CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as Constables With Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2009:  Deputy Fire Chief Michael Morrissey; Fire Lieutenant Brian P. Higgins; Walker C. Farrar, Jr.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Zoning Petition to amend the text of the Memorial Drive Overlay District, Section 20.80.  Referred to the Petition

Recommendation. The Planning Board recommends adoption of the City Council Petition with changes (the amended version of the text of the Memorial Drive Overlay District is attached). The Planning Board recommendation would retain those changes to the Overlay District proposed in the original Petition that limit the opportunity to modify setback and curb cut provisions that give protection to the parkway character of Memorial Drive. At the same time the Planning Board recommends keeping certain provisions, albeit reduced in scope, that the original Petition had eliminated. These provisions provide useful incentives for some new development on a very limited number of lots along Memorial Drive, which could eliminate unsightly conditions not compatible with the parkway character desired for Memorial Drive.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-114, regarding the parking lot at Linnaean Street and Massachusetts Avenue.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-144, regarding a report on ensuring that all playgrounds adjacent to schools are in good, safe, working order on Monday mornings when children return to school.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $6,000 from the General Fund Mayor’s Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Mayor’s Travel and Training account to cover anticipated travel expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year.

ON THE TABLE
1. 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
2. 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.]

3. 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.]

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Jean Murrell from the Police Department.   Mayor Simmons

2. Retirement of Frederick Sage from the Fire Department.   Mayor Simmons

3. Retirement of Walter J. Grace from the Fire Department.   Mayor Simmons

4. Retirement of Kevin M. Kelly from the Fire Department.   Mayor Simmons

5. Resolution on the death of Diniz Chaves.   Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Emilia (Andrade) Figueiredo.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

7. Resolution on the death of Mary Nicoloro.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

8. Thanks to Calvin Hicks for his many years of excellence in the provision of music and education.   Mayor Simmons

9. Congratulations to Julia Harvey and Gustavo Leal on the birth of their daughter Jada Ave Maria Leal on Dec 27, 2008.   Councillor Davis

10. Resolution on the death of Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Joshua D. Seitz.   Councillor Decker
11. Resolution on the death of Specialist Stephen G. Zapasnik.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Thomas Reilly Jr.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Coleman W. Hinkefent.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher W. Lotter.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Tony J. Gonzales.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Specialist Stephen M. Okray.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert L. Johnson.   Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Benjamin B. Tollefson.   Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jonathan W. Dean.   Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Solomon T. Sam.   Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Sergeant John J. Savage.   Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher G. Smith.   Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Chadwick A. Gilliam.   Councillor Decker
24. Resolution on the death of Major John P. Pryor.   Councillor Decker

25. Congratulations to George Metzger on the occasion of becoming interim president of the Central Square Business Association.   Councillor Davis

ORDERS
1. That the City Council meeting of Mar 30, 2009 shall be a roundtable meeting of the City Council and School Committee.   Mayor Simmons

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine why trains must idle for extended periods of time in the area of Cambridge Street and to work with the appropriate organizations to move trains that must idle, out of populated areas.   Councillor Toomey

3. That the issue of multi-passenger jitney service between Cambridge hotels and Logan Airport and its potential impact on Cambridge's taxi services be reviewed by the Traffic, Transportation and Parking Committee with the intent of forming a recommendation to the City Council on whether the current limitations on jitney service be revised or left in place.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Seidel

4. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update to the City Council on the status of the report regarding the fatal pedestrian accident in Central Square last spring.   Councillor Kelley

5. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the circumstances involved in the fatal pedestrian accident in the Mount Auburn Street Shaw's supermarket this past fall, even if the official report is not yet completed   Councillor Kelley

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the circumstances involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Oxford Street on Jan 6, 2009.   Councillor Kelley

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back on a plan for conducting an energy audit of Cambridge City Hall, an implementation schedule of proposed upgrades and changes, and an analysis of cost savings after investment.   Mayor Simmons

8. That the City Manager is requested to ensure that all crosswalks at the intersection of Wendell and Oxford Streets are sufficiently and clearly painted and marked.   Councillor Seidel

9. That the City Manager is requested to arrange to widely publicize free tax assistance programs in the city, using the city web site, the city's cable channel and also permitting leaflets to be distributed at appropriate city locations, particularly to those people who are likely to be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.   Councillor Davis

10. That the City Manager is requested to report on the hours that computers are available for the public to use in city facilities, including the libraries and senior centers.   Councillor Davis  Amended

11. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a central figure within his office who shall be placed in charge of implementing and maintaining the City’s boards and commissions, and who shall work to make these entities more robust elements in the governance of the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Seidel and Vice Mayor Murphy

12. That the City Manager require the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to provide information to the City Council about the process by which Central Parking System was chosen to oversee the daily operations of the City’s public garages, and the criteria by which its performance is measured.   Mayor Simmons

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the possibility of installing raised crosswalks, speed bumps, stop signs or other traffic-calming measures at the corner of Francis and Bryant Avenues.   Vice Mayor Murphy

14. Declare Sunday, Jan 25, 2009 as Junot Diaz Day in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

15. That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing the grievous impact of the loss of lives in the conflict on families and communities, mourning those lives on both sides of the conflict, condemning the attacks and invasion of Gaza by the Israeli military and the rocket attacks upon the people of Israel, and call for an immediate end to all attacks on civilians on both sides.   Councillor Decker and Mayor Simmons  Amended

16. That the City Manager is requested to ask the Massachusetts Highway Department to meet with City staff, officials and Walden Street Bridge abutters about the construction delays and if the Mass Highway Department refuses, to respond to the City Council on why they continue to refuse such a meeting.   Councillor Decker

17. That the City Manager is requested to report back on plans to eliminate Sunday library hours.   Councillor Toomey

18. That the employment agreement between the City Council and Robert W. Healy dated February 27, 2006 as modified by the amendments to the agreement be adopted as the employment agreement between the City Council and Robert W. Healy effective January 12, 2009.   Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Maher

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 16, 2008 to discuss planning along Massachusetts Avenue, between Harvard and Porter Squares, and the impacts of possible development along this corridor.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Jan 6, 2009 to continue to discuss a petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.88-Memorial Drive Overlay District.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Jan 6, 2009 to continue to discuss a petition to amend the zoning in the East Cambridge area filed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David Maher and Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a hearing held on Jan 7, 2009 to hear from the public regarding the evaluation of the City Manager.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David P. Maher pursuant to Order Number Eighteen of Dec 15, 2008 regarding the City Manager's contract.

HEARING SCHEDULE
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 Forum on Harlem Children's Zone and Cambridge services for children and families.  (Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center)

Wed, Jan 21
6:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss recent crime trends and hazardous mitigation plan for Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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 12, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting of Mar 30, 2009 shall be a roundtable meeting of the City Council and School Committee.

O-2     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Idling trains on the CSX tracks between Binney Street and Cambridge Street are creating a disturbance to abutting neighbors; and
WHEREAS: There is a significant amount of track in unpopulated areas beyond the crossing at Gore Street; and
WHEREAS: There are certain regulations that the trains may indeed have to follow; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine why trains must idle for extended periods of time in the area of Cambridge Street and to work with the appropriate organizations to move trains that must idle out of populated areas; and be it further
ORDERED: That if regulations preventing the idling trains from moving out of the area in question exist, they are identified in order to overcome this problem; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-3     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the issue of multi-passenger jitney service between Cambridge hotels and Logan Airport and its potential impact on Cambridge's taxi services be reviewed by the Traffic, Transportation and Parking Committee with the intent of forming a recommendation to the City Council on whether the current limitations on jitney service be revised or left in place.

O-4     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council on the status of the report regarding the fatal pedestrian accident in Central Square last spring.

O-5     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the circumstances involved in the fatal pedestrian accident in the Mount Auburn Street Shaw's supermarket this past fall, even if the official report is not yet completed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on when the Council should expect to receive the requested information if he does not feel he will able to provide it in the immediate future.

O-6     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the circumstances involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Oxford Street on Jan 6, 2009; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on when the Council should expect to receive the requested information if he does not feel he will be able to provide it in the immediate future.

O-7     Jan 12, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Green Sense program encourages all City worksites, departments, and personnel to participate in energy and cost efficiency and savings throughout City of Cambridge buildings; and
WHEREAS: Utility systems at Cambridge City Hall should be updated to be current in their energy efficiency, minimally including light fixture changes to allow for the use of maximally energy efficient bulbs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on a plan for conducting an energy audit of Cambridge City Hall, an implementation schedule of proposed upgrades and changes, and an analysis of cost savings after investment.

O-8     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that all crosswalks at the intersection of Wendell and Oxford Streets are sufficiently and clearly painted and marked.

O-9     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Free tax preparation is a very important service offered to Cambridge residents, especially those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit; and
WHEREAS: CEOC and the Cambridge Multi-Service Center will offer free tax assistance in 2009, however the Cambridge Public Library locations will not be available this year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to assist the Harvard Law School students who formerly used the libraries to secure city locations where they can offer free tax preparation assistance, perhaps at the two Senior Centers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange to widely publicize free tax assistance programs in the city, using the city web site, the city's cable channel and also permitting leaflets to be distributed at appropriate city locations, particularly to those people who are likely to be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

O-10     Jan 12, 2009  Amended
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the hours that computers are available for the public to use in city facilities, including the libraries and senior centers.

O-11     Jan 12, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Increased civic engagement is an important goal of the City Council, as participation in one’s community is not only an essential ingredient in a healthy democracy, but it is also a critical tool in forging communal ties that bond neighbors together as a community; and
WHEREAS: Citizen participation on City boards and commissions provides a structured and coherent way for the average citizen to have his or her voice heard in their local government. Participation on boards and commissions serves to increase civic engagement and unity, and for a more diverse mix of voices and ideas to enter the discussion of local governance; and
WHEREAS: Citizen participation on City boards and commissions represents an easy first step for citizens to actively participate in their own governance, and this ultimately will help them foster a solid partnership with their elected officials; and
WHEREAS: Service upon City boards and commissions may provide the average citizen with a greater understanding of how their city functions; this will hopefully lead to a greater awareness of the city’s strengths, a sense of how to get the most out of one’s city, and a sense of how one’s actions may impact the lives of one’s neighbors throughout the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a central figure within his office who shall be placed in charge of implementing and maintaining the City’s boards and commissions, and who shall work to make these entities more robust elements in the governance of the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the appointed individual shall be responsible for more aggressively promoting openings on the City’s many boards and commissions, and shall work to ensure that the City’s diverse demographics shall be appropriately represented by the membership upon these boards and commissions.

O-12     Jan 12, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Council is continually taking stock of ways in which to ensure that the City continues to provide excellent customer service to all who do business with the government and its representatives; and
WHEREAS: Interactions with the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and its contractors account for some of the most common and frequent forms of dealings with their local government that most Cambridge citizens have; and
WHEREAS: The Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department contracts with Central Parking System to oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and staffing of the City’s public garages at six distinct locations; and
WHEREAS: It is important to ensure that Central Parking System maintain the same high standards of customer service and responsiveness as is held by the government of the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager require the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to provide information to the City Council about the process by which Central Parking System was chosen to oversee the daily operations of the City’s public garages, and the criteria by which its performance is measured; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager require the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to inform the City Council of the date for the next performance review of Central Parking System, followed by a determination as to whether this is the most suitable vendor to be providing this service to the City.

O-13     Jan 12, 2009
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Several additional young children have moved into the neighborhood of Francis and Bryant Avenues; and
WHEREAS: Many drivers use Francis Avenue as a pass-through; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the possibility of installing raised crosswalks, speed bumps, stop signs or other traffic-calming measures at the corner of Francis and Bryant Avenues.

O-14     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR REEVES
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record declaring Sunday, Jan 25, 2009 as Junot Diaz Day in the City of Cambridge.

O-15     Jan 12, 2009  Amended (friendly amendment from by Councillor Davis)
COUNCILLOR DECKER
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The citizens of Cambridge and their representatives on the Cambridge City Council have a strong tradition of upholding principles of democracy and respect for all peoples; and
WHEREAS: The Council has often affirmed its support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, principles of international law and of peaceful alternatives to war; and
WHEREAS: The current hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel as of the morning of January 8th have killed over 700 Palestinians, a third of them children, and injured over 3000 Palestinians and killed eleven Israeli's; and
WHEREAS: The UN pulled out their Humanitarian Aid staff citing Israel for its refusal to guarantee the safety of their workers from Israeli fire; and
WHEREAS: The International Red Cross in a rare condemnation criticized Israel from blocking aid workers to reaching Gaza residents who had been bombed; and
WHEREAS: Since 2004, rockets fired from Gaza into Israel have caused the deaths of 20 civilians; and
WHEREAS: Israeli military responses have caused the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians; and
WHEREAS: Even more Palestinian loss of life has occurred in the last 20 months due to the severe economic blockade imposed on Gaza by Israel; and
WHEREAS: The Supreme Court of Israel has ruled that Israel must immediately allow foreign journalists access to Gaza, because, in the words of the New York Times, "As in every war zone, reporting by journalists -- and human rights monitors as well -- can discourage abuse and is essential to full public understanding of the conflict"; and
WHEREAS: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has called for an immediate ceasefire; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing the grievous impact of the loss of lives in the conflict on families and communities, mourning those lives on both sides of the conflict, condemning the attacks and invasion of Gaza by the Israeli military and the rocket attacks upon the people of Israel, and call for an immediate end to all attacks on civilians on both sides; and
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the United States government to press for: access for journalists; access to humanitarian aid; a cease-fire on both sides maintained with international monitoring; a long-term truce and an end to the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip and an increased flow of goods and people between Israel and Gaza; and a long-term negotiated peace, a two-state solution that acknowledges the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and freedom; and
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to President Bush, President-elect Obama, the Secretaries of State and Defense, the Secretaries-designate of State and Defense; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, together with a request that the congressional delegation take action on this issue and communicate to the Cambridge City Council what action was taken.
Adopted 8-0-1 with Councillor Toomey voting PRESENT

O-16     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the Massachusetts Highway Department to meet with City staff, officials and Walden Street Bridge abutters about the construction delays and if the Mass Highway Department refuses, to respond to the City Council on why they continue to refuse such a meeting.

O-17     Jan 12, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on plans to eliminate Sunday library hours; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to maintain at least one library during these times of economic uncertainty and as a service to the community during these winter months.

O-18     Jan 12, 2009
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the employment agreement between the City Council and Robert W. Healy dated February 27, 2006 as modified by the attached amendments to the agreement be adopted as the employment agreement between the City Council and Robert W. Healy effective January 12, 2009.
Three-year contract extension approved 8-1 with Councillor Kelley voting NO

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Dec 16, 2008 at three o’clock and five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss planning along Massachusetts Avenue, between Harvard and Porter Squares, and the impacts of possible development along this corridor.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Councillor David Maher; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD); Les Barber, Director, Land Use, Planning and Zoning, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Taha Jennings, CDD; Pavdis Saffan, Assistant Planner, Economic Development Division, CDD; Tom Lucey, Harvard University; Bill Doncaster, Lesley University; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present at the meeting was Carol Cohen, 40 Porter Road; Ron Axelrod, 26 Shepard Street; Carol Weinhaus, 64 Oxford Street #14; Jean Kindleberger, 19 Prentiss Street; John Howard, 8 Cogswell Avenue; Michael Meltstein, 74 Avon Hill; Larry Borins, 5 Arlington Street #36; Karen Klinger, 20 Beech Street; Denise Jillson, Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association; Stephen Diamond, 61 Frost Street; Gordon Moore, 9 Rutland Street; and Ruth Ryals, 115 Upland Road.

Councillor Seidel opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The format of the meeting would be to hear from city staff about what is being done on the Massachusetts Avenue corridor and then there would be a general discussion about the nature and shape of the Massachusetts Avenue corridor.

At this time Ms. Rubenstein outlined the background. She distributed City Council Order Number Twelve of Mar 17, 2008 and the response from Community Development (Attachment A). She gave an overview of planning on Mass. Avenue to Arlington. Porter Square zoning was changed to Business C in 2001. During 2004-2005 there were a series of meetings with the Planning Board and the neighborhood to find creative ways to curb institutional growth, enhance pedestrian safety, maintain retail and provide incentives. In April 2005 the City Council passed a zoning amendment to change the threshold for large project review in the Mass. Avenue Overlay District. In July 2005 the Planning Board submitted a proposal which included three changes:
1. Non-conforming retail space to become as of right use;
2. Modification to urban design; and
3. Proposal to allow density in retail ground floor

The City Council did not pass this zoning amendment. In the spring 2008 the City Council passed a zoning amendment changing the threshold for special permit projects in Business A, Business A-1 and Business A-2 districts to lower heights.

For two years the Lesley Working group has met to address retail and appropriate density. The meetings were held monthly. There is a petition currently before the City Council. Community Development does neighborhood study updates. The North Cambridge study was recently updated. Issues such as zoning, retail and traffic were reviewed.

Kaya-Ka hotel started as a development project that needed a variance. The Board of Zoning Appeal decided that the project was too big and suggested a zoning change. The City Council adopted the petition in the fall of 2008.

In 2010 CDD will work on the area from Porter to Arlington to create new housing and a fruitful environment for retail.

Mayor Simmons asked where is the business plan for Cambridge through the community, bid and façade process. Does CDD support ground floor retail, she asked. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the neighborhood studies find out what the gap in the neighborhood is and what the needs are. The Economic Development staff markets the need. Start up businesses is offered workshops. Mayor Simmons asked again what is the plan and in what contexts is marketing done. What is missing is a city plan around economic development and growth. She stated that the City Council has to be aggressive to bring people to do business in Cambridge. In this economic climate it may be a good time to actively seek businesses to come to Cambridge.

Councillor Seidel requested that the universities inform the committee of the major issues.

Mr. Lucey stated that Neighborhood Nine and the Agassiz Neighborhood where involved in moving the housing for the North Hall site. The Harvard Law School was a major development. Harvard has no plans for future development. There are two other parcels owned by Harvard on Mass. Avenue and there are no plans at this time due to the state of the economy. Councillor Maher inquired as to the completion date of the Law School. Mr. Lucey responded the project will be completed in 2011. Councillor Maher asked about the temporary site of the Coop. Mr. Lucey stated that the Everett Street location will have a Coop presence.

Councillor Seidel now asked to hear from Lesley University.

Mr. Doncaster stated that the project at 1663 Mass. Avenue has four neighborhood associations involved in the planning. Representative from Lesley met for two years with representatives from Neighborhood Nine, Agassiz and Porter Square Associations. This has led to the current zoning petition before the City Council. Lesley has no plans for any other project. First floor retail and the safety of Mass. Avenue has been the concern. The work has focused on how to do what is good for everyone.

Councillor Seidel asked Denise Jillson, Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association for her input. Specifically what are the issues in the square?

Ms. Jillson stated that Harvard Square has a 98% occupancy rate. This may change with the economic conditions. There are 390 businesses located in Harvard Square. There are 78% local owned independent businesses, 6% regional and 16 national chains. Property owners in Harvard Square are more willing to negotiate, she stated. The newer stores in Harvard Square are started by young women. The issues are improvement to lighting, street and sidewalks.

Councillor Seidel asked about the connection between Harvard Square and Mass. Avenue North. Ms. Jillson stated that retailers and restaurants in this area feel that they are in ‘no man’s land’. She encouraged creative thinking about using the Cambridge common to encourage foot traffic to businesses. Mayor Simmons stated that there is a deterrent to use the Cambridge Common because of alcohol consumption. Ms. Jillson stated that more family events could be held on the Cambridge Common.

At this time Councillor Seidel opened the meeting to public comment from the Agassiz, Neighborhood Nine and Porter Square Associations.

John Howard, Porter Square Neighborhood Association, stated that much of the two years was spent on Kaya-Ka development. Parking in Porter Square is a concern. The lot behind Sears Building and the air rights supported the IAB in Porter Square. The failure of the T Park is due to it being owned by the T.

Stephen Diamond, 61 Frost Street, representing the Agassiz Neighborhood Association, stated that he was pleased with the relationship between Harvard University and Lesley. The discussion which has occurred for years has been positive. Ms. Klinger stated that tools exist that when retail is torn down it is rebuilt as the existing condition. The map process for Porter Square will help to look at small business. The T park could be redesigned and be more useful. In the Lesley study underground parking was an issue. Mr. Diamond stated that the discussions with Lesley support IAB. A survey received 127 responses. Open space and parking underground were important in the survey.

Gordon Moore, 9 Rutland Street, representing Neighborhood Nine, stated that this area is an endangered urban ecology area. The area is unique due to the loss of residential housing with university expansion. The issues are that the zoning does not protect the safety of the area. Zoning is restrictive in this area; use issue is a defect. Retail environment is interesting and fragile. This is an area where small businesses start. This deserves a study.

The committee heard from Ron Axelrod, 26 Shepard Street, stated that no urban design improvements have been made to Harvard and Porter Squares. This area needs a study to review the urban design. A good visual Avenue will attract businesses. A plan or urban design study is needed. Mayor Simmons commented that the City Council does not plan. It mitigates or modifies the university plan. She urged the City Council through CDD to be more thoughtful with a development plan.

Councillor Maher stated that he was Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee in 2001. The Kaya-Ka project was initially too big, but the community benefits were beneficial. In Kendall Square there was one property owner for many parcels; but with Mass. Avenue there are many owners. This makes it more difficult to change the zoning. The Long Funeral Home and the building across the street were horrendous designs but they were built as of right. Community process produces a better project. He thanked the neighbors for shaping the neighborhood. Parking is always an issue. Without parking retail space will suffer. He spoke about the loss of Sage Market, Huron Drug, and Post Office in Huron village. Small scale business must be maintained in the neighborhoods.

Councillor Seidel asked Ms. Rubenstein what is identified as the key area that needs work or attention. What are the issues in the area from Harvard to Porter Square? Ms. Rubenstein stated that there is a strong pedestrian street, maintain small stores and safe and interesting streets. The city’s issues are similar to the neighborhood issues. Mr. Dash added streetscape improvements, strengthening the retail edge and how to do this. Cambridge Common and open space. Ms. Jillson stated that the Harvard Square Business Association works closely with the Economic Development Division of CDD.

Councillor Seidel stated that people seem to want to maintain Mass. Avenue as is as long as we can. The Lesley project and the Kaya-Ka will change this equation. He received an e-mail from Councillor Kelley who stated that this is being done piece meal without a larger plan. From a planner’s perspective Mass. Avenue could handle more density. He is not taking a position on this matter.

Pavdis Saffan from CDD stated that there is no business association from Harvard to Porter Square.

Ms. Kindleberger stated that Prentiss Street residents cannot get onto Mass. Ave. She complained about the traffic pattern in Porter Square. She asked where will underground parking discharge in Porter Square. Councillor Seidel stated that traffic is not the only aspect. There are other aspects that go into urban life. The City Council will demand traffic answers from Lesley on parking. Mr. Moore stated that this area warrants deep thinking with help from city agencies to give systemic thinking.

Mr. Diamond stated that there is an important tree situation along Mass. Ave. Street furniture and the median strip is the direct responsibility of the city. He suggested adopting a tree program where street trees are located next to a property the public is encouraged to ensure that the trees thrive. Ms. Rubenstein spoke about short versus long term plans. Street trees are short term. Curb extensions are only reviewed when streets are dug up.

Councillor Seidel commended all for the positive work done on this matter.

Ruth Ryals, 115 Upland Road, stated that the Porter Square traffic pattern needs to be reviewed. Mass. Avenue needs more ways to turn around. She supported the adopt a tree suggestion. Streets and sidewalks are dirty. She suggested that residents and businesses clean the sidewalks.

Ms. Klinger spoke of maps. The businesses loved the maps. She spoke of the lack of funding and suggested that the city take this over. Pavdis Saffan informed the committee that the city has copies of the maps. Technical support is provided by CDD. Mr. Axelrod stated that Mass. Avenue has not changed to make it a more pleasing business and residential area.

Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at four o’clock and forty-seven minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Jan 6, 2009 beginning at 4:10pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to continue to discuss a petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.88 –Memorial Drive Overlay District (Attachment A). The zoning amendment would eliminate the authorization granted to the Planning Board to use the special permit process to waive front yard setbacks, open space, and the height and floor area ratio requirements for lots abutting Memorial Drive in the Memorial Drive Overlay District.

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor Sam Seidel; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present from the city administrative staff were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, Community Development Department (CDD); Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use Planning, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD; Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD; and Jeff Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Vice Mayor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He invited Mr. Barber to update the Ordinance Committee on the Planning Board proceedings relative to this petition. Mr. Barber reported that the Planning Board held its hearing on Dec 2, 2008 and its public consideration of the petition on Dec 16, 2008. The Board voted to recommend amendments to the current proposal to the City Council. The Planning Board will recommend amending the proposal to keep the provisions for special permit waivers of some elements including setbacks and landscape requirements. The Planning Board will recommend changes to that part of the proposal allowing for special permit waivers of the ordinance requirements for height and floor area ratio.

The Planning Board recommends changing the proposal to keep the availability of special permits for height and floor area waivers in the Office-2 District and removing them from the Business A district. Mr. Barber noted that eliminating the availability of the waivers for the Business A districts has the effect of protection of the riverbank area that is still susceptible to development. Most of the Office-2 district along that area of the river is already built out and thus little change to the height and FAR is expected to result from the change. In addition, since 77 Memorial Drive, the location of the hotel and housing project for which the special permit was issued, falls within the Office-2 district, the validity of the special permit would not be affected by the zoning change.

Vice Mayor then invited public comment.

William August, 19 Lawrence Street, president of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association, stated that the association agrees with the amendments recommended by the Planning Board. These amendments address the issue that was of concern to the property owner of 777 Memorial Drive and still provide protection to the riverbank area. He added that during these proceedings, those involved have learned a great deal about the history of attempts to preserve the Charles River and its banks, for example the history of the development of the Charles River Basin, begun by Elliot and continued by Frederick Olmstead.

James Rafferty, attorney for MSNP Cambridge Acquisition LLC, owner of 777 Memorial Drive, stated that his client has no objection to the zoning amendment with the changes recommended by the Planning Board. He commended the good dialog and good results from this dialog.

State Representative Marty Walz submitted a letter in support of protection of the Charles River area (Attachment B).

Councillor Davis moved that the petition be forwarded to the full City Council with a recommendation that the Planning Board’s suggested amendments be incorporated into the amendment as originally proposed in the petition.

The motion was adopted on a voice vote without objection.

Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Jan 6, 2009 beginning at 4:33pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to continue to discuss a petition to amend the zoning in the East Cambridge area filed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities.

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Marjorie C. Decker; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor Sam Seidel; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present from the city administrative staff were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, Community Development Department (CDD); Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use Planning, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD; Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD; and Jeff Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Maher opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He then moved to public comment.

Paul Cote, 85 Sixth Street, member of the Alexandria Zoning Sub-Committee of the East Cambridge Planning Team (hereinafter "the sub-committee"), reported on recent developments. He stated that the consultant from the Goody Clancy firm who has been working with the sub-committee has prepared a report and submitted it to the sub-committee. The sub-committee has prepared written comments on the report and submitted them to the Ordinance Committee for the record (Attachment A). However, since the Ordinance Committee has not yet received copies of the consultant’s report, he will save his comments on the report until after the Ordinance Committee has had the opportunity to read the report.

Stephen H. Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, submitted written testimony (Attachment B) and summarized that testimony. He noted that Alexandria’s proposal for the two acre park would include allowing Alexandria to transfer development rights from that park parcel to other parcels within the area to be rezoned and that there has been no traffic impact study. He said that among the facts still in dispute is the total possible increase in development which could be significantly more than 750,000 sq. ft. and which some citizens have calculated may be in the vicinity of two to three million sq. ft. Unless this calculation is made, enactment of the zoning could violate the Massachusetts Constitution Article VII in that the government cannot act to enrich the private interest of any one entity.

Michael Haggerty, 143 Otis Street, member of the sub-committee, stated that this has been a positive process. There are points where the neighborhood must see concessions from the developers, but he is confident that they are making progress.

Elan Levy, 148 Spring Street, stated that he is a part of the committee. He stated that it is essential that Alexandria reach agreement with the community on housing, retail and a community center.

Carol Bellew, 257 Charles Street, said that she agrees that the important parts are housing, retail and a community center.

Maria Sococcio, 55 Otis Street, stated that she is speaking for the hundreds of people in East Cambridge who have signed a petition opposing level 3 biohazard labs in East Cambridge. She opposes Alexandria’s proposal for its plan to include level 3 labs and for the sheer size of the project. She received a rude letter from a member of the subcommittee telling her that they are not interested in her position on biosafety. Ms. Sococcio emphasized that personal safety must come before aesthetics. She urged the City Council to consider "What if?"

Terry Smith, residence 21 Manassas Avenue, Director of Government Affairs for the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, stated that he understands that Alexandria continues to work closely with the neighborhood on this proposal. He spoke in support of the proposed zoning amendment as a benefit to the City of Cambridge and its economy.

Rhoda Fantasia, 93 Third Street, expressed her continuing concern that the proposed zoning change does not benefit the neighborhood because of increased traffic and excess height and density. She added that the large majority of the members of the East Cambridge Planning Team have not seen the Goody Clancy report.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, submitted written testimony in opposition to the proposed amendment(Attachment C). The testimony was read by Stephen Kaiser, who announced that Mr. Horowitz was unable to appear in person due to illness.

Joseph Maguire, Vice President for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, expressed his thanks to the community, the East Cambridge Planning Team and the City of Cambridge staff and officials for their collaboration and hard work.

Tim Rowe, Director of Cambridge Innovations Center in Kendall Square, stated that he has spent every Tuesday for the last several months in meetings about this project. He expressed his support for the proposed project and for the letter from the sub-committee, with the exception that he is not sure that there needs to be as much housing as the sub-committee is proposing.

Councillor Maher said that he and Vice Mayor Murphy have continued to meet with community members from the East Cambridge Planning Team, City of Cambridge planning staff and representatives of the property owner. This is a very complex discussion. Some of the issues still under discussion include on-street parking, street life, retail, housing and open space. They will continue to work on the proposal. At this point they are recommending that the Ordinance Committee forward the petition to the full City Council but retain subject matter jurisdiction within the committee for continued discussions and resolution.

Vice Mayor Murphy added that City of Cambridge attorneys will also be involved in the upcoming discussions, especially as they move to the stage of turning the work that has been done into language for an amendment to the zoning ordinance.

Councillor Davis moved that the Alexandria II zoning petition be forwarded to the full City Council without recommendation and that the Ordinance Committee retain subject matter jurisdiction for additional discussion and recommendations. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 5:04pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair

Question comes on accepting the report and passing to a 2^nd Reading

Committee Report #4
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public hearing on Jan 7, 2009, beginning at 5:40pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to hear from the public regarding the evaluation of the City Manager.

Present at the hearing were Councillor David Maher and Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey; Councillor Craig Kelley, Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He then invited public comment.

Professor Elaine Fisher, University of Massachusetts Boston, 7 McTernan Street, expressed strong support for renewing the contract of Robert W. Healy. She stated that she bases her opinion on facts, not on personality. Cambridge has one of the highest bond ratings in the country and one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. These are facts that should be the basis of the evaluation of the performance of the City Manager.

Susan Fleischman, resident and Executive Director of Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) began her remarks by disclosing that the City of Cambridge contracts with CCTV to provide cable-related services to Cambridge. She expressed strong support for an extension of Mr. Healy’s contract. She said that in cable licensing negotiations Mr. Healy has been a forceful advocate for the City and a tough, well-informed and well-prepared negotiator, who has surrounded himself with a stellar team of professionals who are cognizant and responsive to the needs of everyone in the City. She added that as a resident of Cambridge since 1981, she has seen many positive changes under Mr. Healy’s leadership. Cambridge remains the place in which everyone wants to work and live. Ms. Fleischman submitted a copy of her testimony for the record (Attachment A).

James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place #45, stated that for many years there have been many people who have been unhappy about Mr. Healy’s administration of the City. However, he has no illusions that the City Council will choose not to rehire him, so this process is a charade. The evaluation process is a flawed process and is not likely to get an accurate read on the opinion of the majority of the citizens. If the City Council really wants to know what people think, he suggests mailing out a short survey to every citizen. Mr. Williamson said that the City Council should look at a shift of power from the City Manager to the City Council in ways that do not require a charter change. For example the City Council could appoint or at least review appointments to boards and commissions. He said that there has been an empty seat on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board for a year. The City Council should be able to step in to make appointments when seats are not filled in a reasonable time. There are empty seats on many boards and commissions because many people do not want to apply to the current City Manager.

John Gintell, 9 West Street, stated that the residents are fortunate to have such a well run city and that is due to the City Manager and the fine staff that he hires. He is certainly not suggesting that the City Council find a new City Manager. However, there is always room for improvement, and he would like to emphasize the need for improvement in the visibility, transparency and accountability of boards and commissions. There have been improvements now that boards and commissions are listed on the City’s website. However, there should be increased transparency and information about the operation of boards and commissions. Citizens should be able to find out by looking at the website not only what boards and commissions exist and who the members are, but also when the meetings will occur and what happened at the meetings.

Kelley Thompson Clark, President and CEO of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, expressed the Chamber’s full support for the extension of Mr. Healy’s contract. She stated that the Chamber is the largest business organization serving Cambridge and represents over 1500 businesses. Mr. Healy’s fiscal management is superb. We are entering a very challenging time, and it is important to think about how fortunate the City of Cambridge is. The city is not facing lay-offs and service reductions as so many Massachusetts municipalities are. In these uncertain times, why create uncertainty when it is not necessary, she asked.

Terrence Smith, resident of 21 Manassas Avenue, Director of Government Affairs for the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, expressed his strong support for extending the City Manager’s contract and submitted a copy of his testimony for the record. He said that the work City Manager Healy has done in his three decades of service will serve Cambridge well into the future. On a day to day basis Cambridge is one of the best run cities in this country. Mr. Smith added that Mr. Healy is also a leader who looks to the future and pointed to the investments in Cambridge’s roads, sewers and water system, city facilities and human capital. In his observation Cambridge has been in a position to address each inevitable economic downturn, including the present, better than the last and better than other cities in Massachusetts and the nation.

John DiGiovanni, 50 Church Street, President of the Harvard Square Business Association, expressed his strong support for Robert W. Healy. He said that he does not agree with a previous speaker’s assertion that there are many Cambridge residents who are silently unhappy with the current administration of the City. In his experience, if the people of Cambridge have concerns, you will hear about them. Cambridge is an exceptionally well run city and has worked well through a number of economic downturns over the years. He expressed his appreciation for Mr. Healy’s financial skills but even more for his work ethic and integrity, an integrity that means he doesn’t leave during difficult times. His willingness to stay on now and work through the current economic challenges is a huge benefit to the City of Cambridge.

Denise Jillson, 2203 Massachusetts Avenue, Executive Director of the Harvard Square Business Association, stated that she would like to supplement the extensive previous testimony about Mr. Healy’s excellent financial leadership with some anecdotal information about how the city works. She related the story of a member of the business association who called her that day with concerns about a backup of ice and water on the street that was becoming dangerous. She called DPW and within an hour there were DPW workers taking care of the problem. This happens all the time in this city, and it is not just because anyone in the city administration knows who she is, it is because of the quality of the city staff and the customer service they provide. Ms. Jillson also related the story of a Cambridge friend who experienced a fire in her house. Firefighters came quickly, and put out the fire. Later her friend was told by a friend who is a firefighter for another city that if that fire had occurred in any city other than Cambridge, the house would have been demolished.

Jeff Lockwood, 200 Tech Square, Novartis, spoke in support of renewing the City Manager’s contract. He said that when Novartis decided to move to Cambridge six years ago, many people told him not to, because it would be too difficult. Instead he found a City Manager and a staff that are willing to work together with companies that want to come to Cambridge and grow here. The staff is excellent; he would describe them as tough but fair. This is a city that works, both because of the City Council’s vision and because of the hard work behind the scenes by the City Manager and his staff.

Brian Burke, Director, Microsoft, One Memorial Drive, urged renewal of the City Manager’s contract from two perspectives. He said that as a resident and homeowner he is very pleased wit the professionalism of the city staff and the low tax rate. As a director at Microsoft, he experienced the eagerness of several cities such as Waltham to have Microsoft settle in their city. It was clear that Cambridge offered the best return for their investment. Cambridge has a stable reliable infrastructure and is a smart, well managed city.

Carl Barron, Central Square Business Association, Central Square, Cambridge, submitted a letter for the record expressing the support of the association for extending Mr. Healy’s contract (Attachment C).

Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Murphy thanked those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at 6:15pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair
Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-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:  See Mgr #3
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)

08-121. 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)

08-144. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
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)

08-148. 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.
Mayor Simmons 12/22/08 (O-2)

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)

09-01. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 01/05/09 (O-1)