CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Artis B. Spears, 124 Western Avenue as an Election Commissioner effective April 1, 2005.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-12, regarding a report on the change to the Library policy as it relates to internet access.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-05, regarding analyzing the impact of the closing of Catholic churches and their potential redevelopment or reuse on surrounding neighborhoods.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-102, regarding a report on a plan to allow voters to vote from any voting place.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-123, regarding a report on the possibility of Verizon as a competitor to Comcast.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-109, regarding a report on providing metered parking on Memorial Drive between Massachusetts Avenue and Kendall Square.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-10, regarding a report on the child car seat installation and safety inspection program.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Cambridge Health Alliance for $5,000 and a donation of $100 from the MIT College Alcohol Advisory Board to the Grant Fund Human Services (Cambridge Prevention Coalition) Other Ordinary Maintenance ($5,100) account to be used to support the development, dissemination and analysis of the 2005 Student Health Survey of Middle School students in the Cambridge Public Schools and to revise, update and reprint the CPC’s Server Training Guide.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $944 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the Frisoli Youth Center Holiday Wreath Sale Fundraiser to be used to purchase equipment and supplies to enhance the activities offered at the Frisoli Youth Center.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program Grant for $183,700 funded by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($5,800), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($177,797) and the Grant Fund of Human Services Travel & Training ($103) to provide funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a private donation for $1,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services (Office of Work Force Development) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to support efforts to prepare teens for employment through ongoing cycles of an intensive six-week career awareness program sponsored by DHSP’s Office of Workforce Development.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 04-114 and 04-115, regarding property tax assessments.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-14, regarding a report on a plan for relamping street lights.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-13, regarding a report on the length of time to repair eighteen street lights currently out in Cambridge.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-01, regarding drafting an ordinance to require the posting of relevant laws for the safe operation of bicycles and motor scooters in stores that sell bicycles and motor scooters.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from the Cambridge Retirement Board for the City Council to accept M.G.L. c. 32 s. 20a, regarding indemnification.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-120, regarding a report on the capacity and feasibility of switching City telephones to voice-over internet.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Mrs. George T. Gaspa and families, transmitting thanks for your kind expression of sympathy.

2. A communication was received from Kent Family, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution on the passing of their father, John F. Kent.

3. A communication was received from the family of Michael Fabiano, transmitting thanks for remembering their father with the beautiful resolution.

4. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, regarding the use of the Upton Street school building.

5. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Harvard.

6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, transmitting a copy of an essay, "Shielding Police Abuses."

RESOLUTIONS
1. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Joseph Bourne.   Councillor Reeves

2. Wishes for a Very Happy 106th Birthday to Gladys Hill.   Councillor Reeves

3. Recognition of Donna Bonapart and Belfast Nelson for executing excellent Black History Month programming at the Cambridge Hospital.   Councillor Reeves

4. Congratulations to Joseph Phillips for being honored as an outstanding member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church Lay Organization.   Councillor Reeves.

5. Resolution on the death of Captain John O. Tobin.   Councillor Galluccio

6. Resolution on the death of Brian G. Frazier.   Councillor Galluccio

7. Congratulations to the 2005 Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers Community Award Winners.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Support for the 2nd Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Unsung Heroine Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 1, 2005 at the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Antonia Chaves.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Dow.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of Alphonse F. Cifrino.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Robert W. Brannum.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Congratulations to Dr. Curtis J. Tompkins on his appointment as Director of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the retirement of Patricia Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Walter R. Teves.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Private Landon Giles.   Vice Mayor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Chassan Henry   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Min Choi.   Vice Mayor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Specialist Adam Brewer.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Colby Farnan.   Vice Mayor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Daniel Gresham.   Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jesse Lhotka.   Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Moski.   Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki.   Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Jason Timmerman.   Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant David Day.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Nicholas Olivier.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Eric Steffeney.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Second Lieutenant Richard Gienau.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jacob Palmatier.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Trevor Aston.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Deem.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Millie Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Recognition and appreciation for the Institute for Health and Recovery and its Executive Director, Norma Finkelstine, Ph.D.   Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to direct the Affirmative Action officer to provide the City Council with an update on hiring and diversity.   Councillor Simmons

2. Dedication of an appropriate site in honor of Joseph Thomas.   Councillor Toomey

3. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on the acquisition of the Gore Street Skating Rink owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Galluccio

4. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on the acquisition of land and plans for a West Cambridge Youth Center.   Councillor Galluccio

5. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council after conferring with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to impose significant fines on motor vehicles who stop in the middle of the intersections.   Councillor Galluccio

6. The City Manager is requested to increase the fee for retailers to sell tobacco and that additional funds be allocated to enforcing underage smoking laws.   Councillor Murphy

7. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to conduct a study of juvenile crime in Cambridge during the last five years and that the study include information regarding repeat offenders and recidivism, and also to include age information on offenders.   Councillor Reeves

8. In order to foster goals of greater friendship and understanding between the United States and other nations through direct personal contact, the people of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Haidian District, China, agree to collaborate with the Sister Cities International Organization to explore the potential of establishing a Sister City relationship with one another.   Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
    CHARTER RIGHT - DECKER

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on February 10, 2005 to discuss the idling of motor vehicles, especially school buses, the implications to the Climate Protection Plan and the health of children.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on March 1, 2005 to discuss using public event and celebrations to further economic development, including discussion of an annual funding mechanism.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee and Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a joint public meeting held on February 15, 2005 to continue discussions on siting a new police station and the financial implications.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting an order adopted by the School Committee that the Superintendent instruct appropriate staff in the Physical, Health and Athletics Department to survey middle and high school students on the use of Oxycontin in the next Health Survey.

2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from the McLeese family thanking the city for the tribute to Lance Corporal Justin Daniel McLeese.

3. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from Peter and Judy Johnson thanking the city for the resolution in honor of their son Robert.

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

Tues, Mar 8
12:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting on the subject of NSTAR and renewable energy.  (Ackermann Room)
3:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relative to the efforts of employees of the Cambridge Brands Plant to improve their working conditions.  (Ackermann Room)

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

Wed, Mar 16
3:30pm   The Human Services and the Public Safety Committees will conduct a joint meeting with the Violence Prevention Task Force to plan a city-wide conversation around the issue of developing a city-wide anti-bullying policy.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 22
3:00pm   The Veterans Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss creating programs for veterans coming home from the war.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 29
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the current status of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan for the W.R. Grace Alewife site on file with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, in particular W.R. Grace's proposed exit strategy and the community response to that proposal.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 5
10:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss creating an advisory board for a "Healthy Living Campaign" that promotes physical activity as well as healthy eating.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 11
5:00pm   Special Presentation - Cambridge Reads with author Khaled Hosseini  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, Apr 28
6:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting with the Pedestrian Committee to discuss pedestrian priorities and any and all matters that may properly come before the committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Affirmative Action officer to provide the City Council with an update on hiring and diversity.

O-2     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Joseph Thomas; and be it further
ORDERED: That 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-3     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the acquisition of the Gore Street Skating Rink owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

O-4     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the acquisition of land and plans for a West Cambridge Youth Center.

O-5     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Motorists who stop in the middle of intersections cause significant traffic blockage and public safety hazards; and
WHEREAS: These motorists who are attempting to "beat the light" should be penalized; and
WHEREAS: The City should look into other communities, such as New York City, which imposes significant fines on motorists who are trying to beat the light and the impact of these fines; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to impose significant fines on motor vehicles who stop in the middle of the intersections; 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-6     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to increase the fee for retailers to sell tobacco and further that the additional funds be allocated to enforcing underage smoking laws.

O-7     March 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: It has come to light that much of the data on juvenile crime collected by the Police Department would lend itself to evaluation by a sociologist to determine trends and issues which could be treated by social services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to conduct a study of juvenile crime in the City of Cambridge during the last five years; and be it further
ORDERED: That the study include information regarding repeat offenders and recidivism, and also include age information on offenders.

O-8     March 7, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Sister City Program, administered by Sister Cities International, was initiated by the President of the United States of America in 1956 to encourage greater friendship and understanding between the United States and other nations through direct personal contact; and
WHEREAS: In order to foster such goals, the people of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Haidian District, China, in a gesture of friendship and goodwill, agree to collaborate with the Sister Cities International Organization to explore the potential of establishing a Sister City relationship with one another; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Honorable Mayor of The People's Government of Haidian District on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The University Relations Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 beginning at one o’clock P.M. in the Ackermann Room. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement (Attached).

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, and City Solicitor Don Drisdell. Present from M.I.T. were Executive Vice President John Curry, Steve Marsh, Managing Director of Real Estate, Sarah E. Gallop and Paul Parravano, Co-Directors of Government and Community Relations, and Michael Owu, Treasurer’s Office.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She invited City Manager Healy to begin the discussion. City Manager Healy said that M.I.T. has made voluntary payments over the years, but when M.I.T. suddenly acquired Tech Square, Mr. Healy decided that some sort of revenue protection was necessary because M.I.T. pays ten percent of the total tax levy in the community, which represents $23.3 million in tax payments. The major goal was to protect the City from a sudden withdrawal of properties from taxable status. Vice President Curry stated that time and effort were required to bring the governing board to understand and agree that it is important to M.I.T. and the City to agree to measures that stabilize the City’s revenue stream.

Councillor Davis asked about the conversion provision, which allows conversion of property equal to 2½ percent or less of total assessed value. Specifically, within the time period of the agreement, could M.I.T. remove a total of 20 acres from the tax rolls? Mr. Marsh said that it would be less because the calculation is based on value rather than acreage. Councillor Davis noted that this agreement would allow conversion of a great deal of property. She asked whether Tech Square would be 2½ percent of value, Mr. Marsh said that Tech Square represents much more than 2½ percent allowed per year.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she worries about M.I.T.’s ability to expand physically. Residents become more crowded as university open space expands. She asked about the meaning of Item #13 The City Solicitor stated that it was important to both parties that they would uphold the validity of the agreement against Third Party challenges.

Councillor Galluccio stated that more important than the numbers is the concept. City Manager Healy noted that the bond rating associations listed the agreement as a positive factor in their awarding AAA bond ratings to the City of Cambridge.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio both stated that M.I.T.’s investments in Cambridge do not constitute services to the City; they are good, well paying investments.

Vice Mayor Decker asked about for-profit ventures within the universities. Mr. Marsh said there are two categories of research. One is called basic research, and it does not produce commercial profits. It is government-funded. The other is applied research, the kind that Novartis does. Applied research builds on the findings of basic research to produce products.

Mr. Curry added that M.I.T. can apply for patents. The university and the faculty benefit from this. When the patent results in a product, the product becomes a taxable (saleable) item.

Vice Mayor Decker said that in her view, if the patents generate revenue, that revenue is taxable. The work of getting this PILOT agreement on paper is important, but she would not have signed the agreement as it is at this time. She is going to start looking at other ways that will result in the City receiving the amounts it is really entitled to from M.I.T.

Mr. Marsh said that basic research work is largely funded by government contracts, which are carefully audited. The principle of the division of basic and applied research in the way that it has been developed in Cambridge has been enormously successful in terms of economic development, and has been so recognized internationally. City Manager Healy said that going into the future he expects the Brode Institute to be another large attractor of knowledge-based investment.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she agrees with City Manager Healy’s assessment of the importance of university and applied research synergy to economic development. She asked how M.I.T. ascertains that no for-profit activities use non-profit resources. Mr. Curry stated that yearly written disclosure is used. M.I.T. is probably one of the most audited entities in the world. Use of non-profit resources would violate the employment agreements of the faculty.

Councillor Davis noted that Alan Dershowitz got into trouble for using non-profit resources in the O. J. Simpson trial. She stated that we all need to become more educated on these issues as they relate to intellectual property. If the universities are making money, the City wants its share. What constitutes a profit and return has changed radically.

Councillor Galluccio said that disclosure under the pains and penalty of perjury is enough as long as the right questions are being asked. For him the issue is how to make the financial relationship between the City and the university dignified and predictable. He would rather see the agreement tied to the City budget, to substance, such is the value of land, etc.

Councillor Galluccio said that as someone who has supported M.I.T.’s development, he would like to have seen more partnerships around housing and public education from the university. Harvard funded the 20/20 housing plan, the Summer Academy and the new park that will be dedicated in Riverside. He urged M.I.T. to start looking more closely at affordable housing and schools. Cambridge schools should have the best science/biotech programs in the country. He emphasized affordable housing and big picture educational participation as we move forward. He noted that the complete lack of involvement at the CRLS Tech Program by MIT is shameful.

Vice Mayor Decker asked about Item #9, which provides for tax relief for use of taxable property on which public open space and student housing is produced. She urged City Manager Healy to consult with the City Council before making exemptions under this provision.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their attendance and participation. The meeting was adjourned at two o’clock and ten minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Co-Chair
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair

Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee held a public meeting on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at five o’clock and ten minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the idling of motor vehicles, especially school buses, the implications to the Climate Protection Plan and the health of children.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environment and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), John Bolduc, Environmental Planner, CDD, Robert Grey, Cambridge Police Department, Marc McGovern, School Committee Member, James Maloney, Chief Operating Officer, School Department, Julie Ross, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, BWP Transportation Program and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present at the meeting were Mindi Hertzog, 254 Windsor St., Cambridge, from Green Fuel, Geoff Drewyor, 506 Beacon Street, Boston, and Bhupesh Patel, 3 Bowdoin Street, Cambridge.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This meeting was held due to a conversation with School Committee Member Marc McGovern about idling of school buses. At a meeting of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Julie Ross presented a program on school bus idling. Ms. Ross gets inquiries from residents about the idling law (Attachment A). Councillor Davis asked Mr. Maloney to address this matter.

Mr. Maloney informed the committee that school bus drivers are aware of the idling law. A training meeting is held with bus drivers. Principals have staff on duty for drop off and pick up of students and drivers are reminded to turn engines off. The DEP spot-checks school buses for idling. Drivers were warned about spot-checking. Two schools, the Kennedy and the Fletcher-Maynard, were spot-checked by DEP and the buses were found to be in compliance with the law. Enforcement is a great tool; the unannounced visit to the schools by the state was effective. Bus drivers have been dismissed on the spot for breaking the rules. He praised the bus drivers. Ms. Ross stated that bus drivers have a huge set of rules. The School Department receives complaints from parents that buses are cold. Buses could be warmed up in the yard when the drivers are conducting the mandatory pre-trip safety check. Councillor Davis asked if it is appropriate to keep buses idling to keep the bus warm in the cold weather. The fastest way to warm a diesel bus is to drive it stated Ms. Ross. On most days bus interiors would be between 50 and 70 degrees. Buses are cold because they do not have time to warm up stated Mr. Maloney. It would be helpful to have drivers drive the bus around the corner rather than sit idling stated Ms. Ross. If a bus stopped longer than five minutes the vehicle should be shut down. Insulation in buses is not great; heaters could be added stated Ms. Ross. Parents who pick their children up from school cause the problems around the school because their cars are idling. Parents are subject to the idling law commented Councillor Davis. Ms. Ross outlined her program.

Ms. Ross stated that bus drivers receive a one-hour training. The Registry of Motor Vehicles approves this program. Enforcement of the idling law received 90 percent compliance with bus drivers after the first warning and 98 percent compliance after the second warning. The issue with the school buses is the practice of queuing up vehicles and have the vehicle idle for 5 to 10 minutes. Pollution is trapped in the school from the buses. She wanted a strategy to reduce pollution. In her PowerPoint presentation she covers the health effects and discusses the new fuels. When bus drivers are informed that if the engine is shut down it is beneficial to the environment and complies with the law, they are cooperative. When bus drivers are asked to identify when they can reduce idling, idling is reduced 80 percent. School Committee Member McGovern stated that the feed back on the age of the buses is that most Cambridge school buses are new. Cambridge is in better shape than what he thought.

Ms. Ross spoke about necessary versus non-necessary idling. Handicapped equipment is exempt. The truck industry is being reviewed. Long haul drivers have no choice and need to sleep. Truckers leave trucks on for heat. Diesel fuel is dirty. There is a level of tolerance to ensure that sleepy drivers are not driving. Auxiliary power units could be used, but there is no standardization. Taxis are the worst idlers. The Dunkin Donut drive-up windows are also bad idle spots. Ms. Hertzog complained about delivery trucks idling. Ms. Ross stated that a reason to be idling should be investigated, like a refrigeration unit. If there is no reason to idle the truck should shut down. Ms. Rasmussen questioned the exemption of refrigeration trucks and trucks with lifts. Ms. Ross stated that local delivery trucks might not have enough space to warm up between deliveries so truck idling may be necessary. Ms. Ross spoke about NSTAR vehicles idling. These vehicles may be legitimate when idling. Ambulances and cruisers are not exempt from the anti-idling law.

Ms. Ross discussed the fuels. Bio diesel is a choice. Problem is low sulfur diesel.

Councillor Davis asked what proactive anti idling steps could be taken. Ms. Ross spoke about palm cards for distribution to children. The cards are in different languages. Cards are given to children to give to parents and to the bus drivers. Mr. Maloney stated that he would see that palm cards are distributed.

Councillor Davis asked what is being done about the taxi fleet. The city could work on the taxi fleet. Ms. Ross cautioned if public transportation were labeled bad there would be more use of cars. Mayor Sullivan expressed his concern about multi cabs idling in residential areas. Ms. Rasmussen asked if there were resources that outlines how long it takes to make a cab hot or cold. It is not intolerable for a private person to get into a cold cab commented Councillor Davis. Mayor Sullivan spoke of a situation where many cab drivers were outside their cabs talking and their cabs were idling. Ms. Hertzog asked if alternative fuel was reviewed for cabs. Councillor Davis responded in the affirmative. The standards are getting stricter for the taxi industry stated Mayor Sullivan. Cambridge cabs are vehicles that were rejected by Boston. Outdated engines are put into new car shells. The License Commission does not check the engines.

Councillor Davis asked how does the police respond to complaints about idling trucks. If called a police officer would be dispatched. The officer tries to come to a compromise if it is necessary for the truck to idle, stated Officer Grey. He informed the committee that the idling law would be read at roll call. Ms. Ross spoke about the good working relationship between police and drivers. Reinforcement and reminder of the idling law is a good thing.

Ms. Ross spoke about tour buses that have no legal place to park. When tour buses have legal parking the drivers comply with the anti-idling law. At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the License Commission to provide the City Council with the information if there is an anti idling program for tour buses and if there is legal parking spaces for tour buses and further that this information be outlined on a map and that said map be provided to City offices and the Office of Tourism.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Davis suggested that to avoid idling hybrid vehicles should be used. It depends on the hybrid vehicle commented Mr. Bolduc.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and ten minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 beginning at ten o’clock and fifteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue to discuss using public event and celebrations to further economic development, including discussion of an annual funding mechanism.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Louise DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Mary Hart, MIS Director, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, James Monagle, City Auditor, Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission, Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Arts Council, Elizabeth White, Community Arts Administrator, Arts Council, Robyn Bell, Director, Office of Tourism, and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk. Also present were Terrence Smith, Chamber of Commerce, John Clifford, Green Street Grille, Rosann Kraus, Dance Complex, Susan Fleischmann, Director of CCTV and Mark Goldring, Vice President of Wolf, Keens & Co.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He suggested that the committee look at the issue in two parts. One part would be the short-term issue about the continuation of the Destination Cambridge program for the next year or two. The other part would be the longer-term question of how the City could proceed to a plan that could draw in the arts, culture, heritage and other unique aspects of the City to be part of a strategy that keeps Cambridge successful in the competition it faces from other cities in growing and maintaining its knowledge-based economy.

Councillor Reeves said that previous discussions in this committee have led him to look and how other cities package themselves and distributed an advertisement for "Select Greater Philadelphia" Attachment A. Arts, culture, heritage and tourism have been suggested to him as a combination that could approach what is uniquely attractive and marketable about Cambridge as it competes to retain its dominance as a preeminent knowledge-based economic center. He then introduced Mark Goldring, Vice President of Wolf, Keens and Co., a Cambridge company that has helped communities and cities to use their arts and culture assets to compete with other cities.

Mr. Goldring said that succeeding in the long term in this area can be as much about how you connect the dots as it is about doing a traditional strategic plan. It is important to get the cultural groups to the point in their development where they can meet the needs of the community. Mr. Goldring added that it can often take a year to agree on what to plan and then it can take another year to actually plan something that could be implemented. The process is important for building consensus. This kind of process in Birmingham resulted in a $5 million county commitment to arts programming. Cambridge would need to decide whether a consensus approach is powerful enough to supercede a moderately adequate "band aide" approach. He said that it is not clear that Cambridge needs a comprehensive "six-figure" planning process. He advised that in whatever process is used, the definition of arts and culture be kept broad. Ethnic heritage and historic preservation should be included. He urged bringing to the table as broad a coalition as possible and including the arts community, the Arts Council, the business community, Harvard and MIT and city government.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Goldring what he sees as Cambridge now and what he sees as its potential. Mr. Goldring said that there are incredible pockets of activities in Cambridge, but they are fragmented. He does not see synergy, and he does not see those connections being made. He recommended that committee members look at the website artropolis.com. Mr. Goldring added that Cambridge absolutely is a place that can be a destination because of its culture.

Councillor Reeves thanked Mr. Goldring. Councillor Reeves then moved the discussion to the short-term issue of programming for the upcoming summer and fiscal year. He suggested taking as today’s goal agreeing upon a proposal to bring to the City Council and the City Manager to be considered as part of the FY budget planning. He asked which of the programs that were done last year are worth doing again. Mr. Rossi said that everything except the parade would be worth doing again. The following were agreed to as programs worth repeating:
* Arts fair
* Latin concert
* Taste of Cambridge
* Dance party
* Symposia
* Historic walks
* Worlds Fair

Mr. Clifford asked about the symposia. It was agreed that the events were interesting, but except for the one at MIT, they were not finalized enough in advance to enable sufficient publicity. Mr. Rossi suggested involving the Library in planning symposia. The Library does a great deal of interesting smaller scale programming such as its Authors Nights series that could perhaps be publicized as part of symposia offerings. It was agreed that the Ms. Flannery would be contacted about possible Library participation in this planning process.

Mr. Smith said that the question of programming symposia raises the communication issue that Mr. Goldring discussed. In Cambridge there are many interesting lectures by well-known speakers on a regular basis, such as the Cambridge Forum series at First Parish in Harvard Square and speakers’ series at the Kennedy School. Most are open to the public, although many are not well publicized. Councillor Reeves said that the Hotel at MIT publishes a daily page of interesting events taking place at MIT. Ms. Bell said that the Office for Tourism website maintains an up-to-date listing of interesting events taking place in Cambridge.

Mr. Weeks said that the coordinated packaging of the events as part of "Destination Cambridge" was very helpful for the Arts Fair. Mr. Scali agreed with respect to the Taste of Cambridge event.

The discussion moved to the specifics of the Art Fair. Councillor Reeves asked what would be necessary to have the Arts Fair again this year. Mr. Weeks said that it would be largely a question of the funding and the timing. It was agreed that the Art Fair should take place in September, especially in light of the return of the River Festival as a summer program of the Arts Council. Councillor Reeves asked whether the Art Fair paid for itself. Mr. Weeks said up to a point it did. However, it did not pay for the musical program, and there should have been additional marketing, which would have required additional funds. Ms. White added that including a Monday in the schedule was not a success. She said that the excellent support from DPW was a very important aspect in the success of the event. Councillor Reeves and Mr. Weeks agreed that although the music was a nice addition, it probably was not necessary to the overall success of the event.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Scali for an update on the Taste of Cambridge. Mr. Scali reported that the event committee had just met and had agreed that the July date worked very well, as did the inclusion of the event in the "Destination Cambridge" umbrella. The committee is looking at a possible July 21 or 28, 2005 date and is hoping that it can again be associated with another program of events, although it was not clear to Mr. Scali that the association needed to be as close as another concert the same night. Councillor Reeves and Mr. Rossi agreed that the very successful Latin Concert that took place later the same evening drew a different audience than the very successful Taste of Cambridge event. In response to a question from Councillor Reeves, Mr. Scali stated that 1200 people attended, twice as many as the year before.

With regard to the Latin concert, Mr. Reeves stated that he would like to see such a concert as one of four free concerts each year. He also noted that Alexis Pena had recently taken him to see a very successful performance by El Jeffrey at the Lido, the former Wonderland Ballroom. The room was packed, the crowd was enthusiastic and the dancing was extraordinary. Mr. Pena told him that it would cost considerably less to produce a concert with this performer than was spent on last year’s concert. Ms Barr said that in developing a plan for yearly offerings to the public, there should be a survey of what already exists and works well.

There was a discussion of the coordination of the events for this next year. Ms. Johnson said that if these events are going to happen again, she believes that there should be a paid coordinator to play the role that Jubi Headley played last year. Councillor Reeves agreed that this whole program cannot run itself. He does not want to play the role that he did last year. Someone has to coordinate. Possible vehicles include the Arts Council non-profit and the Office for Tourism. Mr. Goldring said that in Cambridge, the issue does not appear to be programming – there is a great deal. Rather, the question is how to make the existing programs more successful and more a part of the broader community identity. In other communities, this is a role that Arts Councils often play. Mr. Scali said that the model of the Taste of Cambridge, with one coordinator for the one event who can direct volunteer assignments, has worked well. Mr. Rossi said that most of the events under consideration already have an administrator or a logical potential for administration. Perhaps the Council committee can leave that part to the existing staff and focus on the fundraising aspect.

Councillor Reeves stated that he learned last year that the job of publicity can be very difficult. The banners were lovely, but he believes they should have been bigger to be more noticeable. Mr. Rossi said that the volunteer greeters at the T stations were very effective. Visitors asked lots of questions, and the volunteers enjoyed themselves as well. Perhaps they could hand out something along the line of "While You are Here this Week" to publicize the particular events. Ms. Bell said that her office could provide assistance with getting the word out there. Ms. Tomeu stated that the City can build on what was done last year as "Destination Cambridge," and this year, perhaps seek a television and print sponsor. In addition some budget for paid advertising, for example in the Chronicle, should be considered, rather than just relying on news coverage, which can be more after the fact. Mr. Weeks agreed with the importance of the "branding" aspect of "Destination Cambridge." Councillor Reeves agreed that "Destination Cambridge" worked well, although he would also be interested in something that promotes the "Summer in the City" concept. Mr. Rossi suggested that as part of longer range planning, January and February could be used as the time when ideas and events are solicited and submitted to be part of an identified and "branded" package.

The discussion moved to the issue of budget and fundraising. Councillor Reeves suggested that the committee aim for a budget of $200,000 for the program for FY 2006, and that the committee request city funds in the amount of $100,000, with the goal of raising a matching $100,000 in contributions. He noted that in discussions with the Mayor, Mayor Sullivan had expressed his concern that he would not want to see the fundraising for this program competing with the small nonprofits that depend on contributions to fulfill their missions. Councillor Reeves said that he had agreed with Mayor Sullivan that it would be important to focus "Destination Cambridge" fundraising approaches on the larger institutions, Harvard, MIT, the banks and large corporations. Those present agreed that this would be a reasonable approach and budget.

Councillor Reeves then made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend to the City Council that the FY06 budget include $100.000.00 allocation for the continuation of the "Destination Cambridge" program of arts and cultural events, with the view that the program budget would also include an additional $100,000.00 which would come from fundraising donations.

The motion passed without objection.

Councillor Reeves noted that the end of the meeting was imminent but that there is a need to make progress on the short-term issue and to begin the discussion of the long-term issue of institutionalizing the role of arts and culture in the "branding" of Cambridge. With respect to the long-term issue, Councillor Reeves reported that he met with Mr. Sage, Raddisson Hotel, and that Mr. Sage believes that the committee should consider making a proposal to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Board for some additional funding from the proceeds of the $4 million of hotel/motel taxes that Cambridge provides to the MCCA. Currently the Cambridge Office for Tourism receives $100,000. Councillor Reeves said that Tom Lucey also expressed interest in taking part in a meeting with MCCA officials.

It was agreed that a smaller group of the following members of the committee would meet on Monday, March 14, 2005 in the Anastos Room, 2nd floor, City Hall, to discuss next steps and to begin discussion of the long-term issue of how the City could proceed to a plan that could draw in the arts culture, heritage and other unique aspects of the City as part of a strategy to maintain Cambridge’s competitive position as a preeminent knowledge-based economy:
* Ini Tomeu
* Richard Rossi
* Robin Bell
* Jason Weeks
* Richard Scali
* Rosann Kraus
* John Clifford
* Representatives from Harvard and MIT
* Councillor Ken Reeves
* Members of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Council Committee who desire to be present

Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Public Safety Committee and the Finance Committee conducted a joint public meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 beginning at eleven o’clock and ten minutes A. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on siting a new police station and the financial implications.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, James Monagle, City Auditor, David Kale, Budget Director, Michael Giacoppo, Superintendent of Police, Michael Walsh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Stephanie Anderberg, TDM Planner , Community Development Department (CDD), and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were at the meeting were Stash Horowitz, Elie Yarden, Steve Malone, Janelle and Jo Cardoza.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The Public Safety Committee has held monthly meetings discussing the siting of a police station, but is concerned with the financial implications of building a new police station and requested that the Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs attend a joint meeting with the Chair of Finance to discuss the financial impact. The committee also discussed who uses the police station, the fleet and how the fleet would be accommodated.

Mr. Rossi stated that Mr. DePasquale would discuss how the police station is factored into the City’s financial plan.

Mr. DePasquale stated that $45 million is being allocated for the police station. Of this $5 million would be a bond recommendation in January 2006 and a $20 million bond in both January 2007 and January 2008 as outlined on the attached chart entitled Tax Supported Debt (Attachment A). The first year that there is an impact on taxes is fiscal year 2007. In fiscal year 2007 there would be a projected 6-7 percent increase in the tax collected, if all needed funds are taken from the tax levy (see other funding sources below). The tax levy has had an average annual increase of 5.5 percent in the last four years. The $5 million, $20 million, and $20 million mirrors how the money would go out for soft costs and design fees. The second year the construction contract is issued and then further costs occur.

Councillor Murphy asked if the projected 6-7 percent increase is the projected tax increase for the whole City budget. Mr. DePasquale responded in the affirmative. This figure also includes the library. The debt service tax increase will be $11 million over the next four years (FY06-FY09). He outlined the two scenarios to purchase land for a new police station or renovate current site. The whole budget and all allocation tax needs would be reviewed when capital projects of this nature are analyzed. Councillor Davis asked if the projected cost for the police station is $45 million. Mr. DePasquale responded in the affirmative. Councillor Simmons asked if the $45 million included a parcel of land and building versus renovating. Councillor Simmons stated her concerns about escalating costs as time goes on. The City has talked to an architect to get cost estimates to make the project realistic.

Mr. DePasquale stated that a third scenario would be to purchase a building and start renovations as soon as possible at a cost of about $45 million. A January bond sale would allow temporary borrowing and would be done if a building were purchased now. The money would be borrowed before the bond sale. The $45 million is for a purchase or a rehab scenario when agreed upon. Solid cost estimates would then be needed. Funding sources other than bond sales would also be reviewed. Taxes could be raised, but impact needed to be discussed. Mr. Rossi stated that the projections are conservative to prevent a spike in taxes.

Councillor Murphy spoke about the challenge of the police station being renovated and temporarily located elsewhere and then moving into the new site. Mr. Rossi stated different sites needed to be found. A site might be needed for the administration if you renovate the current site.

Councillor Davis asked how is the City looking at financing the police station. The five-year capital plan includes the library; police station and War Memorial stated Mr. Rossi. Councillor Simmons asked how close is the City in deciding where the police station will be. Mr. Rossi responded one-third of the way to siting the police station. The budget would be submitted in April. He hopes that there will be a clear picture of whether to purchase or renovate. Bond projects are tax projects. Councillor Murphy stated that 20-25 years is a significant amount of debt. If the police station is located to another site then 5 Western Avenue could be an affordable housing site. There is potential that this property could be sold and would bring down the tax levy. Mr. DePasquale stated that some of the $9 million in the debt stabilization fund could be used. The City Council has voted to allocate $1 million to this fund for the last two years; it is a rainy day fund to prevent the burden being placed on the taxpayer. Councillor Davis stated that the funding flexibility needed to be communicated to the taxpayer. There are three funding sources: debt stabilization fund, overlay surplus and taxes. Mr. Rossi stated that no tax dollars were used for the water treatment plant. However, water bills were increased.

A discussion ensued about eminent domain land taking. A friendly eminent domain is when a property owner agrees to the purchase price for the property. In contrast the usual eminent domain taking requires the City Council to vote on the fair market price for a piece of property. The owner could claim at a later date that the property was worth more money, leaving the city open to additional future costs.

Councillor Davis stated that she was assured about the financing flexibility. It is important for the police to know that this project would go forward. The City is checking other funding sources. At this time Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Eli Yarden expressed his concern about what does the taxpayer get for their money and who would benefit from a new police station. Does a new police station make life better he asked? The money for this project would come from services. What would happen to the quality of life if people could not walk in the City. Money spent without benefit does not help the quality of life. When you enter debt on bonds you transfer wealth. He wanted to see a study that shows that this is the best way to proceed for a new police station. Has there been a study not to centralize a police station.

Stash Horowitz spoke about the burden of taxes from commercial to residential. The 49 percent of the tax increase this year is being paid by residential taxes. What would the debt service be with the library and police station and what is the per capita cost, he questioned.

Mr. DePasquale spoke about the AAA bond rating received by Cambridge. The rating document has the Police Station in its projections and still would be below the ratio which would bring concern to a rating agency reviewing the AAA rating. The police station would not change the situation. Councillor Davis now discussed the access by the public to the police station.

Councillor Davis asked who uses the police station and what services does the station provide to the public. Superintendent Giacoppo distributed a front desk survey (Attachment B). Deputy Superintendent Walsh stated that 40-49 percent of the people who come to the front desk did not need services. The report is a break down of what services were needed. A compilation of survey results would be done upon completion of the community outreach. Mr. Rossi commented that the community outreach could result into a community advisory group. Issues surrounding bail were the only reason that access to the police station was needed. The operational efficiency of the current site is poor. Access to services needed to be on the first floor in the new facility. Deputy Superintendent Walsh spoke about technology. The senior population does not have Internet access and the police needed to be able to service all of their clientele. Superintendent Giacoppo commented that people like to talk to their neighborhood police officers.

Councillor Davis suggested that community outreach be done in other areas of the City. She also suggested a meeting in the Mt. Auburn area. Mr. Horowitz praised the community outreach done by the Police Department. The department had the best response time and provided courteous telephone service.

Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and twenty-eight minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Public Safety Committee

Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair
Finance Committee