CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan, 2007:  Leanders Smith (With Power); Thomas O. Moschella (With Power); Frantz Mirthil (Without Power)

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $54,500 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $18,900 from General Fund Historical Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Historical Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of transcription services for the Commission’s current oral history project "World War II and the Home Front."

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $42,000,000. The purpose is to refinance existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid. Specifically, this will refinance those portions of the Feb 1998 (Hospital), Aug 1998 (Water), and Nov 1999 (Water) General Obligation bond issues that are eligible to be refinanced.

Feb 12, 2007
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $42,000,000. The purpose is to refinance existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid. Specifically, this will refinance those portions of the February 1998 (Hospital), August 1998 (Water), and November 1999 (Water) General Obligation bond issues that are eligible to be refinanced. For Cambridge, this is the first time that market conditions have potentially presented this opportunity.

Provisions to recall bonds are included in every issue where the term of the bonds exceeds ten years. The earliest date that the bonds issued in February 1998 may be recalled is Feb 1, 2008 for bonds that mature from Feb 1, 2009 through Feb 1, 2018. The August 1998 and November 1999 issues have similar provisions for bonds maturing in years 11 through 20 of those issues. This is the same concept as a homeowner refinancing the mortgage on their home if rates decline significantly from the time that they purchased their home and is considered to be a proven method to reduce debt service costs on long term bond issues. This process of recalling bonds and reissuing them to achieve a lower interest rate is a common practice. The ability to take advantage of lower interest costs, if market conditions permit, is received favorably by the rating agencies and demonstrates prudent debt management practices.

In the late 1990’s, the City issued General Obligation Bonds with 20 year terms with a range of interest rates between 4.5% and 5.625% to finance several capital improvement projects. In the ensuing years, interest rates have decreased significantly. For example, with the City’s most recent issue in February 2006 the City received a 3.95% interest rate. It is expected that the City will receive a similar rate on the $32.2 million issue, which will be sold on Feb 8, 2007.

The City will continue to work with its financial advisor to determine the timing of the sale and maximize the debt service savings from this refunding issue. Preliminary analyses indicate that total savings for the three issues to be refinanced will be approximately $1.5-2.0 million over the remainder of the issue (ten years). In addition, the loan order includes a "sunset provision" which provides for the expiration of the order on Nov 1, 2009 if there is a balance remaining in the order. It is possible that a balance will be remaining on the loan order if market conditions are such that it is not feasible to refund all of the callable bonds. It is possible, depending on market conditions, that the full amount of the order will not be required.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager

Agenda Item No. 4
Feb 12, 2007
ORDERED: That, in order to reduce interest costs, the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to issue refunding bonds pursuant to G.L. c.44, §21A or any other enabling legislation to refund all or a portion of the remaining amounts of the City’s Municipal Purpose Loan of 1998 Bonds dated Feb 1, 1998, Municipal Purpose Loan of 1998 Bonds, August Series dated Aug 1, 1998 and Municipal Purpose Loan of 1999 Bonds dated Nov 1, 1999; that the refunding bonds shall be issued in an amount not to exceed $42,000,000, in order to pay the principal, redemption premium and interest on the bonds to be refunded, and costs of issuance of the refunding bonds; and that the Treasurer is authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary or desirable to carry out this transaction, including a refunding trust or escrow agreement with a bank or trust company; provided, however, that no refunding bonds shall be issued pursuant to this order after Nov 1, 2009.
Passed to 2nd Reading

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $190,000 in projected FY07 water revenues to the to Water Fund Salary and Wages account ($150,000) and to the Water Travel and Training (judgments and damages) account ($40,000) which will cover additional overtime costs for the repair of water main breaks due to the continued cold weather, backfill costs for vacant water treatment plant operators, which are scheduled to be filled by the end of the fiscal year, and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-194, regarding a report on banning fundraising under the "guise" of law enforcement and banning direct fundraising of Public Safety officials.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-06, regarding a report on the status of the "Safe Routes to School" program.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-12, regarding a report on whether the Council has the authority to amend the map of a neighborhood conservation district and if so, what is the process for doing so.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the required approval on the Diminution Order and Order of Disposition for the property taking by eminent domain at 85 Gore Street.

City Manager Order #1, February 12, 2007
ORDERED: Pursuant to Sec. 2.110.010(G) of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the City Council hereby orders that the City Council shall utilize a diminished process for the disposition of the strip of land taken from 83 Gore Street on August 7, 2006 by eminent domain for the purpose of allowing the successful bidder at the 85 Gore Street auction to demolish the severely deteriorated structure on that property and make it a buildable lot as set forth in Robert W. Healy’s February 12, 2007 letter to the City Council.

View City Manager Order #2, February 12, 2007
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is owner of a strip of land taken from 83 Gore Street by eminent domain on August 7, 2006 for the purposes of maintaining buildings and other municipal purposes; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is owner of the property located at 85 Gore Street by a judgment of tax foreclosure; and
WHEREAS: At a duly advertised public auction that was held on December 13, 2006 the Custodian of Foreclosed Property received a successful bid for the purchase of the property at 85 Gore Street; and
WHEREAS: The building located on 85 Gore Street is in a state of severe deterioration and cannot be safely demolished and rebuilt without ownership of the strip of land taken from 83 Gore Street on August 7, 2006; and
WHEREAS: The City Council of the City of Cambridge has accepted the recommendation that disposing of the strip of land taken from 83 Gore Street on August 7, 2006 does not derogate from the public interest of the public purposes for the area now in question; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council, pursuant to Sec. 2.110.010(G) of the Cambridge Municipal Code, hereby approves and authorizes the City Manager, to grant, on behalf of the City of Cambridge, the strip of land taken from 83 Gore Street on August 7, 2006, to the successful bidder at the public auction of 85 Gore Street in such form and substance as the City Manager determines is necessary or advisable.

TWO ORDERS ADOPTED ROLL CALL 9-0-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Support of the workers at the Smithfield processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina in their struggle for dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, and their right to organize into a union to procure these benefits without harassment from their employer. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number One of Feb 5, 2007.]
Placed on file under Rule 19

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant Director of Human Services and the Affirmative Action Director with the view in mind of directing appropriate staff to work with the Civic Unity Committee to implement a forum on race and class in Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eighteen of Feb 5, 2007.]
Adopted

3. That the City Manager is requested to appoint additional members to ensure that the Neighborhood Safety Committee will have significant community representation with members from the neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by crime--Riverside, Area 4, and North Cambridge, as well as representation from the immigrant community. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Order Number Twenty-two of Feb 5, 2007.]
Adopted

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

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

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

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

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Nov 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on unfinished business.]

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from The Druid, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 1357 Cambridge Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Bill Zamparelli, NSTAR Community Relations & Economic Development Representative, transmitting an NSTAR Area Four Status Report, Jan 29, 2007.

2. A communication was received from the Hanlon family, transmitting sincere thanks for your kind expression of sympathy on behalf of Mary Travaglia Hanlon.

3. A communication was received from Reverend Paul D. Holland, S.J., Rector, Campion Jesuit Community, transmitting deep appreciation of the Jesuit Community on the expression of condolences on the death of Reverend William J. Power, S.J.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding policing by committee.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of John L. "Jack" Foley.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

2. Congratulations to Juliette Kayyem on her new position as Undersecretary of Homeland Security for the State of Massachusetts.   Councillor Decker

3. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Myra McCoy.   Mayor Reeves

4. Proclaim Feb 13, 2007 as "Be Curious Day in Cambridge Public Schools."   Mayor Reeves

5. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Adam Emul.   Councillor Decker

6. Resolution on the death of Private First Class David Toomalatai.   Councillor Decker

7. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Anthony Melia.   Councillor Decker

8. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nathan Fairlie.   Councillor Decker

9. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Alexander Fuller.   Councillor Decker

10. Resolution on the death of Sergeant William Sigua.   Councillor Decker

11. Resolution on the death of Corporal Stephen Shannon.   Councillor Decker

12. Resolution on the death of Corporal Timothy Swanson.   Councillor Decker

13. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Alejandro Carrillo.   Councillor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Hospitalman Matthew Conte.   Councillor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Michael Balsley.   Councillor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Mickel Garrisgus.   Councillor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Darrell Shipp.   Councillor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jon St. John II.   Councillor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Corporal Mark Kidd.   Councillor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Captain Mark Resh.   Councillor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant Terry Elliott.   Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Cornell Chao.   Councillor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Specialist Carla Stewart.   Councillor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Major Alan Johnson.   Councillor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Major Michael Mettille.   Councillor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Arthur R. Ingersoll.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

27. Resolution on the death of Anne M. Stamas.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

28. Resolution on the death of Phoebe E. (Malmfeldt) Sceery.   Councillor Sullivan

29. Congratulations to Sam Lawrence on winning a Gold Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

30. Congratulations to Ayasha Guerin on winning a Gold Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

31. Congratulations to Jasmine Edo on winning a Gold Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

32. Congratulations to Lucina Schell on winning a Silver Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

33. Congratulations to Megan Compaine on winning a Gold Key from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

34. Congratulations to Alanna Prince on winning an Honorable mention from the Boston Globe Scholastic ART Competition.   Mayor Reeves

35. Urge all residents to support the fundraising event of the Buskaid Soweto String Project on Mar 30, 2007 at St. Paul’s Church.   Mayor Reeves

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

37. Congratulations to the Ni Hao Program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. School and wish them well on their Chinese New Year celebration.   Councillor Davis

38. Congratulations to the Porter Square Neighbors Association on the production of their resource guide entitled "Shop & Eat on Mass Ave 2006/07."   Councillor Davis

39. Urge residents to be cognizant of the City Links Program’s Open House on Tues, Feb 13, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

40. Best wishes to the Charles Stark Draper laboratory, Inc. on the occasion of the opening of their new site at One Hampshire at Kendall Square.   Councillor Sullivan

41. Retirement of Maureen Santoro from the Cambridge School Department.   Councillor Sullivan

42. Congratulations to Kristen Franks and Frank Perullo on their recent engagement.   Councillor Decker

43. Congratulations to the Cambridge Police Department on its fifth annual awards ceremony which will take place on May 31, 2007 in the MIT Kresge Auditorium.   Councillor Sullivan

44. Congratulations to the Cambridge Arts Council on its 9th Annual Grant Award Celebration on Mar 29, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

45. Congratulations to the new graduates of the Salvation Army’s "Bridging the Gap Program."   Councillor Sullivan

46. Congratulations to Massachusetts Jobs with Justice on the occasion of its 2007 Annual Dinner in celebration of fifteen years of supporting workers rights.   Councillor Sullivan

47. Retirement of Walter Brutley from the Cambridge Police Department.   Mayor Reeves

48. Resolution on the death of Barbara L. (Olson) Foss.   Councillor Sullivan

49. Happy Birthday wishes to Mayor Kenneth Reeves.   Councillor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Margaret "Margie" Judd.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

51. Resolution on the death of Marjorie C. Phillips.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

52. Resolution on the death of K. Esther Murphy.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

53. Resolution on the death of Lena (Lechiaro) Leone.   Councillor Sullivan

54. Congratulations and appreciation to all nurses on the occasion of National Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2007.   Mayor Reeves

55. Urge all resident to be cognizant of the Pricing Strategies Workshop on April 24, 2007 from 8:00am-10:00am at City Hall Annex.   Mayor Reeves

56. Condolences to Patricia Bradshaw on the death of her grandmother. [Duplicate of Resolution #51] Councillor Simmons

57. Congratulation to Drew Gilpin Faust on being chosen as the new President of Harvard University.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Decker

58. Congratulations to Nonnie S. Burnes on the occasion of being appointed the new state insurance commissioner.   Councillor Sullivan

59. Resolution on the death of Walker Stuart.   Vice Mayor Toomey

60. Congratulations to Charles Ogletree on announcing a Race and Class Forum.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan

61. Resolution on the death of Barbara Jean Freeman.   Councillor Galluccio

ORDERS
1. Reappoint D. Margaret Drury as Cambridge City Clerk for a term beginning June 1, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan and Vice Mayor Toomey

2. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of former City Councillor Thomas Coates.   Councillor Galluccio and Mayor Reeves
[Previously adopted on January 8, 2007 - Order #5]

3. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the effectiveness of the maintenance of the City’s trash receptacles in public places such as parks and open space with the view in mind of making all necessary improvements to increase cleanliness and decrease rodents.   Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey

4. That the City Council reappoint James Monagle as Cambridge Auditor for a term beginning June 1, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan and Vice Mayor Toomey

5. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to review parking behind the Collins Branch library to ensure that users of the library are allowed to park when using the library.   Councillor Sullivan

6. That the City Manager is requested to report whether the Kentucky Fried Chicken located at the corner of Walden Street and Massachusetts Avenue has closed down due to the Walden Street bridge closure and what could possibly replace it.   Councillor Decker  Amended

7. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of the Coppola family, owners of Royal Pastry Bakery.   Vice Mayor Toomey

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the director of the Arts Council, the Veterans’ Services Department and any other relevant City agency to determine how best to capture Cambridge’s wartime experiences in film, pictures, words or any other medium.   Councillor Kelley  Amended

9. Written opinion as to whether the Green Room constitutes part of the Council Chamber known as the Sullivan Chamber.   Councillor Kelley
Failed as amended on a Roll Call vote 2-6-0-1

10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the legality of spending Community Preservation Act funds to maintain units and upgrade amenities at Cambridge Housing Authority developments and any limits or prohibitions on the uses of CPA funds by the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Councillor Kelley
Failed on a Roll Call vote 3-4-0-2

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to ensure that the City is preparing for the 2010 Census with regards to possible re-districting.   Councillor Decker

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to discuss placing more bicycle racks in Central Square, particularly near the police station.   Councillor Decker

13. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled "AN ACT RELATIVE TO CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE CAMBRIDGE RETIREMENT SYSTEM".   Vice Mayor Toomey

14. That the Home Rule Petition "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO PLACE MUNICIPAL CHARGE LIENS ON REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE FOR NON PAYMENT OF ANY LOCAL CHARGES, FEES, OR FINES" be again submitted to the General Court for a special law relating to the City of Cambridge to be filed with an attested copy of this order which is hereby approved under Clause 1 of Section 9 of Article II, as amended, of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the end that legislation be adopted precisely as follows, except for clerical or editorial changes of form only.   Vice Mayor Toomey

15. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to install a "No Parking" sign at the corner of Elm and Davenport Streets in an effort to make this area safer.   Councillor Sullivan

16. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Economic Development Department to work with businesses on Church Street who have been negatively impacted due to construction on the street.   Councillor Decker and Councillor Sullivan

17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council as soon as possible on the ramifications of the decisions by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts regarding Northpoint and the Mayor to convene a meeting with the Cambridge/Somerville delegation to the State House.   Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on Jan 18, 2007 for the purpose of discussing the creation of a partnership of the City of Cambridge and universities, colleges and institutions, businesses and neighbors to develop a plan to enable Massachusetts Avenue to reach its full potential.

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

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

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

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

Thurs, Mar 1
5:30pm   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue planning for a forum on race and class in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Wed, Mar 7
5:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss a follow up meeting on individuals charged with he most dangerous crimes in the city and funding for youth transportation outreach programs.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 8
6:00pm   The Public Safety and Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss public safety issues regarding the relocation of the Lechmere Station and the benefits of a Lechmere Square underpass. Meeting to be held in auditorium.  (Kennedy-Longfellow, 158 Spring St)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council reappoint D. Margaret Drury as Cambridge City Clerk for a term beginning June 1, 2007.

O-2     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record designating a suitable location in honor of former City Councillor Thomas Coates; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-3     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the effectiveness of the maintenance of the City’s trash receptacles in public places such as parks and open space with the view in mind of making all necessary improvements to increase cleanliness and decrease rodents.

O-4     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council reappoint James Monagle as Cambridge Auditor for a term beginning June 1, 2007.

O-5     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to review parking behind the Collins Branch library to ensure that users of the library are allowed to park when using the library.

O-6     Feb 12, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report whether the Kentucky Fried Chicken located at the corner of Walden Street and Massachusetts Avenue has closed down due to the Walden Street bridge closure and what could possibly replace it; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter on the status of the Ground Round on Concord Avenue and whether there will continue to be a restaurant at this location.

O-7     Feb 12, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in honor of the Coppola family, owners of Royal Pastry Bakery; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-8     Feb 12, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The current Iraq War is proving to be controversial and costly for the American public and Iraqi citizens; and
WHEREAS: Numerous Cambridge citizens have served in the current Iraq War; and
WHEREAS: Many residents of and workers in Cambridge have strong feelings about the current Iraq War; and
WHEREAS: The volatile and confusing nature of this military conflict, both within the Armed Forces and the general civilian populace, may be best reflected in the arts; and
WHEREAS: The National Endowment for the Arts has helped produce "Operation Homecoming," a book about returning Iraq War veterans and;
WHEREAS: Cambridge has its own Arts Council that could help develop a multi-media exploration of the wartime experiences of Cambridge residents and workers who are either service members or civilians; now be it;
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the director of the Arts Council, the Veterans’ Services Department and any other relevant City agency to determine how best to capture Cambridge’s wartime experiences in film, pictures, words or any other medium; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Veterans' Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this matter.

O-9     Feb 12, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The public has a reasonable expectation that City Council meetings be held according to the Massachusetts rules and laws about Open Meetings; and
WHEREAS: The transparency of City Council proceedings is vital to the public’s having confidence that the City Council is providing proper governance; and
WHEREAS: At some meetings of the City Council, only three Councilors have been in the Council Chamber at some points; and
WHEREAS: A number of City Councilors may at any time be present in the Green Room adjoining the Sullivan Chamber; and
WHEREAS: The Green Room is not open to the general public during Council meetings; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to ask the District Attorney City Solicitor for a written opinion as to whether the Green Room constitutes part of the Council Chamber known as the Sullivan Chamber; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with copies of this opinion.
Failed as amended on a Roll Call vote 2-6-0-1

O-10     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Housing Authority has a list of maintenance and rehabilitation projects totaling in the tens of millions of dollars; and
WHEREAS: Lack of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation projects at Cambridge Housing Authority properties has led to some units being uninhabitable, various amenities as elevators not working properly and a feeling of insecurity among some inhabitants; and
WHEREAS: Uninhabitable units, poorly operating amenities and a feeling of insecurity may lead to a less positive experience for remaining residents of Cambridge Housing Authority complexes; and
WHEREAS: It is not certain that state or federal agencies will provide the Cambridge Housing Authority with sufficient funds to remedy existing defects in Housing Authority complexes; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge expects to have several million dollars available through its Community Preservation Act fund to spend on affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager is currently developing Cambridge’s FY08 budget; now be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the legality of spending Community Preservation Act funds to maintain units and upgrade amenities at Cambridge Housing Authority developments; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on any limits or prohibitions on the uses of CPA funds by the Cambridge Housing Authority, and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide this report to the City Council prior to his submitting the FY08 budget to the Council.
Failed on a Roll Call vote 3-4-0-2

O-11     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to ensure that the City is preparing for the 2010 Census with regards to possible re-districting; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back a proposed action plan to the City Council.

O-12     Feb 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: There has been an ongoing effort to encourage bicycling and walking in the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Many bicycles are frequently locked on poles, meters, and fences due to the lack of bicycle racks; and
WHEREAS: There is a particular problem with regards to lack of bicycle racks in the Central Square area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to discuss placing more bicycle racks in Central Square, particularly near the police station.

O-13     Feb 12, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled "AN ACT RELATIVE TO CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE CAMBRIDGE RETIREMENT SYSTEM".

O-14     Feb 12, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Owners of real estate within the City of Cambridge are responsible at all times to maintain the habitability of structures and keep the sidewalks, alleys, streets, and adjoining places free of garbage and snow; and
WHEREAS: Building codes and ordinances are designed to protect the public safety and public health of the City’s residents, workers, visitors, and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: Noncompliance with these codes and ordinances can result in the issuance of violations which have monetary penalties; and
WHEREAS: Currently, the City may impose a lien on real property located within the City for certain local charges or fees that have not been paid by the due date, as a "municipal charges lien,"; and
WHEREAS: Other state legislatures are attempting to implement methods to make fines more enforceable by including unpaid fines on property tax bills (similar to local charges and fees) and, if necessary, as liens on the subject real estate; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: in 2005, the Cambridge city council adopted a home rule petition entitled "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO PLACE MUNICIPAL CHARGE LIENS ON REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE FOR NON PAYMENT OF ANY LOCAL CHARGES, FEES, OR FINES"; and
WHEREAS: That petition was submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature and was not acted upon during that term; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Home Rule Petition "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO PLACE MUNICIPAL CHARGE LIENS ON REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE FOR NON PAYMENT OF ANY LOCAL CHARGES, FEES, OR FINES" be again submitted to the General Court for a special law relating to the City of Cambridge to be filed with an attested copy of this order which is hereby approved under Clause 1 of Section 9 of Article II, as amended, of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the end that legislation be adopted precisely as follows, except for clerical or editorial changes of form only.

O-15     February 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to install a "No Parking" sign at the corner of Elm and Davenport Streets in an effort to make this area safer.

O-16     February 12, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Economic Development Department to work with businesses on Church Street who have been negatively impacted due to construction on the street.

O-17     February 12, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as soon as possible on the ramifications of the decisions by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts regarding Northpoint and the Mayor to convene a meeting with the Cambridge/Somerville delegation to the State House.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The University Relations Committee held a public meeting on Jan 18, 2007, beginning at 5:40pm in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of discussing the creation of a partnership of the City of Cambridge and universities, colleges and institutions, businesses and neighbors to develop a plan to enable Massachusetts Avenue to reach its full potential.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Brian Murphy and Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present from the City administrative staff were Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Estella Johnson, Director of Economic Development (CDD); and Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission.

The following members of the university community were in attendance: Mary Power, Senior Director of Community Relations, Harvard University; Tom Lucey, Office of Government, Community and Public Affairs, Harvard University; Jim Gray, Harvard Real Estate Office; Karen Sommerland, Harvard University Office of Planning; Sarah Gallop, Co-Director, Office of Community and Government Relations; Steven Marsh, Managing Director of Real Estate, MIT; Michael K. Owu, Senior Real Estate Officer, MIT; Bill Anderson, Facilities Director, MIT; Kelley Brown, Facilities Office, MIT; Talitha Fabricius, Facilities Office, MIT; Bill Doncaster, Director of Public Affairs, Lesley University; and William Douter, Intern, Lesley University.

The following members of the Cambridge business and residential community also attended the meeting: Terrence Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Marina Pevzker, Director of the Central Square Business Association; Stephen Diamond, 61 Frost Street; Carol Weinhaus, 64 Oxford Street; Charlotte Moore, 9 Rutland Street; Gordon Moore, 9 Rutland Street; Dennis Carlone, Carlone & Associates, Cambridge; Elizabeth Dempster, 12 Walker Street; Arthur Dempster, 12 Walker Street; and Chris Robinson, 20 Ware Street.

Councillors Murphy and Sullivan convened the hearing and explained the purpose, an open ended search for ways to collaborate on improvements to Massachusetts Avenue that will contribute to Cambridge’s economic development and sense of place.

Councillor Sullivan noted that Massachusetts Avenue is not one continuous neighborhood with one character. There are many different parts with different characteristics. Councillor Murphy expressed his belief that as the squares and areas along Massachusetts Avenue continue to develop their unique identities, more of Massachusetts Avenue can be the site of entertainment and businesses that will draw people to spend their time and money. Councillor Davis said that one of her strong motivations is her desire to work together to continue to have a pedestrian orientation and ground floor retail along Massachusetts Avenue.

Ms. Rubenstein expressed her agreement with Councillor Sullivan’s observation that there lots of different characters to the Avenue and that the challenges are different in the different areas as well. CDD is working on different projects in different areas. East of Central Square, from Lafayette Square on, they are working on the infrastructure. In Harvard Square, for the last couple of years, CDD has been working with the Harvard Square community on how to preserve the uniqueness of that square, with the retail and other businesses and culture that will support this uniqueness. From Porter Square to Arlington, there are different challenges associated with more rapid development, and these challenges have resulted in the need for review of the zoning regulations for the area.

Councillor Davis observed that zoning can be a way to create incentives for retail space. She also said that something similar to the Central Square Advisory Committee might be useful for a process to create a vision. Ms. Rubenstein noted the importance of design guidelines. Councillor Sullivan said that it is important to keep in mind that there are some councillors who are concerned that current zoning might prohibit retail growth in particular areas.

Councillor Murphy said that the City Council has discussed the issue of wanting to have some more entertainment and excitement in parts of the Avenue, and invited members of the university community to address this issue. Councillor Davis asked Mr. Marsh what MIT envisions for the area of Mass. Ave. from Lafayette Square east.

Mr. Marsh said that MIT is very supportive of the desire for more entertainment and evening activity in that area. From MIT’s past experience with retail, they have learned that retailers are not pioneers; they want surrounding density. Retail functions better when stores are clustered together. Large retail owners have very particular demands with regard to configuration and size, for example, they won’t take space that is two steps up from ground level, even if the amount of space is right.

Mr. Marsh added that he does not believe that the entire avenue will be retail. He believes that there will be clusters along the avenue. The big issues are demand and economics.

Ms. Power said that Harvard has been working with CDD on revitalizing Harvard Square. The workshops that Ms. Johnson has run have been really helpful in clarifying needs and desires.

Mr. Gray said that all the people at this meeting have a shared interest in a vital retail environment along Massachusetts Avenue. Harvard has a great deal of experience in Harvard Square. It would be hard to overestimate the impact of the changing retail market on the existing Cambridge retail stock. Mom and pop stores have a very difficult time succeeding. Even the independent stores are moving to bigger and bigger floor plates. He said that it might be worthwhile for the City to consider significant density in exchange for ground floor retail. Density helps retail a great deal.

Mr. Gray also said that he agrees with Councillor Murphy about the need for more entertainment venues. Cambridge is losing the battle for entertainment. He thanked the City officials for their initiation of outdoor patio dining.

Councillor Davis said that new space has not worked very well to advance the City’s goals. She gave the example of the Holmes building. New space makes the ground floor rent so expensive that only banks and cell phone companies can afford to locate there. Mr. Anderson brought up the notable exception of Harvard’s successful efforts to find space for the Globe Bookstore in Harvard Square. Ms. Johnson said that in renting space, a prospective tenant is usually dealing with a broker representing a trust and has no idea who the owner is. The broker has been instructed to get as much rent as possible. She said that CDD is hoping to be able to get individual owners together to discuss goals for preservation of Harvard Square.

Mr. Rossi noted the importance of the streetscape to a vibrant square or stretch of Mass Ave, and stated that the universities have been very good about contributing to improving the streetscape.

Ms. Powers said that as the working groups for the Harvard Square revitalization have been looking at the kind of cultural resources available in Harvard Square, she has realized that a lot of people do not know about the wealth of cultural opportunities that exist. Councillor Sullivan agreed. He emphasized the importance of branding and identity to the success of an area and said that there is not much of that for Massachusetts Avenue.

Mr. Carlone said that what all the remarks made at this meeting add up to is that all want a great street. All the great streets in the world are at least three stories high, and none of them have parking lots on the street. There are real benefits to three-or four-story buildings on Massachusetts Avenue. The City is always going to be looking for affordable and moderately priced housing, and the floors above ground floor retail are classic sites of more affordable housing. Councillor Sullivan said that there needs to be a real mix. Areas that are all residential buildings with no ground floor retail do not advance the City’s goals.

Councillor Simmons said that she would like to discuss the idea of partnering in a way that would allow micro businesses an opportunity to develop. The issue of affordability is huge. How could the community join together to foster support for small businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities? Ms. Johnson said that the best small business incubators are privately owned.

Mr. Smith said that it is important to understand why some businesses do work and others do not. He said that government can raise barriers to retail success through regulation. He also noted the issue of parking. Some retail strips will only attract neighborhood business. There are also some areas of Cambridge with retail space that worked in a different era.

With regard to the issue of regulations, Councillor Sullivan noted the positive effect of providing the consistency that businesses need to survive and expand.

Mr. Rossi said that it could be useful to have the CDD staff look at the properties along Mass Ave that seem to fail every time, for example the building on the corner Mass Ave and Bay Street. Ms. Weinhaus said that the properties that seem to be in trouble are those in buildings with owners charging much higher rents than the prevailing rent in the area.

Ms. Weinhaus said that when she was working with other neighbors on trying to preserve the character of the area of Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard Square and Porter Square, she found that by the time the community had a chance to provide its input, decision had already been made on issues that were important to the community, so the process quickly became adversarial. She urged the committee to begin with general discussions rather than specific details.

Mr. Moore also spoke about the area of Mass Ave between Harvard Square and Porter Square. He said that there has always been a turnover of shops, but as the area loses retail spaces, the remaining retail space becomes more expensive. He asked whether developers who remove retail space during their construction could be required to replace it. He suggested talking to the people who run the Main Street program. Mr. Moore also noted the importance of having a lot of activity in the area. He suggested the creation of "islands" of activities along Mass Ave, including such retail enterprises as farmer’s markets and flea markets, and enterprises like the Broadway supermarket, where several separate business entities occupy the same grocery store space.

It was agreed that as the committee goes forward, the following information would be useful:
 * A review of the zoning along the entire length of Massachusetts Avenue.
 * An economic analysis of the different parts of Mass Ave, including information about impending projects, and the rents paid in the different parts of the avenue.
 * An analysis of the properties along Mass Ave that fail repeatedly.
 * More information about the consumer demand in the different parts of the avenue.

Councillor Sullivan thanked those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 7pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair