Cambridge City Council meeting - March 22, 2010 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan, 2010: Glenton A. Smith, Christopher Rickman, Claude St. Louis

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2010 and ending Mar 31, 2011.  Kelley voted NO

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, 2010 and ending March 31, 2011. The City administration and City Council continue to recognize that it is important to mitigate the effects of water and sewer increases both for FY11 and future fiscal years as much as possible. Therefore, I am submitting a recommendation that calls for a 1.5% increase in the water rate and a 7.9% increase in the sewer rate, resulting in a 5.8% increase in the combined rate.

It is important to note that water consumption, along with the budget, are the major factors in determining the rate necessary to generate sufficient water and sewer revenues. With regard to the water rate, the use of fund balance is an important factor in determining the water rate. Sewer charges are directly linked with water consumption, with sewer costs comprising approximately 2/3 of total water and sewer expenditures. Therefore, when consumption declines, revenues are negatively impacted. In the current fiscal year, water is being consumed at approximately the same level as in the previous fiscal year. In FY09, there was a 4% decrease in water use from the previous fiscal year. However, FY10 is the first year in the last four where the city has not seen a decrease in consumption.

While the total FY11 Water Budget reflects a budget decrease of 5.1% from FY 10 Projected and the total Sewer Budget reflects a 3.9% increase from FY10 Projected, which includes a 2.8% increase in the MWRA assessment, the impact of level water consumption, and therefore level revenues, is driving the combined rate increase of 5.8%.

In my recommendation to you last year, the projected FY11 rate increases for water, sewer and combined were 3.7%, 10.0% and 8.0%, respectively, based on consumption rates in March 2009. We have, however, been able to produce rate increases lower than estimates from last year. Overall, the city has been successful over the past five years in producing reasonable water and sewer rate increases. The average annual increases for the FY06-10 period were as follows: Water, 1.7%; Sewer, 5.7%; and Combined, 4.3%, which include the water rate showing 0% increases in both FY06 and FY08 and a sewer rate increase of 0% in FY08.

FY11 estimated sewer revenues will cover the FY11 estimated Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) assessment, which is scheduled to increase by $597,951 to $21,617,301, or 2.8%. The MWRA rate increase projected for the City is subject to change based on the MWRA budget adopted later in the Spring 2010. Estimated sewer revenues will also cover operating and capital increases.

In February 2010, the City issued $6,925,000 in bonds to finance several sewer reconstruction projects throughout the city. The annual debt service costs attributable to these bonds are included in the sewer budget.

FY11 estimated water revenues will cover salary and benefit increases for Water Department employees while costs related to the operation of the water plant have decreased. Debt service costs continue to decline, by $1,646,510 this year, due to the pay-off of a portion of the bonds for the water treatment plant and additional debt service savings generated by the refinancing of existing debt in 2007. The projected fund balance for FY10 is $5,603,782, of which $250,000 will be used in FY11 to offset a higher rate increase.

The chart below reflects the FY10 actual and FYI 1 proposed water and sewer rates.

  Annual Consumption* FY10 Water Rate FY11 Proposed Water Rate FY10 Sewer Rate FY11 Proposed Sewer Rate
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $2.98 $3.02 $7.28 $7.86
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $3.19 $3.24 $7.71 $8.32
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $3.39 $3.44 $8.28 $8.93
Block 4 2,001 - 10,000 CcF $3.60 $3.65 $8.92 $9.62
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $3.90 $3.96 $9.48 $10.23

*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.

While the projected FY11 rate increase of 1.5% for water is lower than the five year average, the 7.9% for sewer and 5.8% for combined are above the average annual increases for the past five years (Water, 1.7%; Sewer, 5.7%; and Combined, 4.3%) but are still moderate increases and reflect increases lower than were estimated last year. It should be noted that the water rate increases of 0% in FY06 and FY08 and the sewer rate increase of 0% in FY08, are rare occurrences and demonstrate our commitment keep rates low.

WATER

Beginning 11 fiscal years ago (2000), a portion of the fund balance from the Water Fund has been used to offset increases in the operation of the Water Department. In FY11, the fund balance support will be $250,000, which is a decrease of $1,000,000 from the FY10 amount. This is a significant decrease in the use of fund balances from prior fiscal years. For example, the estimated use of fund balance for FY10 was $1,250,000. By using $250,000 from the fund balance in FY11, the City is able to achieve a 1.5% water rate increase while providing capital funds for infrastructure improvements. It is expected that use of the fund balance will be eliminated in FY12, which coincides with a significant decrease in the water debt service. As Table 3 on page 6 indicates, the total FY11 water operating and capital budget decreased by 5.1% from $19,857,525 in FY10 to $18,853,630. As noted above, the decrease in debt service has offset increases in the operating budget.

The Capital allocation has increased $250,000 from its FY10 level of $1,500,000. Table 3 on page 6 indicates the details of Water Fund projected revenues and expenditures for the years 2010 to 2015. Table 6 on page 9 shows actual Water Fund balances for FY05-09 and the projected balance for FY10.

SEWER

Sewer operating and capital budgets have increased from the FY10 adjusted budget levels by 3.9%, due to a projected 2.8% increase in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) assessment, salary and benefit increases, debt service and capital budget increases. Overall, the sewer rate is projected to increase by 7.9%, which is below the 10.0% projected for FY11 in last year's letter.

The increase in the MWRA assessment is due primarily to higher interest costs on MWRA debt, which comprises approximately 58% of the MWRA budget.

As mentioned above, this sewer increase is lower than the rate projected for FY11 in last year's letter. It should be noted that the MWRA assessment and debt service on sewer bonds account for 90.3% of the total Sewer budget. The Sewer operating budget is above its FY10 level, while the capital allocation has increased by $200,000 to $800,000.

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 2010 bond issue: Agassiz; Cherry Street / S. Mass. Avenue; Cambridgeport; Western Avenue; and Fresh Pond projects. Since May 1998, the City Council has authorized $266,636,730 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 this century from a healthy and environmentally sound water and sewer system. In addition to the projects currently under way, the five-year capital plan calls for an additional investment of approximately $147,462,968 (primarily sewer, $133,712,968) in the water and sewer systems.

The allocation of $1,750,000 for water will be used mainly for improvements to the distribution and transmission system including water main replacement on main streets in conjunction with sewer reconstruction projects planned by Public Works, equipment replacement, improvements to security control systems, 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; and Western Avenue. The City carefully monitors the issuance of debt to fund authorized sewer projects and makes adjustments to ensure that debt service cost increases, which impact the sewer rate, are moderate.

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 FY10, state subsidies covered $2,001,560 , or 9.4% of the total debt service of $21,313,838. It is anticipated that the City will continue to receive State subsidies on existing debt. The FY11-15 capital plan includes several projects that may be eligible for subsidized loans from the State. However, since it is not certain that these projects will receive state subsidies, the debt service on these projects has been calculated based on funding through General Obligation bonds. 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 7 shows the detail of sewer-related expenditures for FY10-15.

Table 1 below summarizes the change in water and sewer metered revenue, while Table 2 presents the estimated average charge to residential water/sewer bills.

FY11 projected revenues are based on FY10 projected collections and reflect our practice of conservative revenue projections.

TABLE 1
Combined Water / Sewer Metered Revenue

  FY10 Revised FY11 Projected % Change
Water $17,300,000 $17,562,505 1.5%
Sewer $35,000,000 $37,769,712 7.9%
Combined Water / Sewer Revenue $52,300,000 $55,332,217 5.8%

TABLE 2
Average Change to Combined Water and Sewer Residential Bills

Residential Type FY10 FY11 Projected Annual Variance % Change
Single Family $722 $764 $42 5.8%
Two Family $956 $1,011 $55 5.8%
Three Family $1,444 $1,528 $84 5.8%

SENIOR DISCOUNT PROGRAM

There are currently 2,840 homeowners who qualify for the age 65+ water / sewer 15% discount (not to exceed $90 annually), which is not tied to the homeowner's income.

There are also 107 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 FY10, the income guidelines are as follows: single, income of $23,061 with assets of $46,122 or less; married, income of $34,592 with assets of $63,418 or less.

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 FY10 fund balance. As can be seen in Table 5, the annual combined water / sewer rate is projected to increase by an average of approximately 5.9% for FY11-15. The projected increase is the result of the City's infrastructure improvement program and increases in the MWRA assessment (based on estimates received from the MWRA) of 2.8-10.3% in FY11-15. If increases in the MWRA assessment are more moderate and subsidies for new State Revolving Fund loans are funded, the rate increases that are shown will be lowered. Conversely, if consumption increases and therefore revenues increase, rate increases will be affected positively. However, if consumption were again to decrease, there will be a negative effect on water and sewer revenues.

Because of our planning process, which includes conservatively estimating our water and sewer revenues and controlling expenditure growth, including debt issuance, we have been able to mitigate a portion of the rate increase that would otherwise have occurred, even with a level consumption rate. This has allowed us to generate a small increase in the water rate and a moderate increase in the sewer rate while still investing in our utility infrastructure.

I believe we have structured our water and sewer program to produce reasonable rate increases in the future to meet the City administration and City Council goal to mitigate the effects of water and sewer increases on residents as much as possible.

Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy, City Manager

Table 3
Water Projections
FY10-15

Water Expenditures: FY10 Budget (Recap) FY10 Projected FY11 Projected FY12 Projected FY13 Projected FY14 Projected FY15 Projected
Operating 10,192,785 9,879,490 10,269,525 10,680,306 11,107,518 11,551,819 12,013,892
Existing Debt 7,793,105 7,793,105 6,146,595 4,529,976 3,682,801 3,548,000 3,112,301
Subtotal Operating Budget 17,985,890 17,672,595 16,416,120 15,210,282 14,790,319 15,099,819 15,126,193
Capital 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,750,000 2,750,000 3,500,000 3,250,000 3,250,000
One-time Capital / Major Water Mains 500,000 500,000 - - - - -
Finance 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000
Conservation 29,930 29,930 32,510 32,510 32,510 32,510 32,510
Public Works 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000
Community Development 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000
Total 20,170,820 19,857,525 18,853,630 18,647,792 18,977,829 19,037,329 19,063,703
 
Assumptions:
1) Operating Budget for FY11 is based on City Manager's Submitted Budget and increases 4% for FY12-15.
2) Capital as shown.
 
Revenue / Change in Fund Balance
Beginning Fund Balance 6,381,652 6,381,652 5,603,782 5,353,782 5,353,782 5,353,782 5,353,782
Meter Revenue 17,456,165 17,300,000 17,562,505 18,047,792 18,377,829 18,437,329 18,463,703
Miscellaneous Water Charges 585,000 900,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000
MWPAT Subsidy 879,655 879,655 441,125 - - - -
From Fund Balance (Operating) 750,000 750,000 250,000 - - - -
From Fund Balance (Capital) 500,000 500,000 - - -    
Total Revenue 20,170,820 20,329,655 18,853,630 18,647,792 18,977,829 19,037,329 19,063,703
               
Total Expenditures 20,170,820 19,857,525 18,853,630 18,647,792 18,977,829 19,037,329 19,063,703
From Fund Balance 1,250,000 1,250,000 250,000 - - - -
 
Ending Fund Balance 5,131,652 5,603,782 5,353,782 5,353,782 5,353,782 5,353,782 5,353,782
 
Projected Rate Increase     1.5% 2.8% 1.8% 0.3% 0.1%

Table 4
Sewer Projections
FY10-15

Sewer Expenditures FY10 Budget (Recap) FY10 Projected FY11 Projected FY12 Projected FY13 Projected FY14 Projected FY15 Projected
Public Works 2,652,490 2,448,930 2,732,945 2,842,263 2,955,953 3,074,191 3,197,159
Capital 600,000 600,000 800,000 1,750,000 500,000 1,000,000 2,000,000
Existing Debt 13,520,740 13,520,740 13,931,452 10,183,503 8,778,600 6,847,242 5,701,128
New Debt - - - 2,671,025 6,687,363 10,858,963 13,411,175
Finance 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000
Community Development 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500
MWRA 21,333,055 21,019,350 21,617,301 22,546,845 23,245,797 25,640,114 27,152,881
Total 38,375,785 37,858,520 39,351,198 40,263,136 42,437,213 47,690,010 51,731,843
 
1) The FY11 MWRA assessment is based on the preliminary estimate received from the MWRA and reflects a 2.8% increase from the revised FY10 assessment. FY12-15 assessments are based on annual rate increases of 4.3%, 3.1%, 103% and 5.9%, respectively.
2) Public Works allocation increases by 11.6% in FY11 over the FY10 Projected with increases of 4% estimated in FY12-15.
3) Capital is funded at $800,000 in FY11, $1,750,000 in FY12, $500,000 in FY13, $1,000,000 in FY14, and $2,000,000 in FY15.
4) Debt Service increases according to Debt Service schedule .
5) All others remain constant.
 
Financing Plan
Sewer Service Charge 36,703,880 35,000,000 37,769,712 39,619,105 41,800,374 47,060,581 51,113,776
Non- Metered Sewer Revenues 550,000 800,000 550,000 550,000 550,000 550,000 550,000
MWPAT Subsidy (existing) 1,121,905 1,121,905 1,031,486 94,031 86,839 79,429 68,067
Total 38,375,785 36,921,905 39,351,198 40,263,136 42,437,213 47,690,010 51,731,843
               
Sewer Service Charge Increase - - 7.9% 4.9% 5.5% 12.6% 8.6%

Table 5
Combined Water and Sewer Projections
FY10-15

  FY10 Budget / Recap FY10 Projected FY11 Budget FY12 Projected FY13 Projected FY14 Projected FY15 Projected
Metered Water Revenue 17,456,165 17,300,000 17,562,505 18,047,792 18,377,829 18,437,329 18,463,703
Metered Sewer Revenue 36,703,880 35,000,000 37,769,712 39,619,105 41,800,374 47,060,581 51,113,776
Total 54,160,045 52,300,000 55,332,217 57,666,897 60,178,203 65,497,910 69,577,479
               
% Increase - - 5.8% 4.2% 4.4% 8.8% 6.2%

Table 6
Water Fund BalancesFY05-10

  As of 6/30/05 (Actual) As of 6/30/06 (Actual) As of 6/30/07 (Actual) As of 6/30/08 (Actual) As of 6/30/09 (Actual) As of 6/30/10 (Projected)
Water Fund Balance 5,151,605 5,405,061 6,715,319 7,536,978 6,381,652 5,603,782

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-25, regarding a report on Oak Tree Development returning CPA funds used towards the preservation of St. James Church.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-22, regarding a report on the accident that occurred in the vicinity of Garfield Street and Mass Avenue on Feb 11th.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-04, regarding a report on how effective the school vaccine program was.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Dept. of Housing and Community Dev. in the amount of $340,095.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary & Wages account ($45,000.00) and to the Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($295,095.00). A portion of the funds will be used for a partnership between the Multi-Service Center & the YWCA for case management and operating costs of the family shelter facilities at the YWCA and the remainder of these funds will be used to assist clients in obtaining and retaining permanent housing.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Microsoft Grant received from the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Fund of the Boston Foundation for $47,500.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($30,550.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($16,950.00) and will be used to support the Youth Tech Program delivered by the Cambridge Youth Center Programs.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council through the Executive Office of Public Safety for $11,872.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($9,216.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,656.00) and will be used to support the City Peace Program which is a violence prevention program through the Department of Human Services that engages teens in working with their peers to address issues within the community.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-06, regarding a report on how the City pool and the two DCR pools will be kept open in the summer.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-31, regarding a report on enforcement of MBTA buses disobeying the rules of the road.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-29, regarding a report on the infrastructure of Kendall Square and its planned improvements.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-07, regarding a report on installing signage on Memorial Drive warning drivers of the upcoming lane of parked cars.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Two on an application from TD BANK requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1270 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development, Historical Commission and abutters.
Order adopted

ON THE TABLE
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 16 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding the City Council’s policy on naming street corners, along with the attached Oct 27, 2006 report from the City Manager. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #2 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing Cambridge Open Studios North/West on Apr 24th and 25th.

2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing Cambridge Open Studios East on May 8th and 9th.

3. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing Cambridge Open Studios Central on May 22nd and 23rd.

4. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing the Cambridge River Festival on June 5th.

5. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing the Dragon Boat Festival on June 12th and 13th.

6. An application was received from Stephen Dubouloz, requesting permission to modify and consolidate two existing curb cuts to create a single curb cut at the premises numbered 135-137 Elm Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association.

7. An application was received from Cambridge Science Festival requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall, fifty-seven banners on poles in Harvard Square and one hundred eighteen banners on poles along Massachusetts Avenue from Memorial Drive to Sydney Street, sixteen banners on poles along Broadway, from Ellery Street to Felton Street, thirty-five banners on poles from 136 Main Street to 9 Cambridge Center and eighteen banners on poles from Inman Street to Bigelow Street announcing the Cambridge Science Festival Apr 24-May 2, 2010. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.

8. An application was received from Scott Kenton, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 63 Francis Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association.

9. An application was received from Central Barber Shop, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1617A Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Richard McKinnon, on behalf of Archstone and New England Development, regarding the council order on the relocation of the Lechmere Station to NorthPoint.

2. A communication was received from the Cambridge Climate Emergency Action Group, transmitting the recommendations of 2009-2010 Climate Congress for an all-city awareness and response campaign, and for city responses to the Climate Emergency.
Refer to Sustainable Environment Committee (if approved) and City Manager

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Wayne Ferguson from the Cambridge Fire Department.   Mayor Maher

2. Retirement of Richard Randall from the Public Works Department.   Mayor Maher

3. Congratulations to Executive Chef Nuno Alves on his new position at Boston restaurants 33 and Styx.   Councillor Toomey

4. Happy Birthday wishes to Eva Boyce.   Councillor Simmons

5. Speedy recovery wishes to Sergeant Karen Meehan of the Salvation Army.   Councillor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Samina Uddin and Robin Engel on their recent marriage.   Councillor Cheung

7. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Aaron M. Arthur.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lakeshia M. Bailey.   Councillor Decker

9. Resolution on the death of Raymond A. "Ray" Tye.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Gil De Matos.   Councillor Toomey

11. Congratulations to the MIT Entrepreneurship Center on the launch of the MIT Entrepreneurship Review.   Councillor Cheung

12. Congratulations to Tammy Baldwin on receiving the Dr. Susan M. Love Award.   Councillor Simmons

13. Resolution on the death of Dennis Wolkoff.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Davis

14. Resolution on the death of Clifford A. Truesdell, IV.   Councillor Cheung, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis

15. Resolution on the death of Anna T. (Magliozzi) Giorgio.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Isaura (Cardoso) Carreiro.   Councillor Toomey

17. Happy 60th birthday wishes to Reverend Carol Johnson.   Councillor Simmons

18. Resolution on the death of George E. Warner.   Councillor Toomey

19. Congratulations to the Shelley Neill Group on the release of their new album.   Councillor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Erin L. McLyman.   Councillor Decker

21. Welcome to Jose Edgardo Aleman Molina as the new Consul General of the Republic of El Salvador.   Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Phyllis L. (Richards) Burrill.   Councillor Decker

23. Retirement of Lena James from the School Department.   Vice Mayor Davis

24. Congratulations to the Human Rights Commission on their 17th Annual Fair Housing Celebration.   Councillor Decker

25. Congratulations to David Wylie on his new book entitled "City, Save Thyself."   Councillor Decker

26. Congratulations and thanks to Corinne Varon on her successful exhibition entitled "Celebrating the Human Form: 4 Decades of Visual Expression" at the GAGA Gallery in Swampscott.   Councillor Reeves

27. Appreciation for the work of the Cambridge Climate Congress.   Councillor Seidel

28. Resolution on the death of Joseph E. Favaloro Sr.   Councillor Toomey

29. Acknowledgement to New England Development Corporation, CambridgeSide Galleria for being an active partner and supporter of the City's efforts to prepare and respond to possible emergencies and disasters.   Mayor Maher

30. Happy 75th Birthday wishes to Joan Qualls Harris.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

31. Resolution on the death of Peter R. Albano.   Councillor Decker

32. Congratulations to Luke Sullivan and Lauren McLaughlin on the birth of their daughter, Rowan Murphy Sullivan, on March 19, 2010.   Councillor Decker

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to investigate the opportunity to partner with local non-profits in order to obtain and develop the properties currently held by the Jesuit Order that are being placed on the market into affordable housing opportunities for the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toomey

2. That the City Manager is requested to take the necessary steps to prepare Cambridge to participate in Earth Hour again this year.   Councillor Cheung

3. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the use of space in Cemusa bus shelters for the display of Cambridge Energy Alliance posters and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Seidel

4. That this City Council go on record endorsing the goal of continuing to reduce the Military Budget until it has shrunk to the amount necessary for the purposes of legitimate defense of the United States.   Councillor Decker and Vice Mayor Davis
Toomey - NO

5. Public notification process and plans relating to the Blair Pond and the Alewife Reservation.   Councillor Simmons
Amended

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development in order to report back with draft language for an amendment to Section 5.28.2 of the Zoning Ordinance to include a provision to facilitate the conversion of Institutional Property to Affordable Housing.   Councillor Toomey

7. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of Essex Street and Norfolk Street in honor of Clifford Truesdell IV.   Councillor Decker
Kelley - NO

8. That the City Council place on the table the attached proposal to amend the City Council rules to replace the Health and Environment Committee with two committees, the Community Health Committee and the Sustainable Environment Committee.   Mayor Maher
Amended. Kelley voted NO. Councillor Kelley filed Reconsideration. Gov't Operations Committee hearing on this matter scheduled for Thurs, Mar 25, 5:30pm.

9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether the scope of the First Street construction project can be extended to include visual improvements of the First Street corridor, such as lighting, in order to prevent future impact of construction on businesses on First Street.   Councillor Toomey

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads with the intention of improving the appearance of the facades along First Street and Spring Street and to report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Toomey
Amended

11. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the specific improvements that Harvard University has agreed to make on the streetscapes for the intersections of Everett and Chauncy Streets, the timeframe for these projects and their current status.   Councillor Seidel

12. That the City Manager is requested to direct the new Executive Director of the Police Review Advisory Board to submit a report to the City Council detailing what are perceived to be the issues of greatest importance that the Police Review Advisory Board must focus on, and that this report should be submitted to the City Council no later than 90 days from the adoption of this order.   Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Toomey

13. That the Cambridge City Council urges the U.S. Department of Energy to support the Massachusetts petition to exempt from federal preemption Massachusetts’s 90% AFUE standard for non-weatherized gas furnaces.   Vice Mayor Davis
Charter Right - Toomey

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant City staff, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the MBTA and other large entities in the city such as Harvard and MIT and report back to the City Council on what circumstances the public should expect the Cambridge Police Department not to act on a public safety related issues because the problematic behavior is taking place on property within the City over which another public institution has jurisdiction.   Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Toomey

15. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the transmittal of the sum of $50,000 by Lesley University to the City of Cambridge for improvement of Massachusetts Avenue and of any allocation of the funds to date.   Councillor Seidel
Charter Right - Toomey

16. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on any proposed physical design changes or traffic-calming measures at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue.   Councillor Seidel

17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of adopting a Pay-As-You-Throw program in Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves
Charter Right - Toomey

18. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the City Council with options for amending the city ordinance to allow for the Manager to permit civic organizations to use public space after hours.   Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Toomey

19. That the City Manager is requested to provide a report on the City’s response to the heavy rain that was most damaging to North Cambridge and inform our residents of any federal assistance that may be available to them and explain the need to purchase flood insurance when those residences are in a declared flood plain.   Mayor Maher
Charter Right - Toomey

20. Dedication of a corner in the vicinity of One Kendall Square to be named "Bob Jones Square".   Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Davis

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., transmitting a copy of his letter to the City Manager to consider expanding the affordable housing stock by purchasing properties currently being offered by the Jesuits in the Harvard Square area.

2. A communication was received from Mayor David P. Maher, transmitting the 2010-2011 City Council Committee Assignments.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 22
5:00pm   Special Presentation welcoming Jose Aleman the new Salvadoran Consul to Boston  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 23
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 6
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Tues, May 4
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 5
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2011 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 12
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2011 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 13
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2011 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 17
4:00pm   2010 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 18
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 19
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2011 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 20
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2011 City Budget (if necessary) This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, June 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a number of properties currently held by the Jesuit Order are being placed on the market; and
WHEREAS: Many of these large homes could offer excellent affordable housing opportunities; and
WHEREAS: Adding affordable opportunities in these Cambridge neighborhoods would help to distribute affordable housing more evenly throughout the city and create opportunities where there are currently few, if any, options; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to investigate the opportunity to partner with local non-profits in order to obtain and develop these homes into affordable housing opportunities for the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-2     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Our nation’s use of energy continues to increase resulting in detrimental effects on the world’s climate; and
WHEREAS: It has been estimated that turning non-essential lights out in America for one hour could save as much as 15% of the energy consumed on an average Saturday night; and
WHEREAS: The energy savings will reduce carbon emissions into our air, preserve the natural resources used to produce this energy, set a positive precedent for the rest of the nation, and result in ongoing reduced costs for the City, taxpayers, and businesses; and
WHEREAS: Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming; and
WHEREAS: This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8:30pm on Mar 27, 2010 millions of people in some of the world’s major cities will unite and switch off for Earth Hour; and
WHEREAS: To alter the course of climate change, we must act now. The U.S. is the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide-over 20 tons per person every year; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging residents and the municipal City departments and School Department to turn off their lights during earth hour
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Earth Hour on behalf of the entire City Council.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange publicity about Earth Hour including information on the City web site and cable channel in order that as many people as possible can participate.

O-3     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Energy Alliance has produced a series of posters and public service announcements on energy conservation related matters; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the use of space in Cemusa bus shelters for the display of Cambridge Energy Alliance posters and report back to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with additional options to display Cambridge Energy Alliance posters and marketing materials.

O-4     Mar 22, 2010  Toomey voted NO
COUNCILLOR DECKER
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned the Military Budget doubled during the Bush presidency to an amount equal to the military budgets of the rest of the world combined, and the military budget is much larger than is necessary for the legitimate defense needs of the nation; and
WHEREAS: The military budget excesses take money away from Cambridge schools and essential human service programs; and
WHEREAS: Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston has been a local voice in speaking out on behalf of this proposal; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record endorsing the goal of using the reduction in military spending to fund programs to meet the needs of the people of Cambridge and of the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record endorsing the goal of using the reduction in military spending to meet the needs of returning armed forces personnel and veterans; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record endorsing the goal of continuing to reduce the budget until it has shrunk to the amount necessary for the purposes of legitimate defense of the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, all members of the Massachusetts Congressional and Senatorial Delegation, Governor Deval Patrick, and the major Boston-area newspapers and television stations on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5     Mar 22, 2010  amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The nearly 10-acre wooded natural habitat surrounding Blair Pond is integral to the Alewife Reservation. Its complex ecosystems in West Cambridge (on the Belmont border) are the most remote and mammal protected section of the Alewife Reservation; and
WHEREAS: As a result of the DCR dredging plan, this area will be negatively impacted from the construction equipment and the roadways planned for the East side of the bordering pond nature preserve, and
WHEREAS: The pond can be dredged without the extreme impact of roadways in its urban wild; and
WHEREAS: The Conservation Commission has the right, and in this case, the obligation to ask for a wildlife assessment before any permits for equipment construction are given; and
WHEREAS: The planners from the DCR should establish a greater degree of communication with Friends of Alewife Reservation (FAR), whose non-profit assessors are considered stewards of the area; FAR should be given advance knowledge of upcoming meetings on this matter, and on-going communication should be agreed to by Mr. Lowell during any additional construction planning (MEPA Site visit) for the Blair urban wild; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor of Cambridge is requested to send a letter to Mr. Dan Driscoll and Mr. Robert Lowell, Project Manager of the DCR, noting the absence of public meeting notification to the Friends of Alewife Reservation; this letter should request that the Conservation Commission notify FAR and all interested parties of all future meetings related to Blair Pond and the Alewife Reservation, and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to write and require that the DCR provide clear layman’s plans with non-numeric understandable wetlands by-law information; and with wildlife assessments for the removal of any trees and vegetation or removal and/or destruction of animal habitat in advance of presenting the information to the Cambridge Conservation Commission (as this is an unusually rare urban wild in Cambridge); and be it further
ORDERED: That the DCR assess the construction impacts in the specific area noted between Cambridge’s Mooney Street, Normandy Avenue, and Flanders Road in Belmont; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this policy order to Ian Bowles, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA); to State Representative Will Brownsberger; to the Selectmen and Conservation Commission of Belmont; the Conservation Commission and Planning Board of Cambridge; and State Senator Ken Donnelly.

O-6     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development in order to report back with draft language for an amendment to Section 5.28.2 of the Zoning Ordinance to include a provision to facilitate the conversion of Institutional Property to Affordable Housing.

O-7     Mar 22, 2010  Kelley voted NO
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Essex Street and Norfolk Street in honor of Clifford Truesdell IV; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive 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-8     Mar 22, 2010  Amended. Kelley voted NO. Councillor Kelley filed Reconsideration. Gov't Operations Committee hearing on this matter scheduled for Thurs, Mar 25, 5:30pm.
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The serious community health and sustainable environment policy issues that the Health and Environment Committee will encounter at the this time warrant the division of that committee into two committees, one of which could focus on community health policy and the other on sustainable environment policy; and
WHEREAS: Rule 26 of the Rules of the City Council designates the City Council Committees, their structure and their purposes; and
WHEREAS: Paragraph three on page 9 of Rule 26 described the current Health and Environment Committee as follows:

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - A committee of three City Councillors.
Purposes
-To consider matters relating to the health of the citizens of Cambridge;
-To monitor and improve health programs;
-To consider matters relating to the physical environment of the city including without limitation issues relating to air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, visual quality and the environmental impact of development.
and
WHEREAS: The proposal to divide the Health and Environment Committee into two committees would require a change to the City Council Rules. Pursuant to Rule 35B, proposed amendments cannot be enacted until at least seven days have elapsed from the date of the submission of the proposed changes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council place on the table and refer to the Government Operations and Rules Committee the attached proposal to amend the City Council Rules to replace the Health and Environment Committee with two committees, the Community Health Committee and the Sustainable Environment Committee for deliberation at the next regular meeting of the City Council.

Proposed Change to Rule 26
Strike paragraph three on page 9 of Rule 26 of the Rules of the City Council 2010-2011, beginning with the words "HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE" and ending with the words "impact of development."
Replace said paragraph three with the following two paragraphs:

COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE - A committee of three City Councillors
Purposes
To consider matters relating to the health of the citizens of Cambridge.
To monitor and improve city policies relating to health programs.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - A Committee of three City Councillors
Purposes
To consider matters relating to the physical environment of the city including without limitation issues relating to air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, visual quality, the environmental impact of development and the sustainability of our physical environment.

O-9     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Construction repairs are being planned for the First Street corridor; and
WHEREAS: First Street is in much need of improvement, both structural and visual; and
WHEREAS: There are currently no plans for aesthetic improvements of First Street; and
WHEREAS: Future plans for First Street extending to O’Brien Highway will create further construction in years to come that businesses will have to face; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on whether the scope of the project can be extended to include visual improvements of the First Street corridor, such as lighting, in order to prevent future impact of construction on businesses on First Street.

O-10     Mar 22, 2010  amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: First floor retail on First Street in the First Street Garage is in disrepair; and
WHEREAS: Windows are boarded up along First and Spring Streets, and decorative tiles are broken; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads with the intention of improving the appearance of the facades along First Street and Spring Street and to report back to the City Council on this matter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on any plans to occupy the retail space and whether or not there could be a request for proposals for the site.

O-11     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Harvard University has recently agreed to make improvements to the streetscapes for the intersections of both Everett and Chauncy Streets at Massachusetts Avenue as part of the Harvard Law School construction project; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the specific improvements agreed to, the timeframe for these projects and their current status.

O-12     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Police Review Advisory Board (PRAB) has recently appointed an Executive Director following a lengthy vacancy of the position; and
WHEREAS: Filling the Executive Director position returns the Police Review Advisory Board to a fully-functioning capacity, and it ushers in a new era of robust citizen advocacy from this important committee; and
WHEREAS: The recent installation of the new Executive Director serves as an excellent opportunity to take stock of the work the Police Review Advisory Board has traditionally engaged in, and to assess the areas that this committee may need to focus on in the weeks and months ahead; and
WHEREAS: A robust, fully-functioning Police Review Advisory Board is vital to the citizenry of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the new Executive Director of the Police Review Advisory Board to submit a report to the City Council detailing what are perceived to be the issues of greatest importance that the Police Review Advisory Board must focus on, and that this report should be submitted to the City Council no later than 90 days from the adoption of this order.

O-13     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: In January 2007 the Cambridge City Council adopted an order urging the U.S. Department of Energy to adopt a standard of 90% AFUE (the measure of furnace efficiency) in northern states because there are significant energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions by going to the 90% standard; and
WHEREAS: The DOE instead adopted 80% AFUE; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has filed a petition with the federal DOE asking to waive the federal preemption so that the 90% AFUE furnace efficiency standard adopted by the Massachusetts legislature in 2005 can be implemented: now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the U.S. Department of Energy to support the Massachusetts’s petition to exempt from federal preemption Massachusetts’ 90% AFUE standard for non-weatherized gas furnaces (docket EERE-BT-PET-0024); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit copies of the order by Mar 29, 2010 to Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, and also to the Cambridge legislative delegation, and the Massachusetts Energy office.

O-14     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Porter Square area has a problem with loud music, public drinking and inappropriate behavior by a small but regular group of people; and
WHEREAS: Much of this problematic behavior takes place on MBTA property; and
WHEREAS: When called about this issue, the Emergency Communications Center has said, "This is not on us, it’s the MBTA police;" and
WHEREAS: At the time of the call, the Porter Square area was inundated with Cambridge Police officers on construction details or on regular duty assignments; and
WHEREAS: Twenty minutes after this call, the MBTA police had still not arrived and the problem persisted; and
WHEREAS: When there is a public safety problem or a perception of such, in the City of Cambridge, the public does not want to hear "It’s not on us." when they call the Emergency Communications Center. The public wants the Cambridge Police Department to address the issue in a timely way and sort out jurisdictional issues with the MBTA at a later date; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City staff, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the MBTA and other large entities in the city such as Harvard and MIT and report back to the City Council as to under what circumstances the public should expect the Cambridge Police Department not to act on a public safety related issues because the problematic behavior is taking place on property over which the City has jurisdiction but over which some other entity has concurrent or some other type of jurisdiction; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a list of properties over which the Cambridge Police Department does not have jurisdiction.

O-15     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: In agreements made between Lesley University and the City of Cambridge regarding recent zoning amendments and the creation of a Lesley Porter Overlay District, Lesley University committed the sum of $50,000 to the City of Cambridge for the improvement of Massachusetts Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the transmittal of said funds and of any allocation of the funds to date.

O-16     Mar 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: There are markings in the pavement at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue indicating an alteration, including the possible construction of a bump-out; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on any proposed physical design changes or traffic-calming measures at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue.

O-17     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Cambridge is not listed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council among the leaders of Boston-area municipalities regarding recycling; and
WHEREAS: According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Cambridge recycles between 21% and 35% of its residential waste; and
WHEREAS: Municipalities in the Boston Metropolitan Area, including many with better recycling records than Cambridge, have been adopting "Pay-as-you-throw" (PAYT) trash programs; and
WHEREAS: PAYT is a waste-reduction initiative in which persons are charged for the trash they dispose of through a municipality’s trash disposal service; and
WHEREAS: PAYT programs have led to reductions in total recycled and disposed-of waste, reductions in waste thrown out, and increases in proportion of waste recycled; and
WHEREAS: PAYT programs aim to achieve savings, raise revenue, and increase sustainability; and
WHEREAS: The city of Gloucester not only saved $926,076 in 2009 through its implementation of PAYT but also reduced its hauled tonnage of garbage by 26 percent; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge could stand to make similar gains, both economical and ecological, by implementing a PAYT program; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of adopting a Pay-As-You-Throw program in Cambridge.

O-18     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Leadership Campaign is a volunteer organization seeking to raise awareness of policy option by which Massachusetts could move towards being 100% Clean Electricity in 10 years; and
WHEREAS: The Leadership Campaign seeks to peaceably demonstrate their commitment to clean energy legislation by holding a rally and sleep-out on the Cambridge Commons the night before walking to Beacon Hill; and
WHEREAS: Section 12.20.060 of the Municipal Code "Walking or lying on grass prohibited" gives no recourse by which the City can authorize or allow civic organizations to utilize community space outside of normal operating hours; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the City Council with options for amending the city ordinance to allow for the Manager to permit civic organizations to use public space after hours.

O-19     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Toomey
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That due to the heavy rain that fell from Saturday through Monday that was particularly damaging to those residences of North Cambridge bordering the Alewife Brook Parkway area, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a report on the City’s response to this event and inform our residents of any federal assistance that may be available to them and explain the need to purchase flood insurance when those residences are in a declared flood plain.

O-20     Mar 22, 2010  Charter Right - Davis
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a corner in the vicinity of One Kendall Square to be named "Bob Jones Square;" and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive 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.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
09-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what barriers would prevent residents from raising chickens and what could be done to remove these barriers. Remains on Awaiting Report List at request of Councillor Davis
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 12/14/09 (O-2)

10-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an assessment and plan for repairs and improvements of all school playgrounds.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-3)

10-04. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on how effective the school vaccine program was.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-4)

10-06. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #9
RE: report on how the City pool and two DCR pools will be kept open through the end of the summer of 2010.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/25/10 (O-6)

10-07. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #12
RE: report on installing signage on Memorial Drive warning drivers of upcoming lane of parked cars.
Councillor Decker 01/25/10 (O-11)

10-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the requirements of tap water being available on request in licensed establishments.
Vice Mayor Davis 02/01/10 (O-2)

10-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an ordinance that would limit the distribution of telephone books and unsolicited free newspapers to those who request them.
Mayor Maher 02/01/10 (O-5)

10-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Community."
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/08/10 (O-2)

10-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge households that benefited from LIHEAP weatherization services and how that compares to the funding increases.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Simmons 02/08/10 (O-3)

10-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on responding to Google’s RFI.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-1)

10-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a CitiStat type system for tracking police and criminal activity.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-2)

10-22. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on accident that occurred in the vicinity of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue on Feb 11th.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-3)

10-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on noise from airplanes going to and from Logan Airport.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-6)

10-25. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on Oak Tree Development return CPA funds used for the preservation of St. James Church.
Councillor Decker 02/22/10 (O-8)

10-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conducting a feasibility study of a public market at Lechmere Square.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-1)

10-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options and timeframe for transitioning to a modern web video platform.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-3)

10-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the infrastructure of Kendall Square and its planned improvements.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-5)

10-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on protocol for dealing with a bedbug infestation and extermination.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/01/10 (O-6)

10-31. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #10
RE: report on enforcement efforts of MBTA bus drivers that are disobeying the rules of the road.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-3)

10-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issues with the development of the former St. John’s property site.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-4)

10-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the following questions with regard to the Main Library: plans for the public meeting spaces, use of the Library by high school students, usage data being collected, plans for the cafe space; and use of the underground parking.
Councillor Kelley 03/08/10 (O-5)

10-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a "no idling" sign at the Farr Academy at Pearl & Auburn Streets.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-7)

10-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing traffic enforcement at the intersection of Inman Street and Mass Avenue.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-8)

10-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on convening a meeting of stakeholders in the Central Square community to discuss and review current action plans.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-9)

10-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on supporting the GLBT Commission and other organizations in their efforts to count all Cambridge residents and what the support is.
Councillor Decker 03/08/10 (O-12)

10-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adding side streets from Cambridge to Binney Streets between First and Second Street to the regular street sweeping schedules.
Councillor Toomey 03/08/10 (O-13)