Cambridge City Council meeting - February 28, 2011 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-140, regarding a report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in Cambridge.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-17, regarding a report on ensuring that public art is taken into consideration during the planning process for Kendall Square and Central Square. [In accordance with City policy, 1% of any City construction budget is allocated for public art. Consistent with this policy, the City will apply 1% of the City financed construction projects in the Kendall Square and Central Square areas to public art. Although not required by law, the City will also encourage private developers and institutions to consider public art as an enhancement to their projects in these areas as well.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-22, regarding a report on SCM funding shortfalls.
Referred back to City Manager for additional information on unfilled service demand - Councillor Cheung

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-16, regarding a report on having DPW crews identify and report other public works concerns when snowplowing. [Public Works trucks do have a communication device for the driver to communicate with employees in other vehicles, supervisors and administrative staff. Drivers routinely communicate with administrative personnel and supervisors on other public works' concerns, particularly as they impact public safety. This includes tree limbs or tree problems, street or sidewalk obstructions, streets that need salting or plowing, pot holes, accidents that need a response, trash clean ups, malfunctioning traffic signals, and many other items.]

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-11, regarding a report on the current licensing standards for nail salons.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-187, regarding a report on the appropriateness of private meetings between City Council members and the Superintendent of Schools without informing the School Committee of such meetings.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-19, regarding a report on how communications were handled following the aftermath of the shooting incident on Clifton Street.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-163, regarding a report on questions concerning trees that came out of the Environment Committee meeting of Sept 30, 2010.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-138, regarding a report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs. [Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department staff have met with the Historic Commission and over the next few weeks will be meeting again to work out a small scale historic signage program that will focus on the streets related to important historic places and dates in the War of 1812.]

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-175, regarding a report on the feasibility of converting certain Inman Square and Cambridge Street parking meters to 2-hours.
Referred back to City Manager for additional information on time-weighted meters - Councillor Kelley

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-24, regarding a report on ticketing vehicles for being parked more than three feet from the curb due to snow banks.
Referred back to City Manager for additional information on tickets issued and appeals filed - Councillor Toomey

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $11,515 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($8,515), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) and Travel and Training account ($1,000) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation $1,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the United Way's Youth Venture program and will be used to support the Youth Programs in starting their T-shirt design venture called Redline T's.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the supplemental appropriation of a grant from the Cambridge Housing Authority for $9,804 to the Grant Fund Human Service Department Programs Salary and Wages account which will be used to maintain the capacity of the Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) by continuing to fund additional time of a Vocational Case Manager who provides career counseling and case management services to Cambridge residents seeking employment, particularly those residing in public housing.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $85,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (Insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated settlements, medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY11 Shannon Grant for $19,316 received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council through the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will be used to support additional youth violence prevention and anti-gang initiatives by the Police Department by increasing Police visibility, building enforcement and intervention capacities and supporting gang interdiction activities.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $150,000 from the Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Police Travel and Training (Judgments & Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-130, regarding a report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park. [A recommendation for $60,000 for this purpose will be included in the submitted FY12 Capital Budget for City Council consideration.]

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 10-170 and 10-172, regarding a report on Blessed Sacrament building project.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant for $681,970.00 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($56,000.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($619,970.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($6,000.00) which will allow the Department of Human Service Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council through the Executive Office of Public Safety for $11,872.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($9,216.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,656.00) which will be used to support the City Peace Program which is a violence prevention program through the Youth Centers that engages teens in working with their peers to address issues within the community.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-09, regarding North Massachusetts Avenue development. [In response to neighborhood interest, CDD is developing a revision to the current zoning which would require commercial uses on the ground floor of most new projects, and provide a strong incentive to include ground floor retail. This proposed revision is expected to be the subject of a public discussion at the Planning Board in early spring, and followed by submission to the City Council.]

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-21, regarding a report on the feasibility of instituting a phone book opt-out/opt-in program.

ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]

2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]

4. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]

6. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A zoning petition has been received from Zevart M. Hollisian, Trustee of Garabed B. Hollisian Trust and L-Z Realty Trust and Seth D. Alexander, President, MIT Investment Management Company, requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street; said parcel to be developed by Forest City.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board

2. An application was received from Camies Bakery requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 152 Columbia Street.

3. An application was received from Clover Fast Food, Inc. requesting permission for an A-framed sign in front of the premises numbered 7 Holyoke Street.

4. An application was received from Boston iPhone Repair requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1208 Massachusetts Avenue.

5. An application was received from Blossom Floral Design requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 337 Cambridge Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Bernard Bunner and Elena Chekhova, 131 Magazine Street, regarding night-time snow removal.

2. A communication was received from Maria Shriver transmitting thanks for the resolution adopted in honor of her father.

3. A communication was received from the Corrao family transmitting thanks for the resolution for Vincent Corrao.

4. A communication was received from State Representative William N. Brownsberger transmitting his support of AN ACT RELATIVE TO THIRD GRADE READING PROFICIENCY.

5. A communication was received from Caroline Hunter, 23 Rockwell Street, regarding dumping of snow by the Department of Public Works resulting in snow and ice violations.

6. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding problems at the Enterprise Car Rental in Central Square.

7. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, regarding Environmental Impact Study of the Charles River Estuary.


8. A communication was received from Alan Meyers, 84 Amory Street, relating to the resolution regarding a delegation to Israel.

9. A communication was received from Kathy Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue, expressing her concerns about Cambridge officials taking a trip to Israel for counter-terrorism training.

10. A communication was received from Eva Moseley, 361 Mount Auburn Street, expressing her support for passage of Order #20.

11. A communication was received from John Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue, in support of passage of Order #20.

12. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, expressing his concerns about sending police officers to Israel for training.

13. A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, Pleasant Street, transmiting an article Nathan Guttman published September 5, 2007 entitled "Ban on Political Junkets to Israel Deals Blow to Lobby Efforts," and article from the Chronicle in 2011 relating to the trip to Israel by Cambridge officials and a copy of the Civic Unity Committee Report dated March 9, 2009.

14. A communication was received from Manjushri Prakash distributed an article from the Boston Globe dated December 12, 2010 relating to her parents property on Leonard Avenue due to her father's hospital expenses.

15. A communication was received from Sandy Rosen, 5 Roberts Road, relating to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) sponsored trip including representatives of the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments to Israel.

16. A communication was received from Eleanor Roffman, regarding threats and humiliation made by interrogations to detainees by Israeli police.

17. A communication was received from Jean M. Entine urging the City Council to support Order #20 and to pass guidelines for the City Manager and city employees about not seeking training or materials from any government who is not in compliance with human rights and international law.

18. A communication was received from Gabriel Camacho, Project Voice Regional Director, American Service Committee, informing the City of action encountered by a delegation at the Israeli border.

19. A communication was received from Jack Welch Jr., regarding the contract between the City and City Manager.

20. A communication was received from Andrea Wilder, regarding the issue of trees.

21. A communication was received from Alissa Whiteman, Clifton Street, regarding shooting on Clifton Street.

22. A communication was received from Judy A. Johnson, 55 Antrim Street, regarding the City Manager's contract being posted 96 hours before it is to be voted on by the City Council.


RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of John J. August.   Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey

2. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth "Betty" (D'Argento) Rossini.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher

3. Resolution on the death of Casimir de Rham Jr.   Mayor Maher

4. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame Committee on the unveiling of the Boys' and Girls' Basketball Teams' Championship Banners and the 1000 Point Scorers' Banner.   Councillor Toomey

5. Resolution on the death of Charles T. Raffi.   Councillor Toomey

6. Best wishes to Jack Woker as he closes the doors of Stereo Jack's and thanks for sharing his collection with the residents of Cambridge for the past 29 years.   Councillor Toomey

7. Happy 1st birthday wishes to Charles "Charlie" Allen Rossi on his 1st birthday.   Mayor Maher

8. Congratulations to Heading Home for being named the 2011 Organization of the Year by Boston/SF News, an online commercial real estate newspaper.   Mayor Maher

9. Congratulations to Eve Sullivan on being named the Armita Johnson Parenting Education Professional of the Year by the Texas Association of Parent Educators.   Mayor Maher

10. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Madeline Olivia Best on Feb 27, 2011.   Mayor Maher

11. Congratulations to CitySprouts on their 10th Anniversary on Mar 10, 2011.   Councillor Simmons

12. Resolution on the death of Marie Hart Dottin.   Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker

13. Congratulations to Kevin and Kelli Braga on the birth of their daughter Lyla Mary Braga on Feb 16, 2011.   Mayor Maher

14. Resolution on the death of George E. Lonergan.   Councillor Simmons

15. Resolution on the death of Thelma L. (French) Dottin.   Councillor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth A. (Waldron) Kelley.   Mayor Maher

17. Congratulating the Cambridge Rindge and Latin boys basketball team for clinching the Greater Boston League title.   Mayor Maher

18. Thanks to the Department of Public Works employees who have worked hard collecting trash during this difficult winter.   Councillor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lashawn D. Evans.   Councillor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Airman First Class Christoffer P. Johnson.   Councillor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Airman First Class Corey C. Owens.   Councillor Decker

22. Congratulations to Judy Richardson on the occasion of her lecture at a lunch hosted by the City of Cambridge Employees Committee on Diversity in celebration of Black History Month on Feb 28, 2011.   Councillor Simmons

23. Congratulations to Caroline Workman on being cast as a member of the ensemble for the Broadway musical "Billy Elliot."   Councillor Cheung

24. Resolution on the death of Mary T. Holmes.   Councillor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Madeline Mincy.   Councillor Reeves

26. Expressing its sense of loss to the victims of the fires on Western Avenue and Elm Street.   Councillor Simmons

27. Urge residents to be cognizant of February being National Children's Dental Awareness Month.   Councillor Simmons

28. Congratulating Wilfred Labiosa on the occasion of his appointment as Executive Director of CASPAR.   Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Davis

29. Welcoming Abigail's to Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung

30. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Ms. Nina da Maia.   Councillor Simmons

31. Congratulating Ms. Lee Robbins for being honored at the Cambridge School Volunteers forty-fifth anniversary celebration and fundraiser and thank her for her many years of dedication to the Cambridge School Volunteers.   Mayor Maher

32. Congratulating Bob Slate Stationer for seventy-eight years in business.   Mayor Maher

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to communicate with the Assessing Department and with the owners of the buildings in Central Square to notify them of Red Ribbon Commission future meetings.   Councillor Reeves and Councillor Cheung

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City's Economic Development staff and License Commission to identify potential minority candidates for future liquor licenses.   Councillor Reeves

3. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with the Budget Department and direct the appropriate department heads to create a program in Cambridge similar to the Boston's Department of Urban Mechanics which will develop and implement new ideas that improve City service delivery and report back to the City Council with a funding and human resource plan to implement such a program.   Councillor Cheung
Referred to Finance Committee - Toomey

4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to publicize the Prescription Drug Disposal Drop Off program which will take place on June 19, 2011 more clearly on the City's web site.   Vice Mayor Davis

5. That the City Council go on record encouraging residents interested in joining the Police Force attend the informational open house on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 or call 617-349-4332, 617-349-3374 or 617-349-4331 for more information.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Cheung

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with details of the purchase agreement for Northpoint.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Cheung

7. That the City Manager post the opt-out information for delivery of paper phonebooks on the City web site as well as sending the information out through the e-line.   Vice Mayor Davis

8. Amendment to Cambridge Municipal Code regarding City Manager's contract being posted 96 hours before it is to be voted on by the City Council.   Councillor Cheung
Referred to Government Operations Committee - Davis (Roll call vote to refer was 6-2-1 with Kelley, Reeves voting NO and Decker ABSENT)

9. That the City Manager is requested to review the City's audio/video capability with an eye towards making sure there is ample, well-functioning audio capabilities for all the public and City Council meetings.   Councillor Reeves
Amended

10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and Inspectional Services Department to inquire of the owners of the 1964 block of Western Avenue what their future plans are for the three vacant storefronts on Western Avenue.   Councillor Reeves

11. That the City Council calls on various international stakeholders, including the United States, to advocate for the immediate resignation of Colonel Qaddafi.   Councillor Simmons

12. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the situation in Boston whereby the city is working with Comcast to increase broadband adoption in low-income homes and to and refer the information to the Digital Divide Committee to determine whether Cambridge should work toward a similar arrangement between Comcast and Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Davis
Amended

13. That the City of Cambridge go on record thanking Governor Deval Patrick for standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country who are being attacked.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung

14. That the City of Cambridge go on record thanking Congressman Capuano for standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung

15. That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with the Massachusetts AFL-CIO in support of all union workers who are being attacked.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung

16. That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung

17. That the City of Cambridge honors the lives, struggles and accomplishments of women in the United States and women around the world on Women's History Month and on International Women's Day, while urging greater collaboration on issues of common interest among women in the United States and women in other parts of the world.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Decker

18. That Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge should remove the lien on the Prakash home on Leonard Avenue in Cambridge and desist from any further attempts to appropriate the Prakash home.   Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Seidel

19. That as part of the upcoming budget process, the City Manager is requested to create a capital budget for the development of internet and mobile-based tools and set aside funds for the personnel necessary to enact such development.   Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker
Referred to Finance Committee - Toomey

20. That the City Council go on record seeking information about the nature of a delegation to Israel.   Councillor Decker
Charter Right - Toomey

21. That the City Manager is requested to hire a consultant nationally recognized as an expert to assess the strengths and weaknesses of how Cambridge does economic development and propose actions for improvements.   Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Decker
Amended

22. That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with AFSCME and all public employee union workers.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Cheung


23. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the property in order to expand Pacific Park.   Vice Mayor Davis

24. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging MEPA to ask MassDOT to incorporate the underpasses in their proposal for the rehabilitation of the Anderson Bridge, as they present a unique opportunity for the cities and establish an important precedent in support of multi-modal future of the region.   Councillor Cheung and Vice Mayor Davis


COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee for a public meeting held on Feb 16, 2011 to discuss with Cambridge Local First (CLF) how the City bids out for banks.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee for a public meeting held on Jan 25, 2011 to discuss reviewing ordinances detrimental to community goals.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee for a public meeting held on Dec 16, 2010 to hear from locally-based, world-renowned economic experts on the theories behind economic clusters.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 1
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios.  (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 2
10:00am   The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to learn more about Cambridge Health Alliance's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) initiatives.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition originally filed by Chestnut Hill Realty and re-filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new section that would allow for the creation of rental apartment units in the basement levels of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts within 1200 feet of Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Street or the Red Line. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 3
5:00pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how inclusionary zoning could be used to build more entrepreneur space.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm   School Committee Budget Hearing  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 10
8:30am   The Economic, Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive as much information as is currently available on major current and prospective employers in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 22
3:30pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committees will conduct a public meeting to discuss the future of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss community gardens, Urban Agricultural Fair and any other topic related to local agriculture.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Mar 23
4:00pm   Government Operations and Rules Committee meeting  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 5
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss safety issues at the intersection of Cedar and Harvey Streets.  (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 6
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition originally filed by William A. Fox, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by rezoning an area accessed via Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge from its current designation of Business A-2 to a new designation of Residence B. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition from Novartis to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to create a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 7
5:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on proposed improvements to Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard and Porter Squares.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 12
6:00pm   Special School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, May 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 3
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, May 17
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, June 7
6:00pm   School Committee 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     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City Council supports the notion that all building owners in Central Square should have a voice in the future plans for Central Square and in the deliberations of the Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission for the Concerns and Delights of Central Square; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Assessing Department and with the owners of the buildings to notify them of Red Ribbon Commission future meetings.

O-2     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge says that it is a diverse city, but with regard to Cambridge establishments with liquor licenses, there are only two establishments that are identified as black ownership in this city and only a handful of Asian, Latino and other minority establishments with liquor licenses owned by minority owners; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City's Economic Development staff and License Commission to identify potential minority candidates for future liquor licenses.

O-3     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been a hub of innovation, ideas and action but in order to stay in the forefront, we must continue to adapt and challenge the status quo; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge must find new ways to push the envelope in how we offer services to our constituents and to make our City government work better for the families that live here; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston has recently opened the Department of Urban Mechanics that will develop and implement new ideas that improve City service delivery, such as next generation applications for the City's Citizens Connect iPhone suite. The office will also focus on tapping into local sources of innovation including residents, employees, communities and institutions; and
WHEREAS: Additionally, many cities have created mobile apps to make it easier to communicate with City Hall. Some examples include SeeClickFix, CitizensConnect, and DC31. Additional examples of how governments are using new web 2.0 tools can be seen by the thousands of Twitter and Facebook accounts of government officials, allowing them to directly interact with their constituents; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge's greatest resource is its citizens. If we can somehow facilitate greater interaction between our city's entrepreneurs and City staff, the entire region will benefit; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge would greatly benefit from a program similar to that of Boston's that will foster entrepreneurs and innovation and improve communication and delivery of services to our constituents; and
WHEREAS: The hope here is that by making it easier to connect with City Hall more people will be engaged in their community. It is by no means a substitute for interaction in City Council meetings but it can help with collaboration and exchange of ideas. Technology empowers people to interact with government in a way that is more efficient and transparent; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Budget Department and direct the appropriate department heads to create a similar program in Cambridge and report back to the City Council with a funding and human resource plan to implement such a program.

O-4     Feb 28, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Last June the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Cambridge Prevention Coalition and the Cambridge Police Department asked residents to participate in Prescription Drug Collection Day as part of the city's Hazardous Waste Collection Day; and
WHEREAS: Residents can drop off prescription drugs at the Cambridge Police Department, 125 Sixth Street or contact the Cambridge Prevention Coalition to obtain a mailing envelope; and
WHEREAS: The Prevention Coalition intends to encourage prescription drug disposal by participating in all three Hazardous Waste Days, visiting senior centers and tabling at city events; and
WHEREAS: It is difficult to find information about the program on the Police Department web site as it is mentioned in the ‘Programs and Initiatives' link in small type at the bottom of the home page; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to publicize the Prescription Drug Disposal Drop Off program more clearly on the web site; and be it further
ORDERED: That City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on other potential drop off sites in other parts of the city, perhaps the Water Department.

O-5     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the City of Cambridge is currently recruiting applicants to take the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Open Competitive Examination for Police Officer; and
WHEREAS: This includes officers for Cities and Towns and MBTA Transit; and
WHEREAS: There will be an informational open house on Mon, Feb 28th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Cambridge Police Department at 125 Sixth Street; and
WHEREAS: The early deadline for applications is Mar 15, 2011 along with a $100 fee, and the final deadline is Apr 1, 2011 along with a $150 fee; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record encouraging residents interested in joining the Police Force to attend the informational open house on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 or call 617-349-4332, 617-349-3374 or 617-349-4331 for more information.

O-6     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the purchase of the Northpoint project has been completed; and
WHEREAS: There has been an exchange of land between the State and developer included in the agreement; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with details of the purchase agreement for Northpoint.

O-7     Feb 28, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There is a new opt-out program where you can end delivery of paper phonebooks www.yellowpagesoptout.com; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to post the opt-out information on the City web site as well as sending the information out through the e-line.

O-8     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been a place of ideas, innovation, and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, in all its departments and facets, has a long history of championing transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in its aspiration to be good government; and
WHEREAS: In that spirit, the City of Cambridge should always aim to improve civic participation through technological or other means; and
WHEREAS: Constituents have commented that they only recently learned the details of the contract between the City of Cambridge and its City Manager; and
WHEREAS: Residents of the City of Cambridge are entitled to know how their tax dollars are being spent before they are spent; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Title 2, Chapter 04, Section 100 - Compensation of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which reads:
As provided in 1 G.L., c. 43, § 103, the City Manager shall receive such compensation as the City Council shall determine.
Be amended to include an additional sentence following the prior reading:
The complete contract with the City Manager including all terms, provisions, amendments, and attachments shall be posted 96 hours before it is to be voted on by the City Council.

O-9     Feb 28, 2011  Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: There are many City of Cambridge public meetings, including City Council, School Committee, various commission and all the Council committee meetings; and
WHEREAS: Many of these meetings need audio equipment, including an adequate sound system, hand held microphones, large projection screens, and modern lecterns. In addition, many of these meetings need to be recorded and televised; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the City's audio/video capabilities with an eye towards making sure there is ample, well-functioning audio capability for all the public and City Council meetings (including City Hall Chamber Meetings) and the new Public Library space. The City might consider hiring a contractor/consultant to provide services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the capacity and appropriateness of the meeting space for various committees, boards and commissions also be reviewed.

O-10     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and Inspectional Services Department to inquire of the owners of the 1964 block of Western Avenue what their future plans are for the three vacant storefronts on Western Avenue.

O-11     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Over the past week, Libya has been engulfed in pro-democracy rallies against the Qaddafi regime which has ruled Libya since 1969; and
WHEREAS: The Qaddafi regime has resorted to violence not used by any other governments in the wake of the pro-democracy revolutions that have liberated Egypt and Tunisia from dictators; and
WHEREAS: It has been difficult to ascertain how intense the protests have been, or how many people have lost their life since the protests began because the Libyan Government refuses to allow foreign journalists to enter the country while simultaneously limiting access to the internet in Libya, but estimates of the dead range from 200 to 1000; and
WHEREAS: Soldiers from sub-Saharan African states backed by Libya and other foreign fighters are largely to blame for the high casualties according to scant news reports emanating from Libya; and
WHEREAS: A spate of defections by officer in the Libyan military and resignations from high-ranking officials and former allies of Qaddafi, indicate that despite the bloodshed, Qaddafi has lost the support of Libyans across all sections of society; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council calls on various international stakeholders, including the United States, to advocate for the immediate resignation of Colonel Qaddafi, and an end to the violence perpetrated by troops loyal to Colonel Qaddafi that has resulted in so many casualties; be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Embassy of Libya in Washington DC.; the Libyan Mission to the United Nations and the United States Department of State on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     Feb 28, 2011  Amended
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Boston is working with Comcast to increase broadband adoption in low-income homes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the situation in Boston and to work toward a similar arrangement between Comcast and Cambridge.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the situation in Boston and refer the information to the Digital Divide Committee to determine whether Cambridge should work towards a similar arrangement between Comcast and Cambridge.

O-13     Feb 28, 2011Repeat after me....
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Governor Deval Patrick stood up in support of workers and workers rights at the rally on Tues, Feb 22nd in front of the State House in Boston; and
WHEREAS: The Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is attempting to bust the unions. He is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and
WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and
WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and
WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states. The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and
WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wed, Feb 23rd, is to bust the union; and
WHEREAS: Governor Walker is clearly collaborating closely with the billionaire anti-union Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer; and
WHEREAS: All human beings, especially workers need to be treated with dignity and respect; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge go on record thanking Governor Deval Patrick for standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to prepare a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to Governor Patrick on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-14     Feb 28, 2011Repeat after me....
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano stood up in support of workers and workers rights at the rally on Tues, Feb 22nd in front of the State House in Boston; and
WHEREAS: The Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is attempting to bust the unions. He is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and
WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and
WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and
WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states. The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and
WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wed, Feb 23rd, is to bust the union; and
WHEREAS: Governor Walker is clearly collaborating closely with the billionaire anti-union Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer; and
WHEREAS: All human beings, especially workers need to be treated with dignity and respect; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge go on record thanking Congressman Capuano for standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to Congressman Michael Capuano on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-15     Feb 28, 2011Repeat after me....
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts AFL-CIO organized a rally in support of workers and workers rights on Tues, Feb 22nd in front of the State House in Boston, and
WHEREAS: The Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is attempting to bust the unions. He is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and
WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and
WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and
WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states. The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and
WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wed, Feb 23rd, is to bust the union; and
WHEREAS: Governor Walker is clearly collaborating closely with the anti-union billionaire Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer; and
WHEREAS: All human beings, especially workers need to be treated with dignity and respect; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with the Massachusetts AFL-CIO in support of all union workers who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

O-16     Feb 28, 2011Repeat after me....
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is attempting to bust the unions. He is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and
WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and
WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and
WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states. The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and
WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wed, Feb 23rd, is to bust the union; and
WHEREAS: Governor Walker is clearly collaborating closely with the billionaire anti-union Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer; and
WHEREAS: All human beings, especially workers need to be treated with dignity and respect; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to AFSCME, the public employee union in Wisconsin on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-17     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The month of March is Women's History Month and March 8 is International Women's Day, a day designated by the United Nations to honor the lives, the work, accomplishments and shared interests of women across the globe, without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions; and
WHEREAS: International Women's Day is an occasion to look back on past struggles and accomplishments, to reflect on progress made and what more is to be done, to call for change where necessary, and to celebrate unheralded acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities; and
WHEREAS: The theme of this year's International Women's Day is Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women; and
WHEREAS: Women in the US have made some progress in securing equal rights, and professional success; the reality remains that across the globe women and girls are held back by institutionalized patriarchy, which is reinforced by cultural and religious values; and
WHEREAS: The UN Millennium Development Goals, an integrated set of eight goals and 18 time-bound targets for extending the benefits of globalization to the world's poorest citizens, seeks to empower girls by eliminating gender disparity in education at all levels by 2015, a goal which, sadly, will not be attained but to which the international community must continue to aspire; and
WHEREAS: In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations newest agency, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and in doing so, UN Member States affirmed their obligation to accelerate the UN's goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women; and
WHEREAS: The important work of empowering women across the world should not be the sole responsibility of the United Nations, non-profit organizations, national, state or municipal governments, but should be the obligation of every woman and every man; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge honors the lives, struggles and accomplishments of women in the United States and women around the world during Women's History Month and on International Women's Day, while urging greater collaboration on issues of common interest among women in the United States and women in other parts of the world; be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-18     Feb 28, 2011  Charter Right - Seidel
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: One of the defining qualities of our city is that we are a caring, compassionate community with a deep distaste for what is not fair; and
WHEREAS: We are all susceptible to illness, but our affliction ought not to determine whether we have a roof over our head or are cast unto the streets. In the case of Mr. Kanti Prakash of 2 Leonard Avenue in Cambridge, this seems to be the case; and
WHEREAS: In January 2008 Mr. Prakash was rushed to Cambridge Hospital because of difficulty breathing. In February 2008, Mr. Prakash was moved to Youville Hospital, from which he was released two and a half years later on June 15, 2010 in poorer health; and
WHEREAS: Medicare covered the first 100 days of medical expenses related to Mr. Prakash's hospitalization, and Mr. Prakash's private insurance covered medical bills until June 2009, an amount Mr. Prakash's family estimates to be over $2,000,000; and
WHEREAS: During Mr. Prakash's hospitalization, Youville Hospital was bought by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Now Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital wants to recuperate the sum of $648,592.95 from the Prakash family, most of it the result of an exorbitant daily room charge of $4,400 per day; and
WHEREAS: Many questions exist about the quality of the care Mr. Prakash received while at Spaulding, the duration of his stay there, and the degree to which his family was consulted about Mr. Prakash's treatments. For instance, Mr. Prakash was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but his family was not informed of the diagnosis until much later. Mr. Prakash was also put on medications without informing his family; and
WHEREAS: During the course of his hospitalization at Youville and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mr. Prakash contracted many infections which prolonged the duration of his stay in the hospital; and
WHEREAS: The Prakash family made several attempts to move Mr. Prakash from Youville Hospital to MGH or Beth Israel, but time and again, they were told that Mr. Prakash was too sick to make the short trips to MGH or to Beth Israel; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge should remove the lien on the Prakash home on Leonard Avenue in Cambridge and desist from any further attempts to appropriate the Prakash home; and be it further
RESOLVED: That Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cambridge should assemble an independent team of medical doctors to examine Mr. Prakash's medical records in order to determine if his extremely long stay in the hospital was medically warranted and to determine if the spate of infections Mr. Prakash suffered while in the hospital, which contributed to his long stay there, could have been avoided; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge and to the Prakash family on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-19     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been a place of ideas, innovation, and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, in all its departments and facets, has a long history of championing transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in its aspiration to be good government; and
WHEREAS: In that spirit, the City of Cambridge should always aim to improve civic participation through technological or other means; and
WHEREAS: Providing the best service possible to its residents required the City of Cambridge to meet residents where they are, share data, and engage them via the technologies of the day; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge residents could benefit from a multitude of such tools, including but not limited to:
  * Internet based tools to pay all fees and charges via the web or smartphone, and
  * Infrastructure enabling residents to scan QR codes posted on the back of city signage to learn more,
  * Tools to take pictures of problems around the city, transfer that data to the appropriate department in the city, and track the status of any resolution all from their phone, and
  * Infrastructure enabling residents to watch both City Council meetings and committee hearings from web-enabled devices such as iPads, and etc;
now therefore be it
ORDERED: That as part of the upcoming budget process, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a capital budget for the development of internet and mobile-based tools, such as the above, and set aside funds for the personnel necessary to enact such development.

O-20     Feb 28, 2011  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Cambridge Chronicle recently reported on a trip to Israel of sixteen law enforcement officials which included public officials from Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This is the second trip of this nature; and
WHEREAS: When asked about the first trip to Israel at a Civic Unity Committee hearing on Jan 22, 2009, Police Commissioner Haas said that "...the trip was sponsored by the American Defamation league. It was interesting, but in the end, not particularly useful. The Israel government does a number of things that he would never do in this country;" and
WHEREAS: This trip was designed to observe Israel's "counter-terrorism strategies and tactics", tactics which are associated with indefinite detention, illegal occupation, torture, lacking any constitutional guidance; and [The highlighted text was removed by Councillor Decker before the Charter Right was exercised]
WHEREAS: This trip was funded by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); and
WHEREAS: The City Council was not informed of the trip, nor offered a briefing; and
WHEREAS: A local businessman sponsored a follow-up "law enforcement summit"; and
WHEREAS: The role of public officials in Cambridge is to be guided by the oversight of local values and practices determined by Cambridge citizens and elected officials; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to seek information and to report to the City Council as to the nature of this and the previous delegation, including the funding for the delegation, the authorization and the relationship of the delegates and city officials to the funding agencies, the rationale for the trip and the substance of it, the role of private business in public policy, and whether any part of this trip was undertaken on public time.

O-21     Feb 28, 2011  Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been a place of ideas, innovation, and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, in all its department and facets, has a long history of championing transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in its aspiration to be good government; and
WHEREAS: In that spirit, the City of Cambridge should always aim to provide an environment conducive to creating opportunity for its residents; and
WHEREAS: Competing in the new fiscally flat world requires investing in the maintenance and upkeep of the economic engine of the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to hire a consultant nationally recognized as an expert to assess the strengths and weaknesses of how Cambridge does economic development and propose actions for improvements and how to look into issues, including but not limited to:
   * How to market Cambridge to businesses that may want to locate here
   * The regulatory environment of Cambirdge and how it compares to other cities
   * How our Economic Development Department and its programs compare to other cities;
and be it further
ORDERED: That as part of the upcoming budget process, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a budget for an increased scale of economic development activity, including programs for the recruitment of job-creating companies to the city, support services for growing companies, and any other recommendations the aforementioned consultant may offer.

O-22     Feb 28, 2011Repeat after me....
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is leading a protest against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's attempt to bust the union. Governor Walker is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and
WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the AFSCME workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and
WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and
WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states. The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and
WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wed, Feb 23rd, is to bust the union; and
WHEREAS: Governor Walker is in bed with the billionaire Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer. We understand that attacks on unions and the freedom of working people are an assault on the values that ennoble humanity and strengthen democracy; and
WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer. We understand that attacks on unions and the freedom of working people are an assault on the values that ennoble humanity and strengthen democracy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge go on record as standing in solidarity with AFSCME and all public employee union workers who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Wisconsin's AFSCME on behalf of the entire City Council.


O-23     Feb 28, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The small concrete building at 100 Pacific Street that juts into Pacific Park has been demolished; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the property in order to expand Pacific Park.

O-24     Feb 28, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the deadline for public comment to MEPA on MassDOT's plans for the rehabilitation of the Anderson Bridge proposal is Friday, March 4th, 2011; and
WHEREAS: Given that the service life of the Anderson Bridge, as well as other bridges along the Charles River, is between 50 to 100 years, we are amidst an important moment in the cities' history. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to service a growing urban demand for alternative forms of mobility that reduce carbon emissions and traffic conflict while dramatically increasing safety and contributing to overall health and well-being through self-powered mobility; and
WHEREAS: Despite the important and essential benefits associated with underpasses along the river's edge, the current plans by the MassDOT (as stated on February 9th, 2011, MassDOT issued the Environmental Notification Form) exclude the underpasses in the Anderson Bridge Rehabilitation Project; and
WHEREAS: Given the importance of alternative, non-motorized and self-powered personal mobility and the active recreational potential parallel to the river, the inclusion of underpasses must be given urgent attention at this unique moment in the future of the State's and the City's infrastructure, ecology and economy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging MEPA to ask MassDOT to incorporate the underpasses in their proposal for the rehabilitation of the Anderson Bridge, as they present a unique opportunity for the cities and establish an important precedent in support of multi-modal future of the region; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Policy Order to Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and to Beth Suedmeyer of MassDOT, Highway Division, Environmental Services on behalf of the City Council.


TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee conducted a public meeting on Feb 16, 2011 at 9:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with Cambridge Local First (CLF) how the City bids out for banks.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; Michelle Kincaid, Director of Financial Systems/Operators; Estella Johnson, Director, Economic Development Department, Community Development Department (CDD); Pardis Saffari, Economic Development Division, CDD; Elizabeth Bedell; Muna Kangsen; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Chuck Van Hise, Cambridge Savings Bank; Karen Kindle, Cambridge Savings Bank; Patricia Mullin, Cambridge Trust Company; Manuel Rodriguez, East Cambridge Savings Bank; Laury Hammel, Janneke House, Joshua Gerber and Frank Kramer, Cambridge Local First; Terrence F. Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Gavin Kleespies, Cambridge Historical Society; and Michael Kanter, Cambridge Naturals.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He asked for the process and timeline of the bidding process as well as impediments for local banks to compete in this process.

City Manager Robert W. Healy gave an overview of the City's Investment Policy (Attachment A) which was adopted by the City Council and is contained in the City's budget. He stated that investments are restricted by state law. He stated that the City bids out its banking services. He stated that the bid is granted in 3-year increments and that Citizens Bank currently serves the City's banking services as it was the lowest bidder for the contract. He stated that this bid expires in May, 2012. The new bid process will begin in November or December. He stated that currently coin counting is included with the contract but will be excluded from the next bid contract as to motivate locally owned banks to apply. He stated that the coin counting process is very labor intensive and there are standards that need to be adhered to. He stated that the reason for this is that quarters from parking meters need to be counted, balanced and deposited. The banks must also meet standard for strong business practices.

City Manager Healy explained that the City of Cambridge actively tries to involve local banks during times of high revenue streams by making cash investments in Certificates of Deposit. He stated that every week the city spends approximately six million dollars in payroll and that the City generates approximately 200-500 checks per week. He stated that vendor payments can range anywhere from $50.00 to $1,000,000.00 so it can be difficult to gage how much money will be available in any given time period to invest in local banks. He stated that Citizens Bank receives $92,000.00 per year to service the City's accounts which is not a large profit. Lock boxes are located at Cambridge Trust and they receive $19,000.00 for this service. He agreed with the theory that Cambridge should keep its business local and stated that by removing the coin counting from future bids, this will open the process up to more local banks.

Councillor Simmons questioned whether the coin counting could be done in-house. City Manager Healy stated that he is exploring that option but that it is a double-edged sword but that he would not rule that option out. Councillor Simmons asked how the City informs the banks of the bid process. Mr. Healy stated that information regarding bids is listed on the City's home page as well as the bid being sent out to the banks individually.

Councillor Cheung posed the question of collateralization. Michelle Kincaid stated that deposits to accounts are required to be collateralized for safety purposes. It is the in the best interest of the City to keep the taxpayers' money safe and risk-free.

Councillor Cheung asked about payroll, vendor and tax accounts. Mr. Healy stated that money gets moved from different accounts to meet immediate needs as necessary. He stated that when there is significant revenue increases, CD's are offered as low as $250,000.00 to draw interest from smaller banks.

Councillor Cheung then opened the meeting to the bank representatives.

Karen Kindle, Cambridge Savings Bank, stated that Cambridge Savings Banks works with other municipalities. She stated that there is a way to get around the coin counting issues such as using outside contractors to weigh, verify and deposit the funds into accounts. She stated that Cambridge Savings Bank is excited to bid for the City's accounts in the future.

Patricia Mullin, Cambridge Trust, stated that she is a member of the National Treasury Group and will research options on coin counting. Cambridge Trust precluded bidding on Cambridge banking services because of their inability to provide coin counting during the last bid process.

Manuel Rodriguez, East Cambridge Savings Bank, stated that the coin counting is an issue but there are ways to resolve it. ECSB has a good relationship with the City.

Frank Kramer, Co-Chair, Cambridge Local First, thanked all present for their attendance. He stated that he has conducted research and that studies indicate that the more money that goes into local banks, the better the City's economy. He stated that the big banks have caused the financial mess and that local banks are for the most part thriving and contributing to the community. He believes that if money is put in local banks than it will stay within the city. He questioned the operating account of the City and whether checks to vendors come out of the Citizens Bank account. Robert Healy responded in the affirmative and stated that most of the City's payroll goes through the process of a direct deposit system. Payments to vendors are processed by multiple City departments such as the City Manager and Auditor who must sign warrants on all payments before checks are issued in order to keep safeguards and security in place.

Mr. Hammel then questioned how many accounts the City has and Michelle Kincaid answered that the City has approximately thirty. Mr. Hammel asked if there was any way to spread those accounts to local banks. Mr. Healy stated that there is no advantage to separation of accounts and cited the regulation entitled Bank Procurement Guide for Municipalities from the Inspector General. Mr. Hammel asked if any of the accounts are independent and specific in that they could be assigned to a local bank. Mr. Healy answered in the negative and reiterated that the City tries to include local banks by way of CD's when there is a surplus in funds. He stated that the City of Cambridge currently has CD's in nine different banks.

Mr. Hammel stated that although the banks do not make large profits maintaining the accounts, they do make profits in bank fees. He stated employees are also motivated to open accounts with the winning bid bank, as to streamline their finances. He stated that Cambridge is fortunate to have three local banks worth a billion dollars. He commented that local banks can provide services of safety and security and questioned measures of security.

Mr. Healy stated that the Affordable Housing projects are made possible by local banks. He commented that the local banks have been great and he did not need to be convinced of their merits. He welcomes competition at all levels and agrees with the principles of Cambridge Local First.

Councillor Simmons said that Cambridge Local First reminded the attendees of the importance of doing business locally. She hopes that by modifying the bidding process, and attracting more local banks to compete, that it will generate the community aspect and connections that does not exist with larger banks.

Karen Kindle, Cambridge Savings Bank, asked when the last time that the City changed banks was. Mr. Healy stated that the last transition was in 1997 and that the City has been with Citizen's Bank ever since. He stated that in the past the City worked with Century Bank, US Trust/Charles Bank and Bay Bank Harvard Trust. He stated that the decision to take the coin counting aspect out of the bidding process will maximize potential for local banks to bid.

Josh Gerber, Cambridge Local First and owner of 1369 Coffee, questioned the factors related to community investment. Mr. Healy responded that the banks are required to comply with the Community Investment Act but that the bidding contract could not include specific provisions beyond this act to mandate community involvement.

Frank Kramer, Cambridge Local First, stated that he met with the presidents of the local banks who stated that they were very impressed by the management and administration of the City of Cambridge, specifically in regards to their leadership during the financial crisis.

Councillor Cheung thanked those present for their participation. The meeting adjourned at 9:55am.

For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair


Committee Report #2
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, Jan 25, 2011 at 4:09pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss reviewing ordinances detrimental to community goals.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor Kenneth Reeves; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Susan Glazer, Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Estella Johnson, Economic Development Division Director of CDD; Christopher Basler, Economic Development Division of CDD; Elizabeth Bedell; John Clifford; and Donna P Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Kelly Thompson Clark and Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Gallup, MIT; Renie Farster, President, Inman Square Business Association (ISBA); and Tom Lynn, Secretary, ISBA; Patrick Barrett, Central Square Business Association (CSBA); Joe Maguire, Vice President of Development, Alexandria Real Estate; Travis McCready, Executive Director Kendall Square Association, (KSA); Janneke House and Frank Kramer, Cambridge Local First; David Downing, City Retail, One Broadway; Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street; Mark Jaquith, 214 Hurley Street; Minka vanBeuzekom; and Attorney James Rafferty.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He distributed an agenda (Attachment A). He stated the idea of this meeting stemmed from several conversations with community leaders where it became apparent that outdated zoning was encouraging development and behavior counter to commonly agreed-upon community goals. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from the community on adverse impacts of outdated ordinances they've encountered. Future hearings would consider possible remedies. At this time he presented a list of suggestions of outdated current city ordinances to review that are detrimental to community goals that participants previously sent in (Attachment B).

Suggestion # 1: Kendall Square is not zoned for restaurants even though people are in agreement that the area would greatly benefit from additional places to socialize and eat out. Nightlife and restaurants are wanted in Kendall Square, but zoning variances are needed and this is a disincentive.

Suggestion #2: Frank Kramer informed the committee that Josh Gerber, owner of 1369 Coffeehouse and a Cambridge Local First member, suggested this item requiring Cambridge restaurants/cafés to use recyclable containers and packaging. The 1369 Coffeehouse uses disposable goods and can compost materials. Styrofoam cups, he said, are less expensive but are bad for the environment. Changing one city can have a statewide impact.

Suggestion # 3: Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers St., suggested item number three, allowing business owners to change the internal structure of the a business (add or remove a wall) without having to apply for special variances. He spoke about the 180 day requirement to get a zoning variance and the need to hire an attorney. He suggested allowing speedy variances that do not affect neighborhoods or use changes. He commented that policymakers put things into place which slow businesses down. This does not make sense.

Suggestion # 4: Create incentives for developers to build family units as opposed to one or two bedrooms. This is an idea that came out of the previous Economic Development meeting on the Kendall Square RFP.

Suggestion # 5: Allow for business owners, who are not Cambridge residents to apply for parking permits. Renee Farster, President, Inman Square Business Association (ISBA) informed the committee that new business owners who do not live in Cambridge have difficulty finding parking. She asked if it was possible for business owners to have temporary parking permits in residential parking spaces for limited hours during the day.

Suggestion # 6: The (ISBA) requested a discussion on the ordinance that allows sale of merchandise in parks and plazas only. Ms. Farster stated that currently items sold in Vellucci Plaza required the permission from the City Council. She stated that she would like the definition broadened. She stated that the city ordinance is outdated, only allowing for the sale of coal and ice. Allowing businesses to sell goods in parks and plazas would facilitate more outdoor sales and business block parties.

Suggestion # 7 & 8: Offered by Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Smith read the following prepared statement:

Understanding the impact of City actions that are hurting business growth should begin with an understanding of Cambridge's role as an economic entity. Cambridge is a regional employment center, a national and international education and cultural center and a global center for innovation. I believe that for Cambridge to continue to serve these rolls regionally, nationally and internationally this is the context that should be used when considering changes to our regulations and policies.

The major ways the City impacts business expansion, retention and attraction are through land use policy and regulation and licensing requirements. Often changes to the zoning ordinance, which is the codification of land-use policies, and regulation have been established with little assessment of the long-term impact of a regulation or a policy. These actions also often have little relation to the expressed goals developed to guide City policies.

The Council establishes goals every two years. The most recent goals focus broadly on providing high levels of service at a reasonable cost to taxpayers while promoting, a healthy environment, housing and doing business in Cambridge. Regulations and regulatory changes should reflect these goals. Providing services requires revenue and the primary source of revenue is the property tax, the primary source of property tax revenue is the commercial sector. Good environmental practice promotes, among other things, the adaptive re-use of existing buildings to their maximum effect, the re-use of previously developed urban land, and massing development to promote efficient use of energy, water, transportation and other resources. The goals for housing and business promotion demonstrate that the Council views preservation and development of both as equally important. Our policies and regulations should reflect these goals.

This and previous City Council's have shown courage in establishing policies that promote business growth and have positive long-term impacts. The decision by the City Council of the 1970s to establish existing Federal National Institute of Health procedures, procedures that where required for almost all genetic research being done in Cambridge and nationally, as the regulatory framework for life-science research and development in Cambridge coupled with a zoning ordinance and other regulations that allowed entrepreneurs to adaptively re-use existing industrial facilities had the positive result Cambridge being the global center for this industry.

The decision, prompted by the Council, of the License Commission to liberalize its policies on writing new licenses for establishments selling beer and wine and alcohol in a restaurants coupled with relaxed standards for outdoor dining has resulted in new growth in the City's restaurant industry and new life on our streets.

I cite these two examples, one from more than thirty years ago and one from the last few years to demonstrate that desired outcomes often result from the City doing less rather than doing more.

When this Committee's Chair Councillor Cheung asked for comments on ordinances that are hurting business growth I offered two that he included in his Jan 13 e-mail. The first is specific to the Zoning Ordinance the second is related to maximizing use of resources in the City and I use parking as an example. These are numbers 7 and 8 in the Jan 13 e-mail.

7) The major regulatory responsibility cities and towns have in Massachusetts is land-use and Cambridge has built a complex and idiosyncratic zoning ordinance over the past forty years in reaction to development proposals or actual developments. As a result half the properties in Cambridge are non-conforming to the zoning ordinance. We have significant capacity remaining in our transportation system, water and sewer, etc. to allow more development but that process is geared to, through the special permit process, large scale development. The small commercial building (in what was once the neighborhood commercial district) in a residential zoned district, the older office building in a historic district, etc. are required to go through the variance process and, in some cases, other regulatory processes for pretty simple changes in use, renovations, etc. This results in under use of commercial space and in some cases redevelopment from commercial to residential use because it is just easier. The first thing I would like to change is to rewrite our zoning laws so that many fewer parcels are non-conforming.

8) Under current zoning most of the off-street parking in the City is limited in use to the building served by the lot. Now we know that there is a significant grey market in renting excess parking but this is not a smart way to better use those facilities. A clear process should be created that allows a bank, for example, to make its parking available for customers of a neighboring restaurant during evening hours or for a church to make space available (possibly for a fee) outside of the hours of normal services. Several years ago I met an entrepreneur who had developed a system to inexpensively instrument parking spaces and easily allow a property owner to make them available (for a fee) when not needed. Customers would find available parking using a smart phone and either book the space in advance or use on arrival. The major issue with implementing this technology in Cambridge was our regulations. Under-use of existing facilities, be they parking, buildings or of land along transit corridors is a major detriment to building a greener City. For example, one story buildings around transit centers do not result from good planning and discouraging replacement of such buildings perpetuates poor planning decisions.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak this evening.

He further stated that nine of the 14 suggestions have to do with restriction of zoning which is idiosyncratic. He suggested reducing nonconforming parcels first. Changing the use of property, making it housing, is the easiest change.

Councillor Kelly spoke about an empty church parking lot which is vacant six days a week. It makes no sense for this space to be vacant when it could be utilized for economic gain.

Ms. Farster added that the Inman Square Business Association would like to use the Cambridge Health Alliance parking on the weekends.

Mr. Marquardt added that limited permit parking possibilities is an economic disadvantage to business.

Councillor Cheung read suggestions 9 and 10 as follows:

Suggestion # 9: Offered by Tim Rowe of the Cambridge Innovation Center, to change the rule mandating architecturally built in drinking water fountains to instead allow businesses to provide a no-cost solution for fresh drinking water to employees.

Suggestion #10: Offered by Tim Rowe of the Cambridge Innovation Center, requesting city support for gender neutral bathrooms. Ms. Farster commented that gender neutral bathrooms would be encouraged by her clientele who are largely of the GLBT community.

Suggestion #11: Offered by Bob Simha of MIT, to create housing linkage requirement for all institutional and commercial development to encourage more of the students, research workers and other new members of the labor force in Cambridge to have access to affiliated or dedicated housing. Councillor Cheung commented that postgraduates are not provided on-campus housing in adequate numbers and this reduces housing in the neighborhoods.

Suggestions numbered 12, 13, and 14 were offered by James Rafferty as follows:

Suggestion #12: Change the definition of fast food. Bakeries and sandwich shops qualify under the current fast food definition. He suggested changing the definition of fast food so as not to discourage sandwich shops. Mr. Rafferty stated that Central Square is the only place where there is a cap on sandwich shops and bakeries but not on banks. Currently the cap in Central Square is fourteen. Councillor Reeves stated that there is a linkage between fast food and trash on the sidewalk. He stated that the fast food definition in the ordinance should be defined by those who work with these establishments. He encouraged more restaurants in Central Square. Mr. Rafferty added that the zoning definition and its meaning have changed with commerce over the years. The definition outlines the percentage of products consumed on the premises. The concept of fast food has change. Panera wanted to come to Central Square but needed a variance. Variances spook businesses and landlords due to the time frame it takes to secure one.

Suggestion #13: Related to areas zoned for residential use. If a low scale retail business leaves such as a dry cleaning business and another low scale business wants to take over the space such as a florist the florist needs to apply for a variance even if they do not change the square footage of floor plan. Could this requirement be altered to make acquiring new business for an abandoned space easier?

Suggestion #14: Related to areas zoned for offices - a bank is allowed on the first floor but not a retail shop. This discourages development of restaurants, grocery stores and other neighborhood friendly services. Mr. Rafferty suggested changing the allowed floor uses in office districts. He asked why retail is not allowed in office districts in Kendall Square. He also requested that the parking and loading requirements around businesses be reviewed and be made more flexible.

At 4:55pm Councillor Cheung opened the meeting for public comment.

Janneke House, Executive Director of Cambridge Local First, stated there should be a change in the time frame that businesses are allowed to offer outside dining. New England weather is constantly changing and businesses should be allowed to offer outside seating during the winter months if they deem fit.

Minka vanBeuzekom commented on streamlining the application and payment process. She stated that business owners shouldn't have to come to City Hall and pay with a check. They should be allowed to pay online with a credit card.

Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers St., commented on the city deciding not picking up small business trash. He stated that this decision has created traffic congestion and unnecessary bureaucracy, city trash trucks and private trucks are picking up trash at the same time but the city trucks ignore the small businesses.

At the request of a member of the public Stuart Dash, CDD, read the definition of fast food from the Zoning Ordinance. He commented that the ordinance was created under a context of taking childhood obesity into consideration when thinking about what restaurants you invite into the city. The definition of a fast food restaurant includes that 75% of seating is freestanding tables and that 80% of revenue is consumed off site. Mr. Rafferty stated that he would like the 80% provision reviewed. Mr. Dash responded that all of these suggestions affect multiple agencies and departments. Avenue outdoor seating is being discussed by CDD and trash pickup is an operation of Public Works Department. He stated that the outdoor table use and the office districts changes could be reviewed by CDD.

Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, CDD stated that the issues discussed during the Committee hearing are covered by multiple departments. She has received complaints from business owners who do not live in Cambridge having difficulty finding parking. Trucks are parking in the street because there are no loading zones. New business incentives like pushcarts and farmers markets are being considered by the Economic Development Department. Streamlining permitting is a big issue she stated.

Mr. Smith added that the Parking Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) ordinance had a sunset clause but the City Council amended the PT DM ordinance to remove it.

At 5:16pm Councillor Cheung requested comments from members of the City Council present.

Councillor Reeves spoke about businesses in Central Square who have difficulty parking and could not park in the Central Square garage. He stated his concern regulating that no alcohol could be served on city streets impacting outdoor dining. He wanted sandwich board signs reviewed; are they attractive or not. Stakeholders he said should be consulted before things are dismantled. An auction house in mid- Cambridge will become a restaurant. He encouraged reviewing outdated ordinances, but cautioned do not fix things that are not broken. It is a fact Cambridge does not have parking for everyone.

Councillor Seidel asked if the question is whether to increase the cap on allowed fast food restaurants or to redefine what fast food means in the 21st century. He asked if variances were denied because of neighborhood concerns. Mr. Rafferty stated his preference is to review the matrix of grandfathered uses. Variances create time issues and only a few could be resolved quickly. An administrative action is a different process. Councillor Seidel questioned Mr. Smith on the issue of nonconformance. Mr. Smith responded that Cambridge was established in 1630 and survived over three-hundred years without a zoning ordinance. He stated that the city's ordinance process for the last 30 years is a restrictive tool built to keep things out not to bring things in. He urged reviewing nonconforming buildings first.

Vice Mayor Davis commented that gender-neutral issues and water fountains could be fixed now. She spoke about smart growth. She stated that transportation business nodes should be reviewed. She favored a higher-level value concept.

Councillor Cheung thanked all attendees. The suggestions would be voted upon by attendees of the meeting and would determine the specific ordinances to be the subject of the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:40pm.

For the committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair


Committee Report #3
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Dec 16th, 2010, beginning at three o'clock and five minutes P.M. at Cahners Theater, 2nd floor, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston.

The video of the full meeting can be viewed online here:
http://www.cambridgema.gov/2010Dec16Cambridge-BostonJointHearingonClusters.wmv

The purpose of the meeting was to hear from locally-based, world-renowned economic experts on the theories behind economic clusters, and specifically how the cities of Cambridge and Boston can work together to attract new businesses to the region, create jobs, and keep the businesses we have.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Sam Seidel; Mayor David Maher; Robert Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Susan Glazer, Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD); Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, CDD; Lee Gianetti, Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor; Elizabeth Bedell; Jason Alves; Boston City Councillors: Stephen Murphy, Councillor Bill Linehan , Councillor Matt O'Malley and Councillor Ayanna Presley, and Councillor Mike Ross; Mitch Weiss, Chief of Staff for Mayor Menino; Brenda Mckenzie, the Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority; Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki; and Phil Budden, British Consulate-General.

Also present were Joe Tulimieri, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority; Sarah Gallop, Co-Director, Government and Community Relations, MIT; Bob Simha, MIT Professor; Paul Parravano, MIT; John McQuaid, MIT; Steve Marsh and Michael Owu, MITIMco; Joe Maguire, Alexandria Real Estate; Tim Rowe, President, CEO, Cambridge Innovation Center; Brian Dacey, Senior Vice President and Regional Partner, Twining Properties; Janneke House, Executive Director, Cambridge Local First; Jos Scheffelaar, CEO and Founder, Launch in US Alliance; Gus Weber, Microsoft; Nan Doyle, Principal, Trillium; Marc Levy, Editor, Cambridge Day; Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Travis McCready, Kendall Square Association; Tom Lucey, Director of Community Relations, Harvard University; Mike Cantalupa, Boston Properties; Geoff Mamlet, Cambridge Innovation Center; Jeff Lockwood, Novartis; Mathew Campion, Office of the British Consulate-General; Rich Bryden, Harvard Business School; Colleen Powell, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority; D.C. Denison, Boston Globe; Richard Dimino, A Better City; Jim Collins, New England Business Partners; Richard Parr, A Better City; Bill Ghormley, Xconomy; Kelly Thompson Clark, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Davis Dyer, Monitor Group; Kurt Dassel, Monitor Group; Gregg Nourjian, Partner, Spinnaker Venture Partners; Melissa Walsh, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center; Pascal Marmier, Swissnex; Eric Schoenfeld, Independent Consultant; Peter Carty, Genzyme; Robert Beal, Beal Co.; Dale Blank, Biotechnology Consultant; Joan Bennett, Cambridge Health Alliance; Costas Boussios, Betahat Optimal; Kelly Courtney, Pipeline Management; Jim Rooney, Massachusetts High Tech Council; Minka van Buezekom; Nathan Rothstein, Swellr; Audrey Guazzone, YEI France; Brian Nanos, Cambridge Chronicle; Tim Stoll, Biomed Realty; Meghan Haggerty, Boston Municipal Research Bureau; Brian Morgan, Boston World Partnership; Amir Eldad, Boston World Partnership; Paula Mesasein, Boston World Partnership; Darnley Howard, Independent Consultant; Bill Kane, Biomet; and Ioannis Miaoulis, President, Museum of Science.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose as being to hear from experts on economic development and to kick start a dialogue on the potential areas of common interest where Cambridge and Boston could collaborate instead of compete to better create jobs and opportunity for their respective residents.

Councillor Cheung introduced his colleagues. He acknowledged Mayor Maher and applauded his efforts this term in fighting for education reform. He acknowledged Councillor Denise Simmons and applauded her for her previous attempts to reach across the river and work with Boston on other issues. Councillor Cheung acknowledged that many people were worried that this meeting was purely political in purpose. He said that although it felt like a political event because so many politicians were in the room, the purpose was actually to try and put politics aside. We're there to try and solve a problem that is inherently political. When businesses are shopping around for a location, they think of Boston and Cambridge as one region, not as separate from one another. Councillor Cheung argued that if Cambridge and Boston work together, the region will benefit as a whole. The Cambridge-Boston region has many resources: the best schools in the country, a highly educated and a motivated populace, and fantastic opportunities for progress. Councillor Cheung stated that with all we have, we should be leading the nation in bootstrapping ourselves out of the current recession.

Councillor Cheung then invited Boston City Council President, Mike Ross to address the crowd. Councillor Ross thanked his colleagues, Councillor Stephen Murphy, Councillor Bill Linehan, Councillor Matt O'Malley and Councillor Ayanna Presley for attending the meeting. He stated he was really excited about the prospect of Boston and Cambridge working together. He said that our region is the most economically competitive region in the country but more needs to be done to keep jobs and college students here. Silicon Valley is not one city, it is a collaboration of 22 cities and they do not have the resources that we do here in Massachusetts. We are the most culturally and intellectually endowed region in the United States. Other regions have to try harder because they do not have our resources, but we still need to up our game. Councillor Mike Ross stated that we cannot be lulled into complacency. This meeting is not a symbolic exercise, it is not merely rhetoric but it will be used as a launching pad for future discussions.

Councillor Mike Ross introduced Museum of Science President Ioannis Miaoulis. President Miaoulis thanked the attendees. He argued that there was no better place than Cahner's Auditorium to hold such a meeting because it is the only room to be located both in Cambridge and in Boston. He stated that the Museum of Science is the most attended cultural institution in New England and that it is the second most attended federal science center in the country after the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. The Museum of Science also supplies 1.8 million American students with text books each year.

Councillor Leland Cheung introduced Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Greg Bialecki. Secretary Bialecki thanked the crowd on behalf of Governor Patrick. He stated that he deeply believes that bolstering economic development is tremendously easier when local governments are working in a partnership with the state. It is a simple truth that Boston will be better and stronger if it works with Cambridge and Cambridge will be better and stronger if it works with Boston. The desirability of both locations is bolstered by cooperation between city administrations.

Councillor Mike Ross introduced Chief of Staff for Mayor Menino, Mitch Weiss, and the Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Brenda McKenzie. Mitch Weiss stated that 360 days ago Mayor Menino said in his inaugural address that we need to develop an innovation cluster. Mayor Menino learned from the financial crisis that we need to get back to engineering, instead of financial engineering. Cambridge and Boston need to literally build our way to a better economy. We come together at a very important time, China is on pace to build ten cities the size of New York City over the next 20 years. The region has all the resources needed to be competitive; we just need to focus our approach. Cambridge and Boston can collaborate on affordable housing. Mitch Weiss stated that although collaboration is good, we still need a healthy dose of competition.

Brenda McKenzie addressed the crowd. She stated that this event was special because it allows for government officials to speak directly to the stakeholders. The big picture needs to be seen. Boston-Cambridge is competing against the world.

Councillor Cheung introduced Rich Bryden, Director of Information Products at Harvard's Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness Presentation. Rich Bryden works with Michael Porter at the Harvard Business School. His presentation can be viewed at http://www.isc.hbs.edu/pdf/Boston-Cambridge_Councils_RichBryden_2010-1216.pdf

Rich Bryden stated that although Cambridge-Boston is doing relatively well, there are many warning signs that point to the need for increased collaboration. His intention is to provide a framework of why developing regional clusters is vital to a strong economy. Micro and Macroeconomic factors impact the development of a regional cluster. Microeconomic factors include the quality of the business environment, the state of cluster development and the sophistication of individual company strategies. Macroeconomic factors include the resources endowed by a certain geographic area and access to the market, a state's legal system and monetary policy. A Cluster is a geographic concentration of related companies and associated institutions such as hospitals and universities. Individual companies tend to perform far better if they are part of a regional cluster than if left alone in isolation. For example, the Life Sciences cluster we have in Boston is nurtured by our hospitals and research universities and responds to the specialized needs of these institutions. It is also nurtured by the specialized risk capital investment companies that have sprung up in the area. Boston's most notable clusters are financial services, analytical instruments, information technology and biotechnology. All of these clusters are strong but we are losing ground and are underperforming compared to upstart regions such as Dallas, Texas region and North Carolina. Regional Clusters provide a powerful model for enacting public policy. They allow for public-private collaboration.

Councillor Mike Ross introduced Davis Dyer and Kurt Dassel of the Monitor Group. Davis Dyer presented on how to implement cluster theory. ::Attachment 1::

Davis Dyer stated that business growth does not solely depend on how smart and great individual companies are but also what environment they are operating in.

For example, there is nothing that can explain why Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas has become a center for cluster development, but its economy is growing at a much faster speed than the rest of the nation. The reason why Dallas is growing is because the cities and townships have banded together around the new airport. They have unified their city administrations. Together they actively courted leading institutions to the region, so much so that Dallas has become the number one place in the country for corporate relocation. In order to replicate the Texas model, we need strong and committed leadership, a shared vision and an organized set of priorities.

Councillor Cheung introduced Rich Dimino, President and CEO of A Better City.

Rich Dimino presented on the importance of developing transportation infrastructure in a cluster. Massachusetts has the sixth worst commute time in the nation. ::Attachment 2::

Rich Dimino stated that we need to better connect Boston and Cambridge. Transportation systems bolster and support growth and development. Connectivity is crucial to the maintenance of a cluster. People want to move around a cluster - Kendall to Boston Medical, Novartis to the Longwood Medical Center. Logan is also crucial and needs to be fully sustained. Furthermore, Massachusetts is doing a great job at getting private investment and federal grants but needs to start investing this money into its transportation systems.

Councillor Mike Ross introduced Kurt Dassel of the Monitor Group. Kurt Dassel raised a puzzle: Why is it that we have world class assets but despite this we are losing our competitive position? He stated that economic development is ultimately getting a company to choose this region instead of another region. Companies chose a region when it is differentiated from the competition. Our universities and hospitals attract world class talent but since 1998 companies have tended not to gravitate in the same numbers to Boston-Cambridge. We need to figure out a way to address this and this meeting is a crucial first step in tackling this issue.

This concluded the portion of the meeting of presenters using overhead projection of slides and data on the theories and applications of economic clusters, and began the portion of community leaders speaking on behalf of the involved organizations they represent.

Councillor Leland Cheung introduced the Executive Director of Boston World Partnerships, Yoon Lee, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Authority Colleen Richards Powell, Executive Director of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Kelly Clark Thompson and Executive Vice President of the Boston Chamber of Commerce Jim Klocke.

Yoon Lee stated that Boston World Partnerships was founded by Mayor Menino to promote Boston's great assets. The purpose of Boston World Partnerships to act as a super connector for human infrastructure.

Colleen Richards Powell stated that her job is to sell Boston-Cambridge to the outside world. She never separates the two when talking about what the region has to offer.

Kelly Clark Thompson stated that the region should be marketed as a whole to outside businesses.

Jim Klocke stated that this decade has been much harder to Boston than the last. We are falling behind because it is too expensive to start a business here due to high taxes and start-up costs.

Councillor Mike Ross introduced Executive Director of the Kendall Square Association, Travis McCready, Executive Director of the Mass Life Sciences Center, Melissa Walsh, Peter Abair of the Massachusetts Bio Tech Council and Jim Rooney of the Mass High Tech Council.

Travis McCready stated that Kendall Square is the most innovative square mile on the planet. Tech companies crave collaboration, collaboration craves density. Boston and Cambridge need to collaborate on STEM education. We should be home growing our talent rather than resorting to recruiting it.

Melissa Walsh talked about the services that Mass Life Sciences offers to Massachusetts residents and students. They offer a paid internship program that matches students with biotech and life sciences companies in the region.

Peter Abair stated that the Mass Biotech Council represents over 600 members. He said when interested businesses come to visit in Kendall Square he is able to point to 5 out of the 7 top NIH funded hospitals in the country and four of the top research universities from his window.

Jim Rooney recommends that the two cities promote the creation of a consortium of colleges and universities in the region. Springfield has the Knowledge Corridor. The cluster would greatly benefit if universities worked in collaboration with each other.

Councillor Leland Cheung introduced Dr. Phil Budden, the British Consulate-General. Phil Budden stated that Great Britain has a stake in our cluster. He stated that many British companies are based here including Shire, AstraZenica and Citizen's Bank. The whole world has faced an economic downturn. Future jobs will come out of Michael Porter's model for regional clusters. The region is a mature cluster, Cambridge-Boston implemented Porter argument long before anyone else, but now the rest of the world is catching up.

Councillor Mike Ross opened the meeting to Public Comment. He asked attendees to speak on what challenges the region faces and offer suggestions on how the two cities work better together.

Paul Parravano of MIT stated that this meeting was an important first step. He also announced MIT's new project PIE that will focus on creating manufacturing jobs for the state.

Robert Beal of Beal Co. stated the most important thing to focus on is how to keep our students here. There is a need to create more affordable housing.

Tim Rowe of the Cambridge Innovation Center stated that Boston and Cambridge have a long history of collaboration. The very first long distance phone call was placed from Beacon Hill to what is now MIT's campus. He stated that when he travels oversees he tells people he is from Boston. We need to be able to tell our story better and pitch the region as a whole.

Jeff Lockwood stated Novartis came here because the region had so much to offer. Novartis routinely works with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Mass General Hospital and MIT. Collaboration is key for companies to flourish.

Estella Johnson of Cambridge's Economic Development Department stated that she came from the South and knows what the region is up against. Cambridge cannot take for granted that the region will continue to thrive. Other clusters, such as Raleigh, North Carolina should be researched.

Gus Weber of Microsoft stated Microsoft came here to tap into our huge talent pool. They currently employ over 1,000 people.

Jeff Taylor of Monster.com stated the cities need to appreciate and celebrate small companies and give them a platform.

Councillor Mike Ross ended public comment. He concluded by thanking the attendees for coming. He stated that he believes that this meeting conveyed the fierce urgency of the need for more collaboration. He stated that the job of government officials is to facilitate and continue these discussions.

Councillor Cheung gave his closing statements. He stated that it is vitally important for Cambridge and Boston to work together to bring jobs to the region and keep the economy competitive. We cannot let political battles get in the way of doing what's necessary to create opportunity for residents and make their lives better. He thanked the attendees for participating.

The meeting adjourned at five o'clock and fifteen minutes PM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair


AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)

10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)

10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)

10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)

10-130. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #18
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-11)

10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)

10-138. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #9
RE: report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/27/10 (O-6)

10-140. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #1
RE: report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the City.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-10)

10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)

10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)

10-163. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #8
RE: report on multiple questions concerning trees that come out of the Environment Committee meeting of 9/30/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis 10/25/10 (O-11)

10-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways the City can work with the MAPC on opportunities related to the $4 million grant award to the MAPC on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-3)

10-170. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #19
RE: report on whether the gutters are up to code at the Blessed Sacrament building.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-3)

10-172. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #19
RE: report on ensuring that the agreements between the develop and area residents are being upheld at the Blessed Sacrament Development.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-10)

10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)

10-175. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #10
RE: report on feasibility of converting certain Inman Square parking meters to 2-hours and along Cambridge Street and on the possibility of installing time-weighted parking meter in Inman Square.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-2)

10-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-3)

10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)

10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)

10-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes and the possibility such revenues generated by a formula for distribution to community based non-profits.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-12)

10-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-13)

10-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the state of the law relating to community benefits as mitigation in zoning amendment petitions.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-1)

10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)

10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)

10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)

10-187. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #6
RE: report on the appropriateness of private meetings between City Council members and the Superintendent of Schools without informing the School Committee of such meetings.
Councillor Toomey 12/13/10 (O-8)

10-188. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on NSTAR outages in East Cambridge, Porter Square & Kendall Square. Information provided to Committee Chair.
Vice Mayor Davis 12/13/10 (O-10)

10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)

11-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on unfair financial burden placed on same-sex married employees of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-3)

11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)

11-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Enterprise Rental using the City sidewalk as a parking lot. Referred back by Councillor Reeves for additional information on 2/14/2011.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-7)

11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)

11-09. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #22
RE: report on number of buildings built on No. Mass Ave since 2000, what the purpose was including ground floor retail and buildings currently under construction or proposed for construction in the next 2-years.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/24/11 (O-10)

11-11. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on current licensing standards for nail salons.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 01/24/11 (O-6)

11-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any foreseeable tax revenue implications of Vertex's decision to leave Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Seidel 01/31/11 (O-4)

11-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of continuing street cleaning through the winter for the purpose of using those days to clear non-arteries of snow.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-11)

11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)

11-16. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on having DPW crews identify and report other public works concerns when snowplowing.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-16)

11-17. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #2
RE: report on ensuring that public art is taken into consideration during the planning processes of Kendall and Central Square areas.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/31/11 (O-17)

11-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on banning the use of plastic shopping bags.
Councillor Decker 01/31/11 (O-22)

11-19. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on how communications were handled following the aftermath of the gun battle on Clifton Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-2)

11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)

11-21. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #23
RE: report on the feasibility of instituting a phone book opt-out/opt-in program.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/07/11 (O-4)

11-22. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on SCM funding shortfalls.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/14/11 (O-1)

11-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on snow removal options including snow melting machines.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/14/11 (O-7)

11-24. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #11
RE: report on ticketing vehicles for being parked more than three feet from the curb due to snow banks.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/14/11 (O-8)