Cambridge City Council Special Meeting - February 22, 2012 - AGENDA
CALL OF THE MEETING
1. 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.
Note: Unfinished Business #3 (Election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor) is also expected to be taken up at this meeting.
RECONSIDERATION
1. A communication was received from Councillor 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 Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Oct 24, 2011. Placed on Table Oct 31, 2011 by Councillor Cheung on roll call vote 6-3-0. Placed back on the Table Jan 23, 2012 by Councillor Toomey. Motion to take from the Table failed 3-5-1 on Feb 6, 2012. Order adopted 2/13/12, reconsideration filed by Councillor Kelley 2/13/12.
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. [Order Failed of Adoption. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Kelley.]
CHARTER RIGHT
1. 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. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Order Number Fourteen of Feb 13, 2012.
2. That the issue of changing the language in curb cut applications be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Eighteen of Feb 13, 2012.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. That the matter of the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor be referred to Unfinished Business. Feb 13, 2012 #8 taken (Councillor Cheung three votes; Councillor Davis one vote; Councillor Decker two votes; Councillor Kelley two votes and Councillor Maher one vote)
Henrietta Davis was unanimously elected Mayor; Denise Simmons was unanimously elected Vice Mayor
[Complete record of all 10 mayoral ballots and the ballot for Vice Mayor at http://cambridgecivic.com/?p=1750]
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor 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.
5. 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. The question comes on adoption on or after Feb 27, 2012.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from State Representative Alice K. Wolf, regarding the Special Meeting of the City Council on Feb 22, 2012 and suggesting actions that the City Council could take.
Feb 16,2012
Cambridge City Council
City Hall, 2nd Floor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for your invitation to the Special Meeting of the City Council on February 22. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend. My Staff Director, Kathleen Hornby, will be present on my behalf. In addition, if Representative Marty Walz is able to attend, she has agreed to speak for both of us since we work together on the steering committee of the legislative MBTA Caucus.
My recommendations for City Council actions regarding the MBTA's proposed service cuts and fare increases are below. As a member or the T Caucus steering committee, I would appreciate the help.
The Council could contact the House and Senate leadership, the Patrick Administration, and the MBTA, and inform them of the following:
o The MBTA plays a vital role in the social and economic life of the City
o Cambridge residents and workers rely on the T for their daily travel needs
o City policies regarding parking and zoning are designed to reduce pollution and traffic congestion and require use of the T
o Service cuts in our area would be very harmful to riders and businesses
o Fare increases would be particularly harmful to low-income residents including students and elderly or disabled residents
Fundamentally, we need to move toward a state-wide consensus for the MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities, and other transportation modes. That consensus will need to involve the use of state coffers to meet most of the T's deficit for the next fiscal year and planning far much-needed revenue to meet future transportation needs. These actions are necessary to support our residents, the environment, and the Massachusetts economy.
Thank you for your interest in helping with this problem.
Sincerely yours,
Alice K. Wolf
State Representative
LATE COMMUNICATIONS
2. A communication was received from Mark Jaquith, regarding the MBTA's proposed fare hikes and bus service reductions.
3. A communication was received from William Cobham, President of COA Board, regarding the MBTA's proposed fare hikes and bus service reductions.
4. A communication was received from Metropolitan Area Planning Council, regarding the MBTA's fare increase and service cuts.
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to prepare a cover letter to transmit the Community Development report to the MBTA and language for a City Council policy resolution to convey to the MBTA that both MBTA proposed plans are unacceptable and service cuts are unacceptable and to adopt the Interim Recommendations in the CDD Report for finalization by the City Council on February 22, 2012. Mayor Davis and Councillor Decker
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom, transmitting smalll actions the City of Cambridge can take regarding additional revenue for the MBTA and MA Regional Transportation.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Wed, Feb 22
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 5
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. [Proposed budget submission] (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. [Budget Adoption expected] (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 22, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The City Council has concluded that neither of the plans that the MBTA has proposed to deal with its fiscal crisis would serve the interests of Cambridge, MBTA passengers or the Commonwealth; 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 prepare the following material for finalization by the City Council at the February 27, 2012 meeting:
1. A cover letter to transmit the CDD report to the MBTA (attached)
2. Language for a City Council Policy Resolution to accomplish the following:
• Convey to the MBTA its conclusion that neither of the two proposed plans set forth by the MBTA are acceptable solutions;
• Emphasize that service cuts are unacceptable and short-sighted
• Adopt the Interim Recommendations for FY 13 set forth in the CDD Report
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.
Councillor 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.
Councillor 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.
Councillor 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.
Councillor Decker, Councillor 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.
Councillor Decker, Councillor 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.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor 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.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/30/12 (O-7)
12-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on joining the NLC Prescription Discount Card program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor 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.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor 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.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor 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.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor 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.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/06/12 (O-6)
12-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on altering the physical location of signal lights or of adding new signal lights at the super crosswalk in Harvard Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-3)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass and on the abilities of universities and other organizations to close off property owned by them but enjoyed by the public.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-6)
12-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of placing a bus shelter at the corner of Brookline and Erie Streets.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-7)
12-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the continuation of the Longfellow Community School Program and the Longfellow Neighborhood Council.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-9)
12-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process which would require developers seeking zoning relief to build a model of the area impacted by the proposed developments.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-12)
12-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resurfacing the courts at the Jimmy Johnson Street Hockey Rink and providing lighting for the playing area.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Councillor Simmons 02/13/12 (O-13)
12-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of using the washing facility at DPW for washing bicycles in the winter.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-15)
12-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on mechanism to include temporary ramps and more visible paint of obstructions in an effort to make construction zones safer for pedestrians and bicyclist.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-16)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)