass, Concord Avenue, Belmont, Vice President, Belmont Citizen Forum, stated that she hopes that there is cooperation between the communities because a lot could be done to protect open space.
Michael Arnott, 175 Harvey Street, a volunteer naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club, stated that he travels the Alewife Reservation with school groups to expose children to the wilderness. The value of the area is realized by visiting and using the area. This area needs protection. He supported the master plan. He hoped that Cambridge could help to keep this area as wetlands. He urged Cambridge to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Belmont to include the Silver Maple Forest in the master plan.
Stash Horowitz, Vice Chair, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, stated that the consequence of development is flooding. He spoke of the traffic gridlock on Route 2. This property impacts Cambridge. All the traffic has to exit Route 2 through Acorn Park Drive, a street located in Cambridge. This area is in critical traffic failure now and this traffic needs to be mitigated for Acorn Park and Route 2. He supported the cooperation of the three communities. This development should be modified.
Nancy Hammett, Mystic River Watershed Association, 20 Academy Street #203, Arlington, stated that information on water quality and flooding impact was submitted to the Belmont Planning Board. She hoped that Cambridge felt that no development at this site is the smart alternative. This is a regional issue and requires a regional solution. This site is on the edge of three communities, which have development and financial needs. She suggested a concrete statement from the three communities to participate in sharing funding/revenue from the development and to compensate Belmont if the development does not occur, she said.
In conclusion Vice Mayor Davis stated that the Silver Maple Forest is a regional asset and the conundrum is how you save a regional asset in another community. She thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at six o’clock and thirty-five minutes p. m.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Public Safety Committee conducted a public hearing on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at three o’clock and ten minutes p.m. in the Ackermann Room.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss an update on the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign, the Anti-Idling Campaign and the fundraising tactics practiced by the Police Department.
Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Davis, Chair of the committee, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner, Environmental and Transportation Division CDD, Stephanie Anderberg, Transportation Demand Management Division, CDD. George Fernandes, City Electrician, Sam Corda, Managing Director, Water Department, Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner, Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner, Cristina Beamud, Legal Advisor, Police Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Vice Mayor Davis opened the hearing and stated the purpose. The committee discussed the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign. Vice Mayor Davis asked if the campaign is effective. Ms. Seiderman distributed to the committee a list of promotional efforts made on the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign (Attachment A). The logo and the messages were selected and printed by CDD in a brochure (Attachment B). The same logo has also been printed in the Traffic Parking and Transportation brochure. The "Points 4 Safety" Brochure has been distributed at community events.
Commissioner Watson informed the committee that when the police take enforcement action the "Points 4 Safety" Brochure is given to the public. The city is attempting to change the behavior of the public. His department is doing balanced enforcement. Ms. Beamud commented that the Police Department always enforces crosswalk and pedestrian safety issues. Commissioner Watson stated that more enforcement would be done at certain intersections and that he would provide a report on the enforcement of these red-light running intersections.
Vice Mayor Davis asked if the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign is changing the culture of running red lights. Commissioner Watson stated that he felt that enforcement does change the behavior of the public. Vice Mayor Davis inquired if there is an increase in the number of tickets written for running red lights. Commissioner Watson stated that he would also provide a report on this matter.
Vice Mayor Davis stated that she wanted a report on the "Points 4 Safety". Commissioner Watson stated that he would provide a report on running red lights and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Vice Mayor Davis asked if there is any enforcement done on opening car doors without looking for bicyclists. Unless an accident report is filed there is no system available to capture a report on this type of violation responded Commissioner Watson. This system will be manually tracked.
Vice Mayor Davis complained about the interval of the light timing at Inman Street. Commissioner Watson stated that if a vehicle enters an intersection when the traffic light is yellow or red the driver is running a red light. Commissioner Watson stated that education and enforcement is the only way to change the culture. "Points 4 Safety" could be a regional effort. He could work with the law enforcement agencies in other communities. Commissioner Peterson commented that it is unrealistic to expect to change the culture in such a short period of time. Ms. Seiderman stated that research shows that camera enforcement is effective in reducing running red lights. Ms. Beamud stated that the Police Department felt that warnings are written to educate the public. In the case of red lights, it is unnecessary to expend more time on the obvious.
Vice Mayor Davis asked if there was any other supporting material for the "Points 4 Safety". Ms. Seiderman distributed information on "Watch for Bikes" decals that have been printed for car side view mirrors (Attachment C). Commissioner Watson stated that the decals would be distributed at the Police Station. He asked if the "Points 4 Safety" Brochure is distributed at universities and driver education classes. Commissioner Peterson stated that it would be a good idea to distribute "Points 4 Safety" to Mr. Timmins at the High School. Ms. Rasmussen stated that she would contact Mr. Timmins. Ms. Anderberg stated that the brochure would be distributed at community fairs, Earth Day and at community meetings. The "Points 4 Safety" Brochure would also be distributed at the child safety seat campaign conducted by the Police Department stated Commissioner Watson.
At the conclusion of this topic Vice Mayor Davis stated that it is important that the "Points 4 Safety" Campaign exists and that the brochures are distributed. A follow-up on the "Points 4 Safety" would be held in a few months. The committee now proceeded to discuss the Anti-Idling Campaign.
Ms. Rasmussen informed the committee that an effort is underway to bring people together to discuss implementation of a regional Anti-Idling Campaign. This meeting would take place on January 14, 2004 at 75 State Street, Boston. Who from the city will attend this meeting asked Vice Mayor Davis? Ms. Anders from CDD would be attending this meeting stated Ms. Rasmussen.
Vice Mayor Davis asked what the law is governing anti-idling vehicles. Chapter 90 Section 15A provided a maximum of five minutes idling stated Ms. Rasmussen. Are there any exception asked Vice Mayor Davis. Commissioner Peterson responded that the exception is that if the engine is needed for work performed the engine could be left idling. The exceptions are work-related.
Vice Mayor Davis stated that knowledge of Chapter 90 Section 15A is not well known. Should the idling law be broadcast to the fleet, she asked? Commissioner Watson stated that the Police Department is not aware of any complaints. Commissioner Peterson informed the committee that contractors and Public Works personnel have knowledge of Chapter 90 Section 15A. Mr. Corda stated that the Water Department pays close attention to idling vehicles.
Ms. Rasmussen informed the committee that the idling discussion could be focused around school buses and sites where parents drop off students at schools. "Walk to School" meetings have occurred between CDD and the School Department.
A discussion ensued about establishing priority walking routes and snow removal from these priority routes. Ms. Beamud stated that Brookline plows sidewalks in each direction of the schools. Commissioner Peterson stated that a more efficient pedestrian clearing operation policy is needed. Public Works has an exemption list of over seventy properties that require shoveling. The snow bombardier has concentrated on parks and publicly owned parcels. The concentration should be on six to eight feet snowstorms. Traffic, Parking and Transportation has been aggressive on enforcement, but the sidewalks have not been cleared. Commissioner Watson stated that the business community has been cooperative. Commissioner Peterson stated that Public works shovels a lot of sidewalks but contiguous portions are not shoveled. She mentioned the resources available to Public Works. Commissioner Watson suggested reviewing what other communities do to clear their sidewalks. Commissioner Peterson stated that other communities clear sidewalks in business districts, but not residential areas. Vice Mayor Davis stated that more resources are needed for clearing sidewalks if the city wants to encourage the public to use public transportation or to walk. Both roads and sidewalks cannot both be cleared within twelve hours after a storm stated Commissioner Peterson. Better use of mechanical means is required. Citations, she stated, were issued two days after the storm. She stated that she has not investigated the issue of contract work for sidewalk work. She needed to review the issue of capacity with contractors and the issue of contractor vehicles being registered.
Ms. Rasmussen stated that fines should be issued to businesses that clear their parking lot but fail to shovel their sidewalk. The discussion turned to enforcement. The enforcement program is gaining strength commented Commissioner Peterson. Focus is needed on enforcement around priority routes. Resources are needed to clear and remove snow and to enforce the ordinances. Ms. Seiderman stated that the transit routes should be a concentration. Vice Mayor Davis suggested looking at the priority routes by the bus and transit routes. Commissioner Peterson commented that the school buses and the location of crosswalks are different. All these issues needed to be reviewed and then prioritization of routes could be established.
Commissioner Watson asked Commissioner Peterson if the MBTA helped with snow removal. Commissioner Peterson stated that MBTA personnel remove snow from the entrance to the T, but do not clear bus stops. She informed the committee that due to the two rainstorms since the snowstorm she had to assign personnel to open the catch basins. Contractors were utilized, but required supervision. The city needs to give consistent resources to pedestrians. Liability and bonding issues are areas that need investigation for using contractors.
Vice Mayor Davis now focused the meeting on the issue of tactics used by the Police Department on fundraising.
Commissioner Watson informed the committee that the Police Department was within legal authority to conduct fundraising. Ms. Beamud stated that charities are protected by the First Amendment. Commissioner Watson stated that associations from outside the city are contacting Cambridge residents. In response to a question by Vice Mayor Davis, Commissioner Watson stated that post office boxes are now being used and not the police station. When a complaint is received Commissioner Watson turns it over to the Police Association. The Police Association hired professional fundraisers. The fundraising professional company receives sixty percent of the proceeds and this fact cannot be stopped stated Ms. Beamud. The only restrictions that would be imposed are time, place and manner. An ordinance could be drafted, however the ordinance would apply to all charities including hockey and little league. Fundraising by the police cannot be banned pursuant to Chapter 41 Section 91E. She further cited a report dated September 5, 2003 that stated that the name of the city and the police officer must be identified. Vice Mayor Davis stated that residents should be informed of their rights. Ms. Beamud stated that the Attorney General’s Office has a link to aid the public in deciding how to make a donation. Vice Mayor Davis suggested a link be made by the city to the Attorney General’s Office site. Commissioner Peterson stated that there might be a link from the Consumer Council.
Vice Mayor Davis asked if the public could complain about impersonating a police officer. Commissioner Watson responded in the affirmative.
At the conclusion of the hearing Vice Mayor Davis made four motions that carried on a voice vote. The motions are as follows:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to provide a report to the City Council on the following:
* running red-lights at intersections; and
* enforcement of "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks".
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate departments to establish priority walking routes, for snow clearance, especially around all schools in the city, and a pedestrian snow removal operation policy whereby snow is removed for the benefit of pedestrian travelers.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public Works Commissioner to investigate the possibility of using private contractors for sidewalk snow clearance.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a link from the city to the attorney General’s Office regarding charitable contributions.
Vice Mayor Davis thanked all attendees.
The hearing adjourned at four o’clock and thirty minutes p. m.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair