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, 2005 and ending March 31, 2006.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-116, regarding a report on developing an audit and review program for all water bills which show significant increases within a short time period.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-121, regarding a report on fines for motorists that stop in the middle of intersections.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-118, regarding a report on the status of the School Committee cable television.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-09, regarding a report on the status of expanding the program to post MBTA bus schedules on all routes across the City by April 1, 2005.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first of January, 2005:    Jean M. Rogers, 2 River Street Place, Lynn, MA 01905

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-124, regarding a report on the "5-2-1 Go Cambridge" campaign.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $54,626.82 in Program Income received through the FY03 Lead-Safe Cambridge (LSC) Grant to the Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance Grant Fund that will provide increased funds available to control lead hazards in eligible housing in Cambridge.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer within the FY03 Lead Safe Cambridge (LSC) Grant from the Grant Fund Community Development Salary and Wages account ($8,113.33) to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used for additional deleading services.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for $83,467 to the Grant Fund Department of Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds to be used to install and evaluate new emissions technologies on DPW’s and MIT’s diesel fleets over a two-year period.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Community Forestry grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for $24,226 to the Grant Fund Department of Public Works Salary and Wages account ($21,000) and to the Grant Fund Department of Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,226) to be used to develop a comprehensive tree inventory program.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-02, regarding a report on what can be done to keep Central Square clean.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right was exercised by Vice Mayor Decker on Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. 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.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Dance Complex, requesting permission for a temporary banner at JFK and Mount Auburn Streets.

2. Approval of constable bond surety received from Philip Sciandra.

3. An application was received from Cambridge Market LLC, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 1006 Cambridge Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding bullying.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Club Passim on their 47th Anniversary with a three day celebration, concerts on May 19 and 20 at the Sanders Theatre at 7:00pm, and on May 21 a free music festival on the Cambridge Common at 11:00am.   Councillor Murphy

2. Resolution on the death of Mary L. Abreu.   Councillor Toomey

3. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. August.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

4. Resolution on the death of Robert R. Keating.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

5. Resolution on the death of Mary Fernandes.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Dennis J. Holland.   Councillor Toomey

7. Best wishes to Kwame Dixon as he leaves his position as Coach of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School football team.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

8. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Margy Andrew.   Councillor Toomey

9. Happy 50th Anniversary wishes to a special couple.   Councillor Maher

10. Resolution on the death of Joseph E. Baptista.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of Robert D. Morrison.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Support for the 25th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, June 12, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Support for the Miller's River Annual Bazaar on Saturday, April 16, 2005 from 10:00am to 7:00pm.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Margaret Blair.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the retirement of Louise d'Entremont.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Anna D'Abramo.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the retirement of Margaret Giacoppo.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Resolution on the retirement of Susan Tiano.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Cambridge Reads Project hosts a reception for author Khaled Hosseini, featuring his book, "The Kite Runner," on April 11, 2005.   Councillor Davis

20. Resolution on the retirement of Joseph McSweeney.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the retirement of Frank Gutoski.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Petner, Principal of the Haggerty School and his staff on being nominated for the 2005 Community Partnership Award, sponsored by the Federation for Children with Special Needs.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Happy 70th Anniversary wishes to C. Brendan Noonan & Company, Inc.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Joshua Torrence.   Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Specialist Adriana Salem.   Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Specialist Nicholas Wilson.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Michael Franklin.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Koch.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Bossert.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert Pugh.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Corporal Stephen McGowan.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Specialist Azhar Ali.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Seth Garceau.   Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Wai Lwin.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Specialist Wade Twyman.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Julio Negron.   Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Danny Anderson.   Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Specialist Donald Griffith, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Captain Sean Grimes.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Juan Solorio.   Vice Mayor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Donald Eacho.   Vice Mayor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Joseph H. Cunha.   Councillor Galluccio

43. Congratulations to Michael J. Moran on winning the Democratic State Primary for State Representative for the Suffolk County 18th District.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Reeves

44. Congratulations to Linda Dorcena Forry for winning the Democratic Primary for the State Representative to the Massachusetts Legislature for the 12th Suffolk District.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Reeves

45. Resolution on the death of James Clark Brennan.   Mayor Sullivan

46. Resolution on the retirement of Veronica Neptune.   Mayor Sullivan

47. Resolution on the retirement of Timothy Dugan.   Mayor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the retirement of Mary Colovos.   Mayor Sullivan

49. Resolution on the death of former Red Sox Player Dick Radatz.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the retirement of Alvin Bacon.   Mayor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the retirement of John C. Burns.   Mayor Sullivan

52. Resolution on the retirement of Robert A. Angelo.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the retirement of Albert Rowe.   Mayor Sullivan

54. Congratulations to the Multi-Cultural Aids Coalition and Men of Color Against Aids on the opening of the new MOCA space at the Harriet Tubman Building.   Councillor Reeves

55. Congratulations to the Bayard Rustin Breakfast Committee on the Annual Bayard Rustin Breakfast.   Councillor Reeves

56. Congratulations to Omar Bandar on his engagement.   Councillor Reeves

57. Congratulations to Darryl Settles and Lisa Owens on the birth of their daughter, Taylor Michelle Settles.   Councillor Reeves

58. Congratulations to Joseph Bourne and Joseph Phillips for being named Outstanding Lay Person by the New England Conference of Lay Organization of the A.M.E. Church.   Councillor Reeves

59. Resolution on the retirement of Lynn Stuart.   Councillor Davis

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to investigate the installation of signs at various locations on Memorial Drive indicating "Geese Crossing."   Councillor Toomey

2. The City Manager is requested to arrange to televise all future public hearings of the Ordinance Committee to consider the proposed revisions to the Police Review and Advisory Board currently being considered by the committee.   Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey

3. Dedication of a site in honor of Robert W. Taylor.   Councillor Toomey

4. Recognition of the vital importance of the Community Development Block Grant Program to the community and its lower income neighborhoods.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Maher

5. The City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to examine the condition of the street and to take action to repair Linnaean Street.   Councillor Galluccio

6. The City Manager is requested to appoint a staff member to be the point of contact regarding the proposed legislation to close the Telecommunications property tax loophole with the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Support for legislation (House Docket 1740) that would close the telecommunications property tax loophole and eliminate the unfair exemption in out-dated property tax statutes.   Mayor Sullivan

8. The City Manager is requested to work with the School Department and all other relevant City staff to present a plan to the City Council on the possible reuse of municipal buildings, and explore the possibility of creating any revenue to offset the cost of such a project.   Councillor Davis

9. The City Manager is requested to report on the City's plans for informing residents about the availability of the new e-line service that will enable residents to receive e-mail updates on issues of particular interest to them.   Councillor Maher

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to investigate complaints that trash pickup at the Banneker School is taking place in the very early morning hours, as early as 4:30am.   Councillor Maher

11. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with all pertinent City departments to facilitate a successful planning effort for the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association cultural event in September 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

12. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Commissioner of Public Works to respond to the City Council on what review occurs following roadway repair completed by utility companies to ensure that said repairs are satisfactory, response should include what actions the city takes if repairs are found to be substandard.   Mayor Sullivan

13. The City Manager is requested to install signs posting the speed limit on Scouting Way and look into speed bumps and provide enforcement of the speed limit.   Councillor Murphy

14. Support for the policy of the National League of Cities in favoring of granting full voting rights in the House of Representatives for the Delegate from the District of Columbia.   Councillor Murphy

15. The City Manager is requested to meet with the Community Development Department and the Library to determine if the City could host a conversation with Richard Florida on his book, The Rise of the Creative Class.   Councillor Reeves

16. Urging the out-of-state owned Cambridge Brands to stop violating national labor relations laws and to stop harassing, intimidating, and pressuring workers into not supporting the union.   Vice Mayor Decker

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on March 8, 2005 to discuss the efforts and experiences of the workers at Cambridge Brands, Inc., 810 Main Street, to organize and unionize.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Henrietta Davis, announcing Cambridge Reads Project's book for this year is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from Joseph P. Nolan thanking the city for the resolution in honor of his son Joseph M. Nolan and for reading his son's name and the names of all the fallen service members at City Council meetings.

3. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Decker, regarding Cambridge Brands, Inc.

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

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

Wed, Mar 23
2:30pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on using public events and celebrations to further economic development, including discussion of an annual funding mechanism.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

Wed, Apr 6
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition filed by Joan E. O'Connor, et al., requesting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to clarify the applicability of the Mount Auburn Hospital Institutional District to the whole of the site of the Mount Auburn Hospital, having an address of 330 Mount Auburn Street. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition filed by Joanne Wilbert Weed, et al., requesting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances and Zoning Map to change a Residence C-1 District to Residence A-2 District, bordered by Willard Street, Foster Street, Sparks Street and the C-2 District along Mount Auburn Street. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 7
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Police Review and Advisory Board ("PRAB") Ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 12
10:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss establishing the Cambridge Charles River Challenge, which would include a run-bike-kayak along the Charles River and through Cambridge.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Apr 13
1:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting on what challenges residents face in receiving healthy and affordable food.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Tues, May 3
10:00am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on the subject of NSTAR and renewable energy requirements.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, May 4
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY06 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 5
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY06 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 11
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY06 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, May 17
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY06 City Budget (if necessary).  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 25
1:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to evaluate the needs of the Cambridge homeless, particularly the Harvard Square population.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to investigate the installation of signs at various locations on Memorial Avenue indicating "Geese Crossing."

O-2     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange to televise all future public hearings of the Ordinance Committee to consider the proposed revisions to the Police Review and Advisory Board currently being considered by the committee.

O-3     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Robert W. Taylor; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-4     March 21, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The week of March 28-April 3, 2005 has been designated as National Community Development Week, City USA is a participant in the Community Development Block Grant program which funds a myriad of social service, economic development, and housing programs in this community; and
WHEREAS: In this community and in communities throughout the nation, twenty-four years of Community Development Block Grant program funding has developed a strong network of relationships between this local government, residents and the many non-profit agencies that provide services and help make possible our commitment to those neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: This community recognizes that the Community Development Block Grant program is a partnership of Federal, state, and local government, business, non-profit and community efforts, and that the services funded by the Federal CDBG program, administered by the local government and often delivered by local non-profit organizations, relies heavily on the dedication of and good will of our combined efforts; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council, during National Community Development Week 2005, give special thanks and recognition to all participants whose hard work and devotion to the neighborhood and their low- and moderate-income residents help insure the quality and effectiveness of the Community Development Block Grant program; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council hereby petitions the U.S. Congress and Administration to recognize the outstanding work being done locally and nationally by the Community Development Block Grant program, and of its vital importance to the community and to the people who live in its lower income neighborhoods; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward copies of this resolution to President George W. Bush, the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, H.U.D. Secretary Alphonso Jackson, and that Cambridge, and the names of its non-profit service providers, be added to the roll of those committed to the preservation and full funding of the Community Development Block Grant program and maintenance of its essential features over the course of the next session of Congress.

O-5     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to examine the condition of the street and to take action to repair Linnaean Street.

O-6     March 21, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a staff member to be the point of contact regarding the proposed legislation (H 1740) to close the telecommunications property tax loophole with the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers.

O-7     March 21, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and all cities and towns in Massachusetts rely heavily on the property tax to fund police and fire services, schools, road maintenance and other vital local government services; and
WHEREAS: Deep local aid cuts since fiscal 2002 have focused greater reliance on the property tax to fund local services and have increased the burden on homeowners and other local taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: Exemption of real and personal property from the local tax base reduces local revenues and increases the burden on other local taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: Telecommunications companies are taking advantage of obsolete provisions in the state's property tax laws to avoid paying local property taxes and thereby reducing local revenues and increasing the burden on homeowners and other businesses; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in support of legislation (House Docket 1740) that would close the telecommunications property tax loophole and eliminate the unfair exemption in out-dated property tax statutes, and hereby calls upon the members of the state Legislature and the Governor to enact this necessary proposal to law; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to members of the Cambridge Legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The School Department has two buildings for which different uses are under consideration; and
WHEREAS: This City Council may have a vacant police headquarters if a new police station is built at another location; and
WHEREAS: The Community Learning Center needs a permanent home; and
WHEREAS: The Central Square branch library is housed in space that could be improved or reused; and
WHEREAS: The creation of housing is a city council goal; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the School Department and all other relevant City staff to present a comprehensive plan to the City Council which would include the possibility of creating more housing, accommodating the above mentioned City needs in City owned space, the reuse of municipal buildings, and explore the possibility of creating any revenue to offset the cost of this project.

O-9     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on the City's plans for informing residents about the availability of the new e-line service that will enable residents to receive e-mail updates on issues of particular interest to them.

O-10     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to investigate complaints that trash pickup at the Banneker School is taking place in the very early morning hours, as early as 4:30am.

O-11     March 21, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: This City Council has established that all City policies and their implementation must reflect and integrate our community’s value for cultural and socioeconomic diversity, among other community values; and
WHEREAS: This City Council has set a goal around fostering community with specific focus on support for celebrations, both neighborhood and citywide, as important opportunities for people to be together; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has established several Sister City relationships with communities from various parts of the globe, including the community of Yerevan, Armenia; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association is planning for a special community cultural event in September 2005 to stage a re-enactment of a traditional Armenian village wedding; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with all pertinent City departments to facilitate a successful planning effort for the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association cultural event in September 2005.

O-12     March 21, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Commissioner of Public Works to provide response to the City Council on what review occurs following roadway repair completed by utility companies to ensure that said repairs are satisfactory, response should include what actions the city takes if repairs are found to be substandard.

O-13     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to install signs posting the speed limit on Scouting Way, and look into speed bumps and provide enforcement of the speed limit; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to provide enforcement of the speed limit on Scouting Way.

O-14     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of the policy of the National League of Cities favoring granting full voting rights in the House of Representatives for the Delegate from the District of Columbia; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation and to Washington D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-15     March 21, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to meet with the Community Development Department and the Library to determine if the City could host a conversation with Richard Florida on his book, The Rise of the Creative Class.

O-16     March 21, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge Brands, a subsidiary of Tootsie Inc., employs approximately 160 people, including management; and
WHEREAS: Five years ago, Cambridge Brands sold the company to an out-of-state company and is no longer locally owned; and
WHEREAS: Local 3 represents two small bargaining units within the out of state owned Cambridge Brands consisting of building maintenance workers and janitors; and
WHEREAS: Local 3 filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board in October 2004 seeking to represent the 92 production workers at the out of state owned Cambridge Brands; and
WHEREAS: The Company responded by showing anti-union videotapes and conducted a vigorous anti-union campaign; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging the out of state owned Cambridge Brands to stop violating national labor relations laws and to stop harassing, intimidating, and pressuring workers into not supporting the union; and
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging the Company to officially send a Company representative to the next Health and Environment Committee hearing; and
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Cambridge Brands to write a letter to its workers stating that it will remain neutral and abide by federal law as it applies to unionizing efforts by its workers; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge Brands and its workers on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1 
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on March 8, 2005, beginning at three o’clock and fifty minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of discussing the efforts and experiences of the workers at Cambridge Brands, Inc., 810 Main Street, to organize and unionize.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Michael Byrnes, Business Agent for Local 3, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Frank Sosa, Organizer for Local 3; Lori Sutherland, 132 Pearl Street, District 35 Painters Union; Jori Marques, 6 Sanborn Avenue, Somerville; Raymond McGowan, candy maker, 38 Concord Avenue, Somerville and three other workers from Cambridge Brands, two of whom indicated that they resided in Cambridge.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She invited all of those present to introduce themselves and state their relationship if any to Cambridge Brands. Those present proceeded to introduce themselves, beginning with those seated at the table. When those at the table had finished their introductions, Vice Mayor Decker invited the two men seated on a bench at the side to introduce themselves and join the others at the table. Mr. McGowan and Mr. Marques introduced themselves as workers at Cambridge Brands. Mr. McGowan said that they were there representing the company to observe the meeting. They did not move to the table.

At this time Vice Mayor Decker made the following motion:
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its desire that companies that are invited to City Council meetings to discuss employee working conditions and unionization issues and want to observe the committee meeting send management personnel to observe, not workers.

The motion passed without objection.

Vice Mayor Decker invited Mr. Byrnes to describe the current situation at Cambridge Brands. Mr. Byrnes stated that Local 3 consists of 1400 members. The union already represents two small bargaining units at Cambridge Brands, the janitors (5 members) and the mechanics unit (9 members). He thought that the union had a fairly good relationship with management. When the union began an organizing campaign with the rest of the workers, the campaign was going very well. When the company found out about it, management launched a textbook-classic anti-union campaign, including captive audience meetings and anti-union movies. Their illegal actions created a chilling effect. Complaints have been filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she called this public meeting because the City holds itself to a very high standard of responsibility towards employees with its Living Wage Ordinance and Responsible Employer Ordinance. The City Council is very proud of its strong record of supporting workers who want to organize for better working conditions. Vice Mayor Decker stated that she is insulted to find that the company, which was invited to this public meeting and declined to attend, sent, unannounced, workers to represent management at the hearing. She views this action as intimidation and harassment. Vice Mayor Decker stated her intention to adjourn the public hearing at this point and said that she would be interested in having a private meeting with the workers and union representatives after the public meeting was over.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair