Cambridge City Council meeting - March 7, 2011 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ethridge King as a Cambridge Election Commissioner for a term of four years, effective Apr 1, 2011.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Hegarty, et al Rezoning Petition. [Planning Board recommendation that does not recommend adoption of the Hegarty, et al Rezoning Petition.]
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-02, regarding a report on unfair financial burden placed on same-sex married employees of Cambridge.
Referred back to City Manager (motion of Cheung) to research if there is any legal way to accomplish goal of the Order
Mar 7, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-02, regarding a report on unfair financial burden placed on same-sex married employees of Cambridge, Personnel Director Michael P. Gardner reports the following:
The City currently provides health and or dental insurance benefits to the spouses of 22 City and School Department employees who are married to a spouse of the same sex. The City does not have a way to accurately estimate the value of the of the extra federal tax paid by such employees as a result of the federal tax policy which treats the value of the health insurance received as taxable income attributable to the employee. This is because we do not have, and, for privacy reasons, do not seek information necessary to estimate the extra tax burden, including total income, filing status, other dependents, exemptions, credits, itemized deductions, etc. At current health plan cost rates (due to increase in March, 2011) the estimate annual imputed value of these benefits totals approximately $128,000. Assuming a marginal tax rate of 20%, the cumulative value of the extra taxes paid would be approximately $25,600. If the marginal tax rate were higher or lower, the value would fluctuate accordingly.
Some employers attempt to mitigate the extra tax burden caused by this federal tax policy by making payments to affected employees to compensate them for the extra federal tax. These payments themselves are taxable, so true equalization is difficult.
For the City workforce there are other problems. Many of the employees are unionized, with wages set by collective bargaining agreement. Paying one set of employees a different wage for doing the same job as other employees also presents other challenges, including concerns about unfair or discriminatory pay policies. Each individual receiving such a benefit might have a completely different pay rate than others receiving the benefit, depending on variables such as plan choice, contribution rate, and other dependent status.
Providing a city taxpayer subsidy based on federal tax policy might present other complications, particularly if federal tax policy changes to make the value of health coverage a taxable benefit for some or all employees on a going forward basis, a policy change currently under discussion.
An alternative approach, advocated by some, including a spokesperson for Yale University, is to act consistently with current law while speaking out about the inherent unfairness of current federal tax policy and the need for change.
The recently announced decision by the federal government to stop defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act in court, based upon a determination that is unconstitutional may bode well for ending this inequitable tax treatment of health benefits
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY11 Grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau in the amount of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account and will be used to support the enforcement of the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaigns; the purpose of which is to promote safety and reduce impaired driving.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge should settle the account with the Prakash family in a compassionate manner. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Eighteen of Feb 28, 2011.]
Placed on file without action
2. That the City Council go on record seeking information about the nature of a delegation to Israel. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Twenty of Feb 28, 2011.]
AMENDED ORDER Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to seek information and to report to the City Council as to the nature of the recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel, including the funding for the delegation, the authorization and the relationship of the delegates and city officials to the funding agencies, the rationale for the trip and the substance of it, the role of private business in public policy, and whether any part of this trip was undertaken on public time; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the city's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities.
Adopted 9-0 (unanimous)
ON THE TABLE
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
6. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
8. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from TD Bank, requesting permission for four awnings on Essex Street and two awnings at the premises numbered 625 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
2. An application was received from Cambridge Science Festival requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Norfolk Street, fifty-seven banners on poles in Harvard Square and sixty banners on poles along Massachusetts Avenue from Sydney Street to Harvard Square, sixteen banners on poles along Broadway from Ellery Street to Felton Street, eighteen banners on poles from Inman Street to Bigelow Street announcing the Cambridge Science Festival Apr 30-May 8, 2011. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.
3. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology requesting permission for twenty-five banners on poles on Massachusetts Avenue from Memorial Drive to Vassar Street, thirteen banners on poles along Main Street, from Kendall Square to Vassar Street, five banners on poles on Broadway from Longfellow Bridge to Third Street announcing their upcoming 150th Birthday celebration. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, to assist a planet wide understanding of an upcoming major planet wide event.
2. A communication was received from Diane C. O'Neill, 381 Norfolk Street, regarding sidewalks off the main streets and the disrepair of the sidewalks.
3. A communication was received from Paul J. Sacco, President and CEO, Stephen Johnston, Board Chari and Serge Denis, Chair Government Affairs Committee of the Massachusetts Lodging Association, expressing deep concern over Policy Resolution #16, which seeks to prohibit all Cambridge hotels from the utilization of outsourced vendors.
4. A communication was received from Victoria Bergland and Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Co-Chairs, Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, regarding City Council Resolution #7 of Feb 7, 2011 congratulating the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT) on being formally recognized by the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
5. A communication was received from Steven and Linda Brion-Meisels, regarding the opportunity for discussion, for understanding the decisions behind the trip to Israel, and for setting guidelines for such decision in the future.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution welcoming the Maharaja Restaurant to the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
2. Resolution on the death of Paul J. "Jerry" Girard Jr. Mayor Maher
3. Congratulations to Marie Killackey on celebrating her 40th anniversary as a City of Cambridge employee. Councillor Toomey
4. Commending the dedicated firefighters who took great risk during their successful rescue of a dog on the Charles River. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulations to the sponsors of CriticalMass which has launched a new initiative for entrepreneurs in Cambridge that provides free space to get started as an entrepreneur. Councillor Cheung
6. Resolution on the death of James J. Rush. Councillor Toomey
7. Resolution on the death of Joyce E. (Scott) Murphy. Councillor Toomey
8. Best wishes to the Asian Community Development Corporation as they host their 7th annual Asian Comedy Night on Mar 26, 2011 at The Comedy Studio in Harvard Square. Councillor Cheung
9. Best wishes to Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center as they host their Chinese New Year Banquet on Mar 11, 2011 at the Empire Garden Restaurant. Councillor Cheung
10. Resolution on the death of Reverend Peter J. Gomes. Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons
11. Resolution on the death of Alice Fitzgerald. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey
12. Retirement of Richard Carfagno from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Maher
13. Retirement of Richard Scali from the License Commission. Mayor Maher
14. Appreciation to the Cambridge Consumer Council for their work and urge residents to be cognizant of the information sharing sessions designed to acquaint Cambridge residents with the council's mission and initiatives. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Maher
15. City Council support of Restaurant Week which will take place from Mar 6-11, 2011 and Mar 13-18, 2011. Councillor Simmons
16. Congratulations to the Matignon High School Varsity Basketball Team on their successful season and best wishes on their upcoming tournament games. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
17. Congratulations to the Cambridge Women's Heritage Project and Liane Brandon on International Women's Day 2011. Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Simmons
18. Declare May 14-21, 2011 as Cambridge Climate Change Week. Vice Mayor Davis
19. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to a special Cambridge resident. Councillor Toomey
20. Resolution on the death of Kay Campbell. Mayor Maher
21. Resolution on the death of James M. Moore. Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Davis
22. Resolution on the death of Kathleen (Phelan) Dinan. Councillor Toomey
23. Retirement of Frederic Berman from the Department of Human Services. Mayor Maher
24. Retirement of Chris Saheed. Mayor Maher
25. Speedy recovery wishes to Carl Barron. Councillor Toomey
26. Resolution on the death of Thomas J. Butler. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to begin a process with City department heads to determine possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America and be prepared to apply for their 2013 program. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and request that they review the traffic calming project at the intersection of 5th and Gore Streets and report back to the City Council. Councillor Toomey
3. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the appropriate department heads to look into whether the City of Cambridge would benefit from a curb side composting program and the means in which we could implement such a program. Councillor Cheung
4. That the Cambridge City Council go on record encouraging MIT to allow for the Muddy Charles Pub to remain open. Councillor Cheung and Councillor Toomey
Amended
5. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to remove the cab stand in front of the King Open School, reinstate the original parking plan, and if a cab stand is determined to be necessary, confer with the local businesses and the East Cambridge Business Association on an appropriate location. Councillor Toomey
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to inspect the warm weather equipment to be sure it is intact and working including, but not limited to, park sprinklers, water fountains, bike racks, and outdoor seating. Councillor Decker
7. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Electrical Department about the feasibility and timeframe for putting flood lights in at the Danehy dog park that do not intrude on the park's neighbors and abutters Councillor Decker
8. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council in the immediate future on the feasibility of using City-installed and City-managed cameras as part of an overall safety program for the immediate Clifton Street area. Councillor Kelley
9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how effectively the "No Entry" time from 3:00pm-7:00pm is working for entering Whittemore Avenue from Route 16, how the decision to expand the "No Entry" times was made and if City staff feels that the "No Entry" times should be altered in any way. Councillor Kelley
10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with data regarding demographic and population trends through the year 2025 for the City of Cambridge. Councillor Seidel
11. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Executive Director of the Arts Council to assess the art display possibilities at Cambridge City Hall and to include in the FY2011-2012 budget funds to significantly improve the display infrastructure at City Hall. Councillor Reeves
12. That the City Manager is requested to review why access and park abuse is occurring at Clement Morgan Park and determine how the access status of the park can be enforced. Councillor Reeves
13. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on when a presentation by the New York City based "RAT University" could take place in Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine if the City of Cambridge will adopt a program instituting flexible chairs and/or ottoman seating in Joan Lorentz Park, either on an experimental basis or a permanent basis, and the reasoning behind such determination. Councillor Reeves
15. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2011 be changed to a Round Table discussion. Mayor Maher
16. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2011 be changed to a Round Table with the Election Commission. Mayor Maher
17. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the hospitals and the ambulance companies to encourage the ambulance companies to follow the same procedure as the Police and Fire Department which do not run the sirens unless necessary. Councillor Kelley
18. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with monthly reports from April 1st through November 1st on all noise enforcement actions relating to vehicular radio noise. Councillor Kelley
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a public meeting held on Feb 15, 2011 to discuss the possibility of structuring the parking ticket in a way that would increase parking tickets to people who stay longer at expired meters or general no parking spots.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a public meeting held on Mar 1, 2011 to discuss language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios.
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 1, 2010 to receive an update on homelessness in Cambridge.
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee for a public meeting held on Dec 15, 2010 for the purpose of receiving information regarding the various roles of the City in the variety of festivals, celebrations and other public events that take place in Cambridge.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Marjorie Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, regarding Community Budget Forums.
2. A communication was received from Councillor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair, transmitting an update on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Middle School Youth.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm School Committee Roundtable Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 9
6:00pm School Committee Budget Presentation (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion with the Civic Community Advisory Committee of the recommendations of the Cambridge Review Committee report and implementation of these recommendations. Community Room, 1st Floor, 125 Sixth Street (Healy Public Safety Facility)
Thurs, Mar 10
8:30am The Economic, Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive as much information as is currently available on major current and prospective employers in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Sat, Mar 12
9:00am School Committee Public Comment on Innovation Agenda (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm School Committee Public Comment on Innovation Agenda (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm Regular School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 22
3:30pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committees will conduct a public meeting to discuss the future of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss community gardens, Urban Agricultural Fair and any other topic related to local agriculture. (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm School Committee Special Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 23
4:00pm Government Operations and Rules Committee (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 31
11:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive a presentation by the Cambridge health Alliance on their patient-centered medical home initiatives. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 5
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss safety issues at the intersection of Cedar and Harvey Streets. (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 6
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition originally filed by William A. Fox, et al. and re-filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by rezoning an area accessed via Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge from its current designation of Business A-2 to a new designation of Residence B. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition from Novartis to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to create a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 7
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on proposed improvements to Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard and Porter Squares. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 12
6:00pm Special School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 20
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss ways to promote ground floor retail. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 3
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 17
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 7
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 1
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Code for America enlists the brightest minds of the web industry into public service to use their skills to solve core problems facing our communities; and
WHEREAS: Code for America makes it easy and attractive for the web generation to give back. Working with civic leaders, they identify core problems, and then recruit passionate web developers to create new kinds of solutions: light-weight, efficient, and scalable; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is host to many technology companies some of which provide support to Code for America; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and our residents could benefit from a project created by Code for America; now there fore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to begin a process with City Department Heads to determine possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America and be prepared to apply for their 2013 program and to report back to the City Council on possible projects being discussed.
O-2 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and request that they review the traffic calming project at the intersection of 5th and Gore Streets and report back to the City Council.
O-3 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: One of the simplest ways to combat climate change is to keep our food scraps out of the landfill; and
WHEREAS: Composting is one way to keep food waste out of landfills but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, only about 3 percent of food scraps are composted; and
WHEREAS: Food and yard waste comprises at least a quarter of our nation's landfills, where it decomposes, releasing methane gas. Methane contributes to global warming about 70 times more than the carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS: In some areas, food scraps account for nearly 33% of most people's trash. Instead of having organic material and food scraps (compost) being sent to landfills, it could be used beneficially; and
WHEREAS: Since 2004, San Francisco has provided weekly curbside food-waste collection. The program trucks 300 tons of food waste a day to a nearby compost facility, which then sells the fertilizer produced to nearby farms and vineyards; and
WHEREAS: Seattle provides weekly pickup for 150,000 single-family homes. Curbside composting is not just in big cities: in Hutchinson, Minnesota (pop. 13,300), residents who use the pickup service and recycle have helped to reduce the city's landfill waste by 75 percent; and
WHEREAS: Last year, the towns of Hamilton and Wenham, Massachusetts implemented the first Curbside Composting Program in New England in a unique collaboration between the Hamilton and Wenham Recycling Committees and Peter Britton, local owner of Brick Ends Farm in Hamilton. Since its implementation, the program has removed approximately 700 pounds of kitchen waste per household from trash collection, thus reducing trash collection costs. Participants are also receiving free local compost and the knowledge that they are contributing to the environment. Additionally, this program has fostered a renewed interest in community gardening that in turn has promoted resident interaction and the production of fresh, local produce; and
WHEREAS: If properly done, curb side composting should have no impact on the rat population as other cities have created specific composting bins to deter rats; and
WHEREAS: Setting up a food-waste composting facility actually costs less than building a new landfill, plus compost can be sold to offset the initial expenses incurred implementing the program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to develop a plan and timeline for the implementation of a curb side composting program following on the success of our single stream recycling and report back to the City Council.
O-4 Mar 7, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the future of Muddy Charles Pub (located in Walker Memorial at MIT) is in considerable doubt; and
WHEREAS: At present, MIT is investigating repurposing Walker Memorial (Building 50) to house the Music and Theater Arts program. To date, the administration has shared little information with the student and alumni bodies about how they will make a decision about the future of Walker Memorial, and how they will accommodate the numerous and varied graduate student groups that rely on the facilities in Walker; and
WHEREAS: Walker is critically important to MIT as it serves as an informal student center for graduate students, providing a community for numerous significant graduate student organizations and is centrally located on main campus, readily accessible to all academic departments, from Engineering to Sloan; and
WHEREAS: The purpose of the Muddy Charles is to provide a pleasant space for members of the MIT community to gather in an informal atmosphere to enjoy food and fellowship. The central location of the Muddy and other groups located in Walker Memorial on campus is essential and if moved could disrupt campus unity; and
WHEREAS: The pub serves over 1,000 customers per week. About 70% are graduate students; the rest are post-doctorates, faculty, staff, alumni, spouses, and guests. This is arguably the single most visited room on campus by graduate students. The pub is also a favorite locale for class reunions, thesis celebrations, birthday parties, wedding receptions, entrepreneurial networking, and many other events; and
WHEREAS: Loss of the Muddy Charles would damper school spirit and greatly hinder graduate students' ability to unwind and connect with one another; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record encouraging MIT to allow for the Muddy Charles to remain open in the current location; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to President Susan Hockfield; Provost Rafael Reif; Associate Provost Marty Schmidt; Sarah Gallop, Co-Director of Government and Community Relations; Graduate Student Council President Ulric Ferner; and Undergraduate Student Council President Vrajesh Modi on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-5 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Parking on Cambridge Street can be difficult for patrons of local businesses; and
WHEREAS: The City has recently established a Taxi Stand in from of the King Open School which removes visitor parking that local restaurants and businesses depend on for evening patrons; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to remove the cab stand, reinstate the original parking plan, and if a cab stand is determined to be necessary, confer with the local businesses and the East Cambridge Business Association on an appropriate location.
O-6 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: As the weather gets nicer, more outdoor city resources will be put to use; and
WHEREAS: Last summer and in previous summers, sprinklers, water fountains, bicycle racks, and other warm weather equipment has been broken or in poor condition; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to inspect the warm weather equipment to be sure it is intact and working including, but not limited to, park sprinklers, water fountains, bike racks, and outdoor seating; 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-7 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The dog park at Danehy is a much-loved spot for dog owners in Cambridge and surrounding towns; and
WHEREAS: The park is open year round; and
WHEREAS: There is no artificial light at the park, making it unsafe for people to use the park after dark, particularly in the winter when there is snow and ice on the ground; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Electrical Department about the feasibility and timeframe for putting flood lights in at the Danehy dog park that do not intrude on the park's neighbors and abutters; 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-8 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in the immediate future on the feasibility of using City-installed and City-managed cameras as part of an overall safety program for the immediate Clifton Street area.
O-9 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on how effectively the "No Entry" time from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. is working for entering Whittemore Avenue from Route 16, how the decision to expand the "No Entry" times was made and if City staff feels that the "No Entry" times should be altered in any way.
O-10 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with data regarding demographic and population trends through the year 2025 for the City of Cambridge.
O-11 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Executive Director of the Arts Council to assess the art display possibilities at Cambridge City Hall and to include in the FY2011-2012 budget funds to significantly improve the display infrastructure at City Hall.
O-12 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Clement Morgan Park is an important oasis for respite and community play in Area IV; and
WHEREAS: Clement Morgan Park was recently fully renovated and reorganized following an extensive community process during which time the neighborhood made it resoundingly clear that the park should not be a dog access park; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors observe that the park has become a dog park where dog owners/walkers frequently do not clean up after their pets; this has created unsightly, smelly and plenteous frozen and unthawing dog feces; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review why access and park abuse is occurring at Clement Morgan Park and determine how the access status of the park can be enforced.
O-13 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on when a presentation by the New York City based "RAT University" could take place in Cambridge.
O-14 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: There has been previous discussion about instituting a program of flexible chairs and/or ottomans seating in Joan Lorentz Park, similar to that used in Harvard Yard and near Memorial Hall; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine if the City of Cambridge will adopt such a program, either on an experimental basis or a permanent basis, and the reasoning behind such determination.
O-15 Mar 7, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2011 be changed to a Roundtable discussion.
O-16 Mar 7, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2011 be changed to a Roundtable with the Election Commission.
O-17 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the hospitals and the ambulance companies to encourage the ambulance companies to follow the same procedure as the Police and Fire Department which do not run the sirens unless necessary.
O-18 Mar 7, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with monthly reports from April 1st through November 1st on all noise enforcement actions relating to vehicular radio noise.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, Feb 15, 2011 at 5:30pm in the Ackermann Room.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of structuring the parking ticket in a way that would increase parking tickets to people who stay longer at expired meters or general no parking spots.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Cheung; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; Deputy Superintendent of Police, Stephen Ahern; Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department (CDD); and Donna P Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present were Brian P. Nanos, Chronicle staff; Shivani Mathur and Diala Demashkieh, Boston University students.
Councillor Kelley opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He announced that the meeting was being recorded by audio devices. This was the subject of a City Council order, order # 13 of Apr 05, 2010 (Attachment A). He stated his observation of a situation where motorists park in a metered space, pay the metered fee, the meter expires, a ticket is issued and the motorist remains in the parking space without fear of another ticket being issued. This ticket is a one-shot fine rather than a rising cost reflecting the increased duration of the underlying violation. He asked that if there was a system of escalating fees for parking tickets how the Parking Control Officer (PCO) or the Police Department would know when the original ticket was issued and how could subsequent tickets be issued for a higher fee. Deputy Superintendent Ahern responded the parking tickets are now digitized and this system would not work. The parking meters time is for 30 minutes and if the meter expires a ticket is issued; no new ticket is issued for an additional 30 minutes.
Councillor Kelley stated that he did not understand the response in Awaiting Report Item Number 10 - 52 received by the City Council on the Apr 12, 2010 stating that a person could not be re-ticketed for a re-occurring offense (Attachment B). Ms. Clippinger responded that there are two issues. One is logistics and the second problem is the difficulty in doing a timed violation. The time issue is hard to do fairly and equitably because the PCO's may not know when the offense occurred. She further stated that in reality two violation tickets could be issued. She explained exceeding the time limit and not feeding the meter would be the offenses. She stated that the PCO's are obligated to periodically log parked cars on their routes with handheld equipment and if a car has overstayed the meter's limit it can get a ticket. She commented that all day "campers" commit the violation frequently. Councillor Kelley asked once a ticket is issued what mechanism keeps people from not staying all day long at a parking meter. Ms. Clippinger responded that the price of the ticket prevents people from intentionally "buying" parking spaces for the day. She stated that when the resident parking sticker fee was increased violations decreased. She commented that parking at off-street lots does not cost $30 per day.
Councillor Kelley stated that based on the logistics and the state law did not seem worth having a policy of issuing multiple tickets. Ms. Clippinger responded that such a strategy would be negatively received. She stated that there is a balance of negative behavior and legitimate regulation being enforced. Many people pay their tickets right away and enforcement is expected.
Estella Johnson Economic Development Director, CDD, explained the concerns of business owners who do not live in Cambridge and cannot get resident parking permits. These business owners end up feeding the meters in front of the businesses all day long. Issuing multiple parking violation tickets to businesses cause hardship to the business community she stated. Councillor Kelley stated that the City Council did not want to revisit issuing temporary parking permit stickers to nonresidents. He stated he would rather investigate issuing stacked increase parking ticket fees; however this is not allowed under state law and is difficult to implement. Ms. Clippinger opined that the parking policy is viewed as legitimate based on the high percentage of tickets that are paid as soon as possible.
Councillor Cheung suggested an alternative idea of issuing businesses parking stickers near or associated with businesses for a fee. Ms. Clippinger reiterated the same vehicle, on the same day, for the same location one ticket is issued per day. This policy is contained in the training manual for the PCO's. Ms. Clippinger also added that buying parking for a year could vary and it could be expensive. Businesses with metered spaces outside of their stores can realistically park nine cars per day. The parking meters are bread-and-butter for businesses she stated. She also commented that non - resident employees are not eligible for on-street parking. In response to a question about the fee charged for not paying the meter Ms. Clippinger stated that the violation is $25. She also added that business owners are a red flag to the PCO's to issue tickets because the cars are logged by the handheld equipment.
Councillor Kelley stated that this is not about money; it is about the value of on street parking. Ms. Clippinger stated that regulation should drive behavior.
Ms. Johnson asked if businesses could apply for a loading zone permit. Ms. Clippinger suggested that businesses contact the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to identify the loading zone needs of businesses.
Councillor Kelley summed up that there was no need for stacking parking tickets as the current thinking is that it would be bad for the parking program and bad publicity. Ms. Clippinger stated that if people are not moving and enforcement is insufficient to move people she would first look at increasing the violation fees. Councillor Cheung stated that he is not in favor of increasing the fee for parking violations.
Councillor Kelley stated that this issue should the put on hold and could be revisited. He further stated that parking is the number one concern where ever he goes. Residents are always worried there is not enough residential parking. Non-resident parking permits are provided to nurses and clergy because they are providing services to residents.
Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.
For the committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, Mar 1, 2011 at five o'clock and thirty minutes p.m. in the Ackermann Room.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios.
Present at the meeting were: Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair; Councillor Leland Cheung; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present was Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street.
Councillor Kelley opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He informed the committee that he was informed that the License Commission does not enforce the Noise Ordinance for automobiles; the Police Department does enforcement for automobiles. He scheduled this hearing as a result of a City Council Order #8 adopted by the City Council on Oct 4, 2010 (ATTACHMENT A) and a subsequent Awaiting Report Item Number 10-152 submitted by the City Manager at the City Council meeting of Nov 22, 2010 as Agenda Item # 5 (ATTACHMENT B). The Agenda Item # 5 states that Noise Ordinance provides for enforcement of measured and non-measured sound from vehicles and radios. The License Commission has a sound meter and will respond to calls to assist the police with enforcement issues. If called the police will respond, evaluate and enforce any noise complaint violation.
Councillor Kelley commented that many cars have powerful radio systems. Radios are loud, especially in the summer, at nighttime or when cars are stopped at red lights. The noise from the radios can be disruptive, especially to homes whose windows are down during summer weather, when car windows also tend to be down. The police can enforce the Noise Ordinance, but do not, except pertaining to broken car alarms. Councillor Kelley commented that the lack of enforcement can lead to a ‘broken windows' type effect, with disruptive car radio noise adding to an overall sense of disorder in a neighborhood.
Councillor Cheung noted that the police should enforce the Noise Ordinance. Councillor Kelley responded that the police department does not have a sound meter. The sound meters are expensive and require training, but it's not clear that they are any more expensive or require any more training than truck scales and other similar equipment fielded by CPD.
Councillor Cheung commented that the ordinance enforcement is for non-measured noise. Councillor Kelley responded that it is for non-measured and audible sound. The ordinance, in Section 8.16.080, prohibits audible sound at a distance of fifty feet. Councillor Kelley stated that he would like the police to enforce the ordinance, all the more so as it does not appear to require any particular training or equipment. He stated that he has received many e-mails about car radio noise.
At five o'clock and thirty-five minutes p. m. Councillor Kelley opened the meeting to public comment.
Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street, commented that noise gets worse as traffic increases. He feels the noise. He stated his opposition to the indiscriminate use of ambulance sirens. He also expressed his concern for loud muffler noise.
Councillor Kelley submitted the following motions:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to with the hospitals and the ambulance companies to encourage the ambulance companies to follow the same procedure as the Police and Fire Department which do not run the sirens unless necessary.
The motion - Carried.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with monthly reports from Apr 1st through Nov 1st on all noise enforcement actions relating to vehicular radio noise.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at five o'clock and forty minutes p.m.
For the committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Sept 1, 2010 beginning at 2:10pm in the Sullivan chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update on homelessness in Cambridge. Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor Craig Kelley and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.
Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services (DHSP); Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer, Cambridge Department of Public Health (DPH); Police Commissioner Robert Haas, Cambridge Police Department (CPD); John Nardone, Assistant Commissioner for Operations, Department of Public Works (DPW); Trudy Bartlett, YWCA Cambridge Family Shelter; Eva Martin Blythe, Cambridge YWCA; Anya Petroff, MIT-CASPAR Advisory Committee; Elaine De Rosa, Executive Director, CEOC; Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor; Arthur Goldberg, attorney, City Solicitor's Office; Lieutenant (now Deputy Superintendent) Jack Albert, CPD; Lieutenant Dan Wagner, CPD; Superintendent Steve Williams, CPD; Officer Eric Helberg, CPD; Haasan J. Rashid, Alliance of Cambridge tenants(ACT); Lori Jobe, resident, Central Square; Ruth Aaron, Interim Executive Director, CASPAR; Rick Ralphson, First Steps street outreach coordinator; Fred Berman, Program Planner, DHSP; Stephanie Ackert, Director of Planning and Research, DHSP; Len Thomas, Executive Director, Cambridge Multi-Service Center; Linda McMaster, Reaching Out about Depression; Risa Mednick, Transition House; James Williamson, ACT.
Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited Ms. Semonoff to begin the presentation. Ms. Semonoff described the Senior Policy Group on Homelessness (the "group") which was formed as a result of the city's homelessness study 10 years ago. The group is currently chaired by Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer for Cambridge. She invited Mr. Jacob to describe the senior policy group. Mr. Jacob said that he came to Cambridge in 2007. In response to a City Council Order, he reviewed the earlier report on homelessness and reactivated the group. His particular lens on homelessness is a micro-lens which comes from his experience in the Public Health Department. The committee will be hearing from several department heads and staff regarding their work on homelessness.
Mr. Jacob distributed a list of the members of the senior policy group (Attachment A) and a summary of the most recent homelessness census report (Attachment B). From the 1999 report the group identified some clear recommendations on which the city could take immediate action. For example, they identified from the Cambridge Hospital those homeless people who most frequently end up in the Cambridge Health Alliance system. They also identified outreach strategies, public education approaches and ways to more actively engage the local business community. Mr. Jacob said that the police department has a homeless outreach policy which includes a one-session curriculum for local businesses. The group meets quarterly. He introduced Police Commissioner Haas to describe the Police Department work. Commissioner Haas said that he too began working for the city three years ago. He recognized from the police department perspective that agencies in the city involved in issues related to homeless people were operating in silos. With the reactivation of the homelessness policy group, for the first time they took a collaborative look at homelessness. In the police department they established a homeless outreach unit. One primary component was Officer Eric Helberg. When Eric was bumped from his Central Square assignment by someone else with more seniority, Commissioner Haas pulled him out of regular assignments for six months to start a homelessness unit pilot. That pilot program was so successful that the Police Officers Association requested that it be made permanent with Eric and another officer. Commissioner Haas invited Eric Helberg to describe his work.
Officer Helberg said that the most important component of the homelessness outreach unit has been the teamwork. He has been working with other city agencies and social service agencies. They have built a fantastic interagency team. Prior to 2007 most of the response to homelessness issues was reactive. Now they have increased proactive approach. He starts his day by walking down Massachusetts Avenue in the square. Something as simple as having a conversation can lead to big changes. He is engaging in personal rather than law enforcement encounters. One example of the success of this method was the building of sufficient trust through this non-threatening contact to enable him to put a homeless person in touch with Home Start. Home Start employees were able to address his needs, and now he is going to be housed for the first time in a long time. Instead of waiting for a complaint of intoxicated behavior the team members are looking for ways to intervene and help. Certain areas in Central Square that were real problems have dramatically changed. Officer Helberg also said that he has worked closely with the DPW staff and the MBTA with regard to the bus stops in Central Square.
Commissioner Haas invited comments and questions. Councillor Kelly said that he has some questions about behavior issues. One is panhandlers on the street. There seem to be more lately. Another is public drinking. He sees a fair amount in both Central Square and Porter Square near the MBTA stairs. He still has questions about law enforcement jurisdiction. The third issue is camping out, for example at Alewife Reservation and in business doorways. He is also interested in why the numbers for homeless families seem to be down.
Councillor Reeves asked for the working definition of homelessness in the homelessness census. Fred Berman. DHSP planner, described the process, which HUD requests to be done every year in January on a particular night. They count shelter beds, transitional housing programs and the overnight street census between 2 AM and 6 PM. In some cases they will see a tent and not know how many people are inside. They make their best guess. Commissioner Haas said that the census is a rough estimate at best. It is not very precise and it depends a lot on the weather. Mr. Berman agreed and, with respect to the question about the number of homeless families, noted that there have been changes in the programs. Currently there are no families housed at the Gateway. No motels in Cambridge are being used to house homeless people.
Councillor Kelly asked whether the numbers are really not much better than anecdotal evidence. Ms. Semonoff said that the numbers cannot be taken as absolute, but looking at them from year to year over a long period of time does present a reasonable approximation. In 1996 the census identified 76 unsheltered individuals, and in 2010, 61 unsheltered individuals were identified.
Councillor Reeves said that he sees as a problem a big influx of homeless people in Central Square who are not Cambridge people. He is interested in these influx patterns. Christ Church makes its bathrooms available to homeless people and he wonders whether that affects the number of homeless people in Harvard Square. With regard to panhandling Councillor Reeves asked why we let people do that. It is terrible in Harvard Square and Central Square. Commissioner Haas said that many court decisions have held that asking for money is a protected First Amendment activity. Superintendent Williams added that the police can intervene when the panhandling becomes aggressive. For the most part people who panhandle are aware of their constitutional rights and the limits.
Councillor Reeves said that people have a right not to be interfered with. Panhandlers invade one's peace of mind. Superintendent Williams stated that the main reason Harvard Square has that concentration of panhandlers is their success. Where they do not have that success they do not panhandle. Councillor Reeves stated that he still believes that Cambridge takes the easy way out by not prohibiting panhandling. He asked why there are no panhandlers in Davis Square and stated that he thinks there are none there because Somerville does not allow panhandling in Davis Square. Officer Helberg stated that sometimes aggressive panhandling can be made nonaggressive and nonthreatening through communication. He has had success with a panhandler who was blocking the door at a Central Square establishment. Using social interaction and soliciting cooperation resulted in a change of that behavior. Councillor Reeves stated that a man who customarily sits in front of the 7-11 store in Central Square has been known to become dangerous. If panhandlers are not Cambridge residents and don't know how to act they should not be there. Officer Helberg said that he has spent many hours observing the situation at the 7-11 store and has not seen the person in question talk to anyone.
Councillor Kelley asked what the acceptable limits of behavior are. Officer Helberg gave examples of inappropriate behavior: standing right in your path, shaking a cup in your face, banging on your windshield. Councillor Kelley asked about acceptable behavior for panhandlers at intersections who are seeking money from drivers stopped at the light. He said that he takes it that it is okay for panhandlers to be walking in the street when the traffic is stopped but it is not okay to walk in the streets when the traffic is moving. Commissioner Haas said that the panhandlers are allowed to do what they are doing. They are not allowed to physically interfere with traffic. Councillor Kelly asked if they are allowed to touch the cars. Officer Helberg said that to his knowledge they are not touching vehicles.
Councillor Kelley then asked about drinking in public. There are always people hanging out around the back stairs by the Porter Square T station commuter rail they are always loud seem intoxicated and they are intimidating particularly for a woman alone intending to go down the back stairs. He also regularly sees the same three or four people drinking at 9 AM in the morning sometimes downstairs, sometimes on the high platform at Porter Square. He believes there is a need to explore the efficacy of just moving them around. Why are they here? Is it because there is a wet shelter in Cambridge and lots of social services? When we remove benches we remove a neighborhood amenity.
Superintendent Williams said that the only way that police can make an arrest is when they see the actual act of consumption of alcohol. It is not a crime to walk down the street with an open container. Officer Helberg has hundreds of interventions with people holding containers. Councillor Kelly asked where they get the alcohol. Superintendent Williams said that it is illegal to sell alcohol to intoxicated persons and that the police work very closely with the License Commission. Ms. Semonoff said that people for whom alcohol in the morning is a necessity go to drugstores and buy products containing alcohol.
Superintendent Williams said that where people are using the location as attended there is not much public drinking and there is a positive effect on the community. Lieutenant Albert said that we have to address the social problem for a permanent solution. Officer Helberg said that homeless people have a right to be in the park. We should not try to engineer them out of the community. Councillor Kelley asked about drinking in the parks. Commissioner Haas stated that there are rules for the parks and when they are posted the police can enforce the rules. Mr. Nardone said that in all the parks where rules are posted the signs prohibit alcohol.
Councillor Reeves stated that there is a difference between homelessness and public drinking. He related a story of the police officer who looked in the bag that a person, who was known to Councillor Reeves was carrying. The officer found vodka, emptied it out and told the person to move along. Commissioner Haas said that the question is the level at which police make an arrest. He described the common situation in which the police take the person to the hospital; then the police officer has to stay there; then the police officer has to go to court; the homeless person has no money to pay fines and is back on the street where he started. Arresting our way out of the situation is never going to work. Cambridge police had one judge throw out 10 cases of CPD arrests for drinking in one morning.
Commissioner Haas said that the situation in Central Square has changed drastically over the past two years. Lieutenant Albert said that in 2008 there were so many problems in Central Square that in 2009 the police began a program in response to these problems. A sergeant was assigned to Central Square with orders to pay particular attention to 10 locations. During the years of 2000 through 2010 the police made 299 drinking arrests, the majority in Central Square. During the first three months of 2000, 150 citations have been issued in Central Square. The bicycle patrol made Central Square a major focus. The police started meeting with the Central Square Neighborhood Association and with DPW staff. Where sidewalks were being repaired, they removed one bench each from seven problem locations. One top location was the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Essex Street. Now you will actually see families with children and elderly persons sitting at the remaining benches. Commissioner Haas said that what they were doing was social engineering and it came about through the partnership. It was remarkable how taking one bench away has changed the atmosphere. Councillor Reeves said that it has also helped that there has been a major police presence at that corner. Commissioner Haas agreed but noted that seniors are starting to feel the absence at the senior center.
Councillor Kelly asked about the camps that homeless people establish in various parks and other locations. Commissioner Haas said that this population is not going away. We move them from the Cambridge Common; they go to Lars Anderson Bridge. A lot of people do not want to go to shelters. We get them to move out of those areas in the morning before the public comes out. Superintendent Williams said that when it comes to private property, some owners allow people to sleep on their property. Councillor Reeves said that there is almost a small city under the Lars Anderson Bridge. Mr. Thomas noted that people are not sleeping in doorways to make other people angry. He is concerned about the safety of the people sleeping outside. Ms. Semonoff said that long-term there are some success stories of helping people who have been on the street to accept services and not have to live on the streets. Councillor Reeves stated that it is important to celebrate the successes.
Ms. De Rosa commended the police department. Their approach is stellar and successful. She emphasized the need for more affordable housing and proper support for mental health services.
Ms. Jobe said that Central Square residents still have the same problems that they had 10 years ago. There are still major quality of life issues and public safety issues. Public drinking escalates into public safety issues. The existence of a Central Square neighborhood association would be very helpful.
Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 5pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair
Committee Report #4
The Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Dec 15, 2010, beginning at 3:18pm in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall. The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving information regarding the various roles of the City in the variety of festivals, celebrations and other public events that take place in Cambridge.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; and City Clerk Margaret Drury. Also present were Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager; Gerald Mahoney, Fire Chief; Elizabeth Lint, Executive Office, License Commission; Jack Alpert, Deputy Superintendent, Cambridge Police Department (CPD); Martha Flynn, Assistant Commissioner, Inspectional Services Department (ISD); Annette Rodibaugh, Operations Manager, Department of Public Works (DPW); Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Cambridge Arts Council; David Kale, Budget Director; Sal DiDomenico, Treasurer, Saints Cosmo and Damian Society; John Clifford, former organizer of the World's Fair; P.A.d'Arbeloff, Cambridge Science Festival; Jenny Carvello, Saints Cosmo and Damian Society.
Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and welcomed all those present. He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to take a look at the existing festivals in Cambridge to see how they are doing and to answer the question of whether the city should be more financially involved in these festivals. Councillor Reeves explained that the question has come to him from the Cambridge Carnival organizers, who have said that by the time they finish paying all the city charges they are running a deficit.
Mr. Souza said that the only cost that St. Anthony's Church incurs for their Santo Cristo festival is the cost of the permits. Ms. D'Arbeloff stated that the Cambridge Science Festival is very grateful to the city and very aggressive about seeking outside funding. Councillor Reeves noted that the Science Festival has an annual budget of a half million dollars. Ms. D'Arbeloff said that the Cambridge Science Festival runs for 9 to 10 days and virtually everything is free to the public. More than 40,000 people participate in the festival.
Councillor Reeves asked about the cost of other festivals. Mr. DiDomenico said that the cost of the St. Cosmo and Damian Festival is approximately $25,000, sometimes more. The St. Cosmos and Damian Festival is 85 years old. Mr. Clifford said that the annual cost of the World's Fair exceeded $100,000. Ms. Neil said that the cost of the Boomtown Festival was usually under $20,000. The Boomtown Festival takes place in the summer Monday through Thursday and there are a lot of in-kind donations.
Councillor Reeves said that he was sorry that no representative from the Harvard Square Business Association was able to attend this meeting. The HSBA sponsors several excellent festivals, including Oktoberfest, which is now joined by the Honk Festival, Mayfair, and the Sparklefest, which is like an ingathering of fairies. All have been very successful. Councillor Reeves stated that he is interested in supporting what we have for festivals in Cambridge and expanding them. He said it appears that those present feel that they are in reasonable shape.
Councillor Cheung said that he has heard from many citizens how much they love the festivals in Cambridge. He has two questions:
1. How do we make it easier for the festival organizers?
2. What is the rationale for the City providing financial support to festivals?
Mr. Rossi said that festivals take place in public spaces and often involve performance and vendors, including food vendors. About 10 to 12 years ago the various city departments were receiving a lot of complaints that the rules and procedures for festivals in Cambridge were very confusing. The city administration formed a Special Event Committee with representatives from all of the departments that need to issue permits and approvals for festivals and special events. This committee is chaired by Annette Rodibaugh, DPW. Now participating groups go to one committee for information and assistance with regard to all of the requirements and permits. The City also tries very hard to keep the costs low for the festival organizers because these festivals are very popular with our citizens.
Councillor Simmons asked if there is some kind of guide or check list for a group that wants to start a Festival. Mr. Rossi answered in the affirmative and added that that material is also online. Ms. Rodibaugh said that there is an application form and guidelines online at the Department of Public Works website under special events. Mr. Weeks said that Estella Johnson, the director of economic development, CDD, coordinated city workshops for people interested in running events. Councillor Simmons asked whether the type of events included block parties insert, after, traffic, and Mr. Rossi answered in the affirmative. Councillor Simmons asked where and interested person would begin. Mr. Rossi said that if the person wants to close the street for a block party the person would begin at the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. if this is a larger type of festival the person would be sent to Ms. Rodibaugh to begin the Special Events Committee process.
Councillor Reeves stated that the City has come up with a very good one-stop model for festival organizers.
Councillor Reeves asked Councillor Simmons to describe the Caribbean Carnival's issues. Councillor Simmons said that although she sat in at the meeting, she found it confusing to understand why the cost of the police details was so expensive and why the expense was not expected by the carnival organizers. Councillor Simmons said that there were also questions about the disposal of the cooking oil.
Councillor Reeves stated that there are now new rules for food handling. He said that he believes that one issue for the Cambridge Carnival is that it needs a stronger committee. Councillor Simmons stated that the Cambridge Carnival decoupled from the Boston Carnival and that has brought both pluses and minuses.
Mr. Rossi said that he and his staff have met with the group that runs the Carnival for many years. As the Carnival has grown, more police are needed. The City Manager believes that the Carnival should be responsible for the cost of the police for the carnival and that the city should be responsible for and is responsible to cover the public safety costs. The Carnival has not paid the city for police. Mr. Rossi stated that he will work with the carnival organizers on trying to bring down the Traffic Transportation and Parking Department costs. However there are costs such as propane that must be covered by the carnival.
Councillor Reeves said that at the request of the Kendall Square Business Association, the Boston Consulting Group provided a report on ways to enliven Kendall Square. They suggested that Cambridge have an event similar to the Austin Texas South by South West event in Kendall Square. Austin created 200 performance venues including music, film, and technology innovations.
Councillor Reeves said that the city is increasingly being asked to modify existing zoning to accommodate larger developments. In such situations the issue of community benefits arises. He described the Alexandria zoning petition and the community benefits package. Harvard Square has a lot going on. Central Square does not. So with respect to the question of where would the money for a large festival such as South by South West come from, we could look at community benefits as a possible source.
Councillor Cheung stated that this was a great idea. South by Southwest evolved over several years. There needs to be a stable funding source for several years. The zoning benefits money could be kick off money.
Ms. d'Arbeloff said that South by South West is at least 25 years old. The Cambridge Science Festival has had some conversations with the Kendall Square Business Association about using the Cambridge Science Festival as the big event. Councillor Reeves said that there is also the question of having the World's Fair come back.
Councillor Simmons stated that she wants to make sure that our residents participate. Mr. Rossi said that even with our extremely popular dance party in Central Square people from Boston and other communities pour out of the subway. That will always happen. Mr. Clifford said that Cambridge could grow the World's Fair to a weeklong event. The science fair could also grow to include music and dance.
Councillor Reeves described the Red Ribbon Commission on the Delights and Challenges of Central Square and the idea of connecting Berklee School of Music performers to Central Square. There is a possibility of Central Square branding itself as an arts and entertainment center.
Councillor Simmons stated that the National League of cities is coming to Boston again. She stated that Cambridge needs to come up with a plan that attracts more conferences to Cambridge. Councillor Reeves stated that Cambridge could have a tour of biotech in Cambridge but that Cambridge would have to pay $10-$20,000 for the right to have such a tour.
Mr. Rossi recommended talking to Robin Thieringer, the director of the Office for Tourism. Councillor Simmons suggested a joint meeting of the public facilities committee in the economic development committee. Councillor Reeves noted the necessity for the City officials to take time to think through how the city might involve itself in supporting innovative projects. Ms. Derby law stated that big events and festivals often begin in Cambridge. Two years ago they won a National Science Foundation grant to seed science festivals around the city. No other city has a system for assisting festivals that is as smooth as the one the city as.
Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Weeks to provide an update on the River Festival. He asked specifically about the Cambridge connection. Mr. Weeks said that now all of the features connect back to the venues in Cambridge. Councillor Reeves then noted additional well-known festivals that take place in Cambridge for example the Grecian Festival, the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival and the Head of the Charles.
Councillor Reeves stated that he is very glad to hear that most people are happy with the way that events are assisted by the city administrative staff in Cambridge. He stated that he will be meeting more often with the organizers of the Caribbean Festival to encourage them to work closely with the city staff.
Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45pm.
For the committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)
10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)
10-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways the City can work with the MAPC on opportunities related to the $4 million grant award to the MAPC on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-3)
10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)
10-175. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of converting certain Inman Square parking meters to 2-hours and along Cambridge Street and on the possibility of installing time-weighted parking meter in Inman Square. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Kelley on 2/28/2011
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-2)
10-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-3)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes and the possibility such revenues generated by a formula for distribution to community based non-profits.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-12)
10-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-13)
10-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the state of the law relating to community benefits as mitigation in zoning amendment petitions.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-1)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-02. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on unfair financial burden placed on same-sex married employees of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-3)
11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Enterprise Rental using the City sidewalk as a parking lot. Referred back by Councillor Reeves for additional information on 2/14/2011.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-7)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any foreseeable tax revenue implications of Vertex's decision to leave Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Seidel 01/31/11 (O-4)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on banning the use of plastic shopping bags.
Councillor Decker 01/31/11 (O-22)
11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)
11-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on SCM funding shortfalls. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Cheung on 2/28/2011
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/14/11 (O-1)
11-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on snow removal options including snow melting machines.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/14/11 (O-7)
11-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ticketing vehicles for being parked more than three feet from the curb due to snow banks. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Toomey on 2/28/2011
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/14/11 (O-8)
11-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on other potential prescription drop off sites around the City.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 02/28/11 (O-4)
11-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the details of the purchase agreement for Northpoint.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/28/11 (O-6)