CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for $659,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($19,770), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($639,230) to provide funds to be used to help low income residents with AIDS that live in supportive housing.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (Title III grant) for $2,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) awarded to the Cambridge Council on Aging to fund the research and planning of the development of an Older Men’s Group age sixty and over.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (Title III grant) for $2,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to fund small scale home adaptation work (raised toilet seats, grab bars) and heavy chore cleaning for seniors who need such services to avoid eviction and/or to maintain safety.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Emergency Shelter grant (ESG) from the Office of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for $141,856 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($7,092) and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($134,764) to be used to contract with local shelter providers to support operation and rehabilitation costs of shelter facilities as well as for homeless prevention activities and services for the homeless.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the supplemental appropriation of a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant through the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development for $130,640 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($9,000), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($121,565) and Travel and Training account ($75). With this additional appropriation, the FY04 grant award now totals $970,965 to cover fuel, operating expenses and a portion of the salaries of three full time employees.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Service Alliance for the 2003-2004 Massachusetts Youth Council Initiative for $15,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($1,750), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($12,750) and Travel and Training account ($500) to cover supply, field trip, and workshop costs to run the implementation of the Youth Council Initiative in Cambridge.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Supportive Housing grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $2,106,808 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($48,653), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,058,155) to be used to contract with twelve homeless service providers that provide supportive services, apartment leasing opportunities, outreach and legal services to homeless persons in Cambridge.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $15,246 within the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention grant from the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($14,874) and Grant Fund DHSP Travel and Training account ($372), to the Grant Fund DHSP Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($15,246) to allow the Cambridge Prevention Coalition to continue the goal of implementing the "Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol Project", which focuses on reducing underage youth access to alcohol.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Workplace Education (Phase I) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education Adult and Community Learning Services for $4,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary and Wages account ($3,309), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($691) to be used for a workplace needs analysis at Neville Center nursing home.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-12, regarding a report on the feasibility of inviting Green Roofs for Healthy Cities to host its 2005 or 2006 conference on sustainable communities in Cambridge.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $486,985 in revenues received from the City of Somerville to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for Somerville’s portion of the ongoing storm water management project on Beacon Street.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds through the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) for $245,476 to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for the majority of funding for the EZRide shuttle service which connects North Station and Kendall Square and University Park as well as intermediate points.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $971,271 in revenues received from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for ongoing sewer separation and storm water management design project in the Alewife area.

14. 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, 2003 and ending March 31, 2005. [The recommendation calls for a 2.5% increase in water rates and an 11.0% increase in sewer rates. Overall, consumers will see a 7.8 % increase in their annual water / sewer bill.]

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Jon Myers, Calm Interventions, Inc. for $3,500 to the following Departments:
    Grant Fund DHSP Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500) to support early childhood programs through the Kids' Council;
    Grant Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500) to sponsor the Lawrence Burke Community Award; and
    Grand Fund Peace Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,500) to support a project around dialogue and respect.

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, 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.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request that the City Council authorize the granting of an easement of City-owned property to Harvard University located under Hingham Street adjacent to and between two abutting parcels of land owned by Harvard and adjacent to Memorial Drive. (Order adopted on March 15, 2004 to diminish the process.)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Eastern Butcher Block, requesting permission for a display of merchandise at the premises numbered 281 Concord Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Helen Ferro, transmitting heartfelt thanks to the City Council for the speedy recovery resolution on behalf of her husband Joseph Ferro.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police power.

3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Cambridge Event for Democratic National Convention.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding public comment time.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the retirement of Garfield Morrison, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the retirement of Clara Scott.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of John Curtin.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of the Honorable James I. Hartigan.   Mayor Sullivan

5. The Cambridge Camping Association celebrates its 111th Anniversary and its 36th Anniversary of its "Inner City Day Camp" as May 16-22, 2004 is proclaimed as CAMBRIDGE CAMPING WEEK.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Congratulations to Jackie Jenkins Scott on becoming President of Wheelock College.   Councillor Simmons

7. Support for the Somerville-Cambridge WIC Program's OPEN HOUSE held on March 25, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at 119 Windsor Street.   Mayor Sullivan

8. April 26, 2004 proclaimed as Israel Independence Day in Cambridge in honor of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Grace Janet White.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Welcome to Amanda McGregor as Assistant Editor of the Chronicle.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis

11. Resolution on the death of Betty Mahan Smith.   Councillor Simmons

12. Best wishes to Congregation Eitz Chayin on its first community-wide Seder on April 6, 2004.   Councillor Davis

13. Resolution on the death of Dee Thomas.   Councillor Reeves

14. Welcome to the Brown versus the Board of Education Panelists to the Harvard Law School.   Councillor Reeves

15. Resolution on the death of Leslie Kirsch.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Victor Anninger.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

17. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thomas Nicholson.   Mayor Sullivan

18. MISSING

19. Resolution on the death of Stella Mahoney.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Congratulations to Pamela Shea, founder of New Community Services, Inc. on her retirement.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Congratulations to Mrs. Long on the birth of her new baby.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Appreciation expressed to Clifford Turner, a resident of Cambridge, who recently won $50 million dollars on Mass Millions, for a charitable foundation for young people and youth organizations.   Councillor Galluccio

ORDERS
1. The Chairs of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee and the Human Services Committee conduct a joint working meeting to take up all issues relative to the Supreme Judicial Court decision on gay marriage.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy

2. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to restore resident parking along Broadway in front of the Longfellow School.   Councillor Maher

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to establish policies and procedures to ensure that the Community Development Department sends notices to residents of community meetings at least ten days to two weeks before the community meeting and for all meetings.   Councillor Galluccio

4. In its budget deliberations, the City Council Finance Committee look at the capital needs of the School Department.   Councillor Simmons

5. The City Manager is requested to arrange a meeting between the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, the residents and all interested citizens about the parking on the Green Street block between Pearl and Magazine Streets.   Councillor Reeves

6. The City Manager is requested to report on opportunities for handicapped parking at the Cambridge Common and to make those provisions if necessary.   Councillor Davis

7. The City Manager is requested to report on the City’s web site and whether it meets accessibility needs for the disabled and what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure accessibility.   Mayor Sullivan

8. The Mayor schedule a joint meeting on the Town Gown Reports with the Planning Board.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Maher

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on March 2, 2004 to continue discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on March 3, 2004 to discuss how to support and strengthen the relationship between the educational institutions and the Cambridge Public Schools.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on March 3, 2004 to discuss cable television rates and any other business that may properly come within the purview of the committee.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 22
5:00pm   Special Presentation Jonathan Myers Monetary Gift to the City (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 23
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 24
6:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the Urban Ring and the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction (EOTC) Allston Landing Multimodal Transportation Study.  (Morse School Cafeteria, 40 Granite Street)

Mon, Mar 29
5:30pm   Roundtable discussion with the Election Commission. Informal meeting with no public comment and no votes. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 30
8:30am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how to enhance the community benefits of cable television, CCTV's loss of funding and "e-neighborhoods."  (Sullivan Chamber)
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to review the Fiscal Year 04 Budget and to receive a Fiscal Year 05 Budget update.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Mar 31
8:30am   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss child care programs across the city and the Senior Town Meeting.  (Ackermann Room)
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend the zoning in Cambridgeport at Memorial Drive. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on zoning amendments to accompany the Tree Protection Ordinance. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Tree Protection Ordinance. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 12
5:00pm   Special Presentation - Mayor's Youth Art Exhibit  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 29
6:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss setting an agenda for pedestrian issues; and repairs to MBTA stations.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 4
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY05 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 11
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY05 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 12
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY05 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 13
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY05 City Budget. (IF NECESSARY)  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 17
4:00pm   Presentation and reception for scholarship recipients  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 24
5:00pm   Special Presentation - Go Green Business Awards ( Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 7
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting on the Overview of Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative in Cambridge. Informal meeting with no public comment and no votes. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, June 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the Chairs of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee and the Human Services Committee conduct a joint working meeting to take up all issues relative to the Supreme Judicial Court decision on gay marriage.

O-2     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to restore resident parking along Broadway in front of the Longfellow School.

O-3     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to establish policies and procedures to ensure that the Community Development Department sends notices to residents of community meetings at least ten days to two weeks before the community meeting; said policy to be followed for all community meetings so that residents can plan their schedules accordingly.

O-4     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That in its budget deliberations, the City Council Finance Committee look at the capital needs of the School Department.

O-5     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange a meeting between the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, the residents and all interested citizens about the parking on the Green Street block between Pearl and Magazine Streets.

O-6     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the opportunities for handicapped parking at the Cambridge Common and, if necessary, to make provisions for handicapped parking at the Common.

O-7     March 22, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the City’s web site and whether it meets accessibility needs for the disabled and what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure accessibility.

O-8     March 22, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Mayor schedule a joint meeting for the City Council on the Town Gown Report with the Planning Board.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday,

March 2, 2004, beginning at ten o’clock and thirteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

Present at the meeting were Councillor Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Decker, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City of Fiscal Affairs, Mary Hart, M.I.S. Director, James Monagle, City Auditor, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Robyn Thieringer, Executive Director, Office of Tourism, Maura Conney, Office of Tourism, Estella Johnson, Economic Development, Director, Community Development Department (CDD), Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Officer, Sue Walsh, Office of Workforce Development, Human Services Department, Susan Mintz, Office of Workforce Development, Human Services Department, Garrett Simonsen, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Arts Council, Jane Beal, Arts Council, Mary Ann Cicala, Arts Council, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Nicola Williams and Raquel Ortiz from the Williams Agency, Presenters, Denise Jillson and Jeff Seifert, Cambridge YMCA, Mike Owu and Paul Parravano, M.I.T., Niamh Dwyer, The Inn at Harvard, Kelly Thompson Clark, Caryn S. Saitz and Terrence F. Smith, Chamber of Commerce, Adam Sperling, Hotel Tria, Bill Sage, Radisson Hotel, Matthew McKenna, Senator Tolman’s Office, Alison Kelly, 26 Cambria St., Roger O’Sullivan, 1105 Mass Ave., Stephen Sillari, 91 Park Ave. and Kelly Courtney, 3 Linnaean Streets.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and stated the purpose.

He outlined the process followed thus far. The City Council, he stated, were elected every two years. After the Inauguration the committees are appointed by the mayor. The work for the committees starts over again with each term.

Councillor Simmons, chair of the committee for the 2002-2003 term stated that a lot of conversation focused on stimulating economic development in the city. Discussions took place about the 2004 DNC to stimulate economic development in Cambridge. She gave an overview about the work of the committee in the last two years. Three events took place in Cambridge to register local businesses to become certified. The 2004 DNC tried to reach out to the local community. She appeared at the Boston Chamber of Commerce in an effort to highlight Cambridge due to the fact that the universities are located in Cambridge, not Boston. The City Council appropriated funds for a community event, which would occur during the 2004 DNC to give Cambridge businesses an opportunity to benefit from the delegates attending the DNC. This would be a community event, attended by the community, businesses and delegates. There will be twelve delegates in Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves stated that the City Council allocated $100,000 for a Cambridge event. A subsequent order was passed by the City Council that asked that a working group meet to continue discussions until the committees were appointed. This group was led by the Deputy City Manager. The committees were appointed on January 28, 2004. A Request for Proposal (REP) was issued on January 22, 2004. A recommendation was made for an event planner and the event planner was to prepare a proposal for presentation. Ms. Nicola Williams will now make her presentation.

Ms. Williams stated that the event would be a major event planned around the DNC event. She requested community input. The theme would be "Passport to Cambridge". It is a diversity event with Cambridge’s uniqueness highlighted. The day long event planned for Sunday, July 25, 2004 would capture the uniqueness of music, entertainment and the restaurants in the city. She has an eleven-member team. She planned to collaborate with the Arts Council. The target audience of the Cambridge event would be:
   -Cambridge residents;
   -local and national media;
   -tourists;
   -DNC delegates and their families and
   -convention participants.

The media would be in the area three weeks before the start of the convention. Twelve delegations would be housed in Cambridge and the remaining delegates would be housed in Boston. There would be shuttle services. The host committee, Boston 2004, Inc. would set up a booth in Harvard Square. The recommended location would be Canal Park. The benefits of this site would be:
   * waterfront park;
   * low density of residential properties;
   * contained area; convenient location for the delegates;
   * convenient location to media;
   * capitalize on Galleria Mall;
   * ample parking (5,000 spaces); and
   * walking distance to the Fleet Center

The MBTA green line would be shut down for repairs during the time frame when the DNC is at the Fleet Center.

Ms. Williams outlined some of the planned festivities as celebrating local talent, Cambridge artists and performers, gospel music, highlighting Cambridge squares and commissioning of ten works of art which would appear as murals in squares in Cambridge. There would be a family and children section of festivities, a technology and innovations demonstration by M.I.T., historical presentations, a literary and education pavilion. A discount of 25% would be provided by Cambridge businesses. A waterfire display could be planned for Canal Park. A media documentary is optional. A grand finale to be determined. The city’s participation would be to give Cambridge business priority and collaboration with neighborhoods and cultural organizations. The benefits of the "Passport" would celebrate Cambridge’s diversity, engage residents and artists, generate a tourism tool for Cambridge to employ youth from the city-wide Mayor’s Summer Youth Program and attract national media attention. The city’s role would be neighborhood, and business outreach and the logistics.

The tag line for the event would be "Passport to Cambridge" Celebrate a Large World in a Small City.

Ms. Williams presented two logos.

The next steps would be to finalize the location, launch the public event, meet with the abutters and the mall officials, plan the kick off reception and identify and lock-in the celebrity talent.

Councillor Reeves informed the committee that he had a preview because he attended a meeting Mr. Rossi and Ms. Williams. He asked for input about the presentation. (ATTACHMENT A).

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she was hesitant about spending money for the DNC. This is a bad use of taxpayer’s money. She stated that she envisioned a separate meeting to assemble the biotech community to have a planning meeting. She wanted the biotech industry to be highlighted. Cambridge, she said, could be a power broker if planned correctly especially if Senator Kerry is the possible democratic presidential candidate. The media organizations needed to be here to highlight the biotech industry and to attract people outside of Massachusetts such as investors. This is about building municipal and biotech relations. Cambridge does not need a Mardigras event. She stated Jessie Jackson, Bill and Hilary Clinton would be in Cambridge. She wanted Cambridge residents who do not get to be part of the convention to be able to get tickets to speaking engagements where Jesse, Bill and Hilary would speak. There needed to be another focus for Cambridge and the DNC. She suggested the focus could be on a business partnership with Cambridge, asking Ben Affleck or Matt Damon to come back to Cambridge or a human service workers reception. She wanted this issue rethought.

Mayor Sullivan stated that Cambridge is the biotech capital in the country. Hotels are being used in Cambridge and there is a lack of sharing by Boston. Cambridge, he said, would be capturing the money spent here and should maximize this effort. The $100,000 is to promote Cambridge. His office has sent letters to the delegates and the legislators. Cambridge needed to use better branding. The DNC is a small convention. Boston has funding issues. Cambridge needs to capture money for this community.

Councillor Galluccio stated that the $100,00 needed to be defended as a good expenditure and an economic opportunity for Cambridge. He needed to know what part of the expenditure is public celebration and how would this event attract residents from around the city. The delegates, he said, would be in the city so how would the Cambridge DNC event attract tourists. This event was not done for the Republican convention. The Cambridge DNC event needed to benefit the city. Standards needed to be established to justify spending the money. He spoke about the historical significance that Cambridge has played in politics such as John F. Kennedy and Tip O’Neill who both started their political careers in Cambridge. He spoke of the immigration, industrial and the political history of the city. He favored a visual history trail that lasted after the event. This would be, more meaningful to the city. He is more interested in history and landmarks that would remain after the event. Conventioneers want the biggest and best party. Big name performers do bring people to the events. He stated he did not like the tag line of "celebrate a large world in a small city". He asked Ms. Williams what were her expectations for fund raising for this event. Boston would not sit back and let Cambridge capture the fund raising money, he said. He stated that he would like a schedule of events in Boston. When would Cambridge get Boston’s event schedule so that Cambridge could schedule their event.

Councillor Simmons responded to Councillor Galluccio that Cambridge needed to plan its event because it cannot coincide with the DNC. It is difficult to fix a date when other events are occurring. The Cambridge event was planned as a community event that was stagged during the DNC.

Ms. Williams stated that Sunday seemed the best day because other things are going on. Monday is the kick off of the convention. Every day a major concert is being held. On July 24th there is a major media party at the convention center. On July 25th there is a delegate party 3-6 p.m.. At 8 p.m. a Boston Welcome party would be held. Monday through Wednesday nights there would be major concerts. There are 1,000 other DNC events happening around the city. Ms. Williams responded to Councillor Galluccio’s questions about fundraising by stating that $100,000-250,000 would be raised from sponsors. Funds would be raised from the "Passport" and a VIP Party. Galleria Mall is interested in sponsoring major talent of $20,000-$25,000. Sponsors would buy marketing opportunity; Cambridge would sell marketing opportunity. She was confident that $100,00 could be raised from sponsors. But the location must be selected, stated Ms. Williams. Councillor Reeves stated that the event planner would be required to do fundraising.

Councillor Murphy stated that there are different elements to this convention. The squares in the city have fun bars located in them. The "Passport" idea has potential. Get your Visa stamped at bars and restaurants and when filled up, get a prize. Different events make sense for different audiences, he said. The biotech event could be small. Tours of the green building could be conducted. He suggested stepping back and evaluating what events Cambridge wanted to do and to get working on finalizing these events.

Councillor Davis stated that the discussions in the 2002-2003 committee focused on the event bolstering Cambridge profit for Cambridge. The "Passport" idea was a good idea to bring people back to Cambridge. The biotech industry would provide tours. Community Development Departments is developing green building tours. This event would be consistent with the city council goal of fostering community especially since the Central Square Fair and Riverfest would not be held this year.

Councillor Toomey stated that his comfort level about this event is not where it needed to be. Canal Park is small. Would First Street be closed, he asked? He did not support $100,00 for an event planner. There is no focus for this event.

Councillor Simmons stated that the DNC did not have Cambridge at the table. Cambridge’s participation is not accidental. Cambridge would receive economic benefit from DNC. The goal was always economic opportunity for Cambridge. This event would be a community celebration held during the DNC so that Cambridge could get the market share of the money spent by delegates and participants. This would also bolster tourism and the economy. She stressed the need to get the schools involved. She supported capturing the biotech opportunity. Each person staying in a Cambridge hotel represents $300 in revenue spent in Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves stated that this is an important issue and it is an initial opportunity to discuss the proposal. He liked the" Passport" idea. He was, however, concerned about a one day event. He wanted a more multi event approach; things going on all the time such as a large concert at Tech Square. He favored tech tours; the history of technology is here. He spoke of multiple days of things done by more than one planner. He suggested advertising corporate sponsorship and promising media time. Smart dialogue with academics would be added.

Councillor Davis stated that the events needed to be packaged.

Councillor Reeves stated that Cambridge restaurants could be packaged. He spoke about banners and signage outlining that Cambridge is prepared and is conducting a weeklong party. He stated that he has been told by Mr. O’Sullivan that Congressman Capuano has secured $100,000 from each biotech company.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting to public comment.

Ms. Jillson, Cambridge YMCA asked how does Cambridge reach the 6,000 delegates not staying in Cambridge. She liked the "Passport" idea. Cambridge, she said, has not figured out if this is a Cambridge event or a DNC event. This fact needed to be defined. The delegates are on their own. She stated that the "super" delegates should be reached for funding for the biotech. The names of the 6,000 delegates is information that Cambridge needed. Food and entertainment is what can legally be given. So this event has to be the best party. People want to visit Harvard University, she said.

Ms. Courtney, Pipeline Management, stated that the long-term benefit, the future money to Cambridge, from tourism and businesses should be reviewed. She stated she would like to see a budget for a one-day event. She liked the idea of a series of events. There is a way to get coverage for Cambridge, especially if the media is here. An event book should be sent to delegates. Public relations event needed to be done at the convention. She did not like "Passport" idea. An idea is needed that captures the city and have a great media piece attached to this idea.

Mr. Sage stated that is never to late to do something around DNC. The effort is to showcase this area. Boston 2004 is trying to raise money from Cambridge businesses. He suggested obtaining local celebrities. The hotels will not know who the delegates are for some time. He favored July 25, 2004 for a Cambridge event. On Sunday there are thirty small events occurring. Vendors needed to be certified.

Councillor Reeves stated that it was logical to have a" Passport" for people who are not from the area. The scope of the RFP might need to be broader, he said.

Councillor Reeves scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, March 10, 2004. He thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and nineteen minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #2 
The University Relations Committee held a public hearing on March 3, 2004, beginning at 4:25 P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of discussing how to support and strengthen the relationship between the educational institutions and the Cambridge Public Schools.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Acting City Manager for Human Services and Susan Walsh, Director of the Office for Workforce Development, Department of Human Services. The following members of the public attended the meeting: Stash Horowitz, 12 Pleasant Street, John Moot, 44 Coolidge Hill Road, Kathy Dobson, M.I.T. Student, and Derrick Tay, M.I.T. student.

Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. Vice Mayor Decker then stated that she and Councillor Galluccio would like to focus on how to get the universities more involved with the public schools. The City Council adopted an order at the February 23, 2004 City Council meeting requesting the appointment of three members of the School Committee as liaisons to this committee as it works on education issues, and requesting that the School Committee direct the Superintendent to appoint a liaison to this committee and the City Manager to appoint a liaison to this committee. Vice Mayor Decker invited all those present to introduce themselves and to state their interest in the committee and its work

Councillor Davis said that she agrees that focusing on the universities’ relationships with the public schools is an excellent idea and an appropriate next step for the committee. She added that she hopes that the committee will take the position that the five areas prioritized by the previous term’s University Relations Committee (environment, housing, education, fiscal health and planning and development) are all areas important to an overall good town/gown relationship, but that at this time the committee’s work will focus on education as its top priority. She read the description of the areas and action suggestions from the June 18, 2003 report and requested that it be attached to the report. Attachment A.

Councillor Galluccio said that he does not have a problem with Councillor Davis’s approach, so long as it is clear that education is the main focus and top priority.

Vice Mayor Decker said that some of the further work on some of the other four areas could become part of the work plans of other committees during this term, for example, the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee might want to look at the planning and development aspects of the town/gown relationship.

Councillor Simmons said that she too believes that education is the most important area in which the universities can help the city. She said that she does not want to interfere with the relationship that the Council and School Committee are establishing in the roundtable discussions that the Mayor has organized. Councillor Davis raised a concern that at the last roundtable, the Superintendent seemed quite definite in his announcement that he was working with the universities. She would not want to distract his focus.

Councillor Murphy asked about the Superintendent’s position with regard to the idea of this committee’s focus on the universities’ relationships with the public schools.

Councillor Galluccio said that it is very clear that this effort cannot succeed unless the Superintendent sees it as furthering his goals. Obviously this committee cannot set the priorities for what assistance the schools should get from the universities. That is up to the School Committee and the Superintendent. What this committee can do is listen very carefully to what is being asked and offered, and then get the university stakeholders to the table and use the Council’s relationship with the universities to assist in the follow-through.

Councillor Davis noted that in previous committee discussions about university assistance to the schools, City Manager Robert Healy stated that he would like to see the universities take on a big project and focus on it, rather than doing a lot of smaller things.

All present agreed that it would be useful for the Superintendent and School Committee to prioritize a particular project.

Acting Assistant Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff noted that education happens more broadly than just in the schools, for example, if the chosen priority were to be math/science education, as implementation discussions progress, there would be a need to involve the afterschool and youth centers to maximize the education opportunities. Ms. Semonoff also cautioned that often the people from the universities who seek to work with the schools are people looking for funding for their work and research issues. It is important to stay focused on how good the match is between what is being offered and what is needed.

Councillor Murphy said that the committee may need to involve the Teacher’s Union in planning and design earlier enough for their input in shaping the plans.

Councillor Reeves suggested looking at the Boston model, in which Mayor Menino appointed Chris Gabrielli to head a citizen advisory committee, and was able to establish a high-powered collaboration improve its afterschool programs.

Councillor Galluccio said that after the committee works with the School Committee, Superintendent and City Manager to establish a priority, it might be very helpful to ask for a citizen advisory to get community buy-in.

Vice Mayor Decker emphasized the need to keep the focus on closing the achievement gap.

It was agreed that before the next meeting, Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio, along with Mayor Sullivan, would meet with the Superintendent to discuss the committee, its goals and its desire to ensure that he and the School Committee are setting the educational goals and to emphasize the value of the School Committee, Superintendent, City Council and City Manager approaching the universities with one priority and one voice.

Councillor Galluccio and Vice Mayor Decker thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 5: 20 p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Co-Chair
Councillor Marjorie Decker, Co- Chair

Committee Report #3
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on March 3, 2004, beginning at 8:45 A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss cable television rates and any other business that may properly come within the purview of the committee.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, Calvin Lindsay, Director of the Municipal Cable Office, Dhonyale Jones, Municipal Cable Office, Peggy Sullivan, Manager of Government and Community Relations, Comcast, and Susan Fleischman, Director of Cambridge Community Television (CCTV).

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting to discuss the agenda for the committee this year. She listed the following issues:
   * Rates for cable tv service
   * Recent Be Live show, which featured, unclothed female breasts
   * "E-neighborhood"
   * How to improve, enhance and support the community benefits of cable tv.

Councillor Simmons stated that she has received questions from residents on the Comcast rate increases and requested that Ms. Sullivan provide an update on Comcast operations. Ms. Sullivan said that Comcast has made changes in the form of the organization since it took over from AT&T as cable provider. AT&T was very centralized, with operations managed from a Denver main office.

Comcast has more experience with cable and more decentralized form of management. The company is divided into district divisions and further divided into regions. Cambridge is part of the Atlantic Division and the New England Region. Kevin Casey heads the New England Region as Regional Vice President and his office is in Manchester, N.H. The New England Region is further divided into areas. This area is under the aegis of Vice President Paul D’Anchangelo, who is responsible for an area running from Boston to North Reading. His office is in Brighton. One of his first changes was to open some closed call centers and bring the function back in house. This has reduced complaints about how long it takes for the phone to be answered. Comcast has also changed the response communication structure of plant operations, and field services to improve response to requests for service. Ms. Sullivan also discussed infrastructure investments in Video On Demand. She then described some efforts to work with the community.

Ms. Sullivan said that standard cable cost $47; basic with 23 channels is less than $8.00. RCN and Satellite do not offer this option. The average time that people spend watching television is 8 hours per day, so the cost per hour is actually reasonable, in Comcast’s view. She added that Comcast employs 12 Cambridge residents. Comcast has largely reduced contracting out to independent contractors and has invested in training employees. They expect this investment to pay off in increased customer satisfaction, and in fact, complaints have dropped significantly.

Councillor Simmons invited Susan Fleischmann to talk about CCTV. Ms. Fleischman discussed CCTV’s functions. CCTV covers community events, has one extra channel dedicated to programming in languages other than English, provides original creative and community oriented programming, runs production studios, and offers training and production opportunities to the public. In 2002, CCTV suffered a funding cut of 18 percent, when the Federal Communication Commission decided cable modems are not subject to franchise fees.

With regard to the recent issue about the Be Live program, public access channels are a First Amendment forum, so the content is considered free speech, which cannot be censored, unless it is a type of speech which the courts have concluded is not protected by the First Amendment. Speech that is not protected includes libel and slander, sedition and obscenity. Only a court can tell CCTV what they can take off because it is not protected speech. CCTV does have the prerogative to monitor the times at which the programs are broadcasted. With regard to the recent "breast" show, the programmer has been informed that if his shows continue to have such content, they will be moved to a much later time slot.

Councillor Murphy asked Susan Fleischman to describe any awards that CCTV has won. Ms. Fleishman said that CCTV has been voted the Number One Public Access Channel four times in the past 16 years. CCTV has been nationally recognized for the quality of its programming, Ms. Fleischman added. She said that the current cable provider, Comcast, has recognized CCTV s a value-added part of the overall cable network and has been much more willing to communicate and cooperate than the previous provider. She said that CCTV would like to co-market the basic tier, for mutual advantage.

Ms. Sullivan said that Comcast has committed to marketing the new education channel and that CCTV should certainly be involved in that planning.

Ms. Fleischman said that CCTV has been instrumental in making the educational access channel a reality. She discussed the history. In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Ms. Fleischman described the breakdown of the allocation of the 5% of the gross revenue on cable services that is devoted to public access:
   3% CCTV (This Year $515,000)
   1½% municipal cable
   ½% educational access (Approximately $80,000)

Calvin Lindsay then described the Municipal Cable Office franchise. They broadcast 12 hours of programs, six (6) days a week in addition to City Council meetings and city events. They are currently involved in development of a Media Arts studio to be used by the Municipal Cable Office, RSTA, and Cambridge Educational Access (CEA). CEA will be responsible for School Committee meeting coverage as well as programming for educational channels and training for teachers and students.

Councillor Murphy asked how Comcast is involved. Ms. Sullivan said Comcast would help with funding. She added that she wants to talk about collaboration like the one Comcast has in Boston with the Mission Park School, an internship program, mostly in field services.

Mr. Lindsay said that the Media Arts Collaboration with the RSTA program is very interested in internships for the RSTA students.

Dhonyale Jones described her major focus as trying to make sure that the community knows about programming of interest to particular segments of the community, for example, that seniors know when programs of interest to seniors will be shown.

Councillor Simmons asked whether the senior picnics are filmed, Ms. Jones said that they are taped but not broadcasted live because of the technical issues. Councillor Murphy asked about the equipment required for out-of-studio live programming and whether technology is making it easier. Ms. Sullivan said not really, it is still dependent on the wire. The city INET is old. Comcast does not have an obligation to maintain that network in its recent contract. Comcast does not want the new educational access channels to be on the old INET because of its outdated technology.

Councillor Murphy asked about wireless transmission opportunities in the future to eliminate this dependence. Susan Fleischman said right now the bandwidth required makes it unfeasible. The city has it own robust fiber optic network, but has security concerns with regard to allowing any other outside use. Ms. Sullivan said that in the last couple of years, advances in multiplexing equipment have made it easier to satisfy security concerns and share the network.

In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Deputy City Solicitor Nancy Glowa said that the City Manager is the issuing authority of the license. The City Solicitor provides legal advice. In response to a question from Councillor Murphy, Nancy Glowa said that there are outstanding lawsuits between the City and the cable provider.

Ms. Sullivan said that she would make information available about the Comcast/Disney takeover issue as soon as she has it.

Councillor Simmons then moved to the issue of community benefit. She began with the issues of coverage of the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Boston and whatever events the City has in connection with the Democratic National Convention, which may include an event in East Cambridge at Canal Park.

Ms. Sullivan said that Comcast has been discussing with the hotels and the Democratic National Convention the possibility of providing a cable channel connection to the convention.

Councillor Murphy asked whether there could be a Cambridge connection so that delegates here could get restaurant and-entertainment information in addition to the information they get on that special channel. He further noted that the existing Cambridge Tourism DVD would be a good first step. Ms. Sullivan said that she would like to look at the DVD. Councillor Simmons said that she would like something more, as well, something that shows the unique opportunities those delegates will find in Cambridge.

Councillor Murphy suggested contacting Billy Costa, who reviews restaurants on the New England Cable Network channel, to do a show about Cambridge restaurants.

Councillor Murphy said that the committee should also talk about cable coverage for the unique event that will take place in May, when Cambridge issues marriage licenses to same sex couples. Councillor Simmons agreed. She said that she also wants a meeting to include a discussion of NSTAR.

Councillor Simmons thanked those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and ten minutes A.M.

For the Committee
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair