CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-29, regarding the possibility of other cable and internet providers doing business in the City.  Referred to Cable TV, Telecommunications, and Public Utilities Committee - Kelley

City Manager Letter
Apr 13, 2009

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-29, regarding the possibility of other cable and internet providers doing business in the City, please be advised that Verizon Fios has not made any application to the City of Cambridge for a cable franchise. Certainly if they make such an application, it would be reviewed in accordance with the Cable Statute.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Economic stimulus package for Harvard and MIT. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Policy Order Number Fourteen of Apr 6, 2009.]
Placed on file under Rule 19 (so it dies without any action being taken)

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

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

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

5. An application from Alan L. Johnson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 135 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Mar 23, 2009. Meeting recessed on Mar 30, 2009. Referred to Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Ward on Apr 6, 2009.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from 9 Tastes, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of 50 JFK Street.

2. An application was received from Cardullos Gourmet Shoppe, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign, display of merchandise, three tables and nine chairs in front of 6 Brattle Street.

3. Approval of constable bond surety received from Fred MacDonald.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the resolution supporting local option legislation for red light camera enforcement.

2. A communication was received from Karen Ferreira and family, transmitting thanks for the resolution of sympathy on behalf of their dad, Roland Paris.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Condolences to the family of Elise Jones.   Mayor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Estella Johnson on her appointment as a member of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Board of Directors.   Mayor Simmons

3. Congratulations to the Cambridge Youth Hockey Girls U12 team for their recent Mayor's Cup win and receiving second place in the State Championships.   Mayor Simmons

4. Resolution on the death of Specialist Israel Candelaria Mejias.   Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Daniel J. Beard.   Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nelson M. Lantigua.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Devin C. Poche.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Raphael A. Futrell.   Councillor Decker

9. Congratulations to Cody Romano, CRLS 2008 graduate, on having the film that he directed, Dawn, selected for the Boston International Film Festival.   Mayor Simmons

10. Resolution on the death of Nancy E. (Houlihan) Barry.   Councillor Toomey

11. Urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day on Apr 24, 2009.   Mayor Simmons

12. Resolution on the death of Daniel Lewicki, Jr.   Councillor Toomey

13. Congratulations to David Fieldhouse on the opening of the Atomic Bean Cafe at 902-904 Massachusetts Avenue.   Vice Mayor Seidel

14. Urge residents to be cognizant that April is National Poetry Month.   Vice Mayor Seidel

15. Congratulations to Concilio Hispano and Centro Latino de Chelsea on their partnership in services to the Latino population.   Councillor Davis

16. Congratulations to the Arlington A-Team, Team Medford and the Cambridge Energy Busters for their participation in the Energy Smackdown on Mar 21-22, 2009.   Councillor Davis

17. Congratulations to Catherine Ruiz and David A. Lewis on their recent marriage.   Councillor Davis

18. Resolution on the death of Helen D. (Patacchiola) Petrillo.   Councillor Toomey

19. Resolution on the death of Mary (Shea) Goulart.   Councillor Maher

20. Resolution on the death of Helen M. (Carr) Flaminio.   Councillor Maher

21. Congratulations to the Cambridge Housing Authority on its 25th Anniversary of the Work Force Program and the twenty-five graduating seniors.   Councillor Maher

22. Congratulations to Barry Maiden, head chef of The Hungry Mother Restaurant, on being named one of the Best New Chefs of 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine.   Councillor Toomey

23. Urge residents to be cognizant of Bangladesh Independence Day and the start of the Bengali New Year on Saturday, April 18, 2009.   Mayor Simmons

24. Resolution on the death of Nadine Reddick.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons

25. Resolution on the death of Elvira (Sordillo) DeAngelis.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the Government Operations Committee review the policy about naming street corners and develop a procedure to ensure that placement of memorial signs is agreeable to neighbors and also to develop a procedure to remove existing signs to another location when neighbors object to their placement   Councillor Kelley

2. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the City Council's existing request for an Inspectional Services Department review of the Concord Avenue radio antennae issue, where this antennae is believed by neighbors to pose a threat to their safety should it fall over.   Councillor Kelley

3. That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee is requested to hold a meeting to discuss the three fatal collisions in which pedestrians have been killed by motor vehicles the aggressive pursuit of pedestrian safety and to review dangerous intersections and to review any possible lessons learned that could be implemented to prevent future collisions in the same or other locations.   Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Ward  amended

4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council prior to the final June meeting on the City's plans to enforce relevant laws about noise from motorcycles and loud cars.   Councillor Kelley

5. That the City Manager is requested to ask the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Cambridge Police Department to increase their presence along Webster Avenue and more aggressively enforce parking regulations in that area.   Mayor Simmons

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and report back with the tree planting schedule and locations that will be filled throughout the city and the status of the wait list for plantings.   Councillor Toomey

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the MIS Department to address solutions regarding city employees being blocked from access to receiving email, listserve communications, or access to websites, all of which are relevant to professional practice.   Mayor Simmons

8. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the feasibility of posting proposed zoning changes in a manner similar to that done for the Board of Zoning Appeal hearings.   Vice Mayor Seidel

9. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on efforts currently underway at the Cambridge Energy Alliance to encourage energy efficiency upgrades, energy audits and dissemination of appropriate information in large multi-unit buildings.   Vice Mayor Seidel

10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department on the status of two residential sites which have sat vacant in inhabitable condition for an extended period of time, one located on Churchill Avenue and the other on the corner of Foster Street and Foster Place.   Councillor Maher

11. That the City Council support the Board of Building Regulations and Standards having just two codes in Massachusetts: one standard and another more stringent to promote energy efficiency.   Councillor Davis

12. That the City Manager is requested to urge Harvard, MIT and other businesses to use the progressive practice of asking for concessions from all employees at all levels before resorting to layoffs of the lowest paid workers.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Ward

13. That the City Council conveys its wishes for the continuing publication of The Boston Globe to the publishers of The Boston Globe.   Councillor Davis
Adopted, Reconsideration filed by Councillor Reeves

14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to create a Cambridge Parent/Family listserv comparable to the town of Arlington's "Arlington Parent Journal," which allows parents and families to share relevant/useful parenting information with one another.   Councillor Decker

15. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to create a more user-friendly website, including a separate, more user-friendly webpage for the Cambridge Center for Families.   Councillor Decker

16. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the abandoned greenhouses in North Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on Feb 10, 2009 to discuss traffic enforcement data analysis.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 11, 2009 to discuss community gardens, receive an update on the possibility of a Cambridge Farm and any other matters relating to growing fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a letter from Gregory P. Russ, Executive Director of Cambridge Housing Authority in response to Order Number Seven of Mar 2, 2009.

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

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

Wed, Apr 15
2:30pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss plans for a public forum to provide information and support for homeowners or tenants who may be facing displacement because of economic distress.  (Ackermann Room)

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

Mon, Apr 27
5:15pm   Special Presentation - Send off for Cambridge GLBT Commissioner Chris Mason who is Driving Equality across America.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Tues, May 5
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the creation of partnerships between community or neighborhood groups and a nearby food pantry; a Cambridge Agricultural Fair and any other issues related to growing fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, May 7
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to consider whether the City Council should petition to amend the zoning law with regard to yard definitions, special permit thresholds and open space requirements in the Business A3 district.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting with regard to require aisle width for parking facilities in certain instances.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance filed by the City Council to facilitate parking for shared vehicles in Cambridge by amending Article 2.000 Definitions, creating a vehicle sharing parking facility use in the Table of Use Regulations, a new Footnote 56 in Article 4.000 Section 4.40, and creating a new Section 11.20-Vehicle Sharing Service Parking Facilities. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 13
3:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY10 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Some residents have expressed concern over the proliferation of memorial street corners in Cambridge and, in some cases, have objected to the specific location of relevant memorial signs; and
WHEREAS: Some residents have expressed concern over their belief that notice about a corner naming was not sufficient to allow them to express their opinion on the propriety of the dedication; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Government Operations Committee review the policy about naming street corners and develop a procedure to ensure that placement of memorial signs is agreeable to neighbors and also to develop a procedure to remove existing signs to another location when neighbors object to their placement; and be it further
ORDERED: That City Councillors are requested not to submit any corner memorial orders until the City Council has adopted a formal policy on the naming of street corners.

O-2     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the City Council's existing request for an Inspectional Services Department review of the Concord Avenue radio antennae issue, where this antennae is believed by neighbors to pose a threat to their safety should it fall over.

O-3     Apr 13, 2009  amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR WARD
WHEREAS: There have been three fatal collisions in Cambridge since March of 2008 in which pedestrians have been killed by motor vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Pedestrian safety is of paramount concern; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: The City staff has provided the City Council with very limited information on these fatal collisions which makes it difficult for the City Council to form any opinion on how to learn from these collisions to make our streets safer; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee is requested to hold a meeting to discuss these fatal collisions the aggressive pursuit of pedestrian safety and to review dangerous intersections and to review any possible lessons learned that could be implemented to prevent future collisions in the same or other locations.

O-4     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There are state laws limiting motorcycle exhaust noise and there are City regulations allowing enforcement actions against overly loud vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Overly loud motorcycles and cars tend to increase in number during the warmer weather, with a resulting negative impact on the general public enjoyment of our public ways, sidewalks and private property; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council prior to the final June meeting on the City's plans to enforce relevant laws about noise from motorcycles and loud cars to help ensure that these problematic vehicles do not continue to have a negative impact on the quality of life in Cambridge.

O-5     Apr 13, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Residents living on and near Webster Avenue have long voiced concern about the traffic congestion, blind driveways, double-parked vehicles, and pedestrian traffic that sometimes spills onto that street as "an accident waiting to happen;" and
WHEREAS: There have been complaints that many vehicles along this stretch of road are often illegally double parked, exacerbating the traffic congestion and making the street more dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike; and
WHEREAS: These complaints have been reaching the Mayor's Office in increasing numbers from people who either reside on Webster Avenue, or who find occasion to travel upon this street. The City has determined that it is wiser to take corrective action before accidents occur, rather than waiting until an incident happens and forces the issue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Cambridge Police Department to increase their presence along Webster Avenue and more aggressively enforce parking regulations there; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and other appropriate City personnel whether further measures are needed to calm traffic congestion and increase the safety of Webster Avenue.

O-6     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The spring tree planting season is upon us; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and report back with the tree planting schedule and locations that will be filled throughout the city and the status of the wait list for plantings.

O-7     Apr 13, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Many city employees are blocked from access to receiving email, listserve communications, or access to websites, all of which are relevant and at times critical to professional practice; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the MIS Department on providing solutions to this ongoing problem.

O-8     Apr 13, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Zoning decisions have significant impact on public policy that necessitate adequate notification of the public; and
WHEREAS: Citizens have voiced concerns that the existing methods of notification are not sufficient; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the feasibility of posting proposed zoning changes in a manner similar to that done for the Board of Zoning Appeal hearings.

O-9     Apr 13, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Energy Alliance was created to implement efficiency improvements in energy use; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has many large multi-unit buildings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on efforts currently underway at the Cambridge Energy Alliance to encourage energy efficiency upgrades, energy audits and dissemination of appropriate information in large multi-unit buildings.

O-10     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: There are two residential sites which have sat vacant in inhabitable condition for an extended period of time, one located on Churchill Avenue and the other on the corner of Foster Street and Foster Place; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department on the status of these two housing sites and update the City Council on the status.

O-11     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The vast majority of U.S. states permit local adoption of building codes and building proceeds from these; and
WHEREAS: It is generally thought to be a better practice to limit the complexity of the rules builders face by having fewer options than those that pertain when there is a local option; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council support the BBRS having just two codes in Massachusetts: one standard and another more stringent to promote energy efficiency; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.

O-12     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR WARD
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge Harvard, MIT and other businesses to use the progressive practice of asking for concessions from all employees at all levels before resorting to layoffs of the lowest paid workers; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the University Relations Committee.

O-13     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There is disturbing news that The New York Times Company may shut down The Boston Globe which would be a tragic loss for the community; and
WHEREAS: It is of great importance that a city of Boston's size support a strong newspaper for the city and surrounding communities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council conveys its wishes for the continuing publication of The Boston Globe to the publishers of The Boston Globe; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the publishers of The Boston Globe.

O-14     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: There is technology available which would be able to connect different Cambridge parents and families with one another to allow them to share parenting information and resources; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to create a Cambridge Parent/Family listserv comparable to the town of Arlington's "Arlington Parent Journal," which allows parents and families to share relevant/useful parenting information with one another; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-15     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge residents have voiced concern that the Human Services website is difficult to navigate, especially the webpage for the Cambridge Center for Families; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to create a more user-friendly website, including a separate, more user-friendly webpage for the Cambridge Center for Families; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-16     Apr 13, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the abandoned greenhouses in North Cambridge.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Feb 10, 2009 at five o'clock and thirty-five minutes PM in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss traffic enforcement data analysis.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Lieutenant Jack Albert, Sergeant Kathy Murphy, Police Department; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Steve Miller, 92 Henry Street; Sarah Farrington, 18 Frost Street; and Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He hoped to hear what the police can and cannot do to collect data.

The committee heard from Lieutenant Jack Albert who gave a PowerPoint Presentation (ATTACHMENT A). He explained the planning stage would incorporate historical data and up-to-date spatial and temporal analysis of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Under the current system, it is tough to pull all the data together. Two components were added to the computer system to provide quarterly reports. The 2008 strategic plan is to have police presence in hot spots. Five hotspot areas were identified. Councillor Kelley asked if accidents and enforcement would be analyzed. Lieutenant Albert responded in the affirmative. Councillor Kelley cited Central Square as an example with 25 accidents and 500 citations what else could be done. Lieutenant Albert responded directed enforcement hours. Mr. Miller asked what the data source is. Lieutenant Albert stated that the data sources are accidents, state data, citizen complaints, citations issued and directed enforcement. Mr. Miller asked if the data was computerized. Lieutenant Albert stated that two computer components would be added to make the system easier. The State changed reporting criteria five years go as they were just getting pure data, now boxes get checked on the form for later entry in a data system.

Councillor Kelley asked if the statistics are available for Pemberton/Fairfield Streets. The police have the information on the number of accidents, but this does not tell the problem. Accidents need to be reviewed to see if they are caused as a result of an engineer design issue. Councillor Kelley asked about the search capability of the system. He was informed that the state changed their reporting process. The state process can analyze; Cambridge cannot do this type of analysis. Lieutenant Albert does a monthly report of violations, but it is just a raw number. Every cruiser has a laptop, but data entry abilities are limited. In 1993, Lieutenant Albert was an accident investigator and he used a pin board to record accident locations. Lieutenant Albert stated that red light citation issued to a bicyclist could be recorded; but it is only a number and does not tell where citation was issued. Sergeant Murphy could develop that data. Modes will be added to the computer system. The accident reports are not computerized yet. The break down behind the numbers is not available now. Central Square has always been a large accident area. The goal of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Police and Community Development Departments is to reduce speeding. Massachusetts Avenue was narrowed to slow the cars down.

Councillor Kelley asked what intersection statistics would be given. The time, day of the week will be provided by the new computer system stated Lieutenant Albert. This information will direct police to areas where needed. Enforcement is about knowing the fishing holes, but these are not necessarily high accident locations. The goal of traffic enforcement is to reduce injury and accidents, and this will happen with directed enforcement at the accident locations.

Councillor Kelley commented that people value things that can be measured. Lieutenant Albert stated that of the five top hot spots a snapshot was done on Central Square/Area Four in an effort to direct resources were needed. Councillor Kelley asked what constitutes a hot spot. Lieutenant Albert stated it is the number of accidents occurring. He spoke about reporting accidents to the state police and the need for a uniform accident reporting form. The State Police enter their data for accidents on ‘their' roads. Mr. Miller asked if the Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) information could be downloaded. Lieutenant Albert told of an accident that occurred at Mass. Ave. and Alewife. The Cambridge system would not take the accident report. It was sent to the state. Mr. Miller asked if the state information was computerized. Lieutenant Albert said we were lucky to get 2007 data. The police only find out about reportable accidents. Councillor Kelley stated that he was in three collisions this year. They were not reported because there was no damage. If accidents are not reported the police have no data so the data collected will be very inconsistent in terms of missing ‘near accident' or minor accidents that still present a serious danger. Councillor Kelley asked how different accidents are weighed in reports. Lieutenant Albert said that there was no formal way of differing between accidents without studying individual causes.

Mayor Simmons inquired if there was a motor vehicle accident report would this data be captured. Lieutenant Albert responded in the negative. Only if there was $1,000 property damage, personal injury or hit and run. Mayor Simmons stated that it is important to file a minor accident report. The general public fears their insurance premium rising. This is an education piece. It is important to file with the police a minor fender bender, but this report is not sent to the RMV. She stressed the need for the report for safety versus insurance claims. Lieutenant Albert stated that data on fender benders could be linked to an engineering design issue and having this information could prevent fatalities. Signage reengineering is reviewed. Lieutenant Albert noted that while cars were not necessarily always at fault in an accident it would take a lot of hand searching of accident reports to mine that information. Mr. Miller stated that the structure needs to be fixed and training done through enforcement. He hoped that the new modes would be helpful, as the Police Department's current data analysis abilities appeared pretty minimal. He stated that there is a distinction between criminal and traffic misbehavior. With traffic it is structural or you never catch the problem, you cannot solve the traffic issues through enforcement.

Lieutenant Albert stated that the police will deploy saturation enforcement as the perception of enforcement is important. Ms. Farrington stated that this was done last year is there data on this. Lieutenant Albert responded in the negative; it is hard to quantify. Councillor Kelley commented that enforcement changes behavior. Ms. Farrington stated that she yells at motorists who run red lights. The effort is to have people obey the law. She stated that she has an issue with people who walk out in front of the cars.

Carolyn Shipley stated that the problem is structural. She spoke about signage and design. Passengers departing the T - structure should be changed to funnel pedestrians to the intersection.

Lieutenant Albert stated that directed patrol is generally thirty minutes of visible patrol. Councillor Kelley asked if data is collected on non-citation versus citation violation. Lieutenant Albert stated that every stop requires a "stop form" filled out with information containing whether a citation was issued. Stop forms are not as detailed as actual citations, which actually capture the type of violation. The stop forms are more about racial profiling and are purely motor vehicle forms. No stop forms are used for bikes or pedestrians. There were 1,550 citation issued for the top six intersections. Ms. Shipley wanted to know if there was a dollar amount associated with the citations; is this in the budget. Lieutenant Albert stated that the checks are sent to the RMV; Cambridge keeps 50%, which was about $500,000 last year. The state uses its share of the money to pay for various programs.

Lieutenant Albert stated that directed enforcement is broken down into categories:
86A directed patrol for high accident areas;
86B directed patrol for bikes;
86C directed patrol for crosswalks; and
86M directed patrol for miscellaneous traffic assignments.

Councillor Kelley questioned the motor vehicle stop hours with the new computer system. Lieutenant Albert stated that twenty minutes are allowed for motor vehicle stops; this data only show traffic stops while the officers do general law enforcement as well. He further stated that enforcement effort is successful with accidents down from 15.75 to 6 in 2008.

Lieutenant Albert stated that the accident reports are being analyzed for the intersection of Mason and Garden Streets. There are a lot of parking violations at this location. When the analysis is completed it may show that this is not the top accident spot. Ms. Farrington stated that the system needs to classify, categorize and filter the information. She asked if the new system would interface with the current system. Lieutenant Albert answered in the affirmative. The goal of the Police Department is to have a tool to analyze traffic data. The current tool was developed in-house. Lieutenant Albert said that the Request For Proposals to develop the data tool would cover all of the relevant information points. This information is necessary to direct the resources.

Ms. Farrington stated that the user information needs to be conveyed in the design process.

Lieutenant Albert stated that according to the report there is an increase in bike crashes, but there is also an increase in bicycle use. Councillor Kelley asked how much work is being done to look at the bike accident information. Sergeant Murphy responded that it is easy to pick out the bike accidents. Ms. Shipley asked if date, time and weather conditions on accidents would be put into the computer. Lieutenant Albert stated that the state accident report document is not used for bicycle accidents but that dooring information is collected on citations. It takes a lot of ‘leg work' to review data about accidents. The Traffic, Transportation and Parking Department is collecting collision information and reviewing it.

Lieutenant Albert reported that in the Central Square block 400 to 600 there was an average of 7.5 pedestrian accidents from 2002 - 2006. Cambridge captures pedestrians hit by bicycle data. There's a ‘halo' effect on crime when there is a traffic enforcement program going on. The Jaywalking fine is $1. There is a 30 miles per hour unmarked speed limit (where speed limit is not otherwise posted) and fairly few violations.

Councillor Kelley stated that he was happy with the PowerPoint Presentation. The data will be used. Collision data would be beneficial, especially in places like Porter Square where developers may find accident information useful in their building plans. Lieutenant Albert highlighted the top accidents from 1990-2007. Ms. Farrington commented that she called in a traffic complaint. Was this the reason for police presence? Lieutenant Albert responded in the affirmative.

Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees for their participation.

The meeting adjourned at seven o'clock and twenty-one minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at five o'clock and nine minutes p. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss community gardens, receive an update on the possibility of a Cambridge Farm and any other matters relating to growing fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Sam Seidel; Councillor Larry Ward; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Jennifer Wright, Director, Conservation Commission; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department; Luisa Oliveira, Lead Safe, Community Development Department; Stephanie Ackert, Department of Human Services; Penny Peters; Michael Gormley, Cambridge Housing Authority; Dawn Olcott, Cambridge Health Alliance; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Clayton Fountain, 185 Hamilton Street; Ellie Kobek, 69R Gore Street; Katharine Marsh, 30 Chatham Street; Anne Marie Reardon, 11 Madison Street # 2; Tim Kiely, 107 Gore Street #10; Gretta Anderson, 7 Gorman Street, Arlington; Frank Connelly, 198 Fayerweather Street; Phoebe Sinclair, 20 Sacramento Street; Lisa Damon, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources; David Leslie, Food for Free; P. E. Kutcher, 4 Washington Avenue; Laurie Young, 351 Harvard Street #1F; Edith Bross, 36 Beacon Street, Somerville; Joanna Herlihy, 410 Norfolk Street; Demita Frazier, 33 Fairmont Ave.; Joan Squeri, 118 Pearl Street; Maddy McDowell; Helen Snively; Jules Kobek; Anna Marden; Katie O'Keefe; and Zeyneb Mugavi.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. She asked Ms. Wright to give an update on the community gardens.

Ms. Wright spoke about the expansion of the community gardens. There are 36 new plots assigned for the Costa/Taylor/Lopez community gardens. There are two on the waiting list for Costa/Lopez, ten on the waiting list at the Squirrel Brand and six to ten on the Moore Street wait list. A survey of the Squirrel Brand site has gone out. Fixing drainage problems and the rehab of the Fresh Pond gardens will begin soon. She wants to redesign the gardens to double the number of the plots and adding some accessible plots to Neville Manor. Two potential locations for new gardens in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood are being investigated.

Councillor Davis asked how many are on the waiting list now. Ms. Wright stated that she did not have this number. There are 17 on the wait list for the Sacramento Street gardens. Lesley is looking into creating community gardens and to open them up to the public.

A discussion ensued about a container garden demo which will take place on Saturday, Apr 4, 2009. Ms. Peterson stated that this is collaboration between the Public Works Department, Lead Safe in Community Development Department, City Sprouts and the Senior Center. The demonstration will occur from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. The demonstration will be done by Clarinda Spinelli. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Councillor Davis asked if the community gardeners had anything to say to the city for the city to be more helpful.

Tim Kiely spoke about the wait list at Squirrel Brand. Is there any movement to clarify and enforce the rules regarding plot turnover. Ms. Wright stated that the Squirrel Brand coordinator is enforcing the turnover rule. The Whittemore garden is filled. There were 7 plots turned over at Neville. Three were assigned to people on the wait list and four were given to the assisted living facility. Turnover after three years is a policy; not a rule. Community gardens govern themselves. It is a goal to get people off of the waiting list. Councillor Davis asked if people could be put on multiple waiting lists. Ms. Wright responded in the affirmative.

Frank Connelly spoke about the opportunity to use unused land owned by others to garden. Ms. Snively volunteered to compile a list of anyone who wants space to garden. Demita Frazier suggested gardening in back and side yards. The soil would have to be tested for lead; this is easy to do, but there is a cost. Ms. Oliveira stated that Lead Safe holds workshops on this. There is a $9.00 fee to have your soil tested. Councillor Davis, Jennifer Wright, Luise Oliveira and Helen Snively will coordinate to discuss the use of back and side yards for gardening.

Phoebe Sinclair informed the committee that the Agassiz-Baldwin after school and summer staff is interested in container gardening. Anne Marie Reardon explained the problem with large groups of kids who trample gardens. There are common beds which are not taken care of; maybe these could be used for older children who want to garden. Ms. Snively explained the problem of kids planting in May while in school then school is out during the growing season. Dawn Olcott added that Baldwin/Cambridgeport is the only school where there is no City Sprout garden.

Councillor Ward spoke about recycling and connecting kids with adults similar to mentoring. Councillor Davis stated this is like a gardener's helper program.

Mr. Connelly asked if the gardens are mapped out. Ms. Wright stated that she is working on a gardening master plan.

Councillor Davis asked the community gardeners to take back to their community gardens the "Plant a Row for the Hungry Program" to see if the community gardeners wanted to participate. Ms. Wright stated that the Raymond/Concord Park is interested in participating. She stated that she would get information about the drop off site for the produce. Mr. Connelly asked if this information could be put on the city's web site. Ms. Wright responded in the affirmative. Ms. Kobek cautioned identifying people as different.

The committee proceeded to discuss the potential for a city farm. Councillor Davis stated that there is land available for a city farm and Ms. Gretta Anderson has had a lot of experience with urban farms. Ms. Wright stated that the city owns its own water supply at Stony Brook. Property was identified on Trapelo Road in Lincoln, adjacent to the caretaker's home. The issues are soil quality, zoning, sunlight, water and maintenance. Ms. Wright will investigate the sites with those issues in mind. A parcel was also identified on Gatehouse Lane in Weston. There is a total of ½ acre at each site. Goal might be to serve as a demo project for school children, CSA and to use food for low/moderate income families. Councillor Davis stated that a process that makes sense needs to be established to determine how the farm would be used. Establish a committee with people who are knowledgeable about setting up a city farm. The next step would be to gather internal and external staff. The committee now heard from Ms. Anderson.

Gretta Anderson stated that a one acre garden is not self-sustaining. Urban gardens are usually managed by a non-profit board of directors. She stated that Newton brought its property specifically for a farm. Seventy-five CSA shares can be provided from the Newton farm. She stressed that the goals of the farm need to be identified. She suggested that intensive farming can produce a lot of food. She suggested looking at the Hartford, CT food project. The model used is based on this goal. Councillor Davis asked how many shares would one acre of land yield. Ms. Anderson responded twenty-five shares.

Councillor Davis stated that the city is looking into the preliminary concept of a public/private sponsorship model farm that is fundable. The city is not interested in running the farm. A process needs to be established to look at all the potentials. Councillor Davis suggested that anyone who wanted to be involved in establishing a committee e-mail her their desire to be involved and their experience.

Vice Mayor Seidel asked what is known about the abandoned greenhouses in North Cambridge. At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the abandoned greenhouses in North Cambridge.

The motion carried.

The committee now discussed ideas for an AgFair. Councillor Davis asked Mr. Kiely to report.

Mr. Kiely stated that he spoke with Kari Kuelzer from Grendel's Den about an AgFair. It could contain baked goods; locally grown food; crafts, educational material; City Sprouts activities and art work. Anne Marie Reardon talked about the URI Fall Fair. Councillor Davis commented on Danehy Park Family Day perhaps having tables to look at the city's supply of agricultural produce. The Harvard Square Business Association would have the staff to take this on. She would be in contact with Tim, Kerry and Jane Hirschi. The Green Youth Corp is starting in the city through the Mayor's Summer Job Program. They may be contributors to the AgFair. Ms. Peterson added that the Team GreenSense focuses on energy efficiency. It was suggested that local restaurants and farmer's markets be involved. Ms. Damon stated that she could highlight events, ideas and contacts for AgFair through state sources. She stated that if farmers are given notice and they can sell their produce the famers will come to the AgFair.

Joan Squeri encouraged Massachusetts farmers to produce more CSA meat. The Los Angeles model looks to neighbors for farmable land in exchange for produce. She attended Agriculture Day at the State House on Mar 10, 2009. Farmers need to be encouraged to raise livestock to sell to restaurants. The farmer's costs are too big. Restaurant demand in Cambridge/Boston is great. The problem is farmers in Massachusetts are not organized. There are transportation and infrastructure issues to be addressed to make it economically feasible for farmers to raise livestock. There is a need to know that the livestock will be sustained until ready for sale.

Vice Mayor Siedel asked how the committee would get information on the land near the water supply. Ms. Anderson stated that it is a good idea to have an experienced farmer go to the water supply land.

Councillor Ward supported the AgFair.

Jules Kobek asked if the immigrant community could participate. Language is a barrier.

Edith Bross spoke of food security and the business community. She suggested growing food for small businesses as a food loan.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at six o'clock and thirty minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

09-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there has been an increase in participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/06/09 (O-1)

09-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the Summer Food Service Program will be continued this year.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/06/09 (O-2)

09-29. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #1
RE: report on whether or not the City can actively solicit cable and internet providers to do business in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis and Full Membership 04/06/09 (O-11)