RECONSIDERATIONS
1. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Simmons on April 4, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Richard H. Peters as a member of the Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board effective April 6, 2005.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-11, regarding a proposal to develop a wireless internet access program city-wide.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-123, regarding a report on plans for inform residents of the new Cambridge E-Line.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $50,000 from the General Fund Public Works Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgments and Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured during the performance of their duties.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation in the General Fund of $657,000 from Free Cash to the DPW Other Ordinary Maintenance to cover additional expenses associated with snow plowing contracts, salt and other material costs incurred during the snowstorms of the past winter, as well as for additional costs for energy & building maintenance.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $16,000 from Police Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Police Travel and Training account (judgments and damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties as well as to cover the cost of medical evaluations for new officers.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-126, regarding the installation of parking meters on Mt. Auburn Street.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for City Council approval, a loan order and order of taking that will result in paving the way for the siting and construction of a new police station.

April 11, 2005
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am submitting, for City Council approval, a loan order and order of taking that will result in paving the way for the siting and construction of a new police station.

One of the stated City Council objectives for capital projects this year has been the siting and funding of a modern police facility. Much work has gone into the process by the City Council sub committee on Public Safety, and the City and Police administration.

A unique opportunity has been identified to acquire a property that would result in achieving that objective. The property, 125 Sixth Street, is a newly constructed "shell" building of approximately 96,000 square feet. This will meet the programmatic needs of a 21st Century Police Facility, and, possibly contain adequate space to relocate the Emergency Communications Center, which will allow greater utilization of fire headquarters by the Fire Department.

As you are well aware, locating a facility of this nature is not without challenge. This property is within reasonable walking distance of both the Kendall Square and Lechmere MBTA stations, does not immediately infringe on residential areas, and is in a predominantly office/R&D area.

I have had a professional feasibility study done to analyze the potential of "fitting out this shell" as a modern police facility. While still in draft form, this analysis concludes that such a fit is achievable and at a cost that will keep the project within 10% of the $45 million budget estimate of several years ago.

The property has been appraised with a stated fair market value of $29,600,000. The owner will agree to a "pro tanto" payment of $29,550,000 in the eminent domain proceeding.

The Financing Plan for the project, that was presented to the Credit Rating Agencies and the City Council, contained a projected bonding of $45,000,000 beginning next fiscal year with a bonding schedule of $5,000,000 for "site" acquisition in FY06 and two $20,000,000 issuances in FY07 and FY08.

This proposal requires modifying that plan to reflect the upfront cost of acquiring not only a site, but also a new building. This plan results in the issuance of $36 million dollars in bonds in FY06 and $13.5 million dollars in bonds in FY07. However, the use of available funds will allow a financing structure that will not result in any greater impact on the tax levy in FY06. The original financing plan for the police station is not significantly changed from the 5-year plan with the purchase of this building, due to a revised bonding schedule and the possible use of reserves.

Timing is important both from a real estate perspective and a cost perspective. In an active real estate market the property owners have other opportunities that could preclude the City from taking advantage of this solution. Secondly, construction costs are escalating at an extremely high rate. Acting now, without the necessity of analysis of soils conditions, and with both of the rapidly increasing items (steel and concrete) already in place, I believe the preliminary total cost estimate of $49.5 million dollars can be adhered to.

Favorable action is strongly recommended.

Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager

IN CITY COUNCIL
April 11, 2005
ORDERED: That $49,500,000 is appropriated for the purpose of acquiring the following parcel of land and building thereon for use as a police station:
The land and building thereon now known and numbered as 125 Sixth Street, City of Cambridge, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being shown on a plan entitled "Taking Plan of Land in Cambridge, MA, 125 Sixth Street" dated March 16, 2005, prepared by Everett M. Brooks, Co. and for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the building thereon for such use, including original equipment and landscaping, paving and other site improvements incidental or directly related thereto; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $45,000,000 and issue bonds or notes therefore under G.L. c.44; and that the City Manager is authorized to take all other action necessary to carry out the project.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order of taking for the property located at 125 Sixth Street for the siting and construction of a new police station as referred to in Agenda Item Number 8 of this date.

Agenda Item Number 9
IN CITY COUNCIL
April 11, 2005

WHEREAS: By Section 30 of Chapter 43, Section 14 of Chapter 40, and Chapter 79 of the General Laws, all as amended, it is provided that the Cambridge City Council may take in fee in the name of the City for any municipal purpose any land within the limits of the City not already appropriated for public use; and

WHEREAS: The City Manager of Cambridge and City Council, in order to provide and promote public safety, have approved and authorized that the City should under the provisions of the aforesaid Chapter of the General Laws take and hold the parcel of land hereinafter bounded and described and any buildings and trees thereon for the purpose of relocating the City of Cambridge police station and other emergency communication departments and for all purposes and uses accessory thereto; and

WHEREAS: An appropriation duly made by the City Council on April 25, 2005, is sufficient to cover the estimated expense of acquisition as required by the aforesaid Sections of Chapters 40 and 43;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of and in pursuance of the authority conferred by said Chapters of the General Laws and by every other power and authority it thereto enabling, the City of Cambridge by its City Council does hereby take the land hereinafter described and all easements, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging as well as all trees and all structures thereon, for the relocation of the City of Cambridge police station and other emergency communication departments and for all purposes and uses accessory thereto. Intending to take and hereby taking in fee simple all land included within such description by whomsoever the same may be owned, vis:

The land together with the building thereon now known and numbered as 125 Sixth Street, City of Cambridge, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being shown as Lot B on a plan entitled "Taking Plan of Land in Cambridge, MA, 125 Sixth Street" dated March 16, 2005, prepared by Everett M. Brooks, Co., and recorded in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds (the "Registry") herewith and more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point on the southerly sideline of Bent Street at the northwesterly corner of Lot B; THENCE
S75° 00’00"E a distance of one hundred twenty-eight and sixty-one hundredths feet (128.61’) along the southerly sideline of Bent Street to the intersection with the westerly sideline of Sixth Street; THENCE
S15° 00’00"W a distance of two hundred and two hundredths feet (200.02’) along the westerly sideline of Sixth Street to the intersection with the northerly sideline of Rogers Street; THENCE
N75° 00’00"W a distance of one hundred twenty-nine and eight hundredths feet (129.08’) along the northerly sideline of Rogers Street (a private way) to the southwesterly corner of Lot B; THENCE
N15° 08’00"E a distance of two hundred and two hundredths feet (200.02’) to the point of beginning.

The above described parcel contains an area of twenty-five thousand and seven hundred and seventy two plus or minus square feet (25,772 ± sq. ft.) according to said plan.

For title to said Lot B, see Deed dated May 7, 1984 and recorded with the Registry in Book 15559, Page 348.

The damages awarded with respect to said parcel are Twenty Nine Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand ($29,550,000.00) Dollars and the supposed owner is C.E.M. Realty Trust under a Declaration of Trust dated May 4, 1984 and recorded with the Registry in Book 15559, Page 343.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
ORDERED: The taking of fee simple title in land along with all buildings and trees thereon herein described is hereby authorized in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 13, Chapter 43, Section 30 and Chapter 79, all as amended for the relocation of the City of Cambridge police station and other emergency communication departments and for all purposes and uses accessory thereto.

Said land is described above.

This parcel contains 25,772 ± sq. ft. The fair market value of said parcel has been appraised at Twenty Nine Million Six Hundred Thousand ($29,600,000.00) Dollars.

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

2. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on March 9, 2005 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Section 6.12 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding the requirement for providing parking in existing buildings with new additions and/or new uses. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after April 18, 2005. Planning Board hearing held April 5, 2005. Petition expires June 7, 2005.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of an additional $750,000 for the construction of the Yerxa Road railroad underpass. The question comes on adoption on or after April 18, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Dance Complex, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Temple and Pleasant Streets for Dance Month.

2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue between Pearl and Norfolk Streets sponsoring the Cyberarts Festival.

3. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Mall and Massachusetts Avenue between Pearl and Norfolk Streets sponsoring the North Cambridge Artists' Open Studio Group (NoCA).

4. An application was received from Julia C. Bagalay, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 15 Raymond Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works and neighborhood association.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael H. Mulhern, General Manager, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, regarding the City Council's resolution of February 28, 2005 expressing its disappointment to allow liquor advertisement on MBTA property and equipment.

2. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunications & Energy, transmitting a copy of NSTAR Gas Company's condensed financial return for year ended December 31, 2004.

3. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunications & Energy, transmitting a copy of Cambridge Electric Light Company's condensed financial return for year ended December 31, 2004.

4. A communication was received from Ann B. Ward, conveying her sincere thanks to the City Council for their kind resolution of condolence.

5. A communication was received from the family of Thomas F. August, acknowledging your kind expression of sympathy.

6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding bullying, veterans and psychiatry.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Proclaiming May 14 and 15, 2005 as North Cambridge Arts Days in Cambridge and recognition of the seventh annual All Arts Open Studios.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of Willie Mae Douglas.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Ghizzoni.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Tenzin Dengkhim.   Vice Mayor Decker

5. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Samuel Lee.   Vice Mayor Decker

6. Resolution on the death of Specialist Eric Toth.   Vice Mayor Decker

7. Resolution on the death of Sergeant James Sherrill.   Vice Mayor Decker

8. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kenneth Ridgley.   Vice Mayor Decker

9. Resolution on the death of Corporal Garrywesley Rimes.   Vice Mayor Decker

10. Resolution on the death of Warrant Officer Charles Wells, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

11. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Robbie McNary.   Vice Mayor Decker

12. Congratulations to Joan Ackermann on the opening in the Kendall Square Theatre of the film Off the Map for which she wrote the screenplay.   Councillor Davis

13. Resolution on the death of Cesar M. Cafua.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Diane G. Applegate.   Councillor Toomey

15. Proclaiming May 8-14, 2005 as Cambridge Camping Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Howard A. McClendon on his 20th anniversary of service to the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church and proclaim Sunday, April 17, 2005 as Reverend Dr. Howard McClendon Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Support for the 21st Annual Senior Student Art Exhibit from April 27 - May 20, 2005 at the University Lutheran Church at 66 Winthrop Street with exhibit hours from 3:30-5:30pm and a welcome reception on Thursday, April 28, 2005 from 5:00-7:00pm.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Support for CityStep's Art in Motion production performed by Harvard students and Cambridge youth on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 1:00pm and 6:00pm.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Support for the King Open School's own version of the "Sistine Chapel" ceiling and entryway murals on Thursday, April 14, 2005 from 8:30am - 9:00am.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Support for the 13th Annual Cambridgeport Artists Open Studios on October 1 and 2, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Congratulations to Joseph Ciccolo on his appointment as the new Principal of Blue Hills Regional Vocational School.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Declaring April 10-16, 2005 as National Telecommunications Dispatchers Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Proclaiming Saturday, May 21, 2005 as Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Congratulations to Daniel Gonzalez on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts of America.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Congratulations to Michael Delia on being selected as one of the Boston Event Guide "30 Extraordinary Bostonians" of 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the death of Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

27. Resolution on the death of George A. McLaughlin, Jr.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the retirement of Bob Bersani.   Mayor Sullivan

29. Resolution on the retirement of Ellen Varella.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Resolution on the retirement of Robert J. Paone.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Happy 100th Anniversary to Paine Social Services.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Resolution on the death of Mel Milhelm.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to communicate to the MBTA and the Legislative delegation that the MBTA should not install captive audience television on redline cars and the MTBA is requested to install in the Red Line cars information useful to riders, especially an MBTA System map.   Councillor Davis

2. Dedication of a site near Webster Avenue and Lincoln Street in honor of Manuel and Maria Pacheco.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Support for a bill currently being considered by the Legislature known as the "Energy Efficiency Standards" bill.   Councillor Davis

4. Support for the purchase of open space with CPA funds in the Cambridgeport area to develop a passive park.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

5. The City Manager is requested to direct the Office of Workforce Development to report on a summary of information concerning the number of individuals trained and placed in jobs, those not placed in jobs and the impediments barring their employment and to refer the report to the Human Services Committee.   Councillor Simmons

6. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services about assisting Bread and Jams in finding a new location.   Councillor Murphy

7. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Superintendent of Schools to provide to the City Council the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget presentation as made to the School Committee.   Councillor Toomey

8. The City Manager is requested to provide to the City Council from the Superintendent of Schools the number of clerical positions being reduced as of July 1, 2005 and any other information that is pertinent to these positions and to investigate whether these clerical positions would receive in-house preference for jobs in the City.   Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on March 8, 2005 for the purpose of discussing NSTAR and the new requirements for renewable energy as part of its portfolio.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, transmitting thanks to the City Council from James J. Nixon for the adoption of a resolution of sympathy on the passing of his wife, Margaret P. Nixon.

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

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

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

Thurs, Apr 14
11:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue discussion on the current status of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan for the W.R. Grace Alewife site on file with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, in particular W.R. Grace's proposed exit strategy and the community response to that proposal.  (Sullivan Chamber)
3:30pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss plans for the First Anniversary of the May 17, 2004 Same Sex Marriage Celebration.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss ideas and suggestions around property tax issues to be considered by the Special Committee on Property Tax.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, May 2
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. To discuss community based planning for arts, culture, history and heritage programming. No public comment. No votes will be taken Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 3
10:00am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on the subject of NSTAR and renewable energy requirements.  (Ackermann Room)
6:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting with the Bicycle Committee to discuss bicycle issues and any and all matters that may properly come before the committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Tues, May 10
5:30pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the city.  (Ackermann Room)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to the MBTA that the MBTA should not install captive audience television on Red Line cars; and be it further
ORDERED: That the MBTA be requested to install in the Red Line cars information useful to riders, especially an MBTA System map; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge legislative delegation to the Massachusetts General Court on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     April 11, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Webster Avenue and Lincoln Street in honor of Manuel and Maria Pacheco; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-3     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in support of a bill currently being considered by the Legislature known as the "Energy Efficiency Standards" bill; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Legislature on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in support of the purchase of open space with Community Preservation Act funds in the Cambridgeport area to develop a passive park.

O-5     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Office of Workforce Development to report on a summary of information concerning the number of individuals trained and placed in jobs, those not placed in jobs and the impediments barring their employment; and be it further
ORDERED: That this report be referred to the Human Services Committee.

O-6     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services about assisting Bread and Jams in finding a new location.

O-7     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Superintendent of Schools to provide to the City Council the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget presentation as made to the School Committee.

O-8     April 11, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide to the City Council from the Superintendent of Schools the number of clerical positions being reduced as of July 1, 2005 and any other information that is pertinent to these positions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate whether these clerical positions would receive in-house preference for jobs in the City.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 beginning at twelve o’clock and five minutes p. m. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of discussing NSTAR and the new requirements for renewable energy as part of its portfolio.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were George Fernandes, City Electrician, and Rosalie Anders and John Bolduc, both planners in the Environmental and Transportation Division of the Community Development Department (CDD) also attended the meeting. William Zamparelli, Community Relations and Economic Development Representative, NSTAR, Frank Gundal, Manager of Products & Services for NSTAR, represented NSTAR at the meeting. Also in attendance were Alison Field-Juma, Green Decade/Cambridge and member the Climate Protection Action Committee; Elizabeth Kline, 15 Kirkland Road; and Michelle Sprengnether, Green Decade.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting. She explained that she was starting the meeting at Councillor Simmons’s request because Councillor Simmons had been detained elsewhere. She stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss how NSTAR will implement the requests for renewable forms of energy that the deregulation laws require to be made available.

Mr. Gundal, who stated that he is also a member of Green Decade in Newton, where he lives, summarized the new requirements imposed by the state deregulation legislation. NSTAR is not classified as a supplier of energy under the law. NSTAR is a local distribution agency. As such, NSTAR is in the business of purchasing, distribution and transmission. NSTAR is not in the energy business. Suppliers are in the energy business.

Mr. Gundal explained that NSTAR is required to provide a portfolio that includes enough renewable energy to meet the renewable energy portfolio requirement of the legislation. The requirements started at one percent two years ago and go up ½ percent per year until 2009, when the requirement will be that four percent of the portfolio consist of renewable energy.

NSTAR is required to purchase the renewable energy in a bundled form with the other energy it purchases. A local distribution agency purchases renewable energy in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs), which represent the environmental and other attributes of how the energy was generated (e.g. pounds of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of electricity).

The Division of Energy Resources evaluated the market and last month reported its determination that there is not enough renewable energy available to meet the base requirement. When not enough renewable energy is available to meet the requirement, purchasers must pay alternative compliance payments, which go back to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MTC) Renewable Energy Trust. Suppliers must meet their requirements by either purchasing the renewable energy certificates or paying the alternative compliance fee. A large percentage of the renewable energy certificates come from large wind farms in the west and midwestern part of the country.

Ms. Sprengnether asked Mr. Gundal why she did not see NSTAR listed on a recent report that listed REC purchasers. Ms. Springnether said that as a consumer, she would like to know whether Cambridge’s electricity includes renewable energy and what kind of renewable energy is purchased. The flyer that comes with her electricity bill says zero percent in the category of renewable energy. Mr. Gundal said that he would inquire at NSTAR to get an answer to Ms. Sprengnether’s question.

Councillor Davis stated that it appears that there is somewhat of a problem in that it is easier to use the alternative compliance process rather than purchasing renewable energy. She asked whether NSTAR’s request for bids from the suppliers could specify that bids would only be accepted from suppliers who offer actual renewable energy certificates rather than certificates for alternative compliance.

Elizabeth Kline stated that this is exactly the type of problem that the group with which she is working wants to address.

Ms. Sprengnether stated that she has been purchasing renewable energy separately through the Mass. Energy Consumers Alliance’s New England Wind program. In Cambridge only 12 residents are taking this option. In Medford, under Mass Electric, over 300 residents are doing so. Mass Electric provides a check off system on electric bills to facilitate purchases of RECs.

Councillor Davis stated that she has heard a lot of positive comment about Mass Electric’s support for renewable energy from environmental groups. She asked whether NSTAR could follow Mass Electric’s lead. Mr. Gundal stated that Mass Electric’s activities are all related to the Green Up program. At the moment there is not enough supply of local green power. NSTAR does not want to artificially drive up the cost of the existing green power. NSTAR wants to help the environment, but to help the local environment, there must be actual local sources.

Ms. Kline asked if NSTAR is limited as to where it can purchase renewable energy. Mr. Gundal said no, but the local distributors do need to have firm commitments from the suppliers. The fastest way to get real green power to the table is to support the development of wind power and solar power locally.

Alison Field-Juma stated that the RECs are creating investments for more renewable energy across the nation, which ultimately helps the local environment as well.

Mr. Gundal stated that NSTAR is mainly focused on New England and wants to look at New England first. He said that with the renewal energy portfolio requirements the demand is there, but the supply has not caught up.

Councillor Davis stated that the supply is increasing. She noted that a second windmill is being installed in Hull. Mr. Gundal stated that, to an extent, the supply is catching up. He noted, however, that solar development has dropped off now that MTC is not supporting it with more grants. There are lots of studies for wind power, but not many windmills. The last feasible landfill gas site in New England will come on line in six to nine months. Mr. Gundal said that the good news is that there is a market for renewable energy. Now what is needed is a lot of help in grass roots projects to supply renewable energy.

Ms. Kline said that there needs to be greater public dissemination of the fact that NSTAR is supporting renewable energy.

Ms. Anders stated her concerns about the timetable for increasing the amount of renewable energy as a percent of total energy consumption. If we are still at two percent and need to be at 25 percent in ten years, how do we get there? She stated that she believes that there are many people who would be interested in investing in alternative energy. She asked what overall growth in renewable energy is achievable. Mr. Gundal stated that this is a good question to address to the Mass. Division of Energy Resources or MTC.

Councillor Davis asked who is responsible for making the policy. Ms. Kline said that it used to be the New England Governors. Mr. Bolduc stated that from the community’s perspective, there is a limited capacity to affect the policy. He said that the only thing available is to use our consumer dollars.

Councillor Davis asked why the money going to the MTCdoes not increase, if there is not enough renewable energy available and the alternative compliance payments go to MTC. Mr. Gundal said MTC currently has $200 million. Ms. Sprengnether noted that $200 million could buy 200 windmills. Mr. Gundal said 200 windmills would be great; right now Massachusetts has one windmill. Councillor Davis said that there is not enough wind in Cambridge to make wind power a feasible form of renewable energy to develop here.

Mr. Bolduc said that the benefits of renewable energy are both global and local. Global benefits include mitigating climate change and the development of new technologies. Local benefits include pollution reduction and economic development.

Ms. Sprengnether described a local clean energy grant and marketing program available from MTC, called "Clean Energy Choice". For every household that invests in renewable energy there is a matching grant for renewable energy to the municipality and to low income households. In the Mass Electric territory, it is easier to build up Clean Energy Choice grants because of the on-bill check off system.

Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR filed a petition with the Department of Energy and Telecommunications to offer its own NSTAR Green program, but then decided not to participate for a number of reasons. NSTAR did not want to take the Mass Electric approach. NSTAR conducted focus groups with customers. The customers wanted to do their part towards environmental protection, and they also wanted to participate in simple, straightforward programs. NSTAR sees Green Up in its current iteration as pushing paper more than creating renewable energy.

Councillor Davis said that the City of Cambridge is at a disadvantage because it cannot encourage participation in the Clean Energy Choice program and build up compared to communities in Mass Electric service territory.

Ms. Anders said that there are two issues here:

How Cambridge can receive some of the "match pie", the matching funds from MTC; and

How to get more "apples" (renewable energy supplies in Mr. Gundal’s earlier example) on the table.

Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR is refocusing on its NSTAR Green program. It has reconvened its green team. He believes that he will have something to present to this committee in a month or two, and he would like to come back to this committee to present it. If this does not work, there are still other options, such as New England Wind. What NSTAR does not want to do is to get into the REC business.

Alison Field Juma asked if there is anything that Cambridge consumers and advocacy groups can do to support suppliers to supply actual green energy. Mr. Gundal said that he has heard from suppliers that it is difficult to sell green energy as a bundle.

Councillor Davis asked where the City of Cambridge gets its electricity. Mr. Fernandes stated that Cambridge is now going to aggregate and purchase from Trans Canada. The energy from Trans Canada will include the required renewable energy, 700,000 kilowatt-hours of green power. In response to a question for Councillor Davis, he stated that the matching grant funds are only available from MTC if the renewable energy is purchased from New England Wind. Trans Canada does not qualify.

Mr. Bolduc suggested that for residential customers, MTC could add NSTAR’s products to its list of renewable energy products that qualify for the matching payments to the municipality.

Councillor Davis asked why the City of Cambridge did not buy its electricity from NSTAR. Mr. Fenandes explained that NSTAR can only sell at the default rate and the City of Cambridge was able to get a better rate. He also said that to do renewable energy for residential customers, the price has to go up.

Ms. Kline inquired as to the process to include other wind suppliers like Trans Canada in the MTC list of match eligible renewable energy suppliers.

Ms. Sprengnether said that in Newton the City purchased $20,000 of RECs and got businesses to do so as well. Her group is hoping to be able to do something like that for Cambridge. Mr. Bolduc stated that such a purchase could be an offset from the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The next meeting of the committee was set for May 3, 2005 at 10:00am. Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at one o’clock and thirty minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee