CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as members of the Library Board of Trustees:

Term Expires January 10, 2007:
Janet Axelrod, 21 Berkeley Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
William Barry, 10 Norumbega Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Andre Mayer, 79 Pemberton Street, Cambridge, MA 02140

Term Expires January 10, 2008:
Patricia Payne, 931 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
James Roosevelt, Jr., 14 Meadow Way, Cambridge, MA 02138
Nancy Woods, 4 Hastings Square, Cambridge, MA 02139

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-80, regarding a report on efforts to educate skateboarders on the new ordinance prohibiting skateboarding.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item 04-84, relative to the boat excise tax.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following Cambridge Police Officers assigned to the Traffic Division for truck enforcement as public weighers to operate portable truck scales citywide for the calendar year 2005:
Lt. John Albert, David Szeto, William Arthur, Jr., Anthony Cacciola, Sgt. Michael Maffei

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for MICH-LIN transfer station located at 45 Mooney Street for calendar year 2005:
Mariel Mabardy, Lisa Marie Saverse, John Lynch, Chuck Wainwright, Kristen Robatt, Joseph Mabardy, Jr., Charles J. Mabardy, Edmund Curran, Lauren Mary Mabardy, Daniel Pasquarosa, Stacey Vossmer, Christine Nowlan, Joann Del Vecchio and Robert Ferrazzani

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for Boston Sand & Gravel Co., located at 500 Front Street for calendar year 2005:
Jake Howe, Dave Riccardi, Tom Russo, Tim Hickey, Arthur Dulong, Dave Thebarge, Mike Roy, Dave McNeil, Jody Staples, Frank Bradley, Ray Broderick, Pat Killeen, Alan Carbone, Rick Anderer, MaryAnn Allen, Marc Ingram, Joseph Olsen, Donald Robidou, Greg Arnpriester, Antonio Barressi and Howard Stretton

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Richard Scali as the License Commission Chair for a three year term.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the rescission of $100,000 from the loan order approved by the City Council on September 23, 2002 for renovations to the Taylor Square Fire Station. The project has been completed and no further funding is required.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $110,462.24 in bond proceeds from the Public Investment Fund Fire Taylor Square Renovation Extraordinary Expenditures account to the Public Investment Fund Fire Headquarters Equipment / Renovation Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the matching component to the Homeland Security Grant which will finance the acquisition of various pieces of equipment as well as renovations to several fire stations.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $70,650 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of rental space for the second half of the fiscal year.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and Office of Domestic Preparedness for $139,650 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to will allow the City to purchase radio equipment and new EMS jackets for firefighters.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY04 Fair Housing Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $83,285 to the Human Rights Salary and Wages account ($50,000), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($8,285), and Travel and Training account ($25,000) based on the receipt of revenues recently received to cover a portion of the salary of an Attorney-Investigator, the wages for part-time legal interns and work-study assistance, training in and out of state for staff and Human Rights Commissioners, and expenses for fair housing related activities that the Commission undertakes.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to appropriation of a FY05 Fair Housing Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $72,440 to the Human Rights Salary and Wages account ($45,000), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($12,440), and Travel and Training account ($15,000) to cover a portion of the salary of an Attorney-Investigator, wages for part-time legal interns and work-study assistance, training in and out of state for staff and Human Rights Commissioners, and expenses for fair housing related activities that the Commission undertakes.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the petition of the North Point Land Company to amend Section 13.70 of the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new Section 13.74.36 - Parcel Height Allocation.
[The Planning Board recommends adoption of the Petition with a minor amendment to clarify the limited applicability of the proposed new section.]

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to recommendations for revising Article 6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to ensure that adequate parking is provided when new uses are accommodated in existing buildings.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY05 Employment Resource Inc. grant for $9,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($8,390), and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($610) to cover the cost of an eight-week "readiness" course to be offered at the Community Learning Center for up to fifteen individuals.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the additional appropriation of $10,000 to support the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium (MFLC) Grant to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account received from the Verizon Foundation to supplement the MFLC, which supports the Coordinated Family Literacy and Family Support Pilot Project (Pathways to Family Success) at the Community Learning Center (CLC) to allow the Community Learning Center to implement improvements in the coordination of family literacy services throughout Cambridge and will be used to provide staff development workshops for childcare providers that can be used towards certification or certification renewal.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of donations for $6,979.31 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($2,500), to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4,479.31) to support activities of the Center for Families.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the City's Credit Ratings.
Excerpt: “I am pleased to inform you that the City of Cambridge continues in the rare status of being one of approximately twelve cities in the United States with three Triple A ratings from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. It should be noted that Fitch Ratings has rated Cambridge as a ‘superior’ AAA, which puts the City at the top of the highest rated communities.”

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the renewed PILOT agreement between Harvard University and the City of Cambridge.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Decker on Committee Report #1 of January 10, 2005 from the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on December 9, 2004 for the purpose of discussing the efforts and experiences of the custodians and cleaners at Genzyme to organize and unionize.

ON THE TABLE
2. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 4, 2004 for the purpose of considering a petition to create a new Special District 15, Section 17.600 and to amend the Zoning Map in the area of 237 Putnam Avenue and 19-21 Blackstone Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after December 13, 2004. Planning Board report received January 10, 2005. Petition expires February 2, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Alan R. Burne, Project Director, Main Library Expansion Project, requesting curb cuts at the premises numbered 449 Broadway; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association response received.

2. An application was received from Origins at Harvard Square, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 8 Brattle Street.

3. An application was received from The Field Pub, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 20 Prospect Street.

4. An application was received from Cambridge Rentals LLC, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 692 Massachusetts Avenue.

5. An application was received from The Tavern Restaurant, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 730 Massachusetts Avenue.

6. An application was received from Wish Restaurant, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 730 Massachusetts Avenue.

7. An application was received from Pressed Sandwiches, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign, four tables and sixteen chairs at the premises numbered 736 Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the family of Diane Peterson Hughson, transmitting thanks for your kind expression of sympathy.

2. A communication was received from Jay Kiely and the Kiely Family, acknowledging your kind expression of sympathy.

3. Communications were received from Peter Valentine, regarding aspartame, Biometric ID Systems and World War status.

4. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the Civilian Police Review Board.

5. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding safe cell phone technology.

6. A communication was received from Kevin Hill, regarding the Mahoney's South Site Abutters.

7. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police powers and City Council goals.

8. A communication was received from Senator Steven A. Tolman, transmitting thanks for recognizing his record in public service.

9. A communication was received from Robert J. Orchard, Executive Director, American Repertory Theatre, transmitting thanks for the resolution on the opening of Zero Arrow Theatre.

10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding CCTV, thanks on snow clearance, police powers and City Council goals.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Peace Commission on their Martin Luther King peace project.   Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to the Tenant Council and the residents of the LBJ Apartments on their Martin Luther King celebration in January.   Councillor Simmons

3. Congratulating Sheriff Andrea Cabral on being sworn in as Sheriff of Suffolk County on Saturday, January 15.   Councillor Simmons

4. Resolution on the retirement of Jing Wu.   Mayor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the retirement of Tonilyn Livingston.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the retirement of Spencer Franklin.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the retirement of John J. O'Donoghue.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the retirement of Jean Bentubo.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the retirement of Robert Eugene.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the retirement of Dorothy Leland.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the retirement of Carole McCullough.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the retirement of John Serpa.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Resolution on the death of Oscar J. Langford, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

14. Resolution on the death of Margherita R. (Bianco) Barringer.   Councillor Galluccio

15. Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Councillor Ken Reeves.   Councillor Maher

16. Resolution on the death of Reverend Donald M. Barry S.J.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Leonard D. "Buddy" Glynn.   Councillor Galluccio

18. Congratulations to Angela M. Williams-Mitchell on her inauguration as President of the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers.   Councillor Simmons

19. Congratulations to Reverend Howard McLendon as he celebrates his 20th year in pastoring on April 17, 2005 at the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church.   Councillor Simmons

20. Resolution on the death of Antonio S. Vesce.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Julio Cisneros-Alvarez.   Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Zachariah Davis.   Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jimmy Bluie.   Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Private Cory Depew.   Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Marcum.   Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of the death of Specialist Jeremy McHalffey.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of the death of Sergeant Bennie Washington.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Curtis Wooten, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenneth Vonronn.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Specialist Warren Murphy.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Specialist Armand Frickey.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Specialist Huey Fassbender.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Kurt Comeaux.   Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Bradley Bergeron.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Christopher Babin.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Daniel Guastaferro.   Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death the death of Corporal Joseph Fite.   Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Specialist Dwayne McFarlane Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant William Manuel.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Robert Sweeney, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

41. Congratulations to Richard Scali on being appointed Chairman of the License Commission.   Councillor Davis

42. Congratulations to the new Dana Park Neighborhood Association and its newly elected officers.   Councillor Davis

43. Condolences to the family of Charles Pina.   Councillor Simmons

44. Resolution on the death of Deitra Robin Thorne.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Reeves

45. Congratulations to Eric and Laurie Helberg on the birth of their new son, Eric Helberg, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Barbara A. Battinelli.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

47. Resolution on the death of Robert D. Murphy.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

48. Resolution on the death of Annie J. Nolan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

49. Resolution on the death of Loreto Antonellis.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Mortimer J. Sullivan.   Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Anna Zuccala.   Mayor Sullivan

52. Congratulations to Harold Cox on being selected as keynote speaker for the 2005 Bayard Rustin Breakfast.   Councillor Simmons

53. Congratulations to pianist John Sullivan on being named one of the top student performers on the Public Radio International hit program, From the Top, and proclaim Sunday, March 27, 2005 as John Sullivan Day.   Mayor Sullivan

54. Resolution on the death of Jean E. Parsons.   Councillor Galluccio

55. Get well wishes to Jimmy Rita.   Mayor Sullivan

56. Happy Birthday Wishes to Mrs. Ora Lee Baker-Brown on her eighty-fifth birthday.   Councillor Reeves

57. Resolution on the death of Mary A. Peet.   Mayor Sullivan

58. Resolution on the death of Lucy M. Capobianco.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

59. Resolution on the retirement of George Walker.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Resolution on the retirement of James Synnott.   Mayor Sullivan

61. Resolution on the retirement of John Monahan.   Mayor Sullivan

62. Resolution on the retirement of Theodore Carlin.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Congratulations to Staff Sergeant Otto Hayes for his meritorious service to this country and wish him well in his retirement.   Councillor Simmons

64. Reception to honor Dr. Maria Manuela de Freitas Bairos, Consul General of Portugal in Boston on Sunday, January 23, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

65. Happy 33rd Anniversary wishes to the Club Desportivo Faialense and proclaim Saturday, January 22, 2005 as Club Desportivo Faialense Day.   Mayor Sullivan

66. Support for the 1st Annual Matignon Pot of Green and Gold benefit dinner, held on Friday, February 4, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

67. Congratulations to the City and the Bike Committee on the publication of an important study entitled "How Pavement Markings Influence Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Positioning."   Councillor Davis

68. Resolution on the death of Lida C. McMahon.   Councillor Toomey

69. Resolution on the death of Sharkay Kletjian.   Councillor Toomey

70. Resolution on the death of Lance E. Gnerre.   Mayor Sullivan

71. Resolution on the death of Matilda Hinden.   Mayor Sullivan

72. Congratulations to Chris and Julie Messina on the birth of their son, Evan Michael En-Wen.   Councillor Maher

73. Resolution on the death of George E. Hegerich.   Mayor Sullivan

74. Congratulations to the Historical Commission on its 100th Anniversary.   Councillor Murphy

75. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Nathaniel Swindell.   Vice Mayor Decker

76. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Gunnar Becker.   Vice Mayor Decker

77. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Matthew Holloway.   Vice Mayor Decker

78. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Brian Mack.   Vice Mayor Decker

79. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Juan Rodriguez Velasco.   Vice Mayor Decker

80. Resolution the death of Specialist Michael Smith.   Vice Mayor Decker

81. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jayton Patterson.   Vice Mayor Decker

82. Resolution on the death of the death of Corporal Paul Holter, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

83. Resolution on the death of Specialist Alain Kamolvathin.   Vice Mayor Decker

84. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Thomas Vitagliano.   Vice Mayor Decker

85. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Francis Obaji.   Vice Mayor Decker

86. Resolution on the death of Private First Class George Geer.   Vice Mayor Decker

87. Welcome and congratulations Gwen Ifill on being chosen as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration speaker at M.I.T. on February 3, 2005.   Councillor Reeves

88. Congratulations to Dr. Marian Darlington Hope on receiving the Cambridge Black Pastors Community Service Award.   Councillor Reeves

89. Congratulations to Ronald Layne on receiving the Cambridge Black Pastors Community Service Award.   Councillor Reeves

90. Congratulations to Zelma O. Evelyn for receiving the Cambridge NAACP Drum Major for Justice Award.   Councillor Reeves

90. Resolution on the death of Walter E. Steele, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan

91. Resolution on the death of John F. Kent.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

92. Resolution on the death of Theodore J. DesRoches, Jr.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

93. Resolution on the death of George T. Gaspa.   Councillor Toomey

94. Resolution on the death of Stephanie A. Thomas.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

95. Resolution on the death of Adine A. Connell.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

96. Resolution on the death of Margaret T. Hall.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

97. Resolution on the death of The Honorable Edward F. McLaughlin, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

98. Resolution on the death of Edward M. Murphy.   Mayor Sullivan

99. Speedy recovery wish to John Riley and his Partner from NSTAR.   Mayor Sullivan

100. Resolution on the death of Robert J. Randall.   Mayor Sullivan

101. Resolution on the death of David Nyhan.   Mayor Sullivan

102. Condolences on the death of Johnny Carson.   Mayor Sullivan

103. Thanking all appropriate departments and employees for all their hard work during the snow emergency.   Councillor Toomey

104. Congratulations to Mark Stencel on the occasion of his recent appointment as the managing editor of the newsroom at Congressional Quarterly.   Mayor Sullivan

105. Welcome Lindsey Marie Lavoie to the world.   Councillor Toomey

106. Welcome Mathew Salvatore DiDomenico to the world.   Councillor Toomey

107. Resolution on the death of Joseph F. Flaherty.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

108. Resolution on the death of Helen T. Johnson.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

109. Resolution on the death of Angelina Moreira.   Councillor Toomey

110. Condolences to the families of the three firefighters from New York who were killed.   Mayor Sullivan

111. Congratulations to the George family on the birth of their daughter, Anjali George.   Vice Mayor Decker

112. Resolution on the death of Manuel DaSilva Martins.   Councillor Toomey

113. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Nainoa Hoe.   Vice Mayor Decker

114. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kyle Childress.   Vice Mayor Decker

115. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Leonard Adams.   Vice Mayor Decker

116. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Brett Swank.   Vice Mayor Decker

117. Congratulations to Transition House on its 29th annual event to be held at the Boston Marriott Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge on March 2, 2005.   Councillor Murphy

118. Congratulations to the honorees being honored by Transition House for their work in creating the Domestic Violence Free Zone 10 years ago.   Councillor Murphy

119. Congratulations to Priscilla Lopes on her work in assisting job seekers in the Cambridge Office of Workforce Development.   Councillor Reeves

120. Condolences to Deval Patrick and family on the loss of his mother, Emily Mae Wintersmith Patrick.   Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to revisit his recommendation that the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance be amended.   Councillor Simmons

2. The City Manager is requested to give an update on the status of the GLBT commission including if they have had their first meeting, and if, not when one is planned.   Councillor Simmons

3. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the City Solicitor relative to City of Cambridge joining the cities of Somerville and Medford and the Conservation Law Foundation in their litigation on enforcing the Big Dig mitigation package on extending the Green Line.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Toomey

4. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Historical Commission with the view of creating a book (similar to the Historical book on Central Square) on the Wellington/Harrington area.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Maher

5. The City Manager report to the City Council on what can be done to keep Central Square clean and less smelly.   Councillor Simmons

6. Dedication of a site near Matignon Road and Alewife Brook Parkway in honor of Kenneth Brooks.   Councillor Toomey

7. The City Manager is requested to initiate a conversation with the Superintendent of Schools with a view to preserving the gym and other space in the Upton Street School for use by the community.   Councillor Davis

8. The City Manager is requested to instruct appropriate individuals to do an inventory of indoor public gyms. Do we have enough?   Councillor Davis

9. The City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to study available street parking - day and night time - in the area surrounding Blessed Sacrament Church and the vacant Upton Street School and present that report to the City Council by March 1.   Councillor Davis

10. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Law Department to draft a home rule petition to increase the minimum property tax from 10% to an appropriate level.   Councillor Davis

11. The City Manager is requested to develop a program to train all taxi drivers about potential bicycle dooring hazards at taxi stands.   Councillor Davis

12. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council by March 15, 2005 on the posting of "yield to pedestrians" or other appropriate signs warning of possible conflict between drivers and pedestrians at intersections where there are concurrent signals (signals that are given for drivers and also give pedestrians a walk light).   Councillor Davis

13. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to analyze the impact of the closing of Catholic churches and their potential redevelopment or reuse on surrounding neighborhoods and make recommendations to meet neighborhood needs and report back to the City Council by March 1, 2005 with a preliminary report.   Councillor Davis

14. Dedication in honor of the Kirylo brothers and their brother-in-law, George Murray.   Councillor Toomey

15. That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Francis Deely, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Dedication of an appropriate site in honor of James and Henrietta McElhenny.   Mayor Sullivan

17. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Police Departments to monitor the speed that motor vehicles are traveling on Grozier Road between 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., to implement traffic calming measures to slow cars down on Grozier Road, and to explore providing access from Fresh Pond Parkway for abutters since Grozier Road is a two way street.   Councillor Murphy

18. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Affordable Housing Trust, the Cambridge YMCA, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and the Office of Representative Michael Capuano regarding funding shortfalls that may impact a group of current YMCA residents.   Councillor Reeves

19. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on the efforts of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to address the traffic dangers at the Dana Street/Harvard Street intersection.   Councillor Reeves

20. Dedication in honor of John Albert Donofrio.   Councillor Toomey

21. The City Manager is requested to confer immediately with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to have them contact the current operators of Huron Drug and the property owners regarding their immediate plans and the circumstances surrounding the closing.   Councillor Maher and Councillor Murphy

22. The City Council meeting of March 14 be and hereby is cancelled to enable members of the City Council to attend the National League of Cities Washington D.C. Conference.   Councillor Davis

23. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the Police Review Board model used in Rochester, New York and Portland, Oregon, with pros and cons.   Councillor Davis

24. The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a report that includes a detailed list of what provisions of the current Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance conflict with the Cambridge Charter and what the effect of any such conflict on the validity and/or enforceability of the provisions.   Councillor Davis

25. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager from Community Development, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor with the view of improving notification to immediate abutters and any appropriate neighborhood group of significant "as of right" building construction and report back to the City Council on this issue.   Councillor Murphy

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on January 6, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by North Point Land Company to amend Section 13.70 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding planned unit development in the North Point Residence District.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on January 6, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by Phillip Sego, et al. to amend the zoning in the area bordered by Norfolk, Hampshire, Tremont and Broadway from Residence C-1 to Residence C.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee for a meeting held on January 11, 2005 to continue discussions on siting a new police station, specifically site selection and whether site criteria should be ranked.

5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee for a meeting held on January 11, 2005 to discuss the anti-bullying policy in the schools and their application to Human Services programs.

6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee for a meeting held on November 16, 2004 to continue discussions on a funding mechanism for an annual expenditure relative to public celebrations.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from Edward and Mimie West thanking the city for the resolution on the death of their son Lance Corporal Phillip G. West.

2. Transmitting a communication from Councillor Kenneth Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. notifying the City Council of their intent to move to discharge the Ordinance Committee with regard to the Archstone-Smith zoning petition to bring the petition before the full City Council, along with a letter to the City Council from Archstone-Smith requesting to withdraw the petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance in the North Point Residential District.

3. A communication was received from Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board, regarding its recommended changes to the proposed amendments to the PRAB Ordinance.

4. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter of thanks from Jim and Maria Simpson for your kindness on the death of their son Lance Corporal Abraham Simpson.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 2
5:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the installation of LED traffic lights in the city and the implications to the climate protection plan and the financial implications to the city.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 7
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Discussion of Cambridge Cemetery, its history, current status and plans for the future. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 8
1:00pm   The University Relations Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the MIT Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Feb 10
5:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss idling of motor vehicles, especially school buses, and the implications to the Climate Protection Plan and the health of children.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Topic to be announced. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 2
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Topic to be announced. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, June 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Manager has recommended that the Police Review and Advisory (PRAB) Ordinance be amended; and
WHEREAS: The change would require citizens to submit their complaint to the internal affairs division of the Police Department; and
WHEREAS: The requirement of first reporting to internal affairs may diminish or impede citizens from reporting their concerns relative to the Police Department; and
WHEREAS: The amendment to the Ordinance would also give the Police Commissioner veto power; and
WHEREAS: Citizens have come before the Council to submit their concerns and complaints about this change; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to revisit this recommendation and submit that revision to the Ordinance Committee.

O-2     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Council is very appreciative of the City Manager's action in appointing the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Commission; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to give an update on the status of the GLBT Commission, including if they have had their first meeting and, if not, when one is planned.

O-3     January 24, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the City Solicitor relative to City of Cambridge joining the cities of Somerville and Medford and the Conservation Law Foundation in their litigation on enforcing the Big Dig mitigation package on extending the Green Line.

O-4     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Historical Commission with the view of creating a book (similar to the Historical book on Central Square) on the Wellington/Harrington area.

O-5     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby report to the City Council on what can be done to keep Central Square clean and less smelly.

O-6     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of Matignon Road and Alewife Brook Parkway in honor of Kenneth Brooks; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-7     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to initiate a conversation with the Superintendent of Schools with a view to preserving the gym and other space in the Upton Street School for use by the community.

O-8     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct appropriate individuals to do an inventory of indoor public gyms. Do we have enough?

O-9     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to study available street parking - day and night time - in the area surrounding Blessed Sacrament Church and the vacant Upton Street School and present that report to the City Council by March 1.

O-10     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to draft a home rule petition to increase the minimum property tax from 10% to an appropriate level.

O-11     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop a program to train all taxi drivers about potential bicycle dooring hazards at taxi stands.

O-12     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council by March 15, 2005 on the posting of "yield to pedestrians" or other appropriate signs warning of possible conflict between drivers and pedestrians at intersections where there are concurrent signals (signals that are given for drivers and also give pedestrians a walk light).

O-13     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to analyze the impact of the closing of Catholic churches and their potential redevelopment or reuse on surrounding neighborhoods and make recommendations to meet neighborhood needs and report back to the City Council by March 1, 2005 with a preliminary report.

O-14     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of the Kirylo brothers, Wallace, Walter, Chester, John and Al, and their brother-in-law, George Murray; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-15     January 24, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Francis Deely, Sr. and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff of the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-16     January 24, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of James and Henrietta McElhenny; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-17     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Police Departments to monitor the speed that motor vehicles are traveling on Grozier Road between 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., to implement traffic calming measures to slow cars down on Grozier Road, and to explore providing access from Fresh Pond Parkway for abutters since Grozier Road is a two way street.

O-18     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Affordable Housing Trust, the Cambridge YMCA, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and the Office of Representative Michael Capuano regarding funding shortfalls that may impact a group of current YMCA residents.

O-19     January 24, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update on the efforts of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to address the traffic dangers at the Dana Street/Harvard Street intersection.

O-20     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in honor of John Albert Donofrio; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-21     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: It has been reported that after countless decades West Cambridge will experience the closing of its only drug store and local post office suddenly and without notice when Huron Drug closes its doors on Thursday, January 27, 2005; and
WHEREAS: Countless citizens, including many elderly residents rely on these vital services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer immediately with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to have them contact the current operators of Huron Drug and the property owners regarding their immediate plans and the circumstances surrounding the closing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City take whatever steps possible to ensure that a drugstore and post office continue to operate at this site.

O-22     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting of March 14 be and hereby is cancelled to enable members of the City Council to attend the National League of Cities Washington D.C. Conference.

O-23     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the Police Review Board model used in Rochester, New York and Portland, Oregon, with pros and cons.

O-24     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a report that includes a detailed list of what provisions of the current Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance conflict with the Cambridge Charter and what the effect of any such conflict on the validity and/or enforceability of the provisions.

O-25     January 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: There have been questions about the development at the Long's Funeral Home site and the proposed expansion of the Mount Auburn Hospital; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager from Community Development, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor with the view of improving notification to immediate abutters and any appropriate neighborhood group of significant "as of right" building construction; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1 (Jan 24 agenda)
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on November 18, 2004 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. (Attachment A)

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Committee, Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Attorney Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, Attorney Arthur Goldberg, First Deputy City Solicitor, Vali Buland, Legal Council, City Solicitor’s Office.

Councillor Toomey convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited the City Manager to present the proposed amendments.

Mr. Healy said that several years of experience with a Police Review and Advisory Board have persuaded him that a full time executive secretary is not necessary. He reported this to the City Council at budget time, when he proposed funding the position at a part-time level, and the City Council adopted his recommendation. He appointed the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission to be the Executive Secretary of PRAB. He said that his experience and that of former Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) members as reported to him led him to conclude that changes in the ordinance could make PRAB more effective and efficient. Mr. Healy also noted that the internal investigation procedures and oversight in the Police Department have changed to the point that ordinance amendments could bring about elimination of duplicative procedures while still maintaining an open and independent review of police procedure and performance.

Councillor Toomey asked if the proposed amendment is the first substantive change proposed in 20 years of the existence of PRAB. Mr. Healy replied in the affirmative; the only other change in the ordinance removed the requirement for geographical distribution of residences of board members.

Councillor Toomey then invited questions from other members of the committee.

Councillor Murphy requested that Mr. Healy briefly summarize the most significant changes, and he did so. Under the new procedures, complaints by members of the public could be filed with the Police Department or PRAB. Complaints filed with PRAB would be referred to the Police Department for investigation. The Police Department would investigate all complaints and report it’s finding after investigation to the complainant. A complainant may appeal the Police Departments finding to PRAB. Upon receipt of an appeal, the executive secretary of PRAB would conduct a preliminary investigation including review of the Police Department’s investigative file and report his or her finding to the Police Review and Advisory Board. The Board may accept the findings of the executive secretary or choose to designate one or two board members to perform a further review of the Police Department investigative file. If the Board does not agree with the Police Department’s finding, the Board must notify the Police Commissioner and attempt to resolve the disagreement with the Commission. If resolution were not achieved, the Board would then hold a hearing.

Mr. Healy said that the procedures set forth in the proposed amendment are similar to a model used by Rochester, New York, and Portland, Oregon. He said that he believes that the amendments would improve the operation of the Police Review and Advisory Board.

Several of the other changes are necessary for the ordinance to conform to the City Charter, which requires that the City Manager hire city employees.

Councillor Murphy asked if the provisions for investigative staff have been eliminated. Mr. Healy said that the Human Rights Commission investigator would work for both the Human Rights Commission and the PRAB. He does not believe that there will be any loss of service for PRAB. Councillor Murphy asked the City Manager whether in his opinion the amendment would allow the City Manager to decide to appoint a full-time investigator for PRAB, and Mr. Healy answered in the affirmative.

Councillor Toomey then invited public comment.

Lawrence Adkins, Hayes Street, stated that he has attended the last two PRAB meetings. There are no minutes of the meetings. There is a member of the PRAB who is no longer a resident. Tuesday he filed his own complaint with PRAB, and he will be waiting to see how it is treated. The current executive secretary may be very knowledgeable about human rights but that does not mean he knows about police procedures.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that she has great respect for the police. However, she tried to file a complaint against the police after her false arrest and was told by the police that she could only file a complaint if the officer was rude. She was not allowed to file a complaint about slander, libel, or discrimination against her disabilities. In 1981, a Cambridge police officer and his brother illegally entered her home. She had to call the FBI to get help and was not allowed to file a complaint.

Heather Hoffman, Cambridge, stated that her husband complained to the PRAB on August 2, 2004 and has yet to hear anything form the board. The proposed amendments have removed all the anti-nepotism provisions in the ordinance. The biggest problem is that the City Manager does not want the citizens looking at anything that is going on in the City.

Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, stated that he submitted written testimony that he will not repeat (Attachment B). He said that he believes that the City Manager should not be allowed to appoint the head of the PRAB. In this country, the police belong to the citizens; the citizens do not belong to the police. The PRAB can help provide balance, and they should be allowed to pick the head of their board.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, stated that on October 26, 2000 he attended a public meeting at the Morse School on City Council goals and objectives. Two weeks later he was at a very large meeting of PRAB, a public hearing to deal with racial profiling. That meeting was the start of his involvement with City government. He became involved not because of a complaint but because he was invited to participate in a hearing on a very important issue, an advisory hearing. He has attended two meetings of the PRAB. The City Manager’s contempt for the PRAB has been going on for a very long time. The City Manager’s contempt is the real problem. He asked at the City Manager’s office for the resumes for the board member and was told employee files are not public.

Richard Clarey, 15 Brookford Street, cited a 1982 chronicle article in which Robert W. Healy went on a record opposing the PRAB. The current ordinance gives a great deal of independence to the current board. The proposed changes would emasculate the board. Under the proposal, the board would meet only four times per year; it now meets monthly. The board would no longer participate in policymaking as it does now. It would take four members to call a Special Meeting. The 30-day limit to report back is removed. The present executive secretary does not treat the board well. The City Manager is so clear about his hostility to civilian review, that power should not be transferred to him.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, stated that he is vice president of the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, and stated that there was no PRAB for quite a while, no executive secretary and no board members, which accounts for the low number of cases. He would like to know what the current board members think about these changes. He believes that this board, unlike any other in the city, needs to have full and total independence from the City. The board itself should appoint the chair. He noted significant changes in the duties of the board. Subpoena powers are removed. Part D is good. The PRAB should have review power over the discipline of police officers. It is intimidating for a citizen who has a complaint against the police to have that complaint investigated by the police. He also discussed the discrepancy with Section B ii.

Councillor Toomey moved that the proposed amendment be referred to the full City Council without recommendation. The motion passed without objection.

Councillor Toomey thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and thirty minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #2 (Jan 24 agenda)
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on January 6, 2005 beginning at four o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of considering a petition filed by North Point Land Company to amend Section 13.70 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding planned unit development in the North Point Residence District.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use Planning, Community Development Department and Liza Paden, Zoning and Land Use Planner, Community Development Department.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioner to make a presentation. Lisa Serafin, Vice President, Spaulding and Slye, and James Rafferty, attorney for the petitioner, presented the proposal. Mr. Rafferty characterized the change as a small change to enable the developer to move a part of the mass allowed for one building to an adjacent building. The idea came out of the Planning Board design review sessions, and all involved in the discussion agreed that the proposal would improve the project design. Mr. Rafferty emphasized that the building masses and heights were all approved by the City Council as a part of the North Point rezoning two years ago. This proposal would not result in increased density or height; it would just transfer allowed height and density from one building to another.

Councillor Toomey noted that the Ordinance Committee is in receipt of a letter from the East Cambridge Planning Team in support of the proposed amendment. Attachment A.

Councillor Toomey then invited questions from members of the committee.

Councillor Simmons asked about the present use of the property and was informed by Attorney Rafferty that the site consists of rail yards owned by Guilford. She then inquired as to how many units of housing are proposed for the site. Ms. Serafin replied that the subject of this proposal is the first 340 condominium sites; the entire master plan calls for 2,500-2,800 units of housing, of which 15% are required to be affordable under the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.

Councillor Murphy asked about the projected completion date for the portion that is the subject of this proposal, and Ms. Serafin said that the building is projected to begin in the spring and be completed in the late fall of 2006. Councillor Murphy stated that it is good to see new sources of tax revenue and noted anticipated tax revenues of $600,00 per year.

Councillor Toomey then invited public comment.

Roger Frymire, 22 Fairmont Avenue, stated that he likes the idea of more property taxes being collected from larger property owners to lessen the effects on small owners. He said that he is also in favor of brownfields development. However, he noted that this area, the Millers River area, has been recognized as important storm drainage area for many, many years. The earliest licenses granted by the Commonwealth for use of this area all explicitly provided that the licensees must ensure adequate drainage, by constructing drains if necessary and maintaining all drains in good order. This is important for public health and the Clean Waters Act. The Millers River drained several acres. The MWRA Delaurey sewage pumping station is grossly overloaded, as is the Prison Point CSO facility. They are not sufficient to carry all of the storm water and sewage. East Somerville is subject to flooding of raw sewage during storms. He urged denial of the special permit until this public health problem is addressed.

Barbara Broussard, 148 Third Street, Chair of the East Cambridge Planning Team, reported that the Planning Team voted unanimously in support of the proposed amendment because it does not increase the allowed height or mass; it just moves it.

Nancy Steiner, 75 Cambridge Parkway, member of the East Cambridge Planning Team, stated that the Planning Team supports the proposal although they would prefer to see the change made by variance rather than by zoning amendment. There are a lot of pending projects in North Point and they are concerned that changing the zoning for one project will open the door to many others.

Councillor Toomey requested that Attorney Rafferty address this issue. Mr. Rafferty said that the zoning amendment set up certain height bands for reasons. When all agree that a change makes planning sense, the best way to proceed is to make the change in the rule. There are stringent legal requirements that must be met for a variance. Councillor Toomey then requested that Mr. Barber address the issue. Mr. Barber stated that the Planning Board has looked favorably at the design change that this amendment would allow. He believes that adjusting the zoning is preferable to trying to make the change through a variance.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Barber why this amendment would not constitute spot zoning. Mr. Barber said that this proposal would merely adjust a small part of a complicated regulation of the land use. The specifics of the zoning were designed to enable the best project designs, and it is appropriate to make a small adjustment to the regulation to improve the land use design.

Councillor Reeves asked the petitioners to respond to the drainage and public health issues raised by Mr. Frymire. Ms. Serafin stated that the project has received all necessary environmental approvals such as the MEPA approval. She added that all the drainage relative to the development will be self-contained on the site.

Eli Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, suggested investigating the changes that will occur in the sound barrier effect by changing the massing of the buildings.

Stephen Kaiser, Hamilton Street, raised the issue of the need to establish the correct boundary between Cambridge and Somerville in this area. Currently the developers cannot know where their property is. He also stated that Guilford doe not own all of the property in the relevant area.

The MBTA owns some, and there are 13 acres of Commonwealth tidelands that have never been transferred. The railroad does not have the right to sell Commonwealth lands, so the original sale was illegal. Mr. Kaiser also stated that he agrees with Mr. Frymire’s concerns. The Millers River drainpipes are clogged.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, stated that the Guildford Company inherited the responsibility of keeping the drainpipes clear and has not done so. He stated that he has no objection to the mass and height shift. He asked why not change the special permit instead of the zoning. He informed the committee that his the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods has filed a lawsuit maintaining that the project is subject to the Riverways Act and thus additional public benefits are required.

At this time Councillor Toomey closed public comment.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Barber whether the proposed change could be made by changing the special permit, and Mr. Barber answered in the negative. The special permit is limited by the zoning, which does not allow the height shift.

Councillor Galluccio noted that the vacancy rate in the commercial market is starting to take a toll by shifting more of the tax burden to residential owners. It will be good to have some new residential construction to lessen the tax impact on smaller property owners.

Mayor Sullivan moved to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and forty-three minutes P .M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair

Committee Report #3 (Jan 31 agenda)
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on January 6, 2005 beginning at six o’clock and thirty minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of considering a petition filed by Phillip Sego, et al. to amend the zoning in the area bordered by Norfolk, Hampshire, Tremont and Broadway from Residence C-1 to Residence C.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), and Liza Paden, Associate Planner, CDD.

Councillor Toomey convened the meeting and explained the purpose. Mayor Sullivan requested permission to speak because he had to go to a school meeting. He thanked Mr. Sego for his efforts and stated that he looks forward to reading the report of this hearing.

The Co-Chairs then invited the petitioner to make a presentation. Mr. Sego submitted a written explanation of the petition (Attachment A) and stated that he has lived on Norfolk Street for 18 years. The area encompasses approximately forty buildings, all residential, with no commercial buildings. This petition proposes to change the zoning from Residence C-1 to Residence C. This would change the allowed density from .75 FAR to .6 FAR. Residence C reflects what is currently on the block and would make the block less attractive for teardowns, buildups and infill development. The density of the block proposed to be re-zoned is about half of the density of the adjoining neighborhoods. There is neighborhood consensus in support of this change.

Councillor Toomey stated that there is a letter from the neighbors at 293 Broadway and 297 Broadway expressing opposition to the petition. He submitted the letter for the record (Attachment B).

Councillor Galluccio asked Mr. Sego if there had been any development proposals that led to this proposal. Mr. Sego said there had been two, one at 215 Norfolk, which is immediately south of his residence and one at 16 Tremont Street, immediately west of his residence. Neither proposal went forward. Councillor Galluccio asked him if he was able to stop those proposals. Mr. Sego said that in both cases, he and other neighbors appealed directly to the developers. They were very amendable. In response to a further question from Councillor Galluccio, Mr. Sego said that the proposed development on Tremont Street was not built; the other is almost resolved, he is not free to speak of it.

Councillor Galluccio asked if there are any other proposals at issue. Mr. Sego said that his knowledge there are not, and he does get all of the BZA hearing notices.

Councillor Galluccio stated that he would appreciate information from CDD as to how many properties would be rendered non-conforming by the proposed zoning amendment.

Councillor Toomey asked Mr. Barber to outline the proposed changes. Mr. Barber submitted a sheet entitled "Sego, et al. Petition Comparison of Existing and Proposed Zoning Provisions" (Attachment C), and summarized the proposed changes. The maximum height of 35 feet would be the same in the current and proposed zoning, as would the limitations of uses to residential. The FAR is now .75 under the existing Residence C-1 zoning; under Residence C, it would become .60. The minimum lot area per dwelling is currently 1,500 square feet and it would change to 1,800. A 5,000 square foot lot would allow for three units in the current Residence C-1 zone and two units in a Residence C zone. The current front yard minimum of 10 feet and rear yard minimum of 20 feet would be the same, but the Residence C would require a 7.5 front minimum side yard while the current Residence C-1 has no minimum side yard requirement. The open space requirement goes from 30 percent to 36 percent in Residence C zoning.

Councillor Maher said that his quick examination makes it look to him like the number of non-conforming buildings would increase from 10 to 15 and several more buildings would be close to becoming non-conforming. He said that he has concerns about the increasing non-conformity that the change would bring.

Councillor Davis said that it looks like many of the properties are already non-conforming. She asked Mr. Barber if the area looks to him more like a Residence C or Residence C-1 Zone. Mr. Barber said that Residence C was created in the 1980’s for Cambridgeport, and that he suspects that many more properties would be made non-conforming here than were rendered non-conforming by the change to a Residence C zone in Cambridgeport.

Councillor Reeves said that the neighborhood has not seen a lot of change and asked why is this petition necessary. Mr. Sego said that he would characterize the petition as a stabilization petition. A full .75 build out would badly impact the existing neighborhood.

Councillor Murphy thanked Mr. Sego for the written information that he provided and noted the age of the houses. The most recent home appears to have been built in 1920; many were built in the 1840’s and 1850’s. Mr. Sego stated that this block has always been less densely built than the surrounding area.

Councillor Murphy asked what percentages of the properties in the City are non-conforming. Mr. Barber said he suspects over 50 percent, and that maybe as many as 75 percent have at least some minor non-conformity.

Councillor Galluccio asked for information about whether the buildings in this area are one or two family homes. Mr. Barber submitted a sheet containing that information (Attachment D). Councillor Galluccio said that sometimes the restrictions arising from the Historical Commission Ordinance make developers decide to build a third unit in the back rather than add onto the primary residence. The proposed changes would rule out this possibility.

Councillor Simmons said that she would like more conversation involving more members of the community before there is a vote on the proposal.

Councillor Reeves asked about the boundaries of this petition. He said that he is concerned about calling one block a neighborhood. He would like to hear more from the larger neighborhood.

Councillor Toomey invited public comment.

Guy Asaph, 47 Trowbridge Street, stated that the chart that breaks down the effect on surrounding properties is very helpful. However, the FAR does not accurately reflect the size of the house that can be built. A covered front porch 8 x 8 is 64 square feet of FAR. The Zoning Ordinance as it is now written penalizes restoration of historic houses.

Councillor Toomey moved that the petition remain in the committee pending further review by the neighborhood and the Planning Board. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and twenty-one minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #4 (Jan 31 agenda)
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at eleven o’clock and thirteen minutes A. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on siting a new police station, specifically site selection and whether site criteria should be ranked.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner, Michael Giacoppo, Superintendent of Police, Stephanie Anderberg, Community Development Department, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She outlined the issues as the timeline presented to the community, the financial implications to the city of a new police station and how would this be handled, the criteria, the ranking of the criteria and analyzing the walk-in users of the police station. Also the proximity to public transit is another issue. Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Lawrence Atkins, 45 Hayes Street, President of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, informed the committee that the Association would be holding a meeting on January 27, 2005. No information has been presented to the Association. He requested that the police personnel contract him if they wanted to be put on the agenda for the meeting on January 27th. He suggested that copies of the user survey be provided at the community meeting. The expense of the police station would have an implication to the Riverside residents. The Central Square location is a central location and any other location does not make sense. Deputy Superintendent Walsh explained that the neighborhood sergeants were contracted to arrange meetings for presentations to be made to the neighborhoods. The presentations take thirty minutes. The survey should be available on the City’s Web site stated Councillor Davis. Deputy Superintendent Walsh commented that the survey is providing feed back from the community and is attached (Attachment A). The police station is not a welcoming place stated Mr. Atkins. His constituents do not have computers, so a paper copy of the survey is necessary.

Eli Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, felt that the issue is to take a step back and review the needs of the City for today and in the future. The police station is a policy decision. Who benefits from the expenditure for the police station? A professional police force’s function is to protect the citizens of the city. He does not know if a central center provides better policing. No study has been done in Cambridge about how best to protect Cambridge residents.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, was opposed to funding for a new police station. There may be a taxpayer revolt with the expenditure of a new library and a new police station. He suggested renovating the existing police station and utilizing the adjacent land to the site. He suggested that the City urge Harvard University and M.I.T. to donate land in the central area of the City.

Councillor Davis spoke on the financial implications. She asked how are the presentations by the police department going in the community. Deputy Superintendent Walsh stated that six community meetings have been held. The last two meetings were held at the two senior centers in the City. The feedback received by the police department from citizens is supportive for a new up-dated police station. No feedback has been received about the cost because the police personnel could not answer questions about the cost. The discussions focused on a centralized facility versus renovating the existing building. Superintendent Giacoppo stated that the public raised only one funding concern. The main questions from the public have been about the timeline, the site and the disruption of police services. Deputy Superintendent Walsh stated that the survey contains questions about services to get public input and improve services. Reporting of incidents, web site use and technology use have been discussed. Councillor Davis stated that she would like an analysis done on who uses the police station and how would services be provided if the station is not centrally located.

Mr. Healy spoke about defining service needs and that an analysis of front desk services would be done. The data would be analyzed and the uses of front desk service refined. Superintendent Giacoppo spoke about better use of walk-in services and who visits the station and where in the City is the public coming from, the accessibility, the pedestrian and transportation needs. The next step is to determine how would the front desk requests be met if the station is in another location.

Councillor Davis questioned the general renovation costs anticipated if the site remained in Central Square. Potential site selection was distributed (Attachment B). Mr. Healy responded that a gut renovation of the building would be done. A new structure would be built over the existing cellblock. Temporary space and parking costs are the issues. A cost comparison for renovation, addition and parking versus a new site would be done. Site acquisition costs could be estimated. A twenty-year bond would finance the police station, if the City retains its bond rating and if the project is affordable. A more detailed hand out could be provided on the financial aspects of the police station. The project is doable. A description of the burden on the taxpayer should also be provided to the public stated Councillor Davis. She suggested a joint meeting of the Public Safety and the Finance Committees in February to discuss the financial schemes and how the police station project would be felt by the taxpayers in the tax rate.

Councillor Davis questioned the timeline for a new or renovated police station. Mr. Healy stated that a loan order would be needed prior to budget adoption with a location cited. Councillor Simmons asked if additional land would be taken by eminent domain for the existing site. The Seven Eleven-block acquisition was rejected by the City Council when the library siting was discussed, commented Mr. Healy. If the existing site were renovated the missing link is still the issue of parking. Councillor Simmons asked if there have been discussions between the City and the universities about a "grand police station." A discussion has occurred about a potential land swap, but this has not produced land for a police station. In March the site selection committee would present sites to the City. A police station site would have to be decided. A PTDM plan needed to be approved before the decision of the Planning Board.

Councillor Davis suggested that a tour of the existing police station should be given to the public. Deputy Superintendent Walsh stated that pictures of the station are displayed at the community presentations. The pictures provide a visual look at the station.

Mr. Atkins asked if a detailed list could be provided about the existing conditions of the police station. Commissioner Watson outlined problematic areas. The cellblock replacement parts are not available because the building is so old, plumbing is an issue, handicapped ramp does not work, elevator may not be able to be repaired, roof leaks and lead issues. Repair of windows would be completed.

Mr. Yarden questioned the effectiveness of having the fleet not located in the same location. Commissioner Watson explained security and damage of vehicles located at sub stations. Operating multiple sites is more costly stated Councillor Davis. If parking is the issue of siting a police station would it be more effective to garage vehicles elsewhere asked Mr. Yarden. Deputy Superintendent Walsh stated that this would be a challenge for police staff to get their orders.

Mr. Horowitz stated that if the site is a historical site then keep the façade and build up. There is empty garage space in University Park. He urged using garage space in University Park and keep the police station in Central Square.

In conclusion the three topics to be discussed were:
1. In February–joint meeting of the Public Safety and Finance Committees to discuss financial implications.
2. Inter-agency cooperation
3. In March analysis of walk-in building users, PTDM and fleet vehicles.

Councillor Davis requested that the joint meeting of Public Safety and Finance Committees be planned.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and nineteen minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #5 (Jan 31 agenda)
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at three o’clock and thirty-five minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the anti-bullying policy in the schools and their application to Human Services programs.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Richard Harding, School Committee Member, Dr. Carolyn L. Turk, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Kim DeAndrade, CRLS, Eileen Taxe-Levine, CRLS, Robert J. McGowan, CRLS, Melody Brazo, Consultant and Parent, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Jackie Neel, Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP), Susan Richards, DHSP, Mary Wong, Agenda For Children, DHSP, Charles Walker, Area IV Youth Center, Cathy Hoffman, Peace Commission, Lieutenant John Sheehan, Police Department, Sergeant Joseph Keough, Police Department, Nicole Pacheco, Police Department, Holly Levins, Police Department, Gretchen Sherwood, Cambridge Public Health Department, Chandra Banks Gooding, Benjamin Banneker Public Charter School, Russell Lyman, Guidance Center, Inc., 5 Sacramento Street, Sandy George, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA, Adina Davidson, 366 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, Cameron Edey, 71 Cherry Street, Cambridge and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She stated that she became involved with this issue when she was on the Healthy Children’s Task Force. The purpose of this meeting was to create an all around policy on anti-bullying with the School, Human Service, Police and Health Departments. She asked Ms. DeAndrade to describe the policy.

Kim DeAndrade distributed copies of the School Anti-Bullying Policy and the Administrative Procedures and Guidelines on Prevention of Bullying (Attachment A and Attachment B). She described the policy and the workshops for staff and parents. The goal of the policy is to have the schools free of bullying. She defined bullying as any student, child or group who is harassed, left out or treated as someone of a lesser power. Age, size and popularity are power differentials. Acts of bullying included physical, mental, verbal or exclusion. Children who are bullied are strongly affected as well as those who witness the act of bullying. Bullying can escalate. If there is no intervention there could be a negative outcome later in the life of the child who is bullying. Classroom, school and individual intervention are helpful measures.

Eileen Taxe-Levine described the Stars Program. Participants in the Stars Program are juniors and seniors. Students take a course on social issues. The Stars produce plays, which are presented to the elementary schools. By standers are taught how to take the power away from bullies. Distinction is made between telling and tattling. Training is provided to adults for children who seek help. The Stars visit three to four schools each year.

Melody Brazo, a consultant, described her work in individual schools. A grant for training has opened the door so that all the schools are on the same page. Her training is tailored to the specific needs of the school or site. Usually there are five training sessions. The Parent Workshops inform parents about the school-wide policy. There is a belief that bullying is a part of childhood. This culture needs to be changed.

Councillor Davis questioned if training was ongoing in the School Department. Dr. Turk explained that the principals reviewed the policy and provided feedback. Revisions to the policy were made. A presentation of the policy would be given to the general public and the School Committee on January 18, 2005 along with bullying prevention activities. Councillor Davis asked what steps should be taken to develop a citywide collaboration. Ms. Hoffman stated that issues of bullying came from issues of race, class and gender. The policy serves to create a climate where all people are comfortable. Ms. Brazo added that the purpose is to include as many people as possible and to prevent a climate where people are marginalized. Lieutenant Sheehan commented that he is seeing bullying parallels to domestic violence. Chandra Banks Gooding informed the committee that sixty percent of Benjamin Banneker Charter School students are Cambridge residents. She supported the bullying policy. The Benjamin Banneker School is doing training on bullying. The bullying policy benefits children, parents, teachers and the employees at the Banneker School.

Jackie Neel stated that the King Open After School Program is working with Ms. Taxe-Levine on the issue of bullying. The Human Service Department is reviewing the "Let’s Get Real" curriculum.

Councillor Davis commented that the policy outlines what behavior is and is not acceptable. The policy differs from conflict resolution. Dr. Turk stated that the Oleweus Bullying Prevention Program (Attachment C) lists the interventions at all levels. Ellen Semonoff stated that the After School Program was looking at embarking on an anti-bullying program. These are the same children whether in school or the after school program. So the training should be uniform so that there are no mixed messages conveyed to the children.

Sports teams should also be included in the training on bullying stated Councillor Davis. Common language and a common goal is needed for all schools, the community schools programs and the after school programs stated Councillor Simmons. She suggested including parents in the policy.

Richard Harding stated that he voted for the bulling policy. He expressed his concerns about implementation and training. The policy was a step to change the culture of bullying and is a good first step to prevent bullying. This policy could be enhanced. Councillor Simmons asked if there is data on bullying. Ms. DeAndrade stated there is data on the middle grades.

Russell Lyman, a violence prevention provider at the Guidance Center, stated that five grants have been received by the School Department for violence prevention. A strength-based approach is not being used. He cited "voices of love and freedom" as a strength-based program. He urged building a culture and developing skills so that bullying does not happen. The number of fights that children have is linked to their social skills. When social skills improve fights decrease. The culture of each school differs throughout the City. Intervention must be systematic; a prescriptive approach does not work. A tool kit for each school and resources are needed for implementing the policy.

Susan Richards, Agenda for Children, stated there is no systematic plan. She felt that it would be good for the City to collaborate with the School Department on the bullying policy. The struggle is to document and share the practice. Implementation is slow and strategies needed to be shared between the School Department and the After School Programs. She was concerned with labeling children as bullies. The observation is that the bully is a child who feels powerless. The bully needed support and to be included, not excluded. Training and support is also needed for the trainee.

Councillor Davis urged the School Department to communicate and coordinate their work with the City on anti-bullying policy. Ms. Semonoff suggested that staff be included in the school-by-school anti-bullying training. Ms. Neel informed the committee that the anti-bullying policy was distributed to the After School programs. Ms. DeAndrade spoke about the training. One training session is done on the definition of the myths about bullying. Five sessions have been offered to some schools. Training is given for empathy and skill building. How would the word about training be communicated she asked. Ms. Richards has the After School Program list to get the word out. The conflict is training the After School personnel. Ms. Hoffman suggested convening small groups of staff from the After School Program for training. The issue is cost. Connection also must be made to the sports world.

Gretchen Sherwood, Cambridge Health Alliance, stated that the focus is on providing support for bullies. Children of domestic violence are the children who do the bullying. These children are labeled the perpetrators and services are provided to these children. She urged that a therapeutic approach be available for the bullies. Mr. Hardin asked what is the strategy to bring parents into the policy to help their children as either bully or victim.

Councillor Simmons stated that there should be a conversation about the fact that bullying comes out of a violent setting. Ms. Wong stated that parents needed guidance on how to deal with their child who is a bully or who is being bullied. She supported the concept of having a conversation on this issue. This conversation has occurred in the schools commented Ms. DeAndrade. Booklets and handouts have been provided to the schools. Sergeant Keough stated that parents are called to the schools to discuss bullying. He urged the City to be pro active with bullying. He urged the City to be pro active with bullying in schools. No program is provided by the Department of Social Services for victims of bulling or for the bully.

Councillor Davis supported having a citywide conversation about bullying. Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That a joint meeting be held between the Human Services and the Public Safety Committees to convene a city-wide conversation on the issue of bullying; that said meeting include the School Department, parents, sports groups, Police Department and the Violence Prevention Task Force and be it further
ORDERED: That this joint meeting make a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a city-wide anti-bullying policy.

The motion – Carried

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and two minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #6 (Jan 31 agenda)
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, beginning at ten o’clock and seven minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on a funding mechanism for an annual expenditure relative to public celebrations.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Mary Hart, MIS Director, Estella Johnson, Director, Economic Development Division, Community Development Department, James Monagle, City Auditor, Richard Scali, License Commission, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Paul Parravano, Co-Director, Office of Government and Community Relations, MIT, Tom Lucey, Harvard University, Robyn Bell, Office of Tourism, John Murtha, General Manager, Royal Sonesta Hotel, Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Susan Fleishman, Director, CCTV, Kelly Courtney, 3 Linnaean Street, J. Smith, 197 Fayerweather Street, Steve Sillari, 91 Park Avenue, Cambridge, and Alexis Pena, consultant for the salsa concert.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and stated the purpose. At the last meeting there was a discussion about putting together a group on how to package the annual celebration and how to fund this annual expenditure. It would be important to partner with Councillor Murphy as Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee.

Councillor Reeves noted that the Arts Council is having Nnenna Freelon perform on December 1, 2004 at Sanders Theatre in a concert entitled "Unite for Arts." This concert will benefit the Cambridge Arts Council Grant program. The Multicultural Arts Center has received $200,000 from the city and the Dance Complex has received $75,000 to purchase the building. All three of these entities have ties to the City. How these three entities relate to the arts needs to be reviewed, he said. There is a current disagreement between the Multicultural Arts Center and the Dance Complex. Councillor Murphy stated he and Councillor Reeves needed to sit down with the Arts Council Director to schedule a meeting to work on resolving the existing disagreement.

Mr. Smith commented that it is a difficult time for independent non-profits to do fundraising. He cited as a potential problem that if the City funds any non-governmental agency the agency starts to look like the City. Independence needs to be preserved.

Councillor Murphy stated that the question is who will make good artistic judgment to spend the funding. Councillor Reeves stated that there are two issues, which are:
what should the program look like; and
what marketing and publicity should be done.

Ms. Bell asked what is the mission of this committee. A critical issue is to identify sponsors. Contacts need to be made. What are the things that attract or maintain employees in this area and what areas attract investors. There is a need to find various locations to spread out the activities. The activities should not just be festivals. Councillor Reeves praised Ms. Bell’s insight.

Councillor Murphy suggested looking at other cities that are doing a good job marketing their specific attraction. People have a sense of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves asked what city has the excitement quotient that Cambridge wants to achieve. Ms. Bell stated it is more than just an excitement level. She stated she loves the feel in Charleston, South Carolina because it has a good feeling all year round. Mr. Murtha commented that South Beach is not known for any event, but all things just fit; it has a consistent product. South Beach has nightlife and interesting streetscapes stated Councillor Reeves.

Ms. Bell stated that there are new theaters in Cambridge that are untapped and unmarketed. Ms. Courtney questioned what cities Cambridge wants to compete with or to get inspiration from. She suggested Providence as a role model for its firewater and art walks. She suggested cataloging what exists in the City and then getting funding. This would attract employees, support businesses and attract tourism. Chicago has street fairs commented Councillor Reeves. People who live in Chicago know what is going on in the city. He also noted that Chicago also has a bigger budget.

Councillor Reeves informed the committee that in June 2004 Boston had a two-day ideas festival held at the Federal Reserve Bank. Cambridge could market the innovation theme. He stated that while last July’s symposia did not get the expected attention, if they were planned in advance they could contribute to Cambridge as a destination.

Ms. Bell stated that the river should be more utilized. Councillor Reeves spoke about a festival in Galway that utilizes the nearby water well. The festival focuses on one theme chosen by the organizers and includes a parade based on that theme. Ms. Bell stated that she would like to stretch out the events to be all year long to provide economic opportunity. Ms. Courtney suggested developing an outside amphitheatre as well as using the river. There used to be a River Festival that took advantage of the river commented Councillor Reeves.

Ms. Courtney asked Ms. Bell if business owners are seeing a decrease in visitors to Harvard Square. The Office of Tourism figures are up replied Ms. Bell. There are more international visitors visiting Harvard Square. The businesses are not seeing an increase in holiday shoppers. The Charles Hotel is no longer holding a Christmas tree lighting event. She suggested holding a number of events then expanding the events with related shopping opportunities. Councillor Reeves told of an event in St. Paul that promoted shopping; shoppers travel through a glass walkway. Ms. Courtney stated that Harvard Square is changing; it is not as interesting. The uniqueness is gone. The square contains chain stores. Mr. Lucey responded that independently owned stores outnumber the chain stores in Harvard Square. The Office of Tourism is planning a shopping guide. Publicity by the Chamber of Commerce is needed on what is available in Harvard Square. In 1969 Harvard Square was quiet by 11:00pm stated Councillor Reeves. Then Store 24 opened and turned the square around.

Mr. Murtha stated that there existed an overlapping of aims and goals. Economic Development and related activities should be the objectives. Have a menu of activities that would bring revenue to the City. The emphasis is to improve economic development in the City. Quality of life drives economic development in the community. Councillor Reeves spoke about branding. Mr. Smith spoke about what attracts people to Cambridge now and what are the conditions that attract business to the City.

Councillor Reeves distributed the results of the recent telephone survey dated November 8, 200 (Attachment A). He asked Ms. Bell if there was a visitor survey. A visitor survey was done in 1997 and will be updated. Ms. Bell said that she would work with the hotels and businesses to see what would be coming to Cambridge.

In response to a question from Councillor Reeves, Mr. Pena outlined cities and the known activities in each. European cities, he said, invested more in cultural events. Mr. Smith commented that European festivals go back centuries; some festivals are religious. There are three ethnic festivals held in the City.

Mr. Sillari suggested an intellectual festival. Councillor Murphy added that hotels and bookstores should be listed. Mr. Scali suggested identifying the slow period in the City and filling this time with a series of events. Events could be spread out stated Councillor Reeves. Mr. Smith suggested author events. The Cambridge Forum should be included in the conversation of these meetings.

Ms. Johnson stated that Winston/Salem, South Carolina has a black film festival. Celebrities come to the festival to see plays. Nightly events are held. Cambridge, she said has an opportunity to do this type of festival. A film festival is held at the Brattle Theatre added Councillor Reeves. Roxbury also has a film festival.

Councillor Reeves stated that he would meet with Councillor Murphy and have a talk through session. It was agreed that Ms. Bell would supply marketing names. Councillor Murphy stated he supports local artists and suggested that increased awareness could be generated about the one percent Public Arts Fund used to fund the arts.

Councillor Reeves stated that he would like a list of events held in Cambridge. He would like the events held at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to be included. He wants the true shareholders involved.

Councillor Murphy asked Mr. Murtha about the deadline for funding by the hotels. Mr. Murtha responded that the hotels operate on a calendar year. The deadline for funding is now. Mr. DePasquale stated the deadline for funding by the City is January.

Councillor Reeves stated that a coherent plan needed to be presented to the City. He said that he hopes that the plan would include a concert similar to the Colon Concert held in July that 7,000-9,000 people attended. Music concerts are more apt to get sponsors. Mr. Pena informed the committee that he already has events planned for next year.

Ms. Courtney informed the committee that Club Passim would be celebrating its 47th anniversary in May 2005. Club Passim is the oldest continuous musical venue in the country. Club Passim would hold a one-day outdoor free concert in Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and thirty minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair