CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2004:
   With Power
   Mary Ann Wojakowski, 45 Harborview St., Dorchester, MA 02125
   Without Power
   Robert Chernela, 700 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02120

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Daniel Diaz as a public weigher to operate scales for the year 2004 at Boston Sand and Gravel.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-11, regarding a report on the possibility of purchasing the Archdiocese property.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-21, regarding to a report on re-examine the plans relative to the back of the Main Library where it abuts the CRLS Amphitheatre and tennis courts with a view in mind of creating an open passage way and on plans to relocate the tot lot during construction.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-15, regarding ways to maintaining and improving methods for preventing sidewalk bicycling.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-18, regarding a report on the issue of "hot" or "live" utility covers.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Gerard Clark, 81 Orchard Street, as the labor representative on the Cambridge Housing Authority for a term of five years, effective April 1, 2004. This appointment requires City Council confirmation.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-09, relative to a report on what measures are being taken by Harvard University and the City of Cambridge to address the recent sexual assaults that have been occurring around Harvard University.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-16, regarding a report on unemployment in Cambridge.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-08, regarding a report on the Massachusetts Campaign for Economic Literacy.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-20, regarding the Donahue Institute report.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-17, regarding a report on Museum Towers.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the LEF Foundation for $10,000 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the curation of four exhibitions of public art and gallery installations, featuring new commissioned works by local artists.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Landmark Designation Study Report on the Margaret Eustis House, 114 Oxford Street.

CITY MANAGER ORDER #1     April 12, 2004
ORDERED: That the Margaret Eustis House, 114 Oxford Street, be designated as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge, as recommended by vote of the Cambridge Historical Commission on October 2, 2003. The premises so designated are defined as parcels 89 and 110 of assessor's map 151 and recorded in book 38975, page 73 of the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds; and be it further
ORDERED: That this designation is justified by the important historical associations the house embodies as a locally rare and substantially intact example of the rear-wall chimney Federal house, constructed in 1822 and preserved through relocation in 1868 and for its associations with the Eustis family in Cambridge and with Margaret, Abraham and Henry Lawrence Eustis in particular. The house is also historically and architecturally significant in terms of its period, style and method of construction, as one of a small number of heavy-timber-framed Federal period houses surviving in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: The effect of this designation shall be that no construction activity can take place within the designated area, and no action can be taken affecting the appearance of 114 Oxford Street, that would in either case be visible from a public way, without review by the Cambridge Historical Commission and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Non-Applicability, as the case may be. In making determinations, the Commission shall be guided by the terms of the landmark designation report, and by Section VII, Standards and Criteria, of the landmark designation report, and by the applicable sections of Article 2.78.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Council Order No. 6, dated June 16, 2003, which requested a draft ordinance to prohibit skateboarding on city property with an appropriate fine.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $58,500 from water revenues to the Public Investment Fund Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to properly equip the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Water Department Offices at Fresh Pond.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $80,000 from Police Salary and Wages account to the Travel and Training account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $21,000 from Water Salary and Wages account to the Travel and Training account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for water department personnel injured in performance of their duties.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 in Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for a Space Plan/Facility Analysis for the Graham & Parks School Building.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from North Charles/Project IMPACT through the Governors Alliance Against Drugs for $11,450 to the Grant Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,970) and Travel and Training account ($480) to be used to provide alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention training for high-risk youth in Cambridge and Somerville.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer within the Department of Education Family Network grant from the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($23,577) to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of providing planning, program implementation and development as well as administrative functions through contracted services while two staff vacancies at the Center for Families were being filled that are partially funded from this grant.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer within the Children’s Trust Fund grant from the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($10,957) to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost contracted services to provide planning, programming and training activities while two staff vacancies at the Center for Families were being filled that are partially funded from this grant.

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Pat Kenna, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 22 Belmont Street, Watertown, the entrance is in Cambridge; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. One Neighborhood Association letter sent. No response from Neighborhood Association.

2. An application was received from Swanee Hunt, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 168 Brattle Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No Neighborhood Association for that area.

3. An application was received from Bruce Miller, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 76-78 Clifton Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. One Neighborhood Association letter sent. No response received from the Neighborhood Association.

4. An application was received from Bruce Miller, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 86-88 Clifton Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. One Neighborhood Association letter sent. No response received from the Neighborhood Association.

5. An application was received from Tamarind Bay, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 44 JFK Street and 75 Winthrop Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters. Historical Commission met April 1, 2004 and approved at meeting, pending ten day waiting period which expires at 5 p.m. on April 12, 2004.

6. An application was received from Quick-Flix, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign and a display of merchandise at the premises numbered 8 Bow Street.

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

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding government censorship.

3. A communication was received from Whidden Nurses and Health Care Professionals Massachusetts Nurses Association Negotiations Committee, regarding negotiations for a new contract.

4. A communication was received from Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen M. O'Toole, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the congratulatory resolution.

5. A communication was received from Enrique Iranzo, Consulate General of Spain, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution extending condolences to the people of Madrid on the March 11th tragedy.

6. A communication was received from Representative Paul C. Demakis, transmitting thanks for the City Council's support for House bill 2215, which would enact a three-year moratorium on new charter schools in the Commonwealth.

7. A communication was received from Boston Edison Company, transmitting a copy of the condensed Financial Return for the year ended December 31, 2003.

8. A communication was received from Cambridge Electric Light Company, transmitting a copy of the condensed Financial Return for the year ended December 31, 2003.

9. A communication was received from NSTAR Gas Company, transmitting a copy of the condensed Financial Return for the year ended December 31, 2003.

10. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the city's fluoride usage in drinking water.

11. A communication was received from Helen Ferro, transmitting thanks for the kind expression of sympathy on the death of her husband Joseph Ferro.

12. A communication was received from Elie Yarden, regarding treatment of the public during public comment.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Peter J. Costello.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of Lillian E. Mahoney.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Congratulations to the Hotel Marlowe on its first anniversary in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Juvenal F. Santos.   Councillor Toomey

5. Happy Anniversary wishes to a very special Cambridge couple.   Councillor Toomey

6. Congratulations to Miss Mary Bettina Albano on becoming a member of the S.S. Cosmos and Damian Society.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Davis.

7. Resolution on the death of Janice M. Kelley.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of Mabel T. Ruffing.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

9. Congratulations to Animal Spirit, a pet health store at 2348 Massachusetts Avenue on its 5th Anniversary.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Congratulations to Father J. Bryan Hehir on receiving the 2004 Laetare Medal presented by the University of Notre Dame.   Mayor Sullivan

11. May 2 through May 8, 2004 proclaimed as Drinking Water Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Congratulations to Julia Dekermenjian on winning the State Science Olympiad.   Councillor Davis

13. Resolution on the death of Mark F. Hockman.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Gertrude K. Parsons.   Councillor Galluccio

15. Congratulations to Kathy and Clark Reddick on their 27th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

16. Resolution on the death of Alice DeMoura.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the death of Arthur E. Foley.   Councillor Galluccio

18. Resolution on the death of Marie F. Benoit.   Councillor Galluccio

19. Resolution on the death of Theresa G. Tallier.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Resolution on the death of Paul W. Conley.   Mayor Sullivan

21. April 30, 2004 proclaimed as Arbor Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Resolution on the death of Robert C. DiBiase.   Councillor Toomey

23. Reminder to Cambridge residents that Cambridge Street Cleaning Program is back in operation beginning April 1, 2004.   Councillor Toomey

24. Resolution on the death of Dennis P. Sorey.   Councillor Toomey

25. Wishes for a speedy recovery extended to Joe Bartley.   Councillor Murphy

26. Resolution on the death of Helen Clark.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

27. Resolution on the death of Richard W. Gray.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

28. Congratulations to Nancy Selvage on the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of her leadership of the Harvard Ceramics Program.   Councillor Davis

29. Resolution on the death of Peter J. Costello.   Councillor Toomey

30. Resolution on the death of Emmanuel S. Lakis.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

31. Resolution on the death of Natalina Lepera.   Councillor Galluccio

32. Condolences to the Mildred Dealley family.   Councillor Reeves

33. Get well wishes extended to Al Wilson.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

34. Happy Birthday wishes to Ronald Amir Rogers on his First Birthday.   Councillor Reeves

35. Congratulations to Jay Clifford, the son of Marjorie Butler and Daniel Clifford, on his Bar Mitzvah.   Councillor Reeves

36. Congratulations to the Brazilian Immigrant Center on its ninth anniversary.   Mayor Sullivan

37. Resolution on the death of Phyllis A. Ferullo.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

38. Resolution on the death of John B. Shea.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

39. Resolution on the death of Marjorie Tamlyn.   Mayor Sullivan

40. Resolution on the death of Stanley S. Maynard.   Councillor Maher

41. Resolution on the death of Yvette M. Higgins.   Councillor Galluccio

42. Resolution on the death of Eugenie Madurri.   Councillor Galluccio

43. Resolution on the death of Judith LeBlanc.   Councillor Toomey

44. Congratulations to Alan C. Price on the publication of his new book, Ready To Lead?: A Story for Leaders and Their Mentors.   Councillor Maher

45. Support for the Grade 6 Key-Pal Luncheon on May 21, at 12:00 noon at the MIT Student Center.   Mayor Sullivan

46. Wednesday, June 9, 2004 proclaimed as Foster Grandparents Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

47. Support for the East End House's 2004 Volunteer Recognition Day held on Saturday, May 22, 2004.   Mayor Sullivan

48. Congratulations to The First National Bank of Ipswich on the Grand Opening of its newest branch located at 2067 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

49. Support for the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 2004 Excellence in Business Awards gala on May 4, 2004 at the Charles Hotel beginning at 5:30 p.m.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Congratulations to the Child Assessment Unit at the Cambridge Health Alliance's Department of Psychiatry on receiving the 2003 American Psychiatric Association's Gold Award.   Mayor Sullivan

51. Congratulations to Barbara Dickey, PhD on receiving the 2003 American Public Health Association's Carl Taube Award.   Mayor Sullivan

52. Congratulations to Margarita Alegria, PhD, on receiving the 2003 American Public Health Association's Mental Health Section Award.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Congratulations to the Community Dispute Settlement Center on its twenty-fifth anniversary of conflict resolutions.   Mayor Sullivan

54. Congratulations to Jesse Jantzen on receiving the NCAA National Championship Award.   Councillor Galluccio

55. Resolution on the death of Carmen A. McNeill.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

56. Resolution on the death of Helen P. Gibson.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

57. Resolution on the death of Daniel Leddy.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

58. Congratulations to Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr. on his new book All Deliberate Speed: Reflections on the First Half-Century of Brown v. Board of Education.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

59. Get well wishes extended to Mary O'Brien.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Congratulations to Ralph J. Galante on the 50th anniversary of the Ralph J. Galante Insurance Agency.   Mayor Sullivan

61. April 11-17, 2004 proclaimed as National Telecommunications Dispatchers Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

62. Congratulations to Robert and Judi Devaney on the adoption of their daughter Amanda.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Resolution on the death of James J. Flanagan.   Mayor Sullivan

64. Happy 150th Anniversary wishes to the East Cambridge Savings Bank.   Mayor Sullivan

65. Support for the twentieth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which will be marked at a remembrance at the Armenian and Educational Center on 47 Nichols Avenue in Watertown beginning at 5:00 p.m. and Cambridge proclaims Saturday, April 24, 2004 as Armenian Genocide Day.   Mayor Sullivan

66. May 9 - 15, 2004 proclaimed as National Women's Health Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

67. Congratulations to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Winona LaDuke and Amy Goodman on their receiving the 2004 Boston Women's Fund Take A Stand Award and congratulations to the Boston Women's Fund on its twentieth anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

68. Happy 50th Anniversary to Enid and Pearson Harris.   Councillor Reeves

69. Resolution on the death of Jacqueline Darling.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

70. Resolution on the death of Nancy M. Fulton.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

71. Resolution on the death of Arthur R. "Toro" Martignetti.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

72. Resolution on the death of Joseph C. Tulimieri.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

73. The 12th annual MIT/Cambridge Science Expo will be held on April 27, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Johnson Athletic Center on the Campus of MIT.   Mayor Sullivan

74. Declare April 24, 2004 as Armenian Martyrs' Day in the City of Cambridge and urge people around the world to remember the genocide of the Armenia people.   Mayor Sullivan

75. Resolution on the death of Robert A. Poirier.   Mayor Sullivan

76. Congratulations to Frederick D. Owens and Nancy A. Branco on their wedding on April 7, 2004.   Councillor Galluccio

77. Resolution on the death of Alice Markunas.   Councillor Maher

79. Wishes of continued strength of Johnnie Carroll.   Councillor Simmons

80. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Thomas Cogswell.   Councillor Simmons

81. Wishes of continued strength and peace to Jackie Carroll.   Councillor Simmons

82. Support for the Holocaust evening commemoration program on Wednesday, April 28, 7:00-8:30 PM at the Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge entitled "Shattered Windows."   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

83. Wishes for Happy First Birthday to Emily Pinto.   Councillor Galluccio

84. Welcome to Alice Huffman, Chair of the Democratic National Convention to Massachusetts and Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

85. April is Poetry Month and congratulations and support to the many poets at the many events in the City.   Mayor Sullivan

86. Resolution on the death of Joseph F. Bettencourt.   Councillor Davis

90. Happy Birthday wishes to Whitney Herman.   Vice Mayor Decker

91. Congratulations to Jennifer Zielinski and Morgan Sheehey on their recent marriage.   Councillor Toomey

92. Appreciation to Darcy Jameson for her work as Director of Housing, Community Development Department.   Mayor Sullivan

93. Congratulations to the Zeitgeist Gallery on its recent approval for a license for entertainment at its Inman Square location.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

94. Thanks to Comcast, with special thanks to Peggy Sullivan, for supporting the showing of "Iron Jawed Angels" at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School on April 12, 2004.   Vice Mayor Decker

ORDERS
1. Opposition to the house bill CLEAR-Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal act.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Dedication of a site in memory of Orlando Castillo.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Toomey

3. Should the U.S. Congress to ever allow oil or gas drilling in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge, City of Cambridge shall not knowingly purchase goods or services from corporations that purchase leases or develop oil fields in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.   Councillor Murphy

4. Dedication in the vicinity of 55 Granville Road in honor of Elva Harrell.   Councillor Davis

5. The City Manager is requested to report on the policy to place benches on appropriate City property that is adjacent to bus stops.   Councillor Davis

6. Dedication in the vicinity of Gordon Place and Florence Street in honor of Joseph C. Whitney.   Councillor Galluccio

7. Dedication of a site in honor of Migdalia Penalvert.   Councillor Murphy

8. Reappointment of Cambridge City Auditor.   Councillor Maher

9. Reappointment of Cambridge City Clerk.   Councillor Maher

10. City Manager to confer with Traffic, Parking and Transportation to arrange a meeting with residents of Corporal Burns Road regarding heavy truck traffic on that Street.   Councillor Maher

11. Support for the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s proposal calling on the State Legislature to enact a five-year schedule to end the Lottery diversion and return lottery proceeds to Commonwealth cities and towns where they can be utilized to best provide for local/public needs and benefit.   Mayor Sullivan

12. City Manager to direct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols and police presence in the area of Pearl Street and Hamilton Street.   Mayor Sullivan

13. The City Manager is requested to prepare and implement a pilot program for summer hours in City buildings, in which employees would work later on Thursdays and offices would close earlier on Fridays.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy

14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Chief Public Health Officer to develop a plan to support same sex couples who want to marry and will require premarital blood tests, and to report back to the City Council on this matter.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of MIS to ensure that the City website features information and updates about same sex marriages, including procedures for obtaining a marriage license, information about blood tests and justices of the peace.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

16. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to make all possible preliminary plans and preparations to be able to respond proactively in opposition to any attempts by the State Executive Office to thwart the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s ruling that access to civil marriage must be available to same sex couples beginning May 17, 2004.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

17. A request that City Hall be opened at 12:01 a.m. on May 17, 2004 to take marriage applications and to celebrate the historic moment when marriage applications become available to same sex couples and that the City Manager confer with his staff to take appropriate steps to enable the commemoration and celebration of this historic occasion.   Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy

18. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion as to whether the City Clerk’s Office can begin accepting applications for marriage licenses on May 14, 2004.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy

19. City Manager to confer with the Police Commissioner to increase police patrols in the vicinity of Magazine and Pearl Streets, where there have been several armed robberies and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Toomey

20. Dedicate an appropriate location near Columbia Terrace in honor of Marta Morales.   Councillor Reeves

21. City Manager to update the City Council on any efforts to begin facade and street improvements at the Green Street Garage location.   Councillor Reeves

22. City Manager to confer with the Historical Commission to provide a survey of Cambridge history as it relates to educating and/or encouraging the careers of Democratic leaders for the purpose of determining whether a exhibit on this material could be developed by mid July.   Councillor Reeves

23. City Manager to report to the City Council on whether the flooring on the first and second floor and stair landings could receive particular attention between now and the middle of summer.   Councillor Reeves

24. City Clerk to inquire of the Middlesex Probate Court regarding their plans and preparedness to process requests for waivers of the three day waiting period for obtaining a marriage license.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

25. The City Manager is requested to expend the committed money for making bicycle and pedestrian connections at North Point.   Councillor Davis

26. Support for the Cambridge Health Alliance to take whatever steps necessary to work closely with the Whidden Memorial Hospital Health Care Professionals to reach contract terms that reflect our Cambridge traditions of quality health care and fair and equitable wages.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

27. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols and police presence in the area of Perry and Magazine Streets.   Mayor Sullivan

28. City Manager to direct the appropriate City staff to review what after school program does the City have available, who runs the programs, the enrollment caps and gaps, waiting list, list of programs available to children, youth and adult, provide an inventory of space and gyms available for these programs, prioritize use of space by Cambridge residents and priority to preserving and expanding space.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Davis

29. City Manger to designate City staff to work with the Human Services Committee to work on holding a Senior Town Meeting in October with a focus on senior programs, transportation and health care issues.   Councillor Davis

30. City Manager to work with the Police Commissioner to report to the Public Safety Committee on parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square and proposed criteria that could be discussed if options arise, including an in depth analysis of the pros and cons of renovating the existing site.   Councillor Davis

31. City Manager to report on how to clarify the key telephone numbers and best entry point for citizens seeking assistance and to develop an important general government phone number public awareness program, perhaps with use of refrigerator magnets, so that every household will know the key numbers to call.   Councillor Davis

32. City Manager to send a copy of the University Relations Committee Report on the Porter Square air rights development to the MBTA and to provide an update to the City Council on whether the sale of air rights will be re-bid.   Councillor Galluccio

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on March 10, 2004 for the purpose of receiving an update on the Trolley Square development.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on March 11, 2004 for the purpose of receiving an update on the Porter Square air rights development issue.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on March 23, 2004 to continue discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on March 10, 2004 to continue discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on March 24, 2004 to discuss the Urban Ring and the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction (EOTC) Allston Landing Multimodal Transportation Study.

6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on March 31, 2004 to discuss childcare programs across the city and the Senior Town Meeting.

7. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on March 30, 2004 to review the Fiscal Year 04 Budget and to receive a Fiscal Year 05 Budget update.

8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on March 18, 2004 to receive an update on plans for a new police station and to receive information about 311 systems and their applicability to Cambridge.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, regarding the appointment of a Special Committee to review the method of election for Mayor.

2. A communication was received from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, regarding a response to City Council Order #19 of February 23, 2004, regarding the condition of units in Jefferson Park.

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

Tues, Apr 13
8:30am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss how to enhance the community benefits of cable television, CCTV's loss of funding and "e-neighborhoods," cable TV rates, and any other business that may come before the committee.  (Ackermann Room)
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 14
3:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss what tools the City of Cambridge is using to explore and develop utilization of solar energy.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Apr 15
3:00pm   The Human Services and Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the issue of same sex marriages and preparation for May 17th and any other issue related to same sex marriages.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 20
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 22
3:00pm   The Human Services and Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the issue of same sex marriages and preparation for May 17th and any other issue related to same sex marriages.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 27
1:30pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss proposed criteria for siting a new or renovated police station, parking options for renovated police station in Central Square and an overview of security measures for the DNC.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Apr 29
8:45am   The Human Services Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the Senior Town Meeting, inventory of space and programs as it relates to child care and to discuss living wage for day care workers.  (Ackermann Room)
3:00pm   The Human Services and Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the issue of same sex marriages and preparation for May 17th and any other issue related to same sex marriages.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss setting an agenda for pedestrian issues; and repairs to MBTA stations.   (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thurs, May 27
6:00pm   Roundtable Meeting with the Cambridge Health Alliance. Informal meeting with no public comment, at which time no votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Cambridge Hospital, 1493 Cambridge Street, Main Building, Board Room, 7th Floor)

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The United States House of Representatives is currently considering a bill going by the acronym CLEAR—the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal act; and
WHEREAS: This act would compel local police officers to enforce federal immigration laws, including investigating, detaining, and removing illegal immigrants, the consequence of not doing so being the forfeiture of federal funding for state and local governments; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Police Department have developed ties to our city’s immigrant communities, through community policing, to develop the trust and working relationships necessary for crime prevention and investigatory work; and
WHEREAS: Police resources will only be further strapped with the addition of this federally un-funded mandate; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record against the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal act; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitable engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts delegation to the United States Congress on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That this City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the memory of Orlando Castillo; 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 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine, unique and fragile ecosystem, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the United States, and one of the last remaining such places on the planet; and
WHEREAS: The Arctic Refuge is sacred to the Gwich'in people, who have lived near the area for almost a thousand generations, and depend on the Porcupine Caribou herd for food, clothing, and as a link to their traditional culture; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Department of interior has concluded that drilling in the Arctic Refuge would irreparably harm the Porcupine Caribou herd, and therefore the Gwich'in way of life; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic Refuge contains less than six months worth of economically recoverable oil, yet using the oil companies' real-world investment criteria it appears that no oil can profitably be recovered.
WHEREAS: Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey testified that Arctic Refuge oil is too vulnerable to be pursued; and
WHEREAS: Oil spills and leaks will continue to occur regardless of improvements in technology, and the Arctic Refuge cannot withstand the damage that would result from oil and gas drilling; and
WHEREAS: It is in the interest of the American people to protect and preserve such rare treasures for future generations; and
WHEREAS: The majority of Americans oppose opening the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge for oil and gas drilling, as do the Gwich'in; and
WHEREAS: The city of Cambridge believes that it is irresponsible for a corporation to pursue drilling in one of the last remaining wild places in the United States and to threaten the rights of the Gwich'in Indians; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge wishes to spend its citizens' tax dollars in a manner that is socially and environmentally responsible; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That, should the U.S. Congress ever allow oil or gas drilling in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge, the City of Cambridge shall not knowingly purchase good or services from corporations that purchase leases or develop oil fields in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

O-4     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of 55 Granville Road in honor of Elva Harrell; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is requested to confer with the family and the Department of Public Works to arrange for a suitable sign and dedication ceremony.

O-5     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to prepare a policy to place benches on appropriate City property that is adjacent to bus stops and report back to the entire City Council on involving appropriate boards and commissions

O-6     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of Gordon Place and Florence Street in honor of Joseph C. Whitney; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is requested to confer with the family and the Department of Public Works to arrange for a suitable sign.

O-7     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location after consultation with the family in honor of Migdalia Penalvert; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council arrange for a suitable dedication ceremony and for a sign.

O-8     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The term of the City Auditor expires on May 31, 2004; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby reappoints James Monagle as Cambridge City Auditor for a term beginning June 1, 2004 and expiring May 31, 2007.

O-9     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The term of the City Clerk expires on May 31, 2004; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby reappoints D. Margaret Drury as the Cambridge City Clerk for a term beginning June 1, 2004 and expiring May 31, 2007.

O-10     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Traffic, Parking and Transportation to arrange for a meeting with residents of Corporal Burns Road regarding heavy truck traffic on that Street.

O-11     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: In response to the state budgetary shortfalls, lottery proceeds benefiting Commonwealth cities and towns were cut by $117 million, over a two year period, in an attempt to balance the state budget (resulting in $989,720 loss for Cambridge in fiscal 2004); and
WHEREAS: These monies represent significant Cherry Sheet revenue available to cities and towns across the Commonwealth for municipal purposes; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s proposal calling on the State Legislature to enact a five-year schedule to end the Lottery diversion and return the lottery proceeds to Commonwealth cities and towns where they can be utilized to best provide for local/public needs and benefit (resulting in $294,786 revenue for Cambridge in fiscal 2005 in the first year of the proposed five-year schedule); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation, the Honorable Mitt Romney, Governor of the Commonwealth, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols and police presence in the area of Pearl Street and Hamilton Street.

O-13     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to prepare and implement a pilot program for summer hours in City buildings, in which employees would work later on Thursdays and offices would close earlier on Fridays.

O-14     April 12, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Chief Public Health Officer with the view in mind of developing a plan to support same sex couples who want to marry and will require premarital blood tests, and to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-15     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of MIS to ensure that the City website features information and updates about same sex marriages, including procedures for obtaining a marriage license, information about blood tests and justices of the peace.

O-16     April 12, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to make all possible preliminary plans and preparations to be able to respond proactively in opposition to any attempts by the State Executive Office to thwart the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s ruling that access to civil marriage must be available to same sex couples beginning May 17, 2004.

O-17     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Hall be opened at 12:01 a.m. on May 17, 2004 to take marriage applications and to celebrate the historic moment when marriage applications become available to same sex couples; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with his staff to take appropriate steps to enable the commemoration and celebration of this historic occasion.

O-18     April 12, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion as to whether the City Clerk’s Office can begin accepting applications for marriage licenses on May 14, 2004.

O-19     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There have been several armed robberies in the evening in Cambridgeport in the vicinity of Magazine and Pearl Streets; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to increase police patrols in this area, to take all other reasonable steps to safeguard the residents and end this criminal activity; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-20     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location near Columbia Terrace in honor of the late Marta Morales who labored long to make the Area IV Neighborhood a hospitable and nurturing place for Cambridge's emerging Latino community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-21     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on any efforts to begin facade and street improvements at the Green Street Garage location.

O-22     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Historical Commission to provide a survey of Cambridge history as it relates to educating and/or encouraging the careers of Democratic leaders for the purpose of determining whether a exhibit on this material could be developed by mid-July.

O-23     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City Manager has dutifully provided improvements outside and inside City Hall over the last decade or more; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on whether the flooring on the first and second floor and stair landings could receive particular attention between now and the middle of summer.

O-24     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to inquire of the Middlesex Probate Court regarding their plans and preparedness to process requests for waivers of the three day waiting period for obtaining a marriage license.

O-25     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to expend the committed money for making bicycle and pedestrian connections at North Point.

O-26     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the registered nurses and the health care professionals at Whidden Memorial Hospital remain in contract negotiations with the Cambridge Health Alliance; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a long tradition of support for and promotion of quality health care and fair wages; and
WHEREAS: The City Council continues to strongly support the leadership of Dennis Keefe and the continued growth of The Cambridge Health Alliance; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Health Alliance to take whatever steps necessary to work closely with the Whidden Memorial Hospital Health Care Professionals to reach contract terms that reflect our Cambridge traditions of quality health care and fair and equitable wages and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Cambridge Health Alliance.

O-27     April 12, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols and police presence in the area of Perry and Magazine Streets.

O-28     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to review the following:
   -What after school program does the City have available?
   -Who runs the programs?
   -The enrollment caps and gaps
   -Waiting list
   -List of programs available to children, youth and adult
   -Provide an inventory of space and gyms available for these programs
   -Prioritize use of space by Cambridge residents
   -Priority to preserving and expanding space.

O-29     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to designate City staff to work with the Human Services Committee to work on holding a Senior Town Meeting in October with a focus on senior programs, transportation and health care issues.

O-30     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Commissioner to report to the committee on the following:
    * Parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square
    * Proposed criteria that could be discussed if options arise, including an in depth analysis of the pros and cons of renovating the existing site.

O-31     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on how to clarify the key telephone numbers and best entry point for citizens seeking assistance and to develop an important general government phone number public awareness program, perhaps with use of refrigerator magnets, so that every household will know the key numbers to call.

O-32     April 12, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to send a copy of the University Relations Committee Report on the Porter Square air rights development to the MBTA and to provide an update to the City Council on whether the sale of air rights will be re-bid.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on March 10, 2004 beginning at 6:15 P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of receiving an update on the Trolley Square development.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Darcy Jameson, Director of Housing for Community Development (CDD) and Christopher Cotter, Housing Planner, CDD, Peter Daly, Executive Director, Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI), Jane Jones, Senior Project Manager, HRI.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He began by asking the members of the public present to raise their hands if they had attended the public meeting that HRI had held about the project at the Peabody School. Somewhat more than half of those in attendance raised their hands. Councillor Galluccio then requested that Mr. Daly make a short presentation on the current status of the project, including some discussion of the concerns raised by residents at the Peabody School meeting to which Mr. Daly had indicated he would be responding at the next public meeting.

Mr. Daly began by thanking the City Council for its vote in May of 2003 transferring the land to the Affordable Housing Trust and setting parameters for the development. The architect used these parameters in the development of two options. The first option included 35 units of affordable housing, of which 28 would be rental and seven would be homeownership units, 1700 sq. ft. of commercial/community space, 3500 sq. ft. of public open space and 36 surface parking spaces. The second option called for 40 units of underground parking, 40 units of affordable housing, of which 8 would be homeownership units and 32 would be rental, 2300 sq. ft. of commercial/community space and 3300 sq. ft of public open space.

Mr. Daly reported that among the members of the community present, there was a preference for the second option. Concerns expressed by residents about the second option included a desire for a larger public open space that would reach down to Massachusetts Avenue, and less housing along Cameron Street and having the Cameron Street housing front on Linear Park. Mr. Daly said that the next step would be to come back for another community meeting in about a month, bringing plans that are much more embellished and incorporate as many of the community suggestions as possible.

There will be another community meeting closer to the start of construction, after a contractor has been selected. The contractor will attend that meeting and the meeting will focus on construction issues and mitigation plans. HRI will only deal with a contractor who is sensitive to neighborhood issues. Thereafter, there will be another community meeting about marketing. The start date for construction will depend on the availability of state tax credit funds. There are two rounds of tax credit awards scheduled for 2004. The first is at the beginning of June; the second is in November.

In response to a question from Councillor Murphy, Mr. Daly said that there is only a 50% chance that the project will be funded in the first round, because there are still projects in the pipeline from the previous year’s tax credit rounds. However, if it does not get funded in the first round, it almost certainly will receive tax credits in the second round.

Councillor Galluccio said that he had hoped to see more homeownership units, although he understands that there are often funding constraints with regard to the type of units that can be constructed. He urged Homeowners Rehab to give careful consideration to whether additional units could be homeownership units, so that there could be a little better balance of ownership.

Councillor Galluccio asked about the plans for the community space. He said that there are some exceptional community arts organizations in North Cambridge, for example, the North Cambridge Art Association (NOCA), Debby Mason’s School of Dance, and a children and family opera organization, that could provide benefits to the residents and to the larger community, and could even utilize the open space for performance space or summer art camps. He urged HRI to do significant outreach to the community organizations to get a good sense of the needs and interest of all of the potential organizations. He stressed the importance of a fair and open process.

Councillor Decker emphasized that the open space uses have to be respectful of the needs of the residents. They will not yet be living in their new housing at the time these decisions are being made, and it is essential to keep their needs and comfort in mind as well. Ms. Jones said that the plan is for the residents to have their own courtyard space as well, so that they will open space that is not the public open space. Mr. Daly added that HRI has successfully managed that sort of combination at Auburn Court.

Councillor Maher said that he has found this discussion very helpful. He urged HRI to continue to keep the neighbors well informed and to have signage on the site directing those with questions to a website that is updated frequently. He added that one issue for him is neighborhood preference. He requested that HRI make every effort to do outreach to North Cambridge families, especially for the homeownership units. Ms Jameson said that CDD holds information and help sessions to assist residents in the application process, and she believes it would be appropriate to hold some of those sessions in the North Cambridge area.

Councillor Decker noted that there is a philosophical disagreement among City Council members with regard to the appropriateness of neighborhood preferences and stressed the importance of being fair to all Cambridge residents in making decisions about scarce affordable housing resources. She does not support neighborhood preference.

Councillor Galluccio said that he has very mixed feelings about neighborhood preference. Rents in many private rental units have come down recently. Tenants in subsidized rentals continue to pay 30% of their income, and many tenants in Walden Square are paying monthly rents that would be sufficient to pay for a limited equity homeownership unit. This, in turn, would mean that another affordable unit would become available at Walden Square.

At this time, Councillor Galluccio invited public comment.

Tom Buffett, North Cambridge, former member of the Trolley Square committee, said that he disagreed somewhat with Mr. Daly’s characterization of the public opinion at the Peabody School meeting as establishing the second option as the favorite option. In his opinion, the feature of the second option that led to the favorable comments was the underground parking, and not necessarily the other differences between the two proposals.

K.D. Mernin, 14 Rice Street, NoCA, stated that NoCA is very excited about the possibility of the community space and is willing to help to administer the space for the benefit of the several community groups for which it will be useful. Councillor Galluccio said that he believes that there could even be the possibility of some rental income from some community organizations and reiterated the importance of broad outreach to involve many community groups in the process of deciding the disposition of the space.

Tahir Tirram, 69 Harvey Street, stated that most people at the Peabody School meeting liked the plan for underground parking. He also said that he believes that a building line five feet from the Massachusetts Avenue sidewalk is too close; the sidewalk should be 15 feet from the sidewalk.

Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue, stated that he was a member of the planning group established by CDD in the 1980’s to look at re-use of the Trolley Square site. He said that at the last community meeting, Mr. Daly appeared to assume that the community space would go to NoCA. The process should be opened up to the whole community. The North Cambridge Center for Families also is in need of space. Mr. Brandon also expressed concern about the litter-strewn current condition of the site and about the fact that neighbors are no longer allowed to park on the spaces that they had previously parked, even though there is no construction activity on the site at present. Mr. Brandon concluded by requesting that members of the Housing Committee attend the community meetings and by expressing concern about the level of environmental screening.

Councillor Galluccio requested that the site be cleaned up immediately.

Geneva Malenfant, 14 Harrison Avenue, said that her impression of the Peabody School meeting was that people liked the underground parking because of the design and because it maximized the amount of housing that could be built on the site. She stated that David Sullivan, Notre Dame Avenue, was not able to attend this meeting and asked her to relay to the committee his similar feelings regarding the second option. Mrs. Malenfant added that she believes the concepts for the commercial piece need more work.

Nina Schwartzenchild, 28 Camp Street, said that at the beginning she was disappointed by the process, but she is very pleased with the project as it is going forward. She is pleased with what the City and HRI are doing.

Harry Johnson, President of HRI, stated that if anything has been critical to the success of HRI, it is their understanding that in every project they are guests of the community. Listening is crucial.

Councillor Murphy asked about the cost to the purchasers of the homeownership units. Mr. Daly replied that five units will go to families with incomes below 80% of median income, with the target average of 70% of median income, and three will go to families with incomes of 80 to 100% of median income, with a target average of 90% of median income. In response to a question from Councillor Galluccio about the number of bedrooms, Mr. Daly said that all of the homeownership units will have three bedrooms, and the rental units will be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, such that the average number of bedrooms per unit will be a little over two.

Mr. Brandon asked about the status of the VFW site in North Cambridge and whether community space is still planned for that site. Councillor Galluccio said that he would allow the question in light of the close location to Trolley Square. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the site would be developed by CASCAP as 100% home ownership units. They are hoping to be able to create six to eight units. Ms. Rubenstein said that in light of the fact that community space is planned for the Trolley Square site, the City thought was that this entire space could be devoted to affordable homeownership. She emphasized that the project is in the very early planning stage.

Councillor Galluccio said that if construction is a year away, perhaps some parking could be restored to the neighborhood. Mr. Daly said that there would be heavy machinery and testing equipment on the site long before the beginning of construction, but that HRI will look at whether there is any way to accommodate this request.

Councillor Galluccio encouraged HRI to see this committee as an additional forum for dialog with the community when issues arise. He thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

For the Committee
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair

Committee Report #2
The University Relations Committee held a public hearing on March 11, 2004 beginning at five o’clock and forty-seven minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of receiving an update on the Porter Square air rights development issue.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CCD), Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD, Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD, Mark Boyle, Director of Real Estate, MBTA, Greg Discovitsky, Transit Realty, MBTA, Paul Karoff, Vice President of Community Affairs, Lesley University, George Smith, Lesley University, Gwen Noyes, Oaktree Development, Arthur Klipfel, Oaktree development, Dave Reed, President of Porter Square Neighborhood Association, Karen Klinger, Porter Square Neighborhood Association.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She invited Beth Rubenstein to begin the discussion. Ms. Rubenstein said that CDD held a community meeting on February 5, 2004 at the request of the City Council on the Porter Square air rights and several other Porter Square issues and concerns. It was a congenial and good meeting. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for April 8, 2004 at 6:30 P.M. at the Baldwin School. One strong concern was the preservation of retail and the underdeveloped sites along Massachusetts Avenue, for example, the Alamo Site. Residents were also interested in Lesley University continuing to update the city on the process of moving the art school from Boston to Cambridge.

Mark Boyle, Director of Real Estate for the MBTA, provided some background on the air rights issue. About a year ago, the MBTA identified the air rights as a good development idea to generate non-fare revenue. They did a complete survey of all MBTA assets; Porter Square emerged a good opportunity. MBTA/Transit put out an Invitation to Bid last June for an 85-year lease of air rights above the Porter Square transit station. The lease was appraised at $4 million. The MBTA received two proposals, one from Oaktree, one from Lesley University. Oaktree bid $4 million; Lesley University bid $2 million. Oaktree was deemed the highest responsible bidder. At that time, the MBTA began to engage the city and the neighborhood association and agreed to delay going forward to better involve the neighbors. MBTA staff members have now been to several city meetings. A consensus seemed to be emerging that it would be good for Lesley and Oaktree to come together in a joint venture. There has been substantial dialogue between the two entities. He noted that 60% of the area is in Somerville, 40% is Cambridge. He also added that all private development on MBTA property is fully taxable for the localities and fully subject to the local permitting process. From an urban design perspective this could be an opportunity to tie back together a lot of disjointed streets and severed connections. In the community meeting, there was a great deal of concern about the condition of the station. The Porter Square Neighborhood Association is requesting that station improvements not be tied to whether the development goes forward. Mr. Boyle sees this as a legitimate issue. He cited crumbling tiles and dying trees and stated that the T will be addressing those concerns that the community has raised. Mr. Boyle said that he has recently learned that Lesley does not see a benefit in a joint venture, and has decided not to pursue it any further.

Councillor Galluccio asked about technical problems with the Oaktree bid. Mr. Boyle said that there was a deposit check issue; the MBTA gave them an opportunity to cure after the MBTA legal counsel said that the omission was not a fatal flaw.

Mr. Boyle said that if Lesley’s final response is not to be involved, the T will go back to Oaktree to determine that they want to go forward. At that time this matter would go to the MBTA Board for the final decision on the Oaktree Proposal. If housing is the choice the MBTA would want to see a substantial affordable housing component.

Paul Karoff, Vice President of Community Affairs, Lesley University, explained that Lesley is in the middle of a significant master plan process. Lesley already has a substantial presence in Porter Square and is trying to plan in close collaboration with neighbors and CDD. Lesley looked at the air rights and believed that the air rights had some unique value to Lesley as an abutter. Lesley submitted their bid based on their own analysis. Lesley and Oaktree, both in good faith, sat down to many meetings. Lesley ultimately concluded at a subcommittee meeting of the Lesley Trustees that they did not see the possibility of a viable and feasible plan that would serve Lesley’s needs and benefit the community. If Oaktree decides they do not want to go forward, Lesley would be interested in renewing its bid.

Arthur Klipfel, Oaktree Development, stated that Oaktree has proposed 80-100 units of housing over the tracks. The cost is higher than expected. The Porter Exchange development has created negative FAR in the back area. Oaktree’s idea was to petition for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to change the zoning to enable the development of 90 units of housing, of which 10 to 15 would be affordable to low and moderate income persons. Oaktree’s last proposal to Lesley was for a PUD in which housing would be build over the tracks, and Lesley would get 50,000 square feet of free development rights, but not as a joint venture, more of a parallel process. Mr. Klipfel said he is not really sure why Lesley turned it down.

With regard to Mr. Klipfel’s characterization of "free" development rights for Lesley, Councillor Galluccio noted the value to Oaktree of Lesley lobbying for the up-zoning of a PUD. Mr. Karoff said that Lesley looked very carefully at the proposal, taking a long-term view. This is an incredibly complicated site for any developer. At the end of the day, Lesley had many questions as to how the proposal could be financed. The trustees of a university tend to be very conservative.

Vice Mayor Decker invited David Reed, President of the Porter Square Neighborhood Association (PSNA), to provide the PSNA perspective. Mr. Reed said that the PSNA is happy that the process has been very open process. From the PSNA perspective they have seen lots of innovative ideas but they still want to see how feasible these ideas are. PSNA is interested in a comprehensive solution and an integrative solution. Parking is a big issue. He asked why, with housing built on top of a transit center, there would be a need for parking.

Mr. Klipfel said that reason for Oaktree’s last proposal of independent development was to minimize the financial entanglement of Lesley and Oaktree.

Mr. Karoff said that they are also concerned about other risks, including the risk to Lesley’s good relationship with the community and the city.

Vice Mayor Decker cautioned the MBTA about Cambridge’s Responsible Employer Ordinance. Cambridge requires contractors who have construction contracts with the city to pay fair wages and benefits and expects contractors to follow their example in private construction. Mr. Boyle asked if this is a requirement in the permitting process. Vice Mayor Decker said not yet. Councillor Galluccio added that while it is not a requirement, the City Council gets involved and its values are noted and respected. He added that Councillors have had serious concerns with Oaktree with regard to their use of non-union labor. Halfway through the process non-union contractors from out of state show up, not paying prevailing wages. Councillor Galluccio said that Oaktree has a record of irresponsibility in that regard in two previous projects. Attempts were made to discuss the matter but Oaktree would not compromise in either case.

Mr. Boyle stated that the MBTA lease has a "work in harmony" with labor clause. Mr. Boyle asked for copies of all the guidelines and permit requirements. The T will commit to including all official guidelines and requirements as part of its requirements. Vice Mayor Decker asked if Lesley is certain that it wants to walk away from this development project.

Mr. Karoff said that Lesley’s goal in its master plan process is to take a comprehensive look at Porter Square with or without the air rights. It would be helpful to have the air rights parcel figure into the plan, but Lesley worked hard to get answers from Oaktree regarding their concerns, and they were unable to get adequate answers.

Councillor Simmons also noted her concerns about fair labor practices with regard to Oaktree.

Councillor Murphy asked when the MBTA would make a decision as whether to re-bid. Mr. Boyle said that it will be made in a couple of weeks if Oaktree decides it cannot move forward. Councillor Murphy said that he senses that neighbors would prefer to have it re-bid. He added that he has a lot of questions about the feasibility of the proposal to date.

Councillor Galluccio asked whether the MBTA could accept a lower number without re bidding. Mr. Boyle said it could not. Councillor Galluccio said that the MBTA would get a better RFP now that it has had community meetings and could include a list of community concerns.

Vice Mayor Decker said that she is surprised that the MBTA did not have a community process before developing the Invitation to Bid. Mr. Boyle said that the MBTA has now changed its procedures to hold community meetings before writing he Invitation to Bid and to attach community concerns and to expand the definition of responsible bidder.

Mr. Reed said that if the city could define the process up front with private developers, it could be very helpful. Neighbors had to rely on donations for mailings to organize neighbors

Vice Mayor Decker requested that MBTA keep PSNA informed and Mr. Boyle agreed.

Councillor Galluccio said that perhaps the city and MBTA could come together to do a brief but comprehensive community study and asked if the City would cooperate in such a community process and expressed an interest in a re-bid following a community process. Ms. Rubenstein answered in the affirmative.

Vice Mayor Decker moved to public comment.

Bob LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Ave, stated that there is a retail building in the plan that is inaccurately depicted.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock P.M.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Co-Chair
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at ten o’clock and fifteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

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

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Julia Bowdoin, Assistant to the City Manager, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Mary Hart, MIS Director, Garrett Simonsen, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Kristen Franks, Assistant to the Mayor and Vice Mayor, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department, Benjamin Barnes, License Commissioner, Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Officer, James Monagle, City Auditor, Jason Weeks, Jane Beal and Mary Ann Cicala, Arts Council, Frank Connelly, Cambridge Prevention Coalition, Human Services Department, Susan Fleishman, CCTV Director and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Paul Parravano, Co-Director, Office of Government and Community Relations, MIT, Tom Lucey, Office of Community Relations, Harvard University, Ronald Berg, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 136 Irving Street, John Clifford, Green Street Grill, 280 Green Street, Bill Goodwin, Asgard Restaurant, Roger O’Sullivan, 1105 Mass. Avenue and Kelly Courtney, 3 Linnaean Street.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He asked Mayor Sullivan to address the committee with his greeting and thoughts about the upcoming July events.

Mayor Sullivan stated that his office has done multiple mailings to the delegates. Cambridge, he stated, needed to benefit from the DNC. This is an opportunity for the city for future conferences. A finalized plan is needed by the city. He suggested an event highlighting James Michael Curley, John F. Kennedy and Thomas P. "Tip" O’Neill from the 8th Congressional district.

Councillor Reeves spoke of the work done since the last meeting. There are two groups in charge of the DNC: the Democratic National Committee is responsible for events inside the Fleet Center; the Boston 2004 Committee is responsible for events outside the convention center. He informed the committee that a reception would be held by Ms. Reddick from the Cambridge NAACP for Alice Huffman, President of the Sacramento, California NAACP, who will be serving as the Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention Committee. The U.S. Conference of Mayors Conference would be held in Boston in June. Something could be done to focus on the mayors from larger cities while they are in the greater Boston area, he said.

Councillor Reeves stated that Ms. Hart, MIS Director, would make a presentation on the proposed Website.

Ms. Hart distributed information on the appearance of the Website (ATTACHMENT A). She suggested a portal page link from the DNC pages; it would be linked to the City of Cambridge and the Office of Tourism sites. The portal page workers have donated their time to work on this Website. The site is named "Destination Cambridge" and all the links from this page have been built previously. The page is flexible, she said. She would work with the Arts Council and the Office of Tourism to link to DNC events. Ms. Bowdoin asked if the portal page could be searched without first going to the City of Cambridge page. Ms. Hart stated key words would be set into the header and the portal page. Keywords, she said could be added to other search engines. In response to a question by Councillor Reeves, Ms. Hart stated that there are twenty-two pages of restaurants on the Office of Tourism site. Councillor Reeves inquired if it was difficult to install a picture of the restaurants on the Website. Ms. Tomeu stated that through some search engines there are some pictures available. She stated that the city needed to piggyback on the information that already exists.

Councillor Simmons asked if a search was done for Harvard University would it link to the Cambridge Website? Ms. Hart responded in the negative. Ms. Tomeu suggested adding famous institutions to the portal page. Councillor Simmons stated that she favored strengthening the link to the universities.

Ms. Hart stated that this site could be live as soon as April 5, 2004. The committee, she stated, needed to provide more input as to what information they wanted on the site. Ms. Tomeu stated that this is a site "under construction." Ms. Hart stated that sponsors could have their names or logos added to the site. Ms. Beal asked if the site could be e-mailed. Ms. Hart responded in the affirmative. Ms. Courtney asked if it was possible to offer suggestions for the site. Ms. Hart responded in the affirmative. Mr. Simonsen asked if an address has been chosen for the site. Ms. Hart responded www.cambridgema.gov/DNC.

Councillor Reeves stated that he likes to view the hotel on the web. Councillor Simmons stated that a Cambridge business could be featured at the hotels. Mr. Barnes stated that the Charles Hotel listed the Regatta Bar as being located in Boston rather than Cambridge. The hotels need to list the correct information. He also stated that advertising of products, such as alcohol, on the site needed to be discussed. Councillor Reeves commented that the hotels in Cambridge all have Boston t-shirts.

Councillor Reeves suggested the Website Committee meet one more time to capture the links to the hotels, restaurants and arts. Ms. Tomeu stated that she would draft a welcome message for the site for the next meeting. Special interests such as walking tours and historic tours could be added to the site.

Councillor Reeves requested that the Harvard Square Business Association, Mr. John DiGiovanni and Mr. Tod Beaty be invited to the next meeting.

Councillor Reeves next discussed fundraising. He suggested targeting 20 significant givers such as the Strata Center and the Novartis buildings. He suggested holding a concert around the opening of the Strata Center building. He proposed two teams with three-four members to approach potential sponsors, prepare a PowerPoint presentation and report back to the committee by April 15th. In the sponsorship package he envisioned PowerPoint presentation, DNC vision, Jazz Festival, Arts Festival, Concert and Smart think/technology fair. Mr. Joseph Johnson has volunteered to prepare the PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Clifford stated that the sponsors should be met first and then give the presentation. He urged making the relationship first; then tailor the package. Councillor Reeves stated that the committee needed to move quickly. He also discussed the need for space. The committee, a Press Center and volunteer space would be needed. He asked Mr. Parravano and Mr. Lucey to provide a list of what space at the universities is available for the month of July, especially July 26-29, 2004 in an effort to have activities at different venues throughout the city. Mr. Parravano stated that he has begun looking for space.

Councillor Reeves informed the committee that Yo Yo Ma would be at Harvard in June to receive an arts medal. Cambridge needed two hours of his time to make an event successful. Jesse Ventura was also at Harvard urging young people to vote. He asked the Mayor’s Chief of Staff to invite Mr. Ventura to City Hall. He suggested that Mr. Ventura could also meet the kids at the YMCA.

Councillor Reeves asked Vice Mayor Decker for an update. Vice Mayor Decker stated that she is still working on securing a commitment from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. She is working with Peg Sullivan to arrange a town meeting to talk about the presidential election as it affects people under forty. MTV would cover the town meeting; the forum is still being worked on. Comcast has agreed to host the town meeting and a party. This is substantive as well as fun, she said. The venue is still being decided. It should be outside. This would be held at the beginning of the convention; the city needs to think of how to keep people coming back to Cambridge. Ms. Tomeu asked if the event is open to the public. Vice Mayor Decker stated that it is unclear at this time. A human services symposium is also being planned. MIT has offered space. Tech Square was also suggested as a venue for a large music/food event.

Councillor Reeves stated that a helpful interactive tool would be registration and workshop selection on line. This would also provide a list of who is and who is not attending listed events.

Councillor Reeves also added to the list of "What is Special About Cambridge" (ATTACHMENT B)

Councillor Reeves questioned Mr. Rossi about the Police and Fire Department’s involvement with the committee. Mr. Rossi responded that when events are planned the Police and Fire Departments will be included.

Mr. Weeks informed the committee about a project that the Arts Council is seeking to fund. The project "We the People" would focus on democracy. Ms. Cicala provided more information on the project. An artist in Connecticut does workshops. Images and banners would be created addressing participation and democracy. Outreach would be made to the thirteen Cambridge neighborhoods. The major expense is the installation of hardware on the poles. She hoped that NSTAR would incur the cost as a public service or be the major underwriter. The Public Works Department has already reserved four sites for banners across the public ways. The New England Foundation of the Arts offered a grant that would support 50% of the project. The workshops and installation ceremony would highlight the performing artists. Partnerships with other communities have been discussed. Councillor Reeves encouraged the Arts Council to proceed with raising the cost of $10,000 for this project.

This project would collaborate with "Democracy Now" being filmed at the CCTV studios, stated Councillor Reeves. Vice Mayor Decker suggested that there should be a subcommittee on cable to plan the coordination between CCTV and the Municipal Cable.

Councillor Simmons stated that she would facilitate this conversation in the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee. Councillor Reeves suggested a joint meeting between the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee. Councillor Reeves requested that Mr. Calvin Lindsay be invited to the next meeting of the committee.

Councillor Reeves requested that Mr. Rossi let the committee members know how best to influence enhanced plantings for this summer He further requested that the Public Works Commissioner be invited to the next meeting.

The committee heard from Mr. Goodwin who stated that The Taste of Cambridge Committee would be meeting on April 14th and that the committee needed to know if the Taste of Cambridge would be moved to July instead of September. Vice Mayor Decker felt that the committee should move the event to July. It was agreed that a smaller group would meet with the Taste of Cambridge Committee to schedule this event in July, prior to convention week. Mr. Rossi, Ms. Thieringer and Mr. Barnes would meet with the Taste of Cambridge Committee. Mr. Goodwin spoke about the prices of the tickets and that half of the money raised for the Taste of Cambridge is given to charity.

Councillor Reeves commented that he would meet with Mr. Weeks, Ms. Beal and Ms. Cicala to discuss art and a day art fair. He would like music, preferably a jazz festival, at different venues in Cambridge.

In conclusion Councillor Reeves stated that more money and personnel is needed for the Cambridge event. He scheduled two additional meetings, April 8th and 13, 2004.

Councillor Reeves thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at noon.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at ten o’clock and fourteen minutes A. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

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

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor David Maher, Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Julia Bowden, Assistant to the City Manager, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Mike Duggan, MIS, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department (CDD), Elaine Madden, Project Planner, CDD, Garrett Simonsen, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Sue Mintz, Office of Workforce Development, Human Services Department, Robyn Thieringer, Director, Office of Tourism, Josie Patterson, Public Information Officer, School Department, Jason Weeks, Jane Beal and Mary Anne Cicala, Arts Council, Benjamin Barnes, License Commissioner, Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Officer and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Susan Fleishman, CCTV Director, Kelly Clark and Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Nicola Williams, Raquel Ortiz and Emerson A. Kington, The William’s Agency, Tom Lucey, Harvard University’s Office of Community Relations, Phillip Hummel, Tufts University, Medford, Paula Van Gelder, 12 Ware Street, Cambridge, John Connolly, 122 ½ Otis Street, Cambridge, Roger O’Sullivan, 1105 Mass. Avenue, Cambridge, John Clifford, 55 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge, Alison Kelly, 26 Cambria Street, Cambridge and Kelly Courtney, 3 Linnaean Street, Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He distributed an Agenda (ATTACHMENT A). Introductions were made.

Councillor Reeves stated that at the last meeting the action of the previous committee term was reviewed. The William’s Agency gave a presentation of its proposal. Members of the City Council stated their opinions. The DNC is coming to the area in July and nothing is prepared for the Cambridge event. Chris Gabrieli is the organizer for the City of Boston. Boston is trying to do a July effort focusing on Celebrate Boston 2004. A media campaign and a campaign highlighting Boston icons is being planned. A kick off event is planned for the Boston City Hall Plaza with a performance by the Boston Pops. There is a lot of media interest so the focus is on the media pitch. Boston’s approach to sell Boston is not the most collaborative; Cambridge’s objective would be different. One event or a multi event approach was discussed at the last meeting. Councillor Reeves discussed the big name talent event as it related to cost and who would be the performers. He cited the fees for the following performers:

1. $250,000 for Stevie Wonder;

2. $125,000 for Anita Baker; and

3. $75,000 for Aretha Franklin

4. $60,000 for Smokey Robinson and Motown Era groups.

Cambridge, he said, has a connection to U2. He further distributed a "draft idea memo"

(ATTACHMENT B)

Councillor Reeves next discussed the Blueprint for the future. He discussed those invited to the committee meetings. Councillor Simmons informed Councillor Reeves that the invitees from the School Department were intended to keep people informed. She outlined the proposal to have a school/academic contest. Councillor Reeves encouraged the members of the City Council to add to the list of invitees. The committee next discussed the "Super Committee" structure.

A committee is needed that would be responsible for the execution of the activities similar to Boston 2004. Councillor Simmons stated that the committee structure is fine. Previously the committee looked at the areas that would be affected such as security, logistical issues and licensing. She liked the idea of numerous events but was concerned with the cost. She wanted the "community ness" to be retained. Councillor Reeves stated that he would consult with the City Council; a smaller group of fifteen city staff is needed. If you would like to serve on the committee please give your name to the Deputy City Clerk, he stated.

It is hard to get the delegates to a Cambridge event. He suggested highlighting that Cambridge is exciting. Cambridge should experiment to invent a process to plan for future large conventions. The DNC is in Boston in 2004; Mac World is coming in 2005. He stated that he wanted corporate sponsorships for various event locations throughout Cambridge. The media is in Cambridge three weeks before the DNC Convention. Cambridge needs to get the attention of the media as soon as it arrives. The attention grabbers could be Graham Gund gives an architectural tour; Art Fair in Harvard Square and ethno music in Central Square. He further suggested engaging a professional person to help leverage money for the convention. The media piece needs to be revved up; Cambridge needs to get its name out there. A media focus is needed to sell Cambridge and where Cambridge is located. The local business community needed to prepare a book that lists restaurants that are available for events. Education seminars should be listed on the web. Conversations needed to be brokered between celebrities like Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that the media needed to capture the essence of Cambridge. The issue is how does Cambridge contact the super delegates, the representatives of the biotech community and the residents. She stated that a reception/symposium for human service workers would be held through the Human Service Connection Magazine. She suggested a 17-25 age group session with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon with Comcast as the media sponsor.

Councillor Reeves stated that the super committee needs a headquarters. He suggested that the headquarters could be situated at the Office of Tourism. Ms. Thieringer asked what was Councillor Reeves looking for specifically. Councillor Reeves asked if the Office of Tourism could host the media person. Ms. Thieringer stated that maybe there is space in her building, but the Office of Tourism did not currently have the space. The office space could be negotiated stated Mayor Sullivan. Councillor Reeves spoke about securing corporate sponsorship. Mayor Sullivan informed the committee that the UAW is looking for a place to spend $250,000. The city would provide the logistics. There are ways to get the events to be in Cambridge without expending money, but Cambridge needed to provide the security.

Mr. Connolly stated that the media comments are on point. The restaurants in Cambridge would feel the economic benefit. Boston is about Cambridge – this is the message with the greatest payback.

The committee heard from Nicola Williams who stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued and awarded to her as the Event Planner. The City has not signed the contract. She stated that her team is capable. There are 4 ½ months left to plan an event. The process is at an impasse. Boston has a model and an event planner. The ideas of her agency cannot be shared for free, she said. Councillor Reeves suggested that Ms. Williams discuss the issue of the contract with the appropriate city officials.

In response to a question by Councillor Reeves regarding Congressman Capuano raising $1M from the biotech communities, a representative for Congressman Capuano stated that a representative from the his office would contact the committee.

Councillor Simmons commented that prior work of this committee needed to be respected and that there was future work to be done. She would have a smaller conversation with Councillor Reeves to develop a plan. The ideas expressed in this committee needed to be included collegiately. The Cambridge event is to garner tourism activity to Cambridge. She stated that she, as the past chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, is very interested in meeting and working with the current chair of the committee, Councillor Reeves.

Councillor Galluccio commented on the RFP process. Ms. Williams was awarded the bid, but the contract was not signed. In 2004 there is a new Economic Development,

Training and Employment Committee with a new chair and a new focus for the Cambridge DNC event. The residents and the conventioneers would both benefit from the concert proposal. The economic benefit is not the conventioneers; it is the media piece. He wanted the residents to be the major benefactors. The media relationship piece needed to be a national media person. Biotech tours and leaders needed to be included. He liked the architectural tour idea, but he wanted a political history done of Cambridge.

The economic benefit tied to the media could be justified to taxpayers. A new RFP would be required for the media piece.

Cambridge in July has to be the focus stated Councillor Reeves. The contract dispute is not the focus for this committee; Cambridge needs to more forward. He asked Mr. Weeks if an Art Fair in Harvard Square for two days would impede the street musicians. He also asked if there is time to assemble a creditable Art Fair. Mr. Weeks stated that an Arts Fair would be difficult to assemble based on the time frame. He stated that the City Public Arts Collection should be added to the list of events that would promote Cambridge.

Ms. Fleishman stated that CCTV would open its door as an independent Media Center to do post production. The independent media personnel needed to be housed and fed. She stated that workshops are being planned by CCTV to teach how to produce media. This would highlight the telecommunication industry in Cambridge.

Mr. Barnes informed the committee that he sent a letter to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) to obtain permission to keep bars open later. When he hears from the state commission he would report to this committee. Councillor Reeves commented that in other cosmopolitan areas the bars do not close at 2:00 A.M. The telecommunications hub is run through Cambridge on Bent Street, stated Mr. Barnes. The Museum of Science is half in Cambridge, he said.

Councillor Reeves asked Ms. Johnson if Cambridge has a database that contains the name of restaurants, the location and the capacity of their facilities. Ms. Johnson responded that the database only contains the name and address of restaurants. Councillor Maher commented that the Office of Tourism has a restaurant guide. He cautioned duplicating things that are currently done in the city. Ms. Thieringer stated that the Dining Guide is being updated. He stressed the need to draw people to the Website. The Calendar of Events is also on the Website. The Office of Tourism is trying to get a link to the Boston 2004 site. The Summer in the City Guide was underwritten by the hotel industry. Councillor Maher asked when would the Restaurant Guide be out. Ms. Thieringer stated that the Restaurant Guide is in process and is not expected to be out by July 2004. Councillor Reeves stated that he would like pictures of the facilities. Mr. Connolly stated that there are links to all properties at the Office of Tourism Website. Most restaurants do not have websites stated Ms. Thieringer. The Office of Tourism Website is kept simple, but offers links. Councillor Reeves cautioned that the tourism materials should be readable. Councillor Reeves stated that he wanted a meeting to highlight hotels and restaurants.

In response to a question by Councillor Simmons, Ms. Tomeu stated that she could delay the biannual Newsletter produced by the city that is forwarded to the residents so that the information on the Cambridge DNC event would be included in the Newsletter.

Ms. Ortiz suggested that the committee consider the work already done and include the new ideas. There are officials that can provide the media expertise needed. Councillor Reeves commented on the fact that there was no input by the committee into the presentation given by the Williams Agency. If the proposal is not what the client wanted then another proposal is sought.

Ms. Courtney spoke about an opportunity center, publicity and the media to harness events in Cambridge. She suggested that the City identify a point person and a staffing plan. Fund raising is critical. Hi-tech companies could develop a kiosk where hand held devises are used to outline the events and the restaurants. She suggested that the restaurant community do a food fair. Ms. Clark informed the committee that The Taste of Cambridge would be held on September 8, 2004. Ms. Clark suggested that Mr. Barnes contact the restaurant community to encourage the Taste of Cambridge being held earlier this year, possibly to coincide with the Cambridge DNC event.

Mr. Connolly stated that a committee that is streamlined and connected to the City Council is needed quickly. Expertise is needed to reach out to the media community. He favored events that would resonate with the media. The hotel community, he said would cooperate with the committee.

Councillor Reeves stated that the City Council needed to be consulted for direction. The next meeting would be focused on the super committee, its direction and the Web Page.

Mr. Clifford suggested that the Taste of Cambridge be moved to be near the DNC. If beer could be sold on the street it would benefit the Cambridge DNC event. Senator Kerry, the potential democratic nominee, should be informed of what is going on in Cambridge. He suggested a museum tour should be given.

Mr. Kington stated that the selling point is Cambridge is here. The hotels and the arts should be put up front.

Councillor Reeves scheduled the next three meetings of the committee and thanked all attendees for their participation. He informed the committee that he would be introducing an order at the March 15, 2004 City Council meeting which requested that the City Manager direct the appropriate departments to work with the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee on planning a Cambridge DNC event and insure that the Website contains information about the restaurants, hotels and museums. (Note this appeared as Order Number Sixteen of March 15, 2004 and was adopted by the City Council.)

The meeting was adjourned at noon.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, March 24, 2004, beginning at six o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Morse School Cafeteria at 40 Granite Street, Cambridge.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Urban Ring and the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction (EOTC) Allston Landing Multimodal Transportation Study.

Present at the meeting were: Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner, CDD and Donna Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also Present were: Peter Calcaterra, MBTA Planning Office, Jay Doyle, Earth Tech Inc., 196 Baker Ave., Concord, MA, Mary Power, Senior Director of Community Relations, Harvard University, Astrid Glynn, Project Manager, Allston Landing Study, EOTC and Representative Alice K. Wolf.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. A presentation, she said, would be made by Peter Calcaterra from the MBTA and then Astrid Glynn, Project Manager for the Allston Landing Study. She turned the meeting over to

Ms. Rasmussen, Environmental Director for the City of Cambridge to give an overview on the Urban Ring.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that she has worked for a long time with the MBTA and five other cities and towns on the Urban Ring. This will increase the transportation in the urban core. The city is in support of the Urban Ring. She hoped that the project would come to fruition. Mr. Calcaterra would provide information to the group on the project.

Mr. Calcaterra stated that the Urban Ring is a long process. The Urban Ring resembles a Dunkin Donut with a dunking handle; the ring is needed to provide access to areas that surround the core. Access, he said, is needed circumferentially. Currently there exists a series overlapping routes (Attachment A). In 1995 five communities joined the study, secured funding and a major investment study was begun. The process is at the end of the beginning and funding would be sought. At this time Mr. Calcaterra introduced Mr. Doyle, a technical support consultant. Mr. Doyle gave an overview of the current Phase 2 Urban Ring. The existing transit system serving Cambridge and Boston is a radial system but does not serve circumferential trips. The Urban Ring is expected to grow because more people are moving back to the city and there are increased jobs. Trip volume and need was reviewed. In the Urban Ring corridor travel is limited, time consuming and increases congestion. Crossing the spokes of the Urban Ring system provides a more direct means of travel. In the Urban Ring Phase 2 additional and upgraded transit in the cross-town corridor would occur and would be extended around the corridor to connect the growing transit demand. The bus rapid transit vehicle would use clean fuel and provide more capacity. The significant operating advantage would be bus lanes and bus ways, a jump lane (head of the line privilege), bus signal priorities, extending green signal or shortening the red light phase. The investment study provided for seven BRT (bus routing transit) routes in the corridor. This was narrowed to six routes and a route was extended to Lechmere. There would be improved commuter rail connections with a new commuter rail stop proposed for Union Square. This would provide regional connections with the MBTA commuter rail system. The Phase 2 Proposed:

1. Reconfigured lane designations and curb lanes for buses only.

2. Kendall Square/MIT would be an important point of connection.

3. A more direct route would be used from Third Street to Main St., with a bus only lane to connect the Red Line.

4. The grand junction corridor is a railroad corridor: a one-way bus line would be provided.

5. New improved cross-town bus routes.

Ms. Rasmussen asked Mr. Doyle to explain the BRT routes. Mr. Doyle stated that the BRT routes are upgraded cross-town bus routes. The BRT routes consisted of BRT #1, #2, #3, #5, #6 and #7, (Attachment B); BRT #4 was eliminated because of insufficient ridership. The CT #3 will be eliminated and would become BRT #7.

At this time Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

David Torrey, 128 Pearl Street, asked about the similarities to Silver Line. Mr. Doyle stated that this would be in the Phase 3 and would be a rapid transit route bus.

Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, commented that the stairs are bad for the elderly.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, asked if there would be parking at some of the stops, like at the Green Line. Mr. Doyle stated that the Urban Ring strategy is to attract transit users; to attract people out of their automobiles. Parking lots were not designed to attract riders to the Urban Ring service. People walk or bike to connect themselves to the Urban Ring service. Urban Ring service connects the transit spokes. Some of the parking would be lost, he said.

Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, inquired about the frequency of the buses, how many buses and the time of the day the buses would be traveling. Mr. Doyle stated that during peak hours BRT #2 would operate every 10 minutes in each direction; every 15 minutes off peak hours. The CT Routes would operate every 20 minutes. Buses run 6:00 A.M. to midnight. The express commuter route serves the market outside the corridor. The express commuter travels down the turnpike stated Mr. Calcaterra.

Margot Ouellet, 212 Hamilton Street, asked how do the presenters get around. Mr. Calcaterra uses "The Ride". Ms. Rasmussen, Councillors Davis and Toomey stated that they walk. Ms. Ouellet recorded her support for public transit.

Ellin Sarot, 654 Green Street, stated that two-level buses are disastrous. She is disabled. She commented on seating for disabled persons. After the wheels, there is no place for the disabled persons to sit. She spoke of the noise made by the brakes. The Urban Ring is a plan that is geared to future development and jobs. There is no bus drop off now at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The Charles Street train stop has no elevator and using the stop makes it difficult for the elderly. If the Urban Ring is oriented to help the environment bus ways must be planned to consider bicyclists.

Laura Kershner, 97 Henry Street, commented that the stops at Massachusetts Avenue and at Fort Washington are not accessible to the neighborhood. Why is there no stop near the river, she asked? Mr. Doyle stated that Fort Washington was identified as being an area with service overlap. Albany Street and Fort Washington can be accessed quickly and the BRT vehicle can be kept out of the neighborhood. No good location was identified at Albany Street he said.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, commented that there is no transportation between Central Square and the medical area and no adequate service on the 47 Bus.

Cynthia Kamishlian, 226 Erie Street, commented on the Waverly Connector across the BU Bridge. Ms. Rasmussen stated that it would not be feasible to have an exclusive bus lane in this area.

Mara Goldberg, 172 Chestnut Street, asked if the BU Bridge would be reconstructed. Mr. Calcaterra responded in negative.

Nancy LaClair, 260 Pearl Street, commented on the brake noise, the engine and the size of the buses. It is hard to visualize the large buses, 20’ longer. Idling noise needed to be solved.

Robert LaTremouille, 2 Clinton Street, asked if the BU Bridge proposal was abandoned. Mr. Calcaterra responded in affirmative.

Virginia Payson, 63 Magazine Street, asked about the CT 2 route. Mr. Doyle stated that the CT2 route will become BRT #5.

Annie Butler, 32 Andrew Street, questioned the Mass Pike exit and Harvard University’s plan. This led the meeting to the EOTC Allston Landing Study.

Ms. Rasmussen introduced Astrid Glynn, the EOTC Project Manager of the Allston Landing. Ms. Glynn stated that the Study is in the Request for Response (RFR) process, which closed on March 19, 2004 (Attachment C). Councillor Davis stated that when a consultant is chosen she would schedule another meeting.

Ms. Glynn gave an overview of the process. The Turnpike Authority, she said, owns land next to the turnpike which is a freight rail facility owned by CSX, formerly Conrail. EOTC proposes to hire consultants to prepare a study of transportation issues associated with the possible reuse of the Allston Landing South Property. The freight rail capacity needs to be maintained and this fact is EOTC major concern. This study is being done by EOTC with an agreement between EOTC and Harvard University. The CSX freight service is connected to the Port of Boston by truck There is a good highway connection so EOTC wanted to maintain this site as a freight rail. Trains need a place to stay during the daytime and this site is used for this purpose. The Turnpike Authority and Harvard University discussed preserving this site. An agreement was reached. EOTC was paid to do the study. Harvard funded the study. She explained that if CSX left the freight rail function may change, but if CSX remains the use remains as it is now. The Study would examine the best solution for direct access to the port. The freight rail facility air rights must be examined. Should there be a commuter rail connection and relate it to the freight rail capacity if Harvard builds out this area. A consultant has not been selected stated Ms. Glynn.

Councillor Davis asked Ms. Glynn about the potential Urban Ring connection and the exit/entrance to the Turnpike. A connection would be reviewed in the Urban Ring study stated Ms. Glynn. If the Turnpike is straightened out a more unified development parcel could be achieved. This idea needed to be reviewed.

Councillor Toomey asked how many consultants are bidding on the study. Ms. Glynn responded a half a dozen. Councillor Toomey asked the cost of the study. The study cost $100,000. Is there a cap asked Councillor Toomey. The Phase I of the RFR was 6 months at $100,000.

At this time Councillor Davis again opened the meeting to public comment.

Annie Butler asked when would the real story be told about the plans for the BU Bridge. As the study progresses, Ms. Glynn said she would be invited back to public meetings. Councillor Davis requested that Ms. Glynn keep Cambridge involved in the process.

Marilyn Wellons stated that in 2002 Harvard purchased 90 acres of land from the Turnpike Authority. The proposed BRT #4 was eliminated and was to exit at the BU Bridge. If Harvard developed the South Allston site would this increase the rider ship between Harvard University and MIT. Mr. Calcaterea stated that a new route would be found to connect to MIT without using the BU Bridge. The bridge would have to be redesigned, at a significant expense, because CSX and Conrail standards are different. In June 2003 the BRT #4 was eliminated. Ridership and the cost caused the bridge reconstruction being dropped stated Mr. Calcaterra.

Laura Kershner requested that the neighborhood be included in the process. The study is looking at what is feasible and what are the possibilities if CSX leaves commented Ms. Glynn. It is appropriate for neighborhood people to be involved.

Elie Yarden asked if the RFR could be amended to include the City of Cambridge. The RFR is closed and it would have to rebid said Ms. Glynn. Does this preclude Cambridge’s issues being included asked Councillor Davis? Ms. Glynn responded in negative.

Robert LaTremouille asked is there any interest in redesigning the bridge to reroute traffic at the BU Bridge. Mr. Calcaterra responded in the negative.

Bill Cavellini, 9 Speradakis Terrace, asked if Phase 2 would be rebid or would the consultant for Phase I be asked to do Phase 2 without rebidding. She would like Phase 2 to be done by the consultant of Phase I, stated Ms. Glynn. In Phase 2 a set of recommendations or trades offs is what consultants would be looking to achieve.

Mary Power, Senior Director of Community Relations, Harvard University stated that Harvard is in the early stages of academic planning process of planning process. She urged attendees to look at a letter from President Summers dated October 2003, on Web at www.harvard.edu, outlining the vision for this property.

In response to a question by Councillor Davis, Ms. Power stated that the Allston is a new campus with a new vision. The Harvard Law School would like to remain in Cambridge.

Kathy Podgers stated that the Urban Ring is expensive and does not address the shortcomings. The bus stops are not handicapped or elderly friendly. A bus stop is needed for the 47 bus on the BU Bridge. She wanted neighborhood buses to run more frequently and to use smaller buses. North and South Stations should be connected. The underdeveloped Riverbend Park is located in Cambridge; it is a jewel for Cambridge, Boston and Allston.

Peter Valentine asked when do we act humbly to nature. He requested that the geese be allowed to exist.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, asked why did a private entity fund this study. The RFR contained no public process. Traffic, pedestrians and Allston Planning Study by the Boston Redevelopment Authority are not mentioned in RFR. It is a narrow study. Private money is being used to move Lechmere Station. Councillor Toomey stated that Lechmere Station has been planned to be moved since 1920. He is all for private developers agreeing to move the station at their expense.

Dennis Friedler, 24 McTernan Street, asked what is the process to develop the questions to be asked about the design process. What is the public process to frame the study? Public process was held in early 2003 by the Mass Turnpike Advisory Board, stated Ms. Glynn. Testimony was received from Cambridge, Boston and other neighborhoods. EOTC had freight concerns.

Marilyn Wellons stated that the Turnpike Authority and the railroad were not protected by the easement. The railroad easement is a perpetual easement. What can be done to preserve the functions, she asked?

Elie Yarden spoke about creating a desirable urban environment.

Robert LaTremouille stated that he had concerns about Kerry Corner in the 1970’s. Harvard University had no plans to build in Kerry Corner. The railroad bridge and the off ramp is dangerous. Memorial Drive and trees are being destroyed. EOTC does not include the MDC, He said.

Carolyn Shipley asked if the public can comment on Phase 2. Mr. Calcaterra stated that the public is welcome.

Bill Cunningham, 6 Newtowne Court, stated that the cost constraints to rebuild the BU Bridge are nothing to Harvard University. The public would turn to private institutions to fund what the public has funded in the past.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at eight o’clock and forty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #6
The Human Services Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, beginning at eight o’clock and forty-five minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss childcare programs across the city and the Senior Town Meeting.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Nancy Walser, School Committee Member, Carolyn Turk, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Roslyn Shoy, Program Director, Community Schools, Judy Bibbins, Community Schools, Jackie Neel, Childcare Division, Human Service Department, Susan Richards, Agenda for Children, Selvin L. Chambers III, Director of Youth Programs, Mary Wong, Director, Kid’s Council, Eileen Ginnetty, Executive Director, Council On Aging, Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council On Aging , Emma Watkins, Director, Citywide Senior Center and Donna P.Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. At the last meeting there were two questions raised.

1. Is there enough space for the Out of School Programs (OST); and

2. What can the City offer to address all OST needs.

If there is space constraint should priority be given to specific programs? This needed to be addressed this term. She asked where is the space issue with the school consolidation. Mr. Rossi stated that the Longfellow School would be used temporarily for the library. The Superintendent is planning an alternative high school. A space analysis is being planned for the Graham and Parks to see what can fit at this space. It is planned that Central Administration would move to the Graham and Parks. Councillor Simmons questioned the status of Adult Learning Center. The Superintendent has been informed that space for the Adult Learning Center is important, stated Mr. Rossi.

Ms. Walser informed the committee that school principals are concerned with the use of school buildings because there is so much wear and tear on the buildings and the children are doing more academic working the schools. Work needs to be done on the school facilities. There is a need for $14.5 million for the school facilities. In response to a question by Councillor Simmons, Mr. Rossi stated that community schools would have space in the Longfellow School.

Councillor Simmons stated that the issues are what programs are available, do the programs serve the needs and does the City have to serve all the needs.

Ms. Walser asked if the enrollment figures were done for the Adult Learning Center. The Superintendent stated three hundred children in public housing have been lost. This is due to Section 8 housing price increases.

Councillor Simmons asked the attendees if any trends were noticed. Ms. Neel stated that providers are saying that enrollment is down. Ms. Shoy stated that the community school numbers have increased. Non-profit programs are down. People are out of work and are using the adult programs more because of the length of the sessions or the classes. Mr. Chambers stated that no one is turned away from the youth programs. The numbers are consistent. Gately and West Cambridge Youth Centers are filled to capacity. The Willis D. Moore and the Area Four Youth Center are not to capacity but the numbers are up.

Councillor Simmons asked about the need in the Cambridgeport Area. Ms. Shoy stated that one hundred children are actively involved in the After School Program five days a week. The After School Program is full. The Community Schools Program is the top registered program. Most of the children are from the school; ten percent are from the neighborhood. Ms. Bibbins stated that the Morse School enrollment has grown. Older kids are going to the Youth Center.

Councillor Murphy stated that he would like to see an Excel Spread Sheet that outlines the following:

- Age of children;

- Geographical location;

- Slots filled and

- Program location

- Program gaps

Parents, he said, want quality childcare for an inexpensive fee. Ms. Turk stated that schools with programs could provide a list. Ms. Richards stated the list is school based pre-consolidation. This list needed to be updated. A formal program capacity update has not been done. Community Schools has a more fluctuating enrollment. Councillor Simmons stated that she wanted a space and program inventory. The schools are doing more academics and are staying in the buildings longer. She inquired as to who gets priority to use the school buildings. Ms. Shoy stated that the Community Schools Program does Block Permits. The permits are approved by the school principals. Ms.Walser stated that the School Committee needed to develop a policy to allocate space for the OST Program. This needed to be documented. A hierarchy of needs is needed stated Mr. Rossi. Councillor Davis stated that parents do not want their children in programs that are not in their neighborhood schools. Ms. Neel stated that if there is no space in the neighborhood schools people who need services would be bussed. There is an active waiting list for the Morse, but are currently being served at the Peabody. She wanted a long-term goal that would serve children that made sense. Ms. Neel stated that service is provided where there is space. Ms. Shoy stated that there is a space issue in all schools. After school programs space and common space are being eliminated because the schools are using them more. School Principals do not want to give up school space to Human Services Programs said Mr. Rossi. Head Start Programs are now in independent buildings commented Councillor Simmons. Ms. Turk stated that there is a positive culture change in the schools. Teachers are remaining in classrooms longer to work on programs or to help their students. School programs are competing with City programs. Mr. Chambers commented that a policy needed to be developed to work collaboratively. This brings it back to the School Committee for a procedure said Councillor Davis. The Education Reform gave Principals more authority over school buildings. The issues are what are the programs, what is the space needs and how is the space used. Ms. Walser stated that charting a demand landscape is a good idea.

A discussion ensued about the need for gymnasiums. The gyms at the Longfellow and Graham and Parks are important assets. There is a shortage of gyms for the After School Program said Councillor Davis. If there is space left over in the gyms it needed to be shared and evaluated. Ms. Shoy commented that the Longfellow community is asking actively for the use of the gym. The After School Program would also need to use the gym. Community groups are locked out of the use of the gyms. Use needed to be reviewed stated Mr. Rossi. The use of school buildings needed to be regulated said Councillor Simmons. Mr. Chambers stated that the Youth Centers were bombarded for use so Saturday space was reserved.

Ms. Richards stated that space is important and needed to be prioritized. This committee has worked collaboratively with the After School Program and the School Department. To have a good academic program this group needed to bring all parties together to find solutions.

Councillor Simmons, Murphy and Davis made the following motion:

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to review the following:

- What after school program does the City have available?

- Who runs the programs?

- The enrollment caps and gaps

- Waiting list

- List of programs available to children, youth and adult

- Provide an inventory of space and gyms available for these programs

- Prioritize use of space by Cambridge residents

- Priority to preserving and expanding space

The motion – Carried.

Ms. Neel informed the committee that there is no gap in service in June and July. Childcare is available until June 25th. Two camping programs are available beginning June 21st and June 28th. Youth camp starts June 28th. Councillor Murphy stated that the Camping Brochures are terrific.

Mr. Gerald Bergman commented on a waiver denied to a day care because it was not providing a living wage for workers. He requested that this be investigated and a report be provided. He stated that he wanted a living wage to be paid to day care workers. Councillor Simmons stated that she would discuss this topic at the next Human Service Committee. The committee now proceeded to discuss the Senior Town Meeting

Councillor Simmons commented that even with the Senior Centers in Central Square and North Cambridge some seniors are missed. She wanted to facilitate a senior town meeting to hear the issues important to the seniors. This topic would be discussed at the next meeting of this committee, she said.

Ms. Eileen Ginnetty, Council On Aging, stated that there is a system in place. Once a month at both senior centers an open forum is held. The participants are regulars at the centers. The established practices would be expanded. A presentation on Medicare changes would be made in May. The Elder Fair would be held this year in Somerville. She suggested that the May Forum could announce the Senior Town Meeting and then the logistics, for example, transportation, could be worked out. She informed the committee that transportation and affordable dental care are the highest needs for seniors. Presentation by panelist could be done to discuss the issues.

Councillor Simmons suggested that Comcast could help with the Senior Town Meeting. Seniors could be transported from Cambridge Homes, Youville, LBJ Apartments and Neville to the Senior Centers. The meeting could be cablecast at these facilities. Councillor Davis stated that she would look forward to working on this issue. She has a social worker intern who will work on senior transportation issues. She would arrange to have a transportation panel.

The committee heard from Emma Watkins who stated that she was pleased to hear about the Senior Town Meeting. She informed the committee that the MIT picnic would be held on May 12th. She urged senior advocacy groups be invited to discuss the issues for seniors.

Mr. Bergman stated that there previously existed elder congresses. He suggested taking money from the Democratic National Convention appropriation to hold town meetings to help develop resolution at the grass root level.

Councillor Simmons suggested using the senior picnic to distribute a questionnaire and use the feedback to develop the Senior Town Meeting. She suggested an oral history from the seniors. She submitted the following motion:

ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to designate City staff to work with the Human Services Committee to work on holding a Senior Town Meeting in October with a focus on senior programs, transportation and health care issues.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Murphy asked about information relating to changes to retirement benefits due to changes to Medicare. Ms. Pacheco informed the committee that she has a Senior Health Information Need for Elders (SHINE) professional who has had extensive training in health, Medicare and insurance benefits. The seniors aged 60-65 have major questions about their insurance benefits. Councillor Murphy also commented on the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Ms. Ginnetty stated that there are service coordinators at all senior-housing facilities and they could be used as sources or facilitators. She also encouraged connection with ethnic groups. Councillor Simmons stated that she would like to have representatives from senior programs at the Senior Town Meeting. She liked the idea of a Senior survey at the MIT Picnic.

Mr. Bergman highlighted the challenge to do outreach especially when seniors do not attend the MIT picnic, and to self employed individuals.

Councillor Simmons scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, April 29th, 2004 at 8:45 A.M.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and fifty-five minutes A.M.

For the Committee
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #7
The Finance Committee held a public meeting on March 30, 2004, beginning at ten o’clock and ten minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the Fiscal Year 04 Budget and to receive a Fiscal Year 05 Budget update.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David Maher, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, David Kale, Budget Director, Angela Pierre and Steve Hanmer, Budget Analysts, Jim Monagle, City Auditor and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose.

Mr. DePasquale distributed an agenda (Attachment A).

The committee proceeded to discuss the Major Revenue estimates for Fiscal Year 04.

Mr. DePasquale stated that motor vehicle excise February commitment is down for the last three years. Last year 44,900 excise bills were sent out; 44,200 bills sent out this year. There are 700 fewer registered vehicle in the city.

The hotel/motel revenue was next discussed. Two payments have been received. The third payment is due March 31, 2004, but has bee received by the city. This amount was almost the same as the previous years figure. The revenue is down $100,000. Since 2000 the hotel/motel revenue is down twenty-seven percent. Councillor Murphy stated that the decline in travel since 911 and internet bookings are two reasons for the decline in the revenue. Sewer revenue was the next item.

There is a 5.2 percent reduction in sewer consumption stated Mr. DePasquale. People conserve more when costs are high; people are using less water. Mr. Healy stated that the impact of the sewer shortfall is to the free cash account. Automatic Meter Readings (AMR) will be instituted stated Mr. Rossi. The best environmental practices are not always rewarding financially stated Councillor Davis. The new water plant is more efficient and economical. Waster conservation is promoted and costs are down. The AMR needed to be evaluated.

Building permits are up over budget, but below last years actual. Councillor Maher asked what is the reason. Major construction is the reason stated Mr. DePasquale.

Councillor Murphy asked about the review of the revenue fees. There are ordinance recommendations that will occur during the budget process. No new revenue has been projected in the budget. A document is being prepared that outlines the authority that governs increasing the fees. Interest earning is behind because of low interest rates. Projected free cash used for this year is $8 million.

Mr. Healy stated that he would have a meeting with NSTAR to determine the fair depreciation value of the light sales.

Mr. DePasquale stated that at the end of this year there would be approximately $4.7 million in the water fund. Mr. Rossi stated that a capital project is planned for Fresh Pond. There are plans to protect the water supply at Lusitania Field. Trails next to Neville Manor would be improved. In May 2004 Neville Manor will be completed. Councillor Murphy asked what percentage of the water and sewer is used by non-profits. Mr. DePasquale stated that sixteen percent of the expected payment is received from Harvard and MIT. Mr. Rossi stated that ten percent of the water pumped is unaccountable due to hydrant flushing, fires, etc. The committee next discussed the Parking Fund revenue.

Mr. DePasquale stated that it has been a good year for revenue. There will be a supplemental budget for garage equipment. Councillor Maher asked why is parking revenue up when excise revenue is down. The garage use is up and there is an increase in meter collection stated Mr. DePasquale.

Councillor Maher asked if the parking enforcement officers are the same. Mr. Healy responded in affirmative. In response to a question from Councillor Maher, Mr. Healy stated that revenue for moving violation is not included in the Parking Fund figure. Mr. DePasquale stated that the Parking Fund revenue is stable. Councillor Maher asked if Cambridge is looking into equipment that accepts dollar bills rather than coins. Ms. Clippinger is looking into this equipment stated Mr. Healy. MIT is doing a pilot program where there is a computer card with a chip that has the capability of eliminating time left on the meter. The committee now proceeded to the next item on the agenda, the status of the Fiscal Year 05 Budget.

Mr. Kale, Budget Director, provided a break down of the status (Attachment B). Assuming that state aid remains the same as Fiscal Year 04 there is no reduction to state aid in Fiscal Year 05. This is a little risky stated Mr. Healy. The projected property tax increased is $15.4 million. Mr. DePasquale stated that this year is a revaluation year. Councillor Maher asked Mr. DePasquale to explain the reevaluation process. It is a three-year process to inspect the exterior of property. The interior also needed to be inspected but it is difficult to get inside the property to inspect the interior areas. Councillor Simmons asked why is the interior being inspected. The interior condition of the property and if there have been improvement made to kitchen bathrooms, stated Mr. DePasquale. Councillor Murphy suggested that there be a meeting to explain the reevaluation process. Councillor Maher agreed with Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Maher asked when a house is sold when does the property get reevaluated. The next year responded Mr. DePasquale. Councillor Maher stated that taxes should be paid on the price paid for the property and not effect the surrounding property. New construction and improvements can be captured said Mr. Healy. It would be worth having a conversation about taxing property as it is sold. Are anomalies reviewed upon completion of the revaluation, asked Councillor Maher. The anomalies are factored in replied Mr. Healy.

Mr. Kale stated that the Fiscal Year 05 Budget increase is anticipated to be 4.5 – 5 percent. Salary, Health Insurance, Pensions, Debit Service and the School Budget have all increased. In Fiscal Year 05 the pay raise of 3 percent is being absorbed. For two years there are 53 pay dates, this is an increased expense. There is no increase in full time positions.

Mr. Healy stated that there is a $4.2 million increase in the School Department Budget representing a four percent increase in the property tax. There are 360 fewer students. The reduction is based on a recommendation made by the Superintendent of Schools based on decrease in students. Councillor Simmons commented on $1 million being applied to private for profit schools. Councillor Murphy stated that he would suggest a capital meeting with the School Committee and the City Council. Mr. Healy stated that it is unfair for the School Department to come to the City for capital needs when additional money was given previously to the School Department’s operating budget. Mr. DePasquale stated that $900,000 is budgeted for capital by the School Department. Of this amount $400,000 comes from the city and $500,000 from the School budget. Seventy percent of total state aid is received by the School Department.

Councillor Simmons requested clarification of "Pay As You Go" capital estimates. "Pay As You Go" are capital projects that are not bonded, said Mr. Healy. An appropriation is made by the city.

Mr. Healy explained that the Police Budget is attached to the Agenda to outline the progress made on the budget process. The narrative has been rewritten. Mr. DePasquale informed the committee that one department each year would be improved. Councillor Murphy approved of the work done.

At eleven o’clock and fifty minutes A.M. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.

Gregory O’Bannon, 204 Columbia Street, asked the status and the cost of the library. Mr. Rossi responded that construction would begin next spring. He stated that the cost of the library is $63 million.

Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees.

The meeting adjourned at eleven o’clock and eighteen A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #8
The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on March 18, 2004 beginning at Ten o’clock and Fifteen minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of receiving an update on plans for a new police station and to receive information about 311 systems and their applicability to Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Police Superintendents David Degou and Michael Giacoppo, Deputy Superintendent Michael Walsh, and George Fosque, Executive Director of Emergency Communications.

Councillor Davis convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She requested that Robert W. Healy, City Manager, begin the discussion. Mr. Healy said that he believes a new building for the Police Department is the number one priority for the capital budget. The current building is over seventy years old, there are heating and plumbing issues, and modernization is much needed. The problem is siting. He does not want another ten-year site analysis process like that for the library.

Mr. Healy said that he has looked carefully at the existing facility and the program needs, which require 82,000 – 92,000 square feet. It would be possible to squeeze that much room into the existing building. The major problem is parking. Mr. Healy said that although the City has tried to make accommodations with the Green Street Garage, the real problem comes with the overlapping attendance at the time of the three P.M. shift change. The City is going to spend a lot of money for a new building; it should try to solve the parking problem. Also, the rehab would require a temporary relocation of the entire operation. Mr. Healy said that he was asked to look at the St. John’s School site. In terms of size of size alone, the site would qualify. However, Mr. Healy said that he did some informal surveying of the neighborhood reaction and it was pretty hostile. None of the other Archdiocese sites are that large. He does not believe that a police station has to be centrally located, and it does not appear that there will be a site available in Central Square. The sites that may be available tend to be on the perimeter of the City. If another site is chosen, the existing site could be utilized for another purpose, for example, affordable housing or resale at market rate to offset the cost of acquiring the new site.

Mayor Sullivan said that the Blessed Sacrament site covers almost half a block, but would require an eminent domain taking of a privately owned parcel in the middle. Mayor Sullivan added that he has met with Congressman Michael Capuano about putting a police station on the Department of Transportation (DOT) property in East Cambridge since DOT is not amenable to housing on the site. The site is at the corner of Binney and Third Streets and next to DOT’s generator site. The last meeting went well and he is going to Washington D.C. in a few weeks meet with GSA staff at the DOT’s recommendation. Mr. Healy said that he expects the City would have to pay $4-6 million to purchase a site at market price.

Councillor Davis asked about the market value for the present police station. Mr. Healy said that he would need to get an appraisal.

Councillor Davis said that a good goal for the committee this term would be to make progress on this issue. She suggested developing a set of criteria for a site and having a meeting on a proposed set of criteria, for example, proximity to public transportation, required parking for police vehicles, preferably space for employee parking. Councillor Davis said that she likes the idea of the existing site. She would like to see the police station remain there. She asked about the possibility of building structured parking on one of the parking lots that the City already owns.

Mr. Healy said that the City looked at that, but the Pleasant Street lot is too small. Councillor Davis suggested moving all the police parking to the Green Street Garage and putting structured parking in the lot behind Central Kitchen.

Councillor Simmons asked for more details about the issues with the existing site. Mr. Healy said that the two issues are:

* Parking

* Relocation of the entire operation for two years while the building is completely rehabilitated

He reiterated that he does not believe a police department needs to be near public transportation. People do not go to police stations very often unless they work there or need to bail someone out of the lockup.

Councillor Simmons asked whether Middlesex County has any space that Cambridge could use during renovations. Mr. Healy answered in the negative.

Superintendent Giacoppo said that there is a third consideration. He said that he and Deputy Superintendent Walsh attended a conference on new police stations. There is a formula used to determine whether to rehab or to build a new station. There is also a formula for determining the number of parking spaces needed for both the police vehicles and employee parking.

Councillor Davis asked what Boston does. Superintendent Giacoppo responded that the Boston Police Department has a huge parking lot.

Councillor Davis noted City standards and policies regarding the Traffic Reduction Ordinance and the Parking Demand Management Ordinance and program.

Mr. Healy said that there is a difference between police and other city employees. In general, city employees work from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. They come and they go. Police are on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with concurrent shifts.

Commissioner Watson said that if a new building is built, he strongly believes that there must be consideration of employee parking needs. He said he does not know whether there would be support for eminent domain, however, if there were a way to take the land behind Post Office, that would be ideal.

Councillor Davis asked about the possibility of the Longfellow School, at least as a temporary location. Mr. Healy said that the School Department clearly intends keep that property. Councillor Davis said that there are now two vacant school buildings and there may be more.

Councillor Simmons asked whether the City could make an offer to the School Department that they could not resist. Mr. Healy said neighborhoods do not seem to see police stations as desirable neighbors. He also cautioned the committee not to come up with criteria so specific that their application rules out reasonable vacancy sites.

Councillor Davis asked about the existing holding cells at the Police Department. Mr. Healy said that the existing holding cells are not pleasant, but they do meet Department of Public Health criteria. A rehab of the existing facility would include a complete rebuilding of the holding cells.

Councillor Davis asked about options for temporary holding cells. Mr. Healy said that working with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department would be the best option. Commissioner Watson said that it is possible to outfit secure trailers as temporary holding cells. Councillor Davis asked about census of the holding cells, Police Superintendent David Degou stated that over the weekend the cells fill up to capacity, which is thirteen. Mr. Healy said the average daily census is 5 - 6.

Councillor Davis said that this is a function that should be regionalized. Councillor Davis then stated that she understands Mr. Healy’s reluctance to develop criteria that become the excuse for not moving forward, but there is another way to develop criteria – an overall point system. Mr. Healy said that there are few available sites in an affordable range. He would certainly welcome the input of the committee to be able to have a reasonable discussion if there is controversy.

Councillor Davis said that if the proposal were going to be for a new site in a more central location, there would have to be a conversation about why the existing site should not be used. So why not start to analyze this option now, she asked.

Commissioner Watson said that the existing site would work if there were parking. The Green Street Garage would not work; it is going in the wrong direction. The YMCA lot would be the perfect lot to build in.

Councillor Toomey asked how many parking spaces are needed. Mr. Healy said that there are ninety-one police vehicles and there is the major dilemma of the three P.M. shift change. At any given shift, there are 35 - 40 police officers needing to park their own cars. Commissioner Watson said that the armory would be a good location. Mr. Healy said that Councillor Toomey has worked on this for years, and it is clear that the Army does not intend to sell the Armory.

Councillor Toomey asked whether it is feasible to look at two smaller locations. Mr. Healy said that he believes that the administrative overhead would be prohibitive.

Councillor Davis asked if any of the functions now located at the Police Department could be spun off, like the repair of vehicles that now takes place in rental property at the armory. Councillor Davis submitted the following Order:

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police

Commissioner to report to the committee on the following:

1. Parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square

2. Proposed criteria that could be discussed if options arise, including an in depth analysis of the pros and cons of renovating the existing site.

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Councillor Davis then moved to the topic of the 311 System. She referred to a recent article in the New Yorker magazine as to the popularity of 311 In New York City. Mr. Healy invited George Fosque, Executive Director of Emergency Communications, to begin the discussion. Mr. Fosque distributed a report on his research of 311 Systems (Attachment A), and summarized the major points. He emphasized that the cities that currently is 311 are all large cities, with one exception of Martha’s Vineyard. It has worked best for cities that had huge service delivery problems. For Cambridge, the cost would be $250–300,000 yearly in operating costs, along with start-up costs. Furthermore, at the present time, Verizon does not offer 311 service. Most important, Cambridge government offers high-level service, preferring to route callers to the experts. 311 is a very different style from that to which Cambridge citizens have become accustomed.

The overall conclusion was that it is not clear that 311 would fit the Cambridge style of service delivery.

Mr. Healy reported on some additional research and submitted copies for the record. One article submitted was a University of Cincinnati study, "Managing Citizen Calls to the Police: An Assessment of Non-Emergency Call Systems" Executive Summary (Attachment B), and the other was a report by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (Attachment C). The Association of Fire Chiefs did not support the use of 311 Systems.

Councillor Toomey asked whether there would be a separate facility for 911 and 311. Mr. Fosque said that you would need a separate room, which could not happen at the present Emergency Communication Center. The 311 system would not involve dispatchers.

Councillor Toomey said that he believes that the current system works quite well. At this point, especially given startup and annual costs, he does not see the benefit. He would not close the door at looking at it again it future.

Councillor Davis thanked Mr. Fosque for a very good report. She stated that she is also convinced that a 311 System is not needed at this time. She added that she does believe that Cambridge could do a little better job of publicizing the key numbers for citizens to call. She submitted the following Order:

ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on how to clarify the key telephone numbers and best entry point for citizens seeking assistance and to develop an important general government phone number public awareness program, perhaps with use of refrigerator magnets, so that every household will know the key numbers to call.

The order passed without objection as a voice vote.

Deputy Superintendent Walsh said that the book developed by Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, "Living in Cambridge" has been very useful. The police take it to community meetings to distribute to citizens. Mr. Healy said he believes refrigerator magnets would be the best addition to Cambridge’s current methods of distributing information about important telephone numbers. Councillor Davis suggested putting the website address on the magnet as well as important telephone numbers. She also said that she would like to see better information about what numbers to call for information about electrical emergencies, gas leaks and floods.

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and fifty minutes AM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair