Cambridge City Council meeting - Mar 4, 2013 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-11, regarding a report on participating in the Municipal Performance Management Program.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-05, regarding a report on participating in the International Open Data Hackathon.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-07, regarding a report on adding the iReport platform.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $39,576.73 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to subcontracted to the Cambridge YWCA.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center grant from the Cambridge Community Foundation under their Immigrant Initiative in the amount of $30,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($27,073), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,727) and Travel and Training account ($200) which will be used to support salaries and educational supplies for two intermediate ESOL classes at the Community Learning Center.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-111, regarding a report on improving safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets and Awaiting Report Item Number 13-14, regarding a report on sharing the information with abutters from the Feb 5th meeting between DPW and D'Allesandro Construction relative to construction on Western Avenue.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-08, regarding a report on the impact of the federal cuts on the Continuum of Care.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-143, regarding a report on the cause and other details of the Nov 29, 2012 power outage.
Mar 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-143, regarding a report on the cause and other details of the Nov 29, 2012 power outage, please be advised:
This office was advised by a representative of NStar Electric that the cause of the power outage on Nov 29, 2012 was due to a confluence of events.
First, one of the two 115KV transmission lines running from Kendall to the Putnam Station was undergoing an upgrade as part of system wide improvements, and thus "redundancy" was not available.
Second, a "loose wire" at the Alewife station created a cascading effect that tripped the breakers running from that location.
Overall system improvements and upgrades are taking place city-wide to provide additional support for the Cambridge transmission system.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of funds of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $32,746 from the Grant Fund Police Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account which will allow for the purchase of computers in classrooms at the Police Station and is in accordance with grant guidelines.
ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
2. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]
8. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling to pass MA House Bill 4165, "An Act Relative to Speed Limits." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012. Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Dec 3, 2012.]
9. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-90, regarding a report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits. [City Manager Agenda Number Seven of Feb 25, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 25, 2013.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Gtech Repair requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 2400 Massachusetts Avenue.
2. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Norfolk Street, fifty-seven banners on poles in Harvard Square, ninety-three banners on poles along Massachusetts Avenue from Memorial Drive to Harvard Square and sixteen banners on poles along Broadway from Ellery Street to Felton Street announcing the Cambridge Science Festival Apr 12-21, 2013. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael Turk, 11 Ware Street regarding loss of rental housing in Harvard Square and the adjacent neighborhood of Mid-Cambridge as a result of Harvard University's plans to renovate its undergraduate Houses.
2. A communication was received from Senator Patricia Jehlen regarding the Paycheck Fairness Act.
3. A communication was received from James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, regarding transferable development rights.
4. A communication was received from Dave Shirzah transmitting a petition signed by cab drivers requesting an appointment for a hackney meeting.
5. A communication was received from Kathryn Lachelt Brown, Forest City, transmitting clarification to the Forest City Commitment Letter.
Dear Councilor Maher:
This will acknowledge receipt of your correspondence of February 27, 2013 concerning the Letter of Commitment signed by Forest City Commercial Group, Inc. on behalf of Mass Ave 300 Block West LLC ("Forest City"), dated February 25, 2013. Please be advised that Forest City's understanding of its commitment pursuant to Section III B. (v) of the Letter of Commitment is consistent with the City Council's understanding as described in your correspondence.
Very truly yours,
Kathryn Lachelt Brown
6. A communication was received from John Hawkinson in support of Policy Order #8.
7. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum in support of Policy Order #8 regarding implementing Really Simple Syndication (RSS) across the City's web site.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Thanks to the Cambridge Consumers' Council, the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Post Office for offering information sessions to learn about different consumer initiatives and free public shredding hours as they relate to National Consumer Protection Week. Mayor Davis
2. Congratulations to Blueleaf on the occasion of being noted as a financial tech company to watch by the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
3. Congratulations to Markus Mcguffie on earning sixth place in wrestling at the Central Massachusetts Division One Sectional Championships. Councillor Cheung
4. Congratulations to Javon Silva for earning fifth place in wrestling at the Central Massachusetts Division One Sectional Championships. Councillor Cheung
5. Congratulations to HubSpot on its impressive growth throughout the past year and its commitment to public service and betterment of the surrounding community. Councillor Cheung
6. Welcome the Center for Human Genetics, Inc. to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
7. Congratulations to Essah Chisholm on earning sixth place in wrestling at the Central Massachusetts Division One Sectional Championship. Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulations to Ashraful Rahman on earning fifth place in wrestling at the Central Massachusetts Division One Sectional Championships. Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulations to GelSight for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to Follow by the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
10. Congratulations to Hallie White Speight on receiving the Ruth Abrams Outstanding Attorney Award. Councillor Cheung
11. Congratulations to the Green Streets Initiative for their successful work to promote sustainable living practices and urge residents and City Councillor to participate in the Walk/Ride Day on the last Friday of each month. Councillor Cheung
12. Happy 88th Birthday wishes to True Miller Bacon. Vice Mayor Simmons
13. Resolution on the death of James M. Hegarty. Councillor Maher
14. Resolution on the death of Martin Ford. Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher
15. Retirement of Jim Nelson from his position as the Athletic Director for Suffolk University. Councillor Toomey
16. Congratulations to Common Place on its 40th anniversary. Mayor Davis
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to look into the feasibility of applying for the Code for America Fellowship Program and report back to the City Council. Councillor Cheung
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to expand enforcement of the prohibition on Cambridge pick-ups by non-Cambridge cabs not specifically called to Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
3. That the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee is requested to inform the City Council of plans to hold a committee meeting to discuss the Monteiro case and any lessons to be learned from it prior to the current City Manager's leaving office. Councillor Kelley
Councillor Toomey voted NO
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of creating a development program, whether through density bonuses or other means, where residents of new buildings would not be allowed to obtain on-street City parking stickers. Councillor Kelley
Councillor Toomey voted NO
5. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on Awaiting Report 12-20 from February, 2012 on a system for informing the public of the status of maintenance and repair issues for things such as park equipment, graffiti, sidewalk hazards and so forth, potentially including IReport. Councillor Kelley
Amended
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City officials and report back to the City Council on how, if at all, the City could manage its street snow clearance issues without dumping snow back on crosswalks and driveways in a fashion that forces the relevant property owners to re-clear sidewalks and driveways of newly deposited, denser, thicker snow than what had originally fallen. Councillor Kelley
7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a plan, to include relevant funding in the upcoming budget if necessary, to address the issues along Linear Park for which Cambridge is responsible. Councillor Kelley
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department to explore the possibility of adding an RSS feed feature to all of the City of Cambridge websites. Councillor vanBeuzekom
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor David P. Maher transmitting a copy of a letter sent to Attorney Kathryn Brown of Forest City Boston requesting clarifying language contained in the "Letter of Commitment".
February 27, 2013
Ms. Kathryn Brown
Vice President, Legal Affairs
Forest City Commercial Group
38 Sidney Street, Suite 180
Cambridge, MA 02139Dear Ms. Brown:
I am writing in reference to the Letter of Commitment dated February 25, 2013 that was executed by Peter Calkins on behalf of Forest City Commercial Group, Inc. and delivered to the City Council on Monday February 25, 2013, prior to the vote on the Forest City Zoning Petition.
Section III B. (v) of the Letter states that the 25 units of Affordable Housing that Forest City has committed to create can be provided through "Investment in and sponsorship of a project that will cause the production of 25 Affordable Units ... ".
While the amount of any such investment or sponsorship is not identified in the Letter, it is clear from the language of that paragraph that the investment will "cause the production of 25 Affordable Units." It would be the understanding of the City Council that in order for an investment by Forest City to cause the "production" of 25 Affordable Units, that investment would have to, at a minimum, equal the Alternative Payment described in paragraph E of Section III.
I would request that you confirm in writing that Forest City is in agreement with the City Council's understanding of this provision so that I may include such correspondence in the files of the Ordinance Committee and other relevant City departments. Thank you for your cooperation.
David P. Maher
Chair, Ordinance CommitteeRESPONSE (Mar 4, 2013)
Dear Councilor Maher:This will acknowledge receipt of your correspondence of February 27, 2013 concerning the Letter of Commitment signed by Forest City Commercial Group, Inc. on behalf of Mass Ave 300 Block West LLC ("Forest City"), dated February 25, 2013. Please be advised that Forest City's understanding of its commitment pursuant to Section III B. (v) of the Letter of Commitment is consistent with the City Council's understanding as described in your correspondence.
Very truly yours,
Kathryn Lachelt Brown
2. A communication was received from Councillor Craig Kelley regarding discussion about pending lawsuits.
Mr. Manager:
In anticipation of our discussion about pending lawsuits on Monday, I would ask that you have the following information available. Having reviewed the rules for Executive Session, and remembering how poorly using Executive Session served both the City of Cambridge and Justice the last time around, I see no reason why the general questions I bring up cannot be discussed in public session of the Council, at least to the extent that these questions are answered publically even if there is no back and forth between the Council members and yourself as to what it all means.
Here are the specific questions that I, at this time, am looking to get answers to
1. What departments are getting sued
2. What are the specific claims
3. Do these cases indicate any sort of a trend which we should indentify and address through things like staff training, education, overight and so forth
4. What stages are the relevant claims in
5. What, if any, are the relevant amounts of damages being claimed
6. Who is representing Cambridge
7. Who is representing the plaintiffs (I assume we are always the defendant in these cases)
8. How many similar cases exist that have not yet reached the lawsuit stage (I assume, without knowing, that these cases start off in some sort of administrative setting and, if not settled there, move eventually to litigation
9. What court(s) these various cases are in
10. What, if any, legal judgements have been entered for these cases.
Please feel free to contact me ahead of time with any questions or concerns.
Craig
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 5
12:30pm The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting for the purpose of touring Lesley University. The meeting will convene in the Sullivan Chamber and proceed to the tour. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 7
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on the petition by MIT to create a new Section 13.80 Planned Unit Development 5 (PUD-5) District; specifically to discuss Uses, Incentive Zoning, Community Fund, Housing and Sustainability. Presentation by the Executive Director of Historical Commission will be made on historic building. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
MEETING CANCELLED.
Mon, Mar 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 27
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the report of the C2 Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is known as a hub of innovation, ideas and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is always looking for new ways to showcase and build on its reputation as a national leader in innovation; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Code for America is actively seeking local governments to participate in their 2014 Fellowship Program; and
WHEREAS: The Code for America Fellowship Program connects local governments with talented teams of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to create web and mobile applications that heighten access to government and improve the transparency of municipal information and systems; and
WHEREAS: Each city that is selected to participate in the Fellowship Program will host three fellows, recruited from the top of the tech industry, for a month in an effort to allow them to determine the needs of both the surrounding community and local government partners; and
WHEREAS: The fellows will then work collaboratively in a seven-month development phase to build mobile and web applications that have been designed to best suit the desires of their host city; and
WHEREAS: Cities that have previously participated in Code for America's Fellowship Program include Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Oakland, Kansas City, San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Detroit, and Austin; and
WHEREAS: All applications must be submitted by Mar 31, 2013; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to look into the feasibility of applying for the Code for America Fellowship Program and report back to the City Council.
O-2 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: According to Article XI, Rule 1 of the City of Cambridge License Commission's Taxicab Rules and Regulations, "Only the driver of a licensed Cambridge taxicab may pick up passengers for hire in Cambridge taxicabs stands designated by the Cambridge Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation or those private stands designated by the License Commission. Only the driver of a licensed Cambridge taxicab may pick up a passenger on the public way who has hailed said taxicab. An out-of-town taxicab shall not respond to a street hail (unless it is a public safety situation) or park in a Cambridge taxi stand, but may respond to a telephone call or other pre-arrangement"; and
WHEREAS: Taxi medallion owners and lessors have repeatedly expressed their concern over the enforcement of this ordinance as it relates to Cambridge pick-ups by non-Cambridge cabs, citing the failure to enforce the ordinance as a detriment to successful business operations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to expand enforcement of the prohibition on Cambridge pick-ups by non-Cambridge cabs not specifically called to Cambridge.
O-3 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee be and hereby is requested to inform the City Council of plans to hold a committee meeting to discuss the Monteiro case and any lessons to be learned from it prior to the current City Manager's leaving office.
O-4 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of creating a development program, whether through density bonuses or other means, where residents of new buildings would not be allowed to obtain on-street City parking stickers.
O-5 Mar 4, 2013 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on Awaiting Report 12-20 from February, 2012 on a system for informing the public of the status of maintenance and repair issues for things such as park equipment, graffiti, sidewalk hazards and so forth, potentially including IReport.
O-6 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City officials and report back to the City Council on how, if at all, the City could manage its street snow clearance issues without dumping snow back on crosswalks and driveways in a fashion that forces the relevant property owners to re-clear sidewalks and driveways of newly deposited, denser, thicker snow than what had originally fallen.
O-7 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Sections of Linear Park from the Alewife MBTA Station to the Davis Square T Station have problematic drainage issues; and
WHEREAS: Where the path drains poorly, dangerous ice can form in colder weather, inconvenient puddles can form in warmer weather and a narrowing of the usable path can occur to the point where safe passage for pedestrians, runners and cyclist is very difficult; and
WHEREAS: The sections of Linear Park that have these problems may be under the various jurisdictions of the MBTA, Cambridge and Somerville; and
WHEREAS: All of these sections are used by Cambridge residents and visitors on a regular basis; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff, MBTA staff, the City of Somerville and any other entities that may have responsibility for the section of Linear Park stretching from the MBTA's Alewife Station to its Davis Square Station to determine what flooding, drainage, sightline, maintenance and traffic flow issues exist, who is responsible for addressing them and how they will be fixed and; be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the results of these conferences; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a plan, to include relevant funding in the upcoming budget if necessary, to address the issues along Linear Park for which Cambridge is responsible.
O-8 Mar 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Many individuals are receiving information through mobile devices and computers that compile recently published information from websites of interest into one location through a RSS feed option; and
WHEREAS: An RSS feed is required for RSS reader software to locate newly published information; and
WHEREAS: Many of the City of Cambridge website(s) are continually updating content relevant to residents -- such as construction project updates and important civic events and presently the City of Cambridge does not have a RSS feed option available on its website(s); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with with the Information Technology Department to explore the possibility of adding this feature to all of the City of Cambridge websites; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate back to the City Council on this topic.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)
12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-111. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-24)
12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)
12-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of creating a municipal exterminator and/or contracting exterminators to help eradicate rodent problems in the City.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/01/12 (O-3)
12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)
12-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of finding additional secure locations for the disposal of prescription drugs.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-4)
12-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of installing recycling bins adjacent to trash bins.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-5)
12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)
12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)
12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)
12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)
12-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating permanent bathroom facilities at the Cambridge Common; conduct a study for permanent bathroom facilities in all public squares; and provide a list of all locations where portable bathroom facilities are currently used.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 11/19/12 (O-8)
12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)
12-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing an ordinance regulating procedures that organizations would have to follow in the event of a concussion.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-13)
12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)
12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day. Referred back for more information by Councillor Decker on 12/17/2012.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)
12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of re-filing a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)
12-143. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on the cause and other details of the Nov 29, 2012 power outage.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 12/10/12 (O-4)
12-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on convening a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations such as public parks and squares.
Mayor Davis 12/10/12 (O-16)
12-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a reduced small business parking rate for local business owners at city garages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-1)
12-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to ban tandem tractor-trailers from entering the city with a view in mind of requiring large freight vehicles of a certain size to transfer freight to a smaller vehile before entering the city.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-4)
12-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse including what zoning changes will be needed and reasons for Leggat McCall being chosen as the developer.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-9)
12-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to create a Pathway Overlay District.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-12)
12-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the cost, user price, and payback period if Cambridge were to build its own broadband network
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-8)
13-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of a gun buy-back program.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/14/13 (O-5)
13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's plans for the property located at 205 Western Avenue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-6)
13-05. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on the feasibility of participating in the International Open Data Hackathon.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-7)
13-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with the appropriate departments to initiate a plan of action setting up a procedure for future construction projects, especially for older buildings that may contain hazardous materials.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-8)
13-07. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on adding the iReport platform to the ongoing IT strategic planning process.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-9)
13-08. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on the impact of the federal cuts on the continuum of care.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-10)
13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving logistical challenges of deliveries and trash removal to and from businesses as they related to adjacent residents.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-11)
13-11. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #1
RE: report on participating in the Municipal Performance Management Program.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/28/13 (O-2)
13-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of participating in the Code for America Peer Network.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/28/13 (O-6)
13-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of banning tobacco sales in pharmacies and drug stores.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/28/13 (O-9)
13-14. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on ensuring that information from the Feb 5th meeting between DPW and D'Allesandro Construction regarding construction on Western Avenue at the intersection of Putnam Avenue be made available to the public.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 02/11/13 (O-3)
13-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with NSTAR officials to establish a firm timeline for maintenance and replacement plans for the transformers and electrical systems that serve the city to ensure that local businesses and residential communities are fully serviced.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 02/11/13 (O-5)
13-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with DCR to insure that oversize vehicles not be allowed to travel on Memorial Drive.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 02/11/13 (O-11)
13-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing mobile applications related to snow removal and operations information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-2)
13-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of voluntary participation of landlords and management companies of multifamily units to provide current and new tenants with a Voter Registration Form.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 02/25/13 (O-3)
13-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on refining procedures to uphold existing ordinances that prohibit the reservation of cleared on-street parking spaces by placing objects in the spots.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-4)
13-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a service in which residents are able to look up their voter registration status online.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-5)
13-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of including voter registration forms in the annual census mailing.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-6)
13-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a proposed plan of action to improve safety on the section of Memorial Drive that allows for legal parking which blocks the right lane.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-7)
13-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why the Green Room Experience was denied its request to host a dance for CRLS teens at a youth center.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-10)
13-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assessing the feasibility of necessity of utilizing the services provided by the Springfield Data Center and MassGIS's Oliver mapping tool.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-11)
13-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the details of the lawsuit with Idenix Pharmaceutical and on revising the noise ordinance.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-14)
13-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reasons for the delay in appointing a new tenant representative to the CHA's Board of Commissioners.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-17)
13-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on providing an information packet relevant to the future of the Volpe Site.
Councillor Cheung 02/25/13 (O-20)