RECONSIDERATIONS
1. A zoning petition has been received from Craig H. Appel, the owner of property at 11-11 1/2 Gerry Street, requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Section 4.34 Office and Laboratory Use and Section 4.40 Footnotes. Councillors Sullivan and Murphy moved reconsideration on Apr 10, 2007 on the vote taken on Apr 9, 2007 to refer the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report on Application and Petition Number Six of Apr 9, 2007.
Reconsideration Prevailed and petition Placed on File without Prejudice

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the FY2008 submitted budget and appropriation orders.  Referred to Finance Committee

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant funded from the Statewide Emergency Telecommunications Board (SEBT) for $41,934.51 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($27,084.51) and Travel and Training account ($14,850) and will support training to dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department on new 911 telephone equipment being provided by the State, cross training and other specialized training.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $333,358 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account. In addition, I am requesting a transfer from the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($10,820) to the General Fund School Travel and Training account ($10,479) and to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($341) and are reallocations related to school improvement plans based on approved detail budget allocations by Principals, plant maintenance projects for window, bathroom stall, locker and other repairs, contracted special education support services based on student IEP requirements and various other operating transfers such as the purchase of materials for the start-up Montessori Program, Compass Learning software for students at the High School Extension Program and student transportation services.  Charter Right - Kelley

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $450,000 School General Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account to the School Debt Stabilization Fund to be used to fund future school capital projects and help offset fluctuations in future debt service revenues and expenses, subject to appropriation.  Charter Right - Kelley

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-30, regarding a report on determining if the bicycle accident in Porter Square was caused in any way by the Porter Square redesign.  Referred to Traffic, Transportation, & Parking - Kelley

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-48, regarding a report on appointing a working group to study various liquor policy options.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-29, regarding the ongoing rehab project at 57 Otis Street.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-22, regarding a report on preparing for the 2010 Census with regard to possible re-districting.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-26, regarding whether there is a quota or requirement for the issuance of parking and/or moving violation tickets and how it interacts with the community policing goals.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-53, regarding a report on the actions and status of the Leaf Blowers task force.  Referred to Ordinance Committee

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-47, regarding a report on the condition of the play equipment at the Alden Playground and on who equipment is installed and monitored.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-38, regarding a report on whether consumers who use electric or gas heat qualify for fuel assistance.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads, housing developers, transportation specialists and other interested parties to help determine what type of programs, if any, that limit parking rights might be feasible and how such programs might impact housing development and confer with relevant City staff to determine the legality of restricting on-street parking permits and visitor passes to residential units based on zoning incentives, special permit requirements or any other transportation and land use tool that may be at the City’s disposal. [Charter right exercised by Councillor Galluccio on Order Number Thirty-One of Apr 9, 2007.]  Adopted as Amended
AMENDED ORDER     April 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY, COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO, COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The City Council is interested in considering a "green zone" policy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to research, develop and report back to the City Council on a potential green zone policy for Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That said report include information as to other municipalities' actions in this area; and be it further
ORDERED: That said policy should consider methods to reduce cars in Cambridge, which could include restrictions on parking in the green zone or other regulation.

ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of Feb 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 27, 2006.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table City Manager Agenda Number Six of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the Historical Commission’s recommendation for the consolidation of the Half Crown and Marsh Neighborhood Conservation Districts. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Two of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Mayor Reeves on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the recommendations for changes to the Neighborhood Conservation District Ordinance and the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Order, submitted by the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee and endorsed by the Historical Commission. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Three of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Sullivan on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

6. That the City Council go on record in opposition to House Bill 847 An Act to Streamline Chapter 91 License Applications and Coastal Planning. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Sullivan on Order Number Sixteen of Mar 5, 2007. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Davis on Mar 19, 2007.]

7. Opposition to the Urban Ring Phase II bus system unless the whole route is grade separated to ensure that the buses would not have to compete with general traffic. [Placed on Table Order Number Nineteen of Apr 9, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 9, 2007.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. 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.]

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan and Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Feb 13, 2007 to consider proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance Chapter 6 entitled Animal Control Regulations, to provide rules for off-leash areas. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Apr 23, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Lizzy’s Ice Cream LLC, requesting permission for two tables and four chairs in front of premises numbered 29 Church Street.

2. Approval of constable bond surety received from Ronald M. DiGiorgio.

3. An application was received from Mariposa Bakery, requesting permission for five tables and fifteen chairs in front of premises numbered 424 Massachusetts Avenue.

4. An application was received from Singh Raghbin, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 66 Dudley Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Response has been received from neighborhood association.  Tabled - Davis (see Order #30)

5. A zoning petition has been received from Craig H. Appel et al., requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Section 4.34 Office and Laboratory Use and Section 4.40 Footnotes.  Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from William August, Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association, Inc., regarding the Neighborhood Safety Committee.

2. A communication was received from Jane Ehrlich, transmitting opposition to prohibiting dogs on grassy areas at Fresh Pond.

3. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunication and Energy, transmitting a copy of the condensed financial return for year ended Dec 31, 2006 for NSTAR Gas Company.

4. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunication and Energy, transmitting a copy of the condensed financial return for year ended Dec 31, 2006 for Cambridge Light Company.

5. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunication and Energy, transmitting a copy of the condensed financial return for year ended Dec 31, 2006 for Boston Edison Company.

6. A communication was received from Kara Holmquist, MSPCA, Director of Advocacy, transmitting concern from Cambridge citizens about the proposed changes regarding off-leash recreation space at Fresh Pond.

7. A communication was received from Lawrence Sullivan, Jr. and family, thanking the City Council for the resolution on the passing of their father Lawrence J. Sullivan.

8. A petition was received from Lisa Hartenstein et al., transmitting opposition to the proposed curb cut at 66 Dudley Street.

9. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding springtime for cuttlefish.

10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Cambridge’s own Imus.

11. A communication was received from Marilyn Wellons, regarding the Urban Ring.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution to be prepared on the Department of Public Works 2007 Commissioner’s Cookout and Award Ceremony on Wed, May 23, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

2. Best wishes to the Kennedy-Longfellow School students on their 1st Annual Kennedy-Longfellow Poetry Slam on May 3, 2007 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Kennedy-Longfellow School Auditorium.   Councillor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Lawrence F. Allen Sr.   Councillor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Joseph I. Burns.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

5. Congratulations to Kelly Writer and the City of Cambridge on being named a Tree City USA.   Mayor Reeves

6. Welcome to Councilor Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston, Jamaica, guest speaker at The Coalition of Jamaican Organization’s annual dinner and dance on May 5, 2007 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.   Mayor Reeves

7. Congratulations to Kathleen Malone on receiving the Kenneth S. Neal Award at the Cambridge School Volunteers Mack I. Davis Awards & Recognition event on Mon, May 14, 2007 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Harvard Faculty Club.   Mayor Reeves

8. Congratulations to Joyce Kauffman on being awarded the Gwen Bloomingdale Pioneer Award at the Fenway Community Health Center’s Women’s Dinner Party.   Mayor Reeves

9. Resolution on the death of Agnes "Louise" (Bowler) Campbell.   Councillor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the death of Lafayette L. Bingham Jr.   Councillor Galluccio

11. Resolution on the death Pamela A. Scott.   Councillor Galluccio

12. Resolution on the death of Maureen "Susan" Hanley.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

13. Resolution on the death of George W. Spartichino.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

14. Resolution on the death of William G. "Bill" Stanton.   Councillor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Peter L. Flynn.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Daniel E. O’Brien.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Rita M. (Shimkus) Murphy.   Councillor Sullivan

18. Condolences to Diane Wilkerson on the death of her father Nathaniel Wilkerson.   Mayor Reeves

19. Resolution on the death of Dominic Scalcione.   Councillor Sullivan

20. Resolution on the death of Michael J. Stephen.   Councillor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Urania (Moniz) Giesta.   Vice Mayor Toomey

22. Resolution on the death of Darryl Stingley.   Councillor Galluccio

23. Declare May 7-13, 2007 "Public Service Recognition Week."   Mayor Reeves

24. Resolution on the death of William K. Asamoah.   Councillor Galluccio

25. Congratulations to high school student Kemper English on being selected to attend the National Student Leadership Conference.   Mayor Reeves

26. Congratulations to Margie Topf on being recognized with the Dance Belt Award for being a tireless advocate for dance.   Mayor Reeves

27. Congratulations to Jeff and Colleen Hansen on the birth of their son, Liam Michael Hansen.   Vice Mayor Toomey

28. Congratulations to Derrick Davis on receiving a Dance Belt Award.   Mayor Reeves

29. Proclaim May as Dance Month in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

30. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2007 Outstanding City Employee Awards.   Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves

31. Congratulations to Deborah Loeb Bohren on her new position as Vice President for External Affairs for MIT.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

32. Resolution on the death of George Potter.   Councillor Davis

33. Happy 40th Birthday wishes to Joseph Grassi.   Vice Mayor Toomey

34. Condolences to the Virginia Tech community and the families of the victims.   Councillor Galluccio

35. Best wishes to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services as they host their eight annual ElderFair on June 27, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

36. Best wishes to the Girls’ LEAP (Lifetime Empowerment & Awareness Program) on their 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert on Apr 24, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

37. Congratulations to Joan Abrams on being named a finalist for the 2007 Genzyme Invitrogen Biotech Educator Award.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Galluccio

38. Congratulations to Doug Rubin on his appointment as Chief of Staff for Governor Deval Patrick.   Councillor Sullivan

39. Congratulations to BBN Technologies, Inc. and Harvard University on their development of CitSense, a wireless network atop Cambridge light poles.   Councillor Sullivan

40. Best wishes to Transition house as they celebrate their Spring Benefit at a Jazz Cafe on Apr 25, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

41. Appreciation to the Cambridge firefighters and paramedics at Cambridge Fire Headquarters who quick and skillful response resulted in the healthy birth of Samuel Braga Leonardo.   Councillor Sullivan

42. Congratulations to Jennifer (Braga) and Mark Leonardo on the birth of their son Samuel Braga Leonardo.   Councillor Sullivan

43. Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Norman on being named the 2007 Dr. Susan M. Love Award recipient.   Councillor Simmons

44. Congratulations to the many sponsors and individuals who have contributed to the Cambridge Science Festival during the week of Apr 21-29, 2007.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Reeves

45. Congratulations to the Cambridge hotels who are participating in the Boston Green Tourism initiative.   Councillor Davis

46. Congratulations to Ollie Hallowell for being selected Conservateur d’honneur of the Rejection Collection Auction.   Councillor Davis

47. Congratulations to Jean McQuire on her appointment as Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services in the Deval Patrick administration.   Councillor Simmons

48. Condolences to Reverend Joseph O. Robinson on the death of his mother Willie Martin Robinson.   Councillor Galluccio

49. Welcome Microsoft to Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

50. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Daniel Fuentes.   Councillor Decker
51. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Miguel Marcial III.   Councillor Decker
52. Resolution on the death of Private Damian Rodriguez.   Councillor Decker
53. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jay Cajimat.   Councillor Decker
54. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Gabriel Figueroa.   Councillor Decker
55. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Walter Freeman Jr.   Councillor Decker
56. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Derek Gibson.   Councillor Decker
57. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Brian Holden.   Councillor Decker
58. Resolution on the death of Specialist James Lindsey.   Councillor Decker
59. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Daniel Olsen.   Councillor Decker
60. Resolution on the death of Private First Class David Simmons.   Councillor Decker
61. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Rodney McCandless.   Councillor Decker
62. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Daniel Santee.   Councillor Decker
63. Resolution on the death of Specialist Clifford Spohn III.   Councillor Decker
64. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ismael Solorio.   Councillor Decker
65. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jason Beadles.   Councillor Decker
66. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kyle Bohrnsen.   Councillor Decker
67. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Forrest Cauthorn.   Councillor Decker
68. Resolution on the death of Private First Class James Coon.   Councillor Decker
69. Resolution on the death of Corporal Joseph Cantrell IV.   Councillor Decker
70. Resolution on the death of Specialist Levi Hoover.   Councillor Decker
71. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jason Arnette.   Councillor Decker
72. Resolution on the death of Specialist William Bowling.   Councillor Decker
73. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ryan Dallam.   Councillor Decker
74. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer Second Class Curtis Hall.   Councillor Decker
75. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Gwilym Newman.   Councillor Decker
76. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brian Ritzberg.   Councillor Decker
77. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Todd Singleton.   Councillor Decker
78. Resolution on the death of Captain Jonathan Grassbaugh.   Councillor Decker
79. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Adam Kennedy.   Councillor Decker
80. Resolution on the death of Specialist Curtis Spivey.   Councillor Decker
81. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Eric Vick.   Councillor Decker
82. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams.   Councillor Decker
83. Resolution on the death of Captain Anthony Palermo.   Councillor Decker
84. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer First Class Joseph McSween.   Councillor Decker
85. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Phillip Neel.   Councillor Decker
86. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer Second Class Joseph Schwedler.   Councillor Decker
87. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Bradley King.   Councillor Decker
88. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Shaffer.   Councillor Decker
89. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Larry Bowman.   Councillor Decker
90. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Robert McDowell.   Councillor Decker
91. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Harrison Brown.   Councillor Decker
92. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ebe Emolo.   Councillor Decker
93. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Shane Becker.   Councillor Decker
94. Resolution on the death of Chief Petty Officer Gregory Billiter.   Councillor Decker
95. Resolution on the death of Private Brett Walton.   Councillor Decker
96. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jerry Burge.   Councillor Decker
97. Resolution on the death of Commander Phillip Murphy-Sweet.   Councillor Decker

98. Congratulations to the Blessed Sacrament Colorguard on receiving the Bronze Medal in the World Class Division in Dayton, Ohio at the WGI World Championships.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves

99. Resolution on the death of Nagasaki Mayor Iccho Itoh.   Councillor Sullivan

100. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. Buckley Jr.   Councillor Sullivan

101. Resolution on the death of Eddie Robinson, Grambling University Football Coach.   Councillor Galluccio

102. Congratulations to the Cambridge Office for Tourism on being as the Number One destination along with Boston.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan

103. Congratulations to Vern Chin, owner of the Central Square McDonald’s, on receiving the 2007 Golden Broom Award.   Councillor Davis

104. Resolution on the death of Richard Murphy.   Councillor Galluccio

105. Resolution on the death of Mary C. O’Connell.   Councillor Galluccio

106. Congratulations to the Cambridge Public Library and Harvard University Art Museum’s Department of Public Education for sponsoring Family Night at the Fogg Museum.   Councillor Davis

107. Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Murray on receiving the Lifetime Achievement in Civil Rights The Arabic Hour-Arabic Media Excellence Award from The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.   Councillor Decker

108. Proclaim April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

109. Welcome Phil Wilson, Executive Director of the Black Aids Institute, to Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

110. Congratulations to Governor Deval Patrick on being recognized with the Paul Robeson Leadership Award at the 2007 Andrew J. Davis Unity Breakfast.   Mayor Reeves

111. Thanks to Professor Charles Ogletree for his program and forum on the 100th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision.   Mayor Reeves

112. Resolution on the death of Joseph Carvalho.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

113. Resolution on the death of Roberta J. (Boos) Carroll.   Councillor Galluccio

114. Resolution on the death of Reverend James Igo.   Councillor Galluccio

115. Congratulations to Tom and Lois White on receiving the Weston Jesuit School of Theology's 2007 Kolvenback Award.   Councillor Galluccio

116. Declare April 24, 2007 as Armenian Martyr's Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

117. Resolution on the death of Joseph Kelley.   Vice Mayor Toomey

118. Congratulations to the Millers River Tenant Council on their annual Spring Bazaar on May 5, 2007.   Vice Mayor Toomey

119. Best wishes to the North Cambridge Crime Task Force on the occasion of their April 25, 2007 fundraising kickoff for the National Night Out on August 7, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

120. Congratulations to LeRoy Cragwell on receiving the Seventh Annual Jeanne Burton Advocacy Award.   Mayor Reeves

ORDERS
1. Dedication of an appropriate site in honor of George W. Spartichino.   Councillor Galluccio

2. That the City Manager is requested to present a plan to improve the planting of street trees along Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge where other streetscape improvements such as repaired sidewalks, new street lighting, and installation of benches, trash cans and bike parking are also needed.   Councillor Davis  Amended

3. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the feasibility of piloting a program of low-cost bicycle rental such as the ones in Lyons and Paris, France.   Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager is requested to convene a group to collaborate to set objectives and develop criteria for play areas distributed around the city that meet the needs for developmentally appropriate physical activity.   Councillor Davis

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads and report back to the City Council on the City’s policy for making on-street parking spaces unavailable, the requirements of advance notice of such unavailability and how the advance notice requirements may be waived.   Councillor Kelley

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the legality of allowing citizens to carry and use their own hand-held stop signs at City crosswalks to encourage cars to stop when pedestrians are trying to cross the street.   Councillor Kelley

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council as to what if any data the City could obtain through the CitySense system to help in setting policy or other city functions.   Councillor Sullivan

8. City Council support of the proposed legislation to track guns bought and sold on the secondary market, allow consideration of illegal gun possession in setting bail and banning bulk purchase of firearms.   Councillor Sullivan

9. That the City Manager is requested to encourage increased ridership on the EZ Ride Shuttle by increasing publicity to residents and businesses of East Cambridge, Area IV and Cambridgeport.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Davis

10. That His Honor, the Mayor, is requested to arrange a roundtable with the School Department, the School Committee, the Department of Public Health, the City Manager, the Police Commissioner and all relevant departments to discuss prevention and a response plan to incidents of violence in the Cambridge Public Schools and other public buildings.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Galluccio  Amended

11. That the City Manager is requested to arrange a tour of 362-364 Rindge Avenue and to meet with the owners on capital improvements as well as any other issues raised by the tenants of the building.   Councillor Galluccio

12. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to extend a welcoming hand to Google in their search for space in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

13. Request that the City Manager contact Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz to respectfully request that the City of Somerville restrict parking at the corner of Elm and Davenport Streets in an effort to improve safety and visibility at those corners.   Councillor Galluccio

14. City Council support for the concerns of the Cambridgeport neighborhood as presented by the Ward 5 Democratic Committee to the CEO and Executive Director of Massport Thomas J. Kinton Jr. pertaining to planes flying over at very low altitudes that create severe noise and vibration problems for the people who reside in Cambridgeport.   Councillor Simmons

15. City Council support of Bill H-864, An Act Relative to Recycling Discarded Electronic Products.   Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager is requested to report on whether assault rifles or handguns with unlimited ammunition are available for sale in Cambridge and is requested to notify the City Council if any non-public safety personnel are licensed to carry or own such weapons or handguns with unlimited ammunition.   Councillor Davis

17. That the City Manager is requested to examine the potential of "timebanking" for the delivery of services, especially as this method of exchange may be useful for the senior citizens who wish to stay in their homes and for homeowners and renters who wish to achieve energy efficiency.   Councillor Davis  Amended

18. City Council support of H3539, Safe Routes to Schools.   Councillor Davis

19. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to postpone the purchase/use of tasers until the City Council can have a full council discussion on the matter.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis and Councillor Kelley

20. That the City Manager is requested to bring forward a recommendation for a preferred option/alignment for the Urban Ring to meet Cambridge needs for decreased congestion and improved air quality.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Galluccio

21. That the City Manager is requested to bring together stakeholders interested in maintaining Fort Washington as a park for both dogs and people, including dog owners, the Historical Commission, the Department of Public Works, and other interested in this goal. The purpose of this group is to evaluate current conditions and to collaborate to assure that Fort Washington remains a high-quality park.   Councillor Davis

22. That the City Council hereby adopts the policy goal of an 80% reduction of the city’s CO2 emissions by 2050.   Councillor Davis

23. City Council support of the proposed budget amendment regarding homeless children’s access to early education and care.   Councillor Sullivan

24. That the City Council join with Keep it Local to support fair competition and local control of cable TV franchises, and to urge the Governor of Massachusetts and the Legislature to turn back any franchising proposal that favors narrow corporate interests over the diverse interests of the millions of residents of Massachusetts’ cities and towns   Councillor Davis

25. Dedication of the community park at Lafayette Square as "The Jill Rhone Park: Where Technology and Community Come Together".   Councillor Simmons

26. That the Cambridge City Council strongly supports Governor Patrick’s revenue proposals and urges the entire Cambridge legislative delegation to do its utmost to ensure their approval by the legislature and inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget   Councillor Simmons

27. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to monitor the parking and idling of tour buses in Harvard Square.   Mayor Reeves

28. That the City Manager is requested to utilize all available resources in launching a major employment initiative that would bring all our major employers together in an effort to prioritize their cooperation in this major initiative   Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Decker

29. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate department to review the current situation and take the necessary actions to install a new flag pole at Donnelly Field.   Councillor Sullivan

30. City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, the Director of the Traffic Parking and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to provide information regarding issues to the City Council with respect to the curb cut application for 66 Dudley Street, which was placed on the Table on April 23, 2007.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Civic Unity Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 1, 2007 for the purpose of continuing to plan a 2007 Race and Class Forum.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on Apr 4, 2007 to have a preliminary discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, transmitting a copy of a letter sent to the License Commission regarding the new Jitney fee.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Apr 26
6:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of the proposed amendments to Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code, Animal Control Regulations, regarding rules for off-leash areas.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Sat, Apr 28
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, May 3
7:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the vision for our youth centers.  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

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

Tues, May 8
4:45pm   The Ordinance Committee and Housing Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss use of zoning regulations to encourage developers of market-rate housing to include larger family-sized units in their projects.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:15pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the definition in the Zoning Ordinance of side and rear lot lines and types of multifamily structures.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of the recommendation of the Historical Commission regarding the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District boundary study.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 9
4:45pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 Capital Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 School Department Budget. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 10
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the topic of a "clean" hybrid cab program as implemented in Boston.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Sat, May 12
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, May 15
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issues including speed bumps, raised intersections and other devices intended to slow traffic speeds, and the limits of employing these devices and the criteria for selection of the placement of these devices.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 16
5:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY08 City Budget. This meeting to be televised. (if necessary)  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 17
5:00pm   Ordinance Committee  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 21
4:00pm   2007 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 6
5:00pm   Ordinance Committee  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, June 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, Sept 17
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of George W. Spartichino; 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-2     Apr 23, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan to improve the planting of street trees along Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge where other streetscape improvements such as repaired sidewalks, new street lighting, and installation of benches, trash cans and bike parking are also needed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider recommending revitalization money for north Massachusetts Avenue in next year's budget, and further that the City Manager appoint a task force to further this purpose.

O-3     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: For the past two years Lyons, France has had a program of offering low-cost rental bikes at bicycle stations throughout the city in order to cut traffic, reduce pollution, and improve parking; and
WHEREAS: Paris, France will be launching such a program in July; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate if such a program could be piloted in Cambridge.

O-4     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Community Development Department is in the process of writing a new 5-year open space plan; and
WHEREAS: This is an opportune time to adopt criteria for age-appropriate play spaces and equipment to be distributed around the city in order to implement that plan; and
WHEREAS: Play is an essential component of developmental growth for every child, and relates to success in school and in life; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a group to collaborate to set objectives and develop criteria for play areas distributed around the city that meet the needs for developmentally appropriate physical activity; and be it further
ORDERED: That the group investigate "adventure playgrounds" and so-called supervised playgrounds for their applications to Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the objectives and criteria developed by the group become a part of the 5-year open space plan.

O-5     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: On-street parking is a valued resource in much of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: On-street parking spaces are often made unavailable due to tree work, utility work, moving vans, block parties and other activities that require curb space; and
WHEREAS: Sometimes notices are posted for "no parking" and are put up shortly before the spaces become unavailable; and
WHEREAS: People who have parked their cars in legal on-street spaces may not realize that the space in which they have parked has become unavailable since the time they parked their car if the notice of unavailability is not clearly displayed at least a few days in advance; and
WHEREAS: People may find that they receive tickets or have their cars towed when they had left them parked in what, at the time of parking, were legal on-street spaces; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads and report back to the City Council on the City’s policy for making on-street parking spaces unavailable, the requirements of advance notice of such unavailability and how the advance notice requirements may be waived.

O-6     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cars are required to stop for pedestrians who are crossing Cambridge’s streets in a marked crosswalk; and
WHEREAS: Cars usually do not stop for pedestrians crossing Cambridge’s streets in a marked crosswalk; and
WHEREAS: Pedestrians, including people crossing with multiple young children and people with mobility restrictions, often find themselves in a crosswalk in the middle of the road, with cars passing by on each side of them while trying to get the motorists’ attention so that oncoming cars will stop and allow them to complete their crossing in safety; and
WHEREAS: It is both dangerous and uncomfortable for pedestrians to find themselves in such a precarious position; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the legality of allowing citizens to carry and use their own hand-held stop signs at City crosswalks to encourage cars to stop when pedestrians are trying to cross the street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what sort of liability is likely to attach to either the City or a pedestrian using such a hand-held stop sign should a motorist be involved in an accident at a crosswalk while someone is using a hand-held stop sign.

O-7     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that engineers at Harvard University and BBN Technologies, Inc. are collaborating on a first-of-its kind wireless network atop Cambridge light poles (see attached Boston Globe article); and
WHEREAS: The system, known as CitySense, is unique in that the sensor information will be entirely open to the public over the web; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as to what if any data the City could obtain through this system to help in setting policy or other city functions.

O-8     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that new legislation filed by Senator Jarrett Barrios would make it harder for gun traffickers to avoid detection by establishing a central database tracking guns bought and sold on the secondary market; and
WHEREAS: The proposed legislation would also make it illegal to not report a lost or stolen gun, allow judges to consider illegal gun possession when setting bail and ban the bulk purchase of firearms (see attached Boston Globe article); now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the proposed legislation to track guns bought and sold on the secondary market, allow consideration of illegal gun possession in setting bail and banning bulk purchase of firearms; 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 delegation to the State House on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to encourage increased ridership on the EZ Ride Shuttle by increasing publicity to residents and businesses of East Cambridge, Area IV and Cambridgeport.

O-10     Apr 23, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The increased violence in colleges, high schools and elementary schools across the country continue to remind us of the importance of having a prevention and response plan in place to combat incidences of violence; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That His Honor, the Mayor, be and hereby is requested to arrange a roundtable with the School Department, the School Committee, the Department of Public Health, the City Manager, the Police Commissioner, representatives from Cambridge's colleges and universities, and all relevant departments to discuss prevention and a response plan to incidents of violence in the Cambridge Public Schools and other public buildings.

O-11     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange a tour of 362-364 Rindge Avenue and to meet with the owners on capital improvements as well as any other issues raised by the tenants of the building; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Fresh Pond Tenant Council be invited to attend and participate in these discussions.

O-12     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to extend a welcoming hand to Google in their search for space in Cambridge.

O-13     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the City Manager contact Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz to respectfully request that the City of Somerville restrict parking at the corner of Elm and Davenport Streets in an effort to improve safety and visibility at those corners.

O-14     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the concerns of the Cambridgeport neighborhood as presented by the Ward 5 Democratic Committee to the CEO and Executive Director of Massport Thomas J. Kinton Jr. pertaining to planes flying over at very low altitudes that create severe noise and vibration problems for the people who reside in Cambridgeport; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Chelsea City Council on behalf of the Cambridge City Council.

O-15     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Bill H-864, An Act Relative to Recycling Discarded Electronic Products is again before the Legislature and the hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2007; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council adopted a policy resolution supporting the same bill last year on June 26, 2006; and
WHEREAS: Bill H-864, known as the Producer Take Back Bill, would shift the burden for collection and recycling of computer products from local governments to the manufacturer, and if passed would be an incentive for manufacturers to re-design their products to be less toxic, more durable, and easier to recycle; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting Bill H-864; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-16     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on whether assault rifles or handguns with unlimited ammunition are available for sale in Cambridge; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the City Council if any non-public safety personnel are licensed to carry or own such weapons or handguns with unlimited ammunition; and further be it
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Public Safety Committee.

O-17     Apr 23, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine and report back to the City Council on the potential of "timebanking" for the delivery of services, especially as this method of exchange may be useful for the senior citizens who wish to stay in their homes and for homeowners and renters who wish to achieve energy efficiency.

O-18     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Legislation has been filed to make use of a portion of Massachusetts federal safety dollars for Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS); and
WHEREAS: A hearing on this bill (H3539) is scheduled for May 17th at the Joint Committee on Transportation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record as supporting H3539; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this order to the entire Cambridge Legislative Delegation and to each member of the Legislative Transportation Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-19     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to postpone the purchase/use of tasers until the City Council can have a full council discussion on the matter.

O-20     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The Urban Ring is not proposed to be built until 2014; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a commitment to improve the environment and reduce vehicular traffic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to bring forward a recommendation for a preferred option/alignment for the Urban Ring to meet Cambridge needs for decreased congestion and improved air quality.

O-21     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Fort Washington is the first off-leash dog area in the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to bring together stakeholders interested in maintaining Fort Washington as a park for both dogs and people, including dog owners, the Historical Commission, the Department of Public Works, and other interested in this goal. The purpose of this group is to evaluate current conditions and to collaborate to assure that Fort Washington remains a high-quality park.

O-22     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby adopts the policy goal of an 80% reduction of the city’s CO2 emissions by 2050.

O-23     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: State Representatives Eldridge, Toomey, and Khan have filed a proposed amendment to the state budget regarding homeless children’s access to early education and care that would hopefully increase the number of contracted slots for homeless children; and
WHEREAS: This amendment would earmark money, currently existing in the budget, for contracted homeless child care services; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the budget amendment regarding homeless children’s access to early education and care; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the State House, including faxed copies to be sent as soon as possible, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-24     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Keep It Local initiative is committed to fair competition and local control of cable television franchises in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Recent efforts to remove and restrict elements of local control from the franchising process, and suggestions that a broad state-issued franchise is the preferred approach are anti-consumer, anti-community and blatantly unnecessary given that all companies are currently allowed to compete for cable franchises on a local basis; and
WHEREAS: Federal law already prohibits exclusive franchise agreements and municipalities cannot exclude qualified competitors from providing service; and
WHEREAS: Keep It Local initiative strongly opposes any efforts to weaken the ability of local officials to negotiate for the best services and benefits for their respective municipalities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council join with Keep it Local to support fair competition and local control of cable TV franchises, and to urge the Governor of Massachusetts and the Legislature to turn back any franchising proposal that favors narrow corporate interests over the diverse interests of the millions of residents of Massachusetts’ cities and towns; and further be it
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit this resolution to Governor Deval Patrick, the entire Cambridge Legislative Delegation, and to Senator Michael Morrissey and Representative Brian Dempsey, Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

O-25     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Jill Brown Rhone was born and raised in Area Four; she grew up to become a Cambridge police officer and an active community member; and
WHEREAS: In all she said and did, Jill Brown Rhone showed her love and concern for the creation and nurturing of community; and
WHEREAS: Jill Brown Rhone passed away on July 8, 2002 at the untimely age of 50; in recognition of her service and devotion to her city, in particular to the Area Four community, the City Council voted to name the corner of Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Area Four in her honor; and
WHEREAS: A community park is under construction at the Main Street and Massachusetts street location in Area Four, also known as Lafayette Square; and
WHEREAS: Area Four hosts a large number of biotechnology and other high technology businesses; and
WHEREAS: In addition to serving as a gateway to Cambridge’s technology center, the new park is also the connection between the technology sector in which we hope our children will work and flourish in the future and the Area 4 community that Jill Brown Rhone served, a community which has raised many children to a life of public service; and
WHEREAS: Cantabrigians want their children to have the opportunity for a first-rate science and technology education and the exciting future this industry can offer them, while holding fast to the idea of community and community service typified in the life of Jill Brown Rhone; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record naming the new community park at Lafayette Square as "The Jill Brown Rhone Park: Where Technology and Community Come Together".

O-26     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Government at the state and local level provides important and necessary services to residents, communities, and businesses; and
WHEREAS: These services include education, health care, transportation, infrastructure, public health, and environmental protection; and
WHEREAS: Investing in education, infrastructure, and other public services is critical to promoting job creation and improving our economy; and
WHEREAS: Many important public services have suffered from lack of investment and budget cuts; and
WHEREAS: Repairing the tax code is good for the long-term strength of our economy; and
WHEREAS: Governor Patrick’s proposal to close corporate tax loopholes would improve the fairness of our tax system, level the playing field for local businesses, and enable important investments that fuel our economy; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts ranks 10th among states with the lowest business taxes; and
WHEREAS: Governor Patrick’s Municipal Partnership Act would allow cities and towns the option of levying a local meals tax of up to 2 percent and increasing the local hospitality tax by 1 percent, as well as close a tax loophole for telecommunications companies; and
WHEREAS: The Municipal Partnership Act would provide benefits to homeowners and reduce the reliance of our cities and towns on property taxes; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council strongly supports Governor Patrick’s revenue proposals and urges the entire Cambridge legislative delegation to do its utmost to ensure their approval by the legislature and inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget; 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 members of the Legislative Delegation for the City of Cambridge on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-27     Apr 23, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: It is reported that a significant number of tour buses regularly park or idle on Massachusetts Avenue in MBTA Bus Stop areas requiring MBTA passengers to dart between tour buses unsafely; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to monitor the parking and idling of tour buses in Harvard Square.

O-28     Apr 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a thriving economy that includes a diverse business commercial job base; and
WHEREAS: These business areas include university, health care, hotel and hospitality, commercial office and real estate management, construction, bio-tech and much more; and
WHEREAS: Many of the City Council’s policy goals are tied to the availability of employment opportunities for lesser skilled and those without high levels of education; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has focused particular attention on the 18-30 year old age group (post-high school) because of the impact securing employment for this group can have on maintaining diversity and public safety (as demonstrated by the Mayor’s Public Safety Task Force); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to utilize all available resources in launching a major employment initiative that would bring all our major employers together in an effort to prioritize their cooperation in this major initiative; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Council committee on Human Services to support and bring this program to fruition as quickly as possible.

O-29     April 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The current flag pole at Donnelly Field is as high as the fence and the flag is being ruined; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate department to review the current situation and take the necessary actions to install a new flag pole at Donnelly Field.

O-30     April 23, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, the Director of the Traffic Parking and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to provide information regarding the following issues to the City Council with respect to the curb cut application for 66 Dudley Street, which was placed on the Table on April 23, 2007:

• Re-examine issues of safety vis a vis claim of abutters that there would be unsafe limited the visibility for backing out of the property due to the fence and bush on neighboring property.

• Re-check driveway dimensions in light of claim that the ten foot minimum requirement includes property not owned by applicant and that driveway dimensions do not make the necessary adjustment for the gas connection on the side of house.

• Determine the legality of the "shotgun" driveway/parking plan for the three units.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Civic Unity Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Mar 1, 2007, beginning at five o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing to plan a 2007 Race and Class Forum.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Michael A. Sullivan; City Clerk D. Margaret Drury; Duane Brown, Director of Affirmative Action; Kenneth Likes, 9 Saville Street, Affirmative Action Committee; Marla Erlien, Cambridge Human Rights Commission; and LeRoy Cragwell, 13 Hubbard Avenue, Affirmative Action Advisory Committee. Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Deborah Lerme Goodman, Community Learning Center, Department of Human Services (DHS); Jannette McKinnon-Ridgeman, Director of Childcare, DHS; Eileen Ginnetty, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, DHS; Eileen Keegan, Director of Community Schools, DHS; and Michelle Farnum, Director of Youth Programs, DHS.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose. It has been 10 years since planning began for the 1998 Forum on Race and Class, which she co-sponsored while she was on the School Committee. Other sponsors included the Peace Commission, the Women’s Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Mayor’s Office and the Eviction Free Zone. She described the origin of the 1998 forum in events that took place at the Baldwin (then Agassiz) Elementary School.

Councillor Simmons then turned the discussion to a review of the 1998 report back from the forum (Attached). She pointed out that several of the recommendations have been done. But the question is "Are we any better now?" Councillor Simmons said that in recent years she has seen our society subtly rolling the clock back. Are we going to recommit ourselves, and if we are, how do we want to do it?

She noted that there had been several helpful suggestions at the last meeting. Several people liked the theme of "Cambridge then and now." A format of break-out discussion groups was also popular. She said that one interesting suggestion had been to have a series of events, but she does not favor this approach because it takes a tremendous amount of people power to organize a whole series of events.

Ms. Erlien noted that there was a big interest in demographics at the last meeting. Councillor Simmons agreed and said that it would be good to specifically add consideration of immigrant issues. Ms. Lerner Goodman said that the 2005 Census information show that the economic gap in Cambridge is widening. The number of foreign-born residents has increased enormously, as has the number of people for whom English is a second language.

Ms Keegan said that looking at demographics in terms of neighborhoods could be very useful.

Councillor Simmons described the efforts made to ensure diversity in the break-out groups in the 1998 forum. She said that looking back at what went well and what could have gone better would be helpful. For example, the forum lasted until very late in the evening. The organizers did not know how many attendees to expect. If there had been pre-registration, they could have had a better idea of how many people would come.

Mr. Brown said that like the Saturday School organized by Professor Charles Ogletree and others, perhaps the forum could limit active participation to those who pre-register. Those who come without having pre-registered would be welcomed, but would be observers. Mr. Cragwell suggested using the word "Registration is recommended but not required."

Ms. Erlien said that many issues lend themselves to several different discussion areas, for example, housing. A lot of studies show that the lack of decent housing creates violence. Ms. Keegan agreed.

Ms. Farnum said that the more specific the topic, the better the quality of the information. Narrowing the focus will result in richer information. She also noted that a one-time event focused on race and class will appeal to a certain type and a certain demographic. It is a great way to get a lot of information, but to get a more complete picture, we would have to also use other methods of getting information.

Ms. McKinnon-Bridgeman asked if there was any way that the group could be intentional and focused about the policies to be discussed. Ms Farnum said that one useful focus could be on how the City creates community and how could we build better neighborhoods.

Mr. Likes said that the 1998 forum was just a sampling. The idea of focusing on how this forum would factor into policy setting makes him a little nervous because it can set up an unrealistic expectation among participants that if they come they will set policy. He favors emphasizing the exchange of different views, with a focus on what makes neighborhoods work.

Ms Semonoff expressed agreement with Mr. Likes’s comments. She also said that the City Council has set goals that speak to the issue of fostering community, and the forum could look at those goals through the lens of race and class.

Ms. Erlien said that a study done by Josephine Lolie discussed in an article published in the Boston Globe was an interesting analysis of how public spaces are not inviting to people of color. It was a Harvard Civil Rights Project study. Ms. Erlien offered to get the Cambridge statistics.

Mr. Likes suggested trying for a positive focus, for example the forum could focus on education and children.

Ms. McKinnon-Bridgeman asked to what extent the forum should involve students. She noted that the recent Youth Center community forums, the groups were co-facilitated by youth.

Councillor Simmons said that Professor Charles Ogletree was interested in taking part in this forum. Ms. Semonoff said that if Professor Ogletree came back and gave the same presentation that he gave at the City’s recent Black History Month Celebration, and then the attendees broke into groups, they could have some very rich conversations. Ms. Lerner Goodman agreed and added that in terms of community building, it would be a great opportunity for people to talk to different people.

Councillor Simmons agreed. She said that could be a program for a whole day, ask asked whether the group thought they would want to schedule the forum for a Saturday.

Mr. Brown said that there could be different focuses during the day at different places or different discussion groups at the same time. Mr. Cragwell suggested using high-tech telecommunication to connect groups to have one virtual meeting.

Ms. Lerner Goodman noted that the School Department is planning two big public forums on the achievement gap in the fall on Sept 15th and Oct 6th. It was noted that Danehy Park family day also takes place in September, and that these events could be opportunities for cross-advertisement and recruitment.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their participation and ideas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 P.M. on motion of Councillor Sullivan.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Wed, Apr 4, 2007 at four o’clock and fifty minutes p. m. in the Ackerman Room. The notice stated that the meeting would be held in the Sullivan Chamber but the location was changed to the Ackermann Room. The change of venue was duly posted for the public.

The purpose of the meeting was to have a preliminary discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Marjorie Decker; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager; Karen Preval. Senior Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office; Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; David Kale, Budget Director; James Monagle, City Auditor; D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Terry Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street; and Christina Cromeyer Dieke, student, 610 Beacon Street, Boston.

Councillor Sullivan opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He requested City Manager Robert W. Healy to give an update on the FY 08 budget process. An agenda was distributed (ATTACHMENT A).

Mr. Healy stated that the city is near the end of the budget process which began in November. The budget would be submitted to the City Council on Apr 23, 2007. The new City Council goals were used in preparing the budget narratives. The Capital and departmental budget reviews have been completed. Built in increases include salaries, health insurance and the pension fund. The School Department budget was adopted. The Cherry Sheet and MWRA revenues have increased. The Governor has some revenue and charter school increases. The budget is up ½ million dollars without the Charter School adjustment and up ¾ million dollars with the Charter School Tuition Assessment. The Governor’s budget addressed Chapter 70 Funds. Cambridge is using the Governor’s budget number which is $551,000 higher.

Councillor Sullivan asked Mr. Healy if there was an increase in recruitment and the education benefit for police officers. Mr. Healy responded that Cambridge was the first city to accept the provisions of the Quinn Bill. Most officers under the Quinn Bill have bachelor degrees.

Mr. Healy stated that there is a significant loss in ELOA grant funding for the Kids’ Council/Agenda for Children; however there is a $200,000 increase in the city budget and $40,000- $45,000 in the school budget to keep the literacy program running. Inclusion and assessment may be discussed at the budget meetings. No budget has grown greater than the Kids’ Council.

Councillor Sullivan discussed the increase in health insurance. There have been fifty override petitions. Some of the override petitions were in communities that have not been well managed. Cambridge is ahead of the curve especially on health care. Group Insurance Commission (GIC) may not be necessary in Cambridge stated Mr. Healy. He informed the committee that the state firefighters voted not to support GIC. This will require local acceptance. It will not be an advantage to Cambridge to join GIC.

The Cambridge Retirement System will not have to join a state plan. Mr. DePasquale stated that the Retirement plan is paid up to 2015. Cambridge is $74 million below the levy limit. There is a seven member planning committee appointed by the City Manager to discuss other post employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities.

Mr. Healy stated that the budget narrative will include investment practices. The debt management has been manageable. Over the next ten years $10 million will be saved.

Councillor Sullivan asked if storm water separation would be continued. Mr. Healy responded in the affirmative.

Councillor Sullivan discussed school maintenance. Mr. Healy informed the committee that a needs analysis was done for the School Department, but there was no financing vehicle with the analysis. The Administration cannot stay in the Sacred Heart building. There is no answer for the physical needs of the School Department at this time.

The committee reviewed the revenue. Mr. Healy stated that he hoped that the litigation with the DEP regulations was cured through legislation. Councillor Decker asked if building permits could be issued with a time limit so that an additional permit would be needed if a development was taking too long. Mr. Healy stated that the State Building Code is uniform throughout the commonwealth. Councillor Decker stated that she would be introducing a City Council Order at the next meeting on this matter.

Councillor Decker asked Mr. Healy where do the big gaps exist this year from last year in the budget. Mr. Healy responded that the charter school tuition reimbursement issue has not been addressed. Councillor Decker asked if the School Department will come to the city for the gap. Mr. Healy responded that the School Department budget has been voted on by the School Committee. He informed the committee that the public work department budgets throughout the state are significantly less. If the levy limit is under 6% he will be happy.

Councillor Decker asked if there is any information on the sale of city buildings. Mr. Healy responded in the negative. The police station will not be vacated until after this fiscal year. Is the cost to move the police in the budget, asked Councillor Decker. The figure is in the construction cost stated Mr. Healy. He informed Councillor Decker that there was no reduction in the community schools budget.

Councillor Kelley suggested looking at large rooming houses and dorms to raise revenue. Mr. Healy stated that Harvard would disagree that dorms be classified as lodging houses. He would check into this suggestion.

The charter school reimbursement formula was discussed.

Councillor Davis asked what proportion of money is paid by Cambridge to the MBTA for ridership. Mr. Healy stated that he did not have this figure.

At five o’clock and forty-five minutes p. m. Councillor Sullivan opened the meeting to public comment.

Kathy Podgers questioned if the parking fund included fines for illegal parked cars in handicapped spaces. Parking fund use is restricted stated Mr. Healy. Ms. Podgers stated that since 1992 the city was to do sidewalk and street repair work to be ADA compliant. She asked if she should file a complaint in federal court to ensure compliance with ADA regulations. She stated that state law requires that streets be kept free for public access and free of snow. She stated that she wanted a snow voucher program. City Ordinances and policies need to be brought into compliance. She suggested using an outside law firm to accomplish the compliance. The water fountains that are installed are illegal, she said. She wanted the parks to be ADA complaint also. She urged better support for the senior center. Funding for inclusion is needed. Children, she said, need to know their civil rights.

No one else appeared for public comment.

Councillor Sullivan thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at five o’clock and fifty-five minutes p.m. on motion of Vice Mayor Toomey.

For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair