CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining the rare distinction of being one of approximately twenty-four municipalities in the United States with three Triple A ratings from the nation's three major credit rating agencies.

City Manager Letter

Mar 30, 2009

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am pleased to inform you that the City of Cambridge retains the rare distinction of being one of approximately twenty-four municipalities in the United States with three Triple A ratings from the nation's three major credit rating agencies. The City has received Triple A ratings from Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings every year since 1999.

These ratings are in conjunction with the City's sale of $47.4 million in General Obligation bonds, which took place on Mar 19, 2009 to finance such capital projects as the Main Library Major Expansion, CRLS Renovation Project, Sewer Reconstruction Projects, Building Renovation Projects and Radio System Replacement.

The City received 10 bids on the issue, which reflects a large amount of interest in Cambridge bonds, particularly in light of the credit market situation nationally. The City received a true interest cost of 3.58% from BMO Capital Markets, based in Chicago IL. It should be noted that the interest rate received by Cambridge is approximately a third of a percentage point lower than the interest rate received in comparison to other bond sales conducted that day by other Triple A communities and approximately two-thirds of a percentage point lower than communities with the next highest rating grade. This difference is attributable to the credit markets favorable view of Cambridge as a very secure credit during this time of our nation's economic crisis and fiscal distress of US local governments.

In addition, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed its "strong" Financial Management Assessment (FMA) of the City. An FMA of "strong" indicates that practices are strong, well embedded and likely sustainable. The strong rating indicates that the government maintains most best practices deemed critical to supporting credit quality and that these are well embedded in the government's daily operations and practices. Formal policies support many of these activities, adding to the likelihood that these practices will continue into the future and transcend changes in the operating environment or personnel.

Based on this ongoing recognition from the rating agencies and the credit markets, especially during these challenging economic times, the City Council can be justly proud of its sound fiscal policies.

I am enclosing the rating opinions of Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's. Listed below are highlights from each credit agency report.

Standard & Poor's

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its ‘AAA' rating, and stable outlook, to Cambridge, Mass.' series 2009 GO bonds and affirmed its ‘AAA' rating, with a stable outlook, on the city 's preexisting GO debt.

The rating reflects the city's:

* Strong and dynamic local economy, centered on Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as biotechnology and high-tech firms;

* Above-average wealth and income factors, including a high market value per capita;

* Strong financial position, coupled with an experienced management team, and strong management policies; and

* Low debt burden and manageable capital plan.

Economy: Diverse With Multiple Large Employers

Cambridge's 10 leading taxpayers account for about 19% of assessed value, including taxable property owned by both MIT and Harvard but not including payments in lieu of taxes from these institutions. The city remains an employment center: In 2007, there were 106 jobs for every 100 city residents. The city has 11 employers with more than 1,000 employees, the largest of which are: Harvard (11,315 employees), MIT (7,820), Cambridge (2,820), Mount Auburn Hospital (1,969), and Novartis AG (1,629).

Cambridge is home to a concentrated cluster of world-recognized biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms that are attracted by the concentration of intellectual capital at Harvard and MIT and research and development think tank Whitehead Institute. Private biotechnology firms account for six of the city's 25 leading employers.

Outlook

The stable outlook reflects Standard & Poor's expectation that the city will continue to manage its financial position prudently, which it has significantly demonstrated by increasing reserves over the past eight years. The city's economic and property tax base development should continue, allowing it to maintain structural balance between revenues and expenditures while maintaining ample tax levy flexibility.

Fitch Ratings

Rating Rationale

* The long-standing presence of higher education, health care, biotechnology, and life sciences industries creates a stable, well-diversified economy.

* The city boasts exceptional financial management reflected in consistently strong financial results and reserve levels.

* Debt levels are expected to remain manageable, aided by the city's rapid amortization rate.

Key Rating Drivers

* Continued, strong financial management should enable Cambridge to maintain its superior credit rating.

Highlights

Cambridge is a leading center for higher education institutions as well as research and development, life sciences, and technology companies. The city's well-diversified economy is characterized by a low December 2008 unemployment rate of 3.9% and a high per capita money income figure that equals over 150% of the 2007 national average.

Fitch Ratings notes that Cambridge's substantial $92.7 million of excess levy capacity under Proposition 2½, along with its considerable reserve levels, provide the city with ample flexibility to weather the effects of a slowdown in tax base growth. Officials expect the city's excess levy capacity to stabilize at its current level over the next several years.

Exceptional financial management and planning are demonstrated by the city's strong financial position, including ample reserve and liquidity levels. Fiscal 2008 ended with an operating surplus of approximately $15 million, which brought the unreserved general fund balance to slightly over $150 million, or a high 39% of spending. The city's $91.6 million of certified free cash for fiscal 2008 was the largest amount in the city's history.

Net direct debt equals a moderate $2,500 per capita, but as a percentage of equalized valuation is much lower at 1%, underscoring the city's substantial tax base. Debt levels should remain manageable given the city's modest overall capital needs and rapid amortization rate; over 75% of debt retires within 10 years.

Moody's Investors Service

Highlights

The assignment of Moody's highest quality long-term rating incorporates: an exceptionally strong financial position, positioning the city to weather uncertain economic conditions more favorably than most similarly-sized cities. Cambridge's solid financial performance is supported by the city's seasoned and highly effective management team, a large and diverse tax base with a significant tax-exempt sector and a favorable debt profile supported by healthy enterprise systems and historically strong commonwealth school building aid.

While reductions in aid from the commonwealth are expected to pressure operating budgets in the medium term, Cambridge is expected to maintain a healthy financial position. The city continues to benefit from high financial flexibility and robust reserve levels, which position Cambridge to absorb several years of flat or declining state aid without a significant impact on services provided to its residents.

Cambridge's strong management team has historically followed prudent fiscal strategy and beginning in fiscal 2008 has formally adopted fiscal policies in its annual budget. Steady revenue streams, generated by its substantial and economically vibrant tax base and a notable degree of flexibility to address future budgetary challenges.

Key to Cambridge's robust financial position are strong reserve levels maintained in its Stabilization, Parking and Health Claims Trust Funds, totaling $61 million in fiscal 2008. Further, in 2001 voters passed the Community Preservation Act (CPA), imposing a 3% surtax and qualifying the city to receive state matching funds; in all $83 million have been appropriated or reserved since adoption. CPA funds are available to fund affordable housing, historic preservation and open space conservation and notably have enabled the development or preservation of over 2,850 units of housing in the city.

Additional flexibility is derived from Cambridge's ample excess property tax levy capacity under Proposition 2½, historically maintained at robust levels and currently the highest of any Massachusetts city or town. The city's excess levy capacity reached $92.7 million in fiscal 2009 and has more than tripled since fiscal 2003 due to strong tax base expansion and controlled expenditure growth.

Cambridge's economy benefits from the presence of Harvard and MIT--which together enroll 28,400 students and provide employment for nearly 18,000 full-time equivalent positions--and the related vibrant biotechnology employment base. Together these institutions comprise 36% of the jobs provided by the city's top 25 employers and building permits issued to the universities historically represent a significant portion of the city's annual activity. Income and wealth levels are strong; despite the high student population and tax exemption of nearly one-third of the tax base, the city still maintains a solid equalized value per capita of $241,991 and Per Capita Income of $31,156, or 120% of the commonwealth median.

Moody's expects the city's below average debt burden to remain affordable given a sizeable level of self supporting debt, and a rapid principal retirement schedule.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Planning Board:

William Tibbs (reappointment)

Term to Expire: 4/30/2014

Planner

Ahmed Nur (associate member)

Term to Expire: 10/31/2011

M.S. Civil Engineering and Construction Manager

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-19, regarding a report on the change in policy limiting a visitor pass to two blocks of houses they are visiting.

City Manager Letter

Mar 30, 2009

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-19, regarding a report on the change in policy limiting a visitor pass to two blocks of houses they are visiting, Traffic, Parking & Transportation Director Susan Clippinger reports the following:

An important aspect to the resident parking program is managing the visitor permits and taking preventative measures to control visitor permit abuse. This is always a concern among residents, especially if parking in their area is dense. One of the most common kinds of abuse occurs when a resident's visitor permit is being used by a non-resident commuting to a job in Cambridge and seeking free on-street parking in the residential neighborhoods.

This is not necessarily a problem in our smaller visitor pass areas however; we have had many complaint calls from residents in the larger residential areas that border Harvard and Central Squares. These residents have sighted the same vehicles using the same visitor permits on a regular basis. We have dispatched enforcement and in some instances we have found that the visitor permits in use were issued to households six and seven blocks away and the user is not visiting that household.

The two block area rule has been printed on the back of the permit since 2008. Prior to that the rule stated that the permit could only be used in the immediate area of the residence the permit was issued to.

On an annual basis we change the appearance of the visitor permit. One of these changes in 2009 was that we moved this rule from the back of the permit to the front, but the rule is not new.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-13, regarding a report on the cause of the fire at 923-925 Massachusetts Avenue.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the North Cambridge Crime Task Force Grant received from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in the amount of $28,956.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account and will be used to fund a part-time Coordinator to help create and maintain programs of public safety in North Cambridge.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will allow the Community Schools to continue programming and cover the costs related to bus transportation and other contractual services.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Terrascope Youth Radio Program Grant from MIT through the National Science Foundation in the amount of $106,400 into the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($66,000) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($40,400) which will allow teens at the Area IV Youth Center to continue to develop radio programming on environmental science, including researching, writing and producing stories to be broadcast.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Mar 23, 2009 on an application from Alan L. Johnson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 135 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.  Referred to Unfinished Business - Ward (Apr 6)

ON THE TABLE
2. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

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

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Sherwin Williams Paint, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of 73 First Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Excalibur Valentine, regarding taking action to stop the destruction of our food supply.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Norman, Medical Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, on being chosen to be the keynote speaker at the 2009 Bayard Rustin Community Breakfast on May 2, 2009 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

2. Resolution on the death of A. Mary R. (Spadano) Ohanesian.   Councillor Maher

3. Proclaim May 3-9, 2009 as Drinking Water Week in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves  amended to include "Fresh Pond Day"

4. Commend Origins, a subsidiary of the Estee Lauder company, for its "Return to Origins" recycling campaign and proclaim Apr 2, 2009 as Return to Origins Recycling Day in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

5. Congratulations to Gloria Franqui on her new position as Executive Director of the Child Care Resource Center.   Councillor Decker

6. Welcome to Lesley Stearling as the new interim rector at Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church.   Councillor Reeves

7. Thanks and best wishes to Marc Solomon, Director of MassEquality, for his leading role in the fight for marriage equality.   Councillor Reeves

8. Congratulations to David Hall on being named the next President of the University of the Virgin Islands.   Councillor Reeves

9. Thanks and best wishes to Amy Mello, Director of MassEquality, for her leading role in the fight for marriage equality.   Councillor Reeves

10. Best wishes to Reverend LeRoy Attles and Dr. Henrietta S. Evans Attles on their retirement.   Councillor Reeves

11. Resolution on the death of Catherine G. Hinds.   Councillor Maher

12. Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Cambridge Teachers Association.   Councillor Maher

13. Resolution on the death of James L. Ferreira Jr.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jose R. Escobedo Jr.   Councillor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gary L. Moore.   Councillor Decker

16. Condolences to the family of Grady Howard.   Mayor Simmons

17. Congratulations to the leadership of the Harvard African Students Association for their efforts in community-building, awareness of African within the Harvard community and contributing back to Africa.   Mayor Simmons

18. Thanks to all City employees who participated in the initial phase of GreenSense which encourages City employees to reduce energy use at work by adopting energy conservation practices.   Councillor Davis

19. Congratulations to the City Manager and his fiscal staff for achieving a Triple A bond rating for the City of Cambridge for the tenth consecutive year.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services and report back on whether there has been an increase in participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.   Councillor Toomey

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to ensure that the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will be continued this year and to report back to the City Council.   Councillor Toomey

3. That the appropriate committee hold a hearing with all local food bank operators in order to hear their opinion on the current usage of their programs and determine whether or not the City can help identify ways to help the programs serve a greater number of people.   Councillor Toomey  Adopted and referred to Health & Environment Committee

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Health to determine if there has been an increase in bed bug and lice problems within the city and to determine if action needs to be taken to find ways to prevent such infestations.   Councillor Toomey  amended

5. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to develop a zoning amendment or other document or plan that would exempt the occupants of the affordable housing units from the resident parking restriction established in the Riverside rezoning in 2003.   Councillor Ward

6. Urge residents to be cognizant of the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) 615's annual remembrance of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Trouble the Water" on Apr 7th, 4:00pm at 26th West 2nd Street, Boston.   Councillor Decker

7. That the Chairman of the Finance Committee, in conjunction with the City Manager's Office, is requested to create an oversight process to ensure that Cambridge is aggressive in seeking funding and in demonstrating how well the careful monitoring that Cambridge utilizes will meet the stringent monitoring requirements associated with funding under this law.   Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Maher and Councillor Toomey

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to report back to the City Council on the circumstances of the termination of Mr. Iaccone's, Central Barbershop, leasing agreement with Harvard University.   Mayor Simmons

9. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Washington and Columbia Streets in honor of Reverend Herman L. Green Jr.   Mayor Simmons

10. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of developing a management system and assigned staff person to serve as a resource liaison to the university and business community. The purpose of this system and staff position is to cultivate and organize the interface between university resources and community needs, with the goal of maximally benefiting the citizens of Cambridge and the Cambridge schools.   Mayor Simmons

11. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the process that will allow additional cable and internet providers to do business in the City, and to clarify if there are any obstacles in place that may need to be re-evaluated in order to provide competitive options to residents.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Davis

12. Urge all residents to join with the volunteers of the Clean Cambridge Campaign who will gather on May 2nd and 3rd, 2009 in an effort to clean Cambridge sidewalks and neighborhoods and that the City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public works to institute street cleaning on Charles Street, between First and Second Streets. Councillor Maher and Councillor Davis  amended

13. That the City Council formally request that the Beal Companies consider immediately withdrawing the zoning petition for modifications of the One Kendall Square Cinema site and engage in further dialogue with neighborhood leaders and affected neighbors such that a full discussion can be had prior to any re-filing.   Councillor Maher and Councillor Toomey

14. Economic stimulus package for Harvard and MIT.   Councillor Decker and Councillor Reeves  Charter Right - Reeves

15. That the March 30, 2009 City Council meeting be recessed to Monday, April 6, 2009.   Councillor Davis  (adopted Mar 30 - the only item voted that night)

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David Maher and Councillor Henrietta Davis, Co-Chairs of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a hearing held on Mar 19, 2009 to formalize job descriptions and administrative oversight for assistants to city councillors.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm   Special Notice - Due to School Superintendent Finalist Interviews, all items on the Agenda for this Meeting will be postponed to the City Council Meeting of Apr 6, 2009 at 5:30 pm.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 1
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Zone Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all low income students in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss promoting and harvesting fruit trees and the planting, care and maintenance of street trees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Apr 14
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition submitted by Lesley University to amend the Zoning Map and Article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding "Section 20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District." This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 16
6:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the closing of the Riverside Health Clinic by the Cambridge Health Alliance.  (To be announced)

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

Wed, Apr 29
6:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the closing of the North Cambridge Health Clinic by the Cambridge Health Alliance.  (To be announced)

Thurs, Apr 30
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY10 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 4
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting with School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 6
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY10 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 7
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to consider whether the City Council should petition to amend the zoning law with regard to yard definitions.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting with regard to require aisle width for parking facilities in certain instances.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 12
5:30pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY10 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 14
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY10 City Budget. (if necessary) This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 18
4:00pm   2009 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 29
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services and report back on whether there has been an increase in participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.

O-2     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Human Services to ensure that the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will be continued this year and to report back to the City Council.

O-3     Mar 30, 2009  Adopted and referred to Health & Environment Committee
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Many local food banks have reported a dramatic increase in usage; and
WHEREAS: There are many resources in the city that may be able to help with the increased need for food donation to these food banks; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council adopt this order and refer it to the appropriate committee to hold a committee hearing with all local food bank operators in order to hear their opinion on the current usage of their programs and determine whether or not the City can help identify ways to help the programs serve a greater number of people.

O-4     Mar 30, 2009  amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Health to determine if there has been an increase in bed bug and lice problems within the city and to determine if action needs to be taken to find ways to prevent such infestations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that the School Nurses are contacted on this matter.

O-5     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR WARD
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to develop a zoning amendment or other document or plan that would exempt the occupants of the affordable housing units from the resident parking restriction established in the Riverside rezoning in 2003.

O-6     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that as part of the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) 615's annual remembrance of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the SEIU 615 is holding a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Trouble the Water" on Apr 7th, 4:00pm at 26th West 2nd Street, Boston; and
WHEREAS: Suggested donation proceeds will go towards the SEIU Justice Fund which was created to make it possible for immigrant members, their families and others who are not members of our local to support their interests through civic participation, citizenship, literacy, legal defense, legislation and other means; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record encouraging Cambridge residents to attend the SEIU 615's screening and thank the SEIU for their continued good work; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Service Employee International Union 615 on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: AARA, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will offer many opportunities for Cambridge to improve the local and national economy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Chairman of the Finance Committee, in conjunction with the City Manager's Office, be and hereby is requested to create an oversight process to ensure that Cambridge is aggressive in seeking funding and in demonstrating how well the careful monitoring that Cambridge utilizes will meet the stringent monitoring requirements associated with funding under this law; and be it further
ORDERED: That, in particular, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore opportunities for historic preservation energy efficiency funds, funding for a revolving loan fund (possibly through new green municipal bonds) to stimulate building retrofits, and COP program funding for crime prevention.

O-8     Mar 30, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Harvard has terminated the lease of Central Barbershop, owned by Mr. Fred Iaccone; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Iaccone has been doing business at the same location since 1962; and
WHEREAS: The loss of any thriving, small business in Cambridge is of great concern; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has made presentations to the neighborhood and to the City about its expansion plans; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to report back to the City Council on the circumstances of the termination of Mr. Iaccone's leasing agreement with Harvard University.

O-9     Mar 30, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of Washington and Columbia Streets in honor of Reverend Herman L. Green Jr.; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is 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-10     Mar 30, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of developing a management system and assigned staff person to serve as a resource liaison to the university and business community. The purpose of this system and staff position is to cultivate and organize the interface between university resources and community needs, with the goal of maximally benefiting the citizens of Cambridge and the Cambridge schools.

O-11     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Many residents have expressed the desire for alternative cable television and internet providers within the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the process that will allow additional cable and internet providers to do business in the City, and to clarify if there are any obstacles in place that may need to be re-evaluated in order to provide competitive options to residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on whether or not the City can actively solicit cable and internet providers to come to Cambridge to do business.

O-12     Mar 30, 2009  amended
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Clean Cambridge Campaign community volunteers will gather together on May 2nd and 3rd, 2009, in an effort to clean Cambridge sidewalks and neighborhoods; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record endorsing this effort and thanking its organizers for their hard work; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make every effort to publicize this volunteer effort using the cable website and cable television; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public works to institute street cleaning on Charles Street, between First and Second Streets; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Commissioner to review any other area that does not have street cleaning.

O-13     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Beal Companies have recently filed a zoning petition seeking to amend the current Zoning Ordinance allowing for certain modifications of the One Kendall Square Cinema site; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors have overwhelmingly expressed concerns about the proposal and its various elements; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally request that the Beal Companies consider immediately withdrawing the petition and engage in further dialogue with neighborhood leaders and affected neighbors such that a full discussion can be had prior to any re-filing.

O-14     Mar 30, 2009  Charter Right - Reeves
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Industries throughout the city, educational institutions, and families are experiencing hardships in this economic downturn; and
WHEREAS: People around the city are being laid off, losing their jobs, health care, and homes; and
WHEREAS: Loss of a job leads to the destabilization of family security; and
WHEREAS: Families without economic security eventually are unable to provide for their basic needs such as shelter, food, and education; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that two of the city's largest employers, Harvard and MIT, have had significant losses in their endowments; and
WHEREAS: To address the loss of their savings accounts they have begun the process of reducing hours and laying off workers, including their lowest wage workers; and
WHEREAS: Harvard has laid off nine cleaners, and has plans to lay off ten more; and
WHEREAS: MIT has, to date, laid off two cleaners; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that when Cambridge workers lose their job the cost savings of the employer comes at the expense of the workers' families and the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council will introduce its own economic stimulus package for Harvard and MIT; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council will give the university a one-time pass on partial payment of its pilot to the City of Cambridge in order to help save these jobs; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City will forgive $398,372.00 of Harvard University's pilot, which would cover the cost of the nineteen cleaners who would lose their jobs; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City will forgive $70,688.00 of MIT's pilot in order for then to retain the two laid off cleaners.

O-15     Mar 30, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the March 30, 2009 City Council meeting be recessed to Monday, April 6, 2009.
[Adopted by the affirmative vote of six members (Davis, Maher, Seidel, Simmons, Toomey, Ward). Kelley arrived as the meeting recessed. Decker and Reeves didn't show up.]

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on Mar 19, 2009, beginning at 1:40pm in the Ackermann Room to formalize job descriptions and administrative oversight for assistants to city councillors. Present at the meeting were Councillor David Maher and Councillor Henrietta Davis, Co-Chairs of the Committee; [Councillor Marjorie C. Decker]; Councillor Sam Seidel; City Manager Robert W. Healy; Sandra Albano, Assistant to the City Council, City Clerk Margaret Drury; and Claire Murphy, Assistant to Councillor Maher. [Note: Councillor Decker walked in for a moment, made a pronouncement that all Council personal aides should be given full medical and dental benefits, then walked out. She did not attend the meeting.]

Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He distributed a draft job description and described the process of creating it. During the last six months (prior to the resignation of Brian Murphy), at the request of the Co-Chairs of the Committee, Ms. Drury and Ms. Albano developed a first draft of a job description. More recently, Councillor Maher requested that his aide, Claire Murphy, meet with all of the council assistants to get their input as to what their duties are, to incorporate their information into the draft and then meet again with Ms. Albano and Ms. Drury. The result is the draft attached to this report (Attachment A).

Councillor Davis said that now that there are individual assistants to the councillors, Ms. Albano's job title should be changed to "Executive Assistant to the City Council." It was agreed without objection that the committee would recommend this change.

There was a discussion of the best job title for the individual assistants, and it was agreed without objection that the job should be named "Aide to City Councillor."

[At this time Councillor Decker stated her objection to the aide positions being 30 hours per week instead of fulltime (37½ hours). She said that only fulltime employees could receive dental and eye care benefits, and as a city council that prides itself on fair labor practices, it is not seemly to offer its employees less than the full benefit package that other city employees receive.]

Councillor Maher said that aides are not required to work 30 hours a week. Thirty hours is the maximum. His assistant works 23 hours per week. Vice Mayor Seidel asked how the assistant to the Vice Mayor fits into this scheme. Councillors Davis and Maher told him that that position is a 37½ hour position located in the Mayor' Office and entitled Assistant to the Mayor and Vice Mayor.

City Manager Healy said that he wants to be clear that he does not want city employees working from their homes. Councillor Davis said that is fine, but since as a city councillor, she does not have an office at City Hall, she wants to know that is acceptable that the assistant at times comes to her home office to work with her there, as happens two or three times a week at the moment.

Councillor Maher explained that what is prohibited is the assistants working from their homes. He added that he wants to be very sure that there is transparency and accountability for these positions. He said that the feedback that he and former Vice Mayor Murphy received from their colleagues was not about whether the positions should exist, it was about the issues of transparency and accountability. Councillor Davis said that ultimately it is the city councillor who is accountable.

Vice Mayor Seidel asked if he can have his aide go to a night meeting. Councillor Maher answered in the affirmative and it was agreed that the job description should state that the hours may vary based on particular job responsibilities.

Ms. Albano emphasized the importance of documenting hours on the employee timesheets. City Manager Healy agreed with the necessity of this documentation. At the end of the week the time sheet submitted to the Payroll Office must be signed under pains and penalties of perjury. Ms. Albano said that in addition the aides must let the Council Office staff know when they are in the office, and, if they leave the office when they will be back to enable the Council Office staff to respond to residents who are trying to contact the councillor or aide. This issue has caused some problems in the past. Councillor Maher said that there could be a sign out sheet. Ms. Albano agreed. She noted that other offices, such as City Clerk's Office, use sign out sheets.

Councillor Maher noted that the other issue for discussion is the issue of what department these positions are assigned to and report to for administrative purposes. He said that he believes that the position should be assigned to the City Council Office and that the Assistant to the City Council should provide day-to-day administrative oversight. It does not really make sense to keep the positions in the Mayor's Office budget.

At this time Councillor Maher invited public comment. Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, stated that he had decided not to make any comments because he does not believe that the City Council will pay any attention. He has stated his objection to these positions several times, and it is clear that most councillors want to have these positions, no matter what he thinks about it. He said that if you cross out the word "Aide" from the job description, it becomes a good description of the work of a city councillor. He emphasized that he has never objected to modest increases to the City Council Office to handle the work load of the Council. He objects to employees who work for individual councillors, and he does not agree that the vice mayor should have a separate staff person.

Mr. Winters said that he finds it strange that the propriety of these positions in a fiscally tight year is not even on the table. He added that there is ample evidence that these aides have been political supporters of the councillors they work for and even family members in some cases.

Mr. Winters also questioned whether it is proper for an aide to be paid by both the City and the individual councillor's campaign fund, as is currently the case for at least one position. Vice Mayor Seidel said that there may well be a discussion of the fiscal propriety in another venue.

With regard to the question of an aide being paid by the City and the individual councillor's campaign fund, he would tend to think that is not proper. Councillor Davis said that there is probably law on this issue. She expects that it is legal to pay some of the aide's salary from campaign funds so long as the aide is not doing any fundraising.

Vice Mayor Seidel said that he sees the value of the aide position to the City. There is certainly enough work in his position as a city councillor to justify some assistance.

Councillor Maher then submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Council approve the attached job description for the position which shall be entitled "Aide to City Councillor"; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council approve a change in the title of the position now entitled "Assistant to the City Council" to "Executive Assistant to the City Council"; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make any changes to administrative records necessary to reflect the change of titles and the new job description.

The motion passed without objection.

Thereupon Councillor Maher submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present as part of the FY09-10 budget a plan which shows the aides to city councillors as part of the City Council budget rather than the Mayor's Office budget.

The motion passed without objection.

Councillor Davis and Councillor Maher thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 2:34pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Co-Chair

ATTACHMENT A

DEPARTMENT: CITY COUNCIL OFFICE

POSITION: AIDE TO CITY COUNCILLOR

JOB DESCRIPTION: The aide assists the city councillor by performing research and day to day administrative duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

At the direction of the city councillor, the aide does the following:

* Conducts research and obtains information needed for resolutions, policy orders and proclamations for final approval by the city councillor.

* Researches policy and/or ordinances of other jurisdictions in connection with the policy work of the city councillor.

* Responds to telephone messages; checks e- mail and sorts by resident issues, events, meetings and information. Locates the appropriate contact person(s) in other branches of government, organizations and businesses that can provide the councillor with information needed for committee hearings or resolutions. Writes letters to and arranges meetings with such outside persons 1 as directed by the city councillor.

* Maintains and updates councillor's schedule and files of information and contacts for councillor's initiatives and committees.

* Uses the Cambridge Request System to respond to resident requests for assistance, when appropriate.

* As directed by the city councillor, assists residents with housing concerns, employment searches and other issues by referring them to the appropriate person, city department or organization and follows up with the residents to be sure they were assisted.

* At the direction of the city councillor, the aide assists the city clerk in arranging committee hearings, and attends various meetings with residents at the request of the city councillor.

* 1 Aides to the city councillors are fully subject to the City of Cambridge Charter requirement that city council dealings with the administrative service, except for purposes of inquiry, must be solely through the city manager.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

* Strong organizational skills including the ability to multi-task and a keen attention to detail.

* Excellent written, oral, and research skills, including internet research.

* Ability to interact with the general public with courtesy, respect and efficiency.

* Comprehensive computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

* Bachelor Degree preferred or equivalent job experience. Background in political science/government a plus.

REPORTING: The aide reports to the city councillor. Day to day administrative oversight is provided by the assistant to the City Council Office. As a city employee, the aide works at the pleasure of the city manager and is required to follow all the rules of city employment unless waiver of a particular rule is specifically approved by the city manager.

HOURS: 30 hours a week maximum. Hours vary based on responsibilities and must be documented.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of addressing rodent complaints and whether the number of complaints has increased or decreased.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-8)

08-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership of Fifth Street between Bent & Binney Streets and the ownership of Rogers Street from Fulkerson to Third Streets and ensure maintenance of these roadways.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-1)

08-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of awarding points to affordable housing applicants based on the number of times they've applied.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-5)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many businesses similar to Biogen have relocated some or all of their personnel from Cambridge-based offices, whether there is an indication that others will be leaving, and what the strategies are to keep businesses in Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-9)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)

09-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why trains must idle for extended periods of time in the area of Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/12/09 (O-2)

09-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the removal of the Homeland Security Surveillance cameras and infrastructure and who is responsible for the removal.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/09/09 (O-7)

09-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on test data for lead levels on artificial turf at fields and tot lots.
Councillor Davis 03/02/09 (O-9)

09-13. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on the cause of the fire at 923-925 Massachusetts Avenue.
Vice Mayor Seidel 03/02/09 (O-8)

09-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Belmont Uplands silver maple forest.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 03/02/09 (O-2)

09-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on opportunities for electric vehicles to recharge in Cambridge.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 03/02/09 (O-5)

09-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of creating a publicly accessible, appropriately confidential database of broad average or median neighborhood rents for retail space.
Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/09/09 (O-4)

09-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status and implications of obtaining payment for delinquent taxes and how entities such as the MBTA and US Government could be on the tax delinquent list.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/09/09 (O-8)

09-19. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on change in policy limiting a visitor pass to two blocks of houses they are visiting.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/09/09 (O-11)

09-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the circumstances of the termination of 3 Aces Pizza's leasing agreement with Harvard University.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/09/09 (O-12)

09-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on survey of surrounding cities and towns on the hours of operation of their libraries and a survey of patrons as to their needs and desires with respect to library hours.
Councillor Davis 03/09/09 (O-14)

09-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to implement the recommendations made in A Look at Women in Cambridge Now.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-7)

09-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of doubling the number of solar panels to be installed on the high school using stimulus funds.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-8)

09-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Health Alliance will be mailing notices of its community meetings directly to consumers.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-12)

09-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of black fire hydrants in West Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-13)

09-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to bring city lighting more in line with dark sky principles and address problems of enforcement of existing regulations.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-16)