Cambridge City Council meeting - February 13, 2012 - AGENDA
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 an order requesting the rescission of $14,881,482 which is the balance of the loan order approved by the City Council on Nov 17, 2008 for renovations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS).
Feb 13, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:Attached is an order requesting the rescission of the balance of the loan order approved by the City Council on Nov 17, 2008 for renovations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS). The original order was for $30,135,000 which, when combined with previous loan orders of $33,620,000 approved by the City Council on June 16, 2003 and $33,218,025 approved by the City Council on Dec 10, 2007, provided total bond-financed funding of $96,973,025. The City also received a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for $28,026,975, which increased the total project budget for the CRLS to $125,000,000.
To date, the City has issued a total of $82,091,543 in bonds, which includes $76,145,000 in General Obligation Bonds and a loan from the MSBA for $5,946,543. The total bond proceeds of $82,091,543, coupled with the MSBA grant for $28,026,975 provided total project funding of $110,118,518, which is sufficient to cover all costs related to the renovation of CRLS.
The original budget and professional cost estimates were developed for the project. Fortunately, the City was the beneficiary of a very favorable bidding environment when the City received actual construction bids, which translated into significant savings from the estimated costs. In addition, the experienced team assigned to manage the project was able to meet the requirements of the building specifications within the budget of $110,118,518.
As a result, I am requesting that the authorized but unissued portion of the Nov 17, 2008 loan order, $14,881,482, be rescinded because there is no further need for these funds.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
View City Manager Order #2A
Agenda Item No. 2A Feb 13, 2012
ORDERED: That the following excess borrowing authorization is hereby rescinded and of no further force or effect:
Amount Rescinded: $14,881,482
Original Authorization: $30,135,000
Purpose: Renovations to CRLS
Order Adopted: Nov 17, 2008
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation of an additional $6,515,000 to cover unanticipated costs related to renovations to the old police station at Five Western Avenue in Central Square. This appropriation will be financed through a loan order for $5,770,000 and a transfer of $745,000 in bond proceeds from the Radio Replacement project.
Passed to 2nd Reading
Feb 13, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation of an additional $6,515,000 to cover unanticipated costs related to renovations to the old police station at Five Western Avenue in Central Square. This appropriation will be financed through a loan order for $5,770,000 and a transfer of $745,000 in bond proceeds from the Radio Replacement project.
As the design process moved forward after the approval of funding, additional items were identified, which were not part of the initial building feasibility study. Therefore, additional funding is required as a result of increased costs associated with a full roof replacement, complete restoration of the exterior façade, full window replacement, removal of an underground fuel oil storage tank and higher construction costs.
The total revised cost for this project is $23,000,000, which is an increase of $6,815,000. Total funding for the project includes the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) contributing $1,450,000, approved Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding of $500,000, with General Obligation Bonds of the City covering the remaining $21,050,000 in costs.
The City Council previously approved a loan order for $14,535,000 on Dec 6, 2010. The additional $6,515,000 in bond proceeds comprises a loan order for an additional $5,770,000 and a transfer from existing bond proceeds of $745,000 from the radio replacement project, as described in the following paragraph.
The total amount appropriated and borrowed for the Radio Replacement Project was $6,700,000. The City has borrowed the full amount for the project, with a majority of the financing coming as part of the Feb 15, 2011 bond sale. However, additional resources became available for this project after the February 2011 bond sale was completed. The City received an $879,198 grant from Sprint / Nextel which the City Council appropriated on Aug 1, 2011 which provided additional funding for the Radio Replacement project and makes possible the transfer of $745,000 from bond proceeds for the Five Western Avenue project. Since the bond issue sale had been finalized, it was not possible to reduce the amount of the issue. State law allows for bond proceeds to be transferred to projects that require future funding. In this case, it has been determined that the Five Western Avenue Renovation project is the most feasible project for allocation of the proceeds, since the since additional financing is now required.
While the total cost of this project has increased significantly, these additional repairs are necessary to ensure that the major systems of this building are updated. It is prudent to complete these additional repairs while the entire building is being renovated and is unoccupied. Unfortunately, this is a risk in undertaking a major renovation project on an old building in disrepair. However, when the building renovations are completed we will have achieved a very creative reuse of the former police station. This includes creating another LEED certified municipal building, as well as providing for an updated Election Commission Vault. This reuse will transform the space available for the Community Learning Center and Multi-Service Center. Additionally, the Cambridge Housing Authority continues to be a partner in this project.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Agenda Item No. 3A Feb 13, 2012
ORDERED: That $6,515,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of remodeling, reconstructing, and making extraordinary repairs to the original police station at Five Western Avenue in Central Square, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system improvements as well as other interior and exterior renovations, including any and all incidental costs related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, $745,000 is hereby authorized to be transferred from the unexpended balance of the portion of the City's bonds dated Feb 15, 2011, issued pursuant to the order of the City Council passed May 12, 2008 for the purpose of replacing the City's radio system and the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $5,770,000 under G.L. c.44, s.7 (3A), or any other enabling authority; and that the appropriation for the radio replacement project provided for in the order of the City Council passed May 12, 2008 is hereby reduced by $745,000.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constable for a term of three years, effective Jan 1, 2012:
Charles M. Durrah (Renewal - With Power)
Raymond Gray (Without Power)
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $18,078 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts.
ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., transmitting notification of his intent to return the 9 Wyman Street curb cut application to the table; the history of which is as follows:
An application was received from Eric Griffith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. Charter Right exercised by Mayor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Oct 24, 2011. Placed on Table Oct 31, 2011 by Mayor Cheung on roll call vote 6-3-0. Placed back on the Table Jan 23, 2012 by Mayor Toomey. Motion to take from the Table failed 3-5-1 on Feb 6, 2012.
Order adopted with conditions 8-1 (Kelley NO), Kelley filed Reconsideration
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. That the matter of the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor be referred to Unfinished Business. Jan 30, 2012 ballot #4 (Mayor Cheung three votes; Mayor Davis one vote; Mayor Decker three votes; Mayor Kelley one vote and Mayor Toomey one vote) ballot #5 taken (Mayor Cheung three votes; Mayor Davis one vote; Mayor Decker two votes; Mayor Reeves two votes and Mayor Toomey one vote) ballot #6 taken (Mayor Cheung three votes; Mayor Davis one vote; Mayor Decker two votes; Mayor Reeves two votes and Mayor Toomey one vote) ballot #7 taken (Mayor Cheung three votes; Mayor Davis one vote; Mayor Decker two votes; Mayor Maher one vote; Mayor Reeves one vote and Mayor Kelley absent)
February 13, 2012 #8 taken (Mayor Cheung three votes; Mayor Davis one vote; Mayor Decker two votes; Mayor Kelley two votes and Mayor Maher one vote)
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Mayor Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Dec 28, 2011 to consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on the petition filed by Julia Bishop, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2 located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. (Petition passed to a second reading at Special City Council Meeting held on Feb 8, 2012) The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 27, 2012. Planning Board hearing held Jan 17, 2012. Petition expires Mar 27, 2012.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a draft amendment to the GLBT Ordinance increasing the maximum number of commissioners from fifteen to twenty. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 13, 2012.
Ordained 9-0, Ordinance #1346
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $36,800,000 for the purpose of refinancing existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid. The question comes on adoption on or after Feb 13, 2012.
Load Order Adopted 9-0
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Club Passim, requesting permission for a display of merchandise and two chairs in front of the premises numbered 47 Palmer Street.
2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing the Cambridge River Festival on June 2nd.
3. An application was received from Kundalini Yoga Boston, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 186 Hampshire Street.
4. An application was received from Spice Thai Cuisine, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 26 Holyoke Street.
5. An application was received from Associated Brokerage Group, requesting permission for a two sided sign at the premises numbered 307-313 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
6. An application was received from Panera Bread, requesting permission for a blade sign and awnings at the premises numbered 1280 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Vaughn Sills and Lowry Pei, 20 Bellevue Avenue, transmitting opposition to the curb cut at 79 Raymond Street.
2. A communication was received from John Cobb, Avon Hill Street, transmitting opposition to the Wyman Street curb cut.
3. A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, 103 Avon Hill Street, transmitting opposition to the Wyman Street curb cut.
4. A communication was received from Mary-Jo Good, Raymond Street, regarding the Griffith-Ebrahami curb cut.
5. A communication was received from Alan Harwood, 77 Avon Hill Street, regarding the 9 Wyman Street curb cut.
6. A communication was received from Chris Robinson, transmitting a communication from Joan Pickett, Presiding Officer, MCNA regarding the Longfellow Neighborhood Council.
7. A communication was received from Andrea Wilder, 12 Arlington Street, in support of Order #2 relating to language change for curb cut applications.
8. A communication was received from Phyllis Bretholtz, 65 Antrim Street, expressing her concern for the future of the Longfellow Neighborhood Council programs and director.
9. A communication was received from Margaret McMahon, regarding the future of the Longfellow Neighborhood Council.
10. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, requesting the retention of non-chain businesses in Central Square.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Nancy (Divisano) Masci. Mayor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Maria (Barbosa) Vicente. Mayor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of Manuel J. Pavao. Mayor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Julia Catherine Grant. Mayor Toomey, Mayor Decker
5. Retirement of Irena Puzinas from the School Department. Mayor Reeves
6. Retirement of William Mangone from the School Department. Mayor Reeves
7. Congratulations to Bobby Crane on the occasion of joining the Matignon Warriors 1,000 Point Club in basketball. Mayor Toomey
8. Hailing the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declaring California's Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional. Mayor Simmons
9. Appreciation to the houses of the Washington State Legislature for voting to legalize same-sex marriage in the State of Washington. Mayor Simmons
10. Congratulations and thanks to the Central Square Business Association as they hold their 80th Annual Meeting celebrating "Central Square in Motion 2012." Mayor Reeves
11. Congratulations to the Mystic River Watershed Association for a successful kickoff event, a January Polar Plunge. Mayor vanBeuzekom
12. Retirement of D. Margaret Drury from the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Reeves
13. Thanks to Allison A. Bayer for her term as Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Cambridge Health Alliance and Acting Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
14. Resolution on the death of Lowell L. Richards, III. Mayor Maher
16. Condolences to the family of Valerie Williams. Mayor Simmons, Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Mayor Toomey
17. Congratulations to the 2012 NAACP Award recipients. Mayor Reeves
18. Welcome John Leger to the City of Cambridge. Mayor Reeves
19. Happy Birthday wishes to Edmond Bandar. Mayor Decker
ORDERS
1. That the City Council go on record in support of increasing the cap set on the Massachusetts solar net-metering program. Mayor Davis, Mayor Cheung and Mayor vanBeuzekom
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct City staff to replace the words "approve" and "disapprove" with the words "support" and "do not support" or, as appropriate, by some other terms that will help clarify where relevant authority rests when considering curb cuts. Mayor Kelley
Order Failed 3-5-1 (Decker, Kelley, vanBeuzekom YES; Cheung, Maher, Reeves, Simmons, Toomey NO; Davis PRESENT)
Kelley filed Reconsideration
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with City staff with the intent of altering the physical location of signal lights or of adding new signal lights at the Super Crosswalk in Harvard Square so that all pedestrians can clearly see the status of the motor vehicle signal. Mayor Kelley
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaited maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks and so forth. Mayor Kelley and Mayor Decker
5. That the City Council meeting scheduled for Mon, Mar 12, 2012 be and hereby is cancelled so that the City Council may attend the National League of Cities Conference. Mayor vanBeuzekom
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass plaza and any relevant conditions of that ownership, to include responsibilities for maintenance, the ability to close off areas of the plaza to the general public and the power to grant location rights to food trucks. Mayor Kelley
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to ascertain the date or approximate date on which the shelter at Brookline and Erie Streets will be installed and report back to the City Council. Mayor Simmons
8. That the City Council urges the Community Development Department to work with the Floating Rock and their landlord Just Mass LLC toward finding an equitable compromise that would be fair to both parties, and that would allow the Floating Rock to remain in operation in Central Square. Mayor Simmons
9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the Council on the continuation of the Longfellow Community School Program and its companion program, the Longfellow Neighborhood Council. Mayor vanBeuzekom
10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development, Human Services and any other relevant City departments to hold community meetings across the city to inform and gather community input and to inform residents and businesses how to lobby the MA Legislature in opposition to the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts. Mayor Cheung
Amended
11. That the City Manager is requested to make information available on the City's website regarding "Pathways Pledge" which provides youth work-related soft skills and the U.S. Department of Labor program which offer opportunities for summer of 2012 youth employment and to confer with the Department of Human Services in helping to spread information about the programs. Mayor Decker
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department about developing a process which would require developers seeking zoning relief to build a model of the area impacted by the proposed developments prior to coming before the City Council for voting purposes. Mayor Decker
13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works with the intention of resurfacing the courts at the Jimmy Johnson Street Hockey Rink and providing lighting for the playing area and to report back to the City Council with a timetable. Mayor Toomey
14. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to devise a suitable plan that enforces the posted signage at the intersection of Whittemore Avenue and Route 16 intersection. Mayor vanBeuzekom
Charter Right - Kelley
15. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of using the washing facility at the Department of Public Work for washing bicycles in the winter. Mayor Kelley
16. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on a mechanism to include temporary ramps and more visible paint of obstructions in an effort to make construction zones safer for pedestrians and bicyclist. Mayor Kelley
17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Mayor Kelley
18. That the issue of changing the language in curb cut applications be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee. Mayor Davis
Charter Right - Toomey
19. That the Acting Chair be and hereby is requested to schedule a Special Meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 to proceed to the election of a Mayor and Vice Mayor. Mayor Decker
20. That the City Council hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, beginning at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall to gather information and public testimony on the effects on Cambridge of the proposed MBTA cuts and fare increases and to develop a policy statement in preparation for the MBTA public hearing. Mayor vanBeuzekom
21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to develop and provide at the Special Meeting of February 22, 2012, to the extent possible, targeted information as the effects of the proposed MBTA cuts and fare increases on Cambridge residents, and a draft policy statement as a starting point for Council discussion in preparation for the MBTA public hearing on February 29th and that this meeting be televised. Mayor vanBeuzekom.
22. Request from Eric Griffith for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street. Mayor Maher
(Order adopted with conditions. Reconsideration filed by Mayor Kelley)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Mayor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 15, 2011 to discuss bike parking, enforcement, bike sharing and facilities.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting an interim plan for the City Clerk's Office.
TO: THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: D. MARGARET DRURY, CITY CLERK; DONNA P. LOPEZ, DEPUTY CLERK
Date: Feb 13, 2012
SUBJECT: INTERIM PLAN - CITY CLERK'S OFFICEIn Policy Order # 6 of Jan 30, 2012, the City Council appointed Donna Lopez as Interim Clerk and requested that she and I develop and report back to the City Council on an interim plan for the City Clerk's office due to the pending retirement of the City Clerk. We met together and with our staff and formulated an interim plan. The following is a brief description of that plan:
Donna Lopez, as Interim City Clerk, will assume all duties currently performed by the City Clerk. Marybeth Cosgrove, Operations Manager, and Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant for Council Work, will take on the responsibilities of the Deputy Clerk. Staffing of committee meetings and hearings will be covered by Ms. Lopez and Ms. Crane. Ms. Crane will attend most City Council meetings, and Ms. Cosgrove will provide backup coverage as needed. Ms. Cosgrove will take on oversight of the production of the Council agenda and several other internal management tasks which are currently handled by the Deputy Clerk.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Ms. Lopez. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting. (City Manager will submit recommendation for water/sewer rates.) (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (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 13, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
MAYOR CHEUNG
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Net-metering allows consumers to use their own on-site generation against a future bill when they have a greater consumption than production; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts net-metering program is capped at 1% and 2% of peak load for residential/commercial properties and governmental properties respectively, and we are beginning to bump up against this cap. As a result, developers are wary of taking on new and worthwhile solar projects because there is no guarantee that they will receive net-metering funds for their work; and
WHEREAS: Both SB1664 (An Act improving Neighborhood Solar and Net-Metering in the Commonwealth) and HB1776 (An Act Relative to Net-Metering) raise the net-metering cap and will significantly increase access to solar and its rate of production throughout Massachusetts; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of increasing the cap set on the Massachusetts solar net-metering program; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit copies of this resolution to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Chairmen Senator Benjamin B. Downing and Representative John D. Keenan and to the Cambridge legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The current use of the words "approve" and "disapprove" on the Curb Cut Application form lead to confusion about how much control over the Curb Cut Application and approval process anyone or any agency has besides the City Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct City staff to replace the words "approve" and "disapprove" with the words "support" and "do not support" or, as appropriate, by some other terms that will help clarify where relevant authority rests when considering curb cuts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-3 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Super Crosswalk in Harvard Square is so big that pedestrians waiting to cross with a pedestrian light cannot see at what stage the motor vehicle signal light is; and
WHEREAS: This lack of information can make people confused about when to walk as most signalized intersections allow pedestrians to clearly see the relevant light cycle for motor vehicles; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with City staff with the intent of altering the physical location of signal lights or of adding new signal lights at this location so that all pedestrians using the Super Crosswalk can clearly see what the status of the motor vehicle signal is; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-4 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The City Council has talked with City staff in the past about tagging broken park equipment with tags that indicated that the broken equipment has been noted, that the equipment is in the queue to be fixed and, possibly, when repairs might be expected; and
WHEREAS: Such tagging of issues awaiting City action could be expanded to things such as removing graffiti on City property, addressing sidewalk dangers and other, similar issues; and
WHEREAS: Such tagging does not seem to be done at this point on anything in the public sphere; and
WHEREAS: Such tagging would allow people to know in real time, when they see a problem, that the issue is being addressed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaited maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks and so forth.
O-5 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting scheduled for Mon, Mar 12, 2012 be and hereby is cancelled so that the City Council may attend the National League of Cities Conference.
O-6 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The plaza over Cambridge Street linking two Harvard properties is used by people from all over the City; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has put a public skating rink on the plaza and regularly prunes plantings on the plaza and conducts other operations there; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear who actually owns this plaza and what conditions such ownership is subject to; and
WHEREAS: Maintenance of the underpass will cost millions of dollars, some of which will be paid by the City and some by Harvard University; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University recently closed Harvard Yard to the general public for a protracted period of time to keep the Yard safe for its students but at the same time, negatively impacting the thousands of people who rely on Harvard Yard as a walking route through that part of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass plaza and any relevant conditions of that ownership, to include responsibilities for maintenance, the ability to close off areas of the plaza to the general public and the power to grant location rights to food trucks; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the extent of the abilities of Universities and other similar organizations to close off property owned by those organizations but enjoyed by the general public, to include the possibility of prescriptive easements arising out of years of public use intermingling with private use.
O-7 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and its sub-contractor, CEMUSA, have resisted numerous pleas from Cambridge seniors and elected leaders to put a bus stop at the corner of Brookline and Erie Streets; and
WHEREAS: Recently the City of Cambridge agreed to put a shelter at this location in response to requests from seniors at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Apartments and other members of the community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to ascertain the date or approximate date on which the shelter will be installed and report back to the City Council.
O-8 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Since the Floating Rock Restaurant has opened for business in Central Square in the past year, it has quickly worked to become a valued and conscientious member of the Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: The Floating Rock has proven itself thus by supporting the Red Ribbon Committee, Room to Read, and by joining the Central Square Business Association; and
WHEREAS: The Floating Rock has also contributed to the valued diversity that exists within Central Square; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth has weathered the recent recession better than many other areas, yet the economy has nevertheless been a factor in the Floating Rock's difficulty in establishing itself on firm economic footing, and this has necessitated their looking to partner with Yoki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi, to bolster their business; and
WHEREAS: Just Mass LLC, the landlord for the Floating Rock, had initially been notified of this proposed merger between the Floating Rock and Yoki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi, and had expressed support for this merger. The intended merger would be helpful to both businesses, and would hopefully enable the Floating Rock to stabilize their finances and become a reliably profitable tenant for Just Mass LLC; and
WHEREAS: Just Mass LLC has subsequently withdrawn their support for this merger, and has now stated they would prefer to evict the Floating Rock and rent the space to a chain restaurant instead. Such a move would go against the community's preference for supporting local small business owners and greater diversity in our local offerings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council urges the Community Development Department to work with the Floating Rock and their landlord Just Mass LLC toward finding an equitable compromise that would be fair to both parties, and that would allow the Floating Rock to remain in operation in Central Square.
O-9 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The first goal of the Cambridge City Council is to "Foster community and support neighborhood vitality and to support opportunities for citizens to participate and to know each other within their neighborhoods and across the city"; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Community Schools program has served residents of all ages for the past 40 years, and provides activities that enhance health, learning, creative expression and the sense of community that makes Cambridge a special place; and
WHEREAS: A neighborhood is defined by the residents that live together within the neighborhood and not by a physical school building within the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: The program director of the Longfellow Community School Program and its companion program, Longfellow Neighborhood Council is retiring; and
WHEREAS: The Longfellow Community School Program and the Longfellow Neighborhood Council have continued to endeavor and provide rich and meaningful avenues of community engagement and expression despite inconsistent access to a physical school building in which to provide programs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to continue to provide funding for the Longfellow Community School and Neighborhood Council Program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on the continuation of the Longfellow Community School Program and its companion program, the Longfellow Neighborhood Council.
O-10 Feb 13, 2012 Amended
MAYOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and its residents, businesses and universities rely on the MBTA for safe and reliable transportation; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA has proposed two scenarios whereby fares are increased and services severely cut, thereby having a negative impact on those who rely on the MBTA for their own transportation or that of their employees, customers or students; and
WHEREAS: Reducing the availability of public transportation would negatively impact the ability to develop more densely around transportation hubs, potentially reduce tax revenues expected from such development and be harmful to the environment without solving the MBTA's fiscal deficit; and
WHEREAS: Furthermore, it would negatively impact the local economy by limiting transportation options for consumers to reach stores and get to work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in opposition and so inform the Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey, Governor Patrick and members of the Cambridge delegation of the Legislature in opposition to the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a report on the general impacts of the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts on the City of Cambridge, its economy and future growth; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development, Human Services and any other relevant City departments to hold community meetings across the city to inform and gather community input and to inform residents and businesses how to lobby the MA Legislature.
O-11 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that the United States Department of Labor has created a program called Summer Jobs+ 2012, a new call-to-action for businesses, non-profits, and government to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth; and
WHEREAS: As the nation continues to recover from the deepest recession since the Great Depression, American youth are struggling to get the work experience they need for jobs of the future. According to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics 48.8 percent of youth between the ages of 16-24 were employed in July, the month when youth employment usually peaks. This is significantly lower than the 59.2 percent of youth who were employed five years ago and 63.3 percent of youth who were employed 10 years ago. Minority youth had an especially difficult time finding employment this past summer. Only 34.6 percent of African American youth and 42.9 percent of Hispanic youth had a job this past July; and
WHEREAS: The President's call-to-action and in support of the "Pathways Pledge" which will provide youth work-related soft skills, such as communication, time management and teamwork, through coursework and/or experience. As well as prepare youth for employment through job shadow days, internships and on-the-job skills in a learning environment while earning wages for their work; and
WHEREAS: In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Labor will be launching a new online tool to help connect youth around the country with great opportunities for the summer of 2012 at www.dol.gov/summerjobs; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council thank local companies that already work in partnership with the City of Cambridge to provide summer youth employment and to encourage other companies to participate in this endeavor; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record committing to support the Summer Jobs+ 2012 initiative by encouraging local companies to join and amplifying the message in our community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make this information available on the City's website and to confer with the Department of Human Services in helping to spread information about the programs; and be it further
O-12 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The City Council, residents and City staff are often left estimating physical changes to land areas when considering relief or permanent changes to existing zoning laws; and
WHEREAS: A visual aid would go a long way in helping all to better understand how development would impact the affected area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Community Development Department about developing a process which would require developers seeking zoning relief to build a model of the area impacted by the proposed developments prior to coming before the City Council for voting purposes; 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 13, 2012
MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Jimmy Johnson Street Hockey Rink on Charles Street adjacent to Ahern Field is in need of maintenance; and
WHEREAS: The rink is heavily used and cracks in the cement are creating a dangerous playing surface for those on roller blades; and
ORDERED: Users of the courts could also benefit from better lighting of the playing area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works with the intention of resurfacing the courts at the Jimmy Johnson Street Hockey Rink and providing lighting for the playing area and to report back to the City Council with a timetable.
O-14 Feb 13, 2012 Charter Right - Kelley
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: It has been brought to the attention of the City Council that the Whittemore Neighborhood in North Cambridge continues to have commuter traffic cutting through the neighborhood despite posted no-entry signs; and
WHEREAS: A traffic control officer is placed at Whittemore-Route 16 intersection for limited hours during high traffic volume; and
WHEREAS: The Whittemore Neighborhood is concerned about increased traffic with continued residential development; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to devise a suitable plan that enforces the posted signage for the neighborhood; 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 the traffic plan.
O-15 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of using the washing facility at the Department of Public Work for washing bicycles in the winter.
O-16 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a mechanism to include temporary ramps and more visible paint of obstructions in an effort to make construction zones safer for pedestrians and bicyclist.
O-17 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue.
O-18 Feb 13, 2012 Charter Right - Toomey
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the issue of changing the language in curb cut applications be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee.
O-19 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the Acting Chair be and hereby is requested to schedule a Special Meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 to proceed to the election of a Mayor and Vice Mayor.
O-20 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The MBTA faces a $161 million deficit next year and is proposing service cuts and fare increases that will have devastating effects on Cambridge residents, particularly on our most vulnerable citizens; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA will hold a public hearing in Cambridge on Feb 29, 2012, 6-8pm at the Cambridge Senior Center, 860 Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: The City Council will hold a Special Meeting on Wed, Feb 22, 2012, beginning at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall to gather information and public testimony on the effects on Cambridge of the proposed cuts and fare increases and to develop a policy statement in preparation for the MBTA public hearing; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council does hereby respectfully request that all of the members of the Cambridge Legislative Delegation to the Massachusetts State House attend the Special Meeting of the City Council on Feb 22 and the MBTA public hearing in Cambridge on Feb 29, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council does hereby invite members of the Legislative MBTA Caucus to attend these meetings; 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 Cambridge Legislative Delegation and Legislative MBTA Caucus on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-21 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The MBTA faces a $161 million deficit next year and is proposing service cuts and fare increases that will have devastating effects on Cambridge residents, particularly on our most vulnerable citizens; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA will hold a public hearing in Cambridge on Feb 29, 2012, 6-8pm at the Cambridge Senior Center, 860 Massachusetts Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hold a Special Meeting on Wed, Feb 22, 2012, beginning at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall to gather information and public testimony on the effects on Cambridge of the proposed cuts and fare increases; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to develop and provide at the meeting, to the extent possible, targeted information as the effects of the proposed cuts and fare increases on Cambridge residents, and a draft policy statement as a starting point for Council discussion in preparation for the MBTA public hearing on February 29th; and be it further
ORDERED: That this Special Meeting be televised.
O-22 Feb 13, 2012
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to construct curb cuts over sidewalks in front of estates upon the streets as hereinafter named, the expense thereof to be charged to the appropriation for Public Works Department, Paving (Edgestones and Sidewalks). The entire cost of material and labor furnished to be repaid to the City by the owners of abutting estates, and authorization is conditioned upon use of materials specified by the Department of Public Works and the Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation; and be it further
"The approval granted by the City Council for this curb cut is expressly contingent upon the property at 79 Raymond Street being used only for those residential uses permitted in the Residence A-2 Zoning District. In the event a change of use is ever approved or allowed to occur at 79 Raymond Street then the approval contained herein to alter the curb and allow access across the public sidewalk at 9 Wyman Street shall be rescinded and the curb cut shall be forthwith restored at the property owner's expense. A copy of this condition shall be attached to all permits related to the work necessary to perform the aforementioned curb cut and placed in the files of the City Clerk's Office, the Department of Public Works, and the "building jacket" for 79 Raymond Street at the Inspectional Services Department."
Eric Griffith, 9 Wyman Street
Adopted 8-1, Kelley voted NO; Kelley filed Reconsideration
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Sept 15, 2011 at 5:35pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss bike parking, enforcement, bike sharing and facilities.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner and Jeff Rosenblum, Transportation Planner, Environmental and Transportation Planning Division of the Community Development Department (CDD); Lieutenant Jack Albert, Cambridge Police Department; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; Randy Stern, Peter Stokes and Madeleine deBlois, Bike Committee members; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were John S. Allen, former Bike Committee member and James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place.
Mayor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. Driven by the amount of bikes on the sidewalk he asked how the rules can be enforced more easily. He cited some examples of poor signage for cyclists such as the "do not enter" sign at Cogswell and Massachusetts Avenue and the "No Left Turn Except Busses" sign at Waterhouse and Massachusetts Avenue and the city regulation that prohibits locking bikes to a parking meter. Ms. Seiderman noted that Cambridge parking meters do not, contrary to Mayor Kelley's statement, have bike rings attached to them as City staff and drivers needing to access the meter heads can find attached bicycles difficult to get around.
Lieutenant Albert informed the committee that DPW puts a 72 hour tag on bikes attached to handicapped signs. The rules that are in place do not allow the Police Department to take a bike unless it is blocking traffic. Ms. Seiderman added that legally the City must give a cyclist a notice if they take the bike. Only if a bike is a public safety hazard can it be removed immediately. It is legal to park a bike to a sign post. Mayor Kelley noted that 72 hours is a long time for a bike to be blocking a handicapped spot.
Mayor Kelley submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of using the washing facility at the Department of Public Work for washing bicycles in the winter.
The motion - carried.
Mayor Kelley stated that bikes need to be maintained and cleaned more often in the winter, but relatively few people in Cambridge have personal facilities for doing so.
Mayor Kelley felt that construction areas should be labeled as hazardous. He commented that the orange markings are not visible in lowlight conditions and to people, such as himself, who are color blind. The hazards, such as metal access covers, can be two or three inches in height and can toss cyclists to the street or break their bicycles. Ms. Seiderman noted that temporary asphalt ramping can address some safety concerns.
Mayor Kelley submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a mechanism to include temporary ramps and more visible paint of obstructions in an effort to make construction zones safer for pedestrians and bicyclist.
The motion - carried.
Mayor Kelley next discussed bike parking. He stated that the Library parking area is full. Bikes are being locked to benches. Is there any additional bike parking for this area?
Jeff Rosenblum informed the committee that the major bike parking for CRLS consisting of 22 racks has not been installed. They will be installed at the main entrance at CRLS on the left toward Broadway. Mayor Kelley asked about the library and additional parking. Mr. Rosenblum stated that the high school racks are the only parking planned as of now. There maybe six more racks. The high school and library bike rack installation are to be done by the project contractor. This will be reassessed when the project is completed and the racks are installed as issues like landscaping and general access make siting bike racks somewhat complicated. Temporary bike parking in front of the high school disappeared and nothing more exists under the current scope of work.
Mayor Kelley asked that due to insufficient bike parking could temporary racks be installed? Mr. Rosenblum stated he would look into it but not as a permanent solution as the temporary racks are ugly. There are five bike racks in the parking garage. You do not have to pay to park a bike in the garage but cautioned that bikes could be locked in the garage overnight when the garage closes. A needs assessment has been done around the city for 300 more bike racks. Mayor Kelley requested a copy of the needs assessment. Staff noted that the City orders the bike racks through the MAPC, which reimburses the City for its costs. Not all the bike racks the City could have received were ordered, though, and the City may or may not order more.
Mayor Kelley now focused on bike sharing and facilities.
Mayor Kelley stated that the plan was to install bike sharing in the fall but it looks like it will begin in the spring. Ms. Seiderman stated that agreements are being worked on between the communities that will participate in the bike sharing program. They are Brookline, Somerville and Cambridge. Time is needed to order the bike sharing stations. The City will own the stations and will contract with a vendor to operate the stations. Cambridge will have a multi-jurisdictional agreement. One remaining issue is revenue sharing. There will be 22 bike stations. Each bike station holds 10 bikes. The planned opening is March. The program closes in November. The appropriate zoning has not been finalized.
Mayor Kelley opened the meeting for public comment.
James Williamson stated his concern. The program is not bike sharing it is bike rental program and should be listed as such. Boston bike sharing bikes are riding on Cambridge streets. He was not in favor of the advertising on the bike stations. He wanted public input into the locations of the bike stations. He questioned if there would be a discussion on the station design or would the design be informal.
Randy Stern, Bike Committee member, favored the bike sharing program. This program is consistent with the city's policy. He favored enforcement of motor vehicle laws, such as parking in bike lanes, to make streets safer for cyclists. There is advertisement and education with the bike sharing program. Appropriate bike facilities will help to make Cambridge safe for less experienced cyclists. He favored the installation of more bike lanes and cycle tracks where the street is wide enough. He would like the City Council to endorse safe bike facilities because he feels they mitigate conflicts. He commented that pedestrians move at one speed, cyclists move faster and cars move at a faster speed.
Mayor Kelley stated that he is not a cycle track advocate. He complained that the painted bike riding on sidewalk logos wear off. Ms. Clippinger informed the committee that all the logos in Central Square were repainted last week. When logos wear off they are repainted. What the City installs for stripping and bike lane markings must be maintained.
Mr. Stern asked if the curbs could be painted a different color where bikes are not allowed. Lieutenant Albert stated that the painting needs to be defined. The city is trying to maintain all paving markings in the city stated Ms. Clippinger. A police audit of Massachusetts Avenue of the crosswalks revealed that there is a sign or painted markings at all crosswalks.
John Allen stated that the ADA regulations require the installation of curb ramps which makes sidewalk riding much more convenient. Driveways should have markings if cycling is not allowed on the adjacent sidewalk. Enforcement and education is essential, he said.
Mayor Kelley stated that getting a bike ticket had a big impact on him.
Lieutenant Albert informed the committee of a nation-wide educational campaign on bike safety. He noted that seat belt use went up to 78% with a national education campaign. Mayor Kelley noted that better seat belt technology made them easier to use and may have been more relevant to the increase than education.
Madeleine de Blois spoke about setting up bike parking spaces in the street - this encourages bikes off the sidewalk because parking one's bike on the sidewalk encourages one to bike on the sidewalk as otherwise the bike needs to be pushed. In Central Square the taxi cabs are in the bike lanes. Work is needed to educate the taxi drivers not to block bike lanes, and this education may be possible due to taxi licensing requirements. Lieutenant Albert stated that he is a member of the Taxi Cab Advisory Committee and this has been discussed, but it is a dead horse. Tickets now need to be issued.
Mayor Kelley stated that Ms. Clippinger does not favor bike lane tickets. He would like to measure and manage bikes in the bike lanes, but it cannot be measured because the type of ticket issued could be skewed.
Mr. Rosenblum stated that the city is planning to take on street parking and install bike racks, but street sweeping and abutter agreements are issues that need to be negotiated. If bike racks were put on the street it signals to bikers that there is a place for cyclists. The City wants to do this, but do it right. Parking is a big issue in the City. There were 175 bike racks installed in 2011 with $30,000 of ARRA money. There is a goal to take parking spaces away in high density areas and install temporary bike parking and to roll out a street parking program in the spring at multiple locations.
Ms. Seiderman stated that there is a study being done to look at different markings on Massachusetts Avenue, in three different locations, to address the issues of cyclists riding in the dangerous door zone, cycle lane width and dimensions of where a bike lane can go. The options are limited because of the width of streets in Cambridge. Cambridge was selected because it is a dense limited right-of-way community.
Mr. Allen stated that the United States has a different signing system. More attention is needed to what type of sign should be used. He submitted information relating to standard US sign and stated that it is more appropriate than a European sign (ATTACHMENT A). The following e-mail was received from Bob Simha (ATTACHMENT B) transmitted a sign for shared sidewalk and bikeways.
Mayor Kelley stated that there is no consensus in the cycling community on signs to make bikers safer. Mr. Allen noted not the round/blue European bike sign signaled mandatory use, compensating for multiple language challenges. His point was that the graphics about appropriate bike use need to be clearer.
Mayor Kelley submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue.
The motion - carried.
Peter Stokes stated that the default criteria to be used should be that where cars are accepted, bikes are allowed and that where it is safe to allow cyclists where cars are not allowed, then that should be done.
Mr. Allen stated that things like contra-flow lanes and signage can allow for more bike freedom and flexibility.
At this time Mayor Kelley read the communication received from Lahra Tillman, Windsor Street, into the record (ATTACHMENT C).
Ms. deBlois spoke about the issue of street cleaning debris as it relates to bikers. When street cleaning starts late there can be a lot of debris left in the part of the street where bicyclists ride.
Ms. Clippinger stated that the Public Works Department would be responsive to priority street cleaning for bike usage.
Mayor Kelley thanked all attendees for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:53pm.
For the Committee,
Mayor Craig Kelley, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of bike helmet vending machines as part of the bike share program.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-5)
12-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City promotes and enforces the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Mayor Toomey and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-7)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Mayor Decker, Mayor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free.
Mayor Decker, Mayor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-11)
12-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of an early winter 2012 thermal scan.
Mayor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Mayor Decker, Mayor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves & Mayor Toomey 01/30/12 (O-1)
12-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on zoning changes for the Sullivan Courthouse and neighboring parcels.
Mayor Toomey, Mayor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Mayor Decker, Mayor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves & Mayor vanBeuzekom 01/30/12 (O-7)
12-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on joining the NLC Prescription Discount Card program.
Mayor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Mayor Decker, Mayor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves & Mayor Toomey 01/30/12 (O-9)
12-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the condition and maintenance of the elevators at the Manning Apartments.
Mayor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Mayor Cheung, Mayor Decker, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Mayor Toomey 02/06/12 (O-3)
12-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there is sufficient funding for a successful farmers' market season.
Mayor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Mayor Cheung, Mayor Decker, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Mayor Toomey 02/06/12 (O-4)
12-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revising the time restrictions of placing trash containers on the curb to better accommodate the senior citizen and disabled adult population.
Mayor Decker, Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Mayor Toomey 02/06/12 (O-5)
12-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing EBT and debit card machines for city-wide use.
Mayor Cheung, Mayor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Mayor Decker, Mayor Maher, Mayor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Mayor Toomey 02/06/12 (O-6)