Cambridge City Council meeting - March 8, 2010 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
the appointment of the following persons as member of the Avon Hill Neighborhood
Conservation District Commission:
Robert G. Crocker - (Historical Comm. Rep.) - term expires 3/1/2013
Maryann Thompson - (reappointment) - term expires 4/1/2012
Theresa Hamacher - (reappointment) - term expires 8/10/2012
Art Bardige - (reappointment) - term expires 8/10/2012
Robert G. Crocker - (Historical Commission Representative) term expires 3/1/2013
Bob has been selling and managing Cambridge residential real estate for over 30 years, first with RM Bradley then with Dudley & Borland Realtors of which he was proprietor, and now as a Vice President of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. He is a Vice President of the Cambridge Historical Society and is an appointed Commissioner of the Cambridge Historic Commission. Bob and his wife Ruth moved to Cambridge in 1997 from Wellesley, where he was an elected assessor and they currently reside in the Avon Hill District.Maryann Thompson - (reappointment) - term expires 4/1/2012
Maryann is a registered architect. She founded Maryann Thompson Architects in 2000 and prior to that had been a senior/founding partner in the firm Thompson & Rose Architects. She carries degrees in both architecture and landscape architecture. Maryann's work has received numerous honors and has been published in architectural journals and books. She has taught design as a visiting faculty member at MIT, RISD, UVA, Michigan and Rice and is currently a faculty member at Harvard's GSD. She resides on Washington Avenue in the Avon Hill NCD.Theresa Hamacher - (reappointment) - term expires 8/10/2012
Theresa has been the President of the National Investment Company Service Association (NICSA) since March 2008. NICSA is a not-for-profit trade association providing leadership and innovation in educational programming and information exchange within the operations sector of the global investment industry. She began her career in the investment industry in 1983 as a securities analyst. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Theresa has lived in Cambridge since 1997.Art Bardige - (reappointment) - term expires 8/10/2012
Art has lived in Cambridge for more than 40 years and on Avon Hill for the past 30 years. He is the president of Enablearning, which is an online educational software company focused on math education. Art is the vice-chair of the Avon Hill Conservation Commission, and has long been interested in supporting the Cambridge Public Schools.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 10-08, regarding a report on working with building owners to make vacant retail space available to non-profit groups who need temporary space, and Awaiting Report Item Number 10-12, regarding a report on reasons for Pearl Arts & Crafts leaving Central Square.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) Bridge to College Program grant funded from the Cambridge Community Foundation in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account which will be used to support the Bridge to College program which consists of one class that meets two evenings per week for a total of six hours of instruction per week.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant funded by the Cambridge Community Foundation Sheila Gamble Fund in the amount of $7,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($6,668.00) and Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($332.00) which will support the Next Steps Program which will allow the Community Learning Center to provide classes and counseling to students to help them plan for their careers and further education after graduating from the CLC.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Pathways grant in the amount of $4,000.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. The purpose of these additional funds is specifically for the evaluation of the Pathways to Family Success Program and will be paid to the Center for Social Policy on receipt of invoices approved by DESE.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-23, regarding this spring’s street planting efforts with a list of planned locations, and Awaiting Report Item Number 10-28, regarding a report on what the protocol is for scheduling tree pruning.
ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing
the amount of public information about elections while the election is in
progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City
Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 16 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding the City Council’s policy on naming street corners, along with the attached Oct 27, 2006 report from the City Manager. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #2 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. Constable bond received from Burton Mark Malkofsky for approval of the
surety.
2. An application was received from TD BANK requesting permission for a sign
at the premises numbered 1270 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received
from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development,
Historical Commission and abutters.
Charter Right - Kelley
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger
acknowledging receipt of a resolution adopted by the City Council supporting
H3371 entitled "AN ACT PROVIDING CITIES AND TOWNS WITH A LOCAL OPTION TO
INCREASE CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE FINES TO IMPROVE DRIVING."
2. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger acknowledging receipt of a resolution adopted by the City Council regarding the importance of communication by the Department of Transportation regarding the construction of the Western Avenue and River Street bridges.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Martin P. Garry. Councillor Toomey
2. Condolences to Elizabeth Zalgenas on the death of her sister Frances Mary Zalgenas. Councillor Toomey
3. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Hollie Moutrie. Councillor Simmons
4. Retirement of Ellen Lund from the School Department. Mayor Maher
5. Retirement of Marsha Weinerman from the Election Commission. Mayor Maher
6. Retirement of Antonio Oliveira from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
7. Retirement of Jacqueline Genece from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
8. Retirement of Jean Ford from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
9. Retirement of Stephen Dorsey from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
10. Congratulations to the Cambridge Public School Department of Visual & Performing Arts and the young playwrights involved on the occasion of the Page to Stage Young Playwright’s Celebration on Mar 10-11, 2010. Councillor Cheung
11. Resolution on the death of Corporal Daniel T. O’Leary.
Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Sergeant William C. Spencer.
Councillor Decker
13. Speedy recovery wishes to Anna Arias. Councillor Decker
14. Speedy recovery wishes to Leanora Pedro. Councillor Decker
15. Congratulations to Just-A-Start on receiving the LEED platinum certification for its project at 823 Main Street. Councillor Seidel
16. Condolences to Sylvia Saavedra-Keber and family on the loss of her father, Douglas Saavedra. Councillor Simmons
17. Congratulations to the Cambridge Youth Hockey U12 Team on their recent victory in the McGongile State Championship. Councillor Simmons
18. Happy Birthday wishes to the Pearson family members. Councillor Simmons
19. Congratulations to Raynard S. Kington on his achievements and best wishes for continued success in his new position. Councillor Reeves
20. Best wishes to the Great Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association on their upcoming fundraising jazz weekend. Councillor Reeves
21. Resolution on the death of Caroline Clark. Councillor Reeves
22. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Sergeant
Fredrick Riley on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher
23. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Sergeant Dennis
O'Connor on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Councillor
Cheung, Mayor Maher
24. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Sergeant David
Schofield on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Councillor
Cheung, Mayor Maher
25. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Sergeant Daniel
Wagner on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Councillor
Cheung, Mayor Maher
26. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Detective Thomas
Ahern on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Councillor Cheung,
Mayor Maher
27. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Officer Stephen
Lefebvre on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Councillor
Cheung, Mayor Maher
28. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Officer Patrick
Carney on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Councillor Cheung,
Mayor Maher
29. That the City Council go on record congratulating Police Detective Mark
McHale on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Councillor Cheung,
Mayor Maher
30. Congratulations to all of the organizers and participants of the 24th Annual City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs City Walk/Run on March 28th, 2010. Councillor Cheung
31. Congratulations to Dolores Huerta on receiving the 2010 Monsignor Romero Truth Award. Councillor Decker
32. Best wishes to the East End House on their annual Cooking for a Cause event. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Callendar Street in
honor of Mrs. Mildred E. Best. Councillor Simmons
Kelley voted NO
2. That the City Manager and the Mayor is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to address the issue of the stairs at the Graham and Parks School with a view towards a temporary or long-term resolution to the problem. Councillor Simmons
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and other appropriate personnel to aggressively monitor, report on, ticket, and prosecute MBTA buses running red lights, endangering pedestrians and cyclists, or otherwise disobeying the rules of the road. Councillor Cheung
4. Certificate of Occupancy and other related issues regarding the
development at the premises numbered 45-47 Yerxa Road and 124 Rindge Avenue.
Councillor Kelley
amended
5. Availability of public meeting space at the Cambridge Main Library and
other library related issues. Councillor Kelley
amended
6. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate Grozier Road, which has a number of road defects, for resurfacing and repair. Vice Mayor Davis
7. That the City Manager is requested to arrange for a No Idling sign to be
installed at Farr Academy on Pearl and Auburn Streets. Vice Mayor
Davis
amended
8. That the City Manager is requested to increase enforcement at the
pedestrian light for the safety of those crossing Inman Street. Vice
Mayor Davis
amended
9. That the City Manager is requested to convene a meeting of various stakeholders in the Central Square community for the purpose of discussing and reviewing current action plans for Central Square. Councillor Reeves
10. City Council support for Massachusetts House Bill 4526 "A Bill Relative to Municipal Relief." Councillor Seidel
11. That the Cambridge City Council go on record requesting the Massachusetts Legislature to conduct an independent cost-benefit analysis of Level III gambling in Massachusetts. Councillor Seidel
12. That the City Manager is requested to provide support to the GLBT Commission and other organizations like the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee and the Multi-Service Center in their efforts to count all Cambridge residents. Councillor Decker
13. That the City Manager report back to the City Council on whether side streets from Cambridge to Binney Streets in between First and Second Streets can be added to regular street sweeping schedules this season. Councillor Toomey
14. That the City Council go on record in support of the City of Cambridge adopting the provisions of House Bill 3588. Councillor Toomey
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 23
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 6
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 4
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 17
4:00pm 2010 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 18
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of
Callendar Street in honor of Mrs. Mildred E. Best; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is
requested to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and
communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
O-2 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A city has an obligation to provide a quality education to its
children, and this education must be provided in a building that is safe and
secure; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the stairs of the
Graham and Parks building are in disrepair which puts the safety of the students
and all others who use this building at risk; and
WHEREAS: The condition of the school building is a concern not only to the
School Department, but also the Department of Human Services and to the
Community Schools Program, as the building is used as a school and as a
community meeting space; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Mayor be and hereby is requested to
confer with the appropriate City departments to address the issue of the stairs
at the Graham and Parks School with a view towards a temporary or long-term
resolution to the problem.
O-3 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: There are reports from pedestrians and cyclists residing in Cambridge
of MBTA buses endangering the public with aggressive and inconsiderate driving;
and
WHEREAS: News reporters recently filmed buses speeding through red lights in
Cambridge http://wbztv.com/local/mbta.bus.drivers.2.1529504.html;
and
WHEREAS: This is inconsistent with Cambridge’s desire to promote non-vehicular
modes of personal transportation; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge cannot afford to wait for accidents to happen to
pursue the public good; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with the Police
Commissioner, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and other
appropriate personnel to aggressively monitor, report on, ticket, and prosecute
MBTA buses running red lights, endangering pedestrians and cyclists, or
otherwise disobeying the rules of the road; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on the efficacy of enforcement efforts to deter such behavior by
operators of public transportation.
O-4 Mar 8, 2010 amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Development at the former Saint John’s property at 45-47 Yerxa Road
and 124 Rindge Avenue has been going on for many years; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors of this development project have regularly complained to the
City, at public meetings, via email and through petitions, that the developer
does not keep the site suitably clean, that work is done outside of permitted
hours, that water has started leaking into neighboring foundations and that they
are being deprived of quiet enjoyment of their own properties because the
adjacent development is being so poorly managed by the developer and reviewed by
City staff as to make their own lives very difficult; and
neighbors have also expressed concern about the quality of the review of City
staff; and
WHEREAS: It appears that tenants have been living in the former Saint John’s
property despite the developer not having been issued a certificate of
occupancy; and
WHEREAS: There is some question as to whether the developer is meeting the City’s
inclusionary zoning rules; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with
relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on
a. The current status of the former Saint John’s property;
b. The feasibility of the City’s fining the developer for violations of
City code and, if fines could have been issued, why no fines have been imposed;
c. Which of the neighbors’ requests, as detailed in the attached
February 14 petition, will not be required for a Certificate of Occupancy,
temporary or otherwise;
d. An explanation of how many affordable units are required at this
development and whether the developer is meeting that requirement and other
inclusionary zoning requirements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that, if it is in the
discretion of the relevant City staff to impose fines on the developer of the
former Saint John’s property for violating relevant City ordinances on site
management, occupancy and similar issues that the City impose the maximum fines
possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that no one
is living in buildings that do not have occupancy permits at the Saint John’s
site.
O-5 Mar 8, 2010 amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The new Cambridge Main Library, which is widely acknowledged to be a
wonderful addition to Cambridge, has recently opened; and
WHEREAS: This new library has a variety of public meeting spaces; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear to many people how and when these public meeting spaces
will be made available; and
WHEREAS: The opening of the new Main Library has resulted in partial closings of
branch libraries on a rotating basis to cover staffing needs at the Main
Library; and
WHEREAS: There is some concern that the lack of an accurate understanding of
what library services are most utilized when will lead, or has lead, to opening
hours that do not sufficiently meet public demand; and
WHEREAS: The location of the new Main Library next to the high school was
promoted as a reason to build such an elaborate addition; and
WHEREAS: Coping with the influx of high school students at various parts of the
day has proven to be somewhat problematic; and
WHEREAS: The café had been intended to be staffed with students from Rindge
School of Technical Arts but that plan is not currently feasible; and
WHEREAS: An underground parking garage was built to
accommodate expected increase in Library usage upon the opening of the of the
new Library; and
WHEREAS: On street residential parking has become more strained with the opening
of the new library despite the underground parking; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City
Council on:
* a. What the plans are for allowing general use of the new Main Library’s
various public meeting spaces;
* b. What the plans are for future use of the new Main Library by high
school students;
* c. What type of usage data the Library system has and how is the Library
system using this data and collecting new data to determine what libraries
should be open when; * d. What the plans are for the new Main Library’s
café space.
* e. How the Library is encouraging use of the
underground parking and the parking fee structure for patrons?
O-6 Mar 8, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to evaluate Grozier
Road, which has a number of road defects, for resurfacing and repair.
O-7 Mar 8, 2010 amended
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Buses and cars dropping off and picking up students at Farr Academy, 71
Pearl Street, continue to idle for long periods of time; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange for a No
Idling sign to be installed at Farr Academy on Pearl and Auburn Streets; and
be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on enforcement efforts.
O-8 Mar 8, 2010 amended
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Cars emerging from Inman Street onto Massachusetts Avenue often run the
red light or turn right on red illegally, endangering those crossing Inman
Street at the pedestrian light; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to increase
enforcement at the pedestrian light for the safety of those crossing Inman
Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on the results of the increased enforcement.
O-9 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Many of our citizens live in, work in, and in other ways interact with
the Central Square area every day; and
WHEREAS: Central Square is, for many people both in and out of Cambridge, a
central point of interaction with the City, owing to the many transportation
lines that run through the square; and
WHEREAS: A recent observer has indicated via e-mail to the City Council that
Central Square is "overrun with drunks, drugs, drugs (sic) deals and
scum"; and
WHEREAS: Businesses have been leaving Central Square of late; and
WHEREAS: This is a dangerous cycle into which the City and Central Square cannot
afford to fall; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a meeting
of various stakeholders in the Central Square community for the purpose of
discussing and reviewing current action plans for Central Square; 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-10 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Cambridge continues to pursue innovative approaches to tackling the
important issue of climate change; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge investigated a program called "Berkeley FIRST",
which established in Berkeley, California a "sustainable energy financing
district" where property owners voluntarily opted to join in order to
access financing for solar and energy efficiency improvements; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council was informed that legislation enacted at the
state level is required to enable this type of program to be available in
Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Legislation, originally entitled House Bill Number 4393, "An Act
Relative to energy efficiency of residential properties" has been filed
during this legislative session in the Massachusetts State Legislature; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 4393 would permit the establishment of a revolving fund
whose purpose is "to provide loans to owners of privately held real
property in the city or town for energy conservation and renewable energy
projects on their properties so as to prioritize energy efficiency as the first
step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with buildings";
and
WHEREAS: The ability to create such a revolving fund would allow the City of
Cambridge to pursue programs similar to Berkeley FIRST; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 4393 has now been incorporated as Sections 56 and 57 of
House Bill 4526, "A Bill Relative to Municipal Relief", currently
pending before the State Legislature; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record supporting a local option
to create a revolving loan fund for the purposes of promoting energy efficiency
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this
resolution to the Cambridge Delegation of the Massachusetts Legislature on
behalf of the entire City Council.
O-11 Mar 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Legislature is currently considering expanding
legalized gambling to Level III, which authorizes slot machines and casino
gambling in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Level III gambling also includes games such as blackjack, craps and
roulette; and
WHEREAS: The National Gambling Impact Study Commission conducted an extensive
study in 1999 and found that gambling had social as well as economic impacts;
and
WHEREAS: The Commission study stated that $1 out of $10 "leisure
dollars" was spent on gambling in the United States in 1997; and
WHEREAS: The Commission reported that total annual sales nationwide from state
lotteries increased from $2 billion in 1973 to $34 billion in 1997; and
WHEREAS: The Commission found that with regard to lotteries in 1997
"players with incomes under $10,000 bet nearly three times as much as those
with incomes over $50,000"; and
WHEREAS: The Commission reported that "while the prevalence and causes of
problem and pathological gambling are not well understood, it is clear that
millions of individuals fall into these categories"; and
WHEREAS: The Commission report states "The proponents of gambling tend to
stress its economic benefits. Opponents tend to point to its social costs. In
fact, there are both significant benefits and significant costs. Communities
that embrace gambling, and the areas that surround them, experience both
gambling’s negative and positive impacts"; and
WHEREAS: There has never been an independent cost-benefit analysis on
Massachusetts legislative proposals in 2010 to authorize Level III gambling; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record requesting the
Massachusetts Legislature conduct an independent cost-benefit analysis of Level
III gambling in Massachusetts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record requesting that the
Massachusetts Legislature withhold from authorizing any Level III gambling
before such a study is conducted; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Delegation of the
Massachusetts Legislature on behalf of the entire City Council.
Councillors Toomey and Simmons voted PRESENT
O-12 March 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that same-sex couples
will be counted in the Census due to a recent reversal of a Bush Administration
decision; and
WHEREAS: As a result, the GLBT Commission is involved as a Complete Count
Committee; and
WHEREAS: A more accurate Census with broader participation is beneficial to our
city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide support to
the GLBT Commission and other organizations like the Cambridge Economic
Opportunity Committee and the Multi-Service Center in their efforts to count all
Cambridge residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on how
the city is providing that support and to what end; 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-13 March 8, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Residents living in the vicinity of the Galleria Mall consistently
experience excess trash being left behind in the gutters and sidewalks by cars
that temporarily park in the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: Although there is no housing on some of these roads, there are many
Second Street residents who have to deal with trash being left behind; and
WHEREAS: These streets should no longer be excluded from a regular street
sweeping schedule; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on whether side streets from Cambridge to Binney Streets in between
First and Second Streets can be added to regular street sweeping schedules this
season.
O-14 March 8, 2010 COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has experienced difficulty collecting fines
related to improper trash disposal and un-shoveled sidewalks; and
WHEREAS: Proper trash disposal and clear safe sidewalks are important to the
health and safety of Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: The passing of House Bill 3588 gives cities and towns the option to
place liens on violators that refuse to pay these fines; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the City of Cambridge
adopting the provisions of House Bill 3588.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
09-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what barriers would prevent residents from raising chickens and
what could be done to remove these barriers. Remains on Awaiting Report List at
request of Councillor Davis
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 12/14/09 (O-2)
10-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an assessment and plan for repairs and improvements of all school
playgrounds.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-3)
10-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how effective the school vaccine program was.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-4)
10-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City pool and two DCR pools will be kept open through the
end of the summer of 2010.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-6)
10-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing signage on Memorial Drive warning drivers of upcoming
lane of parked cars.
Councillor Decker 01/25/10 (O-11)
10-08. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#2
RE: report on working with building owners to make vacant retail space available
to non-profit group who need temporary space.
Vice Mayor Davis 02/01/10 (O-1)
10-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the requirements of tap water being available on request in
licensed establishments.
Vice Mayor Davis 02/01/10 (O-2)
10-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an ordinance that would limit the distribution of
telephone books and unsolicited free newspapers to those who request them.
Mayor Maher 02/01/10 (O-5)
10-12. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#2
RE: report on reasons for Pearl Arts & Crafts leaving Central Square.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor
Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/08/10
(O-1)
10-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Community."
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor
Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/08/10
(O-2)
10-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge households that benefited from LIHEAP
weatherization services and how that compares to the funding increases.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker,
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Simmons
02/08/10 (O-3)
10-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on responding to Google’s RFI.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-1)
10-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a CitiStat type system for tracking police and
criminal activity.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-2)
10-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accident that occurred in the vicinity of Garfield Street and
Massachusetts Avenue on February 11th.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-3)
10-23. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#6
RE: report on the status of this spring’s street planting efforts with a list
of the planned locations for the plantings.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership
02/22/10 (O-4)
10-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on noise from airplanes going to and from Logan Airport.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-6)
10-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Oak Tree Development return CPA funds used for the preservation of
St. James Church.
Councillor Decker 02/22/10 (O-8)
10-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conducting a feasibility study of a public market at Lechmere
Square.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-1)
10-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options and timeframe for transitioning to a modern web video
platform.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-3)
10-28. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#6
RE: report on what the protocol is for scheduling tree pruning.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-4)
10-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the infrastructure of Kendall Square and its planned improvements.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-5)
10-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on protocol for dealing with a bedbug infestation and extermination.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-6)