Cambridge City Council meeting – March 20, 2006 – AGENDA
RECONSIDERATION
1. Vice Mayor Toomey notified the City Clerk of his intention to move reconsideration of the vote taken on March 6, 2006 adopting the recommendations of City Manager Item Number Eight of February 6, 2006 relative to a request from Spaudling & Slye to name fourteen streets at North Point.
TABLED 6-0-3
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2006 and ending March 31, 2007.
March 20, 2006
To the Honorable, the City Council:RECOMMENDATIONS
That the City Council approve the following block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2006 and ending March 31, 2007. The City administration and City Council continue to recognize that it is important to mitigate the effects of water and sewer increases both for FY07 and future fiscal years as much as possible. This recommendation calls for a 3.9% increase in water rates and an 8.1% increase in sewer rates. Overall, consumers will see a 6.6% increase in their annual water / sewer bill.It is important to emphasize that the rate increases in all three categories are substantially below the rate increases projected for FY07 when these recommendations were submitted to the City in March, 2005. At that time, projected FY07 rate increases for water, sewer and combined were 4.8%, 11.2%, and 9.1% respectively. This is despite the fact that the FY07 estimated MWRA assessment is scheduled to increase by $1,904,022, or 12.1% as opposed to the projected increase of $799,373, or 5%, in last year’s letter. This increase is partially offset by reductions in the Sewer operating and capital budgets.
The water rate increase is attributable to salary and benefit increases for Water Department employees as well as additional energy costs related to the operation of the water plant. Although debt service costs continue to decline, funds available to offset the rate increase from the Water Fund balance also continue to decline.
The sewer rate increase is a result of two factors: an increase in the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) assessment and increased debt service costs. The MWRA assessment is projected to increase by 12.1%, from $15.8 million to $17.7 million for FY07. This is a dramatic increase; MWRA assessment increases have averaged 1.0% during the past three years. In February 2006, the City issued $10.2 million in bonds to finance several sewer reconstruction projects throughout the City. The annual debt service costs attributable to these bonds contribute to the rate increase.
| Annual Consumption |
FY06 Water Rate |
FY07 Proposed Water Rate |
FY06 Sewer Rate |
FY07 Proposed Sewer Rate |
|
| Block 1 | 0 – 40 CcF | $2.73 | $2.84 | $5.96 | $6.44 |
| Block 2 | 41 – 400 CcF | $2.94 | $3.05 | $6.31 | $6.82 |
| Block 3 | 401 – 2,000 CcF | $3.11 | $3.23 | $6.77 | $7.32 |
| Block 4 | 2,001 – 10,000 CcF | $3.31 | $3.44 | $7.30 | $7.89 |
| Block 5 | Over 10,000 CcF | $3.58 | $3.72 | $7.76 | $8.39 |
* All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons.
BACKGROUND
In March of each year, the City Council establishes water and sewer rates, which determine water and sewer revenues for the next fiscal year. Because of the timing requirements, water and sewer rates are set prior to the adoption of both the Cambridge budget and MWRA budget; therefore, revenue needs are based upon estimated expenditures. Historically, water and sewer rates have been established so that revenues generated by them, when combined with other revenue sources, cover projected annual costs. It is important to note that the rate increases in all three categories are substantially below the average annual increases for the past five years. The average annual increases for these categories for the FY02-06 period were as follows: Water, 4.2%; Sewer, 9.9%; and Combined, 7.8%.
WATER
Beginning seven fiscal years ago (2000) and continuing for the next several years, a portion of the fund balance from the Water Fund is used to offset increases in the operation of the Water Department. In FY07, the fund balance support will decrease $500,000, from the FY06 level of $1,650,000 to $1,150,000, and will continue to gradually decline over the next four years due to projected decreases in the Water Fund balance. This coincides with the decrease in the water debt service of $510,115 in FY07. By using $1,150,000 from the fund balance in FY07, the City is able to set the water rate at a level that is below the average of the last five years. If allocations from the fund balance were not available to offset a portion of the Water Fund expenditures, the rate would be significantly higher. As Table 3 on page 5 indicates, the total Water budget increased slightly from $18,459,000 in FY06 to $18,652,160 in FY07, a one percent increase. The decrease in debt service has offset increases in the capital and operating budgets. Increases are due to salary and benefit increases, energy increases, and an additional $100,000 allocated for capital improvements. Table 3 on page 5 indicates the details of Water Fund projected revenues and expenditures for the years 2006 to 2011. Table 6 on page 8 shows actual Water Fund balances for FY01-05 and the projected balance for FY06.
SEWER
Although the Sewer operating and capital budgets have decreased from their FY06 levels, a projected 12.1% increase in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) assessment (after average annual increases of 1.0% in the last three years) as well as a debt service increase related to the February 2006 bond sale will require an 8.1% increase in the sewer rate. The increase in the MWRA assessment is due to rising energy and utility costs, higher interest costs on MWRA debt, additional health insurance costs for MWRA employees, and changes in public health and environmental requirements that increase overall spending costs for the MWRA. As mentioned above, this increase is lower than the rate that was projected for FY07 in last year’s letter and reflects the City’s continuing effort to control water and sewer rate increases. The 12.1% increase in the MWRA assessment is responsible for approximately 71% of the total rate increase. It should be noted that the MWRA assessment and debt service on sewer bonds account for 91% of the total Sewer budget. The Sewer operating budget is slightly below its FY06 level while the capital allocation has been reduced $300,000 from its FY06 level of $1,200,000. However, unlike the Water budget, sewer revenues are credited to the General Fund and not to a separate Proprietary Fund that can be drawn upon if the need arises.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
The debt service increase is primarily attributable to the following sewer projects that were included in the February, 2006 bond issue: Fresh Pond, Cherry Street/South Massachusetts Avenue, Agassiz, Harvard Square, Porter Square, Cambridgeport, Fresh Pond Reservation Drainage, Inflow/Infiltration projects, and common manhole removal projects. Since May of 1998 the City Council has authorized $202,915,000 for water and sewer capital projects in the Capital Budget process. This impressive investment in our water and sewer systems represents significant progress towards ensuring that Cambridge will continue to benefit throughout the century from a healthy and environmentally sound water and sewer system. In addition to the projects currently underway, the five-year capital plan calls for an additional investment of approximately $59,466,985 (primarily sewer, $53,946,985) in the water and sewer systems. It is important to note that this amount has been adjusted downward from the amounts shown in previous capital plans in the continuing effort to control rate increases. The additional funds for water will be used mainly for improvements to the distribution and transmission system, engineering and program development, and improvements to the watershed. Sewer improvements are projected to continue in the following areas: Cherry Street / South Massachusetts Avenue; Agassiz Neighborhood; Fresh Pond; Cambridgeport; Harvard Square, Fresh Pond Reservation; and the continued elimination of common manholes throughout the City.
During the past decade, the State has made substantial contributions to the City’s water and sewer capital improvement program through the State Revolving Loan Program. In FY06, state subsidies covered $2,778,111, or 13.3% of the total debt service of $20,966,055. It is expected that the City will continue to receive State subsidies on existing debt. The FY07-11 capital plan includes several projects that may be eligible for subsidized loans from the State. At this time, it is not certain that these projects will receive state subsidies. In order to proceed with the projects while restricting the growth of the sewer rate, the original five-year plan for sewer projects has been extended since the total debt service on the loans will be covered through the sewer service charge. If state subsidies become available to the City, they will be used to lower the sewer rate in future years. Table 4 on page 6 shows the detail of sewer-related expenditures for FY06-11.
Table 1 below summarizes the increase in water and sewer metered revenue, while Table 2 presents the estimated average charge to residential water/sewer bills.
TABLE 1
Combined Water / Sewer Metered Revenue
| FY06 Revised | FY07 Projected | % Change | |
| Water | $15,100,000 | $15,684,905 | 3.9% |
| Sewer | $29,400,000 | $31,771,146 | 8.1% |
| Combined Water/Sewer Revenue | $44,500,000 | $47,456,051 | 6.6% |
TABLE 2
Average Change to Combined Water and Sewer Residential Bills
| Residential Type | FY06 | FY07 Projected | Annual Variance | % Change |
| Single Family | $742 | $791 | $49 | 6.6% |
| Two Family | $1,028 | $1,096 | $68 | 6.6% |
| Three Family | $1,501 | $1,600 | $99 | 6.6% |
SENIOR DISCOUNT PROGRAM
There are currently 2,804 homeowners who qualify for the age 65+ water / sewer 15% discount (not to exceed $90 annually), which is not tied to the homeowners’ income. There are also 113 elderly homeowners who qualify for an income-based discount of 30% (not to exceed $180 annually). To qualify for the 30% discount, a homeowner must be 65 or older and must have been granted the Clause 41C elderly real estate exemption. For FY06, the income guidelines are as follows: single, income of $20,000 with assets of $40,000; married, income of $30,000 and assets not to exceed $55,000.
FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR RATES
Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 contain five-year forecasts for water, sewer, and combined revenue estimates as well as Water Fund Balances for the past five years and the projected FY06 fund balance. As can be seen in Table 5, the annual combined water / sewer rate is projected to increase by an average of approximately 6.7% for FY07-11. The projected increase is the result of the City’s infrastructure improvement program, increases in the MWRA assessment (based on estimates received from the MWRA) of 4.6-13% in FY08-11, and the elimination of subsidies for new State Revolving Fund loans. If increases in the MWRA assessment are more in line with the 1.0% average annual increase for the past three years and subsidies for new State Revolving Fund loans are funded, the rate increases that are shown will be lowered.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2006:
Leonard Nortey
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Conservation Commission for a three year term to expire March 15, 2009:
Lyndsey H. Colburn
David S. Kaplan
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-08, regarding a report on the status of Community Policing efforts.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-24, regarding a report on recent violence in North Cambridge.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-20, regarding a report on concerns raised by residents with respect to surveillance of the new water meters.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-19, regarding a report on the proposed reductions by the MBTA in Cambridge.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board findings with reference to the annual Town Gown reporting.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $19,827 in additional municipal access fees to the General Fund Cable Television Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide additional payments to Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Cambridge being selected as the Accessible America 2005 grand prize award winner, and recognizes Cambridge as a national model for its focus on disability issues and for its successful design of programs, services and facilities.
CHARTER RIGHT - KELLEY
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-22, regarding whether there is funding for the Girls Ice Hockey.
REFERRED BACK TO CITY MANAGER
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $1,300,000 contribution from Harvard University to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Equipment to support the Harvard Square Enhancement Project.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from James Rafferty, requesting relocation of an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 16 Hadley Street (corner of 2055 Massachusetts Avenue); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. Developer/contractor is responsible for all work related to this application. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Applications and Petitions Number One of March 6, 2006.
- ADOPTED 6-1-2 (Kelley NO; Murphy, Reeves ABSENT)
ON THE TABLE
2. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.
3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006 on Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005. [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.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Il Panino Express, requesting permission for five tables and fifteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 1001 Massachusetts Avenue.
2. An application was received from Rosie’s Bakery, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1796 Massachusetts Avenue.
3. An application was received from Beauty Spa, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1766 Massachusetts Avenue.
4. Approval of constable bond surety received from Walker C. Farrar, Jr.
5. An application was received from Classic Tuxedo, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 2 Bow Street.
6. A petition was received from Eileen Woodford et al. (Tobin-Danehy Zoning Petition) requesting amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to rezone an area currently zoned Residence C-1A to Residence C in the area of Bay State Road, Fern, Field, New, Birch Streets and Concord Avenue.
7. An application was received from C.W. Taekwondo, requesting permission for an awning and three permanent banners at the premises numbered 600R Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.
8. An application was received from Kabloom Cambridge, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1668 Massachusetts Avenue.
9. An application was received from Boloco, requesting permission for two tables and four chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 71 Mount Auburn Street.
10. An application was received from Grafton Street Pub & Grill, requesting permission for six tables and eighteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered One Bow Street.
11. An application was received from Temple Bar & Grille, requesting permission for four tables and sixteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 1688 Massachusetts Avenue.
12. Approval of constable bond surety received from Charles Durrah.
13. An application was received from Carriage House Salon & Spa, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 31 Church Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding insulating round metal covers and all metal street covers leading in to the underground electrical works.
2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Cambridge on the cutting edge.
3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding the City Council’s image.
4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding First Amendment Violation and Cambridge Health Alliance.
5. A communication was received from Robert J. LaTrémouille, objecting to the City Manager’s project in the northeast area of the Fresh Pond Reservation off Concord Avenue.
6. A communication was received from the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee, regarding the curb cut at 16 Hadley Street (corner of 2055 Massachusetts Avenue).
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Stella (Boczenowski) Babajtis. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Paul Benjamin Beal. Councillor Sullivan
3. Resolution on the death of Josephine G. Shediac. Councillor Sullivan
4. Resolution on the death of Lillian O. (Blouin) Gagne. Councillor Sullivan
5. Resolution on the death of Marie Noella (Gelly) Moser. Councillor Sullivan
6. Resolution on the death of John Francis Smith. Councillor Sullivan
7. Resolution on the death of Louis A. Vazza. Councillor Sullivan
8. Resolution on the death of John L. Blais. Councillor Galluccio
9. Resolution on the death of Ivan A. Selman. Councillor Galluccio
10. Resolution on the death of Florence M. (Gouthro) Vieno. Vice Mayor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Stephen F. Curran Jr. Councillor Sullivan
12. Resolution on the death of Joseph F. McCafferty. Councillor Sullivan
13. Resolution on the death of Florence Kreager Menzel. Councillor Sullivan
14. Congratulations to the Disabilities Commission on the occasion of winning the 5th annual Accessible America Contest. Mayor Reeves
15. Congratulations to the Area IV Book Scholarship Recipients. Mayor Reeves
16. Congratulations to Tom Moore, Community Boating Program Director, on being awarded the US Sailing Association Award for Outstanding Director of a Seasonal Program. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
17. Retirement of Marion Galvin from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Reeves
18. Retirement of Nanette Glenny from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Reeves
19. Best wishes to the Massachusetts Bar Association on the occasion of their 2006 Annual Conference. Councillor Sullivan
20. Best wishes to Millers River on the occasion of their Annual Spring Bazaar to be held on April 22, 2006. Vice Mayor Toomey
21. Thanks to the Information Technology Department and the Municipal Cable Office on the City Live-City Council Webcast. Councillor Sullivan
22. Happy 20th Anniversary to the North Cambridge Senior Center. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
23. Remembrance of Mel Stillman on the occasion of a dedication in his honor at the Charlestown District Court. Councillor Galluccio
24. Resolution on the death of Anthony R. Cota Jr. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
25. Resolution on the death of Ruth D. (Reed) Gore. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Reeves
26. Resolution on the death of Vincenza "Tina" (Rinaldi) Grenier. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
27. Resolution on the death of Leo J. Lavertu. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
28. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Dwayne Lewis. Councillor Decker
29. Resolution on the death of Specialist Clay Farr. Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Humble. Councillor Decker
31. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Pearce. Councillor Decker
32. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher Schornak. Councillor Decker
33. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Benjamin Schuster. Councillor Decker
34. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal John Thorton. Councillor Decker
35. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Joshua Youmans. Councillor Decker
36. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Dimitri Muscat. Councillor Decker
37. Resolution on the death of Private Joshua Powers. Councillor Decker
38. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Kevin Jessen. Councillor Decker
39. Resolution on the death of lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. Councillor Decker
40. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher Merchant. Councillor Decker
41. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Tina Priest. Councillor Decker
42. Resolution on the death of Corporal Adam Zanutto. Councillor Decker
43. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Ricky Salas Jr. Councillor Decker
44. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant Justin Martone. Councillor Decker
45. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant John Fry. Councillor Decker
46. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Bunny Long. Councillor Decker
47. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Kristen Figueroa. Councillor Decker
48. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Cammy Fournier. Councillor Sullivan
49. Congratulations to Pamela Besold on her promotion to Boston Police Detective. Councillor Simmons
50. Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Emblem Club on the occasion of their installation. Councillor Sullivan
51. Congratulations to the newly elected members of the Millers River Tenant Council. Vice Mayor Toomey
52. Congratulations to Kyra Alessandra Toomey on the occasion of her modeling debut. Vice Mayor Toomey
53. Get well wishes to former City Councillor Thomas Coates and thanks for his service to the residents of Cambridge. Councillor Sullivan
54. Best wishes to the Knights of Columbus Cambridge Council #74 and the Knights of Columbus Cambridge Council #269 on their joint family Communion Breakfast to be held on March 29, 2006 at 11:00am at the Mount Vernon Restaurant in Somerville. Councillor Sullivan
55. Urge all residents to be cognizant of and participate in the Annual Knights of Columbus Cambridge Council #74 Memorial Mass to be held on Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 10:00am at St. Peter’s Church, 100 Concord Avenue, Cambridge. Councillor Sullivan
56. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Phil Wilson, Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute, and thanks for his hard work and dedication to ensuring that all people have access to HIV/AIDS prevention information. Mayor Reeves
57. Thanks to all public servants as May 1-7, 2006 is Public Service Recognition Week. Mayor Reeves
58. Urge seniors to take advantage of the open enrollment for Prescription Advantage, the Commonwealth’s pharmacy assistance program for seniors on March 15-28, 2006. Mayor Reeves
59. Congratulations to the Community Art Center and the Teen Media Program on winning the President’s Committee on the Arts Coming Up Taller Award. Councillor Sullivan
60. Welcome to the National President of the Emblem Club. Councillor Sullivan
61. Congratulations to the Emblem Club on their 60th Anniversary on May 6, 2006. Councillor Sullivan
62. Get well wishes to Dante Angalucci. Councillor Sullivan
63. Resolution on the death of Anna McCarthy. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
64. Urge residents to be cognizant of the Seventh Annual Elder Fair hosted by the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Powderhouse Community School in Somerville. Vice Mayor Toomey
65. Resolution on the death of Ercole Accardi. Councillor Galluccio
66. Resolution on the death of Anna M. MacCabe. Councillor Galluccio
67. Resolution on the death of Edward Costa. Councillor Sullivan
68. Resolution on the death of Jennie M. (Zona) Mangano. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
69. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. (Kelley) Desmond. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
70. Resolution on the death of Catherine (Sigalos) Percy. Councillor Sullivan
71. Resolution on the death of Margaret (Nadelli) Portanova. Councillor Sullivan
72. Resolution on the death of Sylvia V. (Wing) Doolin. Councillor Sullivan
73. Resolution on the death of Joseph R. Hamilton. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
74. Resolution on the death of Thomas Bracey. Councillor Sullivan
75. Resolution on the death of John F. Darcy. Councillor Sullivan
76. Resolution on the death of Anna B. (Balunas) Dargis. Councillor Sullivan
77. Congratulations to Anne Marie and Robert W. Healy, Jr. on the birth of their third son, Brendan Patrick Healy, on March 17, 2006. Councillor Sullivan
78. Resolution on the death of Gertrude V. (Cummiskey) Sullivan. Councillor Sullivan
79. Reminder to all residents that Street Cleaning begins on April 1, 2006. Vice Mayor Toomey
80. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the Civil Service Firefighter examination to be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Vice Mayor Toomey
81. Resolution on the death of Manuel F. Moniz. Vice Mayor Toomey
82. Resolution on the death of Karen A. (Sullivan) Langan. Councillor Galluccio
83. Best wishes to The Crittenton Women's Union, a new non-profit organization which will result from the merger of the two historic, Boston-based non-profits, The Women's Union and Crittenton. Councillor Sullivan
84. Happy 150th Anniversary to St. Patrick's Church in Natick. Councillor Sullivan
85. Congratulations to the Cambridge Police Department honorees at the May 25, 2006 fourth annual awards ceremony honoring men and women of the Cambridge Police who have excelled in the year 2005. Councillor Sullivan
86. Best wishes to CLW, Inc. on the occasion of its Third Annual CLW Award Night Celebration. Councillor Sullivan
87. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the 10th Annual Doug Pollander Basketball Tournament. Councillor Sullivan
88. Welcome to former Virginia Governor Mark Warner to Cambridge and congratulations on the occasion of receiving the Leadership Award from the Harvard College Democrats. Councillor Sullivan
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to amend inclusionary zoning to provide units appropriately sized for families with children. Councillor Davis and Mayor Reeves
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with and instruct all appropriate city staff who may be involved in the potential permitting process and development of the self-storage site across from the Armory, including the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development, to conduct and assist with a community meeting on April 11, 2006 at 6:30pm at the Tobin School. Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Sullivan
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of the Rindge School of Technical Arts, the Assistant City Manager for Human Services, the Golf Pro and others to inquire as to the feasibility of having RSTA take over the running of the restaurant at the golf course. Councillor Sullivan
4. That the City Manager instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to replace the street sign at the corner of Howard Street and Kinnaird Street. Mayor Reeves
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to develop a procedure where residents who have not renewed their resident parking stickers are notified that they have not renewed their resident parking sticker before an additional ticket is placed on their vehicle. Councillor Sullivan
6. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway and take the necessary steps to control speeding and the illegal use of trucks on the road in an effort to ensure pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety. Councillor Sullivan
7. Commitment to The National League of Cities Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities which supports cities and towns in their commitment to building more inclusive communities in cities and towns. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy
8. That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of Grant Street and DeWolfe Street in honor of James Clark Brennan. Councillor Decker
9. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to work in coordination with the Cambridge School Department or other agency to survey sixth and seventh grade students and/or their families to find out what type of after-school programs they are most interested in and that this information be used to formulate strategies for appropriate programs for this age group. Councillor Simmons
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Municipal Cable Office and the Public Information Officer to provide a public service announcement and other public information warning residents about the "jury duty" scam. Councillor Sullivan
11. That the City Manager is requested to publicize what the City and the Department of Public Health are doing in preparation for an avian flu pandemic. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis and Councillor Kelley
12. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the preparation of an amendment to the Municipal Code to ban leaf blowers in Cambridge. Councillor Davis and Vice Mayor Toomey
13. That the City Council meeting scheduled for April 10, 2006 be and hereby is cancelled. Mayor Reeves
14. That the City Council go on record supporting the extension of the comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Aberjona River Flood Mitigation Program, Town of Winchester. Councillor Davis
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation about the City’s plans to significantly limit right turns on red lights. Councillor Kelley
16. That the School Committee is requested to provide the City Council with information on the status of emergency response plans for the Cambridge public schools in the event of a natural or human-made disaster. Councillor Kelley
17. That the Zoning Ordinance be amended to change the language "useable open space" to "private open space" throughout the Zoning Ordinance. Councillor Davis
18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City Department Heads to hold a meeting with residents to discuss the construction near the Buckingham Browne & Nichols. Mayor Reeves
- WITHDRAWN
19. Support of the Electronic Product Producer Responsibility Bill (H-3238) which requires manufacturers who sell electronic products in Massachusetts to participate in a system for their collection and recycling which would reduce the costs to cities and towns. Councillor Davis
20. Dedication of an appropriate playground in honor of Regina Antoine. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey
21. That the City Manager draft a letter addressed to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on behalf of the City Council urging the delegation to work to preserve local franchising ability for cable television and protecting local ability to offer broadband services. Councillor Davis
22. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to prepare information and a presentation on the number of families with children and if that has changed and it is predicted to change in the coming years. Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons
23. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to add to the Points of Safety Program a restriction on bicycling on the sidewalk and parking in bicycle lanes. Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Toomey
24. That the City Council go on record urging the BZA to allow whatever time is necessary for issues to be fully resolved before it makes a final decision on variance requests for the Blessed Sacrament site. Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis
25. That the City Manager is requested to address identity theft issues and that the City ensure that in none of its own operations such as in offering personnel benefits, that Social Security numbers are used to identify individuals and to contact the Cambridge Housing Authority and request that the Housing Authority refrain from using Social Security numbers as identifying information for payment of rent. Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on March 9, 2006 for the purpose of discussing the Harvard University Cowperthwaite construction site.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held on March 8, 2006 to review what the committee previously discussed and to set an agenda for the committee.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee that the Superintendent provide the City Council information on reading levels for the March 27, 2006 roundtable meeting.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 21
6:00pm The Health and Environment Committee and Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a joint public meeting for an update on and discussion of the Urban Ring transportation project and its effects on Cambridge. (Morse Auditorium, 40 Granite St)
Wed, Mar 22
8:30am The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will continue discussions on issues as they relate to neighborhoods including, but not limit to, neighborhood study updates, demographics preliminary feasibility and how it affects families, seniors, schools and work force training. (Sullivan Chamber)
11:00am The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss the city’s actions with regard to affirmative action and diversity training. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 27
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting. Discussion with the School Committee on the School budget and related issues. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 29
4:30pm The Finance and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committees will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss Cambridge owning and operating its own municipal power company. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 30
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the Police Departments traffic enforcement plan for Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 4
3:00pm The Human Services Committee will conduct a a public meeting to discuss youth programming for youth centers. (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
Thurs, Apr 6
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the cost of municipal energy including city services and the school department. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 12
9:30am Special City Council Roundtable Meeting - A facilitated workshop on housing policy. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 26
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on re-filed proposal by the Planning Board to rezone the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 2
10:00am The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on Trolley Square and other affordable housing projects in the pipeline; to discuss the selection process for residents for affordable housing and to discuss the social service needs of tenants in private affordable housing developments. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss wind turbines and energy conservation. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 3
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 9
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 11
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 School Department Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 18
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget. (IF NECESSARY) (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 22
4:00pm 2006 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 7
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to amend inclusionary zoning to provide units appropriately sized for families with children; and be it further
ORDERED: That the proposed amendment be provided to the City Council for its consideration no later than May 1, 2006.
O-2 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with and instruct all appropriate city staff who may be involved in the potential permitting process and development of the self storage site across from the Armory, including the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development, to conduct and assist with a community meeting on April 11, 2006 at 6:30pm at the Tobin School.
O-3 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Tip O’Neill Golf Course has a restaurant that has not been in service for a couple of years; and
WHEREAS: An operating restaurant would be an added amenity to the golf course; and
WHEREAS: The Rindge School of Technical Arts Program of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has a culinary arts program with a great faculty and talented students; and
WHEREAS: These students would benefit from some additional practical experience; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of the Rindge School of Technical Arts, the Assistant City Manager for Human Services, the Golf Pro and others to inquire as to the feasibility of having RSTA take over the running of the restaurant at the golf course.
O-4 March 20, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to replace the street sign at the corner of Howard Street and Kinnaird Street.
O-5 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to develop a procedure where residents who have not renewed their resident parking stickers are notified that they have not renewed their resident parking sticker before an additional ticket is placed on their vehicle.
O-6 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway and take the necessary steps to control speeding and the illegal use of trucks on the road in an effort to ensure pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety.
O-7 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed to inclusion as a fundamental aspect of our community; and
WHEREAS: Cities and towns are the best place to make inclusiveness an everyday priority; and
WHEREAS: Local elected officials can and should lead the way forward in making inclusiveness a priority in America’s cities and towns; and
WHEREAS: The National League of Cities has designed the Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities to support cities and towns in their commitment to inclusion; and
WHEREAS: The National League of Cities and its members believe an inclusive community promotes equal opportunity and fairness; and
WHEREAS: That National League of Cities and its members believe an inclusive community promotes citizen participation and engagement; and
WHEREAS: National League of Cities President James C. Hunt, councilmember, Clarksburg, West Virginia, has invited local officials to join the Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive communities and to make a commitment to building more inclusive communities in their own cities and towns; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge hereby reaffirms our commitment to inclusion as a fundamental aspect of our community, pledges active efforts to seek to achieve that goal, and urges all citizens of Cambridge to join together to support this effort; and be it further
RESOLVED: That Cambridge joins the Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities; 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 Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-8 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of Grant Street and DeWolfe Street in honor of James Clark Brennan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for a sign.
O-9 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to work in coordination with the Cambridge School Department or other agency to survey sixth and seventh grade students and/or their families to find out what type of after school programs they are most interested in and that this information be used to formulate strategies for appropriate programs for this age group; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-10 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Municipal Cable Office and the Public Information Officer to prepare a public service announcement and other public information warning residents about the "jury duty" scam; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Police Commissioner be and hereby is requested to inform residents at the community meetings.
O-11 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to publicize and report back to the City Council what the City and the Department of Public Health are doing in preparation for an avian flu pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager ensure that this information is prominently placed on the City’s website.
O-12 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the preparation of an amendment to the Municipal Code to ban leaf blowers in Cambridge.
O-13 March 20, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting scheduled for April 10, 2006 be and hereby is cancelled.
O-14 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting the extension of the Winchester comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Aberjona River Flood Mitigation Program, Town of Winchester, which has significant implications for the hydrology of the Alewife Brook and the communities in the Alewife Brook sub-watershed; and be it further
ORDERED: That a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution be forwarded to Secretary Stephen R. Pritchard, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-15 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation about the City’s plans to significantly limit right turns on red lights; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue before implementing any such program to significantly prohibit right turns on red lights.
O-16 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the School Committee be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information on the status of emergency response plans for the Cambridge public schools in the event of a natural or human-made disaster; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit a copy of this order to the School Committee.
O-17 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Zoning Ordinance be amended to change the language "useable open space" to "private open space" throughout the Zoning Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That this proposed amendment be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for a public hearing and report.
O-18 March 20, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City Department Heads to hold a meeting with residents to discuss the construction near the Buckingham Browne and Nichols School.
O-19 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Electronic Product Producer Responsibility Bill, H-3238, received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and will go next to the House Ways and Means Committee; and
WHEREAS: The legislation would require manufacturers who sell their electronic products in Massachusetts to participate in a system for their collection and recycling and would reduce the costs cities and towns face to properly dispose of computers and electronic trash; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council goes on record urging passage of H-3238 by the end of the Legislative session; 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, the Massachusetts Great and General Court and to the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-20 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate playground in honor of
Regina Antoine; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the
Assistant City Manager to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human
Services and the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate
with the Department of Public Works to arrange for a sign.
O-21 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager draft a letter addressed to the Massachusetts
Congressional Delegation on behalf of the City Council urging the delegation to
work to preserve local franchising ability for cable television and protecting
local ability to offer broadband services.
O-22 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Community Development Department to prepare information and a presentation on
the number of families with children and if that has changed and it is predicted
to change in the coming years; and be it further
ORDERED: That in conjunction review the number of family sized units now
existing in the city and predicted in future growth; and be it further
ORDERED: That these responses be referred to the Neighborhood and Long Term
Planning Committee.
O-23 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police
Commissioner to add the following to the Points of Safety Program:
* Restriction of bicycling on sidewalks; and
* Parking in bicycle lanes (especially in busy areas).
O-24 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes that the decisions for requested variances
for the Blessed Sacrament site rests with the BZA; and
WHEREAS: The City Council also recognizes that the BZA has discretion to ensure
that sufficient time is taken for full discussions between neighbors and the
developer; and
WHEREAS: The City Council also recognizes that discussions are ongoing but not
complete; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the BZA to allow whatever
time is necessary for these issues to be fully resolved before it makes a final
decision on the variances requested.
O-25 March 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to address identity
theft issues and that the city ensure that in none of its own operations such as
in offering personnel benefits, that Social Security numbers are used to
identify individuals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the
Cambridge Housing Authority and request that the Housing Authority refrain from
using Social Security numbers as identifying information for payment of rent;
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2006, beginning at nine o’clock and fifteen minutes a.m. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of discussing the Harvard University Cowperthwaite construction site.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, Community Development Department, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Owen O’Riordan, City Engineer, Ranjit Singanayagam, Commissioner of Inspectional Services, Sam Lipson, Director of Environment Health, Cambridge Department of Public Health, Thomas Lucey, Office of Community and Government Operations, Harvard University, Kelly McQueeny and Joe Griffin, Harvard Environmental Health and Safety Department, David Girard, Spaulding and Slye, and Deborah Gevalt, Haley and Aldrich. Members of the public in attendance were: Alec Wysoker, 36 Jay Street, Oversight Committee, Phyllis Baumann, 19 Bay Street, Oversight Committee, Bridget Dinsmore, 22 Athens Street, Lawrence Adkins, 45 Hayes Street, President of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, Sarah Smith, 267 Putnam Avenue, Nancy Lamb, 21 Grant Street, and Carol Bankerd, Banks Street.
Councillor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She stated that the following two issues would be paramount to this meeting:
* Community access to air quality reports
* Wanting Harvard to use alternative diesel fuel in light of the number of trucks coming in and out of a closely settled residential neighborhood.
Councillor Decker also stressed the need for flexibility in dealing with problems that arise during the construction. Despite extensive pre-construction negotiations, neither Harvard nor the residents could foresee all issues. Just as Harvard needed flexibility on the part of the residents when there was a need for working past the 6pm deadline, the residents need flexibility to address their concerns.
Discussion commenced on the alternative fuel issue. Councillor Decker said that her understanding is that the requirement for lower sulfur diesel fuel under state law will take effect in the fall. She asked Harvard representatives in attendance why Harvard was not willing to voluntarily make this change for the trucks at the Cowperthwaite construction site a few months earlier. Tom Lucey, Harvard University Office for Community and Government Relations, stated that Harvard is committed to using the fuel as soon as it is commercially available. David Gerard, Spaulding and Slye, said that it is a matter of logistics. As of October, every gas station will carry ultra low sulfur fuel so it will be generally available. It is not readily available at this time. One of the nearest places it is available is Weymouth, on the South Shore.
Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development asked whether the new fuel can be mixed with the old fuel in the gas tanks of the trucks. No one present had a definitive answer.
Councillor Decker asked whether Harvard has its own source of alternative fuel. Kelly McQueeny, Harvard Environment Health and Safety Office, said that the fuel that Harvard uses in its own vehicles is bio-diesel fuel that is still somewhat experimental and is not something Harvard could supply to contractors.
Mr. Lucey stated that Harvard could not be a dispenser of fuel without going through a licensing process. However, Harvard would be willing to monitor availability and to pass the information on to its contractors.
At this time the committee recessed for 20 minutes. Thereafter Councillor Decker reconvened the meeting and said that after consulting with Ms. Rubenstein and City Engineer Owen O’Reardon, city staff would like to be able to have a more technical meeting with Harvard representatives with the appropriate technical staff present. Harvard can bring its trucking company contracts and the city staff can bring more knowledgeable persons to see whether there is anything that the City can do to facilitate use of lower sulfur fuel as soon as possible.
Mr. Lucey said that Harvard will of course be glad to have a discussion with Mr. O’Reardon and his staff, but he emphasized that obstacle is not Harvard but rather the current lack of commercial availability of the fuel.
Phyllis Bauman, 19 Bay Street, asked why there are still no scrubbers on the excavating machinery on the site. Mr. Lucey said that the issue first came up with an older piece of equipment that did not have as efficient pollution controls as newer equipment. In response to complaints from neighbors, a scrubber was ordered and installed on the machine. Thereafter the neighbors requested scrubbers on newer machines, and these scrubbers have been ordered. In response to a question from Councillor Decker, he stated that he believes that the scrubbers will be installed by March 18th.
Councillor Decker requested that Mr. Lucey notify her and Rangit Singanayagam, Commissioner of Inspection Services if the scrubbers are not installed by March 18th.
Carol Bankerd, Kerry Corner, stated that the Caterpillar excavators are very dangerous because of the volume of their emissions. These machines stay onsite and are fueled onsite by fuel trucks. At the very least Harvard should be able to arrange for the use of low sulfur diesel fuel for these machines.
Councillor Decker asked Harvard why the machines that are fueled onsite are not being supplied with low sulfur diesel fuel. Mr. Lucy stated that the cause is the same --lack of commercial availability. In response to a query from Councillor Decker, Mr. O’Reardon said that he would prefer to wait until after the technical meeting to comment. Councillor Decker said that she has put this meeting off for a long time because she had expected to get resolution. She requested that the meeting of administrative and technical staff from the city and the university take place next week and that there be answers to these questions by March 18th. She further requested a written report of the meeting and results.
Councillor Decker urged Harvard to step up to plate and use best practices even when not negotiated and not required by law. Residents are experiencing a great deal of anxiety about health and air quality. Councillor Decker added that she would love to be able to be quoted as an enthusiastic supporter in a wonderful feature article about how Harvard has shown its commitment to a healthy environment by using the best environmentally sensitive practices even when law or negotiations did not require them. In a situation where the requests are not unreasonable, Harvard has much to gain by taking the high road and much to lose by subjecting itself to unfavorable publicity.
The discussion moved to the issue of the availability of the air quality reports. She asked why the City is not getting them and why Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health for the Cambridge Department of Public Health does not have copies. She noted that W.R. Grace, a company with a history of environmental pollution, provided her with soil samples as well as reports. Mr. Lucy responded that Harvard has provided access to the date. The Licensed Site Professional (LSP) wrote a letter stating what the air quality tests had established. Mr. Lipson has been kept informed. He said that in addition he would like to point out that the dust is an annoyance factor, not a health hazard.
Councillor Decker asked Mr. Lipson about the usual practices for construction projects with regard to the air quality documents. Mr. Lipson said that his office is a repository for air quality documents and other test results for many other projects. Mr. Lipson stated that even more of a concern for him is the fact that he does not have copies of the MSDS sheets. These documents list all of the materials on the site. They are critical to him to determine what hazards exist at the site. Without having them, he is often reduced to guessing about the hazards. He is concerned not just for this site, but for the precedent that failure to provide them to his office sets for the future. Typically, MSD documents are freely shared with him, and in the past, for both other developers and for Harvard projects, whenever he has requested copies of the air quality reports they have been provided.
Reed Alexander, 22 Banks Street, asked Mr. Lipson whether he had access to core samples. Mr. Lipson said that he was not denied access.
Nancy Lamb, 21 Grant Street, # 2, stated that the critical issue is how these projects go forward and that no building project is issued. Commission Singanayagam, Inspectional Services Department, stated that the only kinds of soil documents that are relevant to building permits are documents relative to the load-bearing attributes. Chemical soil analysis is not part of the Building Code.
Carol Bankerd, Banks Street, stated that the amount of soil disturbance and emissions from these machines is truly appalling. There are clouds of dust coming behind them. Ms. Bankerd submitted two documents for the record, a letter from Carl Dierker and Kaj Vandkjaer regarding ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (Attachment A), and a list entitled "Tally sheet for Cowperthwaite Construction Site – January 2006" (Attachment B).
Lawrence Adkins, 45 Hayes Street, Chair of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, said that at a recent meeting it was stated that some of the hazardous soil being dug up at the Mahoney site will not go to landfills but rather will remain on site. He requested confirmation of this statement, asked whether any soil testing had been done at the site and requested information about the results of such testing.
Deborah Gevalt, Haley and Aldrich, said that the law requires that all soil removed from the site be "characterized" prior to removal, and that there be a specific destination for each loaded truck before it leaves the site. She said that there had been soil testing and some pre-characterization before work was interrupted due to a change in contractor.
Mr. Lipson asked whether there was a plan to retain any contaminated soil on the site. Ms. Gevalt stated that at the end of the project all soil on the site would meet legal requirements for residential sites. Mr. Adkins noted that the question he asked had not been answered. Mr. Lucey said that the information about the soil testing will be available to city officials and that he will get back to Mr. Adkins about whether Harvard would provide this information to the community as well as information about the soil that will be onsite after the project is completed.
Mr. Lipson noted that while developer is required to characterize the type of soil,
there is no requirement that the City be provided with samples of the soil. He offered to sit down with the people designing the remediation for the Mahoney site and to review their data so that he would have a better ability to explain the plan to concerned persons in the context of the 21E legal requirements.
Mr. Adkins then raised an issue regarding the method of pouring concrete at Kerry Corner.
Councillor Decker stated that it is important to keep a balance with regard to this project. This construction project is not an extraordinary project, and, in general, the process has been good. There are construction projects going on all over the city, and they are always disruptive to the quality of life of the neighboring residents. For her the issues with regard to City access to information are very troubling, and they are also regrettable because trying to solve them involves the waste of the time of too many city officials. She emphasized the importance of the technical administrative meeting on the possibility of using low sulfur diesel fuel soon than when required by state law occurring early next week, and stressed that the problem of using the fuel for machines that are fueled onsite would seem to be one that could be solved very quickly.
With regard to the issue of access to information, she expects to bring it up again when the report of this meeting is before the Council on March 20, 2006. She expects that the City Council will agree with her assessment of the seriousness of the matter.
It was noted that in response to the request for the air quality monitoring reports Harvard has offered to meet regularly with Sam Lipson and the neighbors and the LSP. Mr. Lipson said that he hopes that the offer is still on the table. Mr. Lucey answered in the affirmative. In response to q question from a Kerry Corner resident, Councillor Decker reiterated that neighbors can attend these meeting. She also stated that she would like written summaries of these meetings.
Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance and participation. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at eight o’clock and thirty-five minutes a.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to review what the committee previously discussed and to set an agenda for the committee.
Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Brian Murphy; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Janet McKinnon, DHSP Division Head for Child Care and Family Services; Paul Ryder, Recreation Director; Susan Glazer, Deputy Director of Community Development Department; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Marilyn and Phil Wellons and Vince Dixon.
Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and stated the purpose. She requested an overview of the work conducted previously by the committee.
Susan Glazer gave an overview of the work of the committee. Previously the committee focused on the neighborhood studies. The focus then turned to the knowledge based economy and preparing Cambridge for the future. Next Stuart Dash discussed the neighborhood studies.
Stuart Dash stated that in the last five years Community Development has updated some of the neighborhood studies. He distributed a document entitled Neighborhood Studies and Updates as of February 28, 2006 (ATTACHMENT A). Copies of Neighborhood Study Updates were provided for Area Four, Mid-Cambridge, Neighborhood Nine and Wellington-Harrington. Economic development, land use, zoning, housing, transportation planning and open space are the areas covered. The original recommendation in the neighborhood studies are reviewed and updated. The process was to refresh the neighborhood study process every three years. Councillor Davis stated that the North Cambridge neighborhood study was done in 1990 and is now sixteen years old. Mr. Dash responded that the North Cambridge Neighborhood Study was a solid recommendation. Recommendations are reviewed and explained why if not completed or achieved. The Yerxa Road Underpass was a long-term planning item in the 1990 study. Councillor Davis questioned the implementation strategies of the neighborhood studies. Implementation strategies were developed stated Mr. Dash. The update process strategies are more explicit. All city departments are involved in the recommendation and the implementation process and discuss the timeline. How is the study reported back to the neighborhoods asked Councillor Davis. The report is done as part of the updated process. Councillor Simmons asked what is the mechanism used to reach out to the neighborhoods. The Community Development Department works with the organized neighborhood groups responded Mr. Dash. Councillor Simmons stated that she would like a report on how active is the community schools council. Mr. Dash stated that the community schools group are connected and are in contact with CDD. Councillor Davis suggested a new column be added to the Neighborhood Studies and Updates listing the expected schedule date for the update. The goal is to update the neighborhood studies every three years stated Mr. Dash.
Councillor Simmons suggested using this committee to have a pamphlet that lists were parks and outdoor spaces are located. Ms. Glazer stated that written information exists in the open space map that lists parks and playgrounds. Mr. Ryder commented that this information is comprehensive and lists who to contact if a permit is needed. A copy of the Public Parks, Playgrounds, and Reservations map is attached (ATTACHMENT B).
Councillor Davis suggested that this committee should develop a pamphlet on how to use community space. Councillor Simmons commented on the use of Housing Authority space for community meetings. She wanted families to know where the resources are located.
Councillor Davis raised the issue of long term planning. She commented on the changing demographics in the city. She wanted the demographics and its affect on Cambridge analyzed. What does this change mean to families, housing production, schools and the senior population should be reviewed.
Councillor Simmons stated that she wanted a report back on the Senior Town meeting. Ms. Semonoff informed the committee of a meeting on April 5, 2006 at the senior center to discuss Natural Occurring Retiring Communities (NORC). There is an interest in two communities in the city for NORCs. Neighborhood Nine and the Agassiz Neighborhood are interested in exploring ways to come together to help the aging population; this is a neighborhood-based effort.
Councillor Murphy asked about the workforce training and technology to making sure Cambridge residents are equipped for jobs. He commented on the Local Cambridge First initiative and long-term planning on retail mix in the neighborhoods. Councillor Simmons stated that a discussion is needed about where are the services located in each neighborhood, such as grocery store, drycleaners, etc.
Councillor Simmons asked what is the status of the MBTA property. The Bennett Street garage is for sale. The city needed to move on this property. There is an economic development potential in the underground MBTA. There is no formal mechanism to beginning the planning process before the process gets underway stated Councillor Davis. In the 1990’s neighborhoods would say, "stop" to development. The community would then file a zoning petition to stop development—this is not planning, it is reactionary. Councillor Simmons asked what could be done to be more proactive around large developments. Ms. Glazer stated that CDD encourages developers of large projects to go the neighborhoods. When the MBTA discussed Porter Square and did a request for proposal (RFP) CDD instructed the MBTA to go back to the neighborhood. Councillor Simmons commented that she wanted the city to be ahead of the sale process. Councillor Davis suggested identifying areas where development in the future is expected and then identify when the last neighborhood study was done for these areas. Councillor Simmons wanted a community-based process. Councillor Davis suggested that CDD should know when property would come up for sale and be proactive. She wanted CDD to be aware of the hot spots that are ripe for development and priority planning of these hot spots. Councillor Murphy commented on tension caused between the neighborhoods over property development. Large single ownership lots should be identified commented Councillor Davis. Mr. Dash stated that lot-by-lot basis could be reviewed. However, he commented that ten years ago it was unknown that the Catholic Church would be selling off their lots of land. Ms. Glazer cautioned that non-residential buildings converted to residential has a process. Historical factors need to be considered also. These factors make it hard to predict. Cases should be reviewed where issues exist, i.e. Harvard development and North Point, stated Councillor Davis. Conflicts are a signal that things are not working. The review should start with this data. Concord-Alewife zoning petition is a problem because no planning has occurred and this has caused this petition to be filed three times. She wanted the long-term planning process to be made better.
Councillor Simmons stated that the members of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee needed to discuss what issues the committee would undertake due to the conversation of this meeting. She commented about the overdevelopment in North Point. Ms. Glazer stated that the development of North Point was part of the East Cambridge Neighborhood Study and zoning. Planning was done for this area. Mr. Dash stated that 90% of the housing in North Point is in Cambridge. Councillor Murphy stated that North Point might be its own neighborhood. What is the neighborhood structure for North Point asked Councillor Simmons.
Councillor Simmons asked when was the last neighborhood study done for Central Square. Ms. Glazer responded Gibbs Report. Report on Envisioning for Central Square was done 4-5 years ago. Urban design is needed for the LOMA area commented
Councillor Davis. Lafayette Square needed work. Councillor Simmons questioned where is the Area four economic development plan. She sees the potential that is not being realized.
Councillor Simmons scheduled the next meeting of the committee for Wednesday, March 22, 2006 to discuss preliminary demographics feasibility. Ms. Glazer stated that the US Census data and the MAPC data needed to be analyzed.
At nine o’clock and forty-five minutes a. m. Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment.
Phil Wellons stated that the neighborhoods are connected and to treat them individually is important, but neighborhood issues needed to be integrated into the discussions. Demographics are the theme behind the neighborhood issues. Issues, trends and themes needed to be discussed. Councillor Simmons commented that it might be a good idea to have a citywide discussion on neighborhoods. Councillor Davis stated aging population and family issues, as they relate to neighborhoods, needed to be discussed together with the neighborhood studies.
Vince Dixon stated that Transit Realty Association has exclusive rights to represent the MBTA. The RFP is close to being put out for the Bennett Street garage. The city should negotiate with the MBTA as soon as possible.
Marilyn Wellons discussed school issues and zoning. When the City Council has a zoning petition before it must vote on the petition. Residents look to the City Council as their representatives to respond to the concerns of residents. The city should be more involved with the Bennett Street matter. She asked how many people are happy with the Trolley Square and MBTA property. The long-term policy as it relates to the schools affects property values. Anything that takes students out of the schools increases property values and has an affect on long-term families in the city. She spoke about the urban ring and transportation issues that have no public involvement. More transparency is needed for transportation planning.
Councillor Simmons thanked those present for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at nine o’clock and fifty-six minutes a.m.
For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair