Cambridge City Council meeting -
February 8, 2010 - AGENDA
[Councillor Toomey was absent]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. 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.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $34,340 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).
Feb 8, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $34,340 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).
Through an agreement, sixty percent of Municipal Access payments made by Comcast to the City are used to support CCTV. Based on FY10 estimated revenues of $1,245,330 CCTV is scheduled to receive $747,200 from the City, which was included in the FY10 Adopted Budget.
The City has received actual payments of $1,302,567 from Comcast, which translates into an additional allocation of $34,340 to CCTV or 60% of the additional $57,237 in revenues received by the City. With this appropriation, CCTV will receive a total of $781,540 for FY10.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Policy Order Number Six of
Feb 1, 2010 that the City Council utilize a runoff election procedure in its
election of the mayor for the 2010 mayoral election.
Order adopted as amended 7-1-1 (Reeves NO, Toomey
ABSENT)
AMENDED ORDER
February 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: When the City Council does not elect a mayor in the first few weeks of the Council term, the business of the City Council, particularly in the important area of policymaking through its committees, is negatively impacted, and the public is left with an uneasiness about what many perceive as gridlock; and
WHEREAS: Runoff voting provides a method of voting that makes it possible to break through the gridlock of an undecided election by proceeding to a conclusion that reflects the choice of the majority in a more nuanced calculation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with an opinion as to whether consistent with the Cambridge Charter the City Council can elect the Mayor by means of a runoff election.
2. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Policy Order Number Seven
of Feb 1, 2010 that the Acting Chair of the City Council shall appoint the
members and chairs of 2008-2009 City Council Committees as acting chairs and
committee members of the same 2010-2011 committees, effective immediately.
Place on file - no action taken
3. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Davis on Policy Order Number Eight
of Feb 1, 2010 that the City Council hold a Special Meeting on Wed, Feb 10, 2010
for the purpose of election of a mayor; and if no mayor is elected on that date,
that the City Council hold a Special Meeting on Feb 17, 2010 for election of a
mayor.
Order adopted as amended 7-1-1 (Kelley NO, Toomey
ABSENT)
AMENDED ORDER
February 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: It is important for the City of Cambridge that the City Council business move forward in a timely manner; and
WHEREAS: The lack of a mayor is not conducive to this end; and
WHEREAS: A member of the City Council is unable to be present at the February 8, 2010 City Council meeting; and
WHEREAS: Monday, February 15, 2010 is the Presidents' Day Holiday, and therefore there is no meeting; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That in the event no mayor is elected on February 22, 2010 the City Council shall conduct two meetings each week until a Mayor is elected; said meetings shall be regular meetings on Mondays and Special City Council Meetings to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 and Wednesday, March 3, 2010 for the sole purpose of electing a Mayor.
ON THE TABLE
4. 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.
5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 16 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding the City Council’s policy on naming street corners, along with the attached Oct 27, 2006 report from the City Manager. Communications and Reports from City Officers #2 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the
Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Nov 18, 2009 for the purpose of
considering a petition for a zoning amendment filed by Richard D. Fanning et al.
to eliminate the Section 5.25.3 exemption of existing parking facilities in the
calculation of floor area ratio (FAR) and to delete Sections 20.44.3, which
specifies maximum heights for the area between the centerline of the railroad
right of way and the centerline of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue in the East
Cambridge Housing Overlay District. Planning Board hearing held on Nov 17, 2009.
Petition expires Feb 16, 2010. Committee Report Number Six of Dec 14, 2009 was
Accepted and Referred to Unfinished Business.
Placed on File due to expiration of time limit.
7. That the matter of the election of the Mayor be referred to Unfinished Business. Jan 11, 2010 ballot #2 taken (Councillor Davis two votes, Councillor Maher four votes and Councillor Reeves three votes). Item remains on Calendar. Jan 25, 2010 ballot #3 taken (Councillor Davis two votes, Councillor Maher four votes and Councillor Reeves three votes). Item remains on Calendar. Feb 1, 2010 ballot #4 and 5 taken (Councillor Davis three votes, Councillor Maher four votes and Councillor Reeves two votes). Item remains on Calendar.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from MPS AT&T, requesting permission for a
sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 692 Massachusetts Avenue.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Donald W. Paine, transmitting thanks for
sponsoring the City Council congratulations resolution on his music service at
St. Mary of the Annunciation Church.
2. A communication was received from George Peterson, transmitting thanks for remembering his mom with a resolution.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Proclaim Apr 23, 2010 - May 2, 2010 as Jazz Week in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons
2. Resolution on the death of James Joseph Sullivan. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
3. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Scott G. Barnett. Councillor Decker
4. Congratulations to Nancy Selvage on her retirement from Harvard University. Councillor Davis
5. Congratulations to Arnoldo Minueza on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
6. Congratulations to Bianca Tucker on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
7. Congratulations to Brittani Timmins on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
8. Congratulations to Carlos Acevedo on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
9. Congratulations to Chris Winam on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
10. Congratulations to Damian Castrucci on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
11. Congratulations to Danny Hernandez on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
12. Congratulations to Diego Mejia on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
13. Congratulations to Diezekier Reyes on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
14. Congratulations to Erica Pena on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
15. Congratulations to Hector Ortiz on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
16. Congratulations to James Findlay on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
17. Congratulations to Janet DeJesus on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
18. Congratulations to Julissa Romero on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
19. Congratulations to Justin Bishop on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
20. Congratulations to Karen Guzman on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
21. Congratulations to Kourtney McLean on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
22. Congratulations to Luis Bautista on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
23. Congratulations to Luis DoCanto on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
24. Congratulations to Luz Luna on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
25. Congratulations to Marilyn Carmona on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
26. Congratulations to Mike Cruz on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
27. Congratulations to Morandy Suon on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
28. Congratulations to Nelson Martinez on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
29. Congratulations to Raheem Hobbs on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
30. Congratulations to Ronald Rivera on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
31. Congratulations to Scott Menjares on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
32. Congratulations to Siomy Torres on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
33. Congratulations to Stephen Federico on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
34. Congratulations to Tyisha Burton on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
35. Congratulations to Walter Perez on his graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
36. Congratulations to Zena Simegn on her graduation from the YouthBuild
Just-A-Start Program. Councillor Decker
37. Resolution on the death of Mary E. Kelley. Councillor Kelley
38. Thanks to David Ortiz as he leaves his position of MassVOTE’s Deputy Director after five years of service. Councillor Decker
39. Urge residents to be cognizant of the fundraiser for the Victims of Violence Program which will taken place at the Cambridge Health Alliance on Feb 21, 2010. Councillor Decker
40. Congratulations to Jillian Fennimore on being named Journalist of the Year by Suburban Newspapers of America. Councillor Maher
41. Resolution on the death of Joseph J. Savioli. Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
42. Resolution on the death of Margaret (Semonian) Najarian. Councillor Maher
43. Resolution on the death of Mary "Tiny" James. Councillor Decker
44. Urge residents to be cognizant of The Torch of Life event on February 9, 2010 in which Cambridge Rindge and Latin students will participate to promotes the importance of organ and tissue donation in America. Councillor Maher
45. Congratulations to City Manager Robert W. Healy and his financial team on the city's Triple A bond rating. Councillor Cheung
46. Congratulations to Elsie Scott on being selected as one of the Women of Color: Changing Our World award winners. Councillor Reeves
47. Happy Anniversary wishes to Renee and Jamie Townes. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager
for Community Development for a report to the City Council on the reasons for
Pearl Arts and Crafts leaving Central Square. Councillor Maher
2. That the City Manager is requested to take all steps to become "Green Community" eligible and to create a plan to reduce municipal energy use by 20% in a five year period. Councillor Davis and Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on the number of Cambridge households that benefited from LIHEAP weatherization services and how that compares to the funding increases. Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis and Councillor Cheung
4. That the City Manager is requested to include a design review component by the Community Development Department for each curb cut petition. Councillor Davis and Councillor Cheung
5. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of Fairmont Street and Magazine Street in honor of Thomas and Mary Kelley. Councillor Toomey and Councillor Cheung
6. That the City Manager is requested to communicate with the Department of Transportation to fully involve Cambridge residents in the planning and construction of the Western Avenue and River Street bridges by holding meetings at all stages of planning. Councillor Davis, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Kelley
7. That the City Manager is requested to publicize through the City’s website a summary (to be periodically updated) of funds received by the City of Cambridge from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and for what purposes these monies will be spent in Cambridge. Councillor Seidel
8. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council no later than Feb 22, 2010 on the status of Policy Order 23 by the City Council Oct 5, 2009 which requests the development of an action plan for middle school youth. Councillor Seidel
9. City Council support of H. 3771, "AN ACT PROVIDING CITIES AND TOWNS WITH A LOCAL OPTION TO INCREASE CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE FINES TO IMPROVE DRIVING". Councillor Seidel
10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant City departments to allow bicycle riding on the sidewalk between Exeter Park and Garfield Street and that this section of the sidewalk be marked accordingly. Councillor Kelley
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager, the Director of the Traffic Parking and Transportation Department, The Police Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Public Works and report back a comprehensive list of safety concerns, questions, and issues that these City Departments have received from members of the community regarding the intersection of Walden Street and Richdale Avenue. Councillor Decker
12. Construction at the Western Avenue and River Street bridges including resident input, plans for pedestrian and bicycle access and schedule. Councillor Decker
13. Encourage the Church of Latter Day Saints to mediate between Consigli Construction Co., Inc., their general contractor, and the building trades. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Maher and Councillor Seidel
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 2
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 16
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 6
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 4
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 18
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Assistant City Manager for Community Development for a report to the City
Council on the reasons for Pearl Arts and Crafts leaving Central Square; and be
it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Economic
Development Department to do everything in its power to work with the property
owner to ensure that this highly visible retail site does not turn into another
vacant storefront.
O-2 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: A council order was adopted on Nov 17, 2008 requesting the City Manager
to begin the process for Cambridge to qualify as a "Massachusetts Green
Community"; and
WHEREAS: In order to qualify as a "Green Community" under the Green
Communities Act, cities or towns must meet five criteria; and
WHEREAS: A city or town that qualifies as a "Green Community" is
eligible for grants and loans to advance energy efficiency activities; now
therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take all steps to
become eligible and to create a plan to reduce municipal energy use by 20% in a
five year period; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to address permitting
issues required by the Green Communities Act; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Community".
O-3 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City
Council on the number of Cambridge households that benefited from LIHEAP
weatherization services and how that compares to the funding increases.
O-4 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: At present there exists an administrative review of various facets of
Alteration of the Public Way (curb cut) petitions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include a design
review component by the Community Development Department for each petition.
O-5 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of
Fairmont Street and Magazine Street in honor of Thomas and Mary Kelley; and be
it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is requested to confer
with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with
the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
O-6 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Most of the impact of construction of the Western Avenue and River
Street bridges will be felt by Cambridge neighborhoods more than any other
residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with
the Department of Transportation to fully involve Cambridge residents in the
planning and construction of the bridges by holding meetings at all stages of
planning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on the progress of this request; and be it 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 with thanks
for their involvement in this matter on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-7 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to publicize through
the City’s website a summary (to be periodically updated) of funds received by
the City of Cambridge from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),
and for what purposes these monies will be spent in Cambridge.
O-8 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council no later than Feb 22, 2010 on the status of Policy Order 23 by the
City Council Oct 5, 2009 which requests the development of an action plan for
the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Middle School Youth report.
O-9 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Traffic safety is important to all Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge continues to promote alternative models of travel, whether by
bicycle, walking or public transit; and
WHEREAS: All of these modes of travel require us to share the road responsibly;
and
WHEREAS: Good traffic enforcement is a good preventative measure to ensure that
all motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are following the rules of the road,
including common courtesies; and
WHEREAS: Good enforcement is dependent upon meaningful fines for traffic
violations so that violators respect the rules of the road; and
WHEREAS: There is broad agreement that some fines are so inconsequential that
they do not serve as a deterrent to bad travel practices; and
WHEREAS: H. 3771, "AN ACT PROVIDING CITIES AND TOWNS WITH A LOCAL OPTION TO
INCREASE CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE FINES TO IMPROVE DRIVING" is currently under
consideration in the Joint Committee on Transportation in the Massachusetts
legislature; and
WHEREAS: H. 3771 still needs consideration by the full legislature; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of H. 3771;
and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council request that the Joint Committee on
Transportation complete its review of this legislation in a timely manner so
that it can be considered by the full legislature during this session; and be it
further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to the House and Senate chairs and vice chairs
of the Joint Committee on Transportation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to the entire Cambridge Legislative Delegation
on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-10 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The crosswalk across Massachusetts Avenue at Garfield Street is
generally ignored by vehicles heading in both directions; and
WHEREAS: Cyclists attempting to walk their bikes across this crosswalk
frequently find themselves in the middle of Massachusetts Avenue with cars
passing by them on both sides; and
WHEREAS: This crosswalk is the most direct way for students attending the
Baldwin School to legally cross the street and bicycle to school; and
WHEREAS: This crosswalk has been the subject of enforcement efforts by the
Cambridge Police Department that yielded no consequential results; and
WHEREAS: This crosswalk is noted by the City’s traffic department to be
exceptionally difficult to adjust in a manner that increases driver compliance
with the state law requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; and
WHEREAS: The crossing of Massachusetts Avenue and Linnaean Street is signalized
and allows people to cross Massachusetts Avenue in relative safety but leaves
older cyclists with the option of either pushing their bicycles down the
sidewalk or breaking the law by riding on it or by riding against the traffic on
Prentiss Street; and
WHEREAS: Parents and guardians should be able to bicycle with their children to
school in safety without having to worry about either having to push their bikes
on the sidewalk or getting stuck in the middle of Massachusetts Avenue because
drivers refuse to obey the law; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant
City departments to allow bicycle riding on the sidewalk between Exeter Park and
Garfield Street and that this section of the sidewalk be marked accordingly.
O-11 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the residents of
the Richdale Neighborhood Association and surrounding neighborhood expressed
concern regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Walden Street and
Richdale Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Said residents have expressed concern regarding the safety of
pedestrians on Walden Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Concord Avenue; and
WHEREAS: These concerns have been expressed at meetings and in writing for three
years; and
WHEREAS: Only minimal changes have been made and only after relentless pressure
from the community; and
WHEREAS: The neighborhood association has now held yet another meeting in which
the City’s traffic engineers have acknowledged that the intersection at Walden
Street and Richdale Avenue is an unsafe one; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Assistant City Manager, the Director of the Traffic Parking and Transportation
Department, The Police Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Public Works and
report back a comprehensive list of safety concerns, questions, and issues that
these City Departments have received from members of the community regarding
this intersection; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to what was done for
each item on this list with an explanation for each decision; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
Council what other measures the city will take to create a safer intersection;
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to find a way to
genuinely communicate to the Council and the community that their safety
concerns are legitimate concerns; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter by Feb 22nd.
O-12 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that there is a
construction project on the bridges at both Western Avenue and River Street that
will affect the residents in both Cambridge and Boston; and
WHEREAS: There are various local and state agencies involved in the project and
the residents of the surrounding areas are entitled to meet with any and all of
those agencies to discuss the project and stay informed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report all steps
the city is taking to ensure resident and city input is heard at the outset of
this project and throughout; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report what
additional steps are being made to comprehensively address, in addition to the
bridge renovations, what is being done to the pedestrian and bicycle access ways
and to the parklands surrounding the river; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report a schedule
of any and all of the opportunities for meetings with the various state agencies
involved in this project; 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-13 Feb 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the Church of
Latter Day Saints who is developing its meeting space at 275 Third Street; and
WHEREAS: The Church of Latter Day Saints contracted with Consigli Construction
Co., Inc. to be their general contractor; and
WHEREAS: Two years ago members of the Cambridge City Council met with both the
Church of Latter Day Saints and Consigli Construction Co., Inc. to discuss their
commitment to a 100% union contracted project; and
WHEREAS: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. and the Church of Latter Day Saints
negotiated in good faith with the building trades, who were originally not
included, and successfully came to an agreement that the project would be 100%
union contracted; and
WHEREAS: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. had agreed and it was understood by all
parties that a contract with Painters District Council 35 included a unionized
painting job; and
WHEREAS: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. for reasons unknown had kept this
project 100% union until the eleventh hour they pulled out and are not honoring
their contract with the Painters Union; and
WHEREAS: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. will not acknowledge that the
conversation from two years ago took place; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record encouraging the Church of Latter
Day Saints to mediate between their general contractor and the building trades;
and be it further
RESOLVED: That this city be wary of future contracts with Consigli Construction
Co., Inc. who have received contracts from the city in the past for both the
high school and the library; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to write a letter on
behalf of the Cambridge City Council to express concern with the lack of effort
to be truthful and accountable to their word; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to Consigli Construction Co., Inc. on behalf
of the entire City Council.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
09-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an action plan for the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission
on Middle School Youth report. Placed back on Awaiting Report List at request of
Councillor Seidel on Feb 4, 2010
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 10/05/09 (O-23)
09-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what barriers would prevent residents from raising chickens and
what could be done to remove these barriers. Remains on Awaiting Report List at
request of Councillor Davis
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 12/14/09 (O-2)
10-01. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of new smoke detector regulation and how the regulation
relates to Cambridge residential structures.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-2)
10-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an assessment and plan for repairs and improvements of all school
playgrounds.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-3)
10-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what assistance can be provided to the Kesher Afterschool program,
which is currently located in the St. James Church property and will be
displaced in June, 2010.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-1)
10-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how effective the school vaccine program was.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-4)
10-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the recording of covenants associated with the St. James Church
and whether the City can get its money back if a future project negatively
impacts the historic aspects of the property.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-5)
10-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City pool and two DCR pools will be kept open through the
end of the summer of 2010.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-6)
10-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing signage on Memorial Drive warning drivers of upcoming
lane of parked cars.
Councillor Decker 01/25/10 (O-11)
10-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with building owners to make vacant retail space available
to non-profit group who need temporary space.
Councillor Davis 02/01/10 (O-1)
10-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the requirements of tap water being available on request in
licensed establishments.
Councillor Davis 02/01/10 (O-2)
10-10. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what impact the cancellation of the Urban Ring project would have
on the City of Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership
10-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an ordinance that would limit the distribution of
telephone books and unsolicited free newspapers to those who request them.
Councillor Maher 02/01/10 (O-5)