Cambridge City Council meeting - February 7, 2011 - AGENDA
[Councillor Decker was ABSENT]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 10-127 and 10-151, regarding the nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction railroad line and the request for additional information on Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) meetings scheduled with neighborhood and business associations.

2. 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 the first day of January, 2011: Jackie Chen

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


Feb 7, 2011

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am pleased to inform you that the City of Cambridge retains the rare distinction of being one of approximately thirty municipalities in the United States with three Triple A ratings from the nation's three major credit rating agencies. The City has received Triple A ratings from Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings every year since 1999.

These ratings are in conjunction with the City's sale of $46.2 million in General Obligation bonds, which is scheduled to take place on Feb 15, 2011 to finance such capital projects as the CRLS Renovation Project, Sewer Reconstruction Projects, Radio System Replacement, Old Police Station Renovation Project, Roadway Improvements in Harvard and Kendall Square, Building Improvements and the renovation of the soccer field at Danehy Park.

In addition, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed its "strong" Financial Management Assessment (FMA) of the City. An FMA of "strong" indicates that practices are strong, well embedded and likely sustainable. The strong rating indicates that the government maintains most best practices deemed critical to supporting credit quality and that these are well embedded in the government's daily operations and practices. Formal policies support many of these activities, adding to the likelihood that these practices will continue into the future and transcend changes in the operating environment or personnel.

Based on this ongoing recognition from the rating agencies, especially during these challenging economic times for municipalities, the City Council can be justly proud of its sound fiscal policies.

I will forward you the final rating opinions of Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's. Listed below are highlights from the Moody's and Fitch agency report. Standard & Poor's has confirmed our Triple A rating and "strong" FMA rating but their report was not available in order to provide highlights.

Fitch Ratings

Rating Rationale

Key Rating Driver

Highlights

Fitch notes that Cambridge's substantial $99.4 million of excess levy capacity under Proposition 2 1/2, along with its considerable reserve levels, provide the city with ample flexibility to weather the effects of the economic recession.

Exceptional financial management and planning are demonstrated by the city's strong financial position. The city had planned draws on its general fund reserves in fiscal 2009 and 2010 to keep tax levies at moderate levels and fiscal 2010 unreserved general fund balances declined to $129.5 million from $141.6 million in fiscal 2009, but still equaled a high 31% of spending.

Moody's Investors Service

Summary Rating Rationale

The Aaa rating reflects the city's large, diverse and stable tax base, which is anchored by prominent higher education institutions and a growing research and development sector.

Also incorporated into the Aaa rating are an exceptionally strong and resilient financial position which has performed well through the national economic downturn, management's consistently conservative approach to budgeting and a favorable debt profile supported by healthy enterprise systems and historically strong commonwealth school construction aid.

Strengths

"Large and diverse tax base anchored by stable universities"

"Robust financial position guided by sound management policies"

Highlights

INSTITUTIONAL PRESENCE AND STRONG GROWTH IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MAINTAIN TAX BASE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY

Cambridge's economy benefits from the presence of Harvard University (rated Aaa/stable outlook) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, also rated Aaa/stable outlook)--which together enroll 28,400 students and provide employment for over 18,000 full-time equivalent positions--and the related vibrant biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences employment base. Together these institutions comprise 43% of the jobs provided by the city's top 25 employers while building permits issued to the universities historically represent a significant portion of the city's annual activity.

CITY MAINTAINS STRONG RESERVE POSITION DESPITE PRESSURE ON STATE AND LOCAL REVENUES

Although Moody's expects local governments' recovery from the recession to lag the general economic recovery, Cambridge is expected to maintain a healthy financial position in the near term. The city continues to benefit from high financial flexibility and robust reserve levels, which position it to absorb several years of flat or declining state aid and local revenues with only moderate declines in reserves. Cambridge's strong management team has historically followed a prudent fiscal strategy, and beginning in fiscal 2008, follows formally adopted fiscal policies for its annual budgeting. Steady revenue streams, generated by its substantial and economically vibrant tax base, provide a notable degree of flexibility to address future budgetary challenges.

Additional flexibility is derived from Cambridge's ample excess property tax levy capacity under Proposition 2 1/2, historically maintained at robust levels and currently the highest of any Massachusetts city or town. Despite recessionary pressures and sluggish local revenue growth, the city's excess levy capacity reached $99.4 million in fiscal 2011 and has more than tripled since fiscal 2003 due to strong tax base expansion and controlled expenditure growth.

AFFORDABLE BURDEN WITH MANAGEABLE PUBLIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Moody's expects the city's debt obligations to remain affordable given a sizeable level of self-supporting debt, and a rapid principal retirement schedule.

Self-supporting water and sewer enterprise debt as well as the city's pay-as-you-go funding plan, budgeted at approximately $2 million annually, also contribute to Cambridge's favorable debt ratios.

WHAT COULD MOVE THE RATING DOWN:

- Significant reduction in reserve levels or property tax levy capacity

- Adoption of less conservative approach to budgeting and financial management

- Deterioration of tax base or local economy

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Eric Lander, the Broad Institute, the owner of Sebastian's, and the owner of the building about removing signs and making the Broad Institute building feel more inviting to visitors. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Twenty-three of Jan 31, 2011.]
Place on file under Rule 19. No action taken.

ON THE TABLE
2. 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.]

3. 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.]

4. 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.]

5. 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.]

6. 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. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]

7. 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. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. 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 Feb 16, 2011.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. Constable bond received from Philip Sciandra for approval of the surety.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peggy Sarchioni, transmitting thanks for the resolution for her mother Catherine Preston.

2. At the meeting John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, submitted an article from the New York Times entitled "Droughts, Floods and Food."
Referred to Order #5

3. At the meeting Minka vanBeuzekom, Essex Street, submitted photos of various community gardens around the city.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Rachel Spera Mangano.   Councillor Toomey

2. Appreciation and thanks to the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center and the actors of "When Mahalia Sings", a play about the life of Mahalia Jackson.   Councillor Simmons

3. Thanks to Mohan Singh, owner of India Pavilion, for his commitment to the Cambridge community.   Councillor Reeves

4. Congratulations and thanks to Youth on Fire for their ten years of service to the homeless and at-risk youth in Cambridge.   Councillor Decker

5. Congratulations to Gretchen and Eliza Johnston-Meisels on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth Izzy Bae Johnston-Meisels.   Councillor Decker

6. Congratulations to the New England Chinese Professionals on the occasion of their 2011 Lunar New Year Gala.   Councillor Cheung

7. Congratulations to the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants on the occasion of their recognition by the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Councillor Cheung

8. Congratulations to City Councillor Marjorie Decker on her appointment to the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board.   Councillor Cheung

9. Welcome Kika restaurant to Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung

10. Welcome Fuji restaurant to Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung

11. Happy Birthday wishes to Councillor Leland Cheung.   Councillor Reeves

12. Congratulations to Susannah Rose and William Marion on the birth of their daughter Alexandria Emerson Rose Marion.   Councillor Seidel

13. Congratulations to Max Wiegand on winning first place in the elementary varsity section of the 45th annual Greater New York Scholastic Championship.   Mayor Maher

14. Resolution on the death of Henry P. "Hank" Gallagher.   Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Mary C. Cummings.   Mayor Maher

16. Congratulations to Brian Murphy on his appointment as Assistant City Manager for the Community Development Department.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Maher

17. Resolution on the death of Cesar Lopez.   Councillor Simmons

18. Thanks and appreciation to Susan Glazer for serving as Acting City Manager for Community Development.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Maher

19. Happy Birthday wishes to Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves.   Mayor Maher

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding the increase of graffiti in the vicinity of Chatham Street, Dana Street, Broadway and Massachusetts Avenue with the view of increasing police patrols in the area and increasing efforts to make residents aware of the graffiti hotline.   Mayor Maher

2. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how City staff, to include the Cambridge Police Department, handled communications in the aftermath of the shooting on Clifton Street.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Seidel

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant State and City staff about the possibility of retaining the pedestrian light to allow at-grade crossing of Memorial Drive after the completion of the footbridge.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Seidel

4. That the City Manager is requested to inquire into the feasibility of instituting a phone book opt-out program in Cambridge to reduce waste and the costs associated with that waste.   Councillor Decker and Councillor Cheung
Amended

5. That the Mayor convene a Roundtable meeting with the Planning Board to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.   Councillor Seidel, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Kelley and Councillor Cheung

6. City Council support for appropriations for YWCA Cambridge and the YWCA Boston who, in a joint initiative, are requesting that $350,000 be included in the federal FY 12 Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Bill to target growing at-risk youth populations in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville neighborhoods.   Councillor Cheung

7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to make accessible to the public, either on the city's website or by constituent request, all un-cleared sidewalk complaints received, and all violations issued either due to those complaints or otherwise.   Councillor Cheung

8. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the City Council a timeline for the reopening of the Central Square Branch Library.   Vice Mayor Davis

9. The City Manager is requested to communicate with the Department of Public Works to devise a plan which will assure that crosswalks are a priority during future significant snow storms.   Councillor Reeves

10. The City Manager and the Mayor might reasonably consider whether or not a presentation by Street Development LLC to the City Council, Planning Board, and the public might aid our collective knowledge about comprehensive plan for a large area development which focuses on the interests of the municipality first.   Councillor Reeves

11. The Cambridge City Council should begin as soon as possible to develop principles which will guide future community benefit negotiations for future development projects where large renovations are requested.   Councillor Reeves

12. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of the Whittemore Avenue and Magoun Street community garden coming into City ownership, within the requirement of law.   Vice Mayor Davis and Mayor Maher

13. That the City Council Council vote to move to Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.   Vice Mayor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee for a public meeting held on Jan 6, 2011 to receive a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for a development consultant for Kendall and Central Square and the transition area (Lafayette Square).  Amended

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Civic Unity Committee for a public meeting held on Jan 5, 2011 to hold a discussion between the Civic Unity Committee and the Civic Unity Advisory Committee.

HEARING SCHEDULE
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 Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss snow removal issues.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Sat, Feb 12
10:00am   A budget forum for citizen input. Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway  (Main Library)

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)

Wed, Feb 16
9:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with Cambridge Local First how the City bids out for banks.  (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.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to examine the environmental goals of the City Council.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 22
5:30pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss promoting and sustaining retail in North Cambridge.  (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   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition originally filed by Chestnut Hill Realty and re-filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new section that would allow for the creation of rental apartment units in the basement levels of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts within 1200 feet of Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Street or the Red Line. This hearing to be televised.  (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)

Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, Mar 23
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition from Novartis to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to create a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street. This hearing to be televised.  (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   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition originally filed by William A. Fox, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by rezoning an area accessed via Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge from its current designation of Business A-2 to a new designation of Residence B. This hearing to be televised.  (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     Feb 7, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding the increase of graffiti in the vicinity of Chatham Street, Dana Street, Broadway and Massachusetts Avenue with the view of increasing police patrols in the area and increasing efforts to make residents aware of the graffiti hotline.

O-2     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: A shooting on Clifton Street occurred at roughly 8pm on Thurs, Jan 27 that apparently involved multiple parties shooting at each other; and
WHEREAS: People living in the immediate area were outside shoveling snow and observed this gun battle; and
WHEREAS: Many people living in the area were not told of this gun battle, no Alert was apparently sent out and there does not seem to have been effective post-gun battle outreach to the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: Effectively managing information dissemination around major events should include letting neighbors know about gun battles near their homes and keeping them up to date on the post-gun battle response; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department will have a community meeting on Tues, Feb 8th, almost 2 weeks after the gun battle; and
WHEREAS: This is not the first shooting in this area; and
WHEREAS: This is likely not to be the last shooting in this area unless things change dramatically; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on how City staff, to include the Cambridge Police Department, handled communications in the aftermath of this gun battle, why no Alert was sent out, how outreach was done for the community meeting and what plans are in place to keep future shootings from happening in this area.

O-3     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Pedestrian Bridge project by Magazine Beach has resulted in the installation of a pedestrian light in the area to allow at-grade crossing of Memorial Drive during the construction project; and
WHEREAS: This at-grade crossing light has proven to be very popular with a number of people who find it a more efficient and/or safer way to cross Memorial Drive than the footbridge; and
WHEREAS: Vehicular traffic in the area, especially for drivers trying to enter and turn across Memorial Drive, has been positively impacted by this light; and
WHEREAS: The state agency is running the project plans to remove the light upon completion of the footbridge; and
WHEREAS: The next Cambridgeport Neighbors Association meeting will include a discussion about this issue; and
WHEREAS: Some people would like the light and at-grade crossing to remain when the footbridge is opened and many people have signed a petition to that effect; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant State and City staff about the possibility of retaining this light and at-grade crossing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have relevant City staff attend the Cambridgeport Neighbors Association meeting on this issue; 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-4     Feb 7, 2011  Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Phone books create a tremendous amount of waste and can cost local governments millions of dollars to dispose of and recycle; and
WHEREAS: In an age when the internet is a more highly used method of information, gathering phone books have become less useful; and
WHEREAS: An opt-out program could allow anyone who did not want a phone book an easy way to avoid getting one; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inquire into the feasibility of instituting a phone book opt-out program in Cambridge to reduce waste and the costs associated with that waste; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter including bylaws or ordinances that some municipalities have enacted and a model bylaw available from the Product Stewardship Institute.

O-5     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the Mayor convene a Roundtable meeting with the Planning Board to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.

O-6     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the YWCA Cambridge and the YWCA Boston, in a joint initiative, are requesting that $350,000 be included in the federal FY12 Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Bill to target growing at-risk youth populations in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville neighborhoods with documented incidences of youth violence and racially-motivated crimes; and
WHEREAS: This project is based upon the YWCA Boston's very successful Community Dialogues program. It fits well with the YWCA mission to "eliminate racism", and the YWCA's history of being a catalyst for change; and
WHEREAS: The YWCA will utilize this funding to expand its professionally-facilitated, interracial community improvement program for disenfranchised neighborhoods, adult residents, proven-risk youth, young adults involved in the criminal justice system and law enforcement officials. The project's goals are to help reduce recidivism rates, youth violence and racially-motivated crimes, and increase residents' civic engagement in affected neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: Representatives from the YWCA Boston be meeting with staff members in both Senator Kerry's office and Representative Capuano's office to discuss this request and support from the Cambridge City Council would certainly help them; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That The Cambridge City Council go on record confirming its support for said appropriations request; and be in further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has already experienced four major snow storms and is expected to be hit by quite a few more by winter's end; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge's "Best Shoveled Block" contest has inspired many neighborhoods to become proactive about shoveling their sidewalks, resulting in safer conditions for pedestrians, a model that has been adopted by Boston and surrounding cities; and
WHEREAS: Although Cambridge has outshined its neighbors in regards to the quick removal of snow from the roads and public spaces, nonetheless some constituents have written in with concerns; and
WHEREAS: One such complaint is that many residents are still not shoveling the sidewalks in front of their homes, not only breaking the law but putting neighbors at risk; and
WHEREAS: It has also been noted in the before mentioned emails that it appears that the Department of Public Works is not enforcing sidewalk snow removal, resulting in many residents ignoring the law; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and its constituents would benefit greatly from an analysis of the complaint data. It would allow constituents and city staff to access how well the city is doing addressing sidewalk complaints and also how to modify our current strategy to meet demand; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to make accessible to the public, either on the city's website or by constituent request, all un-cleared sidewalk complaints received, and all violations issued either due to those complaints or otherwise. This data should be presented in spreadsheet format, containing offense date, issuance date, time of day, location, offender address, total fine, as well as the date/time of the receipt of complaint; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct the Department of Public works to develop a strategy to post or release this information regularly during the winter months.

O-8     Feb 7, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council a timeline for the reopening of the Central Square Branch Library; and be it further
ORDERED: That in the meantime, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange for a convenient drop off location for books, CDs and DVDs somewhere in Central Square, possibly at the Central Square Branch or City Hall.

O-9     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The exceptional amount of snow in 2011 has caused a number of conditions that we might plan to avoid in the future; and
WHEREAS: In Central Square, in particular, Feb 3, 2011, in the area surrounding Carl Barron Plaza, a lake of water, dirt, and slush makes it impossible to cross from one end of Massachusetts Avenue and Prospect Street to another part of Massachusetts Avenue and Prospect Street; and
WHEREAS: Along River Street heading towards the Charles River many corners have impassable mountains of ice and snow that would take an athlete to ascend and descend; and
WHEREAS: Areas around Central Square, a major transportation route, requires sidewalk access to traverse from various bus stops to the MBTA; and
WHEREAS: Serious attention must be paid crosswalks at major intersections in busy city squares; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Department of Public Works to devise a plan which will assure that cross walks are a priority during future significant snow storms.

O-10     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Street Works Development LLC in Quincy, MA, a development company might be able to aid the city in our development process for Kendall Square and Central Square; and
ORDERED: The City Manager and the Mayor might reasonably consider whether or not a presentation by Street Development LLC to the City Council, Planning Board, and the public might aid our collective knowledge about comprehensive plan for a large area development which focuses on the interests of the municipality first; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the work of Street Works Development LLC in Quincy, MA and determine if the Street Works Development (Company) approach to the development in Quincy has potential value for Cambridge.

O-11     Feb 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council should begin as soon as possible to develop principles which will guide future community benefit negotiations for future development projects where large renovations are requested; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the City Council should meet to develop these principles.

O-12     Feb 7, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: There are roughly 65 community gardens at the Fawcett site at the corner of Whittemore Avenue and Magoun Street; and
WHEREAS: Fawcett intends to sell the community garden site for development; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of the site coming into City ownership, within the requirement of law.

O-13     Feb 7, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: At the meeting of Feb 7, 2011 Vice Mayor Davis made a motion to move to Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property contingent upon the Chair declaring that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body; and
WHEREAS: The Chair declared that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council Council vote to move to Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1  Amended
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee conducted a public meeting on Thurs, Jan 6, 2011 at 5:36pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for a development consultant for Kendall and Central Square and the transition area (Lafayette Square) ATTACHMENT A.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Kenneth Reeves; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor Craig Kelley; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Susan Glazer, Acting Assistant City Manager of Community Development Department, (CDD); Estella Johnson, Director, Economic Development, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Roger Boothe, Director of Urban Design, CDD; Iram Farooq, Zoning and Land Use Project Planner, CDD; Katherine Watkins, Senior Engineer, Public Works Department; Elizabeth Bedell; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Joseph Tulimieri, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority; Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Gallup, Mike Owu, and Patrick Rowe, MIT; Joe Maguire, Alexandria Properties; Travis McCready, Kendall Square Association; Karen Martin, PPG; Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street; David Downing, One Broadway; Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Jeff Lockwood, 250 Mass. Ave.; Robert Simha, 6 Blanchard Road; Robert LaTremouille, 875 Mass. Ave.; Mark Jaquith, 214 Hurley Street; and Larry Bluestone.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This meeting arose from a City Council order submitted by Councillor Reeves (O #18 of Oct 18, 2010) requesting that the city hire a consultant to design Kendall and the Central Square areas ATTACHMENT B. The process of drafting a Request For Proposal (RFP) is required by state law. This meeting is to provide transparency and to allow the public to comment on the RFP. Councillor Cheung stated that it is not normal to have a hearing before an RFP goes out, but he wanted an opportunity for the public to be heard. Copies of the RFP were e-mailed on Jan 5, 2011. Councillor Reeves asked if there was any prohibition of what could be discussed?

City Manager Robert W. Healy stated that the context of the City Council order asked for a general concept to enter into a process to hire a consultant to look into Kendall Square, Central Square and the transition area. Activities have been in place before the City Council order regarding infrastructure for this area. The city manager outlined the ongoing work in the area. He stated that Broadway between Third Street and Ames Street is at 75% design stage. This project goes to bid in the spring with construction starting in the fall. There is $500,000 in the capital budget for infrastructure and roadway improvements on the Main Street side of Broadway. Designs for the transition area have been requested. There is an issue of Main Street becoming to a two-way street. M IT has a preliminary proposal before the planning board. There are three potential projects for the area: the MIT property, Novartis, and the Forest City property (the Asia block). All require zoning amendments. This work will not be completed for the BIO 2012 Conference. The process of design selection is strictly prescribed under state law; the city has used this process successfully. He stated the advertisement for the RFP will appear in the Central Register on Wed, Jan 12 and in the Chronicle on Jan 13. The city welcomes public comment. The final RFP will be available after the advertisement on Jan 13, 2011. The goal is to get a first-class design team, LEED consultant or project manager. Multiple issues will be discussed in great detail as the work commences.

Councillor Reeves stated that the order asked for a consultant to be hired for Kendall Square and he assumed a different one would be hired for Central Square. The Kendall Square persona is elusive. He asked where Novartis and University Park are if Kendall Square is a bio cluster. Mr. Healy stated that the goal is to hire a well-qualified consultant for Kendall Square and Central Square because of the interlacing relationship of the area. A single consultant with multiple subcontractors is the best way to address this area. Kendall Square will be the first area, Central Square the next with the recommendations of the Red Ribbon Committee decided in August of 2011. The Central Square work will dovetail with the Red Ribbon Committee Recommendations. MIT will submit a zoning petition before August. Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi stated that part of a city benefit package was to assist in the design of Kendall and Central Squares. Kendall Square, he stated needs one hundred percent focus for a long period of time. Central Square has different questions and issues.

Susan Glazer, Acting Administrative Assistant for Community Development, gave a brief overview of the vision for Kendall Square, Central Square and the transition area. The consultant she stated should have a multi discipline team. Each square has its own strengths. The Community Development Department will manage the projects. The first phase will encompass Kendall Square and the transition area with the second phase being Central Square. She explained the process. Stakeholders will be involved. There will be an advisory committee for each square. The consultant will gather informal information. Refinements will be made to the projects. Public meetings will be held. A final vision will be presented to the public.

Councillor Reeves stated that MIT wants to do a significant amount of development in Kendall Square. He expressed his concern about unplanned overall development with no vision. He stated that the Kendall Square Association, MIT and the city could come up with a vision for Kendall Square. A comprehensive plan for the entire area is needed. Improvements to the Kendall Square infrastructure will not support doubling density in Kendall Square. In December MIT showed a plan to the Planning Board on their proposed development. Acting Assistant City Manager Glazer stated that major entities such as Alexandria and Twining will not be excluded from the process. Councillor Reeves stated that Binney Street needs to be included in the area. He stated that Kendall Square is not a people friendly area. The focus must be on bringing people to people places.

At this time Councillor Cheung opened the meeting to public comment.

Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, stated that in Central Square Western Avenue is being reconstructed. He urged coordination of ongoing projects with the overall projects for the both squares.

Charlie Marquardt, 16 Rogers Street, stated that the Longfellow Bridge needs to be considered in the projects.

Mark Jaquith, 213 Hurley Street, expressed his hope for urban planning. He also urged that Longfellow Bridge be included; this will affect the whole city and needs to be coordinated. There are three proposed zoning petitions involving this area. He asked if the City Council could handle this as one matter; it would be better coordination.

Carol Bellew, 6 Sixth Street, expressed her concerns on obtaining a good consultant. A good planner is needed to understand how each square works.

Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, commented that Chapter 40A makes zoning the City Council's responsibility; not the consultant. He stated that it looks like Central Square has been expanded to include MIT. Kendall Square, he said, does not include Binney Street.

Travis McCready, Kendall Square Association, One Broadway, informed the committee that the Kendall square Association wants to be involved in this process. He expressed his warning about the urgency.

Bob Simha, 6 Blanchard Road, distributed his suggestions with changes for the proposed Kendall Square and Central Square RFP ATTACHMENT C. He further stated that the housing components and market rate housing must be an important part of the process. Kendall square he stated is an eight hour place.

Karen Martin spoke about the timeline, reliability and cost. It is not just important to have a vision but implementation of the vision is essential.

At 6:35pm Councillor Cheung closed public comment.

Vice Mayor Davis stated that this represents a real change for these areas. This city is the client and in the drivers' seat and the driver of change in this process. This is different from the last 10 to 15 years. She urged bringing all projects under one roof. Grow the city one node to another. Urban design issues must be reviewed. She spoke about participatory planning but this should not take precedent over solid planning. She was looking forward to hiring a consultant.

Councillor Kelley spoke about the East Cambridge planning process in which all or parts were thrown out of the window. The city will complete the plan and then MIT will have a new idea he said. The City Council needs to do a better job to prioritize. He spoke about the sidewalk width and on-street parking from a streetscape perspective. The City Council needs to be clear with the staff as to what the City Council wants.

Councillor Seidel stated that he would like to see a LEED consultant with subcontractors. He would like to see a sketch of the end of the district and how they feed back to the middle. How do we jump into the 21st century in this area?

Council Reeves stated that the basic principle needs to be reviewed. City squares and neighborhood studies need to be reviewed every 10 years because demographics change. He stated that the city, developers, and land owners need to sit down and state what is wanted. We all need to work with transparency. Piece by piece development is painful; turn vision on citywide. Councillor Kelley commented there is a vision: city Council needs to be clear what we want. More split-level housing is wanted.

Councillor Cheung stated that it is a good idea to have a consultant review this area to design a process of what Cambridge will look like.

Councillor Reeves asked when RFP will close. Mr. Healy responded the first week in February.

Councillor Cheung stated that Cambridge is an international city. He suggested advertising the RFP near and far to give people time to digest the document.

Councillor Cheung thanked all attendees. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM

For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Civic Unity Committee held a public meeting on Jan 5, 2011 beginning at 6pm in the Ackermann Room, Cambridge City Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to hold a discussion between the Civic Unity Committee and the Civic Unity Advisory Committee.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Civic Unity Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; and Councillor Leland Cheung; Estelle Disch, 528 Franklin Street; Jaynee Victoria Ward, 30 Parker Street; William Doncaster, Lesley University; Laura Booth, 303 Columbia Street; and Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director, CEOC.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She submitted a document entitled "The Civic Unity Committee," (Attachment A), and provided a brief history of the Civic Unity Committee. In May 1944, as a result of racial incidents in Cambridge which caused concern to many people, the city manager established a committee to promote better human relations. The committee was established as part of the city manager's own department, and included persons from all parts of the community. It consisted of approximately 45 citizens appointed by the city manager to serve a rotating term of three years. The staff consisted of the Executive Director and a secretary.

Councillor Simmons noted that the Civic Unity Committee's relationship to the community was an advisory relationship. Subcommittees operated in the fields of education, employment, housing, and investigation of incidents. The committee received reports from the subcommittees and provided advice to the city manager on these topics from the perspective of many different parts of the Cambridge community. Historically, the Civic Unity Committee often took a document or report and looked at it from all perspectives. The Civic Unity Committee as a department of the city government remained in effect until 1992, when it fell victim to the need for budget cuts to the city budget. Betty Lopes was the first executive secretary, and E. Denise Simmons was the last.

Councillor Simmons explained that she would like the Civic Unity Advisory Committee to play a similar role with respect to the City Council Civic Unity Committee of the Council and the community as a whole. She expressed her interest in having the advisory committee take a look at an issue or report related to the civic unity of the community and report on it to the Civic Unity Committee.

Councillor Simmons requested the opinion of those present as to whether the advisory committee should review the report of the Cambridge Review Committee about the Sergeant Crowley/Professor Gates incident, "Missed Opportunities, Shared Responsibilities" from the perspective of a citizens' commission.

Vice Mayor Davis stated that she would not like to see the advisory committee just go over the same ground that has already been covered in other forums, such as the City Council Special Meeting on the report. She suggested that perhaps the advisory committee could monitor what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations in the report, in addition to looking at whether these recommendations covered the entire subject.

Ms. Disch asked whether the committee should be holding the recommended citizen/police forums. Vice Mayor Davis responded that she is concerned that this would involve going back over the same ground, which is still a raw and emotional topic for most people, and would not be likely to have a constructive outcome. She would prefer to look at the report, what it recommends and what has been done. She would also like to see the membership of the advisory committee expanded.

Ms. Ward stated that she is wondering whether the advisory committee could look at the state of Cambridge today. She assumes that the report speak specifically to the Gates-Crowley incident but not necessarily to the schools, the neighborhoods and the overall state of Cambridge.

Councillor Simmons said that Eva Blithe, director of the Cambridge YWCA, will be doing a program called "Stand Against Racism". The Cambridge School Department has done a great deal of work and study on school achievement issues. She noted that the City cannot do everything and sometimes is not the best entity to lead a particular activity or study.

Ms. Ward asked whether the School Department or the Department of Human Services has demographic data. She added that her sense is that the population of Cambridge has changed, for example, that there are fewer African Americans and more black immigrants. Vice Mayor Davis stated that the Community Development Department has a great deal of demographic data and that new census data will be available from that department soon. The City Clerk added that the Department of Human Services also maintains demographic data relative to their human services programs. Vice Mayor Davis suggested that the committee invite Cliff Cook from CDD and the demographic specialist from DHSP to a committee meeting to present information on Cambridge demographics.

Mr. Doncaster said that with respect to Councillor Simmons's suggestion, he feels that he is not equipped to comment on the police policies and procedures. He likes Vice Mayor Davis's idea to look at the recommendations in the report from the point of view of whether there has been follow up, and if not, why not.

Noting that there appeared to be agreement on looking at the report, Councillor Simmons asked those present to read the report and come prepared to discuss it. If anyone needs a copy of the report, they can get it from the City Clerk's Office. Vice Mayor Davis requested that the Police Commissioner be invited to attend the meeting to report on what has been done.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance and participation. On motion of Vice Mayor Davis the meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm.

For the committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

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:  See Mgr #1
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:  See Mgr #1
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)

10-163. 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 developer 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)

10-183. 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)

10-190. 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)

11-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any foreseeable tax revenue implications of Vertex's decision to leave Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Seidel 01/31/11 (O-4)

11-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on removing improperly placed furniture items that are reserving parking spaces.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-9)

11-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of continuing street cleaning through the winter for the purpose of using those days to clear non-arteries of snow.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-11)

11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on 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, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)

11-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on having DPW crews identify and report other public works concerns when snowplowing.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-16)

11-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that public art is taken into consideration during the planning processes of Kendall and Central Square areas.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-17)

11-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on banning the use of plastic shopping bags.
Councillor Decker 01/31/11 (O-22)