CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging in the amount of $2,500.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to provide mental health, outreach and training support.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant for $440,120 funded by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($15,000), to the Grand Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($419,120) and to the Grand Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($6,000) to provide funds for the Department of Human Service Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation for the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) received from the Community Action Programs Inter-City (CAPIC) Inc. for $20,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to aid families who are either homeless or at high risk for losing their housing.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation from the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) for $3,050 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used for fuel assistance eligible oil heat customers who have exhausted their fuel benefits.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Pilot Classroom Quality Grant for $23,500.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($3,660.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($19,840.00) and will be used to purchase assessment tools to measure children’s progress across all developmental domains and improve DHSP Pre-school program quality.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $60,000 from the Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the Veteran’s Travel and Training account to cover additional veteran benefits and medical costs through the end of the fiscal year.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-37 and 08-39, regarding FEMA's new flood insurance study.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-36, regarding a report on the decision of the Appellate Tax Board that telecommunication companies are now taxable on poles and wires.  Referred to Cable TV, Telecommunications, and Public Utilities Committee - Davis

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Marcelo Nascimento on behalf of Church International House of Worship, requesting permission for three speaker boxes in The Pit at Harvard Square. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Murphy on Applications and Petition Number Three of Mar 31, 2008.]  Place on file under Rule 19 - No action taken

2. That the City Manager is requested to examine the options for replacing the existing bicycle rack at the Cambridgeport School with a larger bicycle rack and determine if any other schools in City of Cambridge need larger bicycle racks to satisfy demand for bike parking at their schools. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Five of Mar 31, 2008.]  Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
AMENDED ORDER     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Bicycling is a non-polluting mode of travel; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge wants to make tremendous strides in promoting alternative forms of transportation through efforts like the Walk/Ride Days; and
WHEREAS: Many children and parents want to either walk or ride their bikes to school with increasing frequency; therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine the options for replacing the existing bicycle rack at the Cambridgeport School with a larger bicycle rack sufficient to accommodate the increase in bike ridership to school; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to determine if any other schools in City of Cambridge need larger bicycle racks to satisfy demand for bike parking at their schools; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with any other school to replace their bicycle racks with new racks sufficiently large to meet demand for bicycle parking; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools to determine if Cambridge Public Schools has any mode split data for students and staff and, if needed, to pay to assist Cambridge Public Schools in developing that data.

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. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 84 Wadsworth Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Six of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

5. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 360 Memorial Drive between 296 and 120 Vassar Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Seven of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

6. 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 Saints Constantine and Helen Church requesting permission to hang a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Grecian Festival.

2. An application was received from Bob Bisenti, requesting curb cuts at the premises numbered 1 Camp Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works and the neighborhood association.  Charter Right - Kelley

3. An application was received from Acceleron, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 149 Sidney Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the Newtowne Court/Washington Elms Tenant Council, regarding the street lamp in front of 710 Main Street that stopped functioning and requesting to take steps to correct the problem.

2. A communication was received from Ruth M. Dziadual, transmitting thanks for your expression of sympathy on the death of her husband, Frank Dziadual.

3. A communication was received from Mayor Johnny Ford of Tuskegee, Alabama, requesting to be placed on the City Council Agenda of Apr 7th.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Silvio Santos on his first place victory in the NBA Live 2008 Video Game Tournament.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley

2. Congratulations to Devon Velez on his second place finish in the NBA Live 2008 Video Game Tournament.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley

3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Molina.   Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of Private George Delgado.   Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gregory Rundell.   Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Andrew Habsieger.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jose Hernandez.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake.   Councillor Decker

9. Congratulations to Senator Anthony Petruccelli and his wife Alessandra on the birth of their son, Anthony Elia Petrucelli.   Councillor Toomey

10. Congratulations to the Harvard Coop on its 125 years of operating in and serving the local community.   Mayor Simmons

11. Congratulations to the participants of Harvard Square's First Bookish Ball.   Mayor Simmons

12. Thanks to the organizers of the NBA Live 2008 Competition that was held at teen centers and the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall.   Councillor Toomey

13. Appreciation to the Frank Kramer, the Kramer Family and the staff at the Harvard Book Store for their service to the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

14. Appreciation to the William P. Sisler, Director of Harvard University Press, Jeffrey S. Flemming, Manager of the Harvard University Press Room Display and staff for their service to the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

15. Thanks to Jameel Parker and The 365 Days of Black History Project for their important work of teaching through art.   Mayor Simmons

16. Appreciation to James and Devon Gray for their service to the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

17. Congratulations to Laura Booth on receiving the 2008 Dr. Joseph H. Brenner Award.   Mayor Simmons

18. Appreciation to Patrick and Harriet Carrier, The Globe Corner Bookstore, for their service to the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

19. Appreciation to Mike Dreese and John Brusger, Newbury Comics, for their service to the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

20. Resolution on the death of Theresa E. (Yore) Kelly.   Councillor Maher

21. Resolution on the death of Jeremy R. Knowles.   Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Maher

22. Resolution on the death of Laura C. Linehan.   Councillor Maher

23. Congratulations to the organizers of the North Cambridge Family Opera on its production titled "The Puzzle Jigs."   Councillor Kelley

24. Happy Surprise 50th Birthday to a special Cantabrigian.   Councillor Maher

26. Congratulations to Santiago Cook and Chris Brown on their engagement.   Mayor Simmons

27. Congratulations to Katherine Triantafillou on her recent engagement.   Mayor Simmons

28. Resolution on the death of William D. Solberg Jr.   Councillor Maher

29. Honor the late Bonnie Solomon at Fresh Pond on April 13, 2008.   Councillor Davis

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the obligations of taxi drivers, to include those driving the special accessible taxis, to meet the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Davis

2. Security cameras and other safety measures at Russell Field athletic complex.   Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons and Councillor Maher

3. That the City Manager is requested to recommend an appropriate informational campaign about the conversion of TV signals from analog to digital, particularly as it will affect people who do not subscribe to cable and who will have complex choices to make.   Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager is requested to use the City's cable channel, the PIO newsletter, Cambridge Online and other informational resources to publicize the 2008 Cambridge Science Festival.   Councillor Davis

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to be sure that all drinking fountains are operational for the spring and summer months and to determine if using an alternative to copper piping is feasible to prevent future vandalism.   Councillor Toomey

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on what, if any, land use planning and zoning policies could support the growth of aging-in-place programs in Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Murphy and Mayor Simmons Councillor Maher  Amended

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a draft amendment to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to provide for using square footage as an alternative way to calculate the required donation in order to provide units with more than two bedrooms to further the City Council goal to support family housing in Cambridge.   Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Murphy

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to commission the update on the nexus study and to develop any other background information necessary to determine whether the linkage payment for the Incentive Zoning Ordinance should be adjusted.   Vice Mayor Murphy

9. That the City Manager is requested to schedule a public meeting with MassHighway to discuss the current status of the Walden Street Bridge project and its projected schedule for completion.   Councillor Kelley

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council as to whether land-use planning and zoning could be used and/or modified to provide for more positive transitions for former church properties and other similar re-use issues.   Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Murphy

11. Refer the matter of renaming the portion of Plympton Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Memorial Drive as Halberstam Street to the Government Operations and Rules Committee for a public hearing.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Maher

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the universities to determine if using large vehicles to drop off a small number of students is appropriate and if they can scale down in size and disruption to the neighborhoods they service.   Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 25, 2008 to discuss the conversion of TV signals from analog-to-digital.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 8
3:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the agenda for the committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, Apr 16
5:30pm   The Transportation Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issues involving safe routes to school.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, Apr 30
1:00pm   The Veterans Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss coordination of veterans services with the Cambridge Health Alliance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 1
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 5
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting. No public comment. No votes will be taken.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 7
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, May 13
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 14
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget. (if necessary)  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 19
4:00pm   2008 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Seniors and people with disabilities need uniquely attentive taxi service to keep them from becoming housebound, especially during inclement weather; and
WHEREAS: This unique attention may include knocking on a door and assisting someone downstairs and into a cab or folding up and unfolding a wheelchair; and
WHEREAS: There have recently been concerns about taxi drivers not providing the necessary attention to the needs of seniors and people with disabilities, with the result that these people may miss their taxi rides or not be able to get cabs at all; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the obligations of taxi drivers, to include those driving the special accessible taxis, to meet the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

O-2     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: There have been concerns expressed about public safety at the newly renovated Russell Field athletic complex; and
WHEREAS: These concerns may be somewhat addressed through the installation of more extensive security cameras in that area; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA already has a system of security cameras connected to the area immediately around the Alewife T station; and
WHEREAS: Some people have privacy concerns about too many cameras monitoring their public activities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have Cambridge Police Department staff confer with relevant MBTA staff to determine the extent of area coverage by the MBTA cameras and to determine where additional security cameras could be most effectively deployed to improve public safety in this area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of installing additional security cameras in this area to address public safety concerns; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Works and other relevant City and School Department staff to determine and implement appropriate short-term security measures for this area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Civic Unity Committee be and hereby is requested to have a public hearing on security cameras within the next 45 days with the intent of at least starting to develop some comprehensive guidance for the deployment of municipal security cameras.

O-3     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend an appropriate informational campaign about the conversion of TV signals from analog to digital, particularly as it will affect people who do not subscribe to cable and who will have complex choices to make; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee about this matter by May 15, 2008.

O-4     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to use the City's cable channel, the PIO newsletter, Cambridge Online and other informational resources to publicize the 2008 Cambridge Science Festival.

O-5     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that drinking water fountains have been vandalized city wide; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to be sure that all drinking fountains are operational for the spring and summer months; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to determine if using an alternative to copper piping is feasible and if it will help to prevent future vandalism.

O-6     Apr 7, 2008  Amended
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on what, if any, land use planning and zoning policies could support the growth of aging-in-place programs in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include any relevant information from the Inspectional Services Department and any other appropriate City department.

O-7     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a draft amendment to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to provide for using square footage as an alternative way to calculate the required donation in order to provide units with more than two bedrooms to further the City Council goal to support family housing in Cambridge.

O-8     Apr 7, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to commission the update on the nexus study and to develop any other background information necessary to determine whether the linkage payment for the Incentive Zoning Ordinance should be adjusted.

O-9     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to schedule a public meeting with MassHighway to discuss the current status of the Walden Street Bridge project and its projected schedule for completion.

O-10     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The conversion of churches to housing in residential neighborhoods has led to some neighborhood concern and consternation as residents see large formerly vacant buildings become large multi-family residences; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council as to whether land-use planning and zoning could be used and/or modified to provide for more positive transitions for former church properties and other similar re-use issues.

O-11     Apr 7, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: David Halberstam was a resident of Cambridge while a student at Harvard College from 1951 to 1955; and
WHEREAS: David Halberstam's extracurricular life at Harvard centered on The Harvard Crimson, where he served as a news writer, sports writer, and managing editor; and
WHEREAS: Immediately following his graduation in 1955, David Halberstam set out for his first job as a reporter for the Daily Times Leader in West Point, Mississippi, because, as he later told Ray Suarez on National Public Radio, he wanted to start his career at the heart of "state-sanctioned injustice, state-sanctioned racism" in America; and
WHEREAS: David Halberstam did not last in that first job. He wrote an article about a local political leader who said to a gathering of Mississippi Democrats, "If any ______ try to come in, bring them around back and we'll take care of them," and when his editor suggested that David point out that perhaps the man was only trying to be helpful, David said he didn't think that was true. Veritas was important to David; and
WHEREAS: He continued to report on the Civil Rights movement, first for the Tennessean in Nashville, then for the New York Times. the work in Nashville later served as the basis in 1998 for The Children, considered by many his finest book - the story of young blacks who decided to work against the idea of white-only water fountains and rest rooms. David considered it a privilege to be so close to this "luminescent moment" of American democracy; and
WHEREAS: Having won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting from the field on the Vietnam War in 1974, David Halberstam embarked on a second career theme - telling truth to power. His most famous book, The Best and the Brightest, tells how President John F. Kennedy assembled talented and educated men for his administration, selecting from America's power elite those who would develop a failing strategy, leading to a tragic loss of life and humiliating defeat. He used what Russell Baker calls, "the new journalism," employing fictional techniques to make complex matters understandable, "remaining faithful to the facts without constant explanations of how the facts were obtained;" and
WHEREAS: Though not a scholar, David Halberstam liked to say that "As a journalist, I was a good historian, and as a historian, I was a good journalist." He helped to remake America's perception of itself. He also loved sports and wrote about Michael Jordan, Ted Williams, Bill Belichick, and many others - always looking to find the source of each person's ability to achieve at a high level. Boston's sportswriters consider him to have been a master of their craft; and
WHEREAS: In his last book, The Coldest Winter, about the Korean War, David Halberstam documents how the American military, seemingly indifferent to any understanding of its enemies, their cultures, and their methods of warfare, actually doctored intelligence to mislead America, drawing clear parallels to the current administration and to its rationale for the Iraq war. David Halberstam was killed in an automobile accident on Apr 23, 2007, just as this book was going to press; and
WHEREAS: While there has from time to time been conflict between Harvard College as an institution and Cambridge residents, Cambridge has always taken great pride in the achievements of Harvard students and alumni; and
WHEREAS: David Halberstam's journalistic accomplishments exemplify and have contributed to Cambridge citizens' commitment to racial justice and equity and its opposition to unjust wars; and
WHEREAS: In recognizing David Halberstam, the City of Cambridge wishes to honor one of this generation's foremost citizens for his courage and his patriotism and hopes that it will inspire present and future generations of college students at Harvard and elsewhere to go where their highest ideals take them, to eye official pronouncements from powerful sources with appropriate skepticism, and to tell the truth - VERITAS - in ways that people can understand; and
WHEREAS: The City Council desires to rename Plympton Street, from Massachusetts Avenue to Memorial Drive, as Halberstam Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby refers this matter to the Government Operations and Rules Committee to hold a public hearing to which the property owners, businesses and residents of this portion of Plympton Street are invited, to ensure sufficient notification of this proposed change; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-12     Apr 7, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: University shuttle buses have been driving neighborhood streets at very late hours in the evening; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel the size and noise of these buses is extreme for small neighborhood streets; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the universities to determine if using large vehicles to drop off a small number of students is appropriate and if they can scale down in size and disruption to the neighborhoods they service; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this and whether or not there is a city policy relating to university shuttle services.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, Mar 25, 2008 at three o’clock and thirty-eight minutes PM in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the conversion of TV signals from analog to digital.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner, Public Works; Jim Ardolino, Superintendent Solid Waste, Public Works; Paul Schlaver, Director, Cambridge Consumers’ Council; Michael Muehe, Executive Director, Cambridge Disabilities Commission; Emma Watkins, Director, Cambridge City-wide Senior Center; Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging; Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk; and Penny Peters, "Research Assistant" to Councillor Davis.

Also present were Brenda Doyle, Director of Administration, Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC); Catrice Williams, Department Secretary, DTC; Jason Whittet, Comcast; Susan Fleischmann, CCTV; Matt Quan, 181 Windsor Street; Sara Anthony, 11 Speare Place, Boston; and Richard Bock, 120 Chestnut Street.

Mr. Schlaver informed the committee that it was sad to say that the conversion to digital was not approached in the same way as Y2K. An information sheet entitled: Analog – Only TV Shutdown Consumer Advisory was distributed (ATTACHMENT A). Educating the public about the conversion was a priority in England. Door-to-door participation was utilized as well as a large sum of money was spent on the digital conversion. Publicity in the United States has been centered on the coupon and the converter box. The converter box will not work with cable and another problem is that the coupons expire in 90 days. The FCC made a decision that if cable customers did not convert to digital the company still had to provide service to them. Thus cable customers do not have to take action (FCC CONSUMER FACTS SHEET WERE DISTRIBUTED ATTACHMENTS B & C). EchoStar will sell the converter box for $39.99. The net cost for the converter box with the coupon could be up to $19.99. However Mr. Schlaver expressed concern that store clerks do not have answers to consumer questions. Two coupons are being issued in the event that there are numerous televisions in households. Televisions will need to be recycled.

Councillor Davis stated that people who do not have cable will need a new digital television or a converter box. She commented that not all converter boxes are equal. What are issues with the converter boxes for persons with disabilities? Mr. Schlaver stated that the EchoStar converter box is the "premier box". EchoStar was heavily involved in the England conversion. He suggested that the seniors wait to purchase that box. Ms. Doyle stated that the EchoStar boxes are not available in Massachusetts until the fall. She also suggested that consumers wait to purchase the boxes. The coupons look like gift cards and cannot be used on line. There are currently 37 certified converter boxes. In response to a question from Councillor Davis, Ms. Williams stated that consumers only need the basic converter box not the high priced models.

Councillor Davis asked what issues are there for seniors and others who are vulnerable. Ms. Pacheco responded that there is whole list of problems. Who will carry the TV to trash for recycling and who will install converter boxes are just a few of the concerns. Mr. Schlaver stated that there are scam artists who could prey on seniors and may encourage them to buy an unneeded converter box, television or upgraded service. Mr. Rossi stated that some seniors will have their children install the converter boxes for them. A discussion ensued about the number of people who are the most vulnerable. Ms. Watkins stated that all seniors, including those who have cable service and a digital television; need to be educated about the conversion.

Mr. Healy questioned whether Comcast would put information about the conversion with their bills. Mr. Whittet responded that Comcast is working on the informational program now and customers do not need to do anything; they will be informed in the fall. Mr. Rossi stated that an important message about digital conversion from Comcast could be put on bills.

Councillor Davis stated that timing is an issue. Information needs to be given out soon. Mr. Whittet stated that this is a federal government program. Mr. Schlaver stated that the FCC did not mandate that cable companies do education. He worried about Comcast advertising for upgrades that are unnecessary.

Councillor Davis stated that in 2012 things may change. Mr. Healy stated frequently asked questions (FAQ) have neutral answers and are on the website. He distributed information concerning frequently asked questions from Comcast, converter box coupon program, FCC consumer advisory, coupon application and location of a converter box retailer near you (ATTACHMENT D). Mr. Whittet stated that Comcast will convert digital signal back to analog. Cable customers should not purchase converter boxes. If you watch TV now with cable you can watch TV in February 2009.

Councillor Davis stated that there are 12,000 seniors. Mr. Schlaver stated that some conversion for these seniors could be done by family, friends or neighbors. Mr. Healy stated that the federal census lists 12,000 residents over 65 years of age. Of this number 75% have cable service and should see no change. This means 3,000 need converter boxes or new televisions and may need installation help. Ms. Doyle stated that if residents have cable, satellite or digital tuner on TV consumers need to do nothing.

Councillor Davis questioned whether Comcast will answer inquires about conversion which they receive via telephone. Mr. Whittet responded in the affirmative. Comcast customers will be told that there is nothing necessary to be done. The process on how to deal with consumers’ questions is being now formulated, stated Mr. Whittet. Ms. Doyle favored education to get the word out to consumers. Mr. Schlaver stated that CCTV and Channel 8 could do education. The Public Information Officer could also be utilized.

Ms. Watkins asked if Comcast would have translators for consumers who do not speak English. Mr. Rossi stated that the Ordinance regulating leaf blowers was converted into three languages. Information needs to be simple. Mr. Schlaver stated that the FCC pamphlet is in Spanish, but it is not as simple as it could be.

Ms. Williams stated that old televisions may require an adapter for the converter box. These sell at Radio Shack for $5 – 10. There will be a converter box set-up display in South Station on Thurs, Mar 27, 2008.

Mr. Muehe asked if there will be a closed caption chip on digital converter boxes. Mr. Schlaver stated that he would work with Mr. Muehe on this issue.

Councillor Davis stated that there maybe a few hundred people who really need assistance with the conversion. Mr. Rossi stated that retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City will engage in a marketing war for these customers to see if they can sell them televisions, whether or not they need them.

Councillor Davis stated that getting the message out is the first stage and the second is identifying the population in need of assistance. She stated that another issue is planning for the waste when analog televisions are discarded. Commissioner Peterson stated that the city can absorb the 25% increase in electronic waste. Televisions less than 21" can be put out on curb. Over 21" need to schedule a pick up. Councillor Davis asked if the waste is recycled. Mr. Ardolino stated that TV are taken apart then disposed of properly.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees for their participation.

The meeting adjourned at four o’clock and fifty minutes PM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the methods to provide long-term protection for Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/04/08 (O-4)

08-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the regulations and policies regarding crossing guard duties and placement along with a list of crossing guard locations.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/11/08 (O-9)

08-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report how many children with IEP's receive out of school assistance either written or not written into their plans.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-5)

08-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: how many children with special needs or IEP's DHSP is making accommodations for in the after-school programs.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-9)

08-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of on-street parking permit restrictions applied to the residents of Harvard's new construction in Riverside and what sort of permutations of this type of parking-restricted development could be used elsewhere in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-19)

08-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plan to improve and maintain the MLK Plaza, the pocket park on Franklin Street and the Central Square Branch Library and the Manning Apartments.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-22)

08-36. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #8
RE: report on the decision of the Appellate Tax Board that telecommunication companies are now taxable on poles and wires and the impact to Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey & Mayor Simmons 03/03/08 (O-32)

08-37. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on working with the neighborhood on impacts of revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-6)

08-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of CPA funding for this upcoming year.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-7)

08-39. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on statistically valid validation program of FEMA's flood map data.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-10)

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, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the traffic accident in Central Square that killed a pedestrian.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/24/08 (O-1)

08-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the exodus of biotech companies from Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy & Councillor Seidel 03/24/08 (O-8)

08-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on public education campaigns and traffic enforcement campaigns to increase bicycling safety.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/24/08 (O-11)

08-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing mini-grants for seniors and other low-income residents who might need to purchase flood insurance.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 03/24/08 (O-14)

08-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reason for blackout on Mar 17th in West Cambridge.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 03/24/08 (O-15)

08-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on policy of managing ad hoc public memorial sites.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/31/08 (O-2)

08-52. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on number of buildings, whether residential, commercial or municipal, using geothermal heating and/or cooling systems.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 03/31/08 (O-3)