CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-27, regarding a report on how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be presented and explained to the public and what the protocol will be for making complaints.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-02, regarding a report on lighting the mural on the Alewife MBTA building.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-17, regarding a report on the Redevelopment Authority’s land holdings in the East Cambridge and Kendall Square areas.  Charter Right - Toomey

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission on an application from CityView, Inc. for a Jitney License.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Darleen Bonislawski as a member of the Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners for a term of four years, effective Apr 1, 2008.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) for $9,760.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used for fuel assistance eligible oil heat customers who have exhausted their fuel benefits.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE) received from the Massachusetts Department of Education for $13,746.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($11,816.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,930.00) and will support salaries for part-time ESOL teachers and staff time in developing an Adult Diploma Program curriculum to assist students in completing portfolio requirements in language arts and reading. Travel and training funds will allow one staff member to attend the TESOL conference in New York this spring.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Grant from Early Childhood Associates (ECA) to the Community Learning Center in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account and will support part-time teacher salaries while they meet with parents to explain the evaluation, fill out consent forms, and be observed by evaluators.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of a donation to the Department of Human Services (Cambridge Prevention Coalition) from the Cambridge Health Alliance in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to support the Cambridge Teen Health Survey.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of a Grant from the City of Somerville to the Department of Human Service Programs (Cambridge Prevention Coalition) in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to allow the Cambridge, Everett and Somerville Prevention Coalitions to work together to reduce prescription drug abuse in the three communities. Funds will be used to support the youth peer leader program, Teens Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse (TADAA).

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Council go on record in support of the work of the Readiness Project, a council whose mission is to develop a 10-year strategic plan to implement the Governor’s vision for education in the Commonwealth, including specific action steps, timelines, benchmarks and cost estimates. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Davis on Order Number twenty-six of Mar 3, 2008.  Placed on File under Rule 19 - no action taken

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from The Salon @ Huron Village, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 366 Huron Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

2. An application was received from Tavern in the Square, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 720 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

3. An application was received from Hidden Sweets, requesting permission for six tables, sixteen chairs and a flower bed in front of 25 Brattle Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the Department of Public Works five-year plan for sidewalk and street improvements.

2. Another incoherent rant was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding false beliefs.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Wendy and Charles Leiserson on the birth of their daughter, Katherine Hope Leiserson.   Councillor Seidel

2. Retirement of Clive Godwin from the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Mayor Simmons

3. Resolution on the death of Caesar Zani.   Councillor Maher

4. Resolution on the death of Mary (Paolillo) D’Onofrio.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

5. Speedy recovery wishes to Rich McKinnon.   Mayor Simmons

6. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Phillips.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Drew Weaver.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Matlock Jr.   Councillor Decker
9. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Conrad Alvarez.   Councillor Decker
10. Resolution on the death of Specialist Kevin Mowl.   Councillor Decker
11. Resolution on the death of Specialist Orlando Perez.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher Frost.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Keisha Morgan.   Councillor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Mary M. (Croisetiere) Carey.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Henry W. Vera Jr.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Simmons

16. Condolences to the family of Gerald W. Smith.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the death of Stanley C. Fabianski Sr.   Councillor Maher

18. Resolution on the death of Agnes G. (O’Sullivan) Stewart.   Councillor Maher

19. Resolution on the death of John C. "Butch" Aideuis.   Councillor Maher

20. Congratulations to the North Cambridge Catholic High School Boys’ Basketball Team on winning the State Championship.   Mayor Simmons

21. Resolution on the death of Florence Zani.   Councillor Maher

22. Resolution on the death of Nora T. Broughton.   Councillor Toomey

23. Congratulations to Andrew Smiles and Stephanie Blair Mitchell on the birth of their daughter, Solveig Blair Smiles.   Councillor Seidel

24. Congratulations to former Haggerty School Principal Dr. Joe Petner and Frank Meehan on being named the CitySprouts program co-directors.   Councillor Davis

25. Congratulations to Anne Strong on receiving the Heights Award for her contribution to women’s athletics.   Councillor Davis

26. Congratulations to the City Manager and his staff for making Cambridge the best walking city in the country.   Councillor Davis

27. Urge Cambridge residents to observe National Public Health Week from Apr 7-13, 2008.   Councillor Davis

28. Retirement of Elaine Liebowitz from the School Department.   Mayor Simmons

29. Resolution on the death of Thomas J. Larkin.   Councillor Maher

30. Resolution on the death of Margaret A. McCaffrey.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Simmons

31. Resolution on the death of Lillian E. (Bean) Dougenik.   Councillor Toomey

32. Resolution on the death of Alice J. (Silva) Alcaro.   Councillor Maher

33. Congratulations to Diana Therese Namayanja Mugera and Bobby Pelletier on the occasion of their 1st Wedding Meeting on Mar 22, 2008.   Mayor Simmons

34. Welcome home wishes to Company C, First Battalion, 181st infantry of the Massachusetts National Guard on Wed, Mar 19, 2008.   Mayor Simmons

35. Resolution on the death of Agnes G. (O'Sullivan) Stewart.   Councillor Decker [How can a councillor who missed the meeting file a late order at the meeting?]

36. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Robert T. Kilduff.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to repair the sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue between Temple Street and Prospect Street.   Councillor Decker

2. Protocol for development of a Sister City agreement with Oeiras, Portugal.   Mayor Simmons

3. That the City Manager is requested to cooperate with the Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the banner installation and welcome the visiting architects to Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

4. That the members of the Cambridge City Council support the principles of the Welcoming Massachusetts Pledge.   Mayor Simmons

5. That the City Manager is requested to examine the creation of a local "opt out" list that would halt the delivery of Yellow Pages books and Cambridge TAB to Cambridge residents who no longer wish to receive them.   Councillor Seidel  Amended

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that the City is actively working with the Alewife neighborhood to provide all necessary information, including any financial resources available to property owners to offset increased insurance costs and/or decreased property values resulting from the revised maps.   Councillor Seidel and Councillor Maher

7. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a status report on the Community Preservation Act funding for this upcoming year, including a list of opportunities for public input into the decision-making process.   Councillor Seidel

8. That Just-A-Start postpone hearings on its Windsor Street project and that Planning Board delay decisions on permit applications for that project until the City Council has come up with recommendations on density and the use of Special Permits.   Councillor Kelley

9. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with relevant officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Resources (DCR) to organize and present a seminar in North Cambridge aimed specifically at Real Estate agents and Real Estate Insurance agents to make them conversant with the implications of the soon-to-be expanded high risk flood zone in various parts of Cambridge.   Councillor Kelley
Failed of Adoption 3-5-1 [Kelley, Maher, Toomey voted YES; Davis, Murphy, Reeves, Seidel, and Simmons voted NO; Decker was ABSENT]

10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department staff to have the City carry out a statistically valid validation program of FEMA’s flood map data.   Councillor Kelley

11. That the Committee on Civic Unity be requested to hold a hearing to discuss how Cambridge, including the Public School System, encourages, manages and utilizes volunteers efforts.   Councillor Kelley

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council at his earliest opportunity with his thoughts about the need for a large scale zoning review for Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to Arlington.   Councillor Kelley

Amended version
12. That the City Manager is requested to convene a special study review task force as soon as feasible to study the threats and opportunities facing North Massachusetts Avenue and to recommend actions and processes to protect its integrity and character into the future and and that this review include zoning, transportation, commercial, residential and other relevant issues.   Councillor Kelley [joined by Maher, Reeves, Seidel, Toomey]

13. That the City Manager is requested to convene a group to celebrate and publicize that Cambridge has been rated the best walking city in the U.S. and to promote even more walking.   Councillor Davis

14. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to send information to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation about how Cambridge is promoting energy efficiency to investigate how Cambridge could become eligible for grant money.   Councillor Davis

15. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the entire City Council about what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.   Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor on legal actions that can be taken against absentee landlords who are becoming a detriment to the neighborhoods they affect.   Councillor Toomey

17. That the matter of the financial crisis at the Cambridge Health Alliance and its future impact on Cambridge residents be referred to the Health and Environment Committee of the City Council.   Councillor Davis

18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Commissioner of Public Works and report back to the City Council on whether or not any plans have been presented to the City of Cambridge regarding possible street closing, a parking plan for construction vehicles, or on any other logistics of the planned construction at the Middlesex Court House.   Councillor Toomey

19. That the City Council refer to the Government Operations and Rules Committee on the issue of the clearance rate of the Cambridge Request System.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 5, 2007 to receive an update on OB/GYN services and the new advisory council at the Windsor Street Health Clinic.

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

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

Tues, Mar 25
3:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the conversion of TV signals from analogue to digital.  (Ackermann Room)
7:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance.  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

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

Wed, Apr 2
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY08-09 budget.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Apr 3
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to insert a new subsection (10) in Article 2.000, in the section entitled "Gross Floor Area" providing that bicycle parking meeting the dimensional requirements of Article 6.000, whether located in a principal use structure, any parking facility for motor vehicles, or in an accessory structure, shall not be included in the calculation of Gross Floor Area. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 8
5:30pm   The Transportation Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issues involving safe routes to school.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, May 5
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting. No public comment. Nov votes will be taken.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, May 13
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to repair the sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue between Temple Street and Prospect Street.

O-2     Mar 17, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The recent travel of a delegation of the municipality of Oeiras, Portugal to the State of Massachusetts and to the City of Cambridge, which welcomes some of the most prestigious American Universities, namely for its particular importance, the University of Harvard and the MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and
WHEREAS: The Municipality of Oeiras, Portugal and the City of Cambridge are, in Portugal and in the United States, lead cities in research and development of new technologies, in biotechnologies and in nanotechnologies; and
WHEREAS: Sister City agreements are a political instrument of the highest importance, which can become a means for the exchange of common experiences, knowledge and the accomplishment of common actions; and
WHEREAS: The present protocol is ruled by the following terms:
WHEREAS: The present protocol has, for an object, a bilateral cooperation agreement which aims to develop a program that is ruled by the following terms (First Term); and
WHEREAS: In the terms of the present protocol, both communities agree to the bilateral promotion of commerce and investment opportunities, as well as the exchange of economic information and the promotion of the interchange between the universities (Second Term); and
WHEREAS: Both communities agree to annually together elaborate a joint plan of action, in the scope of the present protocol, according to both communities’ possibilities (Third Term); and
WHEREAS: Each one of the communities will indicate a person who will be in charge of the execution of the spirit and letter of the present protocol (Fourth Term); and
WHEREAS: Any change or adaptation of the present protocol depends on the agreement of both communities; (Fifth Term); now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the present protocol is effective on the date of its signature and will remain in effect during an indeterminate period, both communities can opt out from the present protocol by sending the other community a written notice of thirty days (Sixth Term).

O-3     Mar 17, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The American Institute of Architects, AIA, is holding its annual convention in Boston from May 14-18, 2008; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is going to be featured prominently with many tours of different parts of the city, from East Cambridge to Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge staff has been terrific in helping to arrange and participate in these tours, which have helped spread the great news about our city to many of the 25,000 who are expected to attend; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to continue to cooperate with the Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the banner application and permitting process and welcome the visiting architects to Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record thanking the staff from the City of Cambridge for their participation.

O-4     Mar 17, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been enriched and built by generations of immigrants; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a proud history as a Sanctuary city, as declared by City Council Order Number 4 of Apr 8, 1985, and reaffirmed by City Council Order Number 16 of May 8, 2006; and
WHEREAS: The residents of the City of Cambridge are renowned as generous, hospitable, and inclusive, living in multicultural communities with neighbors that hail from both across town and across the globe; and
WHEREAS: These residents of Cambridge happily contribute to the shared responsibility of welcoming new community members and treating them with decency and common courtesy, creating a vibrant community; and
WHEREAS: The failure of the U.S. Congress and the White House to enact responsible, sensible, and humane immigration reform has given way to a de facto policy of harsh enforcement measures and has created a vacuum at the state and local level; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to recognizing the humanity in all persons, to raising the level of discourse concerning immigration and to creating public policies that reflect the many contributions that immigrants make in our communities; and
WHEREAS: The politics of division, isolation, and hate that are currently dominating the immigration conversation must end. Cantabrigians, and all people, are deserving of a higher level of discourse that recognizes the basic equality that our country was founded on; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the members of the Cambridge City Council support the principles of the Welcoming Massachusetts Pledge (attached), thereby committing to publicly reject the politics of division that fan anger and hate against any person or community and to work towards just, workable and humane immigration policies that are anchored in America’s finest ideals and core values; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Ms. Maria Elena Letona, Executive Director, Centro Presente, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5     Mar 17, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Phone books of any kind require large amounts of energy to produce, package and distribute; and
WHEREAS: Recycling phone books is also an energy-intensive process; and
WHEREAS: Yellow Pages phone directories have been replaced by internet-based telephone directories for many consumers; and
WHEREAS: Other services have created such mechanisms as "Do Not Call" lists for people who no longer want to receive marketing calls; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine the creation of a local "opt out" list that would halt the delivery of Yellow Pages books and the Cambridge TAB to Cambridge residents who no longer wish to receive them; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with his findings.
ORDERED: That the City Manager's report on how to halt delivery to Cambridge residents of unwanted materials, including the Yellow Pages and the Cambridge TAB be referred to the Health and Environment Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Health and Environment Committee also look into the more general issue of unwanted litter.

O-6     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently revising their Flood Insurance Rate Maps in the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Approximately 160 additional buildings are proposed to be included in the revised flood plan limits in the Alewife area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that the City is actively working with the neighborhood to provide all necessary information, including any financial resources available to property owners to offset increased insurance costs and/or decreased property values resulting from the revised maps; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate departments to review and approve the maps and report to the City Council before the maps are considered by that body.

O-7     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a status report on the Community Preservation Act funding for this upcoming year, including a list of opportunities for public input into the decision-making process.

O-8     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City Council’s housing roundtable on Mar 5 was the start of a longer discussion about the future of housing in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This discussion will be complex and will reflect the City’s concerns about balancing excessive density, lack of privacy and quality of life issues such as on-street parking with the need to desire additional market rate and affordable housing of various bedroom configurations; and
WHEREAS: Just-A-Start Corporation has a Special Permit application to develop 14 units of housing, increasing the Square Footage of an existing building that already far exceeds what the base zoning would allow new construction, on Windsor Street in Cambridge’s Wellington-Harrington area; and
WHEREAS: The Wellington-Harrington area is already one of Cambridge’s densest residential areas; and
WHEREAS: Just-A-Start’s mission of providing affordable housing in Cambridge is a valued one and one that requires a true partnership with Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking Just-A-Start to postpone its various hearings on the Windsor Street project until after the City Council has completed its housing discussion and has come up with recommendations on density and the use of Special Permits to increase density in excess of what would be allowed in the relevant base zoning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking Just-A-Start to postpone its various hearings on the Windsor Street project until after the City Council has completed its housing discussion and has come up with recommendations on density and the use of Special Permits to increase density in excess of what would be allowed in the relevant base zoning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council ask the Planning Board to delay decisions on permit applications for Just-A-Start’s Windsor Street project until after the City Council has completed its housing discussion and has come up with recommendations on density and the use of Special Permits to increase density in excess of what would be allowed in the relevant base zoning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this Order to the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Planning Board and to the Executive Director of Just-A-Start.

O-9     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with relevant officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Resources (DCR) to organize and present a seminar in North Cambridge aimed specifically at Real Estate agents and Real Estate Insurance agents to make them conversant with the implications of the soon-to-be expanded high risk flood zone in various parts of Cambridge.

O-10     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of redrawing the flood maps that impact Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Much of the data used by FEMA was gathered by airplanes and, while accurate overall, may be very inaccurate for any particular property and improperly put that property in the high risk flood zone, with attendant expense insurance results for the property owner; and
WHEREAS: Homeowners may apply for a special exemption from their placement if they can prove FEMA’s data was wrong and they should not be in the high risk flood zone; and
WHEREAS: It costs hundreds of dollars to get the property survey information to challenge the FEMA map; and
WHEREAS: If property owners had a better idea of how accurate the FEMA map elevation data was overall, they would better be able to judge whether it is worth the investment to survey their particular properties to determine whether they can challenge FEMA’s placement of them in the high risk flood zone; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department staff to have the City carry out a statistically valid validation program of FEMA’s flood map data; 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-11     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Volunteers can play an important role in providing important, but hard-to-fund, City services; and
WHEREAS: An effective volunteer program can improve the quality of life for both volunteers and those receiving volunteer programs, as well as help build more neighborhood cohesiveness; now be it
ORDERED: That the Committee on Civic Unity be requested to hold a hearing to discuss how Cambridge, including the Public School System, encourages, manages and utilizes volunteers efforts.

O-12     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The stretch of Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to Arlington is undergoing some dramatic changes in terms of property use; and
WHEREAS: This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue provides a variety of needed services, from housing to restaurants to hardware, for much of Cambridge and that the current zoning allowances may no longer guide development in a way that supports the existence of these services or adequately protects adjacent neighborhoods from the height, massing and parking impacts of dense new projects; and
WHEREAS: Recent development suggestions have required significant variances or other zoning in order to get a building permit; and
WHEREAS: Significant property development proposals are currently in the permitting stage; and
WHEREAS: There is an ongoing study of development issues in the area near Porter Square; and
WHEREAS: The need to study these issues extends far beyond Porter Square: now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to give the City Council an update on the ongoing review process for this area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council at his earliest opportunity with his thoughts about the need for a large scale zoning review for Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to Arlington.

O-12     Mar 17, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard Square and Arlington is one of the City's distinctive street and square-scapes; and
WHEREAS: Many pressures are impinging on the character, scale, and uses of this urban zone; and
WHEREAS: No comprehensive study of the development of this area has been carried out for more than 15 years; and
WHEREAS: Recent development proposals have or will require significant variances from the appropriate zoning regulations, resulting in effective Spot Zoning that is detrimental to long term planning for appropriate us; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a special study review task force as soon as feasible to study the threats and opportunities facing North Massachusetts Avenue and to recommend actions and processes to protect its integrity and character into the future; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that this special study review task force represent the diverse nature of current, future and potential users of North Massachusetts Avenue and that this review include zoning, transportation, commercial, residential and other relevant issues.

O-13     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Cambridge has been rated the best walking city in the U.S. by Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a group to celebrate and publicize this great honor and to promote even more walking.

O-14     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: A new federal law authorizes $10 billion in grant money through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to address global warming on a community level; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council contact the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to urge appropriation of the necessary funds for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program in the FY 2009 Federal budget; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to send information to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation about how Cambridge is promoting energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases, providing alternative transportation options and other appropriate efforts, and also tell the delegation how Cambridge can use the EECBG to contribute to the quality of life in the city; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate how Cambridge could become eligible for grant money, and report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-15     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the entire City Council about what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.

O-16     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City needs to hold absentee landlords responsible for the upkeep of their property and for the safety of tenants and neighbors; and
WHEREAS: Any landlord who fails to keep their building up to code can have a negative effect on quality of life for their tenants and neighbors; and
WHEREAS: The City has the power to enforce city ordinances and state building code regulations; now therefore be it;
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor on legal actions that can be taken against absentee landlords who are becoming a detriment to the neighborhoods they affect.

O-17     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the matter of the financial crisis at the Cambridge Health Alliance and its future impact on Cambridge residents be referred to the Health and Environment Committee of the City Council.

O-18     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Commissioner of Public Works and report back to the City Council on whether or not any plans have been presented to the City of Cambridge regarding possible street closing, a parking plan for construction vehicles, or on any other logistics of the planned construction at the Middlesex Court House.

O-19     Mar 17, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council refer to the Government Operations and Rules Committee on the issue of the clearance rate of the Cambridge Request System.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Dec 5, 2007, beginning at six o’clock and ten minutes P.M. in the Pisani Center (CHA), 131 Washington Street, Cambridge, MA. The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update on OB/GYN services and the new advisory council at the Windsor Street Health Clinic.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker and City Clerk Margaret Drury. Present from the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA or "the Alliance") were Donna Fox, Vice President for Government Affairs; Dr. David Osler, Medical Director for Ambulatory Care; and Linda Borodkin, Performance Improvement, CHA; Dr. Rich Fernandes, CHA; Dr. Meyer, Windsor Street Clinic, CHA; Kimberly Sansoucy, Director, Cambridge Women’s Commission; Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place, former director of the Women’s Commission; Alison Handy, Margaret Fuller House; Michael Buckley, Community Relations, CHA; Tina Alu, CEOC; and Ethel Delgado, 35 Newtowne Court.

Councillor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She stated that she believes tremendous progress has been made and invited the Alliance staff to report to the committee. Ms Fox provided an update on OB/GYN services.

Ms Fox stated that Dr. Patrick Sabia would be starting to provide one session per week of OB/GYN services at Windsor Street, beginning the week of Jan 8, 2008. In addition, the Alliance is in the process of recruiting two new family medicine physicians for the Windsor Street Clinic. Ms. Fox reported that the Alliance has been working with the community to recruit members for the new advisory committee.

With regard to other issues raised at the prior Health and Environment meetings, Ms. Fox reported the following information. Lack of a parking space was the major reason for the oral surgeon’s move from Windsor Street to the Assembly Square clinic. The Alliance is working to try to solve that problem. With regard to the mental health issues raised, Ms. Fox said that there are 12 clinicians with a mental health specialty for Hispanic patients, and there are also English-speaking clinicians. Some patients may need to be referred. Dr. Barnes, the psychopharmacologist will be leaving the Windsor Street Clinic for personal reasons, another example of the staff fluctuations, which are a regular part of all workplaces. Ms. Fox added that the Alliance has had some feedback that there is a need to make the mental health services more customer friendly, and there have been several meetings and discussion of this issue.

Ms. Fox then moved to transportation issues. The Alliance is committed to ensuring that every patient who needs a cab voucher for transportation to other Health Alliance sites gets a voucher. The suggestion to include the Windsor Clinic as a shuttle stop received a good deal of favorable response and has been referred to the ongoing transportation planning process. She expects a decision early in 2008. Finally, the Alliance has established an ad hoc Women’s Health Committee. Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director of CEOC and Kimberly Sansouci, Executive Director of the Women’s Commission, are both members of this committee, as is Dr. David Osler. One area the committee is addressing is how to better integrate family planning services with primary care. CEOC is a partner in the process of looking at options in this area. The committee has not yet addressed midwife issues but does intend to do so.

Before the committee moved to the issue of the new advisory committee, Councillor Decker invited questions and discussion about the area of services at Windsor Street Clinic.

In response to questions from Ethel Delgado about Dr. Sabia’s schedule, the committee learned that Dr. Sabia will have a fluctuating schedule for his one session per week. In January, he will typically be there on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. His Windsor Clinic patients will have emergency access to him at the Union Square Clinic in Somerville. In February, some of his sessions will be afternoon sessions. He will not have evening sessions because he has evening sessions at Union Square. Dr. Fernandes said that the long-term plan for when the two family doctors are hired is to have morning afternoon and evening sessions at the Windsor Street Clinic. Tina Alu, CEOC, said that she has been having difficulties referring pregnant Windsor Clinic patients to other Alliance sites. She stated that a staff person at the Windsor Street Clinic should be coordinating these referrals.

Concerns were raised about the future of midwife services at the Windsor Clinic. Nancy Ryan asked how a woman who has a family doctor at the Windsor Clinic is going to learn about midwife services. Until this summer there were two midwives who practiced out of the Windsor Street Clinic. Kim Sansouci asked whether midwives could practice at the Windsor if the medical staff included family doctors but not OB/GYN doctors. Ms. Delgado asked whether the Alliance could adjust its rules to allow midwives to practice under the license of family doctors as well as OB/GYN doctors. Ms. Fox stated that this is a good question, and it needs to be discussed with practitioners. Dr. Osler said that he agrees that this conversation needs to take place. He said that he would put together a process to look at the midwife issue.

Councillor Decker thanked him and said that midwives and accompanying dula services are so culturally appropriate for this community. The debate is not whether a family doctor can do the work that was previously done at the Windsor; it is about related losses and making the same services available. She wants to make sure that Windsor Street Clinic patients have as much access to midwifery services as middle class women who choose the Alliance’s Birth Center. She asked Dr. Osler to get back to her about the midwife issue, either personally or through Ms. Fox.

Councillor Decker asked what other services are not available when family doctors staff the clinic and there is no OB/GYN on staff. Dr. Meyer said that an OB/GYN doctor could provide services for more complicated pregnancies. Dr. Fernandes said that he would provide a comparison of the services that OB/GYN physicians and family physicians provide.

The committee then heard from Linda Borodkin, who is coordinating the establishment and operation of the Windsor Street Clinic advisory council. The council will begin meeting in January. There are currently six members; the goal is 15 members, balanced in many aspects of diversity, including language, to provide as many perspectives as possible. The first meeting is scheduled for Tues, Jan 8, 2008, 6:30pm at the Windsor Street Clinic.

Councillor Decker said that she wants to be sure that when decisions like eliminating OB/GYN services happen in the future, there will first be a conversation with the advisory council. Several community members have raised this issue with her. Alison Hardy also noted that many people have asked her whether the council would have enough impact to justify the time membership would entail. Dr. Fernandes said that he definitely wants to be part of the council and to use the council as a policy advisory group.

Councillor Decker commended the Cambridge Health Alliance for taking this exciting step of really using the consumer as a partner. She thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair

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

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

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

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

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

08-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report how many children with IEP’s receive out of school assistance either written or not written into their plans.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-5)

08-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: how many children with special needs or IEP’s DHSP is making accommodations for in the after-school programs.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-9)

08-27. Report from the City Manager:  See City Mgr #1
RE: how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be presented and explained to the public and what the protocol will be for making complaints.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-10)

08-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on regulations concerning where bicycles may be locked and how the City is currently enforcing those regulations when bicycles are not clearly abandoned.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-16)

08-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how section 3.32 of the zoning code has been interpreted to allow Usable Open Space to be situated on any part of a lot regardless of underlying zoning requirements for any specific portion of the lot.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-17)

08-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: review relevant City streets with "do not enter" restrictions for where and how cyclists might be better accommodated by making the restrictions apply only to motor vehicles.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-18)

08-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of on-street parking permit restrictions applied to the residents of Harvard’s new construction in Riverside and what sort of permutations of this type of parking-restricted development could be used elsewhere in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-19)

08-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the policies regarding City vehicles parking in specially designated parking spots or street zones.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-20)

08-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: commence traffic and parking enforcement on Museum Way and North Point Boulevard and time frame of when these streets will be fully handed over to the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-21)

08-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plan to improve and maintain the MLK Plaza, the pocket park on Franklin Street and the Central Square Branch Library and the Manning Apartments.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-22)

08-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Rodent Task Force.
Councillor Reeves 03/03/08 (O-30)

08-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the decision of the Appellate Tax Board that telecommunication companies are now taxable on poles and wires and the impact to Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey & Mayor Simmons 03/03/08 (O-32)