CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2008:
Richard T. Connolly (Without Power)
Phillip A. Sciandra (With Power)

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-21, regarding a report on methods by which the Planning Board communicates its opinions to the BZA regarding cases to be heard by the BZA.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-14, regarding a report on the condition of the bridge leading into Lechmere Station.  Referred to Transportation Committee - Kelley

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-12, regarding a reduction in service at Lechmere Station and Awaiting Report Item Number 08-13, regarding delays on the Route 69 bus from Lechmere to Harvard Square.  Referred to Transportation Committee - Kelley

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-23, regarding a report on the policies and procedures to prevent employees from engaging in illegal activities.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $280,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Finance Department (Assessing) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional funds for technical and professional legal fees.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $7,500 from General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund City Clerk Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the additional cost of advertising for newspaper notices of proposed amendments to the municipal ordinances and to cover estimated advertisements for the remainder of the fiscal year.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $34,185 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Lead-Safe Grant (Round 12) Program Income of $10,066.90 to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will increase funds available to control lead hazards in eligible housing in Cambridge.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer within the Lead-Safe Grant (Round 12) Grant for $171,000 from the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Grant Fund Community Development Salary and Wages Account to cover a portion of the program salaries of the Lead Safe Cambridge program.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the appropriation of a Lead Safe grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control for $770,702 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account ($279,059), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($488,967), and Travel and Training account ($2,676) to support lead abatement and poisoning prevention programs.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $5,100 from General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account to cover the cost of sending five youth members of the Youth Involvement Sub-committee (YIS) of the Kids Council and the Executive Director of the Kids’ Council (the chaperone) to the National League of Cities’ conference in March 2008.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-24, regarding a report on legal standard associated with the requirement to remove physical barriers.

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

2. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 84 Wadsworth Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Six of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

3. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 360 Memorial Drive between 296 and 120 Vassar Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Seven of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City’s self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.]

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Dec 12, 2007 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to Section 5.40 Special Dimensional Requirements of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by adding a new section 5.54 to protect solar energy systems. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Jan 28, 2008. Petition expires Mar 11, 2008.

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 12, 2007 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to Chapter 2.76 of the Cambridge Municipal Code "Human Rights Commission" to provide enforcement of provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring the removal of architectural barriers, where the barriers are readily removable. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 25, 2008.
Ordained 9-0 - Ordinance #1314

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from the Center for Families, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Caring for Babies Forum, Free Workshops for Parents & Child Care Providers on Mar 15, 2008.

2. An application was received from Ten Thousand Villages, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of 694 Massachusetts Avenue.

3. An application was received from Rebecca’s Cafe, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of 290 Main Street.

4. An application was received from The Boston Bed Company, requesting permission to replace faces for existing sign at the premises numbered 616 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department.

5. An application was received from Market in the Square, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 60 Church Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding airwells.

2. A communication was received from Robert L. Delhome, President, Charter Environmental, Inc., transmitting clarification on their role with Local 4.

3. A communication was received from Janet Weir Creighton, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, transmitting thanks for the resolution urging U.S. economic sanctions against Burma.

4. A communication was received from Brian H. Jasperse, President and CEO, Environmental Barrier Company, LLC, regarding City Council Resolution of Jan 28, 2008 urging Geo-Con, Inc. to honor a bargaining contract with Local 4.

5. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolutions urging the Cambridge delegation to advocate for the passage of H1870, An Act to Create a Massachusetts Job Creation commission and S2423, the Global Warming Solution Act.

6. A communication was received from Sheila Russell, transmitting thanks for the lovely resolution on the death of her sister, Mary Lou Crowley.

7. A communication was received from the family of Raymond L. Proulx, transmitting thanks for the kind expression of sympathy.

8. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, transmitting a copy of Americans with disabilities: "The last civil rights movement."

9. An incoherent rant was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding celebrating diversity.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Paulina Gonzalez-Pose on becoming the new Director of the Edward S. Mason program at the Kennedy School of Government.   Councillor Decker

2. Resolution on the death of Daniel M. Mullen.   Councillor Toomey

3. Congratulations to Alex Attia, General Manager of the Charles Hotel, on receiving the Massachusetts Lodging Association’s Award for "Outstanding General Manager of the Year."   Councillor Decker

4. Resolution on the death of John Gorman.   Vice Mayor Murphy

5. Resolution on the death of William H. "Bill" Halford Sr.   Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Jess Dennis Daniel Cain.   Councillor Toomey

7. Congratulations to Reverend Jeffrey l. Brown on his 20th Pastoral Anniversary.   Mayor Simmons

8. Resolution on the death of Leo Cyrus.   Councillor Toomey

9. Resolution on the death of Laura M. (Garcia) Faria.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Brian J. Kenneally.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

11. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jack Sweet.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Corporal Albert Bitton.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Matlock Jr.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Specialist Chad Groepper.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Luke Runyan.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Corey Spates.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Conrad Alvarez.   Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Sergeant John Osmolski.   Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Timothy Van Orman.   Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Captain Nathan Raudenbush.   Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant David Schultz.   Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer First Class Luis Souffront.   Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher West.   Councillor Decker
24. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Timothy Martin.   Councillor Decker
25. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Straughter.   Councillor Decker
26. Resolution on the death of Chief Petty Officer Nathan Hardy.   Councillor Decker
27. Resolution on the death of Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch.   Councillor Decker
28. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Bryant Mackey.   Councillor Decker
29. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Manibog.   Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Specialist Miguel Baez.   Councillor Decker
31. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jerald Whisenhunt.   Councillor Decker
32. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Gary Willett.   Councillor Decker
33. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Chad Barrett.   Councillor Decker
34. Resolution on the death of Captain Michael Norman.   Councillor Decker
35. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bradley Skelton.   Councillor Decker

36. Condolences to School Committee Member Luc Schuster on the death of his father Mark Schuster.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy

37. Resolution on the death of Margaret T. (Broussard) Bilodeau.   Councillor Kelley

38. Congratulations to Wanda Rivera on her acceptance into the Police Academy.   Councillor Davis

39. Resolution on the death of Rose Donabed.   Councillor Toomey

40. Retirement of Luise Phipps from the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

41. Speedy recovery wishes to Charles Stead.   Councillor Reeves

42. Congratulations to the Health Children Task Force on receiving the prestigious Innovation in Prevention Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis

43. Congratulations to Judah Dorrington and LaVerne Saunders on their marriage on Feb 14, 2008.   Mayor Simmons

44. Congratulations and thanks to Simon Shapiro, Mardi Moran and Tags Hardware as they support energy efficiency by offering a card good for one compact florescent light bulb free per month.   Councillor Davis

45. Retirement of William Salem from the Cambridge Public Library.   Mayor Simmons

46. Congratulations to Fran Cooper on her exhibit of photographs of flowers at the Central Square Library entitled "Mid-Winter Flower Show."   Councillor Davis

47. Well wishes to Andrew Jackson Spears as he prepares to return home to his Cambridge community after a period of convalescence.   Councillor Reeves

48. Congratulations to Justine Petrillo on being the 2008 Women's World Champion of Four Square.   Mayor Simmons

49. Resolution on the death of William F. "Pa" Fulginite Sr.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

50. Condolences to the family of Thomas "Moose" Morehead.   Mayor Simmons

51. Happy 100th Birthday wishes to Iris Small.   Mayor Simmons

52. Appreciation to Debra Dowd for her quick response in helping a Cambridge Kindergarten student.   Mayor Simmons

53. Appreciation to Terri Clark for her quick response in helping a Cambridge Kindergarten student.   Mayor Simmons

54. Appreciation to Laurie Mass for her quick response in helping a Cambridge Kindergarten student.   Mayor Simmons

55. Retirement of John Rose from the Cambridge Fire Department.   Mayor Simmons

56. Retirement of Michael Sullivan from the Cambridge Police Department.   Mayor Simmons

57. Resolution on the death of Vaughn Gostanian.   Councillor Toomey

58. Welcome to Geoffrey Camada, author, social theorist and creative social activist as he visits Cambridge at Harvard Law School.   Councillor Reeves

59. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Julie Driscoll.   Councillor Maher

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to discuss the possibility of emptying the dumpsters at the Truman Apartments and Jefferson Park more frequently due to rat sightings.   Councillor Toomey  Amended

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Electrician to determine if all the lighting in Costa Taylor Lopez Park is operating to its full potential.   Councillor Toomey

3. That the City Council go on record expressing the desire for the Middlesex Court House and its daily operation to return to Cambridge as soon as possible following their move.   Councillor Toomey

4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft a home-rule petition requesting that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts assist in the financial losses occurred by Henry Nguyen’s business, the Thistle and Shamrock Convenience Store, due to the closure of the Walden Street Bridge.   Councillor Decker

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools to report on how many children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) receive out of school assistance written into their Individualized Education Plan and how many children with Individualized Education Plans receive out of school assistance not written into their Individualized Education Plan.   Councillor Decker

6. That the Cambridge City Council go on record raising awareness regarding the homophobic acts of vicious brutality in Jamaica and to call for governmental response and arrests in reaction to these brutal acts.   Councillor Reeves and Mayor Simmons

7. Urge residents and municipal City departments and School Department to participate in Earth Hour by turning off their lights for one hour starting at 8:00pm on Mar 29, 2008.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis and Councillor Kelley  Amended

8. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of Sixth Street and Bent Street in honor of George Chicarello.   Councillor Toomey

9. That the City Manager is requested to direct with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to report on how many children with special needs or IEP’s they are making accommodations for in their after-school programs.   Councillor Decker

10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the entire City Council about how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be presented and explained to the public and what the protocol will be for making complaints.   Councillor Davis

11. That the Mayor is requested to convene a roundtable at which the City Council may examine the changing demographics of the city.   Councillor Davis

12. That the City Manager and the Mayor be and hereby is requested to reconvene the Neighborhood Safety Task Force to discuss the tragedy in Area IV and make recommendations for matters to be referred to appropriate council committees.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons and Councillor Seidel

13. Support of Senate Bill 2423 relating to global warming.   Councillor Decker

14. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the status of the City’s review of Boston’s "One in Three" program of linking residents under age 30 in order to build stronger communities.   Councillor Kelley

15. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the status of crosswalk safety improvements on Broadway by the Volpe Center.   Councillor Kelley

16. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the City’s regulations concerning where bikes may be locked and how the City is currently enforcing those regulations when bicycles are not clearly abandoned.   Councillor Kelley

17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed explanation, to include legal cites and relevant precedents, as to how section 3.32 of the City’s zoning code has been interpreted to allow Usable Open Space to be situated on any part of a lot regardless of underlying zoning requirements for any specific portion of the lot.   Councillor Kelley

18. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to review relevant City streets with traffic restrictions such as "Do Not Enter from 4-6pm" and report back to the City Council on where and how cyclists might better be accommodated by making the traffic restrictions apply only to motor vehicles.   Councillor Kelley

19. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the on-street parking permit restrictions applied to the residents of Harvard’s new construction in Riverside and what sort of permutations of this type of parking-restricted development could be used elsewhere in Cambridge.   Councillor Kelley

20. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the City’s policies regarding City vehicles parking in specially designated parking spots or street zones.   Councillor Kelley

21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view of commencing traffic and parking enforcement on Museum Way and North Point Boulevard.   Councillor Toomey  Amended

22. That the City Manager is requested to develop a plan to improve and maintain the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, the pocket park on Franklin Street between the Central Square Branch Library and the Manning Apartments.   Councillor Davis

23. That the matter of conversion of TV signals from analogue to digital as to how it effects service, particularly to seniors, be referred to the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee.   Councillor Davis

24. That the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance be referred to the Health and Environment Committee.   Councillor Davis

25. Proposed amendment to the Zoning Code by inserting subsection in Article 2.000 in the Gross Floor Area.   Vice Mayor Murphy

26. That the City Council go on record in support of the work of the Readiness Project, a council whose mission is to develop a 10-year strategic plan to implement the Governor’s vision for education in the Commonwealth, including specific action steps, timelines, benchmarks and cost estimates.   Vice Mayor Murphy
Charter Right - Davis

27. Dedication of a site in the vicinity of Massachusetts Avenue and Douglass Street in honor of William Thomas, founding and retiring conductor of the Cambridge Community Chorus.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons and Councillor Davis

28. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Putnam Avenue and Kinnaird Street in honor of Carol Breedy Hill.   Councillor Reeves

29. That the Cambridge City Council go on record declaring that violent incidents and hate crimes against people anywhere in this country or across the world must not escape our attention.   Councillor Reeves

30. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to investigate the complaint of rat infestation on Blackstone Street.   Councillor Reeves  Amended

31. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate Department heads to examine options for a water fountain at the basketball courts at the Cambridgeport School on Elm Street.   Councillor Seidel and Mayor Simmons

32. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing and report back to the City Council on the impact on the taxation of all telecommunication poles and wires erected on public ways.   Councillor Toomey and Mayor Simmons

33. That the City Manager is requested to consider the possibility of hiring a community outreach worker, peace keeper or other individual to assist in bringing together individuals and/or groups to meet the community need as it pertains to violence/tragedy in our community and neighborhoods.   Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting committee assignments by Mayor Simmons for 2008-2009 along with staff designations.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 3
5:15pm   Special Presentation by the Healthy Children Task Force  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 5
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting for a roundtable discussion with a housing panel on the City’s overall housing policy, particularly the issues of density and the impact and compatibility of additional housing in the City’s neighborhoods. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 17
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Thurs, May 1
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 7
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 14
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget. (if necessary)  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 3, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Residents of the Truman Apartments and Jefferson Park have expressed concern over the condition of the dumpster and frequent sightings of rats; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to discuss the possibility of emptying these dumpsters more frequently or other possible solutions.

O-2     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to determine if all the lighting in Costa Taylor Lopez Park is operating to its full potential.

O-3     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing the desire for the Middlesex Court House and its daily operation to return to Cambridge as soon as possible following their move; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Council go on record opposing any sale of the building to a private developer; and be it further
RESOLVED: That in the event of the property becoming available that the City along with residents and neighborhood groups be directly involved in the planning for future use of the land.

O-4     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft a home-rule petition requesting that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts assist in the financial losses occurred by Henry Nguyen’s business, the Thistle and Shamrock Convenience Store, due to the closure of the Walden Street Bridge.

O-5     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools to report on how many children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) receive out of school assistance written into their Individualized Education Plan and how many children with Individualized Education Plans receive out of school assistance not written into their Individualized Education Plan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the School Committee.

O-6     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There have been several heinous incidents of homophobic violence in Jamaica in recent years; and
WHEREAS: Jamaica sadly has been dubbed as the most homophobic country in the world, by Time Magazine and Human Rights Watch; and
WHEREAS: In one particular recent act of violence in January, 2008, three men were beaten by a violent mob which used machetes and gasoline to torture the men in Mandeville, Jamaica; and
WHEREAS: This violent attack is the latest in a long and tragic string of attacks on homosexuals, some occurring in Kingston and in Jamaica prisons; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council by this resolution does not seek to direct the actions of Jamaican governmental bodies, but does hope that the prevention of violence against gay and lesbian people will become a high priority of the national and municipal governments; and
WHEREAS: The level of brutality and complete lack of humanity are shocking, it is truly concerning that the police response to the recent incident in Mandeville was reported to be 90 minutes and no arrests appear to have occurred; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council goes on record to raise awareness regarding the homophobic acts of vicious brutality in Jamaica and to call for governmental response and arrests in reaction to these brutal acts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward copies of this resolution to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Jamaican Ambassador in Washington, D.C., and the Mayor of Mandeville, Jamaica on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7     Mar 3, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Our nation’s use of energy continues to increase resulting in detrimental effects on the world’s climate; and
WHEREAS: It has been estimated that turning non-essential lights out in America for one hour could save as much as 15% of the energy consumed on an average Saturday night; and
WHEREAS: The energy savings will reduce carbon emissions into our air, preserve the natural resources used to produce this energy, set a positive precedent for the rest of the nation, and result in ongoing reduced costs for the City, taxpayers, and businesses; and
WHEREAS: Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming; and
WHEREAS: This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8pm on Mar 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta, San Francisco, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour; and
WHEREAS: To alter the course of climate change, we must act now. The U.S. is the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide—over 20 tons per person every year; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging residents and the municipal City departments and School Department to turn off their lights for one hour starting at 8:00pm on Mar 29, 2008; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Earth Hour on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of Sixth Street and Bent Street in honor of George Chicarello; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is requested to converse with the family of George Chicarello and the Commissioner of Public Works for a sign and dedication ceremony.

O-9     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to report on how many children with special needs or IEP’s they are making accommodations for in their after-school programs.

O-10     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Leaf Blower Ordinance will go into effect on Mar 1, 2008 (except for city contracts); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the entire City Council about how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be presented and explained to the public and what the protocol will be for making complaints.

O-11     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to convene a roundtable at which the City Council may examine the changing demographics of the city.

O-12     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Mayor be and hereby is requested to reconvene the Neighborhood Safety Task Force to discuss the tragedy in Area IV and make recommendations for matters to be referred to appropriate council committees.

O-13     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Global warming will have detrimental effects on some of Massachusetts largest industries, including: agriculture, syrup, tourism, skiing, recreational and commercial fishing, and forestry. It will also increase the strain on electricity supplies necessary to meet the demand for summer air-conditioning in hottest parts of the state; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has long been a national and international leader on energy conservation and environmental stewardship efforts, including: air quality protections, energy efficient requirements, renewable energy standards, national resource conservation, and greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Senate Bill 2423 would commit Massachusetts to science-based reductions of our global warming pollution, specifically reductions of 20% below 1990 levels by the year 2020 and 80% by the year 2050; and
WHEREAS: Senate Bill 2423 would also create a Greenhouse Registry & Inventory that would require reporting and verification of statewide greenhouse gas emissions, as well as monitoring and enforcement of limits; and
WHEREAS: This bill would also set up a study commission to investigate siting of residential wind turbines, expand green jobs, encourage construction of green buildings, and incentives for renewable energy sector; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Senate Bill 2423 and urge the Massachusetts Senate to pass this bill; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge delegation to the Massachusetts Legislature on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-14     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the status of the City’s review of Boston’s "One in Three" program of linking residents under age 30 in order to build stronger communities.

O-15     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the status of crosswalk safety improvements on Broadway by the Volpe Center.

O-16     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cyclists have recently expressed concern that the City has been removing new and clearly non-abandoned bicycles from various City-owned posts and poles; and
WHEREAS: City regulations prohibit locking bicycles to various City-owned posts and poles; and
WHEREAS: There are few other places to lock bicycles in many areas of the City besides City-owned posts and poles; and
WHEREAS: More people riding bicycles instead of driving cars in Cambridge results in less air pollution, less street congestion and more available on-street parking for those people who do drive cars; and
WHEREAS: In many cases, bicycles cost several hundreds or even thousands of dollars and are very susceptible to both vandalism and theft if not carefully locked in an appropriate location; and
WHEREAS: Many cyclists may feel forced to drive cars around Cambridge if they cannot find convenient and safe placed which they can lock their bicycles without fear that the City will remove them; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the City’s regulations concerning where bikes may be locked and how the City is currently enforcing those regulations when bicycles are not clearly abandoned.

O-17     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Carefully crafted zoning language is essential in protecting the property rights of all residents, property owners, business owners, renters and investors; and
WHEREAS: Section 3.32 of the Cambridge Zoning Code states in pertinent part, "Where a zoning district boundary line divides a lot under single ownership at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance, (6/29/81) the regulations for each zoning district shall apply to portions of the lot within the respective districts..."; and
WHEREAS: Recent actions by the Community Development Department, the Legal Department, the Inspectional Services Department, the Planning Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals have interpreted this clear language to mean that the relevant regulations do not apply to each zoning district although the zoning language appears to say otherwise; and
WHEREAS: It is difficult for the City Council to craft effective zoning language if it does not understand confusing past interpretations by City agents of existing zoning language; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed explanation, to include legal cites and relevant precedents, as to how section 3.32 of the City’s zoning code has been interpreted to allow Usable Open Space to be situated on any part of a lot regardless of underlying zoning requirements for any specific portion of the lot.

O-18     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There are many streets in Cambridge, such as Winthrop and Cogswell, which have either permanent or time-specific "Do Not Enter" or one way status for all vehicles but where the limitations may not be appropriate for cyclists because, for example, the "Do Not Enter from 4-6pm" program is targeted at cut-through motorists; and
WHEREAS: Making these routes available for legal use by cyclists even when not allowed by cars could make cycling both safer and more convenient without negatively impacting the motor vehicle traffic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate staff to review relevant City streets with these traffic restrictions and report back to the City Council on where and how cyclists might better be accommodated by making the traffic restrictions apply only to motor vehicles.

O-19     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Developing methods of increasing the number of City residents without increasing the number of cars parked in the City will require innovative methods of encouraging car-free development; and
WHEREAS: The City recently came to an agreement with Harvard that allowed large scale new development to occur without the ability of residents of that new development to obtain on-street parking stickers in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This model of development may be an example of future parking-restricted development in Cambridge that will allow continued development without increasing traffic and parking problems; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the on-street parking permit restrictions applied to the residents of Harvard’s new construction in Riverside and what sort of permutations of this type of parking-restricted development could be used elsewhere in Cambridge.

O-20     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: On-street parking, especially for handicapped or elderly people, is a constant problem in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: City vehicles sometimes park in spots reserved for handicapped or elderly drivers or other uses; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear under what conditions City vehicles can park in parking spots or street zones that are reserved for special uses, such as handicapped spots, bus stops or loading zones; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the City’s policies regarding City vehicles parking in specially designated parking spots or street zones.

O-21     Mar 3, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Vehicles are illegally parking at fire hydrants on the newly developed Museum Way and North Point Boulevard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view of commencing traffic and parking enforcement on Museum Way and North Point Boulevard; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the time frame of these streets being fully handed over to the City of Cambridge.

O-22     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop a plan to improve and maintain the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, the pocket park on Franklin Street between the Central Square Branch Library and the Manning Apartments; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-23     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The conversion of TV signals from analogue to digital is a matter that needs to be investigated, especially as to how it affects service, particularly to seniors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee.

O-24     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance be referred to the Health and Environment Committee.

O-25     Mar 3, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The City’s Zoning Code exempts certain automobile garages from calculation of gross Floor Area Ratio but does not exempt sheds used to store bicycles; and
WHEREAS: The City Council wants to encourage Cambridge residents to reduce the use of automobiles; and
WHEREAS: Requiring residents to seek a variance for a bicycle shed, when one is not required for a freestanding parking structure for automobiles, runs counter to that goal; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance be amended by inserting a new subsection (10) in Article 2.000, in the section entitled "Gross Floor Area shall not include:" as follows:
    (10) bicycle parking meetings the dimensional requirements of Article 6.000, whether located in a principal use structure, any parking facility for motor vehicles, or in an accessory structure
    and be it further
ORDERED: That this proposed amendment be referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.

O-26     Mar 3, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: In August, Governor Deval Patrick created the Readiness Project, a council whose mission is to develop a 10-year strategic plan to implement the Governor’s vision for education in the Commonwealth, including specific action steps, timelines, benchmarks and cost estimates; and
WHEREAS: The Readiness Project aims to implement the Governor’s broader vision with the goal of ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential and be a productive, engaged and contributing citizen; and
WHEREAS: There will be a hearing on Thurs, Mar 6th at 6:30pm at the King School in Cambridge to discuss the future of education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and accountability and assistance with Dr. Dan Mohler-Faria, the Special Advisor for Education to the Governor; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the work of the Readiness Project; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Governor’s Office as well as to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-27     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That a site in the vicinity of Massachusetts Avenue and Douglass Street be dedicated in honor of William Thomas, founding and retiring conductor of the Cambridge Community Chorus; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-28     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of Putnam Avenue and Kinnaird Street in honor of Carol Breedy Hill, lifelong Cantabrigian who served for many years as the Riverside, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coordinator, leader of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Afterschool Program, community activist and representative of the Riverside Neighborhood; and
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-29     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Lawrence "Larry" King, a fifteen year old junior high student from Oxnard, California, was shot by fellow student Brandon McInerney in a classroom killing. It is reported that McInerney shot King after a falling out between the two about King’s sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS: Junior high school students at E.O. Green School said the two had been feuding in the days before the killing, reportedly because King had revealed he had a crush on McInerney; and
WHEREAS: Oxnard Mayor Tom Holden has urged the Oxnard community to see King’s death as an opportunity for change; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council extend its condolences to the family of Lawrence "Larry" King, his classmates and to Mayor Tom Holden; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record declaring that violent incidents and hate crimes against people anywhere in this country or across the world must not escape our attention and that we have a responsibility to each other as human beings to living in civil society to stand up for the human rights of all; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the King family, the classmates of Lawrence "Larry" King and Mayor Tom Holden on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-30     Mar 3, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Residents of Blackstone Street complain that there is serious rat infestation in the area. It is reported that burrows appear to lead from Putnam Avenue back yards and that the house and condominium site at 3-11 Blackstone Street and River Street is involved; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to investigate this complaint of rat infestation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the status of the Rodent Task Force.

O-31     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate Department heads to examine options for a water fountain at the basketball courts at the Cambridgeport School on Elm Street.

O-32     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Apellate Tax Board has decided that telecommunication companies are now taxable on all of its poles and the wires thereon erected on a public way; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing and report back to the City Council on the impact to the City of Cambridge.

O-33     Mar 3, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider the possibility of hiring a community outreach worker, peace keeper or other individual to assist in bringing together individuals and/or groups to meet the community need as it pertains to violence/tragedy in our community and neighborhoods.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on lighting the mural on the Alewife MBTA building.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 01/14/08 (O-2)

08-12. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on reduction in service at Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/28/08 (O-6)

08-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on frequent delays on the Route 69 bus from Lechmere to Harvard Square.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/28/08 (O-7)

08-14. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on the condition of the bridge leading into Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/28/08 (O-8)

08-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the Redevelopment Authority’s land holdings in the East Cambridge and Kendall Square area and what plans and thoughts they have for future development.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/04/08 (O-3)

08-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the methods to provide long-term protection for Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/04/08 (O-4)

08-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on sudden increase of meters that need to be repaired.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/04/08 (O-7)

08-21. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on methods by which the Planning Board communicates its opinions to the BZA regarding cases to be heard by the BZA.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/11/08 (O-6)

08-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the regulations and policies regarding crossing guard duties and placement along with a list of crossing guard locations.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/11/08 (O-9)

08-23. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on policies and procedures to prevent employees from engaging in illegal activities.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 02/11/08 (O-17)

08-24. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #13
RE: report on the legal standard associated with the requirement to remove physical barriers.
Vice Mayor Murphy 02/11/08 (O-22)