CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan, 2007:  Louis C. Micciche

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-206, regarding a report on the proposed generator for the State Street Bank on Revere Street.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-198, regarding a report on a timeline for reaching the "E-accessibility" goal.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge receiving three Triple A ratings from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of donations received from the Peace Commission in the amount of $8,160 to the Grant Fund Peace Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to support respect and dialogue programming, as well as events, documentation and programs recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Peace Commission.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-10, regarding scheduling a meeting with Mass Highway and others to discuss the impact of the Walden Street bridge closure on the Thistle & Shamrock convenience store.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-178, regarding a report on whether there is any Zoning Ordinance or Pole & Conduit regulation to require a permit be issued on new construction that would help the City achieve it’s wireless objective.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-134, regarding a report on the extent of the City’s liability for injuries and damage caused by various hazards before being warned of them.  COUNCILLOR KELLEY RECORDED IN NEGATIVE

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-181, regarding a report on current penalties and if necessary amending the Municipal Ordinance as it relates to noise to that second time offenders will be ordered to stop work for the day as well as to define "large scale" project.  REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of Feb 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 27, 2006.]

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table City Manager Agenda Number Six of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on monies expended to needy veterans and their families. [Placed on Table Order Number Seven of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Nov 6, 2006.]

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the Historical Commission’s recommendation for the consolidation of the Half Crown and Marsh Neighborhood Conservation Districts. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Two of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Mayor Reeves.]

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the recommendations for changes to the Neighborhood Conservation District Ordinance and the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Order, submitted by the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee and endorsed by the Historical Commission. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Three of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Sullivan.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. 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 Nov 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. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on unfinished business.]

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance filed by the City Council to require public review for smaller scaled residential and commercial developments in Business A, Business A-1, and Business A-2 Districts, and to limit the height in Business A-2 districts to 35 feet within 50 feet of residential district with a 35 foot height limit and to require 20 foot side yard setbacks in BA-2 districts for side yards that abut residential lots. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Jan 22, 2007. Petition expires Mar 13, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Urban Outfitters, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 14-16 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

2. An application was received from Citizens Bank, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 6 JFK Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

3. An application was received from Verna’s, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 2344 Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the family of Arlene Thompson, transmitting deep appreciation for the resolution.

2. A communication was received from the family of Elkan Blout, transmitting thanks for your kind expression of sympathy.

3. A communication was received from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association, requesting assistance to help reduce motorcycle accidents and injuries in 2007 with a resolution and authorization for a "Check Twice" sign in the City of Cambridge.

4. A communication was received from Danny DeGuglielmo, Founder, Cambridge Sunshine Foundation, urging the City Council to please support a Congressional coalition of Senators and Representatives that will help deliver a three-fold gift.

5. A communication was received from M. Carolina Hernandez, 12 Parker Place, Somerville, urging the City of Cambridge officials to resolve any issues surrounding the construction of the Brazilian Cultural Center at 310 Webster Avenue.

6. A communication was received from Christele Bangoura, 17, Rue du Cdt Delattre 31 370 Ricumes France, urging the City of Cambridge officials to resolve any issues surrounding the construction of the Brazilian Cultural Center at 310 Webster Avenue.

7. A communication was received from Akili Jamal, Haynes, 34 Westland Avenue, Boston, urging the City of Cambridge officials to resolve any issues surrounding the construction of the Brazilian Cultural Center at 310 Webster Avenue.

8. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding Americans With Disabilities Act report.

9. A communication was received from Marie and Donald Duquette and family, transmitting sincere thanks for the resolution on the death of their brother, Henry J. Renzi.

10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding arbitrary unequal application of laws.

11. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding tasers and censorship.

12. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding prejudice toward disabled people.

13. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding achieving equality and social justice.

14. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding pedestrian issues at the new Lechmere Station.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Patricia Armenio from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

2. Retirement of Geraldine Sanders from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

3. Retirement of Robert Millar from the Public Works Department.   Mayor Reeves

4. Resolution on the death of Charles W. Operacz.   Councillor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of Sister Jeannette Burke, Sister of Saint Joseph.   Councillor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of Reverend Robert F. Drinan, S.J.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Decker

7. Resolution on the death of Filomena (Sousa) Braga.   Vice Mayor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of John W. Blake.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Maria T. (Pereira) Cabral.   Vice Mayor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of James Cavallaro.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of George J. Chicariello.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Dorothy T. Coughlin.   Councillor Galluccio

13. Resolution on the death of James L. Duff Jr.   Councillor Sullivan

14. Resolution on the death of Patricia M. "Pat" Dwyer.   Councillor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Gerald E. Finn.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Evelyn M. Godinho.   Councillor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Henry P. (Dokey) Mickiewicz.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

18. Resolution on the death of Florence Moretto.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

19. Resolution on the death of Ines Matilda "Dee" (Ciampa) Scioly.   Councillor Sullivan

20. Resolution on the death of Ann L. Stephenson.   Councillor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Susie Irene (Oppedisano) Thompson.   Councillor Galluccio

22. Resolution on the death of Clare T. (Wood) Versackas.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

23. Resolution on the death of Netilda Williams.   Councillor Galluccio

24. Happy 65th Birthday wishes to Kenneth Dailey.   Vice Mayor Toomey

25. Congratulations to Thomas Siopes on receiving a Silver Star medal.   Vice Mayor Toomey

26. Commending the Cambridge Police Department and Cambridge Fire Department for their quick response in destroying a questionable device.   Vice Mayor Toomey

27. Congratulations to the Cambridge Public Health Department for being recognized as "Public Health Ready" by the National Association of County and City Health Officials.   Councillor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Matus.   Councillor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Specialist Collin Schockmel.   Councillor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Luis Castillo.   Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Ryan Hill.   Councillor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Private Johnathon Millican.   Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Emilian Sanchez.   Councillor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Grimm.   Councillor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Allen Jaynes.   Councillor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Gary Johnston.   Councillor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jonathan Kingman.   Councillor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Corporal Darrel Morris.   Councillor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Alomar.   Councillor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Ian Anderson.   Councillor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jeffrey Bisson.   Councillor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Specialist Johnathan Chism.   Councillor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Phillip McNeill.   Councillor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Specialist James Riekena.   Councillor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Corbett.   Councillor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of 2nd Lieutenant Mark Daily.   Councillor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jacob Neal.   Councillor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brandon Stout.   Councillor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Specialist Nicholas Brown.   Councillor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Kashkoush.   Councillor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Specialist William Rechenmacher.   Councillor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Shawn Falter.   Councillor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Sean Fennerty.   Councillor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Jacob Fritz.   Councillor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Michael Wiggins.   Councillor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Hector Leija.   Councillor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Specialist Toby Olsen.   Councillor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Gregory Wright.   Councillor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Sergeant John Cooper.   Councillor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Corporal Victor Langarica.   Councillor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Keith Callahan.   Councillor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Captain Brian Freeman.   Councillor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Captain Sean Lyerly.   Councillor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Paul Sanchez.   Councillor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jamie Wilson.   Councillor Decker

66. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Darryl Booker.   Councillor Decker

67. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Russell Borea.   Councillor Decker

68. Resolution on the death of Major Michael Taylor.   Councillor Decker

69. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class John Brown.   Councillor Decker

70. Resolution on the death of Colonel Paul Kelly.   Councillor Decker

71. Resolution on the death of Colonel Brian Allgood.   Councillor Decker

72. Resolution on the death of Command Sergeant Major Marilyn Gabbard.   Councillor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Command Sergeant Major Roger Haller.   Councillor Decker

74. Congratulations to the Cambridge Peace Commission on its 25 years of contributions to the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

75. Declare Feb 27, 2007 as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Day in Cambridge.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan

76. Resolution on the death of Maria Civita (DiLelio) DeFabritiis.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

77. Resolution on the death of Sister Mary Celestine.   Councillor Sullivan

78. Resolution on the death of Mary A. (Sullivan) McCabe.   Vice Mayor Toomey

79. Resolution on the death of Rocco J. Cammarata.   Councillor Galluccio

80. Congratulations to Bethany Anne Bruce and James Joseph Dever on the occasion of their wedding on Feb 3, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

81. Congratulations to City Manager Robert W. Healy on the re-confirmation of the City’s Triple A rating.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

82. Resolution on the death of Vusumusi Maduna.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Davis

83. Commendation and appreciation to MBTA Police Officer Danny Viera for his courageous rescue.   Councillor Sullivan

84. Best wishes and thanks to outgoing Lesley University President Margaret McKenna.   Mayor Reeves

85. Applaud the efforts of Aedi Development on their three-family home which is LEED certified building for residential use.   Mayor Reeves

86. Resolution on the death of Margaret (Renton) Barry.   Councillor Galluccio

87. Speedy recovery wishes to Al Wilson.   Councillor Sullivan

88. Resolution on the death of Robert J. Lawler.   Councillor Sullivan

89. Congratulations and best wishes to Caliha Bradshaw as she enters the United States Marines.   Councillor Simmons

90. Resolution on the death of William J. Cremins.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

91. Resolution on the death of Ralph J. Cafarelli.   Councillor Sullivan

92. Resolution on the death of Francis J. Burns Sr.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

93. Resolution on the death of Reverend Henry Eyster Horn.   Councillor Sullivan

94. Resolution on the death of Edward A. "Mario" Laurenti.   Councillor Sullivan

95. Resolution on the death of Kenneth P. Calvin.   Councillor Sullivan

96. Resolution on the death of Mrs. DosSantos.   Vice Mayor Toomey

97. Resolution on the death of Marcelino Viveiros.   Vice Mayor Toomey

98. Resolution on the death of Ruth Ward.   Mayor Reeves

99. Resolution on the death of Rosa Pontes.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

100. Resolution on the death of Pauline Graustein.   Vice Mayor Toomey

101. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Willie Sawyer.   Councillor Decker

102. Retirement of Patricia Burgess from the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Mayor Reeves

103. Resolution on the death of Kathleen Walcott.   Mayor Reeves

104. Condolences to Dennis Keefe on the death of his father-in-law.   Councillor Sullivan

105. Congratulations to Eileen Moran Brown on being recognized by Cambridge College for the work she has done over the past three decades and continues to do in the Boston community.   Councillor Simmons

106. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Joe Sneider.   Councillor Sullivan

107. Resolution on the death of Nicholas Arthur.   Councillor Sullivan

108. Resolution on the death of Filomena (Silva) Avila.   Vice Mayor Toomey

109. Resolution on the death of Tiberio M. Batista.   Vice Mayor Toomey

110. Resolution on the death of Virginia Cuddihy.   Councillor Sullivan

111. Resolution on the death of Maria R. da Silva.   Vice Mayor Toomey

112. Resolution on the death of Catherine F. (Nichols) Donovan.   Councillor Sullivan

113. Resolution on the death of Adelaide Kernochan.   Councillor Sullivan

114. Resolution on the death of Jana Glenn Krause.   Councillor Sullivan

115. Resolution on the death of Mary (Themea) Walcott.   Councillor Sullivan

116. Resolution on the death of Jonathan "Jay" Ocasio.   Councillor Sullivan

117. Congratulations to Sergeant Carlos A. Madden on the occasion of his receiving the Soldier's Medal from the United States Army on February 10, 2007 at 11:00am.   Councillor Sullivan

118. Congratulations to Armando and Dottie Paolo on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.   Councillor Sullivan

119. Resolution on the death of Thelma "Tiny" Newton.   Mayor Reeves

ORDERS
1. Support of the workers at the Smithfield processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina in their struggle for dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, and their right to organize into a union to procure these benefits without harassment from their employer.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Galluccio
Charter Right - Decker

2. Dedication of an appropriate site in honor of William Paquet.   Councillor Sullivan

3. That the City Council will work in conjunction with the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and other appropriate organizations to track progress and implementation of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors.   Mayor Reeves

4. Dedication of a corner in the vicinity of 8th Street and Otis Street as "Angelina "Angie" Iannacci Square."   Vice Mayor Toomey

5. Dedication of a corner in the vicinity of 5th Street and Thorndike Street as "John and Carmela Percoco Square."   Vice Mayor Toomey

6. Dedication of a corner in the vicinity of 6th Street and Otis Street as "Mabel Ruffing Square."   Vice Mayor Toomey

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Electrician with the view of providing additional street lighting for Suffolk Street and any other streets in the vicinity that are subject to high rates of street vandalism and crime.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Sullivan

8. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of the corner of 88 Hampshire Street and Windsor Street in honor of Victor and Lee Privetera.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Proposed amendment to the City Council’s "Rules of Travel."   Councillor Kelley
REFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND RULES COMMITTEE

10. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a report on issues involving speed bumps, raised intersections and other raised devices intended to slow traffic speeds and the limits of employing the various types of such devices on City streets and privately controlled property.   Councillor Kelley
AMENDED

11. That the City Manager is requested to ensure that the FY 2007/2008 budget reflect the City Council’s concerns that quality of life issues such as urban forestry, traffic enforcement, community policing, noise ordinance enforcement and air quality monitoring and protection be given greater emphasis and support than in past budgets.   Councillor Kelley

12. Support of the construction of a pedestrian bridge along Broad Canal.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Kelley

13. Briefing by City Manager regarding the minimum front yard setback on Memorial Drive.   Councillor Davis

14. That the City Manager, in conjunction with the Law Department, is requested to report back to the City Council with home rule options that would tighten up enforcement measures for violators that are causing the rodent problem in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

15. That the Mayor is requested to report back to the City Council in the early Spring with a detailed report on this year’s senior class with the percentages of students who have been accepted and/or will be attending two and four year colleges as well as any other post graduation plans.   Councillor Galluccio
AMENDED

16. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on the impact on the City of the proposed purchase of the Grand Junction Railroad by the MBTA.   Councillor Davis
AMENDED

17. That the City Manager is requested to consult with all Department heads to determine what the City’s actual costs were in terms of both human resources and capital at all levels of our government and the economic impact to individuals and businesses as they relate to the Turner Broadcasting publicity stunt.   Councillor Sullivan

18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant Director of Human Services and the Affirmative Action Director with the view in mind of directing appropriate staff to work with the Civic Unity Committee to implement a forum on race and class in Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Decker

19. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a report on the future of the City of Cambridge’s internal telecommunications infrastructure and any plans to possibly change services or infrastructure in the future.   Councillor Kelley
REFERRED TO THE CABLE TV, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMITTEE

20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Chairman of the License Commission, the City Solicitor and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of assigning representatives from the License Commission, the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor’s Office to work with the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee to produce and discuss a draft policy for consideration of changes to the liquor license cap policy that would better incorporate the City’s economic development goals.   Councillor Decker
AMENDED

21. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an analysis of whether the City of Boston’s Site Cleanliness Ordinance or parts thereof could be useful for the City of Cambridge, and whether Cambridge should adopt a similar ordinance, and if so, what changes the City Manager would recommend.   Councillor Galluccio

22. That the City Manager is requested to appoint additional members to ensure that the Neighborhood Safety Committee will have significant community representation with members from the neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by crime--Riverside, Area 4, and North Cambridge, as well as representation from the immigrant community.   Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Reeves

23. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how City departments collect personal data, what that data is used for and how City staff is trained to both collect the data and protect it from improper use.   Councillor Kelley

24. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether the increase in wages covered the entire cost of the increase of health insurance payments, as well as the increase in the cost of living.   Councillor Decker

25. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the Cambridge Postal Advisory Group, the Porter Square Neighborhood Association, and other interested parties to ameliorate current neighborhood problems and concerns surrounding the Porter Square Post Office.   Councillor Murphy

26. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department as to what can be built in accordance with present zoning restrictions at the site of 1924 Massachusetts Avenue and to provide technical assistance to the Porter Square Neighborhood Association and other neighbors as they respond to potential development at that site.   Councillor Murphy

27. Support of Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Menino’s anti-handgun initiative.   Mayor Reeves

28. Dedication of a corner in memory of Francis J. Burns, Sr.   Councillor Decker and Councillor Sullivan.

29. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking Transportation relative to traffic issues on Raymond Street.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Sullivan

30. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of the Cambridge Library with a view in mind of changing operation hours to match consumer preferences so that residents can utilize the library resources.   Councillor Sullivan

31. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of ice skating at Fresh Pond and the possibility of flooding tennis courts and portion of parks, especially Cambridge Common in the winter months, to be used for ice skating.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons

32. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to re-examine the safety concerns at the corner of Binney and Fulkerson Streets due to an obstructed view of oncoming traffic.   Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Sullivan

33. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to repair and coordinate the lights at the intersection of Upland Road and Massachusetts Avenue and the light at the Porter Square "T" station.   Councillor Decker

34. That the Government Operations Committee be and hereby is requested to consider the broader issue of travel expenses as well as Order No. 9 of February 5, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on Jan 24, 2007 to discuss the use of solar energy at the high school or another school in the City and any and all matters relating to renewable energy.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 12, 2006 to discuss City plans to address pedestrian issues related to the new Lechmere Station.

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

Wed, Feb 7
9:30am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update from the Cambridge Health Alliance on "Healthy Living Cambridge," particularly on its work on addressing childhood obesity.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Feb 13
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Municipal Code Chapter 6 entitled: Animal Control Regulations, to provide rules for off-leash areas.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance on a Petition from the Planning Board on the Prospect Street Rezoning. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed order for the City Manager to require utilization of a more protective noise affidavit in building/construction permit applications.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 28
1:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the feasibility of banning trans fat in Cambridge restaurants.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 6
10:00am   The Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the transition of returning veterans, including the discussion of developing a "Welcome Home" package.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Mar 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Sat, Apr 28
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Wed, May 9
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Sat, May 12
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 16
5:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget. (IF NECESSARY)  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, June 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
|WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to the right of all workers to have dignity in their lives, safe conditions at work, a living wage, and health benefits, and supports responsible employers who follow the law and treat their workers fairly; and
WHEREAS: Smithfield Foods is the largest pork processor in the world. Poverty wages, brutal working conditions and crippling injuries are an everyday matter for the 5,500 workers at Smithfield’s plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina. Conditions are so wretched that Human Rights Watch cited Smithfield for violating international human rights standards; and
WHEREAS: In an atmosphere of intimidation and violence, the workers at the Tar Heel plant are attempting to organize a union local of the United Food and Commercial Workers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the workers at the Smithfield processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina in their struggle for dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, and their right to organize into a union to procure these benefits without harassment from their employer; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Chairman Joseph Luter and CEO Larry Pope, Smithfield foods, Inc. and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in honor of William Paquet; 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-3     Feb 5, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The US Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions calling for cities, communities and the federal government to take actions to reduce global warming pollutions; and
WHEREAS: The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community’s most respected assemblage of scientists, has found that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS: Recent, well documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea level increases of four to eight inches during the 20th century; a 40 percent decline in artic sea-ice thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and
WHEREAS: Climate disruption of the magnitude now predicted by the scientific community will cause extremely costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world including: increased risk of floods or droughts; sea-level rises that interact with coastal storms to erode beaches, inundate land, and damage structures; more frequent and extreme heat waves; more frequent and greater concentrations of smog; and
WHEREAS: On Feb 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address climate disruption, went into effect in the 141 countries that have ratified it to date; 38 of those countries are now legally required to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS: The United States of America, with less than five percent of the world’s population is responsible for producing approximately 25 percent of the world’s global warming pollutants; and
WHEREAS: The Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.S. would have been 7 percent below the levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS: Many leading US companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs to demonstrate corporate social responsibility have publicly expressed preference for the US to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to remain competitive in the international marketplace, to mitigate financial risk and to promote sound investment decisions; and
WHEREAS: State and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan, coming from Republican and Democratic governors and mayors alike; and
WHEREAS: Many cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and
WHEREAS: Mayors from around the nation have signed the U/S/ Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which, as amended at the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, reads:

The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below the 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States’ dependency on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and bio-fuels;

B. We urge the US Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that includes 1) clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and

C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollutions by taking action in our own operations and communities such as:

1. Inventory global warming emissions in City Operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan.

2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact walkable urban communities.

3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trips reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit;

4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in "green tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste-to-energy technology;

5. Make energy efficiency a priority through the building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money;

6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for city use;

7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the US Green Building Councils LEED program or a similar system;

8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti-idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel;

9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production;

10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community;

11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb CO2; and

12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations business and industry about reducing global warming pollution; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council endorses the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual US Conference of Mayors meeting and urges mayors from around the nation to join this effort; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council will work in conjunction with the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and other appropriate organizations to track progress and implementation of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors.

O-4     Feb 5, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a corner in the vicinity of 8th Street and Otis Street as "Angelina "Angie" Iannacci Square;" 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-5     Feb 5, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a corner in the vicinity of 5th Street and Thorndike Street as "John and Carmela Percoco Square;" 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 communication with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-6     Feb 5, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a corner in the vicinity of 6th Street and Otis Street as "Mabel Ruffing Square;" 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-7     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the break-ins and car vandalism and theft in the vicinity of Suffolk Street in Area Four; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician with the view of providing additional street lighting for Suffolk Street (near the Senior Citizen residence) and any other streets in the vicinity that are subject to high rates of street vandalism and crime.

O-8     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of the corner of 88 Hampshire Street and Windsor Street in honor of Victor and Lee Privetera; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and the Department of Public Works for the sign.

O-9     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to place the following amendment to the City Council’s "Rules of Travel" on the Calendar for consideration at the next regular meeting:

That the Rules of the City Council be amended by inserting the following sentence at the end of Rule 38 ("Rules of Travel"):

* The City Auditor’s up-to-date journal of travel-related City Council expenditures shall also be posted on the City of Cambridge web site, together with complete copies of all relevant payment requests, invoices, charge account records, receipts and vouchers.

O-10     Feb 5, 2007  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Excessive speeding is a problem on many Cambridge streets and poses significant safety concerns; and
WHEREAS: Traffic calming devices such as speed bumps, speed humps and other raised devices have been used on various City streets; and
WHEREAS: At neighborhood meetings City staff are regularly requested to install raised devices on local streets to limit traffic speeds and increase safety; and
WHEREAS: There are issues involving raised devices that City staff note as limiting their ability to use such devices in many areas; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a report on issues involving speed bumps, raised intersections and other raised devices intended to slow traffic speeds and the limits of employing the various types of such devices on City streets and privately controlled property.
ORDERED: That this matter is referred to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a full discussion and explanation of the issues including speed bumps, raised intersections and other devices intended to slow traffic speeds, and the limits of employing these devices and the criteria for selection of their placement; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to also provide the committee with any copies of existing explanatory material and websites for their dissemination to citizens who have questions in this area.

O-11     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that the FY 2007/2008 budget reflect the City Council’s concerns that quality of life issues such as urban forestry, traffic enforcement, community policing, noise ordinance enforcement and air quality monitoring and protection be given greater emphasis and support than in past budgets.

O-12     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the Charles River Basin is crucial in maximizing the value of this regional treasure; and
WHEREAS: Bridges along the various riverbanks and canals associated with the Charles River Basin are crucial in providing such access; and
WHEREAS: Various construction projects in Cambridge have been approved by City agencies in part contingent upon their providing river access; and
WHEREAS: The project on Broad Canal involving Mirant is one such project whose approval included a pedestrian bridge along the Canal; and
WHEREAS: The future of this pedestrian bridge which was to have been constructed by Mirant is now in doubt; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting the construction of this pedestrian bridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the agreement regarding construction of a boardwalk along the Broad Canal and transmit to the owners of the property the interest of the City Council in seeing the project completed.

O-13     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Major development is proposed in the minimum front yard setback on Memorial Drive; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to produce a briefing paper by Feb 20, 2007 on:
 * The history of the Riverfront Overlay District passed by the City Council in June 2004;
 * A description of the front yard requirements along Memorial Drive and reason for the inclusion of front yard requirements in the zoning;
 * An analysis of the impact on potential development if front yard setbacks are waived within the required minimum front yards; and
 * An analysis of other possible impacts of the proposed development on the abutting residential neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the report be transmitted to the Planning Board and to the public as requested.

O-14     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The City of Boston has adopted a home rule petition which would allow the City to create stronger enforcement measures for a number of City violations; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to have a rodent problem; and
WHEREAS: There may be a correlation between rodent infested areas of the City with areas more highly populated with businesses (restaurants, etc.) and multi-family and non-owner occupied properties; and
WHEREAS: Many of the enforcement measures that the City has against business owners and residents who violate City laws such as leaving trash foodstuffs and grease outside are virtually unenforceable because they cannot result in liens of any kind; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager, in conjunction with the Law Department, be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with home rule options that would tighten up enforcement measures for violators that are causing the rodent problem in Cambridge.

O-15     Feb 5, 2007  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in the early Spring with a detailed report on this year’s senior class with the percentages of students who have been accepted and/or will be attending two and four year colleges as well as any other post graduation plans.
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in the early Spring with a detailed report on this year's senior class with the percentages of students who have received a verified acceptance to a two or four year college as well as any other post graduation program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the report also contain verified statistics in the same categories for last year's senior class.

O-16     Feb 5, 2007  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the impact on the City of the proposed purchase of the Grand Junction Railroad by the MBTA EOTA.

O-17     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It would appear that a major hazard and life-threatening incident was created by Turner Broadcasting for a publicity stunt; and
WHEREAS: Said stunt caused potential life-threatening harm to many people, caused a significant amount of human resources and capital to be expended and caused a significant amount of economic loss to a variety of individuals and businesses; and
WHEREAS: This City Council is deeply disturbed by the actions of Turner Broadcasting for its actions and for what it may precipitate in the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with all department heads to determine what our actual costs were in terms of both human resources and capital at all levels of our government; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate individuals to determine what the economic impact was to individuals and businesses in our community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the City Solicitor and/or other legal authorities to determine what actions we can take to recoup these amounts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the co-chairs and members of the Public Safety Committee.

O-18     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant Director of Human Services and the Affirmative Action Director with the view in mind of directing appropriate staff to work with the Civic Unity Committee to implement a forum on race and class in Cambridge.

O-19     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Telecommunications capabilities are expanding at a rapid pace; and
WHEREAS: Efficient and cost-effective functioning of City of Cambridge departments depends upon keeping abreast of changes in telecommunications law and technological advances; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a report on the future of the City of Cambridge’s internal telecommunications infrastructure and any plans to possibly change services or infrastructure in the future.

O-20     Feb 5, 2007  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Chairman of the License Commission, the City Solicitor and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of assigning representatives from the License Commission, the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor’s Office to work with the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee to produce and discuss a draft policy for consideration of changes to the liquor license cap policy that would better incorporate the City’s economic development goals to discuss the underlying issues with regard to the Liquor License cap policy and offer suggestions to the License Commission for their consideration.

O-21     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Chairman of the License Commission to review Boston’s Site Cleanliness Ordinance (attached); and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an analysis of whether the ordinance or parts thereof could be useful for the City of Cambridge, and whether Cambridge should adopt a similar ordinance, and if so, what changes the City Manager would recommend.

O-22     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The new Neighborhood Safety Committee has been appointed and will begin meeting in the near future; and
WHEREAS: The list of members is quite extensive, with a large representation from the municipal community; and
WHEREAS: Because the work of this committee will greatly influence what happens in the neighborhoods, community voices need to be heard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint additional members to ensure that the committee will have significant community representation with members from the neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by crime--Riverside, Area 4, and North Cambridge, as well as representation from the immigrant community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Mayor be and hereby are requested to ensure that meetings are scheduled at times when residents are able to attend. In addition, these meetings should be scheduled at regular intervals, with meeting notices going out to neighborhood associations and being placed on the city web page; and be it further
ORDERED: That a facilitator, who is not a member of the committee, be chosen to run the meetings, and that each meeting shall include a note taker to record the proceedings of the meeting and a translator, if needed.

O-23     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Personal information must be closely guarded to prevent identify theft; and
WHEREAS: City departments often need to collect personal information such as maiden name, phone number, address and so forth in order to complete relevant reports; and
ORDERED: The collection of such information seems to be inconsistent in many ways; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on how City departments collect data, what that data is used for and how City staff is trained to both collect the data and protect it from improper use.

O-24     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Employees of the City of Cambridge recently received a 3% raise; and
WHEREAS: Employees also experienced a 3% increase in their health insurance payments; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on whether the increase in wages covered the entire cost of the increase of health insurance payments, as well as the increase in the cost of living.

O-25     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the Cambridge Postal Advisory Group, the Porter Square Neighborhood Association, and other interested parties to ameliorate current neighborhood problems and concerns surrounding the Porter Square Post Office.

O-26     Feb 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department as to what can be built in accordance with present zoning restrictions at the site of 1924 Massachusetts Avenue and to provide technical assistance to the Porter Square Neighborhood Association and other neighbors as they respond to potential development at that site; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report his findings to the City Council as soon as possible.

O-27     Feb 5, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Menino’s anti-handgun initiative.

O-28     February 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a corner in memory of Francis J. Burns, Sr. after consultation with the family; 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-29     February 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking Transportation relative to traffic issues on Raymond Street.

O-30     February 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of the Cambridge Library with a view in mind of changing operation hours to match consumer preferences so that residents can utilize the library resources.

O-31     February 5, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of ice skating at Fresh Pond and the possibility of flooding tennis courts and portion of parks, especially Cambridge Common in the winter months, to be used for ice skating.

O-32     February 5, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to re-examine the safety concerns at the corner of Binney and Fulkerson Streets due to an obstructed view of oncoming traffic.

O-33     February 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to repair and coordinate the lights at the intersection of Upland Road and Massachusetts Avenue and the light at the Porter Square "T" station.

O-34     February 5, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the Government Operations Committee be and hereby is requested to consider the broader issue of travel expenses as well as Order No. 9 of February 5, 2007.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at five o’clock and twelve minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the use of solar energy at the high school or another school in the City and any and all matters relating to renewable energy.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Michael Sullivan; Councillor Denise Simmons; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Karen Preval, Senior Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office; Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer; David Kale, Budget Director; George Fernandes, City Electrician; Paul Schlaver, Executive Director, Consumer’s Council; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); John Bolduc, Environmental Project Planner, CDD; Penny Peters, Assistant to Councillor Davis; School Committee Members Nancy Walser, Chair, Buildings and Grounds and Long Range Planning sub-committee; Joseph Grassi; Patricia Nolan; Luc Schuster; and Fred Fantini; Marilyn Bradshaw, Executive Secretary of the School Committee; James Maloney, Chief Operations Officer, School Department; Melanie Barron, Science Coordinator, Tobin School; members of the CRLS Environmental Action Club: Anna Ostow, Joseph Poirier, Veasey Conway and Adam Freierman. Also present were Bill Zamparelli and Brett Feldman, NSTAR; Martha Broad MTC, 75 North Drive, Westboro, MA 01581; Sue Butler, President, Green Decade/Cambridge; Kathy Reine, Green Decade/Cambridge; Adam Briggs, Mass Energy; Fred Schlicher, Massachusetts Climate Action; Will Conklin, Citizens Energy; Janie Katz-Christy, Cambridge Green Street Initiative; Steve Morr-Wineman, 26 McTernan Street, Cambridge, MA; Audrey Shulman, 4 Acorn Street; Decia Goodman; Radu Raduta, MIT Graduate student; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She distributed an agenda for the meeting (Attachment A). She asked Ms. Broad from MTC to describe MTC’s Clean Energy Choice Bonus Program.

Ms. Broad informed the committee that MTC has a bonus program. If 150 new households sign up by Mar 31, 2007 to donate either $5.00 a month or a $100.00 one-time donation to the New England Wind Fund Cambridge will qualify for this bonus - 2 KW PV solar panels, which can be used at a Cambridge school. Details of this plan were distributed (Attachment B). MTC will provide funding for PV solar panels but the municipality has to decide where panels will be installed. Installation must be decided by May 31, 2007. Mr. Rossi requested that the City be given flexibility about the installation site selection.

School Committee Member Nolan asked if the 2 KW system could be increased to 10 KW system. Ms. Broad stated that the bonus offer is for a 2 KW system. Funding for a 10 KW system could be discussed. She also stated that a data acquisition system would require 200 households.

Councillor Sullivan spoke about SBA funds and points given for energy efficient buildings.

At five o’clock and forty minutes p.m. Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Mr. Zamparelli, NSTAR, stated that NSTAR will have two programs. Customers will be able to purchase 50-100 percent of green power. Details for this program have not been worked out yet. NSTAR will identify green power. Phase one will purchase green power from outside Massachusetts; phase two from inside Massachusetts. The second program is the Cambridge Fund where residents could elect to contribute a $5.00 fee per month for Cambridge for clean energy. This would be matched by MTC. Approval of this program is required from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE).

Councillor Davis spoke about the check off program on the NSTAR bill for money to go to renewable energy. Mr. Zamparelli informed the committee that this is a pilot program with Cambridge. More information would be provided about a system wide program when developed. Councillor Davis stated that the City is grateful to NSTAR. Mr. Zamparelli informed the committee that the check off program would not occur for the Mar 31, 2007 deadline for the MTC program. Mr. Rossi suggested that NSTAR put an insert into the utility bill. Mr. Zamparelli stated that it was suggested that a postcard be used to alert residents to sign up for the program. A hearing before the DTE is required for approval of the program.

Anna Ostow representing the CRLS Environmental Club wanted the solar panel installed on CRLS. The educational value could be great. There is classroom access for students to view the panels. Councillor Davis cited from the "Feasibility Study of Energy Options and Green School Upgrades" dated Sept 30, 2003 that a south facing 2 KW demonstration tilt able ballast tray on the roof system that allows students to see the system up close and experiment with tilting panels to see energy production changes based on the angle in relation to the sun. The main entry canopy is a place this system could be located. There is already an opening onto this roof from an adjacent classroom, the roof already has parapets to keep children safe and the location is excellent for high visibility to all students and the public (Attachment C). The proposal for the panel at CRLS will be decided at a later meeting.

Kathy Reine, 30 Vassal Lane, asked how long is the $5.00 commitment? Councillor Davis responded that the $5.00 a month commitment goes to Mass Energy to develop wind power. She compared the monthly commitment of $5.00 per month for a year as being a better deal than the one-time $100.00 donation.

School Committee member Nolan spoke about the savings at the high school and youth centers. The big picture of energy efficiency should be reviewed.

Sue Butler, 14 Clinton Street, stated she signed up for a $10.00 a month commitment. She suggested contacting members on the Green Decade list for commitments.

Steve Ohman asked how many people have signed up so far. Councillor Davis responded twenty-four. Mr. Ohman suggested a thermometer be displayed to show how close is the City to the goal. The 8 KW add on is a great idea. Solar panels are modular and can have additional panels added.

Brett Feldman, NSTAR, asked if businesses are eligible for the MTC match. Ms. Broad responded in the affirmative.

Melanie Barron, Science Coordinator, Tobin School, commented that large groups of people support the Cambridge Science festival; they should be asked to allocate $100.00. Councillor Davis stated that the Science Festival will be contacted.

School Committee Member Schuster asked if 300 households sign up would the money be doubled. Ms. Broad would get back to the committee on this matter.

Janie Katz-Christy, 166 Elm Street North, asked if there is any mechanism to acknowledge who joins the program to donate for the good of the City.

John Bolduc asked if Cambridge gets to choose the 2 KW system. Ms. Broad responded in the affirmative.

Councillor Davis closed this portion of the meeting at six o’clock and two minutes p.m.

At six o’clock and ten minutes the renewable energy meeting commenced.

School Committee member Walser stated that the School Committee has a sub-committee on Buildings and Grounds. The agenda for this sub-committee will be to keep tabs on projects at the high school. SBA regulations were revised. The roof and HVAC project at CRLS will go forward. The sub-committee will review this project and make enhancements.

At the request of Councillor Davis, Ms. Rasmussen reviewed the renewable energy goals for the City. Due to a national competition the City is receiving the services of a consultant, pro bono. The consultant will advise on whether the City can purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), invest in an energy facility and analyze the REC market. There will be interaction with the public before RECs are purchased. What can be done on City buildings is being reviewed. Wind, solar and small hydro, through the water department, are being reviewed. An analysis is being done on ramping up in the next three years.

The City is at two percent of renewable energy stated Councillor Davis. The state requirement is four percent by 2009. City buildings are being monitored. Councillor Sullivan asked if both leased and owned buildings are included. Mr. Fernandes responded that if a building is leased and pays energy costs it is included.

Mr. Maloney stated that the window repair at CRLS was omitted from the work outlined for the CRLS project.

Councillor Davis stated that the City has a policy that all buildings are built to LEED standards. Assessment is made to establish standards whether silver or gold LEED stated Mr. Rossi. Costs for construction have escalated dramatically as well as revisions to the state construction reform act. Only getting two bidders is a detriment to the City. Co-generation at the CRLS project is being reviewed. There are implications over and above efficiency that need to be reviewed such as back up systems and maintenance costs. The War Memorial will go out to bid shortly.

Councillor Sullivan wanted economics of scale reviewed to build a power plant to service both facilities in the future. Mr. Rossi stated that if this was done with the high school the War Memorial could be included. This was not considered when the library was designed.

Ms. Nolan stated that the study was done two years ago and looked at a variety of options. However, the study is outdated. Mr. Rossi commented that there are very important renovations being done to the high school project. Councillor Davis spoke about operation costs and energy efficient equipment. A joint collaboration is needed to make the right renovations. Councillor Sullivan stated that energy efficiency needed to be done for the right reason-not just cost savings. Savings, he said, does not always justify the cost. Mr. Rossi cautioned that the state money is at stake to start the project by

July 1, 2007 and begin construction by July 2009. Councillor Sullivan asked about the timeline. Mr. Rossi responded the ideal time for input is now until October and November.

At six o’clock and forty-two minutes p.m. the meeting was opened to public comment.

Radu Raduta, MIT student, informed the committee that MIT students are working on a project that looks at energy systems. MIT students will work on wind and solar options for CRLS. Mr. Rossi stated that the report by the MIT students could be sent to the architect to evaluate. However, there is a cost associated with this evaluation. An engineer could do the evaluation. Time is of the essence. Mr. Raduta stated the report would be ready by the spring. The report may be too late commented Mr. Rossi. Councillor Davis suggested an interim report. Mr. Rossi stated that the City is selecting architects for their knowledge of green buildings. All are LEED certified consultants. When will the architect be chosen asked Councillor Davis? Next week responded Mr. Rossi.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and forty-nine minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2006, at five o’clock and thirty-five minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss City plans to address pedestrian issues related to the new Lechmere Station.

Present at the meeting was Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Michael Sullivan; Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Sue Clippinger, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation; Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environment and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Kelley opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He then opened the meeting to public comment.

No one appeared for public comment. Councillor Kelley submitted an e-mail from Elvina Reyes for the record (Attachment A).

At this time an overview was received from Ms. Clippinger on pedestrian crossings of the O’Brien Highway (Attachment B). North Point Development is a large project with a variety of permits. Councillor Kelley asked about funding for the project. The project received no public money but did receive $5 million in safety money via a federal transportation bill, with other costs being born by the developer. There are three new intersections with improvements to other intersections with pedestrian crosswalks and five signalized lights. The intersection from First Street to O’Brien Highway allows good connections and provides connection to Kendall Square without going through the neighborhood. O’Brien Highway was reviewed for design, access for pedestrians and into North Point. There are bike lanes on O’Brien Highway. The idea is to make the highway area more permeable for pedestrians. The Gilmore bridge, which goes by the Museum of Science, is very congested and the hope is that this project will pull cars off of the site on the East and West sides, even though through traffic stays on O’Brien highway.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that Mass. Highway was to build two bridges as part of the Big Dig mitigation, up and down stream, but there is no money to build these bridges. This is a serious issue, which needs to be resolved.

Councillor Sullivan asked about the mitigation with the Mass. Law Foundation. There is an $80 million cap responded Ms. Rasmussen. The Central Artery realizes that it cannot walk away. The money for this project is getting front-loaded.

Ms. Clippinger stated that the signalized crossings have a variety of signals. The DCR operates two signals, the City one. The Museum signal timing will be reviewed. The last block of Cambridge Street is 1 way, and all the confusing moves happen a block earlier at 1st street, which is an easier place. All crosswalks will be signalized and the City is working with DCR to coordinate their two signals. Councillor Sullivan requested police presence for pedestrian access at the Charles Street Reconstruction Project. He asked if the City anticipates using the state of the art in lighted crossings. Ms. Clippinger responded that the goal is to make delays short, crossing time long and use LED lighting with lead pedestrian interval (LPI). However, each crossing is different. The principal goal is to have pedestrians able to cross easily. The volume of O’Brien Highway is so much more than elsewhere that it is tough to make comparisons. There are a total of 7 lights, two are DCR, one is new, one is moved. The lights will have a ‘pedestrian jump, also called a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LBI).

Councillor Sullivan commented that the bend in the road was to be eliminated. It will be a soft curve because on straight roads motorists speed and run red lights stated Ms. Rasmussen. The median will be widened with half crossings to accommodate left and right vehicle turns, stated Ms. Clippinger. Pedestrians can walk from Northpoint to Cambridge. They are trying to keep travel lanes consistent as they go through the site. Also, they will allow people to cross the part of the road in some light cycles where there is no conflicting traffic. People would cross anyway in such cases.

Councillor Kelley asked if the timeline would be published in the media. Ms. Clippinger responded in the affirmative. Councillor Sullivan asked what is the timeline. Two seasons responded Ms. Clippinger. Councillor Sullivan cautioned allowing access during the construction period. This is a collaborative project stated Ms. Clippinger. Vice Mayor Toomey requested that a discussion occur with the MBTA, and the DCR to discuss the feasibility of installing a tunnel. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the utility lines needed to be changed. The timing is important because it is in the design phase. Access and detail on engineering solutions must be consistent day and night stated Councillor Kelley. Massachusetts Highway and the Federal highway departments need to approve the plans. Councillor Sullivan noted that this is at least a two-season project and, looking at the Charles Street madhouse, he wants to make sure that there is a safe crossing. Ms. Clippinger noted that the developer will have two open buildings at this time so it will be in their interest to make the crossings as safe as possible.

Councillor Kelley asked if there would be a bus stop on the Galleria side. This has not been decided yet responded Ms. Clippinger. Can the bus stop access be figured out asked Councillor Kelley? The expectation is that the bus takes the most direct route, to avoid congestions, and then to make the crossings as safe as possible. Then people will walk from the bus stop.

Councillor Davis asked if the road would be narrowed. Cambridge Street was narrowed; a bike lane was added. Councillor Davis commented that the Land Boulevard crossing is horrible. Ms. Clippinger responded that there is no crosswalk at the bottom of the bridge. A crosswalk could be added and then eliminated to the right turn slip lane to make it easier for pedestrians to get to the island. Runners use the Prison Point bridge. This is a difficult area to make pedestrian improvements because of the amount of traffic. There will be islands for people to shelter on, though the island at O’Brien Highway is currently really uninviting. To resolve the issue pedestrians help is needed stated Councillor Davis. Prison Point Bridge is really tough. People come from the Orange Line. Ms. Rasmussen noted that it would be tough to improve Prison Point Bridge because of the volume of traffic.

Vice Mayor Toomey asked if there is any shuttle from the new stop at the Galleria. Ms. Rasmussen stated that it will take as long to travel in a shuttle as it takes to walk. The mass of walkers might make things safer, as it would put cars on notice that pedestrians are there. They are also building a bridge over the railroad tracks from Charlestown for bikes and pedestrian. It is the NorthBank Bridge from Paul Revere Park and it is out to bid now.

Councillor Davis said that this may turn into a lawsuit and that the Artery’s commitment must be met.

Councillor Sullivan spoke about the pedestrian light at First Street. This site is a free for all. Councillor Davis also commented that she called the Traffic Department about the problem with this light.

Councillor Sullivan spoke about the new bridge in the area of the Museum of Science. This is an island bridge stated Ms. Rasmussen. Cambridge has put the Central Artery on notice that the City expects this bridge to be built. Will the path at Museum Towers connect to the bridge or the railroad asked Councillor Kelley? Ms. Rasmussen stated that the North Point Bridge is out to bid. It is an inland bridge that connects Charlestown and Cambridge. This is unsatisfactory progress for Cambridge. Southbank Bridge would go around Spaulding Rehab building on the other side of the River, but that project has fallen apart. There should be two more bridge for crossing the Charles River on either side of the Railroad Bridge. Councillor Kelley asked if the North Point Bridge would be a push button crosswalk. Ms. Clippinger responded in the negative. The timing of the crosswalks was discussed. The longest wait is 72 seconds. In some places traffic will be too heavy to make a concurrent right turn. The curbs will be six inches high.

Councillor Davis asked if the lights are LED. All intersections are LED conversions stated Ms Clippinger.

Vice Mayor Toomey asked if there were any plans for the overpass from Somerville at Twin City. This bridge is deteriorating and may go down in a bit. How would that impact this project. Ms. Clippinger stated work is being done at Longfellow, BU and Storrow Drive bridges. There is talk of sequencing; but funding is the issue. Councillor Kelley asked when the BU work starts. The BU project is an 18-24 month project. Ms. Clippinger stated that this issue needed to be addressed with the Urban Ring. These are all tossed into the ring at once. This may encourage people to look at other options to move around. There will be 3000 new units, more or less, at North Point and other local areas.

At six o’clock and forty minutes Councillor Kelley opened the meeting to public comment.

Kathy Podgers stated that she has been driving here since the sixties. There is heavy pedestrian traffic at the large intersection at Land Boulevard going towards Bunker Hill. There is enough time for pedestrians to cross because each direction has its own signal. What does not work is when the traffic from Boston hits the red lights and the drivers speed up. It is dangerous for drivers because there are two red lights. Red lights that are too close together do not work because if someone runs a yellow/red light they cannot stop for a subsequent second red light. Land Boulevard also takes traffic off of Cambridge Street. It is difficult for traffic coming off of Cambridge Street to make turns. Narrow lanes on O’Brien Highway make it difficult and dropping lanes also makes it tough. Pedestrians by the Green Line have trouble. This area needs traffic calming.

Public comment closed at six o’clock and forty-four minute P. M.

Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and forty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair