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)