Cambridge City Council meeting - January 31, 2011 - AGENDA
[Councillor Decker was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective Jan 1, 2011: Rachel E. Benasky
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-158, regarding a report on repairing the brick sidewalk in front of 149 Hancock Street.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-182, regarding a report on when and where garbage trucks are allowed to back up on their routes and whether the City is liable for contracted recycling trucks that hit cars, trees or other things while performing their duties.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an supplemental appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter Grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $101,200 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($13,000.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($88,200.00) and funds will be used for the 3rd quarter of FY11's partnership between the City's Multi-Service Center and the Cambridge YWCA.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011.]
Tabled - Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011.]
Tabled - Seidel
ON THE TABLE
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
6. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Nov 18, 2010 to consider a petition filed by William A. Fox, et al. to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the area of Cottage Park Avenue from its current designation of Business A-2 to Residence B. Committee Report Number One of Dec 20, 2010 referred to Unfinished Business. Planning Board hearing held Nov 16, 2010. Petition expires February 16, 2011. [This petition has been re-filed.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A zoning petition has been received from Chris Klee, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and Seth D. Alexander, President, MIT Investment Management Company, requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to allow for the creation of a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street opposite the location of the Novartis main campus at the former Necco Building.
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Helen Shenton, Executive Director, The Harvard Library, transmitting gratitude for the kind congratulations as Executive Director of the new Harvard Library.
2. A communication was received from Andrew E. Farrar, 4 Lawrence Street, commenting on City Manager Agenda #3 regarding garbage trucks backing up.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Angelo Kontos. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Marie E. McCabe. Mayor Maher
3. Retirement of Les Barber from the Community Development Department. Vice Mayor Davis
4. Resolution on the death of Frank J. Facey. Mayor Maher
5. Resolution on the death of Olive C. (Wade) Dottin. Mayor Maher
6. Retirement of Elaine Madden from the Community Development Department. Mayor Maher
7. Congratulations to Judge Fernande Duffly on being appointed Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulations to Jay Leno on being selected as Hasty Pudding Man of the Year. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Michael C. Murphy. Mayor Maher
10. Resolution on the death of Dr. Mary Elizabeth Lang Crumlin. Councillor Reeves
11. Congratulations to Edward M. Lambert, Jr. on being named Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Vice Mayor Davis
12. Congratulations to Christina Sieber on being named Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Action for Boston Community Development Incorporated. Mayor Maher
13. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Falcons swim team for their perfect season and wish them well in post-season meets. Mayor Maher
14. Best wishes to Rosaleah Brown for her service to the City of Cambridge and best of luck in her new position at Boston college Office for Institutional Diversity. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Davis
15. Congratulation to Katie Rae on her selection as a Mass High Tech Woman to Watch. Councillor Cheung
16. Congratulations to Nina Dudnik on being selected as a Mass High Tech Woman To Watch. Councillor Cheung
17. Congratulations to Margaret Chu-Moyer on being selected as a Mass High Tech Woman To Watch. Councillor Cheung
18. Congratulations to Sharon Donald on being selected as a Mass High Tech Woman To Watch. Councillor Cheung
19. Congratulations to Bettina Hein on being selected as a Mass High Tech Woman To Watch. Councillor Cheung
20. Congratulations to Laura Fitton on being selected as a Mass High Tech Woman To Watch. Councillor Cheung
21. Congratulations to Julianne Moore on being selected as the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year. Councillor Toomey
22. Congratulations to the recipients of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) 2011 Annual Awards. Councillor Toomey
28. Congratulations to Representative and City Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. on his appointment as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies in the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel and Councillor Simmons
29. Resolution on the death of Jean Sophronia (Headley) Haynes. Councillor Reeves
ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to communicate with the Central Square Business Association and the Community Development Department to set up and design a competition to design the future of Cambridge Central Square. Councillor Reeves
Amended
2. The City Manager is requested to communicate with Eric Lander of the Broad Institute, The Kendall Square Business Association and the Community Development Department to set up and design a proactive science game. Councillor Reeves
Amended
3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to investigate the posting of handbills asking for the sale of parking permits. Councillor Simmons
4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on any foreseeable tax revenue implication of Vertex's decision to leave Cambridge and the amount of office space potentially being vacated. Councillor Toomey and Councillor Simmons
5. That the City Council request that Mayor Maher sign on to the Mayor's Against Illegal Guns campaign that would help create a new law making sure every legally prohibited purchaser is included in the background check database, and that would close all of the loopholes and require background checks for every gun sale. Councillor Toomey
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department to be absolutely sure that proper testing of soil for safety, and proper removal of the underground fuel tanks at 7 Cameron Avenue is carried out. Councillor Decker
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Arborist and the Department of Public Works to remove the dangling branches from city trees. Councillor Decker
8. That the City Council refile the Chestnut Hill Reality zoning petition. Mayor Maher and Councillor Seidel
9. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate departments to remove improperly placed furniture items that are reserving parking spaces. Councillor Kelley
10. Cancellation of the City Council meeting of Mon, Mar 14, 2011 to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. Mayor Maher
11. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate the possibility of continuing street cleaning days through the winter for the purpose of using those days to clear non-arteries of snow. Councillor Cheung
Amended
12. That the City Council re-file the petition by William H. Fox et al to amend the zoning in the area of Cottage Park Avenue on Feb 17, 2011 and refer it to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report. Councillor Seidel
13. That the City Manager is requested to devise a way to publicize events happening in the community in a visible location at the Main Library. Vice Mayor Davis
14. That the City Manager is requested to devise a method to publicize events that are taking place at the Main Library, both before events occur and as they are happening, so patrons visiting the library may attend. Vice Mayor Davis
15. That the City Manager is requested to determine what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the city. Councillor Cheung
16. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works regarding their communication systems, specifically to see if crews can aid in identifying and reporting other public work concerns when snowplowing. Councillor Seidel
17. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Cambridge Arts Council and other relevant entities to ensure that public art is taken into consideration during the planning processes of the Kendall and Central Square areas, as well as along Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard to Porter Squares. Councillor Seidel
18. That this City Council go on record encouraging the City of Cambridge to strengthen the language of the Cable Television Renewal License. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Toomey
19. City Council support of "An Act Relative to Third Grade Reading Proficiency," legislation that would focus state efforts to ensure that children become proficient readers by the end of third grade. Councillor Cheung
20. That the Mayor should inquire from the Cambridge Public Schools District whether a Bullying Prevention Plan has been filed with the state, and if not, to encourage the Superintendent of Schools to file one as soon as possible. Councillor Simmons
21. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the traffic-calming options at the intersection of Third and Hurley Streets. Councillor Toomey
22. That the City Manager is requested to look into the steps that other communities have taken to ban the use of plastic bags including the arrangements those communities have made with their local businesses to ensure success. Councillor Decker
23. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Eric Lander, the Broad Institute, the owner of Sebastians's, and the owner of the building about removing signs and making the Broad Institute building feel more inviting to visitors. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Maher
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 2
6:30pm A budget forum for citizen input. Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway (Main Library)
Thurs, Feb 3
6:30pm A budget forum for citizen input. 48 Sixth Street (O’Connell Branch Library)
Mon, Feb 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 9
6:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion with the Civic Unity Citizen Advisory Committee. (Ackermann Room)
6:30pm A budget forum for citizens input. 680 Huron Ave., 2nd floor (Russell Youth & Community Ctr.)
Thurs, Feb 10
5:30pm The Traffic, Parking and Transportation Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss snow removal issues. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 15
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the possibility of structuring the parking ticket system in a way that would increase parking tickets as people stay longer at expired meters or general no-parking spots. (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Feb 17
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss municipal and other renewable energy goals and to examine the environmental goals of the City Council. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 1
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios. (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 2
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to learn more about Cambridge Health Alliance's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) initiatives. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 3
5:00pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how inclusionary zoning could be used to build more entrepreneur space. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Hearing (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 5
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss safety issues at the intersection of Cedar and Harvey Streets. (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 6
5:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 12
6:00pm Special School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Jan 31, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Eric Lander, President and Director, Broad Institute, is creative, innovative, and a thinker; and
WHEREAS: While he was celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday, he conceived of an idea for a design competition for Kendall Square that beautifully illustrates all of those qualities; and
WHEREAS: Eric Lander's idea should also be adopted to Central Square, concentrating the new development on Massachusetts Avenue from Blanche Street all the way to MIT, including both sides of Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Main Street from Mass Avenue to Kendall Square should also be included in this competition to design Mass Avenue and Main Street for the future of Cambridge Central Square; and
WHEREAS: Architectural students not just from Cambridge, but from far and wide should be contacted to participate in this competition to design the future of Kendall Square; and
WHEREAS: This competition should be judged and the winner chosen; and
WHEREAS: There should be a public celebration for the winner and the design should be displayed for the City of Cambridge to admire the future of our squares; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Central Square Business Association, the Department of Community Development to set up and design this competition; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to forward this to the consultant who is awarded the contract for planning in this area for feasibility and design of this competition with direction that there be input from residents of the East Cambridge, Area 4 and Wellington-Harrington areas.
O-2 Jan 31, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Eric Lander, President and Director, Broad Institute, is creative, innovative, and a thinker; and
WHEREAS: While he was celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday, he conceived of an idea that beautifully illustrates all of those qualities; and
WHEREAS: His idea is to plan and consult with the Kendall Square Business Association to develop a live proactive science game which would require people to enter buildings and exit buildings as part of the game; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with Eric Lander of the Broad Institute, The Kendall Square Business Association, the Department of Community Development to set up and design this science game with a follow-up for cost and feasibility.
O-3 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that some individuals are posting handbills asking to purchase parking permits in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Selling parking permits is not only illegal under laws of the City of Cambridge, it also deprives residents of Cambridge who have legitimate permits from a parking space; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to investigate the posting of handbills asking for the sale of parking permits; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department take extra measures, especially during the permitting season, to inform residents of Cambridge that it is against the law to buy and sell parking permits, as well as to ensure that parking permits acquired illegally are not being used in the City of Cambridge.
O-4 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Vertex Pharmaceuticals has been lured to the South Boston Waterfront by Mayor Menino as part of the waterfront revitalization; and
WHEREAS: Vertex occupies a significant amount of commercial space in Cambridge, up to 10 separate locations, and these commercial buildings provide a substantial contribution to the tax base; and
WHEREAS: Vacancy in these locations could negatively impact the tax revenue, which could impact city services; and
WHEREAS: Some of the commercial space is owned and operate by MIT and could be converted to institutional use; and
WHEREAS: Vertex was also one of the top employers in Cambridge and these employees are patrons of local Cambridge businesses; and
WHEREAS: Filling the vacated office and lab space could prove to be challenging due to the aggressive manner shown by Mayor Menino and the City of Boston to attract business to the South Boston waterfront at Cambridge's expense; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on any foreseeable tax revenue implications of Vertex's decision to leave Cambridge and the amount of office space potentially being vacated.
O-5 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: In recent weeks there have been many high profile incidents involving gun violence; and
WHEREAS: A coalition of 550 Mayors nationwide, led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York, is launching a campaign calling on Congress to close the loopholes in the background check system; and
WHEREAS: Most Americans, whether they think every citizen should own a gun or no one should own a gun, want to reduce gun violence; and
WHEREAS: The flaws in the background check system have been exposed again and again over the years, in the massacres at Columbine and Virginia Tech, and now again in Arizona, Michigan, and Washington state; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council request that Mayor Maher sign on to the Mayor's Against Illegal Guns campaign that would help create a new law making sure every legally prohibited purchaser is included in the background check database, and that would close all of the loopholes and require background checks for every gun sale.
O-6 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that two out-of-use underground fuel tanks were found at the construction development site at 7 Cameron Avenue owned and being developed by Urban Spaces/Oaktree Development; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department to be absolutely sure that proper testing of soil for safety, and proper removal of the tanks is carried out.
O-7 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: After the recent spate of storms, many of our city's trees have lost large branches; and
WHEREAS: Some of these branches have fallen but some are still hanging in the trees; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Arborist and the Department of Public Works to remove the dangling branches from city trees.
O-8 Jan 31, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: A zoning petition by Chestnut Hill Realty was scheduled for a public hearing before the Ordinance Committee on Jan 12, 2011; and
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee hearing was cancelled because of a significant snow event; and
WHEREAS: Another public hearing on the Chestnut Hill Realty petition could not be scheduled within the time required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council refile the Chestnut Hill Reality zoning petition.
O-9 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate departments to remove improperly placed furniture items that are reserving parking spaces; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-10 Jan 31, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The National League of Cities Congressional City Conference will be held from Mar 12, 2011 through Mar 16, 2011; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting of Mon, Mar 14, 2011 be and hereby is cancelled.
O-11 Jan 31, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been pummeled by snowstorms this winter, stressing the ability of communities across the region to respond to and deal with the snow; and
WHEREAS: The City's Department of Public Works must be commended for clearing roads and public ways faster and better than surrounding communities, allowing Cambridge to reopen and get back to business sooner; and
WHEREAS: One concern as snow this winter continues to pile up and linger is that non-arteries have a decreased capacity for parking as residents only shovel out their own cars, not entire lengths of streets; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to evaluate the possibility of continuing street cleaning days through the winter for the purpose of using those days to clear non-arteries of snow and report back to the City Council on this matter and to evaluate any other creative measures to remove snow and to address snow removal at corners.
O-12 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Council re-file the petition by William H. Fox et al to amend the zoning in the area of Cottage Park Avenue on Feb 17, 2011 and refer it to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.
O-13 Jan 31, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Main Library serves as a major city crossroads for Cambridge citizens; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to devise a way to publicize events happening in the community in a visible location at the Main Library.
O-14 Jan 31, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Main Library is a popular location, not only for book readings, but for lectures, forums and presentations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to devise a method to publicize events that are taking place at the Main Library, both before events occur and as they are happening, so patrons visiting the library may attend.
O-15 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been a hub of innovation, ideas and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: Kendall Square remains the most innovative square mile on the planet; a wonderful place to work with a strong business community that the City is working every day to make even better; and
WHEREAS: Although the demand to locate in Kendall Square continues to outstrip supply, the City cannot rest on its laurels in the face of belligerent competition; and
WHEREAS: It was reported in the Boston Globe that part of the package of taxpayer money being used as an incentive for Vertex to move from Cambridge to Boston's seaport district is $60 million from the state; and
WHEREAS: This is especially egregious as Cambridge taxpayers are essentially helping foot the bill to shuffle cubicles across the river, out of their city; and
WHEREAS: Taxpayer money is a scarce and precious resource; incentives should be used to bring more great jobs to the region, not fuel a bidding war between Cambridge and Boston that results in paying extra for jobs and construction that were going to be created in the region regardless; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has shown its willingness to collaborate for the betterment of its residents, but must stand ready to vigorously compete with all the tools and resources at its disposal; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the city and report back to the City Council on this matter; furthermore be it
ORDERED: That a copy of this Order be sent to the Cambridge State Delegation and the Governor's office affirming that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should not intervene in otherwise fair competition between its cities and towns by subsidizing the shuffling of jobs from one to the next.
O-16 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: During the winter of 2010-11 the City has already seen three winter storms with significant snow accumulation; and
WHEREAS: Department of Public Works (DPW) crews have logged long hours and spent considerable time on city streets, clearing them of snow; and
WHEREAS: During the hours when they are snowplowing, DPW teams are often the first to see problems such as downed tree limbs, which can present safety concerns and power outages to residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works regarding their communication systems, specifically to see if crews can aid in identifying and reporting other public work concerns when snowplowing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-17 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Public art is an integral part of Cambridge's landscape, as evidenced by the City's codifying of the "Public Arts Ordinance of 1979"; and
WHEREAS: Public art enlivens space and helps create active pedestrian experiences by bringing art and people together; and
WHEREAS: The City is currently involved in planning processes in the Kendall and Central Square areas, as well as along Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard to Porter Squares; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Cambridge Arts Council and other relevant entities to ensure that public art is taken into consideration during the planning processes of these areas; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-18 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to attention of this City Council that the contract for cable and internet services with Comcast has expired; and
WHEREAS: The terms for renewal of said license according to Cambridge's own Cable Television Renewal License agreement state "The Licensee shall comply with all lawful, applicable City of Cambridge Employment, Procurement and Living Wage ordinances."; and
WHEREAS: The language of the Cambridge Cable Television Renewal License should go further to include "The Licensee shall comply with the National Labor Relations Act and all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws."; and
WHEREAS: The language should also include "The Licensee shall encourage a healthy relationship with its employees by respecting their right to organize and to bargain collectively with their employer, and to engage in other protected, concerted activities to improve their wages and working conditions."; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record encouraging the City of Cambridge to strengthen the language of the Cable Television Renewal License; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cable TV, Telecommunications, and Public Utilities Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-19 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that "An Act Relative to Third Grade Reading Proficiency," legislation that would focus state efforts to ensure that children become proficient readers by the end of third grade was introduced last week at the Massachusetts State House by Representative Martha Walz and Senator Katherine Clark ; and
WHEREAS: The legislation would build on the important work underway in Massachusetts to promote literacy. It would establish the Massachusetts Early Reading Council within the Executive Office of Education to advise state education departments on statewide early language and reading strategies for children from birth to third grade. The council would emphasize professional development, curriculum, assessment and family engagement; and
WHEREAS: Additionally, the Massachusetts Early Learning Council would provide guidance to ensure that professional development is on-site, data-driven, linked to practice, collaborative and sustained over time to create a culture of continuous improvement, curriculum is language rich, engaging and rigorous, and family engagement is open and ongoing and supports children's language and literacy development. The 17-member council would be established within the Executive Office of Education and would be co-chaired by the Secretary of Education and a recognized expert in children's language and literacy development. Representatives from the state's legislators, early educators, parents, elementary school principals, superintendents, reading specialists, school committee members, teachers unions, pediatricians and advocates would serve on the council; and
WHEREAS: Despite Massachusetts's well-earned reputation as a national leader in education, more than one-third of the state's third grade students (37%) are not proficient readers, and third grade reading MCAS scores have been stagnant since 2001. Research indicates that 74% of children who read poorly in third grade have a drastically reduced likelihood of graduating from high school; and
WHEREAS: Children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are well prepared to learn in any subject. Everything else on the educational agenda-eliminating the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate, increasing college completion, improving science and math skills-becomes considerably easier to tackle; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That The Cambridge City Council go on record confirming its support for said legislation; and be in further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge Delegation and to Governor Deval Patrick on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-20 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Mar 18, 2010, the Massachusetts legislature in a unanimous vote, passed an anti-bullying bill signed into law by Governor Patrick on May 3, 2010; and
WHEREAS: The anti-bullying law stipulated that each school district, charter school, non-public school, Department-approved private special education school, and collaborative school must create a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, which must include information on reporting, notice to parents and guardians, notice to law enforcement as necessary, and counseling strategies, and procedures for creating safety plans for victims; and
WHEREAS: The anti-bullying law called on school districts to submit a Bullying Prevention Plan with the state by the end of last year; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Schools District has done a lot to curb bullying in our city's schools, yet bullying remains an issue of concern. Filing a Bullying Prevention Plan with the state will indicate that the Cambridge Public Schools District is serious about bullying prevention and will help to allay some of the concerns about bullying by parents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Mayor should inquire from the Cambridge Public Schools District whether a Bullying Prevention Plan has been filed with the state, and if not, to encourage the Superintendent of Schools to file one as soon as possible.
O-21 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the traffic-calming options at the intersection of Third and Hurley Streets.
O-22 Jan 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that other communities have banned the use of plastic shopping bags; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the steps that other communities have taken to ban the use of plastic bags including the arrangements those communities have made with their local businesses to ensure success; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-23 Jan 31, 2011 Charter Right - Maher
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: There is a wonderful museum located in the first floor lobby of the Broad Building; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has recently adopted an Order to evaluate the costs and feasibility of an idea proposed by Eric Lander, President and Director of the Broad Institute, for a "live proactive science game which would require people to enter buildings and exit buildings as part of the game"; and
WHEREAS: The attached photos, taken at the two public entrances to the Broad Institute make the museum feel less than inviting; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Eric Lander, the Broad Institute, the owner of Sebastians's, and the owner of the building about removing the aforementioned signs and making the building feel more inviting to visitors.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction. Councillor Toomey referred back to City Manager for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/13/10 (O-5)
10-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-138. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/27/10 (O-6)
10-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the City.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-10)
10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)
10-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the transition of the Grand Junction Railroad to Commuter Rail traffic could impede the implementation of the Grand Junction Rail Trail. Councillor Toomey referred back for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-7)
10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)
10-158. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on repairing the brick sidewalk in front of 149 Hancock Street.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-6)
10-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on multiple questions concerning trees that come out of the Environment Committee meeting of 9/30/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis 10/25/10 (O-11)
10-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways the City can work with the MAPC on opportunities related to the $4 million grant award to the MAPC on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-3)
10-167. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assisting neighbors as the No. Cambridge Catholic school site project proceeds and report on how the Table of Uses impact the development by special permit or variance in a Residence B District.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 11/01/10 (O-7)
10-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the gutters are up to code at the Blessed Sacrament building.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-3)
10-172. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the agreements between the develop and area residents are being upheld at the Blessed Sacrament Development.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-10)
10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)
10-175. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of converting certain Inman Square parking meters to 2-hours and along Cambridge Street and on the possibility of installing time-weighted parking meter in Inman Square.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-2)
10-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-3)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes and the possibility such revenues generated by a formula for distribution to community based non-profits.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-12)
10-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-13)
10-182. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on when and where garbage trucks are allowed to back up on their routes and whether the City is liable for contracted garbage or recycling trucks that hit cars, trees or other things while performing their duties.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 12/06/10 (O-3)
10-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the state of the law relating to community benefits as mitigation in zoning amendment petitions.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-1)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-187. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the appropriateness of private meetings between City Council members and the Superintendent of Schools without informing the School Committee of such meetings.
Councillor Toomey 12/13/10 (O-8)
10-188. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on NSTAR outages in East Cambridge, Porter Square & Kendall Square.
Vice Mayor Davis 12/13/10 (O-10)
10-189. Report from the City Manager: See Charter Right #1
RE: report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Davis on 1/24/2011
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 12/20/10 (O-1)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-01. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on practices that will mitigate problems that occur (plowing snow into areas that have been shoveled by residents) and the insufficient and/or improper shoveling of the pedestrian ways.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-2)
11-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on unfair financial burden placed on same-sex married employees of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-3)
11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the snow removal of the sidewalks adjacent to cab stands.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-6)
11-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Enterprise Rental using the City sidewalk as a parking lot.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-7)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on outreach and advertising the Snow Exemption Program.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/24/11 (O-2)
11-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of snow tickets issues and on the response time for responding to complaints.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/24/11 (O-3)
11-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on number of buildings built on No. Mass Ave since 2000, what the purpose was including ground floor retail and buildings currently under construction or proposed for construction in the next 2-years.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/24/11 (O-10)
11-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current licensing standards for nail salons.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 01/24/11 (O-6)