Cambridge City Council meeting - Jan 28, 2013 - AGENDA
[Councillor Kelley was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers to operate scales at Boston Sand & Gravel, 500 Front Street, Cambridge for the calendar year 2013:
Jake Howe, Tony Cordella, William Tweedy, David Thebearge, Scott Prentice, Jody Staples, Joseph Olsen, Brad Hunter, Roland Barris and Dan Modjeski
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers to operate scales at MICH-LIN transfer station, 45 Mooney Street, Cambridge for the calendar year 2013:
Amanda Noonan, Kimberly I. Mochi-Vendetti, Jo Ann DelVecchio, Daniel Pasqarosa, Bryan Burdge, Charles J. Mabardy, Joseph Mabardy, Jr., James J. Mabardy, Justine N. Bonitatibus, Michael Guerriero and Anthony Pasqarosa
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new member of the GLBT Commission effective Jan 15, 2013:
2-year members: Kara Smith, Rachel Oppenheimer
3-year members: Kristina M. Mastropasqua, Neil A. Scannell, Danny Venezia
Jan 28, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following persons as new member of the GLBT Commission effective Jan 15, 2013:
2-year members:
Kara Smith
Ms. Smith's interest and involvement in GLBT rights began in high school where she was the co-leader of Lexington High's Gay Straight Alliance and, while in college, she was the co-director of the GLBT Taskforce. She is currently a grassroots organizer and event planner and strongly believes in the value of collaboration, cross-cultural exchanges and coalition building.Rachel Oppenheimer
Ms. Oppenheimer is a licensed mental health counselor and is currently employed at the Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center, a program of Fenway Health. Her work is centered on the needs of adolescents and young adults, ages 12-29, with particular focus on GLBT youth, homeless and street-identified youth, and the transgender and questioning youth community.3-year members:
Kristina M. Mastropasqua
Ms. Mastropasqua is currently employed as a program assistant at the Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at the JFK School of Government, Harvard University. She is a long time advocate in the GBLT community and has been an active volunteer with many GLBT organizations across the country, including LGBT Youth and Work at Harvard Kennedy School; Rainbow Peaks, in Fort Collins, Colorado; and the Maine Won't Discriminate Campaign.Neil A. Scannell
As an Attorney, Mr. Scannell has over 21-years of extensive experience in legal research and writing, arbitration and mediation. He was also an Assistant District Attorney in the Superior Court Sexual Assault Unit in Worcester, MA. Mr. Scannell's legal background will be an added asset to the Commission.Danny Venezia
Mr. Venezia, a 10 year resident of Cambridge, grew up in Charlestown where homophobic attitudes discouraged him from coming out as a gay man until he was nearly 50. Encouraged by the progressive attitudes in Cambridge, he moved here with his partner and wants to give back to the Cambridge GLBT community that has been so welcoming to him. His life experiences, as an actor, theater producer, marketer/promoter, mental health counselor and even as a facilities tech services manager at a bank, have provided him a perspective on living as a gay man which he hopes will bring a unique insight to the Commission.Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Cambridge Historical Commission to approve the landmark designation for the Second Baptist/St. Francis of Assisi Church at 325 Cambridge Street.
Agenda Item No. 4A Jan 28, 2013
ORDERED: That the Second Baptist/St. Francis of Assisi Church at 315-325 Cambridge Street, 40-42 Sciarappa Street, and 74-76 Gore Street, be designated as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge, as recommended by vote of the Cambridge Historical Commission on Jan 3, 2013. The premises so designated are defined as parcels 1 and 2 of assessor's map 21 and recorded in Book 4109, Page 397 and Book 6693, Page 147 of the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds.This designation is justified by the significant associations with the broad architectural, cultural and social history of the City as an early surviving church building from the settlement period of East Cambridge and, through its ownership history, as a reflection of the changing social and demographic character of East Cambridge as successive immigrant groups entered the community. It is also significant for its associations with the broad political history of the city through Judge Joseph A. DeGuglielmo who served on the City Council and as Mayor and in the city's administration as both city solicitor and manager, and with other prominent Cambridge citizens.
This designation is further justified by the significance of the Second Baptist/St. Francis of Assisi Church in terms of its period as the fifth oldest church building in the city and the oldest church building in use by the Roman Catholic Church, and in terms of its style as a Greek Revival style building with significant later alterations in the Italian religious architectural tradition.
The effect of this designation shall be that no construction activity can take place within the designated area, and no action can be taken affecting the appearance of 315-325 Cambridge Street, 40-42 Sciarappa Street, and 74-76 Gore Street, that would in either case be visible from a public way, without prior review and approval by the Cambridge Historical Commission and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Non-Applicability, as the case may be. In making determinations, the Commission shall be guided by the terms of the landmark designation report, dated Jan 22, 2013, and by Section VII, Standards and Criteria, of the landmark designation report, and by the applicable sections of Article 2.78.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommending that in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Cambridge City Council adopt the following Order for a Statement of Interest Form dated Feb 15, 2013 to be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the King Open building, located at 850 Cambridge Street.
Jan 28, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby recommending that in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Cambridge City Council adopt the following Order for a Statement of Interest Form dated Feb 15, 2013 to be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the King Open building, located at 850 Cambridge Street.
The Superintendent forwarded his recommendation for authorization of this same Order to the School Committee at its meeting of Jan 15, 2013.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Agenda Item No. 5A Jan 28, 2013
ORDERED: Having convened in an open meeting on Jan 15, 2013, the Cambridge School Committee of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated Feb 15, 2013 for the Cambridge Public School building located at 850 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02141 which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: The Cambridge Street building currently houses the King Open Grade K-5 School and the Cambridge Street Grade 6-8 School. The Cambridge Street building was last renovated in 1986 and currently the building systems do not meet educational needs. The funds sought are to be used for the replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility and for the replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide a full range of programs consistent with State and approved local requirements; and the Cambridge School Committee hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Cambridge to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Agenda for Children's Talk and Read grant in the amount of $3,379 received from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($809) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,570) which will support the Community Learning Center in recruiting students to participate in training, assist with logistics, and help to plan the training.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an increase in the appropriation of the Children's Trust Fund grant for the Center for Families program in the amount of $46,900 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($46,500) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($400); increased the previous grant award amount from $20,500 to a total funding award of $67,400 and will be used for contracts with partner agencies, consultants, and supplies.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) grant in the amount of $6,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to supplement fuel assistance payments.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the First Literacy grant in the amount of $14,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account and ($12,616) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,384) which will be used to provide a student leadership class on presentation skills and pronunciation for Community Learning Center students and well as to cover program supplies.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of funds from the Cambridge Health Alliance to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition in the amount of $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support the Middle Grades Health Survey.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Taste of Cambridge grant received from the Cambridge License Advisory Board to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition (CPC) in the amount of $3,000 to Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to assist the CPC with its efforts to reduce underage drinking and address substance abuse within Cambridge.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety for $35,572.50 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used purchase bulletproof vests for police officers.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Community Health Network Area (CHNA) for $2,000 to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide Police personnel with training around mental health and the ability to respond appropriately to mental health crises and identify resources for mental health needs.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Traffic Enforcement Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) in the amount of $10,000 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will be used to support high-visibility traffic enforcement of motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to, speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving and occupant protection.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board recommendation on the Forest City/Millennium Pharmaceuticals Zoning Petition.
Date: January 22, 2013
Subject: Forest City / Millennium Pharmaceuticals Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends ADOPTION of the petition.To the Honorable, the City Council,
Upon consideration of the zoning petition presented by Forest City Commercial Group and Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company and public testimony heard on January 8, 2013, the Planning Board recommends adoption of the petition.The Petition proposes to change the boundaries and certain requirements of the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District (CRDD) to enable the construction of a new building with approximately 246,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area at 300 Massachusetts Avenue, consisting of office and laboratory uses with ground floor retail along the Massachusetts Avenue frontage.
Our positive recommendation is supported by our finding that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the recommendations of the year-long Central Square Planning Study (C2 Study). The C2 Study recommendations incorporate the block encompassing the proposed rezoning area in the Osborn Triangle Zoning Overlay District. The Petition proposes that the CRDD zoning district be expanded to incorporate the Rezoning Area.
The C2 Study Recommendations state that the Osborn Triangle area is expected 'to evolve to include a mix of uses including residential, office and lab uses, with active ground floors.' The dimensional requirements proposed by the C2 Study for the Osborn Triangle area are noted in the table below.
C2 Study Dimensional Recommendations for the Rezoning Area
Non-Residential Use Residential Use FAR 2.75 4.0 Maximum Height 100 ft 160 ft (with restrictions on height over 100')
The C2 Study recommendations also allow transfer of development rights across areas of common ownership as a way to encourage mixed-use development that locates lower-scale residential uses closer to established neighborhoods and allows larger-scale commercial and residential uses away from neighborhood edges. Although the C2 Study area does not include the entire CRDD, it is important to consider this concept when evaluating the Petition because the CRDD is a master planned mixed-use development area under common ownership.Under the proposed zoning, the total effective FAR across the CRDD would be 2.47, and the FAR for non-residential uses would be 1.77, with larger buildings (including the proposed building at 300 Massachusetts Ave) separated from lower-scale residential uses. The petition also proposes a maximum height of 95' on the 300 Massachusetts Avenue site, which is similar to the 100' limit recommended by the C2 study for non-residential use.
The Petition proposes further limiting the part of the frontage permitted to extend to the maximum district height to 2/3 of the building frontage, and requires a cornice at 65 feet with a step back of 15 feet from the Massachusetts Avenue property line. These requirements are consistent with the urban design goals of the C2 Study. The Petition also makes development in this area subject to existing and future urban design guidelines for the area, which would include the Central Square Design Guidelines developed through the C2 Study.
The C2 Study recommendations emphasize creation of active ground floors along Massachusetts Avenue, particularly retail. The Petition is consistent with this recommendation by requiring ground floor retail with an average depth of 40 feet along 75% of the building frontage on Massachusetts Avenue.
The ability of the proposed Forest City project to take advantage of existing structured parking spaces shared with other uses, with no new parking developed, is positive and consistent with the transportation and sustainability goals and recommendations of the C2 Study. The C2 Study proposes setting maximum parking limits for all uses, eliminating minimum parking requirements, and requiring analyses to evaluate the potential for shared parking. The Petition also requires that new bicycle parking be provided, which supports the C2 Study goal of improving bicycle amenities in the area. Additionally, Forest City has stated its willingness to incorporate the C2 Study recommendations for non-residential buildings to exceed the City's green building requirements by making commitments to meet LEED criteria at the Gold level, track the building's energy use, and report energy use to CDD on an annual basis for 5 years after the building is occupied.
An active public realm, retail diversity, affordable and middle income housing, and creation of outdoor and/or indoor public spaces and connections were key goals of the C2 Study. In support of these goals, the study identified enhanced public benefits as key considerations for the City Council when evaluating requests for additional density and height on a case by case basis over and above the C2 recommendations. These include impact on neighborhood edges and residential neighborhoods (the site of the new building enabled by this Petition is away from the neighborhood edges identified in the C2 Study) and the nature and amount of benefits such as significant public space (indoor or outdoor), increased middle income and/or affordable housing, enhanced retail support (e.g., fitout assistance or reduced rents for a minimum time period), and reduced rents for non-profits.
The Petition, coupled with the letter of commitment and the conceptual site plan presented to the Planning Board, proposes several such enhanced public benefit provisions. Principal among these are commitments to extend the affordability of all existing affordable units in University Park for the duration of Forest City's leasehold interest, to create 20 additional affordable units off-site or contribute $4,000,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust, to contribute $1,078,680 in community funds, to create retail space that can easily be divided to appeal to diverse tenants, to create and implement a marketing plan for retail spaces that emphasizes local, independent retail tenants, and to create plaza spaces at either end of Blanche Street that would support adjacent retail space, improve the connection to the grocery store, and enhance the character and walkability of Blanche Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
From an urban planning perspective, it is the Planning Board's view that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the policies and goals of the City and the C2 Study in particular. The Board supports the efforts of the Council to evaluate the aforementioned public benefits in the context of what it feels is appropriate for the City, given the scope of the requested rezoning and the needs of the community. In particular, the Board encourages the Council to seek clarification on the circumstances under which affordable housing will be provided as set forth in Section III of the Letter of Commitment attached to the petition, and how the inclusionary housing provisions of Section 11.200 would apply under those circumstances.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell, Chair.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Petition to amend Section 13.59.33 Building and Site Requirements for Active Uses and Open Spaces, to delete requirement number 5 requiring public access in ground floor cafeterias.
January 24, 2013
Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends ADOPTION of the petition.To the Honorable, the City Council,
Upon consideration of the City Council petition and testimony from affected property owners and future tenants, the Planning Board agrees with the arguments to delete the condition that requires a ground floor cafeteria to be open to the general public.There are many ways to develop good and active ground floor uses other than cafeterias. The development along Third Street illustrates busy and successful ground floor activities that have improved the character of the developing neighborhood.
Company cafeterias are often gathering places for discussions about proprietary and sensitive matters that need to be encouraged within a company culture without concerns of confidentiality.
Company cafeterias are usually subsidized by the firm, leading to an unequal economic environment for other restaurants and food services in the area. The Planning Board agrees that this condition makes marketing restaurants more difficult.
The condition to require public access to a cafeteria is not found in any other Cambridge zoning district and the Planning Board does not see the need for it to continue to be a condition in these districts.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell
ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
2. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]
8. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling to pass MA House Bill 4165, "An Act Relative to Speed Limits." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012. Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Dec 3, 2012.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-147, regarding a report on neighborhoods impacted by the Alewife Sewer Separation project now concerned with the bump-outs that will reduce parking options. [Motion made by Councillor Cheung to postpone action to Jan 28, 2013 carried - Placed on Unfinished Business for Jan 28, 2013.]
Report accepted and placed on file
10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Jan 9, 2013 to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge by amending Section 13.59.33 Building and Site Design Requirements for Active Uses and Open Spaces by deleting condition numbered (5) which reads: In order to promote pedestrian activity on adjacent public streets from tenants and employees within commercial buildings, any cafeteria serving such commercial space may be located only on the ground floor level of a building and must be opened to the public at lease twenty hours per week. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Jan 28, 2013. Planning Board hearing held Dec 18, 2012. Petition expires Apr 9, 2013.
Ordained 8-0-1 (Kelley ABSENT) - Ordinance #1353
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A constable bond was received from Ronald DiGiogio for approval of the surety.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding use of the Blanche Street site on Massachusetts Avenue Central in front of Shaw’s Market.
2. A communication was received from State Senator Brian A. Joyce transmitting thanks for your letter regarding S. 2314, An Act relative to plastic bag reduction.
3. A communication was received from Donald J. Wilson, Director, Massachusetts Municipal Association regarding prohibition of tobacco sales in health care institutions.
4. A communication was received from Max Rome regarding the Grand Junction Railroad.
5. A communication was received from Connie Muolo, Annmaria, Mike and Alice Trifone transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on the death of their mom, Mary R. Trifone.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Francis X. Galgay. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Olive Marie (Poirier) Murphy. Councillor Maher
3. Resolution on the death of Timothy J. Toomey, Sr. Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves and Councillor vanBeuzekom
4. Congratulations to Steven Tompkins on being named Suffolk County Sheriff. Vice Mayor Simmons
5. Condolences to Henry O'Donnell on the death of his grandfather. Councillor Reeves
6. Condolences to Liam O'Donnell on the death of his grandfather Henry O'Donnell. Councillor Reeves
7. Condolences to Lilly O'Donnell on the death of her grandfather Henry O'Donnell. Councillor Reeves
8. Condolences to Lula O'Donnell on the death of her grandfather Henry O'Donnell. Councillor Reeves
9. Condolences to Maeve O'Donnell on the death of her grandfather Henry O'Donnell. Councillor Reeves
10. Congratulations to Formlabs on being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to follow in the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
11. Congratulations to Jaimie and Garrett Tingle on the birth of their son Austin James Tingle. Mayor Davis
12. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Department Lieutenant John W. Boyle on his promotion. Mayor Davis
13. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Department Sergeant Frederick T. Leung on his promotion. Mayor Davis
14. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Mark Harvey. Councillor Reeves
15. Thanks to Travis McCready for his leadership as Executive Director of the Kendall Square Association and best wishes in his new position of Vice President of Programs at the Boston Foundation. Mayor Davis
16. Resolution on the death of former CRLS teacher Jon Sullivan. Mayor Davis
17. Resolution on the death of Rita (Keohane) Downey. Councillor Maher
18. Congratulations to Harvest Restaurant for being recognized by Google Zeitgeist as an establishment that truly embodies the culture of the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
19. Congratulations to Ten Tables for being recognized by Google Zeitgeist as an establishment that truly reflects the "spirit of the times." Councillor Cheung
20. Condolences to the family of Milton Geffen. Mayor Davis
21. Resolution on the death of John C. Thomas. Mayor Davis
22. Thanks to the TTT Mentor Program Mentees for participating in the TTT Mentor Program. Vice Mayor Simmons
23. Thanks to the Mentors of the TTT Mentor Program. Vice Mayor Simmons
24. Congratulations to the Friends of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (FOCRLS) on being named recipient of the Education Award by the Cambridge NAACP. Vice Mayor Simmons
25. Resolution on the death of Richard G. "Dick" Huber Jr. Councillor Toomey
26. Thanks to Carole Sousa, Michelle Godfrey and the Outreach Workers of the Cambridge Community Learning Center for their work and dedication as community ambassadors. Councillor Decker
27. Resolution on the death of Jacquleine A. (Goodrum) Tynes. Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons
28. Resolution on the death of Mary Dayton. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Public School staff to determine the status of the bike rack installations at the Peabody School and to report back to the City Council prior to Mar 1, 2013. Councillor Kelley
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments on the feasibility of participating in the Municipal Performance Management Program and report back to the Cambridge City Council. Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Council go on record supporting the statement of the National League of Cities related to preventing gun violence. Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung
4. That the City Manager is requested to arrange publicity about Earth Hour 2013 including information on the city web site, calendar, emails, cable channel and in front of City Hall so that as many people as possible are encouraged to participate. Councillor vanBeuzekom
5. That the City Manager and the Mayor's Office convene a working group from City and School departments to help coordinate a Tech Inclusion effort with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to look into the feasibility of participating in an initiative which would enhance the accessibility of public health data and report back to the Cambridge City Council. Councillor Cheung
7. That the City Council go on record supporting Edith Windsor and GLAD challenging DOMA in the United States Supreme Court. Councillor Cheung
8. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Charter Right - Decker
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Public Health Department and report back to the City Council on the status of any health measure in effect in Cambridge which would ban tobacco sales in pharmacies and drug stores. Councillor Cheung
10. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a draft ordinance that will ban the use of plastic bags in the city; said draft to include clear guidelines; create a task force; plans for education, support for small businesses and phase in time; exclusion of square footage provision from the ban; and the durability and/or standards for bags and recommendations. Councillor Decker
11. That the City Council go on record endorsing the letter submitted by Councillor Toomey requesting the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to support a multi-use path along the Grand Junction Railroad. Mayor Davis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Community Health Committee for a public meeting held on Dec 19, 2012 to discuss a ban on plastic bags.
2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Community Health Committee for a public meeting held on Jan 9, 2013 to discuss limiting the size of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages sold.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee for a public meeting held on Jan 17, 2013 to discuss internships and apprentice programs and a long-range plan for the programs.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. transmitting a copy of a letter that was sent to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board asking for their support and cooperation in constructing a multi use path along the Grand Junction Rail Road.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Transmitting notification of the 2012 Town Gown Reports.
• Cambridge College
• Harvard University
• Lesley University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Statistical Summary from All Reports
2. Transmitting notification of the 2012 Public Health Annual Report.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 28
5:00pm Special Presentation on Cambridge Campaign Against Domestic Violence - 21 days of questions; 365 days of action. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 29
4:00pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the creation of a Cambridge Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) which is an energy procurement model that allows local governments to pool, or aggregate, the electric load of their residents and small businesses in order to purchase electricity on their behalf. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 30
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on a zoning petition filed by Zevart M. Hollisian, Trustee of Garabed B. Hollisian Trust and L-Z Realty Trust and Seth D. Alexander, President, MIT Investment Management Company to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street; said petition includes a map and a commitment letter. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 4
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting with the School Committee to discuss out of school time. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 6
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new Section 11.700-Interim Regulations for Medical Marijuana Uses. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 25
5:00pm Special Presentation from the Sprouts of Hope. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Public School staff to determine the status of the bike rack installations at the Peabody School and to report back to the City Council prior to Mar 1, 2013.
O-2 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the state-funded Collins Center is launching a second round of the Municipal Performance Management Program; and
WHEREAS: This program provides assistance to Massachusetts municipalities seeking to refine or implement a performance management program or to improve their data utilization skills in management and policy-making; and
WHEREAS: In particular, this program will launch or update CitiStat (or similar) performance management programs in participating communities, starting with a focus on the Police Department and the Public Works Department (or equivalent divisions); and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge would surely benefit from this program as it is always looking for new ways to improve and strengthen its variety of departments to better serve the evolving needs of its citizens; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments on the feasibility of participating in the Municipal Performance Management Program and report back to the Cambridge City Council.
O-3 Jan 28, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: On Jan 16, 2013 Marie Lopez Rogers, President of the National League of Cities (NLC), released a statement of support in response to President Obama's proposed plans for reducing gun violence; and
WHEREAS: The NLC statement focused on the necessity of a comprehensive effort to reduce gun violence across our country; and
WHEREAS: The National League of Cities sited specific provisions that should be part of a comprehensive proposal such as: a ban on automatic weapons and armor piercing bullets (except for military purposes); a 30 day waiting period for the purchase and transfer of all firearms; the engagement of the Centers for Disease Control in an effort to understand the mental health aspects of gun violence; federal funding for local crime prevention programs that address gun violence; the option for states, cities and towns to adopt stricter standards and rules regarding the purchase, storage and possession of firearms; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the statement of the National League of Cities related to preventing gun violence: and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to President Marie Lopez Rogers of the National League of Cities on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental action event in history - Eart Hour; and
WHEREAS: During Earth Hour 2012, residents in more than 135 countries and in 7,000 cities switched off non-essential lights for one designated hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change; and
WHEREAS: Climate change is in large part caused by increased CO2 levels and can be defined as significant and long lasting changes in the weather patterns of the planet; and
WHEREAS: Burning fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas to produce energy that is used, for example, to power a light increases CO2 levels; and
WHEREAS: Half the world's population now lives in cities, from which over 70% of the world's CO2 emissions are generated; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to being a leader in reducing CO2 emissions by working together with all sectors of the community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge provide leadership to residents, businesses, institutions, and governments by promoting the collective act of switching off lights for Eart Hour 2013 on Saturday, Mar 23, 2013 at 8:30 p.m.; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange publicity about Earth Hour 2013 including information on the city web site, calendar, emails, cable channel and in front of City Hall so that as many people as possible are encouraged to participate.
O-5 Jan 28, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been presented with a unique opportunity to collaborate with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to bridge the digital divide; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Schools are already working on issues such as the Digital Divide and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) initiatives, and this potential partnership provides an opportunity to expand upon our efforts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Mayor's Office convene a working group from City and School departments to help coordinate this Tech Inclusion effort with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
O-6 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is known as a hub of innovation, ideas and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is always looking for new ways to showcase and build on its reputation as a national leader in innovation; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Code for America Peer Network is encouraging municipalities throughout the United States to participate in an up-and-coming movement to enhance the accessibility of public health data; and
WHEREAS: Cities across the country, including San Francisco and New York City, have made restaurant inspection information public to allow websites such as Yelp to import the data and integrate it into their mobile apps in a consumer-friendly format; and
WHEREAS: In making restaurant inspection raw data available for public use, the City of Cambridge will empower its citizens to choose local eateries that prioritize proper food preparation procedures, resulting in heightened adherence to these standards in restaurants across the city; and
WHEREAS: Providing this data in raw form to the public would give the City of Cambridge a great opportunity to put its immense amount of data, innovation, and great minds to work to promote the health and well-being of our residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to look into the feasibility of participating in this initiative and report back to the Cambridge City Council.
O-7 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice, and equality; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) are requesting that the City of Cambridge sign on to an amicus brief in support of Winsdor v. United States, a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and
WHEREAS: In 2012, eighty-three year old widow Edith Windsor filed challenges to DOMA, which prohibits federal recognition of marriages of same-sex couples, after she was forced to pay over $363,000 in federal estate taxes from the property she inherited from her late spouse, Thea Spyer. Had the couple been heterosexual, Spyer's estate would have passed to her spouse without any estate tax at all; and
WHEREAS: Windsor's case was successful in federal district court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, both of which ruled that DOMA is unconstitutional; and
WHEREAS: The Supreme Court granted review in Windsor v. United States on Dec 7, 2012; and
WHEREAS: A coalition of leading business and employers is forming to advise the Supreme Court on the ways in which DOMA harms businesses and employers; and
WHEREAS: The amicus, filed by the business and employer community, discusses DOMA's impact on businesses and employers; and
WHEREAS: DOMA imposes enormous costs in time, money, and morale for employers. With over 18,000 same-sex couples legally married in Massachusetts, as well as D.C. and eight other states licensing marriages; DOMA's burden is growing; and
WHEREAS: Over 90 signatories, including large state and national companies have signed onto the amicus brief; and
WHEREAS: Joining the amicus brief as a listed entity will send a strong message that Cambridge will not support inequality, discrimination and prejudice against the LGBQT community from the federal and state government and private parties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting Edith Windsor and GLAD challenging DOMA in the United States Supreme Court; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to add the City of Cambridge as a signatory on the amicus brief; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of the order to the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.
O-8 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Presently, a Cambridge Resident Parking Permit costs $25 for the initial resident permit; and
WHEREAS: With the purchase of this Cambridge Resident Parking Permit, one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household is included for free; and
WHEREAS: Many Cambridge residents who choose not to own a car do throughout the year have visitors who arrive with a car that needs to be accommodated; and
WHEREAS: Providing Cambridge residents who choose not to own a car with the option to apply for one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household at a nominal fee (i.e. $10 per visitor parking permit) will support these residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit.
O-9 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: According to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, 46 municipalities throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Newton, Worcester, Somerville, Lowell, Brookline, Salem, Springfield, and Watertown have banned tobacco sales in pharmacies and drug stores; and
WHEREAS: According to the same report, with exception of Cambridge, five of the six most populated cities in the Commonwealth have this health measure in effect, with Boston's regulation being almost four years old; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Public Health Department and report back to the City Council on the status of any similar regulation under consideration.
O-10 Jan 28, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a draft ordinance that will ban the use of plastic bags in the city; said draft to include the following:
Clear guidelines;
Create a task force;
Plans for education, support for small businesses and phase in time;
Exclusion of square footage provision from the ban; and
The durability and/or standards for bags and recommendations.
O-11 Jan 28, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record endorsing the attached letter submitted by Councillor Toomey requesting the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to support a multi-use path along the Grand Junction Railroad.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Community Health Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 10:04am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a ban on plastic bags.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor Leland Cheung; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner, Public Works; Randi Mail, Director of Recycling, DPW; John Fitzgerald, Environmental Services Manager, DPW; Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager; Sam Aylesworth, Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department; and Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk.
Also present were Phil Sego, Sierra Club; Anika James, Environment Massachusetts; Quinton Zondervan, President, Green Cambridge; and Elena Saporta, 102 Ellery Street.
Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She gave the background. One year ago she submitted an order to ask the staff to review banning plastic bags. Over the last year there has been research done and consultants(?) asked about what it would look like in Cambridge if plastic bags were banned.
Councillor Decker asked the Commissioner of Public Works where are we on this issue. Commissioner Peterson explained that Nancy Schlacter has done research from other communities who have banned plastic bags. This research information was distributed (ATTACHMENT A). Ms. Schlacter stated that the research on banning plastic bags was done for thirteen communities. This was downsized to six cities and these cities were reviewed on features such as success, similarities or differences. Single use plastic check out bags with handles were banned. Reduction of the use of paper bags was sought. Three cities charged for the use of paper bags and the stores kept the revenue. The type of paper bags permitted was defined. She outlined the permitted plastic bags without handles and their uses. These included laundry, dry-cleaning, door hanger, newspaper, packages of multiple bags for garbage, pet and yard waste, restaurant take-home, bulk items, meat, poultry and fish wrap, prepared foods, pharmacist provided items, potted plants, flowers and greeting cards. She explained the types of establishments covered. The bans were phased in intervals of six months to one year with an education component. Stores can easily download the sign reading "bring your own bag". Enforcement was minimal. The focus was on education. It is complaint driven enforcement. The cost of outreach and implementation stated that it was work done with sustainability work. Funds were used for staff and outreach by retailers. The recent Massachusetts bill has a lot of these features, however, it is different because it does not contain compostable bags. The Massachusetts Senate Bill (SB2314) would permit distribution of single use checkout bags that meet the Marine biodegradable plastic and compostable plastic bag standards. The staff notes on the research were also distributed (ATTACHMENT B).
Mr. Zondervan asked if the Brookline ban had been reviewed. Ms. Schlacter stated that four bans were reviewed, one of which passed. It has to go to Attorney General. It has an AST standard for compostable marine degradable bag. It is similar to the Mass. Bill.
Phil Sego, representing the Massachusetts Sierra Club, stated that he is pleased this is coming up in Cambridge. The Brookline bill is exactly like Senate bill 2314. The Sierra club is concerned with this issue because of the safety of water wildlife and animals. If an animal ingests plastic it is a painful death. Plastic used for plastic bags is polyethylene; it never breaks down and floats on top of seawater where plankton floats and wildlife mistake it for food and ingest it. Enforcement is not stressed as voluntary compliance. Retailers do follow guidelines. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)' standard specification for Compostable Plastics is D6400 and for Marine Biodegradability is D7081. There are five companies in the US that meet these standards. Cambridge is planning a pilot program for food scraps pickup from residents to begin no later than April 2014 and will include the use of compostable bags. This is a tremendous step in right direction.
Commissioner Peterson spoke about the pilot curb side food scraps program with the hope to scale up the program to city-wide in 2016. The use of compostable bags to contain food scraps will be part of the best practice. Ultimately, compostable bags could be available to residents if retailers were required to provide them at checkout, which would be the best free option for people to participate. Cambridge likes the use of compostable bags, but we need to ensure it is acceptable at the facility were food scrapes are taken. The compostable bag must be a distinct color to differentiate it from conventional plastic bags and this should be taken into consideration in the ordinance.
Mr. Zondervan stated that moving to compostable bags the consumers should buy the bags. These are two separate issues. The store bags will be banned. Councillor Decker stated that this is a parallel conversation. As plastic bags are banned in Cambridge and if compostable bags were permitted retailers will move toward this. Other communities follow Cambridge's lead on issues such as this. She wants to make sure Cambridge is moving as fast as it can. Mr. Zondervan stated that compostable bags are a problem because if confused with plastic bags they can contaminate plastic bag recycling programs.
Councillor Decker asked Mr. Sego how are compostable bags different. Mr. Sego stated that the advantage of compostable bags is they break down quickly, but they are still a threat to animals and can still be sent to the landfill. Councillor Decker asked how many bans preferred compostable bags. Commissioner Peterson stated that it is not typical to add compostable bags in the ordinance. Ms. Mail is aware of retailers selling compostable bags. With voluntary curbside food scraps collection it would not be an incentive for participation for bags to be purchased.
Councillor Decker commented on the elderly person using plastic bags, especially in the rain. Mr. Sego stated that he can remember the world before plastic bags. Banning plastic bags does not affect sales. Reusable bag campaigns have been used by retailers. Mr. Zondervan stated that smaller retailers do not like plastic bags because there is a cost. He would like to see a partnership with the business associations in the City to encourage the use of reuseable bags.
Ms. Mail spoke about the commonality of other communities on the reduction of paper bags. The transportation cost for paper is more expensive because they are heavier. She spoke about the benefits of reusable bags and the importance to know what the bags are made of and where they are made. Councillor Decker stated that the use of paper bags is discouraged because they are flimsy.
Anika James stated that biodegradable bags still take time to break down and cause harm to wildlife. She felt that a ban on plastic bags should be linked with the composting program. Compostable bags are more expensive and spoke about the cost off-set for retailers. Councillor Decker stated that may not be feasible to do both programs together. It is better to pilot the curbside compost program. Ms. James stated that Environment Massachusetts would rather not have compostable bags. Commissioner Peterson stated that the Pilot for the curbside food scraps collection will start no later than April 2014. Mr. Zondervan stated that these issues should not be linked. Free garbage bags are not given now. People should buy compostable bags.
Elena Saporta, 102 Ellery Street, asked about the standards of the compostable bags.
Councillor Kelley commented that that he has no faith in the standards. He wanted plastic bags eliminated.
Councillor Decker stated that she provided the City Manager's office with ordinances from other communities to review. She questioned whether a 2500 square foot store is excluded. She further asked what the standard square footage includes. A public partnership needs to be rolled out on this. Mr. Sego stated that if a retailer, such as 7-11, CVS, Walgreens or a chain supermarket, has three locations in a community they will be excluded. If the goal is to ban plastic bags then ban plastic bags. It does not make any sense to exclude retailers based on 2500 square footage. He suggested elimination of the square footage completely. Councillor Decker stressed the need for uniformity so as to not hurt small mom/pop stores who are struggling. The City would need to partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to help the stores that are smaller than 2500 square feet. She would not distinguish between farmer's markets and small chain stores. Mr. Zondervan suggested that if there is a size limit for the plastic bag ban any store below the limit that offered plastic bags would require the customer to pay for the plastic bags.
Ms. Schlacter raised a concern about takeout food that had wet food where a plastic bag is used. Are we just talking about supermarkets? Councillor Decker stated that it is arbitrary to draw the line. The policy goal is to protect the environment and wildlife. We want to work with the small businesses in the City on this issue.
Mayor Davis questioned if the proposal is an absolute plastic bag ban. Councillor Decker stated that the goal is to ban plastic bags to protect wildlife and waterways. Mayor Davis stated that she bought a useable bag to a store and the cashier wanted to put a plastic bag into the reusable bag. The education piece is not at the retail level. This is not a priority for the retailers; but it will be a priority if it is regulated. Ms. Schlacter encouraged the committee to consider no less than a- twelve months phase-in timeline to ensure adequate time to educate retailers and give them time to plan.
Councillor Cheung asked in the cities that charged for bags where the retailers retained the funds were the funds used to implement the program. Ms. Schlacter responded that the small amount of revenue received was not worth the tracking time; it was an administrative burden.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that if this is done to protect wildlife this should be done at the farmers market; they could charge for the bags. Education is key. Cambridge has a long way to go to educate people about what the new norm now is. Councillor Decker added there has been a great effort by city staff to education the public. Councillor Kelley commented that there are good reasons to ban plastic bags. Mr. Zondervan stated that it must be clear in the ordinance what is being banned is plastic bags given out by retailers for free.
Councillor Decker stated that a draft ordinance will be prepared by the Law Department. The ordinance when prepared will come back to the Community Health Committee before it is referred to the Ordinance Committee.
At this time Councillor Decker made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a draft ordinance that will ban the use of plastic bags in the city; said draft to include the following:
Clear guidelines;
Create a task force;
Plans for education, support for small businesses and phase in time;
Exclusion of square footage provision from the ban; and
The durability and/or standards for bags and recommendations.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Decker stated that the next meeting will be a roundtable.
Commissioner Peterson asked what is the feeling of the community on paper bags, charging for paper bags, providing incentives to not use paper or to provide a credit for the use of paper. Mr. Sego spoke about paper bags that are 100% post-consumer recycled paper. He stated that there is nothing in any ordinance in the state that precludes retailers from charging for paper or plastic bags. Mr. Zondervan stated that in his opinion it is a mistake not to force retailers to charge for bags. The goal is to make a cultural change and reduce waste. Money is spent on groceries so retailers could charge for bags. He suggested making it a level playing field to require all retailers to charge for plastic bags.
Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 11:19am on motion of Councillor Cheung.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Community Health Committee held a public meeting on Jan 9, 2013 at 10:10am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss limiting the size of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages sold.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer; Jose Wendel; Dawn Olcott, Nutrition Coordinator, Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD), Cambridge Health Alliance; Matt Nelson, Chief of Staff to Mayor Davis; Molly Rothenberg, Mayor's Office; and Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office.
Also present were Dr. Walter Willett, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Virginia Chomitz, Assistant Professor, Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University; Terry Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Chamber of Commerce; Denise Jillson, Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association; Pierce J. Haley; Martin W. Fisher; Serlin Haley; Steve Kurkland, Partner, Za and Evoo; Sue Reinert, Cambridge Day; Paul Lee, Hong Kong Restaurant; and Billy Bartley, Mr. Bartley Burger Cottage.
Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She stated that sugar-sweetened beverages have a significant public health impact on individuals as well as families. She noted that the City of Cambridge is working diligently with the Cambridge Public Health Department on this issue. She introduced Professors Walter Willett and Virginia Chomitz and asked them to speak on this important topic.
Professor Willett stated that he appreciates the fact that the city is paying attention to this issue. He stated that research of diets and public health has been conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. He stated that life expectancy is declining in parts of the country and that sugar-sweetened beverages are a huge public health issue. He stated that a focus of the research is factors that contribute to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He noted that it is clear that sugar-sweetened beverages are the single most important contributor these health issues. He stated that they are harmful and have no beneficial effects. He noted that the health consequences of sugar-sweetened beverages are that they are the single most important contributor to sugar-sweetened calories. For many parts of the population, particularly adolescents, sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to 25% of calories in the country. They are a major source of calories. He stated that consuming calories in liquid form leads to overconsumption. Sugar-sweetened soda contains 16 or 17 teaspoons of sugar. He noted that when looking at long-term follow-up studies, there is a definite contribution to obesity and weight gain and Type 2 diabetes. He noted that while is a major part of the equation, glucose levels are also affected. He stated that the evidence shows that soda consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sugar intake contributes to dental worries as well. This evidence has come together primarily in the last five years. He affirmed that there is no evidence of the benefit of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Professor Willett stated that New York has a sugar-sweetened beverage limit of 16 ounces. He stated his opinion that 16 oz. is too high and that the limit size should be lower. He questioned where to draw the line on the amount of sugar in a beverage. He stated that diet beverages do not have the same contribution to weight gain or diabetes risk. He noted that limiting the size of soda beverages makes sense in terms of legislation because it is the role of the government to protect from harm. This is an instance of harm. Children are not in a position to make rational judgments about their future health. Professor Willett stated that another issue is the impact on health costs. He stated that all people pay the consequence of a person who has Type 2 diabetes. He noted that this is an example of other people paying the price for another's actions. He noted that limiting the size of soda is a baby step which will not solve the problem, but it is a first step. He stated that this is not prohibition of soda but it does make one consider the consequence of overconsumption. He noted his strong support of the implementation of this regulation.
Professor Virginia Chomitz stated that she has spent many years obtaining information on this subject with the emphasis being obesity in children. She stated that Cambridge has been at the forefront for much of this work. There are inspiring national models for school-based and community-based healthy eating and exercise programs. The crisis of obesity in the nation continues in Cambridge. She stated that 30% of children nationally are obese. In Cambridge it is 33%. Cambridge is not below the national average in this respect. She noted that 1 in 4 teenagers have pre-diabetes nationally. One quarter of adults are too overweight to join in the military. She stated that portion sizes in restaurants have grown by 457% since 1955. Studies have shown that when people are given larger portions, they eat more. This research suggests that portion size increases how much people consume. She stated that the original bottle size for a Coca Cola was 6.5 ounces. This contains no nutrients. She noted that over 50% of young men are drinking at least one sugary beverage per day. It is not inconsequential and it is contributing significantly to calories. She stated that the Institute of Medicine recommends the reduction of sugar-sweetened beverages. While she noted that sugar-sweetened beverages are not the only cause of obesity, she recommended a holistic approach in looking at ways to promote water consumption. She stated that in the past, Cambridge has found proactive approaches to address these issues. She cited the vending machine policies within the schools that are currently in place because of this proactive approach.
Claude Jacob gave a brief overview of the work of the CPHD. He noted that the CPHD collaborates and works in number of regional efforts regarding health and maintains representation on national boards and committees representing the northeast region. He noted that this work is predicated on gathering data, linking services and framing policy. He noted that the CPHD collaborates with the Cambridge Public School Department on healthy initiatives including increasing healthy food choices. He noted that a core function is to look at the ripple effects. He recognized that a limit to the size of sugar-sweetened beverages may be a component to combating obesity.
Jose Wendell, CPHD, presented a preliminary analysis of the proposed limit to the size of sweetened beverages sold to consumers. (Attachment A). This analysis has been reviewed by the Food and Fitness Policy Council. Based on this preliminary analysis, she stated that current scientific evidence supports the link of soda consumption to obesity. She stated that a reduction of calories from added sugar is included as one of the objectives of Healthy People 2020 which is the nation's ten-year health goals designed to guide national health promotion and disease prevention efforts to improve overall health. She stated that sugary drink portion has increased over recent year and the oversized drinks do not provide nutritional value and lead people to drink more and take in more calories but do not help them feel fuller. She stated that obesity has a disproportionate impact on minority and low-income populations that are more likely to consume larger quantities of calorie-dense food and drinks. She stated that it is unclear whether limiting the soda portion sizes in restaurants is an effective way to decrease soda consumption and overall caloric intake. Ms. Wendell stated that limiting the size of sweetened beverages sold to consumers does not substantially impede freedom of choice as people can still drink the amount they want by buying a second soda or getting refills. The size limit would give consumers a pause and opportunity to consider if they really want to drink more. She stated that limiting soda size could potentially have detrimental effects as this measure is untested and if it doesn't work, it may be harder to implement potentially more effective and comprehensive policies and regulations in the future.
Ms. Wendell stated that the CPHD has been an active member of the Health Children Task Force and that the department has served as the facilitator of record for the newly appointed Food and Fitness Policy Council which is in the process of designing a "roadmap" for guiding the city's wellness promotion efforts. She noted that the Food and Fitness Policy Council proposed that a soda regulation should be considered in the context of a broader set of potential, evidence-based policy changes for the public and private sector not in isolation.
Mayor Davis stated that the Healthy Children Task Force has been working on health issues in children for over twenty years but the concern remains that children are continuing to be overweight. Their experience in school and within the broader community needs to be "fixed" to some extent. Parents need to be included. Hearing about the NY soda portion control initiative seemed like a good match for Cambridge. This is one way of delivering a message of empty calories contributing to an epidemic. Another piece of the puzzle is drinking water. She stated that Cambridge tap water is a healthy choice and a good alternative. She stated that the most important message is in the context of a large initiative with the goal being a healthy community.
Councillor Decker stated that when thinking about the consequences of overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, it is irresponsible not to look at the contributions to the rising cost of health care. She stated that consequences of overconsumption affect the health care system as well as the health of the individuals. When speaking with regards to people who are concerned about the increase of government regulations, she stated that the government regulates many things, including the amount of time it takes a person to cross the street. She stated that often we reflect on rules that govern and protect our communities and reassess if we need to change or improve them. She stated that as a parent, it takes a whole community. She noted the importance of re-educating ourselves. She stated that sometimes change is met with reluctance. This was the case with the ban on smoking in restaurants. She noted that this ban bolstered the economy in Cambridge. She stated that the city worked in partnership with the business community on the trans fat ban. She noted that a number of restaurant owners are pleased with this concept and it makes sense. She is confident that NYC is grounded in its legal right to limit the size of sugar sweetened drinks sold to consumer. She stated that limiting the size of sugar sweetened drinks sold to consumers would be a good fit for Cambridge. She stated that at the next meeting she would like to give Cambridge restaurant owners the opportunity to come forward to discuss this issue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom thanked Councillor Decker for her work and stated her support.
Councillor Cheung stated that he would like to hear more about the many healthy initiatives taking place in New York City. Mr. Jacob stated that he would provide this information to the committee.
Councillor Decker then opened the meeting to public comment.
Steve Kurland, Partner, Za and Evoo, stated that from a restaurant perspective, the limit would not have much of an impact on his establishments as only 10% of his customers request refills on soda. He noted that smaller cups are given to children at his restaurants. He stated that as an individual, his concern is limiting rights. He noted that there must be careful consideration when doing this.
Terry Smith stated that many members of the Chamber of Commerce have contacted him and stated that they are willing to work with the city on this matter.
Denise Jillson stated that she looks forward to future meetings. She stated that she will keep her members informed. She stated that in terms of the business community, her concern is based on choice and limitation thereof.
Councillor Decker stated that another hearing will be scheduled to bring forward the Food and Fitness Policy and to bring the business community into the conversation. She stated that policy needs to make sense for the good of Cambridge.
Mr. Willett stated that Cambridge is a creative place in many ways and that limiting the size of soda beverages could be done in a way that is very positive. Councillor Decker stated that she has faith in local government and the community. She stated there is the opportunity to make this educational and interesting. She stated that while no one wants their choice to be taken away, as a larger society we need to ask what the tradeoffs are for the larger good. She stated that she looks forward to working on this issue.
Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Subsequent to this meeting, Mr. Jacob provided information regarding initiatives of New York City to reverse obesity trends. (Attachment B).
Committee Report #3
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Thurs, Jan 17, 2013 beginning at 8:36am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss internships and apprentice programs and a long-range plan for the programs.
Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor Leland Cheung; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Dr. Michael Ananis, Executive Director, RSTA; Sue Walsh, Office of Workforce Development, DHSP; Pardis Saffari, Associate Planner, Economic Development Division, Community Development Department; Neal Alpert; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Vice Mayor Simmons opened the meeting and explained the purpose. An agenda was submitted that listed questions she hopes to answer (ATTACHMENT A). The Buildings and Construction Trades Council wants a stronger relationship between the trades and local high school and college students. This committee could launch this communication and establish a long range plan. She asked how we could introduce our students to the internship and apprenticeship training programs. She added that outside of high school there are people who come to her who are looking for jobs and how a connection with these individuals be made to the Workforce Development office. She also asked how can the City be notified of the internship/apprenticeship programs and transmit this information to the Workforce Development Office and the schools. Vice Mayor Simmons informed the Committee that she has had a recent conversation with Representative Martin J. Walsh from the Building and Construction Trades Council who wanted to get Cambridge students into the building trades. During this conversation, Representative Walsh and some of his associations noted that the building trades are a viable career option for many people, but that young people in Cambridge may not be aware of how to break into these trades, how to get trained, or which to speak to about a general overview of their options. Representative Walsh expressed a great desire to make this information more readily available in Cambridge.
Mr. Ananis, Executive Director, RSTA/CRLS, stated that the only construction trade program available at RSTA is the carpenter Chapter 74 approved program. This requires specific elements such as licensure of the instructor space and equipment requirement, enrollment limitation, specified curriculum followed from the Department of Education. The program must contain an advisory committee, comprised of local unionized carpenters. The advisory committee meets twice a year with the school to advise on the latest job opportunities, needed skills, and so forth. In a broader way the question is what other programs may be in place to place students in the trades. Apprentice fairs have been held at the High Schools. Business agents from all the trades are contacted to participate. Tables are set up in the school cafeteria and printed materials are distributed to recruit the students. These fairs are advertised. The apprentice fairs began in 2007 and are done every four years. Over 30 unions were invited to participate; 8-10 actually come to the fair. Representatives from the painters, bricklayers, carpenter, electrical and ironworkers have come to the high school. Invitations are specifically sent to unions that have apprenticeship programs. There are different organizational structures. Many students who visit the tables and explore apprenticeship program materials are not in RSTA programs. This option is encouraged for students who do not want to go to college. Ms. Walsh distributed a Directory of Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers in Massachusetts (ATTACHMENT B).
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked why the fairs are not held more often. Ms. Walsh responded that construction work is down. There are only 2-3 applicants taken into the apprenticeship programs. Vice Mayor Simmons commented that it would be nice to find a way to have the fairs more frequently, as many young people seem to be unaware of the building trades as a possible career option. In most instances where people come to her seeking assistance finding a job she asks where they have already looked and it is rare that anyone says they have considered working in one of the trades. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that the thought simply does not occur to many people. She stated that it has been her experience that teenagers tend to need to hear messages repeated, frequently, in order to process them. She suggest that a freshman in high school may hear about apprenticeship programs and not truly contemplate it, but this individual may be more receptive to this message as they get closer to graduation. She suggested Workforce Development have a yearly open house about the building trades. She wanted a mechanism to introduce this information more frequently, especially to introduce women to the trades. At the high school the push for women is college; nothing is geared to the trades for women. How can the City infuse its own outreach structure if the unions are now saying that they want to introduce themselves to the students? She suggested introducing the trades on a rotating basis regularly. Mr. Ananis informed the committee that at the annual college night's members from the trades have been invited in the past. He and Ms. Walsh will provide the contact names and invite them. He noted, "It is easy to extend invitations, but then how does that interest turn into participation?"
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she wanted to strengthen the connections and get the trades to buy in. Mr. Ananis responded that the vocational program model is voluntary. Students are prepared with skills for the jobs they seek. RSTA seeks to prepare the students with skills that the trades want and need. He spoke about skills for the 21st century. RSTA is the only department that deliberately assesses students with life and career skills; said skills being showing up on time, working cooperatively with others and solving problems. However, in reality high school students are busy. These life and career skills are viewed as intrusions into their busy schedule. He is hoping that there will be a high school requirement that every student be required to take 2 RSTA classes. The clearer the apprenticeship operations are about how students can navigation the trades the better. There are not enough students; 20-30 students only.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she will contact Representative Walsh so that there is a point of contact for better communications, and a dedicated Building and Construction Trades Council representative that can be in regular contact with the RSTA administrators. She asked Mr. Healy if, in the past, there was a strong relationship with apprenticeship and constructions trades. Mr. Healy stated that there are not a huge number of trade jobs. The relationship cannot be forced by either side. The City can work toward a more robust relationship. Vice Mayor Simmons asked if the Personnel Department has a relationship with the trades. Mr. Healy commented that there are a minimal number of City employees in the trades. The City hires labor service jobs from the (old) civil service regulations.
Ms. Walsh told of funding associated with the Central Artery project given to Cambridge and Boston to recruit applicants to APP (Apprenticeship Preparedness Program). This gave participants experience of what it was like to work in a variety of trades. Women were incorporated as well. It was a 9 month program; it worked well. The unions looked to APP for applicants for jobs. APP was funded by the state and related to Central Artery project. This funding was eliminated. She wanted to know if what is being discussed would be a model similar to APP. Vice Mayor Simmons suggested looking into this type of program (APP), and she suggested that perhaps the City should look to the developers doing business here to fund these kinds of programs. Ms. Walsh also added that the City provides funding for the Youth Building program at Just-A-Start. This provides on the job construction training. This program has a relationship with construction trade. Age requirement for the program is 17-24. She also noted that 65 youths from the Mayor's Summer Jobs work at JAS on the beautification program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked if the City receives Workforce money from construction projects in the City. Mr. Healy stated that no specific community benefit is entitled "workforce". A pending zoning proposal from MIT has a workforce component.
Councillor Cheung asked if there are any other programs that can be layered into apprenticeship programs. He spoke about Philadelphia Allied Health Partnership Program. This program has partnered with colleges and secondary schools. Health care will be a growing sector. This program provides students with an associate degree in allied health. Students get jobs in the health care industry. Mr. Ananis stated that there is a Health Holistic program at RSTA. High School juniors complete certified nursing assistant test and are employed at nursing homes. When students are seniors Mt. Auburn Hospital and the Cambridge Health Alliance hire these students. There are 10 students a year who go on to earn a bachelors degree. Today there are 50 students in the program. The advisory committee for this program includes the nursing director from UMass Boston and others. Councillor Cheung stated that Bunker Community College has an Allied Health Program. Students completing this course have acquired baseline skills to provide these students with entrance into the health care fields. RSTA has agreement with community colleges in Massachusetts that participants in RSTA program do not have to take the entrance classes, because they have already taken them. RSTA has students who go to Bunker Hill Community College. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that the Red Cross has a CAN program also. Mr. Ananis added that RSTA students must comply with the Department of Education Regulations.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked if the Community Development Department does work with the trades. Ms. Saffari responded that it does not directly do so.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that there is a lot of work to be done. She will contact Representative Walsh to make the connection with Workforce and the RSTA to ensure their involvement in the college nights/fairs. She wants to incorporate a regular relationship with the trades. She requested Councillor Cheung to get more information about the program in Philadelphia. She wants to know how to reinstitute the APP program. She wants to get developers to have a conversation to fund an APP program. She wants more students to look at the allied trades, especially female.
Vice Mayor Simmons thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32am.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Simmons, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-5)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)
12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-24)
12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)
12-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of creating a municipal exterminator and/or contracting exterminators to help eradicate rodent problems in the City.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/01/12 (O-3)
12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)
12-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of finding additional secure locations for the disposal of prescription drugs.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-4)
12-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of installing recycling bins adjacent to trash bins.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-5)
12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)
12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)
12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)
12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)
12-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating permanent bathroom facilities at the Cambridge Common; conduct a study for permanent bathroom facilities in all public squares; and provide a list of all locations where portable bathroom facilities are currently used.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 11/19/12 (O-8)
12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)
12-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing an ordinance regulating procedures that organizations would have to follow in the event of a concussion.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-13)
12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)
12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day. Referred back for more information by Councillor Decker on 12/17/2012.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)
12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of refiling a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)
12-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving safety concerns at the Kennedy-Longfellow School and the MLK School.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/03/12 (O-1)
12-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on audio and visual upgrades/equipment in the Sullivan Chamber and other meeting spaces.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 12/03/12 (O-7)
12-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the cause and other details of the Nov 29, 2012 power outage.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 12/10/12 (O-4)
12-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing speed control measures at the intersection of Brookline and Erie Streets.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/10/12 (O-6)
12-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on neighborhoods that are impacted by the Alewife Sewer Separation project now being concerned with bump-outs that will reduce parking options.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/10/12 (O-11)
12-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on including information that donations to the Scholarship Fund are tax-deductable in the solicitation letters.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/10/12 (O-12)
12-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on convening a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations such as public parks and squares.
Mayor Davis 12/10/12 (O-16)
12-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing pedestrian crossing traffic cones at the intersections of Windsor, Sciarappa and Fifth Streets at Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toomey 12/10/12 (O-17)
12-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a reduced small business parking rate for local business owners at city garages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-1)
12-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to ban tandem tractor-trailers from entering the city with a view in mind of requiring large freight vehicles of a certain size to transfer freight to a smaller vehile before entering the city.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-4)
12-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse including what zoning changes will be needed and reasons for Leggat McCall being chosen as the developer.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-9)
12-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to create a Pathway Overlay District.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-12)
13-01. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) target rate for the City; data explaining how the City is doing in meeting its SOV target rate and future plans for reducing the actual SOV rate.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/07/13 (O-1)
13-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the first phase of the Hubway Bike-Share program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/07/13 (O-2)
13-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of a gun buy-back program.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/14/13 (O-5)
13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's plans for the property located at 205 Western Avenue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-6)
13-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of participating in the International Open Data Hackathon.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-7)
13-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with the appropriate departments to initiate a plan of action setting up a procedure for future construction projects, especially for older buildings that may contain hazardous materials.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-8)
13-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adding the iReport platform to the ongoing IT strategic planning process.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-9)
13-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact of the federal cuts on the continuum of care.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-10)
13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving logistical challenges of deliveries and trash removal to and from businesses as they related to adjacent residents.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-11)