Cambridge City Council meeting - Jan 27, 2014 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a presentation on Poverty in Cambridge based on census data and American Community Survey data. [presentation dated Jan 21, 2013 (PDF)]

2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $2,200,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the second phase of the LED street light conversion project.

3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $2,450,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures Account for audiovisual upgrades in City buildings, including: the Sullivan Chamber, the Ackermann Room, and Sophie J. Anastos Room in City Hall; the Senior Center Ballroom; the City Hall Annex Community Room; the Lombardi Room at 831 Massachusetts Avenue; the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Plant Lobby at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway; and a portable AV system.

Jan 27, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Based on current best estimates, I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $2,450,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures Account for audiovisual upgrades in City buildings, including: the Sullivan Chamber, the Ackermann Room, and Sophie J. Anastos Room in City Hall; the Senior Center Ballroom; the City Hall Annex Community Room; the Lombardi Room at 831 Massachusetts Avenue; the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Plant Lobby at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway; and a portable AV system.

In 2013, the City contracted an architecture and interior design firm to develop recommendations for a framework to improve the functionality and presentation capability of important and commonly used civic spaces in City buildings.

Smooth operation, clear reproduction of sound and video, and ease of use are imperative for the audiovisual (AV) systems in all of these spaces. The goal of this study was to provide the City with proposed guidelines, product and system recommendations, systems renovations, and an implementation strategy to realize these goals.

The design team was directed to assess two historic spaces in City Hall, the Sullivan Chamber and Ackermann meeting room. Also examined were the Sophie J. Anastos Room at City Hall, the Senior Center Ballroom, the City Hall Annex Community Room, the lobby of the Cambridge Water Department at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway and the Lombardi Room at 831 Massachusetts Avenue. Additionally, the development of a portable AV system was included to provide even greater flexibility for presentations and public meetings. The design team worked to refine an approach that would balance the City's AV goals, the estimated construction cost, and the ease of implementation, all while minimizing the disruption of day-to-day City operations.

The consultant has provided a set of actionable recommendations to improve AV systems, room acoustics, lighting conditions, mechanical systems and overall functionality in each space. These recommendations were developed after extensive dialogue with City leadership, a survey of City employees, multiple field visits to each space, and consultation with Charles Sullivan of the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Similar issues in many of the spaces were discovered during the consultant's investigation. The HVAC-related acoustic problems had numerous sources: poor installation, outdated equipment, machine noise, inappropriate duct/diffuser sizing, and distribution design. Every room studied will benefit significantly from improved lighting, particularly the Sullivan Chamber and Senior Center Ballroom. In most rooms, the existing acoustic ceiling material is not performing well. Video presentation capability, controls, and speech reinforcement systems are in need of retooling. The AV systems recommended in the report can all be installed with a minimum of disturbance to existing architecture while transforming the quality of presentation, controls, and speech reinforcement in any of spaces.

A copy of the entire report is on the City's website at: http://www.cambridgema.gov/avreport. A summary for each space addressed in the report is provided below.

Sullivan Chamber:
The Sullivan Chamber is one of the most important civic spaces in the City of Cambridge. A strong desire to keep the room historically "intact" has resulted in a strategy, informed by input from Charles Sullivan of the Cambridge Historical Commission, where new technology is "applied" to the space rather than fully integrated architecturally. This approach maintains the integrity of the space while allowing flexibility in the future to retool systems with the next generation of equipment or integrate proposed equipment more fully (such as recessing loudspeakers into the wall). The room has a number of areas that need attention for maintenance reasons, but were not considered comprehensively as a part of this study. The installation of AV improvements will be implemented concurrently with ADA accessibility upgrades to the Mayor's rostrum. The upgrades to the rostrum will be funded separately using FY12-FY14 capital balances previously approved in the budget process for this purpose as well as CDBG funds eligible for this expense. The focus of the recommended work is to improve speech reinforcement, provide video presentation and playback capability, improve overall acoustic performance and overall lighting conditions. A significant portion of the new equipment will address outdated and underperforming equipment used by the Office of Cable Television (Cable TV) to record and broadcast public hearings as well as the option to provide video streaming capabilities that were previously non-existent.

Ackermann Room:
The Ackermann Room is a public meeting room located in City Hall. The room is richly detailed in wood paneling, decorated with portraits of civic leaders and has a single large conference table located on the south side. The other half of the room is often filled with temporary seating to accommodate a variety of meeting types. A second entry to the room, on the east side, connects to adjacent administrative spaces and has been blocked off in a previous renovation. The primary goal for this project in this space is to integrate appropriate media technologies and improve lighting conditions while preserving the historic character of the room.

Sophie J. Anastos Room:
The Sophie J. Anastos Room is a public meeting room located on the second floor of City Hall. The primary goal of this project is to upgrade the function of these AV services and improve HVAC conditions in the room.

Senior Center Ballroom:
The Senior Center Ballroom is used by a broad range of user groups for a wide variety of activities. The space currently suffers from poor acoustic isolation, inadequate audiovisual systems and significant sources of ambient noise, largely due to the HVAC. The space can be divided with a full height operable partition, but it is not providing the necessary acoustic isolation to prevent sound trespass. To achieve the City's goals for the space, including a suitable environment for Cable TV recording, the current ceiling and the HVAC system-- which will be addressed in part through additional work by the Department of Public Works-- needs upgrading. The existing operable partition will be replaced and the existing audiovisual resources improved.

City Hall Annex Community Room:
The City Hall Annex Community Room is a meeting room located on the second floor of 344 Broadway and is open to the public. Lighting, projection, AV source inputs and controls are already installed by functionality can be improved. There is a large control room adjacent to the space that is outfitted with a complex AV system that is difficult to operate and complicated by security and access concerns.

Lombardi Room:
The Lombardi Room is a rectangular multipurpose meeting room in the basement of 831 Massachusetts Avenue and is used by the Cambridge License Commission. Goals for the space include a digital projection system, improved general lighting, lighting performance and speech reinforcement. The room is used frequently for regular License Commission hearings and for internal City use. Recommended interventions are focused on the reduction of ambient noise and the addition of video projection capability.

Water Treatment Plant lobby:
The Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility possesses a spacious daylight lobby that is used with increasing frequency for City functions. The terrazzo floors and height of the space present less than ideal acoustic conditions. The lobby space also contains a vestibule and a stair to a mezzanine. A combination of acoustic absorption, speech reinforcement and minor lighting adjustments will significantly improve intelligibility and presentation quality in one of the City's most impressive public spaces.

Portable AV System:
A portable AV system is a critical tool for both public and internal presentations. The acquisition of this system will enable the City to expand its range of potential presentation venues while providing an integrated set of flexible, high performance and mobile audiovisual tools. This unit can also function as a "bridge" to provide improved, temporary functionality in spaces where more extensive, permanent audiovisual improvements are being made.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Whittemore Realty Trust requesting permission for three curb cuts at the premises numbered 12A-12B-12C Whittemore Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Chair of neighborhood association disapproves the curb cuts and vice chair of the neighborhood association approves the curb cuts. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Jan 13, 2014.
Adopted

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Stephen M. Ford transmitting deep gratitude for your very kind expression of sympathy on the death of his uncle James "Joe" Ford.

2. A communication was received from Alexandra Lee, Deputy Director, Kendall Square Association in support or the re-use of the Foundry building to accommodate all types of STEAM programming.

3. A communication was received from Joseph Elder expressing support for the future use for the Foundry Building.

4. A communication was received from Rhonda Massie, 211 Charles Street requesting that in making a decision on the Foundry that the greater good of the community be the priority.

5. A communication was received from Lori Jobe, 23 Essex Street regarding development on Essex Street and the need for a parking and traffic study.

6. A communication was received from Laurie Friedman, 33 Essex Street in support of a parking and traffic study for the planned development of Area IV.

7. A communication was received from Joseph Aiello, 207 Charles Street in favor of the Foundry Building being used entirely for STEAM programming.

8. A communication was received from Carolyn Fuller, 12 Douglass Street supporting the current development at 10 Essex Street and urged creative thinking about the problem of traffic and parking.

9. A communication was received from Eryn Johnson, Executive Director, Community Art Center, 119 Windsor Street transmitting support regarding the development of the Foundry Building.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Charles L. Rose, Jr.   Mayor Maher

2. Thanks to Kevin Hoskins for his many years of bringing great bands to the Middle East and helping to make Central Square a thriving Cultural District.   Councillor Toomey

3. Resolution on the death of Robert H. Quinn.   Councillor Toomey

4. Resolution on the death of James Rudolph Thomas, Sr.   Vice Mayor Benzan

5. Resolution on the death of Robert Stuart Magruder.   Councillor Cheung

6. Resolution on the death of Carol Anne Smith.   Councillor McGovern

7. Resolution on the death of Luigi J. Zaccagnini.   Councillor Cheung

8. Congratulations to Alexander J. Diaz on receiving the Rhodes Scholarship.   Vice Mayor Benzan

9. Congratulations to Alegria Dental Group on their 7th Anniversary.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Evelyn M. (Miller) Meservey.   Mayor Maher

11. Resolution on the death of Frederick "Chip" Norton.   Mayor Maher

12. Resolution on the death of Juanita E. (Sealy) Anderson.   Vice Mayor Benzan

13. Resolution on the death of Marleen Vergara Rotner.   Councillor Simmons

14. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to John Clifford.   Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Anna M. (Thompson) Alfano.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Antoinette A. (Tamilio) Pacelli.   Councillor Toomey

17. Happy 79th Birthday wishes to Robert Parris Moses.   Vice Mayor Benzan

18. Condolences to the family of Alyce Carlessia Watkins Frisby.   Councillor Simmons

19. Happy Birthday wishes to Blaine Yesselman.   Councillor McGovern

20. Happy 21st Birthday wishes to Emily Silas.   Councillor McGovern

21. Happy Birthday wishes to Janice Sallum.   Councillor McGovern

22. Happy Birthday wishes to Caitlin Roberts.   Councillor McGovern

23. Happy Birthday wishes to Gerry McDonough.   Councillor McGovern

24. Happy Birthday wishes to Laurie Gaines.   Councillor McGovern

25. Happy Birthday wishes to Susan Reverby.   Councillor McGovern

26. Happy Birthday wishes to Theodore Van Sickle.   Councillor McGovern

27. Congratulations to Donald Fischer in his new role as venture partner at General Catalyst Partners.   Councillor Cheung

28. Congratulations to Kensho for raising $10 million dollars in seed funding for "Warren," an intelligent market research assistant.   Councillor Cheung

29. Congratulations to Councillor Marc McGovern on his recent appointment to the Human Development Steering Committee of the National League of Cities.   Councillor Cheung

30. Encourage the Cambridge community to attend the Harvard Square Business Association's 6th Annual "Some Like It Hot Chili Cook-Off" on Feb 1, 2014.   Councillor Cheung

31. Resolution on the death of Lillian E. Lynch.   Mayor Maher

32. Resolution on the death of Anna (Botti) Montone.   Councillor Toomey

33. Congratulations to Councillor Nadeem Mazen on his recent appointment to the Human Development Steering Committee of the National League of Cities.   Councillor Cheung

34. Congratulations to Scott Sanders and Amy Goodman Sanders on the birth of their daughter Maya Jayne Sanders.   Councillor Simmons

35. Resolution on the death of Eleanor R. (Murphy) Casey.   Mayor Maher

36. Resolution on the death of Susan L. DiGiovanni.   Mayor Maher

37. Resolution on the death of Gertrude Dinatale.   Mayor Maher

38. Resolution on the death of Bill Cobham.   Councillor Simmons

39. Happy 42nd Birthday wishes to Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to rezone the northern border of Richdale Avenue from Upland Road to Walden Street from C1-A to residential C-1 be refiled   Mayor Maher

2. That the amendment to the Zoning Ordinances in the Linear Park area be refiled.   Mayor Maher

3. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request of Gloria Rastellini for a street corner dedication in honor of Alfred J. Rastellini.   Councillor Toomey

4. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for John Holian Jr. for a street dedication in honor of John Holian.   Councillor Cheung

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Local Chapter of Rolling Thunder and with the Director of Veteran's Services with the intention of installing a POW/MIA Chair in City Hall Lobby.   Councillor Toomey

6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of providing the City Calendar on the Cambridgema.gov website as a Google calendar.   Councillor Simmons

7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to initiate a traffic and parking study pertaining to the further development of Area IV if one is not already available.   Councillor Simmons
Amended

8. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Loretta Qualls for a street dedication in honor of her late husband, Leroy E. Qualls.   Councillor Simmons

9. That the City Manager is requested to compile a comprehensive list of nonprofit, for-profit, neighborhood associations, and distinguished individual-practitioner stakeholders who benefit from, inform, or participate in STEAM-related education and training in an effort to determine the feasibility of dedicating the Foundry to STEAM related entities.   Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Mazen
Withdrawn

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center.   Councillor Toomey
Amended by Substitution and Tabled on motion of Mayor Maher

Substitute
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center.   Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Mazen

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and Massachusetts Attorney General to determine whether Councillors ‘replying all' to emails addressed to the council@cambridgema.gov on business that may subsequently come before the Council are unintentionally violating the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.   Councillor Cheung
Amended

12. That the City Council go on record urging swift passage of the STEM Gateways Act.   Councillor Cheung

13. That the City Manager is requested to convene a meeting amongst appropriate City departments, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and stakeholders in the technology community to discuss the feasibility of developing a public-private partnership to expand municipal broadband access to some Cambridge Housing Authority properties.   Councillor Cheung

14. That the City Council calls upon the Massachusetts Legislature to adopt an increase in the minimum wage to $11 per hour, without any corresponding cuts to unemployment insurance.   Councillor Carlone and Councillor Cheung

15. That the City Manager is requested to develop a financial plan to fund the renovations of the Foundry building and report back to the City Council, in a Roundtable format, regarding both the financial plan and possible uses for the Foundry building including, but not limited to, STEAM related uses, and a Community Arts Center.   Councillor McGovern
Withdrawn

16. That the March 3, 2013 City Council meeting be a Special City Council meeting for the purpose of discussing the report from the City Manager on the Foundry building.   Councillor Simmons

HEARING SCHEDULE

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

Mon, Feb 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 17
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, May 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Jan 27, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the attached amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to rezone the northern border of Richdale Avenue from Upland Road to Walden Street from C1-A to residential C-1 be refiled; and be it further
ORDERED: That the petition be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.

O-2     Jan 27, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the attached amendment to the Zoning Ordinances in the Linear Park area be refiled; and be it further
ORDERED: That the petition be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.

O-3     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request of Gloria Rastellini for a street corner dedication in honor of Alfred J. Rastellini; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-4     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for John Holian Jr. for a street dedication in honor of John Holian; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-5     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There are approximately 92,000 missing United States soldiers since World War I; and
WHEREAS: Rolling Thunder is a national non-profit organization whose main focus is to spread awareness for our POW/MIAs and their families; and
WHEREAS: Thanks to the dedicated work of Rolling Thunder many cities, towns, and arenas are dedicating POW/MIA Chairs in honor of those who have served our country but have not returned home to their loved ones; and
WHEREAS: The POW/MIA Chair is a chair set aside that is not meant for sitting, but to remain vacant as a reminder that many of our soldiers are still unaccounted for; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the installation of a POW/MIA Chair in City Hall Lobby; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Local Chapter of Rolling Thunder and with the Director of Veteran's Services with the intention of installing a POW/MIA Chair in City Hall Lobby.

O-6     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge does an excellent job in advertising upcoming community meetings, public meetings, and various other events of note on the Cambridgema.gov website's City Calendar; and
WHEREAS: This calendar can be viewed in daily, weekly, or monthly increments to increase its ease of use to Cambridge residents, and by posting these various meetings and events, it is hoped that greater numbers of Cambridge residents can connect with their government and with each other; and
WHEREAS: The City should always strive to improve the way it delivers such information to its residents, making its website as user-friendly and intuitive as possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of providing the City Calendar on the Cambridgema.gov website as a Google calendar, which would enable residents a greater ability to copy its contents directly onto their own electronic calendars, thereby improving upon this valuable service and allowing for a greater level of civic engagement.

O-7     Jan 27, 2014  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of residents in Area IV have expressed concern about how the opening of the H-Mart grocery store, in addition to proposed development on Essex Street, might impact vehicular and pedestrian traffic on and around Essex Street; and
WHEREAS: These residents have also expressed concern about how further development on and around Essex Street could potentially negatively impact residential parking in the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to initiate a traffic and parking study pertaining to the further development of Area IV if one is not already available, and to present the results of this study to the City Council and the public in a timely fashion; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council on this matter.

O-8     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Loretta Qualls for a street dedication in honor of her late husband, Leroy E. Qualls; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and herby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-9     Jan 27, 2014  Withdrawn
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The Foundry Building at 101 Rogers Street was acquired by the city as the result of a real estate development proposal from Alexandria Real Estate involving a number of parcels in an adjacent sector of the Kendall Square area; and
WHEREAS: The property is currently vacant; the City of Cambridge's acquisition of 101 Rogers Street included the stipulation that the building be used preferentially for municipal or community uses and, additionally, that a minimum of 10,000 square feet would be dedicated to community, educational, cultural or institutional use as set forth in Section 4.33 of the Table 13-33 of Use Regulations; and
WHEREAS: Our neighborhoods are in dire need of substantial new space dedicated to mentorship, apprenticeship, scholarship, fabrication, expression, and training related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), Cambridge should lease all 53,800 square feet of the Foundry building to organizations who engage the community in said apprenticeship, scholarship, fabrication, expression, training, and related activities; and
WHEREAS: STEAM-related programs for youth and adult residents will provide the community with opportunities to participate in hands-on, experiential programs that will equip them with technical, professional, and academic skills needed to excel in the classroom and to participate in the innovation economy that has long flourished in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Leasing the Foundry to STEAM-related nonprofits has received overwhelming support from various public, private, nonprofit, and neighborhood organizations throughout Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Providing local residents with the skills necessary to participate in a complex innovation economy will enable them to continue to live and work in the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to compile a comprehensive list of nonprofit, for-profit, neighborhood associations, and distinguished individual-practitioner stakeholders who benefit from, inform, or participate in STEAM-related education and training; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the feasibility of dedicating the Foundry in its entirety to STEAM-related nonprofits by conferring with the aforementioned individuals and groups; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to solicit plans and opinions from the aforementioned stakeholders on the ways in which leasing agreements may be sustainably and efficiently managed by the City of Cambridge or the city's designate board; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on creative solutions to further minimize the anticipated cost of the Foundry's renovation, in compliance with best-practices for safety, ADA compliance, state law, federal law, and environmental sustainability; 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-10     Jan 27, 2014  Amended by substitution and Tabled
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Foundry re-use study conducted by the City of Cambridge has determined that the cost of upgrades needed in the building to be approximately 11 million dollars; and
WHEREAS: Having the City of Cambridge complete the necessary upgrades can expand interest in the building to more arts related organizations because upgrade expenses are no longer a factor; and
WHEREAS: There has been significant interest in a building to house the arts and operate as an art center serving the residents of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades to the Foundry for the purpose of creating a community arts center.

Substitute Order
O-10     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The Foundry re-use study conducted by the City of Cambridge has determined that the cost of upgrades needed in the building to be approximately 11 million dollars; and
WHEREAS: There has been significant interest in a building to house the arts and operate as an art center serving the residents of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Our neighborhoods are in dire need of substantial new space dedicated to interdisciplinary mentorship, apprenticeship, scholarship, fabrication, expression, and training related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) with an emphasis on arts and expression; and
WHEREAS: Having the City of Cambridge complete the necessary upgrades can reduce upfront costs for potential tenants, expand interest in, and incentivize a full range of vibrant and energetic stakeholders to take part in bolstering Cambridge's long-term art and education ecosystem; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to compile a comprehensive list of stakeholders including nonprofits, for-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, interested students, independent educators, and distinguished individual-practitioners who benefit from, inform, or participate in Cambridge's vibrant arts ecosystem and in the STEAM education ecosystem; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades to the Foundry, in conference with aforementioned stakeholders and the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community, with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs, and with a view to allocating a modicum of the building's space to STEAM related organizations that bolster a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and educational arts ecosystem; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the aforementioned stakeholders to determine a plan for governance and management of the Foundry's entire 53,800 square feet, dedicated entirely to aforementioned uses.

O-11     Jan 27, 2014  Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Open Meeting Law defines deliberation as "an oral or written communication through any medium, including electronic mail, between or among a quorum of a public body on any public business within its jurisdiction"; and
WHEREAS: The entire body of the Cambridge City Council is routinely sent emails under the council@cambridgema.gov about issues that may subsequently come before the Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and Massachusetts Attorney General to determine whether Councillors 'replying all' to emails addressed to the council@cambridgema.gov on business that may subsequently come before the Council are unintentionally violating the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and report back to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee be and hereby is requested to schedule a meeting to discuss whether all email directed to the full Council body via the council@cambridgema.gov email should be sent blind carbon copy.

O-12     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been known as a hub of innovation, ideas, and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: Economic development throughout the City of Cambridge has been largely fueled by biotechnology and information technology start-ups and firms that are leading the way in powering America's future; and
WHEREAS: According to the Department of Commerce, over the past ten years, the growth of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields was three times greater than that of non-STEM jobs; and
WHEREAS: Further findings demonstrate that STEM workers enjoy an earnings premium of 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts; and
WHEREAS: In the years to come, the Department of Commerce predicts that the momentum of STEM jobs will only accelerate. STEM jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 17 percent in the next decade, compared with a projected 9.8 percent growth in other fields; and
WHEREAS: Despite this impressive rate of growth, women and minorities are drastically unrepresented in STEM fields; and
WHEREAS: The Department of Commerce reports that underrepresented minorities account for just three out of ten STEM professionals; and
WHEREAS: In 2011, 26 percent of STEM workers were women and 74 percent were men; and
WHEREAS: On Dec 10, 2013, Representative Joseph Kennedy III of Massachusetts and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the STEM Gateways Act to increase the participation of women, girls and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields and to encourage and support students from all economic backgrounds to pursue STEM career opportunities; and
WHEREAS: If enacted, the STEM Gateways Act will create a grant program for elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and partner organizations to carry out programs that provide opportunities for young women, underrepresented minorities, and students of all economic backgrounds to deepen their skills and interest in STEM fields; and
WHEREAS: If enacted, funds provided by the STEM Gateways Act can be used to develop engaging after-school and summer programs, provide tutoring and mentoring programs in STEM fields, establish partnerships with institutions of higher education, purchase instructional or educational materials to improve educational outcome in STEM fields, fund internships or opportunities for experiential learning in STEM fields, and provide professional development for teachers to encourage their students to pursue advanced classes and careers in STEM fields; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging swift passage of the STEM Gateways Act; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-13     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Internet access is a critical tool for learning and civic participation in today's world; and
WHEREAS: The need for reliable, affordable high-speed connections to the internet in communities has become increasingly crucial to attract and cultivate jobs; and
WHEREAS: According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2011 the United States ranked 15th among 30 developed and developing nations in deploying broadband services; and
WHEREAS: Cities such as Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bristol, Virginia; Lafayette, Louisiana; Morristown, Tennessee; and Burlington, Vermont have all built their own municipal fiber networks; and
WHEREAS: Programs such as the University Community Next Generation Innovation Project have made strides in accelerating the offering of ultra-high-speed network services to communities surrounding leading research universities; and
WHEREAS: In a 2013 Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities meeting, it was stated that 30 percent of Cambridge children who live in public housing do not have access to home computers or the internet; and
WHEREAS: Working collaboratively to develop innovative public-private partnerships could enable the City of Cambridge to provide internet access free of charge to residents living in some Cambridge Housing Authority properties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a meeting amongst appropriate City departments, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and stakeholders in the technology community to discuss the feasibility of developing a public-private partnership to expand municipal broadband access to some Cambridge Housing Authority properties; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the potential of developing a pilot program in which the City of Cambridge would extend the municipal fiber network into public housing properties under the condition that the local technology community would service the property free of charge.

O-14     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The minimum wage in Massachusetts has been stuck at $8 per hour since 2008, despite continued (and sometimes pronounced) increases in the cost of food, housing, transportation, health care, education, and other basic living expenses; and
WHEREAS: The "Raise Up" Massachusetts coalition recently announced that it had gathered a record-breaking quarter of a million signatures to ensure that a higher minimum wage and earned sick time will appear on the ballot for statewide election on Nov 4, 2014; and
WHEREAS: Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Legislature now has the opportunity to consider and proactively adopt the minimum wage initiative before the ballot question reaches voters; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Senate voted on Nov 19, 2013, to move forward with an increase in the minimum wage up to $11 per hour; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts House of Representatives is now considering the minimum wage question, and the Cambridge Chronicle reported on Dec 2, 2013, that the House Speaker wants to tie any increase in the minimum wage to cuts in unemployment insurance; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center published an updated study on Nov, 19, 2013, which found that 5,200 workers in the City of Cambridge would directly benefit from a minimum wage increase, along with 2,500 local workers who would indirectly benefit. In all, some 15% of workers in the City of Cambridge would see their wages rise if the minimum wage increase is adopted; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council calls upon the Massachusetts Legislature to adopt an increase in the minimum wage to $11 per hour, without any corresponding cuts to unemployment insurance; 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 Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-15     Jan 27, 2014  Withdrawn
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop a financial plan to fund the renovations of the Foundry building and report back to the City Council, in a Roundtable format, regarding both the financial plan and possible uses for the Foundry building including, but not limited to, STEAM related uses, and a Community Arts Center.

O-16     Jan 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for March 3, 2014 be cancelled; and be it further
ORDERED: That the March 3, 2013 City Council meeting be a Special City Council meeting for the purpose of discussing the report from the City Manager on the Foundry building.