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 January, 2005:
With Power:  Phillip Sciandra, 24 Amory Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Without Power:  Edward Tatum, Jr., 32 Pearl Street, Stoughton, MA 02072;  Hector Rosario, 3 Willoughby Street, #2, Lawrence, MA 01841;  Ross D. Elliott, 4 Alvanes Drive, Haverhill, MA 01830

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-121, regarding a report on maintenance of the weight room facilities at the War Memorial and adult access of the new cardiovascular machines.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $61,908 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-122, regarding information as it relates to physical activity for children and on noise levels and ventilation system noise levels in all school buildings.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,624,712 to the Public Investment Fund Electrical Department Extraordinary Equipment account from free cash to provide funds for the purchase of streetlights from NSTAR effective March 1, 2005.

ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. 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 November 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 February 14, 2005.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on January 6, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by North Point Land Company to amend Section 13.70 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding planned unit development in the North Point Residence District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005. Planning Board hearing held January 18, 2005. Petition expires April 6, 2005.   ORDAINED 9-0

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the rescission of $100,000 from the loan order approved by the City Council on September 23, 2002 for renovations to the Taylor Square Fire Station. The project has been completed and no further funding is required. The question comes on adoption on or after February 14, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Big Picture Framing, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 2044 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from TP Kendall LLC, requesting permission for a canopy at the premises numbered 350 Third Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

3. A zoning petition was received from Joan E. O'Connor, et al., requesting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to clarify the applicability of The Mount Auburn Institutional District to the whole of the site of the Mount Auburn Hospital, having an address of 330 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

4. An application was received from Sign*A*Rama, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 95 First Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding how to get through the death of this world.

2. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding protection procedure against cell phone radiation.

3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police and CCTV.

4. A communication was received from Kevin Hill, regarding Mahoney's South Site Abutters.

5. A communication was received from Edward M. Kennedy, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the very special resolution in Rosemary's honor.

6. A communication was received from Yuri V. Ushakov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the USA transmitting sincere and profound gratitude for your feelings of compassion for the tragic loss of life as a result of a terrorist act in Northern Ossetia.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Michael A. Fabiano.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of John M. Woolsey, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

3. Resolution on the death of Joseph E. VonHandorf.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Katherine Rosolik.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

5. Congratulations to Nicola Williams for being selected as part of consultant consortium to develop Carnival London: London Carnival Development Programme, an initiative designed to enable the transformation and growth of the Caribbean carnival industry in London.   Councillor Simmons

6. Best wishes to John Yunitis, Mayor of the City of Brockton, in his future endeavors.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the death of Josephine Moran.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

8. Resolution on the death of Eileen Stark.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Marjorie J. Mikule.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Cosmo Trapani.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of Charles Lambros.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Doris Fortini.   Councillor Galluccio

13. Resolution on the death of Corporal Christopher Weaver.   Vice Mayor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jesse Strong.   Vice Mayor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Starr, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Joseph Spence.   Vice Mayor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Corporal Matthew Smith.   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Dustin Shumney.   Vice Mayor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Corporal Nathan Schubert.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Gael Saintvil.   Vice Mayor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Hector Ramos.   Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Rhonald Rairden.   Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Mourad Ragimov.   Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Corporal Nathaniel Moore.   Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Corporal James Moore.   Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Fred Maciel.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Karl Linn   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Allan Klein   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Sergeant William Kinzer, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Corporal Sean Kelly.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Corporal Stephen Johnson.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Saeed Jafarkhani-Torshizi, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer 3rd Class John House.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Brian Hopper.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Tony Hernandez.   Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Corporal Kyle Grimes.   Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Captain Lyle Gordon.   Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Corporal Richard Gilbert, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Corporal Timothy Gibson.   Vice Mayor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Travis Fuller.   Vice Mayor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Finke, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan Etterling.   Vice Mayor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Specialist Taylor Burk.   Vice Mayor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jonathan Bowling.   Vice Mayor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Brian Bland.   Vice Mayor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Captain Paul Alaniz.   Vice Mayor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kevin Luna.   Vice Mayor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jonathan Beatty.   Vice Mayor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Darrell Schumann.   Vice Mayor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nazario Serrano.   Councillor Galluccio (?)
[Though this says Galluccio, presumably this is in error and it's from Decker.]

52. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Commander Keith Taylor.   Vice Mayor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Captain Christopher Sullivan.   Vice Mayor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jesus Fonseca.   Vice Mayor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Carlson.   Vice Mayor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jesus Leon-Perez.   Vice Mayor Decker

57. Resolution on Sergeant Javier Marin, Jr   Vice Mayor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Stevens.   Vice Mayor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Specialist Viktar Yolkin.   Vice Mayor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Corporal Timothy Knight.   Vice Mayor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Captain Orlando Bonilla.   Vice Mayor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Farrar Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Charles Jones.   Vice Mayor Decker

64. Resolution on Sergeant First Class Mickey Zaun.   Vice Mayor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Ellen O'Connor.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

66. Wishing a Happy 50th Birthday to a special person.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Reeves

67. Congratulations to Deb Eisner and the new team at the Chronicle.   Councillor Davis

68. Resolution on the retirement of Joseph Elder.   Mayor Sullivan

69. Resolution on the death of Dr. Robert Richie, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

70. Resolution on the death of Margaret F. (Ford) Stuart.   Councillor Galluccio

71. Resolution on the death of Joseph E. Keane.   Councillor Galluccio

72. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Joseph.   Mayor Sullivan

73. Extending get well wishes to Teddy Darling.   Mayor Sullivan

74. Resolution on the death of Eleanor I. (Martino) Fleming.   Councillor Toomey

75. Resolution on the death of the three employees of Cambridge-based Management Sciences for Health, who were in Afghanistan.   Councillor Davis

76. Congratulations to Representative Alice Wolf of Cambridge on being appointed Vice Chair of the Municipalities and Regional Governmental Committee.   Councillor Toomey

77. Congratulations to Representative Rachel Kaprielian, of Watertown on being appointed Chair of the Municipalities and Regional Governmental Committee.   Councillor Toomey

78. Congratulations to the New England Patriots.   Mayor Sullivan

79. Resolution on the death of Rose Claire (Dunn) Levine.   Mayor Sullivan

80. Resolution on the retirement of Edward F. Devereaux.   Mayor Sullivan

81. Resolution on the retirement of Leonard Dougenik.   Mayor Sullivan

82. Resolution on the retirement of Joseph Musto.   Mayor Sullivan

83. Resolution on the retirement of Carla Betts.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Congratulating the Cambridge Health Alliance on being named one of the top 100 Healthcare systems in the country.   Mayor Sullivan

85. Recognition of the Longfellow National Historic Site for their program to expand understanding of the life and work of Cambridge poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.   Councillor Davis

86. Residents to be cognizant of the dramatic presentation based on George Washington's struggle with slavery to be held on Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Longfellow Carriage House, 105 Brattle Street.   Councillor Davis

87. Residents to be cognizant of the 198th Birthday celebration of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to be held on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 10am to noon at Story Chapel in the Mount Auburn Cemetery.   Councillor Davis

88. Resolution on the death of Deacon Christie Dinkins.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

89. Resolution on the death of Reverend Ivory Miles.   Councillor Simmons

90. Resolution on the death of Sandra Carney.   Councillor Simmons

91. Congratulations to Tim Robbins on receiving the Hasty Pudding 2005 Man of the Year award.   Vice Mayor Decker

92. Congratulations to Catherine Zeta Jones on receiving the 2005 Hasty Pudding Women of the Year award.   Vice Mayor Decker

93. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Zachary Wobler.   Vice Mayor Decker

94. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Daniel Torres.   Vice Mayor Decker

95. Resolution on the death of Captain Sean Brock.   Vice Mayor Decker

96. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jeremy Allmon.   Vice Mayor Decker

97. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Travis Wichlacz.   Vice Mayor Decker

98. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Richard Clifton.   Vice Mayor Decker

99. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley.   Vice Mayor Decker

100. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert Hendrickson.   Vice Mayor Decker

101. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Sean Maher.   Vice Mayor Decker

102. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Stephen Sherman.   Vice Mayor Decker

103. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lyle Rymer II.   Vice Mayor Decker

104. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Rodriguez.   Vice Mayor Decker

105. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jonathan Reed.   Vice Mayor Decker

106. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher Ramsey.   Vice Mayor Decker

107. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Evans II.   Vice Mayor Decker

108. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Stephen Castellano.   Vice Mayor Decker

109. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Lindsey James.   Vice Mayor Decker

110. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Commander Edward Jack.   Vice Mayor Decker

111. Resolution on the death of Private First Class James Miller IV   Vice Mayor Decker

112. Resolution on the death of Corporal Christopher Zimny.   Vice Mayor Decker

113. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Harry Swain IV.   Vice Mayor Decker

114. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jason Redifer.   Vice Mayor Decker

115. Wishing a Happy 50th Birthday to Lorraine Woodson.   Councillor Reeves

116. That this City Council be cognizant of the NORTHPOINT groundbreaking ceremony, that will take place on site, Monday, March 21, 2005 at 12:00 noon.   Mayor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to present a plan to clear crosswalks during snow storms.   Councillor Davis

2. The City Manager is requested to look into the possibility of creating a WiFi network in City buildings or possibly throughout the City to place Cambridge on the cutting edge.   Councillor Davis

3. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to study the timing of the light at the corner of Rindge Avenue and Route 16.   Councillor Galluccio

4. The City Manager is requested to direct the Historical Commission and the Public Works Department to move the Clement Morgan historical marker on Prospect Street to the Clement Morgan Park on Columbia Street.   Councillor Reeves

5. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to devise a plan whereby all corner crossings, all areas in front of bus stops and bus shelters are cleared of snow instantaneously.   Councillor Reeves

6. The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation be requested to change federal regulations to permit the inscription of the name of a veteran’s spouse on a veteran’s marker in the veteran’s section of Cambridge Cemetery to allow for a veteran and his or her spouse to be buried at the same place.   Councillor Murphy

7. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with a view in mind of extending work hours for Parking Control Officers until 9pm in the Porter Square area.   Councillor Toomey

8. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of expanding the program to post MBTA bus schedules on all routes across the City by April 1, 2005.   Councillor Davis

9. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Cambridge Police Department to reinstate the child car seat installation and safety inspection program.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey and Vice Mayor Decker

10. The City Manager is requested to address the concerns of the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Association as construction proceeds for the new main library.   Councillor Davis

11. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Chief Public Health Officer to collaborate with appropriate parties to stay abreast of oxycontin usage, and report periodically on the conditions in Cambridge   Mayor Sullivan

12. That the Mayor, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, convene a local task force to develop a Cambridge Crusade Against Cancer with a specific eye toward delivery of screening and early detection messages and opportunities to the Cambridge public.   Mayor Sullivan

13. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate city staff for the review of the current work and proposals being considered by the Wireless Philadelphia Executive Committee to reach the goal of providing wireless Internet access throughout the City of Philadelphia.   Mayor Sullivan

14. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate city staff, including the Community Development Department, to meet with the Economic Development, Training and Employment, the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations and the Human Services Committees to discuss the plans for the Caribbean Carnival.   Councillor Simmons

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding development of a plan whereby in major snowstorms we are mindful that snow removal from parking spaces in front of churches and other places of worship is essential to the smooth operation of church functions such as funerals and services.   Councillor Reeves

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on December 9, 2004 for the purpose of discussing NSTAR's maintenance of streetlights, and receiving reports from NSTAR about the effects of the new transmissions facility on the environment and the rates for electricity.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on December 15, 2004 to enable community members to speak directly to NSTAR about the problems and dangers of the many nonfunctioning streetlights in Cambridge and to provide an opportunity for NSTAR to inform the community as to its plans to fix this problem.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Councillor Henrietta Davis Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a joint meeting held on January 12, 2005 to discuss issues raised at the Senior Town Meeting.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on February 2, 2005 to discuss the installation of the LED traffic lights in the City and the financial implications to the City.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting an order adopted by the School Committee regarding placing "pedestrian crossing" signage at each crosswalk surrounding school buildings.

2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from the Courtney family thanking the city for the resolution in honor of their beloved Sergeant Kelley Lance Courtney, USMC.

3. A communication was received from Cambridge Kids' Council, transmitting a request for adoption of the Cambridge Policy Plan for Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities in Out-of-School Time Programs.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 15
11:00am   The Public Safety Committee and Finance Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to continue discussion on siting a new police station and financial implications.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 28
5:00pm   Special Presentation - Barron Center for Men's Health  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 1
10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee to continue discussion on using public events and celebrations to further economic development, including discussion of an annual funding mechanism.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 8
12:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting on the subject of NSTAR and renewable energy.  (Ackermann Room)
3:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relative to the efforts of employees of the Cambridge Brands Plant to improve their working conditions.  (Ackermann Room)
3:30pm   The Human Services and the Public Safety Committees will conduct a joint meeting with the Violence Prevention Task Force to plan a city-wide conversation around the issue of developing a city-wide anti-bullying policy.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 9
3:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on an amendment prepared in response to City Council Order #6 of November 22, 2004. The amendment would change Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that adequate parking is provided when new uses are accommodated in an existing building.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Police Review and Advisory Board ("PRAB") Ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Meeting with Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, May 2
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Topic to be announced. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, May 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, June 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to present a plan to clear crosswalks during snow storms.

O-2     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the possibility of creating a WiFi network in City buildings or possibly throughout the City to place Cambridge on the cutting edge.

O-3     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: There have been concerns expressed by residents regarding the timing of the light at the corner of Rindge Avenue and Route 16 as there is inadequate time for pedestrians to cross the street; and
WHEREAS: The neighborhood is home to thousands of units of housing and the crosswalk is used to access the Alewife T Station; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to study the timing of the light at the corner of Rindge Avenue and Route 16 and, if necessary, to conduct a meeting in the neighborhood to hear the concerns and to further report back to the City Council about the timing of the light.

O-4     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Historical Commission and the Public Works Department to move the Clement Morgan historical marker on Prospect Street to the Clement Morgan Park on Columbia Street.

O-5     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to devise a plan whereby all corner crossings, all areas in front of bus stops and bus shelters are cleared of snow instantaneously.

O-6     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record requesting the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to take the steps necessary to change federal regulations to permit the inscription of the name of a veteran’s spouse on a veteran’s marker in the veteran’s section of Cambridge Cemetery to allow for a veteran and his or her spouse to be buried at the same place; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send copies of this resolution to the members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation.

O-7     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with a view in mind of extending work hours for Parking Control Officers until 9 p.m. in the Porter Square area.
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-8     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of expanding the program to post MBTA bus schedules on all routes across the City by April 1, 2005.

O-9     February 14, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Cambridge Police Department to reinstate the child car seat installation and safety inspection program.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-10     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The library site plan was presented at the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association meeting of December 7, 2004; and
WHEREAS: The following concerns were outlined by the MCNA:

• Protect as many trees as possible in their current location rather than transplanting them twice.
• Maintain the neighborhood common (the southeast park open space created by the Carol Johnson campus plan).
• Adjust the planting buffer at the southeast corner of the library expansion building to allow more space in the neighborhood common. Include more evergreens in the buffer.
• Retain the diagonal walk from the southwest corner (at Angelo's) to the northeast corner (at Ellery Street) of the neighborhood common. It is a "desire line" that follows the pedestrian traffic patterns of park users.
• Allow more useable neighborhood common space in our only neighborhood park during the construction by making the staging area south of the tennis courts smaller. After construction hours and weekend use will be desirable; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to address the concerns of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association as construction proceeds for the new main library.

O-11     February 14, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Awareness about oxycontin use among teens has increased in recent years; and
WHEREAS: Oxycontin-related deaths and overdoses among teens have been documented in towns surrounding Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Oxycontin use, like other drug usage, can be observed by a variety of professionals, including police, school, medical, and human service workers; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a community that wants to stay abreast of pertinent health issues; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Chief Public Health Officer to collaborate with appropriate parties to stay abreast of oxycontin usage, and report periodically on the conditions in Cambridge.

O-12     February 14, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It is estimated that in 2005, 13,720 people in Massachusetts will die from cancer—of those, an estimated 940 are women with breast cancer, 1380 are individuals with colon or rectal cancer, 3800 are individuals with lung cancer, and 700 are individuals with prostate cancer (Source: American Cancer Society); and
WHEREAS: It is also estimated that 30,030 new cancer cases will arise in 2005 in Massachusetts alone; and
WHEREAS: According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 a total of 237 Cambridge residents died from breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers; and
WHEREAS: An important tool in fighting cancer and cancer related deaths is through screening and early detection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, convene a local task force to develop a Cambridge Crusade Against Cancer with a specific eye toward delivery of screening and early detection messages and opportunities to the Cambridge public.

O-13     February 14, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the appropriate city staff for the review of the current work and proposals being considered by the Wireless Philadelphia Executive Committee to reach the goal of providing wireless Internet access throughout the City of Philadelphia; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a proposal to develop such a plan for the City of Cambridge, inclusive of city-wide wireless Internet access and provisions to ensure affordability.

O-14     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge has numerous celebrations which are economic, family and public celebrations; and
WHEREAS: In order for the city to have an excellent Caribbean Carnival as in the past a meeting to plan the Caribbean Carnival is needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate city staff, including the Community Development Department, to meet with the Economic Development, Training and Employment, the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations and the Human Services Committees to discuss the plans for the Caribbean Carnival.

O-15     February 14, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding development of a plan whereby in major snowstorms we are mindful that snow removal from parking spaces in front of churches and other places of worship is essential to the smooth operation of church functions such as funerals and services.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on December 9, 2004, beginning at nine o’clock and ten minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing NSTAR’s maintenance of streetlights, and receiving reports from NSTAR about the effects of the new transmission facility on the environment and the rates for electricity.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were George Fernandes, City Electrician, Calvin Lindsay, Director of the Municipal Cable Office and William Zamparelli, Community and Government Relations, NSTAR.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose. This meeting comes at a unique time. Last night 75 residents of Cambridgeport and Area 4 came to a meeting about public safety, in these neighborhoods, where there have been several robberies. A great deal of the conversation was about streetlights being out and the dangers of dark streets. There are 17 streetlights out in that area. She asked Mr. Zamparelli to explain how the public can get these streetlights fixed. Mr. Zamparelli said that the public can call directly to 1 800 785-4837, a recorded message, requesting the caller to provide an address or a cross street reference so NSTAR can locate the lamp. NSTAR has a lamp ranger who goes out to repair lights. Typically they are repaired within 72 hours, from the Somerville service office. Councillor Simmons said that she would like to ask NSTAR to send a representative to a community meeting to speak directly to the community.

Mayor Sullivan said that this issue has been a problem for a long time, ever since Cambridge Electric Light Company was replaced by NSTAR. Cambridge Electric Light Company was local and repairs were made quickly. NSTAR is regional and repairs are made much more slowly. Mayor Sullivan also said that the attached letter from Robert W. Healy regarding the dispute between the City and NSTAR over the cost of purchasing the streetlights states that the dispute is now in the hands of the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE).

Mr. Fernandes said that the issue is that the sodium lighting fails after a certain number of hours. All of the light bulbs have passed their useful life. All the lights need to be replaced.

NSTAR’s policy is to not do this. Councillor Simmons asked whether the committee should submit a council order requesting NSTAR to re-lamp the entire city.

Councillor Davis said that she has two lists of lights out in the Cambridgeport area, a total of 17 streetlights. Some have out for a long time, like the one at the Greek Church. In the past few weeks, there have been 20 muggings, 11 in Cambridgeport; people have been held up at gunpoint. The darkness is a contributing factor.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician and NSTAR for the list of eighteen street lights currently out in Cambridgeport be to referred to NSTAR, entered into a data base and that the City Council receive a report back in 30 days on how long the repairs have taken.

The motion passed on a voice vote. Councillor Davis submitted the lists (Attachment A). She also submitted a petition from Cambridgeport neighbors expressing their concern (Attachment B).

Mayor Sullivan submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Council refer the issue of the streetlight outages in Cambridgeport to the City Solicitor to consider a law suit in light of the proximity of the crimes to the area where street lights were out.

The motion passed on a voice vote.

It was agreed that the committee would sponsor a community meeting so that the NSTAR officials can hear directly from the community members.

Councillor Simmons said that the meeting must happen before the holidays.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide information on how much Cambridge is paying NSTAR and how much of that is allocated to streetlight repair, and how many people it would take for NSTAR to adequately maintain the streetlights in Cambridge.

Councillor Davis said there should be a community meeting.

Councillor Simmons asked NSTAR to please bring information on the issues discussed this evening to the community meeting, including information on how to get the streetlights fixed.

Mr. Fernandes said that customers could get better service by calling his office about the streetlights that are out. If someone calls the NSTAR number, Mr. Fernandes is not aware of the call, but if the customer calls him and he calls NSTAR, he can track the progress. Councillor Davis noted that it is very difficulty for a citizen to get the pole number to report the outage. Mr. Zamparelli said that all this is needed is some information to allow the repairperson to identify the location.

George Fernandes stated that if the repair order goes to Boston, it takes at least a month. He is not sure that it is best to get NSTAR involve in re-lamping all the lamps at this point. Cambridge expects to buy the streetlights in two or three months.

Councillor Simmons said that the neighbors do not want to wait and they should not have to in this case where there are serious safety concerns. Councillor Simmons said people need to look at the faces of the NSTAR people.

Councilor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: The City Manager be and is hereby requested to report on what the plan for re-lamping should be.

The motion passed without objection.

Mr. Zamparelli asked if Cambridge wants to stay with sodium lamps. Councillor Simmons asked what is the difference, and Mr. Zamparelli responded that the end of their useful life, sodium lights tend to recycle on and off so people do not know the light needs replacing.

George Fernandes said that other lights also recycle. He cautioned that this problem will not be fixed right away when Cambridge owns the lights. He estimates they can re-lamp two neighborhoods per year while continuing to fix the outage.

Councillor Murphy said that given that there is a problem across the entire city in that all of the lights are past their useful life, he is concerned about singling out Cambridgeport. Some of that crime was in Riverside and Area 4.

Councillor Simmons said that she would like to get people to the table for conversation about how to solve this problem while the City and NSTAR are negotiating about the purchase the poles.

Councillor Davis said that perhaps we want NSTAR to re-lamp in some other way than by neighborhood at the rate of 2 neighborhoods per year.

Councillor Davis asked are lights out at the same rate as in Cambridgeport in all neighborhoods, and Mr. Fernandes answered in the affirmative.

Councillor Murphy stated that the City Council needs to rely on the expertise of the City Electrician about the best way to solve the problem.

Councillor Simmons asked whether when the City buys the lights, would the lamps be repaired faster. Mr. Fernandes said that Cambridge will do group re-lamping; at the same time they will do daily patrols and immediate re-lamping of the outages. The system needs attention. It cannot be done overnight. Every time he goes out to check on streetlights at night, there are 30 lights out.

Councillor Murphy stated that buying the streetlights will be a big capital expenditure and it will be several years before Cambridge feels the full benefit. He asked about observations from other communities that have purchased their streetlights.

Mr. Zamparelli said the problem is not from the light bulbs; the underground feeds are the real problem.

Mr. Fernandes said that most communities that bought streetlights wanted to save money. Most do not have Electrical Departments. They have contractors fix the lights and they still have a problem. Cambridge will do all the patrol and re-lamping in-house. They will hire a contractor to repair the underground feeds, which should be repaired in 2 to 3 weeks, not the several months it now takes. He stated that pole 8 on Magazine, by the Greek Church, has been called in many times. The repair to pole 2 on Larch Road took 9 months.

Councillor Davis stated that NSTAR should be a partner in crime prevention, not part of the cause of crime.

Councillor Murphy invited comments and questions for other City Councillors.

Councillor Murphy asked Mr. Zamparelli what is his sense of the need for heating assistance. Mr. Zamparelli said that fuel costs are going up. NSTAR refers applicant for fuel assistance to the City for qualification. Then they can seek assistance from the NSTAR. The rate for qualified low-income customers is 25 percent less.

Councillor Simmons invited public comment.

He stated that NSTAR is responsible and we intend to hold them responsible.

Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
WHEREAS: The street front at the 375 Putnam Avenue transformer is filthy, now therefore now be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with NSTAR with the view in mind of NSTAR implementing immediate and continuous maintenance sufficient to keep the area clean; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is also requested to look into the security issue–is the area adequately secured?

(Note: This order was submitted and adopted on December 20, 2004).

Nona Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, expressed her concern about the safety issue at the transformer area. The first and second set of gates where open so that anyone could walk all the way in.

Councillor Simmons then moved to the issue of the new NSTAR substation and asked Mr. Zamparelli to respond to questions about the effect on rates and the environmental impact. Mr. Zamparelli answered that regarding the site itself, it is a former coal gas site. NSTAR is now constructing the new substation and is in compliance with all environmental regulations. NSTAR’s plan is to remove twice the volume of soil necessary for the foundation, which will get rid of a lot of the contaminated soil. Clean Harbors is the contractor.

Mr. Zamparelli reported that NSTAR takes measures of particulate levels at the site to monitor air quality. NSTAR has also done modeling of electro magnetic fields. The lines are underground and configured in a way to cancel each other. There will not be significant impact. There will also be distribution lines at the site. NSTAR representatives have met with Genzyme and their neighbors and they are satisfied with NSTAR’s procedures.

Councillor Murphy asked what impact the substation will have on the temperature of the river. Mr. Zamparelli said there will be no impact. NSTAR will not be doing generation.

Councillor Davis asked with whom in the City does NSTAR communicate, and Mr. Zamparelli answered Inspectional Services.

Councillor Davis asked about the energy efficiency program. There are separate programs for residential and multi-family, which NSTAR deems commercial. There is a need for sensitivity. The forms are very difficult and are often filled out by non-business personnel. She would like to talk about this at a future meeting.

Councillor Simmons stated that she will put it on the January agenda.

Councillor Davis requested that NSTAR employee, Sherry Miles, be invited.

Councillor Davis recommended NSTAR’s duct sealing program in which they seal all holes on the first floor. Her house is much warmer now.

Councillor Simmons then requested a brief update on the new Media Center. Mr. Lindsay said that nothing has happened since he last reported. There is still the abutter that they have to hear from before they can make progress. Councillor Simmons asked if the City Council could get copies of the May 17th celebration. She would also like copies of the Senior Town Meeting. Councillor Simmons stated that for the next meeting she would like an update on Comcast.

Councillor Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report on possible the possibility of Verizon as a competition to Cable TV, and further report on what there capacity to switch city phones to voice over internet-the pros and cons.

The motion passed without objection (Note: this order was submitted and adopted on December 20, 2004).

Mr. Zamparelli then reported on rates. As of January 1, 2005, there will be a 6.1 percent increase in the residential rate for electricity, which includes inflation issues and an increase of .0033 per kilowatt-hours on account of the transmission facility. He noted that as of March 31, 2005, NSTAR cannot use a special rate for the City and the City will be on the default rate. Going forward, options for the City to look at the community aggregation.

Councillor Davis stated that there are still questions of opportunities to aggregate for residents. The City Council must advocate for NSTAR to provide more information. It was agreed that the next meeting will include:
1. Deregulation-preparing for default rate
2. Planning a meeting on heating
3. Update from NSTAR in streetlights
4. Update on Comcast and cable TV issues

Councillor Simmons thanked those present for their participation.

On a motion form Councillor Murphy the meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and forty-five minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on December 15, 2004, beginning at six o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the hearing was to enable community members to speak directly to NSTAR about the problems and dangers of the many nonfunctioning streetlights in Cambridge and to provide an opportunity for NSTAR to inform the community as to its plans to fix this problem.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were George Fernandes, City Electrician, William Zamparelli, Community and Government Relations, NSTAR, Bob Massey, Operations Manager, NSTAR Somerville Service Center, Dana Teague, Work Coordinator, NSTAR. The following community members were present: Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, Cathie Zusy, 202 Hamilton Street, and Bill Neukomm, 196 Hamilton Street.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose.

She invited comments from NSTAR. Mr. Zamparelli introduced Mr. Massey and Ms. Teague and said that the NSTAR employees present would prefer to hear from members of the community first.

Councillor Davis stated that she has a list of 16 lights that were reported out last week at a meeting of Cambridgeport residents. On her way to this meeting, she spotted three more lights out. Last week 75 residents of Cambridgeport and Area 4 came to a meeting about public safety in these neighborhoods, where there have been several robberies. A great deal of the conversation was about streetlights being out and the dangers of dark streets. There are 17 streetlights out in that area. The level of service is simply unacceptable.

Cathie Zusy stated that last fall her neighborhood association organized a safety walk and counted 50 streetlights out. It took a long time for those lights to be fixed. After the recent increase in street crime, 35 of the lights were fixed, since then others have gone out. She does not believe that it should be the citizens’ job to report lights out in order to get them fixed.

Mr. Zamparelli said that it is the City’s responsibility to report the lights that are out. The rate structure does not provide for patrol of the streetlights. . Mr. Zamparelli said that the public can call directly to 1 800 785-4837, a recorded message, requesting the caller to provide an address or a cross street reference so NSTAR can locate the lamp.

William Neukomm stated that 10 days ago his car was parked right across the street from a streetlight. The streetlight was out. Someone broke into his car and stole a tape deck. A neighbor witnessed the break-in but could not give an adequate identification because the streetlight was out.

Carolyn Shipley stated that everyone present at the hearing is from Cambridgeport. The Cambridgeport residents have recently formed a neighborhood association. They are concerned about the lighting problems. Lack of lighting leads to crime. There have been several robberies and housebreaks. When the streetlights are out, the streets are really dark. Before the walk that Kathie Zusy organized last fall, she had two lights on her street cycling and one completely out.

Councillor Simmons then invited NSTAR to make comments. She suggested that NSTAR provide the information to the residents about where to call to report the lights that are out. She said that she suspects that if the streetlight had not been out across from Mr. Neukomm’s car, the car would not have been broken into. She suggested taking special measures to find and quickly repair streetlights that are out in the areas that have experienced the recent upsurge in crime. Councillor Simmons said that if NSTAR does not have such a plan, she suggests they go back to the office and develop a comprehensive plan.

Mr. Zamparelli said that after the meeting last week, the information about the malfunctioning streetlights was entered into the NSTAR database, and Mr. Massey has been dispatching crews to fix the lights. At 5 a.m. today he went around to check on the lights, identified 18 that were out and added them to the database. He said that the light on Magazine Street at the Greek Church has an underground feed problem for which repair will be scheduled the first of next year.

Councillor Simmons asked if there is some kind of temporary light that can be installed at that location until the underground feed is fixed, in view of how long that location has been without street lighting. Mr. Massey said that the light would be repaired in the first week of January. He stated that crews have been dispatched to fix all the lights that can be fixed. He too had an employee drive around the entire neighborhood. He found 11 lights out, and they will all be fixed.

Mr. Massey said that the issue is that when the light bulbs reach the end of their useful life, they cycle on and off. He will commit to resume patrols in Cambridge during the evening hours, although they will not take place every night. In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, he said that the lamp ranger would patrol in Cambridge two or three nights per week. If NSTAR gets a report that a light is out, the light bulb will be changed even if the light is burning when the crew arrives. He is also willing to re-lamp the entire street when there are several lights out. He explained that the useful life of a high-pressure sodium bulb is approximately three years.

Councillor Davis asked what percentage of lights out at any given time is an acceptable standard from NSTAR’s point of view. Mr. Massey said that there should be no streetlights out. Councillor Davis asked it the lamp ranger and repair commitments will be extended to the rest of Cambridge. She emphasized that this is not a one-neighborhood problem. Mr. Massey said that he appreciates that, but when citizens call NSTAR, NSTAR responds. That is what gets the lights in the database of lights that need to be fixed.

Councillor Simmons said that everyone does not know that they are supposed to call NSTAR. How is someone going to call NSTAR if they do not know to do so? NSTAR needs to do something to police its own property. At the very least, NSTAR should provide better notice that it is expecting residents to report the outages and that only the reported outages will be fixed.

Mr. Fernandes emphasized that it is preferable for citizens to call the City Electrician to report streetlights out. He will call NSTAR and he will be able to track the repair progress. There were 26 lights on the list last week. If the necessary repair turns out to be an underground repair rather than a bulb replacement, NSTAR will send the work order to their Boston office, and the repair can take months.

Councillor Davis said that she does not believe that the residents have any idea why the street lights are going on and off. She asked Mr. Fernandes how many lights are on his list now. He said that there are at least 35. He did a patrol of West Cambridge last week and found 25 lights out. She made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to develop an agreement with NSTAR for a consistent system for reporting streetlights that are out or cycling and tracking repairs.

The motion passed without objection (Note: This order was submitted and adopted at the December 20, 2004 meeting.

Councillor Murphy asked if there is a simple spreadsheet format report that could be sent to the committee every two weeks. Mr. Fernandes said that information is already kept in that format, and that NSTAR sends him copies of their lists also.

Councillor Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to send to the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee twice a month a report of all requests to the City Electrician for streetlights to be fixed and to also forward copies of NSTAR’s reports on these requests along with the above requested reports.

The motion passed without objection. (Note: This order was submitted and adopted at the December 20, 2004 meeting.)

Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy made the following motion:

Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician, the Public Information Officer and any other appropriate city staff, and NSTAR to provide Cambridge citizens with information about the need for them to report to NSTAR streetlights that are out or cycling, along with information about how to report these problems.

The motion passed without objection. (Note: This order was submitted and adopted at the December 20, 2004 meeting.)

Mr. Zamparelli suggested that there be a public service announcement on the municipal cable TV station. He also said that NSTAR would arrange to put this information in the Cambridge Chronicle.

Ms. Zusy asked how long after reporting a malfunctioning streetlight should a resident expect to see the repair. Mr. Massey said that if it is an overhead problem, such as a burned out light bulb, it should be repaired in three days, and if there is some other cause, then the repair should happen within five days unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Councillor Simmons stated that if there are extenuating circumstances, NSTAR should let Mr. Fernandes know.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Human Services Committee and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee conducted a joint public meeting on Wednesday January 12, 2005 at one o’clock and fifteen minutes P.M. at the Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues raised at the Senior Town Meeting.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager of Human Services, Eileen Ginnetty, Director, Council on Aging, Emma Watkins, Director, City-Wide Senior Center, Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Jeff Parenti, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner, George Fernandes, City Electrician, Richard Scali, License Commissioner, Rosalie Anders, Environmental and Transportation Planner, Community Development Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present at the meeting were Edna Stamp, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue, Justie Laher, 402 Rindge Avenue, Arvilla Sarazen, 15 Lambert Street, Michael W. Vitagliano, 4 Michael Way, Sandra DiMaio, 58 Fulkerson Street, Hedy Pocius, 360 Mt. Auburn Street, Myra McCoy, 2 Mt. Auburn Street, Virginia Jay, 2 Mt. Auburn Street, Nancy Smith, 255 Garden Street, Joan Morris, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue, Jeanne Ryde, 411 Franklin Street, Erna Benjamin, 82 Kinnaird Street, Lewis Satille, 86 Buckingham Street, William Joyce, 52 Jay Street, Anne Williamson, 888 Massachusetts Avenue, Jean Savignano, 440 Franklin Street, James and Sandra McSheffery, 146

Spring Street, Bernice A. Duarte, 58 Seventh Street, Rand Thomas, East End House, 105 Spring Street, Sandra Foster, 20 Ware Street, Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, Vincent Boucher, 8 Putnam Gardens, George Kelso, 237 Franklin Street, John Queenan, 15 Lambert Street, Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, Laura Habermann, 23 Florence Street and Nellie Partridge.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She requested Ms. Semonoff to give a brief report from the Senior Town Meeting and what was done about the issues raised. Ms. Semonoff informed all present that a letter was sent from Councillor Simmons to interested parties about issues including traffic, pedestrian street lighting, taxi-cabs and senior services. Steps have been taken to improve the intersection of Walden Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The city is attempting to purchase the streetlights from NSTAR. The Electrical Department has been working to get NSTAR to repair the streetlights. A taxicab stand would be located at the Star Market in Porter Square. A representative from the MBTA attended the Senior Town meeting. The residents of East Cambridge requested services. She met with seniors at the East End House. The Health Alliance would be providing some services to residents at the East End House. An evaluation was done of the Senior Town meeting and of the one hundred and fifty people who attended the Senior Town meeting; seventy percent felt that the Senior Town meeting was worthwhile. Ms. Clippinger would report on the transportation issues raised at the meeting.

Ms. Clippinger stated that pavement markings were done on Massachusetts Avenue. She distributed a document addressing transportation issues (Attachment A). At Walden Street the traffic turning right are not yielding to pedestrians. Changes were made to improve the area. The timing change would be reviewed and evaluated. The Traffic Department would meet with the residents of 2050 Massachusetts Avenue. The next area discussed was Massachusetts Avenue/Inman Street and Pleasant Street. The traffic on Massachusetts Avenue was getting caught in the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Inman Street. The timing was increased to let the vehicles get through the intersection. The Pleasant Street crossing is more difficult because it is a short crossing and pedestrians are not waiting for the signal to cross; the safest way to cross Pleasant Street is to use the cross light. The general issue is that the pedestrian cross light should be longer. She discussed audible signals. Every signal in the City has its own unique characteristic. The Traffic Department is working with the Disabilities Commission to figure out the criteria, condition and the appropriate sound. People who do not see use traffic noise to help direct themselves across the street. If there is no traffic noise audible signals are used. Proposed audible signal locations are:
    Massachusetts Avenue/Prospect Street
    Massachusetts Avenue/Vassar Street; and
    Massachusetts Avenue/Albany Street.

She distributed the "Pedestrian Signals" Brochure (Attachment B).

Councillor Simmons requested the City Electrician to discuss the issues of the lighting.

Mr. Fernandes stated that he has logged all streetlights that are out and has contacted NSTAR. He gave the telephone number to report a street light out: 1-800 STR-LIGHT. There are 5,300 streetlights in the City and the lights are owned and maintained by NSTAR. He also informed the public they could report lights out to the Electrical Department at 617 349-4925. Defective streetlights should be reported. He would prefer his department called to report a defective light then he would contact NSTAR. The City is attempting to purchase the streetlights from NSTAR. Councillor Simmons urged residents to report defective streetlights by giving the street light pole number or the location of the light. NSTAR needed to be held accountable to repair streetlights. Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Scali to give an overview of the issue of taxicabs.

Mr. Scali stated that the License Commission licenses taxicabs. One of the issues raised at the Senior Town meeting was the availability of Cambridge cabs at Star Market in Porter Square. He reported that as of January 1, 2005 Cambridge cabs would coexist with Somerville cabs in Porter Square. Cambridge Brattle/Yellow Cabs would be located at Dunkin Donuts and go around the corner to Star. Discount coupons would be honored for seniors. The ACT Program has seven accessible vans in the City. The vans are available to all residents in the City for 24 ours service. The telephone number for ACT is 1-800-6161 ACT. Councillor Simmons spoke about funding for senior transportation providers.

Councillor Davis reported that she has received complaints about the new MBTA buses because it is difficult for seniors to maneuver inside the buses. New buses do not have handholds. She also had concerns with the #1 and #47 buses. Ms. Clippinger stated that there has been no formal response from the MBTA to the issues raised at the Senior Town meeting. The new buses meet the requirement of the law, but are not working. She would continue to follow up with the MBTA. The MBTA does not understand the problem stated Councillor Davis. How could this problem be brought to the attention of the MBTA? The regular bus service has been degraded because of the new buses. Councillor Simmons suggested that the City Council send a letter to the Massachusetts Legislative delegation and the MBTA to request the MBTA and the Massachusetts Disability Board to correct the design flaws in the new buses, which make it difficult for seniors and persons with disabilities to safely maneuver in the new buses, which do not have handholds on the seats.

At one o’clock and fifty-five minutes P.M. Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment.

Erna Benjamin, 82 Kinnaird Street, complained about the new buses and hoped that the MBTA would not buy any more of these buses.

Jean Savignamo, 440 Franklin Street, complained about there being no handrails on the buses. She was pleased when a bus driver asked people seated in the front of the bus to provide a seat for a senior. She spoke against the way snow removal is done by the City.

Edna Stamp, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue, thanked the City for the Senior Town meeting held in October 2004. She reported that the traffic flow on Massachusetts Avenue changed on October 9, 2004. The Senior Town meeting was effective. Mr. Scali informed Ms. Stamp that SCM is not a City service, but ACT could provide transportation service. SCM is a subsidized transportation provider and costs less than ACT stated Ms. Semonoff. SCM has a limit on the number of rides it can provide. She also stated that the tiles in Porter Square are slippery and are not the same texture of the tiles in other stations.

Sandra Foster, 20 Ware Street, spoke about the safety of the intersection of Prospect Street/Massachusetts Avenue/Western Avenue and River Street. An exclusive system is needed at this intersection. Mt Auburn Street and JFK Street is another dangerous intersection. She urged the City to look at the safety concerns of these intersections. Councillor Davis informed the public that the City Council adopted an order in January 10, 2005 regarding "Yield to Pedestrian" signs. A sign should be installed in these two intersections. She questioned Ms. Clippinger about concurrent and exclusive signals who stated that the City policy is to operate the walk light phase concurrent wherever practical.

Vincent Boucher, 8 Putnam Gardens, spoke about the safety of bicyclists in Central Square. The MBTA should be aware of bicyclist safety in the bike paths.

Michael Vitagliano, 4 Michael Way, stated that Cambridge is the greatest City in the country. He went to a meeting held by Congressman Capuano in November 2004 about Medicare Part B. He spoke about the prescription drug program. He asked why is there a penalty if someone does not take Medicare Part B.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, agreed about the new buses. She complained about snow removal by the City, specifically as it affects senior citizens and the disabled. Snow removal needed to be codified in the ordinance. She distributed a copy of the City’s Web site on Snow Removal (Attachment C). Homeowners and City agencies are responsible for snow removal and urged that paths should be 36 inches wide to accommodate people who require assistance equipment. People who require animal assistance need a wider path also. Snow is plowed into empty spaces and ends up in handicapped spaces. Snow removal needed to be done correctly.

George Kelso, 237 Franklin Street, stated that he appreciates the public transit system. He spoke of the quality of the waiting areas for buses. In Europe there are neighborhood centers that contain good seating, art, coffee stands and protection from the wind and rain. He would like to see more of these elements added to bus shelters. Lechmere Station has a snack bar and this enriches the experience. Councillor Davis informed the group that a bus shelter would be installed in front of the Post Office. Ms. Anders reported that the MBTA would be doing a system wide bus shelter program. There are 48 possible bus shelter locations. She cited an issue is the width of the sidewalk. The shelters would have advertising, be maintained bi-weekly and would be European style.

Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, urged increased enhancement of the Broadway bus. He asked about the plans for the library and accessibility. How could the public be included in the plans and meetings about the library? He commented that SCM does not pay a living wage. He wanted drivers to be able to make a living.

Arvilla Sarazen, 15 Lambert Street, registered a complaint about a cab driver who was smoking while she was a passenger. She commented that Mt. Auburn Hospital does not have a bus shelter as well as in front of 660 Cambridge Street. The senior community does not want benches or seats in front of liquor stores. Cambridge Housing Authority needed to clear snow better and replace lighting on their property. She further requested that the MBTA bus driver attempt to get closer to the curb and lower the stairs for elderly without being asked.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees and the City staff. Councillor Davis stated that it was helpful to hear from the public about transportation issues.

The meeting adjourned at two o’clock and fifty minutes P. M.

For the Committee
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Human Service Committee

Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee

Committee Report #4
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at five o’clock and six minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the installation of the LED traffic lights in the City and the financial implications to the City.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Sue Clippinger, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Wayne Amaral, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Jeff Parente, Traffic Planner, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, George Fernandes, City Electrician, Susan Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department, Ellen Katz, Public Works Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were William Zamparelli, NSTAR, Somerville Service Center, Alison Field-Juma, Chair, Climate Protection Action Committee, Monica Raymond, 57 Brookline Street, Philip Sheehy, MIT Intern, Suzy Pierce and Mark Hoffman.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. A recommendation from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and governmental entities was to change traffic lights from incandescent to LED. The goal to convert 750 bulbs was decreased. The City has a goal to reduce its emissions by twenty percent by the year 2010 over 1990 levels. In City Departments this gets reviewed either operationally or through the budget. NSTAR has rebates available. Councillor Davis requested the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to outline her department’s work thus far.

Ms. Clippinger distributed a chart entitled "citywide traffic signal LED conversion cost estimate." Red and green lights were converted to LED for a total of 164 lamps. Thirty-nine locations were converted; sixteen more locations are planned. The Massachusetts Avenue and the Porter Square projects include funding for LED conversion with some funding provided by the state. There has been $230,000 spent on the conversion. NSTAR reimbursement is twenty-five percent. To convert the remaining locations the anticipated cost would be $455,000. Mr. DePasquale outlined the financing plan as follows:
   $100,000 would be allocated in FY06 for LEDs;
   $200,000 would be allocated FY07 for LEDs; and
   $160,000 would be allocated in FY08 for LEDs.

The City is committed to this funding.

Councillor Davis asked how would the City deal with the rebates. The revenue would be allocated to the Traffic Department stated Mr. DePasquale. A safety net has been built into the budget. Ms. Clippinger stated that the City applies for the rebates and if approved NSTAR inspects the location. Mr. Zamparelli gave an application to Councillor Davis. The City should apply for the retrofit program. NSTAR would provide a $75.00 bulb reimbursement. NSTAR would pre-approve the plan if the City identifies the locations. Applying different fiscal years to provide funding is difficult for NSTAR. Mr. Zamparelli suggested identifying the locations, getting approval and moving the plan up a calendar year. He informed the committee that Acton, Lexington, Arlington, Somerville and Medford have all started this program.

Councillor Davis asked the cost of the bulbs and the rebate. Ms. Clippinger responded that the bulbs cost $75.00 each and the rebate is twenty-five percent of the cost of installing the bulb. Mr. Zamparelli cautioned that the pre-approval plan could change. The pre-approval plan is for work to be done in six months, stated Ms. Clippinger. Mr. Zamparelli added that the City would not be penalized for work not completed. Mr. Amaral stated that the City would go forward with the application when the locations are finalized.

Councillor Davis questioned the maintenance savings. Ms. Clippinger stated that there would be some savings but there is a contract for repairs and vandalism. More savings will be in energy costs. Mr. DePasquale stated that there could be $90,000 in energy savings. Ms. Rasmussen stated that there is a savings in the KWH used.

Ms. Clippinger spoke about retrofitting garage lights. Work is planned for the Harvard Square metered lot. This is a significant transformation of City operations commented Ms. Rasmussen. Ms. Field-Juma conveyed the urgency to reduce emissions. Energy used now and not saved is lost forever. She encouraged getting as much done as possible.

Ms. Pierce questioned the reduction in KWH. Mr. Amaral responded that some pedestrian heads are being replaced with LEDs; this has resulted in a savings.

Ms. Raymond asked what is the impediment to completing the plan in one year. Mr. DePasquale cited fiscal constraints and the fact that other capital projects have priority funding. It also is an issue of what can be done in a fiscal year. If there were an excess of funds they would be applied to the LED Program. Mr. Sheehy added that it is not beneficial to retrofit all LED at once because the lights would burn out at the same time.

In response to a question of whether a streetlight was hooked up to a LED, Mr. Amaral explained that the LED control box is a constant draw of power. Some boxes have streetlights hooked up to them.

Councillor Davis questioned if the goal to achieve a twenty percent emissions reduction would be realized per department or by City operation. The issue is what can the City do as a whole and get the most benefit stated Ms. Rasmussen. The Climate Protection Committee Annual Report will contain the next steps. The focus is to get people interested from the private commercial area.

Councillor Davis complimented on the presentation made by NSTAR at the Central Square Business Association. Businesses changed to fluorescent lights because of this presentation.

Mr. Zamparelli suggested that the City should look at pumps and motors. NSTAR has a program that would provide savings. Ms. Field-Juma stated that the City should have an up front revolving loan fund to help with this program. There is an amortized cost program proposed, but the outcome at DTE is unknown stated Mr. Zamparelli. Councillor Davis expressed the need for a revolving loan fund for homeowners. Harvard has a revolving loan fund for applicants from the green campus. This has been increased stated Ms. Field-Juma.

Councillor Davis spoke about the return on investment to put money into energy efficiency and lower costs. The City can look into this stated Mr. DePasquale.

Mr. Hoffman stated that everywhere people are converting to LED lighting. It is economical. He supported this effort.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record thanking all who worked on the plan to convert LED traffic lights in three years; and further to request the City Manager to convene relevant parties to develop a revolving loan fund for improving energy efficiency in city operations.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and fifty minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee