Cambridge City Council meeting - January 30, 2012 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a draft amendment to the GLBT Ordinance increasing the maximum number of commissioners from fifteen to twenty.
Passed to 2nd Reading
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 21 Proof Training donations in the amount of $15,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($15,000) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500) to allow the Cambridge Prevention Coalition to conduct 21 Proof server trainings.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an increase in the appropriation of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the amount of $76,581 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($63,986), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($12,095) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($500) which will cover assessment and counseling for students in the new classes and additional part-time reception hours, curriculum development and staff development as well as for staff to attend conferences and the cost of educational supplies and other operating costs.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an increase in the appropriation of the Cambridge Housing Authority Computer grant received from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) in the amount of $22,159 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($11,868) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,291) and will support the cost of educational software.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $102,425.20 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to subcontract with the Cambridge YWCA.
6. 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.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $100,000 from the Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Police Travel and Training (Judgments & Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the ARRA Race to the Top (RTT) Funds from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $395,745 to the School Grant Fund Salary & Wages account ($154,302), to School Grant Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($154,593) and School Grant Fund Travel Training account ($86,850) which support a variety of professional development activites.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for $67,000 to the Public Works Grant Fund Salaries and Wages account ($22,590) and to the Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($44,410) to research, plan and possibly implement a Pilot Curbside Food Scraps Collection Program for Residents to be accomplished in two phases.
Jan 30, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of a Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for $67,000 to the Public Works Grant Fund Salaries and Wages account ($22,590) and to the Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($44,410) to research, plan and possibly implement a Pilot Curbside Food Scraps Collection Program for Residents to be accomplished in two phases.
In Phase 1, the DPW will evaluate the feasibility of residential curbside collection of food scraps. If feasible, in Phase 2 the DPW will implement a 1-year pilot project for curbside collection of food scraps for approximately 500-800 households.
These grant funds will cover the cost of hiring a part time individual to assist with the operational and financial feasibility analysis of the project and funds for educational materials, curbside containers, collection costs and compost tip fees for the possible pilot, if implemented.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $36,800,000 for the purpose of refinancing existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid.
Passed to 2nd Reading
Jan 30, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $36,800,000. The purpose is to refinance existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid. Specifically, this will refinance those portions of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 General Obligation bond issues that are eligible to be refinanced. For Cambridge, this is the first time for these issues that market conditions have potentially presented this opportunity because of the recent significant drop in long-term interest rates.
While the City received very favorable interest rates at the time of the sale of these bonds because of its triple A rating, a change in market conditions as noted above will allow for possible debt service savings. This process of recalling bonds and reissuing them to achieve a lower interest rate is a common practice. The ability to take advantage of lower interest costs, if market conditions permit, is received favorably by the rating agencies and demonstrates prudent debt management practices and is included in our debt policy.
The City will continue to work with its financial advisor to determine the timing of the sale and maximize the debt service savings from this refunding issue. Preliminary analyses indicate that total savings for the three issues to be refinanced could yield as much as $2.3 million over the remainder of the issue (FY13-26), which translates into an average budget savings of $165,000 annually. In addition, the loan order includes a "sunset provision" which provides for the expiration of the order on Sept 5, 2012 if there is a balance remaining in the order. It is possible that a balance will be remaining on the loan order if market conditions are such that it is not feasible to refund all of the callable bonds. It is possible, depending on market conditions, that the full amount of the order will not be required.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Agenda Item No. 10A Jan 30, 2012
ORDERED: That, in order to reduce interest costs, the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to issue refunding bonds pursuant to G.L. c.44, §21A or any other enabling legislation to refund all or a portion of the remaining amounts of the City's Municipal Purpose Loan of 2004 Bonds dated Jan 15 2004, Municipal Purpose Loan of 2005 Bonds dated Feb 1, 2005 and Municipal Purpose Loan of 2006 Bonds dated Feb 1, 2006; that the refunding bonds shall be issued in an amount not to exceed $36,800,000, in order to pay the principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the bonds to be refunded, and costs of issuance of the refunding bonds; and that the Treasurer is authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary or desirable to carry out this transaction, including a refunding trust or escrow agreement with a bank or trust company; provided, however, that no refunding bonds shall be issued pursuant to this order after Sept 5, 2012.
QUESTION COMES ON PASSAGE TO A SECOND READING
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-06, regarding a report on the cost of monthly winter parking at the First Street garage.
Charter Right - Toomey
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-10, regarding a report on a request for information pertaining to parking stickers issued to a street or address.
Referred to Traffic, Transportation & Parking Committee
ON THE TABLE
1. An application was received from John McQuillan, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 37 Lancaster Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission (Avon Hill NCDC approved ribbon driveway and handicap ramp) and Public Works. Three abutter approvals and three abutter disapprovals received. Neighborhood representative approved personally, not for the organization. Additional design documents on file with the petition. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Two of Jan 9, 2012. Appeal from Avon Hill NCDC also included. Placed on Table Jan 23, 2012 by Councillor Simmons.]
Adopted
2. A communication was received from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., transmitting notification of his intent to return the 9 Wyman Street curb cut application to the table; the history of which is as follows: An application was received from Eric Griffith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Oct 24, 2011. Placed on Table Oct 31, 2011 by Councillor Cheung on roll call vote 6-3-0. Placed back on the Table Jan 23, 2012 by Councillor Toomey.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. That the matter of the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor be referred to Unfinished Business. Jan 9, 2012 ballot #2 taken (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker three votes; Councillor Kelley one vote and Councillor Toomey one vote); Jan 23, 2012 ballot #3 taken (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker three votes; Councillor Kelley one vote and Councillor Toomey one vote).
January 30, 2012 ballot #4 (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker three votes; Councillor Kelley one vote and Councillor Toomey one vote) ballot #5 taken (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker two votes; Councillor Reeves two votes and Councillor Toomey one vote) ballot #6 taken (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker two votes; Councillor Reeves two vote and Councillor Toomey one vote)
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Dec 28, 2011 to consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on the petition filed by Julia Bishop, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2 located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. Planning Board hearing held Jan 17, 2012. Petition expires Mar 27, 2012.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing Cambridge Open Studios East/Central on May 12th and May 13th.
2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing Word to the Mother on May 12th and May 13th.
3. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing Cambridge Open Studios North/West on May 19th and May 20th.
4. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Cambridge River Festival on June 2nd.
5. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing the Dragon Boat Festival on June 9th and June 10th.
6. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing Central Swings every Thursday night in August.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from United States Senator Scott P. Brown, transmitting thanks for contacting him about the Commuter Benefits Equity Act (S. 1034).
2. A communication was received from MacKenzie Clark, Field Associate, Environment Massachusetts, reaching out to local elected officials for their support on a campaign to increase the use of solar energy in the state.
3. A communication was received from State Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting his deep appreciation for the resolution of support as he begins his service in the Senate.
4. A communication was received from Brenda Steinberg, et al., 63 Washington Avenue, transmitting their concerns regarding the curb cut at 9 Wyman Street.
5. A communication was received from Ophelia Dahl and Lisa Frantzis, 92 Washington Avenue, transmitting their support of the Griffith's request for a curb cut at 9 Wyman Street.
6. A communication was received from Stephen Fitzsimmons, 3 Wyman Street, transmitting support of the curb cut application at 9 Wyman Street.
7. A communication was received from Amy Farber, 87 Garden Street, transmitting support of the proposed curb cut at 9 Wyman Street.
8. A communication was received from John Bright, 283 Upland Road, regarding the curb cut at 9 Wyman Street.
9. A communication was received from Judy Bright, 283 Upland Road, transmitting support of 9 Wyman curb cut.
10. A communication was received from Ulrika Brand, 31 Bates Street, transmitting support of the proposed curb cut at 9 Wyman Street.
11. A communication was received from Emily Hudson and Parimal Patil, 265 Upland Road, transmitting support for the 9 Wyman Street curb cut.
12. A communication was received from Susan L. Johansen, 150 Cambridge Street, A602, transmitting support of the Order #7 relating to the courthouse.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Christine "Tina" Lynn Hansar. Councillor Maher
2. Resolution on the death of Ruth E. (Ridley) Shaw. Councillor Maher
3. Proclaim Jan 27, 2012 as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of Anthony G. Barrasso. Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of Michael Philbin. Councillor Toomey
6. Resolution on the death of Helen Ginsberg. Councillor Maher
7. Congratulations to George and Jane Metzger on the birth of their granddaughter Chloe. Councillor Maher
8. Thanks to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords for her service and best wishes for her continued recovery. Councillor Maher
9. Congratulations to Patrick Wardell as the new Chief Executive Office of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Decker
10. Congratulations to the Broad Institute on being awarded a grant for $32.5 million dollars from the Klarman Family Foundation. Councillor Maher
11. Speedy recovery wishes to Donna Daniels. Councillor Simmons
12. Urge residents to participate in the celebration of African American History Month in the month of February. Councillor Simmons
13. Resolution on the death of former Mayor of Boston Kevin Hagan White. Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Kelley
14. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth M. (O'Keefe) Keefe. Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Kelley
15. Resolution on the death of Conrad Tallon. Councillor Maher
Charter Right - Kelley
16. Retirement of Penelope Kleespies from the Human Services Department. Councillor Reeves
Charter Right - Kelley
17. Thanks to the City of Cambridge Employee Diversity Committee, the Daughters of Yemaya Collective and the Artists Collective Traditions Remix for their art exhibit entitled Visions by Young Black Artists: Celebrating Black History Past, Present, and Future." Councillor Reeves
Charter Right - Kelley
18. Resolution on the death of Albert F. Dove Sr. Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Kelley
19. Resolution on the death of Ethel Caragianis. Councillor Maher
Charter Right - Kelley
20. Condolences to the family of Brian Roach. Councillor Maher
Charter Right - Kelley
21. Speedy recovery wishes to Councillor Denise Simmons. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey and Councillor vanBeuzekom
Charter Right - Kelley
22. Speedy recovery wishes to the three firefighters that were recently injured while battling a fire. Councillor Decker
Charter Right - Kelley
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to contact Sagewell, Inc. and any other companies who provide the service of thermal analysis with the view in mind of providing a city-wide thermal analysis to Cambridge residents and report back to the Council within two weeks in time for an early winter 2012 thermal scan. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Davis
Amended
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to assist the owner of the Deborah Mason School of Dance in finding an adequate new space. Councillor Maher
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the city arborist on the health of the tree at Sixth and Spring Streets. Councillor Toomey
4. That the Acting Chair of the City Council is requested to appoint a temporary committee of three Council members to start the process of searching for and hiring a replacement City Clerk. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Davis
5. That the Acting Chair of the City Council is requested to appoint a temporary committee of three City Council members to start the process of setting up a City Council review of the City Manager and to start the discussion with the City Manager of his intentions. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Davis
6. That the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk develop an interim plan for the City Council as it relates to the retirement of the City Clerk; such plan to include whatever reassignment of duties and responsibilities are required to carry out the operations of the City Clerk's Office during this interim period. Councillor Maher
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and report back with recommendation on zoning changes for the Sullivan Courthouse and neighboring parcels. Councillor Toomey
8. City Council support of Senate Bill S.772 which expresses the desire for the United States Congress to draft a Constitutional Amendment in response to the Citizens United decision. Councillor Cheung and Councillor Decker
9. That the City Manager is requested to inform the National League of Cities of the City of Cambridge's intent to participate in the NLC Prescription Discount Card Program and work with NLC and CVS Caremark to implement the program to the benefit of the residents of Cambridge. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Amended
10. Opposition to the Veolia Energy Boston, Inc.'s request for a variance from the noise ordinance for a year-long construction project on Land Boulevard. Councillor Toomey
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley, regarding the subject of the late resolutions not being read.
Jan 26, 2012
Dear Colleagues:
About 10 days ago, a good friend of mine died in Cambridge. Last Monday, a late Resolution was filed to commemorate the death. The subjects of the late resolutions were not read and I had absolutely no idea that we were honoring my dead friend. I find such hastily filed late Resolutions offensive to the memory of the deceased and I deeply resent the lack of both public notice via the Council agenda and the lack of public discussion of the late Resolutions when they were passed. This is not the first time that a personal friend of mine has been "honored" by the City Council in such a dismissive fashion and I remain very concerned that the Council is passing anything of any sort without allowing the greater public or the Council members themselves adequate time to review and comment on these proposed Council actions.
In the future, absent some clearly and publically explained reason as to why resolutions must be filed as late Resolutions, I plan to exercise my Charter Right on all late resolutions.
Sincerely, Craig Kelley
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 8
5:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on the petition filed by Julia Bishop, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2 located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting. [City Manager will submit recommendation for water/sewer rates.] (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Jan 30, 2012 Amended
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has a goal to promote a healthy community and environment to advance Cambridge as a leader in public health and environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Energy Alliance is now a part of the Community Development Department; and
WHEREAS: Whole building infrared scans or mass-scale thermal image analysis is a tool to quickly determine building heat loss and motivate building owners to pursue weatherizing options; and
WHEREAS: Sagewell, Inc., a Woburn based company, is willing to perform a city-wide thermal analysis of the entire city in the winter of 2012 and provide confidential results to residential property owners for free and confidential results to other building owners for a small fee; and
WHEREAS: Sagewell, Inc. has successfully completed a city-wide scan in Arlington and Lexington; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact with Sagewell, Inc. and any other companies who provide this service with the view in mind of providing this service to Cambridge residents and report back to the Council within two weeks in time for an early winter 2012 thermal scan.
O-2 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The Deborah Mason School of Dance, located at 32 Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge, is utilized by many Cambridge residents and has a longtime presence in the community; and
WHEREAS: The Deborah Mason School of Dance now faces the difficult task of finding a new space due to pending development in the neighborhood; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to assist the owner of the Deborah Mason School of Dance in finding an adequate new space.
O-3 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the city arborist on the health of the tree at Sixth and Spring Streets.
O-4 Jan 30, 2012 Charter Right - Davis
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City Clerk has informed the City Council of her intention to retire later this spring; and
WHEREAS: The City Clerk is a position that is hired by the City Council; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has, at this time, no Mayor and it is not clear when the City Council will have a Mayor; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Acting Chair of the City Council be and hereby is requested to appoint a temporary committee of three Council members to start the process of searching for and hiring a replacement City Clerk; and be it further
ORDERED: That this Committee be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council via the formal Communications and Reports from City Officers section of the City Council Agenda on the status of this search and hiring process.
O-5 Jan 30, 2012 Charter Right - Davis
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City Manager's contract expires later this fall; and
WHEREAS: The decision of whether he wishes to continue in this position and whether the City Council wishes him to continue in this position is to be decided within the next few months; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager is a position that is hired by the City Council; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has, at this time, no Mayor and it is not clear when the City Council will have a Mayor; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Acting Chair of the City Council be and hereby is requested to appoint a temporary committee of three City Council members to start the process of setting up a City Council review of the City Manager and to start the discussion with the City Manager of his intentions; and be it further
ORDERED: That this Committee be and hereby is requested to report back within the limitations of relevant rules and procedures regarding personnel matters to the City Council via the formal Communications and Reports from City Officers section of the City Council Agenda on the status of this search and hiring process.
O-6 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Our long-time City Clerk, Margaret Drury, will retire soon; her last day at work will be Feb 29, 2012; and
WHEREAS: With 42 years of experience working in the Cambridge City Clerk's Office in positions of increasing responsibility and complexity, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College, Deputy City Clerk Donna Lopez is well qualified to be the Interim City Clerk until such time as the City Council appoints a permanent City Clerk; and
WHEREAS: The upcoming months will be a very busy time for the City Council and the City Clerk's Office, particularly the Clerk's Office staff most involved in the City Council support functions (Deputy Clerk, Operations Manager, Administrative Assistant for City Council Work); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby appoints Donna Lopez as Interim City Clerk of Cambridge, effective Mar 1, 2012; and be it further
ORDERED: That Ms. Drury and Ms. Lopez develop an interim plan for the City Council, such plan to include whatever reassignment of duties and responsibilities required to carry out the operations of the City Clerk's Office during this interim period.
O-7 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The State Division of Capital and Asset Management, is currently seeking bids for the Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse and has been seeking public feedback on the future of the site; and
WHEREAS: A common viewpoint is that the building is out of character with the neighborhood and the height should be reduced or the building leveled; and
WHEREAS: Economics play a major role in the reduction of height as well as city zoning regulations which would not allow a similar sized building on the site if the courthouse was torn down; and
WHEREAS: There is a perceived willingness by the City to entertain the sale of the First Street garage to whoever purchases the courthouse. This would presumably help to alleviate parking needs for the building's reuse; and
WHEREAS: An examination of these parcels by the Community Development Department, with the intention of creating zoning incentives that could allow a developer to reduce the height, or demolish the courthouse in exchange for similar FAR could be beneficial; and
WHEREAS: CDD should also take into consideration the proximity of the parcels to the residential neighborhood as well as how the zoning could help to develop the future of First Street and its connection between Kendall Square and Northpoint; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manger of Community Development and report back with recommendation on zoning changes for the Sullivan Courthouse and neighboring parcels.
O-8 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That a suitable resolution be prepared stating City Council support of Senate Bill S.772 which expresses the desire for the United States Congress to draft a Constitutional Amendment in response to the Citizens United decision.
O-9 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Many residents of Cambridge, Massachusetts have limited prescription drug coverage; and
WHEREAS: The National League of Cities (NLC) has sponsored a program in collaboration with CVS Caremark to provide relief to city and town residents around the country from the high cost of prescription drugs; and
WHEREAS: The NLC Prescription Discount Card Program is available to member cities of the National League of Cities at no cost; and
WHEREAS: Five hundred cities including Arlington and Somerville and more than 60,000 pharmacies including Skendarian, Inman and other local pharmacies as well as all chain pharmacies in Cambridge participate; and
WHEREAS: CVS Caremark will provide participating cities with prescription discount cards, marketing materials, and customer support; and
WHEREAS: The discount cards offer an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of most prescription drugs, has no enrollment form or membership fee, no restrictions based on the resident's age or income level, and may be used by city residents and their families any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inform look into this program with a view toward informing the National League of Cities of the City of Cambridge participating in the NLC Prescription Discount Card Program and work with NLC and CVS Caremark to implement the program to the benefit of the residents of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter by March 1, 2012.
O-10 Jan 30, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council Veolia Energy Boston, Inc. (VEBI) is requesting a variance from the noise ordinance for a year long construction project near a residential area; and
WHEREAS: The variance would allow construction 24 hours a day; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is also planning a significant sewer separation project on Land Boulevard at the same time and residents are concerned about traffic as well as construction noise in the area; and
WHEREAS: Twenty-four hour construction for the period of almost a year is not acceptable in a residential area; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to the variance requested by VEBI; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Veolia Energy Boston, Inc.; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what type of public outreach was required of VEBI and what outreach has been performed.
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 Davis and Full Membership
12-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact of reductions in fuel assistance and weatherization funds.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-2)
12-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the steam pipe rupture on Second Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-4)
12-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of bike helmet vending machines as part of the bike share program.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-5)
12-06. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #11
RE: report on cost of monthly winter parking at the First Street garage.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-6)
12-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City promotes and enforces the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-7)
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)
12-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-11)
12-10. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #12
RE: report on the possibility of information pertaining to parking stickers issued to a street or address being available on the City website.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-13)