Cambridge City Council meeting - April 24, 2006

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the FY2007 submitted budget and appropriation orders. - Summary (PDF)

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-27, regarding a report on accommodating Zipcars in resident parking areas.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-22, regarding a report on funding for the Girls Ice Hockey program.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Gerald A. McDonough as an Election Commissioner, as recommended by the Democratic City Committee. His four year term will expire on March 30, 2010.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation from the Cambridge Housing Authority Computer grant received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $4,255.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to support computer classes for Cambridge Housing Authority residents.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of a donation to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition in the amount of ($1,000.00) to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to support a Forum on Underage Drinking Policy.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-21, regarding a report from the Cambridge Housing Authority on the reduction of Building Access Monitor hours of operations.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation for adoption of a Procedure for the Disposal of Supplies Valued at Less Than $5,000. – ADOPTED

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Joe Sent Me, requesting permission for eight tables and sixteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 2388 Massachusetts Avenue. (Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Eleven of April 3, 2006.)

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from Holiday Investments, LLC for a permanent aerial easement for a black metal fire escape balcony or connected fire escape balconies to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over a portion of the public sidewalk on the westerly side of Fayette Street located in front of Holiday’s premises at 371 Broadway. (Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of April 3, 2006.)

ON THE TABLE
3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006 on Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 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.

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

6. 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 March 15, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to change the zoning for the remaining area north Massachusetts Avenue zoned Business C-1 to Business A-2. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after April 17, 2006. Petition expires June 13, 2006.
ORDINATION FAILED 5-3-1 (Reeves, Sullivan, and Toomey voted NO and Decker was ABSENT. Seven votes were necessary to ordain.)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Fast Forward Accessories, Inc., requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 99 Mount Auburn Street.

2. An application was received from Despina Restaurant, requesting permission for eleven tables and forty-four chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 202 Third Street.

3. An application was received from Grand Prix Cafe, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign, two tables and four chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 2257 Massachusetts Avenue.

4. A petition was received from MSNP Cambridge Acquisition, LLC, the owner of property at 770 Memorial Drive, requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Article 20.80-Memorial Drive Overlay District.

5. An application was received from Lame Duck Books, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 12 Arrow Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

6. An application was received from Christopher Langham, requesting permission for a table to display merchandise in Harvard Square.

7. An application was received from Bertucci’s Brick Oven Ristorante, requesting permission for four tables and twelve chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 21 Brattle Street.

8. A communication was received from Beth Ginsberg and Ben Holzman, submitting a petition to make Howard Street (between River Street and Western Avenue) one way.

9. An application was received from Goodwill, requesting permission for a display of merchandise in front of the premises numbered 520 Massachusetts Avenue.

10. An application was received from the Taste of Cambridge Committee, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Mount Auburn Street at JFK Street announcing the Taste of Cambridge at MIT Tech Square on July 20, 2006.

11. An application was received from the Taste of Cambridge Committee, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Taste of Cambridge at MIT Tech Square on July 20, 2006.

12. An application was received from the Harvard Square Business Association, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Mount Auburn Street at JFK Street announcing MayFair.

13. An application was received from the Harvard Square Business Association, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing MayFair.

14. An application was received from Diego Salon, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 97 Winthrop Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

15. An application was received from Bukowski Tavern, requesting permission for four tables and eight chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 1281 Cambridge Street.

16. An application was received from the The Dance Complex, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing Dance Month.

17. An application was received from the The Dance Complex, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Mount Auburn Street at JFK Street announcing Dance Month.

18. An application was received from Nelson & Hertzberg Orthodontics, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 186 Concord Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from John H. Pastore, President, Ristorante Marino, Inc., transmitting written protest to the Re-filed Robert Sheketoff et al. Petition.

2. A communication was received from Ellen Katz and family, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution expressing condolences on the death of her father.

3. A communication was received from the family of Master Sergeant Joseph J. Andres, Jr., transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution on behalf of their son.

4. A communication was received from Carla J. Dacey, Accounting Manager, NSTAR, transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return of Cambridge Electric Light Company for the year ended December 31, 2005.

5. A communication was received from Carla J. Dacey, Accounting Manager, NSTAR, transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return of Boston Edison Company for the year ended December 31, 2005.

6. A communication was received from Caitlin Crowley, Associate Director, Brattle Film Foundation, transmitting a sincere thank you for supporting the annual Oscar Gala fundraiser.

7. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding persons with disabilities.

8. A communication was received from Lawrence H. Summers, transmitting thanks for sending the City Council resolution and your kind words.

9. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding participatory democracy.

10. A communication was received from Citywide Community Council, regarding Community School Budgets - FY 07.

11. A communication was received from Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee, regarding bottled water dispensers in City buildings.

12. A communication was received from Robert W. O’Reilly, supporting the Sheketoff Petition.

13. A communication was received from Josephine and Sean Mullan, regarding the Marino’s site.

14. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding a poem in honor of National Poetry Month.

15. A communication was received from Ronald Suleski, regarding North Cambridge.

16. A petition was received with over seven hundred residents, requesting the community schools budget be increased to $25,000.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Cambridge Girls Youth Hockey Under Twelve Pee Wee Team and the Under Fourteen Bantam Team for qualifying for the championship game in their leagues. Councillor Sullivan

2. Congratulations to Skip Bandini on being the newly appointed Head Coach at Curry College. Councillor Galluccio

3. Resolution on the death of Carmela J. Higgins. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

4. Proclaim May 7-13, 2006 as Drinking Water Week in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Reeves

6. Resolution on the death of Philip Dussault. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio

7. Resolution on the death of John T. Holway. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of Constantino "Connie" Piccione. Councillor Sullivan

9. Congratulations to Charles Daniels on the occasion of being awarded the Dance Belt by the Dance Complex. Mayor Reeves

10. Congratulations to Theodore Bale on the occasion of being awarded the Dance Belt from the Dance Complex. Mayor Reeves

11. Welcome to the delegates of the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association. Mayor Reeves

12. Congratulations to Marcel E. Moran on the occasion of becoming an Eagle Scout. Mayor Reeves

13. Declare April 24, 2006 as Armenian Martyrs’ Day in Cambridge. Mayor Reeves

14. Get Well wishes to City of Cambridge Department of Public Works employee Nate Rookard. Councillor Galluccio

16. Urge residents to be cognizant of the 2nd Annual Central Square Clean Up on May 19, 2006 from 9:00am to 11:00am. Mayor Reeves

17. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the 7th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup on April 29, 2006 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan

18. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Sean Tharp. Councillor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Technical Sergeant Walter Moss Jr. Councillor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Joseph Duenas. Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Robert Hernandez. Councillor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jeremy Ehle. Councillor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher. Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Hospitalman Geovani Padillaaleman. Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Felipe Sandoval-Flores. Councillor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Abraham Twitchell. Councillor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Hartwick. Councillor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Chase Edwards. Councillor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Gregory Rogers. Councillor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Joseph Love. Councillor Decker

46. Best wishes and appreciation to the Citywide Senior Center volunteers who will be honored on Thursday, April 27, 2006. Councillor Sullivan

47. Best wishes and appreciation to the North Cambridge Senior Center volunteers who will be honored on Thursday, April 20, 2006. Councillor Sullivan

49. Best wishes to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its Excellence in Business Celebration. Councillor Sullivan

50. Congratulations to Kate Conway on her appointment as principal of the Kennedy/Longfellow School. Councillor Sullivan

51. Best wishes to the Cambridge/Somerville Corps of the Salvation Army and congratulations to the recipients of the Cambridge/Somerville Annual Awards Luncheon which will take place on May 5, 2006 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. Councillor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of William J. Cochran Sr. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

55. Appreciation and best wishes to Emmy Howe for her years of service to the Cambridge Public Schools as the first GLBT Parent Liaison and for her peace work. Councillor Simmons

56. Appreciation and best wishes to Sue Krantz for her years of service as a teacher in the Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Simmons

60. Resolution on the death of Suzannah (Parker, Ayer) Ames. Councillor Sullivan

65. Resolution on the death of Richard (Frank) DeLuca. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

68. Resolution on the death of Edward T. Lynch. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

70. Resolution on the death of Norma Osborne. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

73. Resolution on the death of Gordon D. Tuttle Jr. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

74. Congratulations to Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Lynn C. Rooney on becoming an Associate Justice sitting at the Dedham District Court. Councillor Sullivan

75. Congratulations to James W. Santos of Troop #45 who will receive the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on May 13, 2006. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

77. Resolution on the death of Joseph B. Martell. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

80. Congratulations to Reverend Irene Monroe on being chosen to speak at the Bayard Rustin Breakfast on April 22, 2006. Councillor Simmons

81. Celebration of people in Cambridge who have decided to live car-free in the city. Councillor Davis

82. Congratulations to the winners of the 2006 Outstanding City Employee Awards. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy

83. Congratulations to the First Time Homebuyer Team of the Community Development Department on the occasion of their award as part of the 2006 Outstanding City Employee Awards. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy

84. Congratulations to city staff who have worked to develop the Energy Usage Report. Councillor Davis

86. Congratulations to Carrie Elkins on winning the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction. Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan

87. Congratulations to the Talarico family on the occasion of the christening of Natalie Talarico. Councillor Galluccio

88. Declare May 16, 2006 as "Spike Lawless Day in the City of Cambridge." Councillor Sullivan

89. Congratulations to Middlesex County Clerk of Courts Edward J. Sullivan on receiving the Excellence in Courtroom Management Award from the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Councillor Sullivan

90. Congratulations to Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos on receiving the 2006 Legislator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Councillor Sullivan

91. Congratulations to Charles W. Barrett Jr. on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Councillor Sullivan

92. Best wishes to Cambridge Cares About AIDS on the occasion of its Rays of Hope silent auction and gala celebration which will take place on Friday, April 28, 2006 at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel. Councillor Sullivan

93. Congratulations to Father Daniel J. Mahoney on the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Councillor Galluccio

94. Congratulations to Massachusetts House Majority Leader John H. Rogers and his wife Brenda on the birth of their baby Lindsay McCormack Rogers. Vice Mayor Toomey

95. Appreciation to Sister Ellen M. Powers for her service as President and Principal of North Cambridge Catholic High School and best wishes in her new position with the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston. Vice Mayor Toomey

96. Best wishes to the Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts on the occasion of their Annual Unity Breakfast which will take place on April 22, 2006 at the Cambridge Marriott. Councillor Sullivan

97. Urge all Cantabrigians to be cognizant of the "Run Like You Give a Damn" 1st Annual Architecture for Humanity 5K Run/Walk to benefit Architecture for Humanity/Boston Shelter projects which take place on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 12:00 noon and will begin at Artesani Park, 1234 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton. Councillor Sullivan

99. Resolution on the death of Michael J. Halloran. Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Toomey

100. Congratulations to Cambridge Youth Soccer on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary. Councillor Sullivan

101. Congratulations to Ed Kelley for his 25 years of service to the Robert F. Kennedy Childrens Action Corps. Councillor Sullivan

102. Support of the Cambridge Local First organization and its new website. Councillor Sullivan

103. Urge all residents to participate in the John Kenneth Galbraith Honor Lecture at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at 136 Irving Street on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 7:00pm. Councillor Sullivan

104. Best wishes for a successful first annual "Armed Services 2.6 and 5.2 Milers" event. Councillor Sullivan

105. Congratulation to the Cambridge Mites 2 Youth Hockey Team on the occasion of their winning the Valley League Championship. Councillor Galluccio

106. Congratulations and best wishes to the organizers of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Gala which will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2006 at Florian Hall in Dorchester. Councillor Sullivan

107. Congratulations and best wishes to the Sixth Graders of the Kennedy Longfellow School on the occasion of the Annual Key Pal Luncheon. Councillor Sullivan

108. Urge all Cantabrigians to attend the Holocaust evening commemoration program on Thursday, May 4, 2006 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge. Mayor Reeves

109. Congratulations and best wishes to Mount Auburn Hospital on the occasion of "A Night to Sparkle," the Ice Ball at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on October 28, 2006 to benefit Mount Auburn Hospital’s Campus Improvement Project. Councillor Sullivan

110. Congratulations and best wishes to the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House on the occasion of its "Sweet Soul Supper" fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at MIT’s Morse Hall-Walker Memorial, 142 Memorial Drive. Councillor Sullivan

111. Congratulations and best wishes to Roger Berkowitz on the occasion of his being honored by the Hundred Club of Massachusetts at their Annual Spring Dinner on May 9, 2006. Councillor Sullivan

112. Congratulations and best wishes to the Cambridge School Volunteers and the recipients of the 2006 Mack I. Davis II Awards. Councillor Sullivan

113. Congratulations to the Cambridge Squirt 1 Youth Hockey Team on the occasion of their winning the Valley League Championship. Councillor Galluccio

114. Congratulations to the Cambridge Bantam 1 Youth Hockey Team on the occasion of their winning the Valley League Championship. Councillor Galluccio

115. Congratulations to the Cambridge Squirt 2 Youth Hockey Team on the occasion of their winning the Valley League Championship. Councillor Galluccio

116. Congratulations to the Cambridge Mite 1 Youth Hockey Team on the occasion of winning the Valley League Championship. Councillor Galluccio

130. Retirement of Kathy Kelley from the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers and thanks for her 39 years of service in public education. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey

131. Appreciation and gratitude to the 2005-2006 Literacy Project volunteer tutors and interns. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update on the plans for the median strips on Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Sullivan

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report back to the City Council on the schedule and general plan for rehabilitation of the Glacken Field tennis courts. Councillor Galluccio

3. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Police Commissioner to respond to traffic and parking violations and truck issues in the Mount Auburn neighborhood area, including a community meeting. Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to recommend a process to harness the energy and enthusiasm of our citizens to form a group similar to the Public Plantings Committee but focused on the street trees that would involve the citizens in the planning for maintaining the public street trees. Councillor Davis

5. That the City Council go on record urging Harvard University to form a citizens’ advisory committee that would include members of the neighborhood associations, local businesses and city and state agencies to play a significant and appropriate role in the planning process for the new Allston campus with regard to its impacts on Cambridge. Councillor Davis

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to require the Community Development Department’s Economic Division to use a variety of means to aggressively look for a replacement for the Huron Drug Store. Councillor Davis

7. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to work with the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to schedule a discussion with the Cambridge legislative delegation regarding the City Council’s housing concerns. Councillor Simmons

8. That the City Council go on record in support of H.R. 636 to censure and possibly impeach President George W. Bush. Councillor Davis

9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to take immediate steps to ensure that all public water fountains in city parks and recreational areas are operational as soon as possible. Councillor Galluccio

10. That this City Council go on record urging Governor Romney and the State Legislature to consider including the veterans who served in Kuwait as part of the $1,000.00 veterans bonus for service in Afghanistan and Iraq areas. Councillor Galluccio

11. That this City Council go on record urging the Commissioner of the Veterans Administration to institute a special license plate that honors veterans who have served their country in war time since Vietnam. Councillor Galluccio

12. That the City Manager look at additional funding to community schools for programs and staff. Councillor Simmons

13. That the City Manager is requested to consider adding more bike patrol units and to forward this information to the City Council. Councillor Davis

14. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on the reuse of city buildings, such as the police station. Councillor Davis

15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Postmaster to determine whether there is confusion resulting in mistakes in mail delivery due to lack of clarity of street names and numbers. Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on amending the Zoning Ordinances and the Planning Board procedures as they relate to public input. Councillor Davis

17. That the Mayor is requested to organize a joint meeting between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss the demographic trends and housing issues as they relate to the future of Cambridge. Councillor Davis

18. That the City Manager is requested to establish standards to implement the policy regarding burying signal boxes which compromise pedestrian walkways and/or interfere with good urban design. Councillor Davis

19. That the Mayor is requested to organize a legislative breakfast that brings together city housing professionals, elected officials and the Cambridge legislative delegation to discuss housing issues. Councillor Davis

20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view of clarifying the confusing display of traffic lights at the corner of Walden Street and Massachusetts Avenue where a driver is faced with a green arrow, a green light and a red light, all at the same time. Councillor Galluccio

21. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of the present Polish American Veterans Post to commemorate their service. Councillor Sullivan

22. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission and the Executive Director of the Election Commission to provide biographical material on Sarah Jacobs and Phebe Kendell, the first women to serve on the Cambridge School Committee (1880) and Florence L. Whitman, 23 Everett Street, the first woman to serve on the Cambridge City Council, such information to include Cambridge addresses. Councillor Simmons

23. Dedication of an appropriate location in the vicinity of the Immaculate Conception Church on Windsor Street in honor of Father Salinas. Councillor Sullivan

24. That the City Manager is requested to ensure that the City of Cambridge plans a celebration of May 17th, the anniversary of the historical beginning of same sex marriages in Cambridge. Councillor Simmons

25. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to assign a crossing guard at the Amigos School on Kinnaird Street to address the safety concerns of vehicles and students traveling in the narrow driveway. Councillor Sullivan

26. That the City Manager is requested to prepare an executive session at either of the next two City Council meetings on a briefing and discussion of the deployment of personnel and/or materials in the case of security concerns. Councillor Sullivan

27. That the City Manager is requested to give an update as to when the City Council can expect a response to the security Council Orders that were filed so that a Public Safety Committee meeting can be called for presentation and discussion of the responses. Councillor Sullivan

28. That the City Manager and the City Clerk are requested to inform the School Superintendent about any upcoming housing policy meetings held by City officials in the hopes that Cambridge Public School staff will attend such meetings and help develop housing and related policies that also support Cambridge’s educational goals. Councillor Kelley

29. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to make available on Cambridge’s website all City reports, studies and evaluations concerning sidewalk maintenance, crosswalk status, curb cut compliance and overall handicap accessibility. Councillor Kelley

30. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to clarify the number of Cambridge Housing Authority units that are not suitable for habitation, who is responsible for remedying those situations and how the City can expedite carrying out such remedies and make all Cambridge Housing Authority units available for use as soon as possible. Councillor Kelley

31. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the timeframe for having all pedestrian crossing signal lights be of the type that countdown the crossing time. Councillor Kelley

32. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the legal requirements for construction operations to have assigned police details. Councillor Kelley

33. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine existing enforcement policies for air quality related issues such as excessive idling and exhaust opacity. Councillor Kelley

34. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the State Police and the Cambridge Police Commissioner to increase enforcement in the Gerry’s Landing Road and Mount Auburn Street area. Councillor Sullivan

35. That the City Council go on record in support of a conference on May 9, 2006 at 6:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss a referendum to make much needed changes to the CORI law in the area of granting pardons to ex-offenders who cannot now find employment due to unintended consequences of the present law. Mayor Reeves

36. Proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance regarding creating a Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. Vice Mayor Toomey
Passed to a 2nd Reading

37. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council as to when the tree planting will take place on Cameron Avenue, especially given that the tree wells have already been prepared. Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Kelley

38. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council relative to the storm water sewer separation and sewer capacity issues in North Massachusetts Avenue area with particularity to Edmunds and Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Kelley

39. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Electrician to examine capacity issues and failures of electrical and telephone service in the area of North Massachusetts Avenue with particularity to Gold Star Road and Washburn Avenue. Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Kelley

40. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department's Economic Development Division to see what if any policies and/or assistance we could offer to assist and/or entice ground floor retail. Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons

41. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Lesley University to negotiate in good faith so that the Agassiz Community Children's Preschool can continue to offer much needed services in Cambridge. Councillor Davis and Councillor Sullivan

42. That the City Manager is requested to look into whether the kinetic sculpture at the MBTA T stop plaza in Porter Square can be retro-fit to generate wind power. Councillor Sullivan

43. That this City Council go on record urging the Harvard University Presidential Search Committee, when choosing the next leader of Harvard University, to consider candidates’ record of support for living wages, workplace health and safety, and workers’ right to organize. Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves and Councillor Simmons

44. That the City Council go on record encouraging Nautical Tours to reapply to the License Commission and to take full advantage of the opportunity for consultation with the staff of the License Commission to work for a speedy and successful outcome. Councillor Simmons

45. City Manager is requested to present a plan to the City Council to integrate all city departments, boards and commissions, especially the Board of Zoning Appeal, into the briefing and implementation process of the neighborhood studies and updates. Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

46. City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to be proactive in identifying large, single ownership lots that have the potential for extremely different development. Councillor Davis

47. City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the RFP for the Bennett Street site. Councillor Simmons

48. City Manager speak with the appropriate department heads, stakeholders and State Agencies with the view of creating on the City’s website access to all the information regarding the Urban Ring project along with a narrative overview of the process. Councillor Decker and Councillor Kelley

49. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct appropriate City of Cambridge staff to confer with state agency staff and the Chairs of the City Council Health and Environment Committee and Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee to discuss a more neighborhood-oriented process to allow more community input into the Urban Ring planning process. Councillor Decker and Councillor Kelley

50. City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide the Ordinance Committee and the City Council with information on the average number of cars that would be added to on-street parking related to a newly constructed building of units occupied by higher income tenants under the current parking requirements and the Community Development Department staff review the information provided to the City Council in connection with the previous change in the parking requirement for redeveloped buildings and provide copies to the Ordinance Committee of relevant material. Councillor Davis

51. City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant Director for Community Development to report to the Ordinance Committee and the City Council on the costs of increasing parking for the development to 1.3 and to 2.0 spaces per unit. Councillor Kelley

52. City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to meet with the MIT and Harvard University police and the Bicycle Committee in an effort to cooperate and ensure that students are educated about the bicycle laws and that the bike laws are enforced on the campuses. Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held on March 22, 2006 to continue discussions on issues as they relate to neighborhoods including but not limited to, neighborhood study updates, demographics preliminary feasibility and how it affects families, schools and the work force training.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Health and Environment Committee and Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on March 21, 2006 for the purpose of discussing the Urban Ring and its impact on Cambridge.

3. 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 March 15, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NABS)/Alan Zimlicki et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to yards, open space, parking and special permit criteria for the redevelopment of existing buildings.

4. 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 March 30, 2006 to discuss the Police Department’s traffic enforcement plan for the city.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee regarding housing and declining enrollment.

2. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee that the General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum of $125,362,205.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 25
9:00am The Economic Development, Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to received an update on Harvard Square’s economic and cultural development. (3rd floor conference room, Cambridge Savings Bank,1374 Mass. Ave.)
3:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the 2006 Public Health Assessment, and to review information on youth diabetes in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 26
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on re-filed proposal by the Planning Board to rezone the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 2
10:00am The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on Trolley Square and other affordable housing projects in the pipeline; to discuss the selection process for residents for affordable housing. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss wind turbines and energy conservation. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 3
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 10
8:30am   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion as they relate to neighborhoods, specifically to receive information about Transit Realty and the Bennett Street project, to receive information about demographics available from Election Commission, Inspectional Services and School Department and information about space available for community meetings.  (Sullivan Chamber)
10:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the proposal for WIFI.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 11
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 School Department Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 17
8:30am   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions with emphasis on a senior panel and resource fair geared to issues of concern to the senior population and its relation to neighborhoods.  (Sullivan Chamber)
11:00am   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussing plans for a citywide conversation on race and class, and to received additional information on affirmative action.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:15pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on and amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to change the language "useable open space" to "private open space."  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition from Eileen Woodford et al. (Tobin-Danehy Zoning Petition) requesting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to rezone an area currently zoned Res. C-1A, Res. B, and Industry A-1 to Residence C in the area bounded by Bay State Road, Fern, Field, New Streets and Concord Avenue.   (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FAR, traffic and transfer of development rights relative to the Concord Alewife rezoning petition.   (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 18
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY07 City Budget. (if necessary) (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 22
4:00pm 2006 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 31
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss environmental and infrastructure issues relative to the Concord Alewife rezoning petition. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 14
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a working meeting on Concord Alewife rezoning petition. No public comment. (Ackermann Room)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update on the plans for the median strips on Massachusetts Avenue.

O-2 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report back to the City Council on the schedule and general plan for rehabilitation of the Glacken Field tennis courts.

O-3 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Police Commissioner to respond to traffic and parking violations and truck issues in the Mount Auburn neighborhood area (see attached letter), including a community meeting.

O-4 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Large numbers of our biggest and most beautiful street trees are reaching the end of their lives; and
WHEREAS: The Public Plantings Committee has a wide-ranging focus; and
WHEREAS: Aging street trees need specific attention; and
WHEREAS: Many Cantabrigians have exhibited a great deal of enthusiasm and energetic attention directed toward the protection of our street trees (see attached petition); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to recommend a process to harness the energy and enthusiasm of our citizens to form a group similar to the Public Plantings Committee but focused on the street trees that would involve the citizens in the planning for maintaining the public street trees that are an important part of Cambridge’s tree canopy; 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-5 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging Harvard University to form a citizens’ advisory committee that would include members of the neighborhood associations, local businesses and city and state agencies to play a significant and appropriate role in the planning process for the new Allston campus with regard to its impacts on Cambridge.

O-6 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to require the Community Development Department’s Economic Division to use a variety of means to aggressively look for a replacement for the Huron Drug Store; 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-7 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That as the housing conversation in the City Council continues, the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to work with the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to schedule a discussion with the Cambridge legislative delegation regarding the City Council’s housing concerns.

O-8 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: President George W. Bush knowingly misled Congress and the American people into an illegal preemptive war against Iraq, costing its citizens billions of tax dollars and countless American and Iraqi lives; and
WHEREAS: President Bush has admitted to conducting warrantless wiretaps in direct violation of the laws of the Congress of the United States; and
WHEREAS: The above actions constitute High Crimes and Misdemeanors and thus are impeachable offenses under Article II Section 4 of the United States Constitution; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of H.R. 636 to censure and possibly impeach President George W. Bush; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Massachusetts legislative delegation to the United States Congress on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.

O-9 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to take immediate steps to ensure that all public water fountains in city parks and recreational areas are operational as soon as possible.

O-10 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Governor Romney and the State Legislature to consider including the veterans who served in Kuwait as part of the $1,000.00 veterans bonus for service in Afghanistan and Iraq areas; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Governor Romney and the State Legislature on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-11 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging the Commissioner of the Veterans Administration to institute a special license plate that honors veterans who have served their country in war time since Vietnam; 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 Commissioner of the Veterans Administration on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: As the budget cycle begins, and as the City looks at funding services, that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look at additional funding to community schools for programs and staff.

O-13 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider adding more bike patrol units and to forward this information to the City Council.

O-14 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on the reuse of city buildings, such as the police station.

O-15 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Postmaster to determine whether there is confusion resulting in mistakes in mail delivery due to lack of clarity of street names and numbers.

O-16 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on amending the Zoning Ordinances and the Planning Board procedures as they relate to public input on the following matters:
* Requiring the developer to hold a community meeting before presenting a significant project to the Planning Board; and
* Requirement that the public has an opportunity for input after significant changes have been made to project proposals.

O-17 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to organize a joint meeting between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss the demographic trends and housing issues as they relate to the future of Cambridge.

O-18 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish standards to implement the following policy:
"That the City Council establish the policy that it is the policy to bury signal boxes which compromise pedestrian walkways and/or interfere with good urban design."

O-19 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to organize a legislative breakfast that brings together city housing professionals, elected officials and the Cambridge legislative delegation to discuss housing issues.

O-20 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view of clarifying the confusing display of traffic lights at the corner of Walden Street and Massachusetts Avenue where a driver is faced with a green arrow, a green light and a red light, all at the same time.

O-21 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Polish American Veterans are decommissioning their Post at the end of May, 2006; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking the Polish American Veterans for their service to their country and their city; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of the present Polish American Veterans Post to commemorate their service; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk transmit a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Polish American Veterans Post on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-22 April 24, 2006 (amended)
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission and the Executive Director of the Election Commission to provide biographical material on Sarah Jacobs and Phebe Kendell, the first women to serve on the Cambridge School Committee (1880) and Florence L. Whitman, 23 Everett Street, the first woman to serve on the Cambridge City Council, such information to include Cambridge addresses.

O-23 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Father Salinas is retiring as Priest of the Immaculate Conception Church on Windsor Street in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Father Salinas has served as a priest for fifty years; and
WHEREAS: Father Salinas has served at Immaculate Conception for more than forty of those years; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Father Salinas for his many years of devoted service; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate location in the vicinity of the Immaculate Conception Church on Windsor Street in honor of Father Salinas.

O-24 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that the City of Cambridge plans a celebration of May 17th, the anniversary of the historical beginning of same sex marriages in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Commission be included in the planning process.

O-25 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to assign a crossing guard at the Amigos School on Kinnaird Street to address the safety concerns of vehicles and students traveling in the narrow driveway.

O-26 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to prepare an executive session at either of the next two City Council meetings on a briefing and discussion of the deployment of personnel and/or materials in the case of security concerns.

O-27 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to give an update as to when the City Council can expect a response to the security Council Orders that were filed so that a Public Safety Committee meeting can be called for presentation and discussion of the responses.

O-28 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the City Clerk be and hereby are requested to inform the School Superintendent about any upcoming housing policy meetings held by City officials in the hopes that Cambridge Public School staff will attend such meetings and help develop housing and related policies that also support Cambridge’s educational goals.

O-29 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to make available on Cambridge’s website all City reports, studies and evaluations concerning sidewalk maintenance, crosswalk status, curb cut compliance and overall handicap accessibility; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-30 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to clarify the number of Cambridge Housing Authority units that are not suitable for habitation, who is responsible for remedying those situations and how the City can expedite carrying out such remedies and make all Cambridge Housing Authority units available for use as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-31 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the timeframe for having all pedestrian crossing signal lights be of the type that countdown the crossing time; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-32 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the legal requirements for construction operations to have assigned police details; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-33 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine existing enforcement policies for air quality related issues such as excessive idling and exhaust opacity; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-34 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the State Police to increase enforcement in the Gerry’s Landing Road and Mount Auburn Street area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to increase enforcement in this area as well.

O-35 April 24, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of a conference on May 9, 2006 at 6:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss a referendum to make much needed changes to the CORI law in the area of granting pardons to ex offenders who cannot now find employment due to unintended consequences of the present law.

O-36 April 24, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been a welcoming community for immigrants from throughout the world for more than a century; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has benefited tremendously from the continued presence of immigrants in the City; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has enjoyed the cultural diversity that immigrants from around the world have brought to the Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge since 1985 has declared itself a "Sanctuary City" for immigrants; and
WHEREAS: The rights of immigrants are currently under attack, particularly at the Federal level; and
WHEREAS: It is appropriate for the City of Cambridge to ensure the rights of all immigrants; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is desirous of obtaining the advice and counsel of residents of the City who are familiar with the goal of immigrant rights and citizenship; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the following proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing and report back to the City Council (attached).

O-37 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as to when the tree planting will take place on Cameron Avenue, especially given that the tree wells have already been prepared.

O-38 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council relative to the storm water sewer separation and sewer capacity issues in North Massachusetts Avenue area with particularity to Edmunds and Massachusetts Avenue.

O-39 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to examine capacity issues and failures of electrical and telephone service in the area of North Massachusetts Avenue with particularity to Gold Star Road and Washburn Avenue.

O-40 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: One of the vibrancies of our community has been its ground floor retail, particularly on some of the more major thoroughfares; and
WHEREAS: Ground floor retail provides safety and street life; and
WHEREAS: These retail establishments become the life blood of a community, providing some of the basic commodities and services that are necessary to sustain a community; and
WHEREAS: The ability of a particular retail establishment to survive is intertwined with and interdependent upon the survival of all of the retail establishments in the area; and
WHEREAS: A number of current establishments are struggling because others are leaving; and
WHEREAS: This phenomenon is more pronounced in some areas that others, i.e. north Massachusetts Avenue; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Law Department and Community Development Department staff to draft language for the City Council's consideration that could be applied to certain areas of our community; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department's Economic Development Division to see what if any policies and/or assistance we could offer to assist and/or entice ground floor retail.

O-41 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Lesley University to negotiate in good faith so that the Aggassiz Community Children's Preschool can continue to offer much needed services in Cambridge.

O-42 AMENDED ORDER April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into whether the kinetic sculpture at the MBTA T stop plaza in Porter Square can be retro-fit to generate wind power; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this issue; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee for the May 2, 2006 meeting.

O-43 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed the right of all workers to dignity in their lives, safe conditions at work, and a living wage, and supports responsible employers who follow the law and treat their workers fairly; and
WHEREAS: National attention has been increasing on the 17-day hunger strike and ongoing solidarity fast by University of Miami workers, students and faculty at the University of Miami, as part of an eight-month struggle for the right of janitors employed by cleaning contractor UNICCO to form a union; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University, the largest employer in Cambridge, contracts with UNICCO for cleaning services, and UNICCO has not yet signed its collective bargaining agreement with Harvard University janitors; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has demonstrated leadership over the years in working together with students, workers, and labor groups to ensure its employees have a living wage, affordable health insurance, and the right to form a union for a voice at work; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University, through its investment in Regiment Capital, has a financial stake in UNICCO and therefore has the power to affect UNICCO’s decision making; and
WHEREAS: Companies contracting with UNICCO in Cambridge include Wyeth, Lesley College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Forest City Management, New England Development, Equity Office Properties, RREEF, Capital Properties, AT&T, iBus Company, and W.R. & Grace; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council is concerned with numerous health and safety violations, as well as prevailing wage issues, by UNICCO in Cambridge and Boston; and
WHEREAS: Two UNICCO employees were killed while performing window cleaning operations in Boston in May 2003, and an OSHA investigation found the UNICCO in violation of several standards, including a faulty fall arrest program; and
WHEREAS: After UNICCO agreed to abate the violations and correct workplace hazards, the company was cited again – for willful violations – when one window washer lost his life and another was seriously injured in June 2005 after falling from a four-story Burlington office building. OSHA cited some of the same hazards found in the fatal 2003 incident; and
WHEREAS: Numerous incidents have occurred in the past several months that have concerned UNICCO workers at the University of Miami regarding health and safety matters at the facilities where they work, including worker illnesses related to chemical exposure, inadequate training in health and safety issues, inadequate protective measures in health and safety matters, and several problems related to the protection of workers from potentially infectious blood borne hazards; and
WHEREAS: University of Miami President Donna Shalala has a record of commitment to the health and well-being of workers around the country as the former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Clinton; and
WHEREAS: The manner in which President Donna Shalala resolves the University of Miami’s problems with UNICCO affects the ability of UNICCO to negotiate with its employees, and therefore has an impact on the quality of life of workers in Cambridge and Boston who are employed by UNICCO; and
WHEREAS: UNICCO pays its cleaners in Miami 40 percent less than cleaners in Boston, even though the cost of living there is only 9% less; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council appreciates that at the last hour University of Miami President Donna Shalala increased janitors’ wages; and
WHEREAS: UNICCO employees, many of whom are immigrants, are among the nation’s lowest-paid workers – and as more attention is focused on the exploitation of immigrant workers, the right of UNICCO janitors at the University of Miami to form their union is a matter of national significance; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council goes on record in support of the students and workers at the University of Miami who have been harassed and intimidated by the University administration and UNICCO; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Harvard University, and all other Cambridge employers who contract with UNICCO, to take seriously what is happening to workers under UNICCO’s supervision, to take an active role in ensuring that workers in Cambridge are not being treated in a manner consistent with UNICCO’s record, and to reexamine their involvement with a contractor that has been documented for numerous health and safety violations; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging President Shalala to use her leadership to support the right of workers by addressing UNICCO’s harassment, health and safety violations, civil rights abuses, and illegal interference with University of Miami janitors’ efforts to win a voice at work; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging the Harvard University Presidential Search Committee, when choosing the next leader of Harvard University, to consider candidates’ record of support for living wages, workplace health and safety, and workers’ right to organize; 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 University of Miami President Donna Shalala, UNICCO, Harvard University, Harvard University Presidential Search Committee, Service Employees International Union Local 11, Wyeth, Lesley College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Forest City Management, New England Development, Equity Office Properties, RREEF, Capital Properties, AT&T, iBus Company, and W.R. & Grace on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-44 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record encouraging Nautical Tours to reapply to the License Commission and to take full advantage of the opportunity for consultation with the staff of the License Commission to work for a speedy and successful outcome.

O-45 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan to the City Council to integrate all city departments, boards and commissions, especially the Board of Zoning Appeal, into the briefing and implementation process of the neighborhood studies and updates.

O-46 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to be proactive in identifying large, single ownership lots that have the potential for extremely different development.

O-47 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the RFP for the Bennett Street site.

O-48 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager speak with the appropriate department heads, stakeholders and State Agencies with the view of creating on the City’s website access to all the information regarding the Urban Ring project along with a narrative overview of the process.

O-49 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct appropriate City of Cambridge staff to confer with state agency staff and the Chairs of the City Council Health and Environment Committee and Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee to discuss a more neighborhood-oriented process to allow more community input into the Urban Ring planning process.

O-50 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide the Ordinance Committee and the City Council with information on the average number of cars that would be added to on-street parking related to a newly constructed building of units occupied by higher income tenants under the current parking requirements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department staff review the information provided to the City Council in connection with the previous change in the parking requirement for redeveloped buildings and provide copies to the Ordinance Committee of relevant material.

O-51 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant Director for Community Development to report to the Ordinance Committee and the City Council on the costs of increasing parking for the development to 1.3 and to 2.0 spaces per unit.

O-52 April 24, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to meet with the MIT and Harvard University police and the Bicycle Committee in an effort to cooperate and ensure that students are educated about the bicycle laws and that the bike laws are enforced on the campuses.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 beginning at eight o’clock and thirty minutes a.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on issues as they relate to neighborhoods including, but not limited to, neighborhood study updates, demographics preliminary feasibility and how it affects families, schools and the work force training.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD), Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, CDD, Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services (DHSP), Paul Ryder, Recreation Director, DHSP, Eileen Keegan, Community Schools Division Head, DHSP, Janette McKinnon, Child Care & Family Services Division Head, DHSP, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Phil and Marilyn Wellons and Vince Dixon.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The Neighborhood Studies updates were discussed (Attachment A).

Ms. Glazer explained that the East Cambridge and the Neighborhood Ten Study update would be completed. The Strawberry Hill study update is underway and will be completed in October 2006 and the North Cambridge Neighborhood update would begin in the fall, 2006. The studies began in 1989. In the last fifteen years a completed study has been done every five years and now CDD does a neighborhood update every 3-4 years. Action items are reviewed in the updates. Councillor Simmons inquired about the involvement of community schools in the neighborhood studies. In response to an inquiry about whether the neighborhood studies were on the city’s website, Mr. Dash stated that both the studies and the updates are on the website. The updates are supplemented as needed commented Ms. Rubenstein. She cited the self-storage facility on Concord Avenue as an example. Councillor Simmons asked if there is a pre-process so that the city could get in front of a project like the self-storage facility. Ms. Glazer stated that she is not aware of any pre-process procedure. Developers are encouraged by CDD to go to the neighborhood community early in the process to develop a successful neighborhood project. Could the city develop a process before community interaction asked Councillor Simmons. This is hard to anticipate stated Ms. Glazer. Councillor Sullivan spoke about rules of engagement. Situations come up where parcels of land become available for sale. Being forthright helps with economic development in the city. There is an ongoing problem that exists relating to who should the city notify. Some neighborhood groups do not respond to the notification process such as the curb cut procedure. Cambridge should prepare a "Development Guide" brochure stated Councillor Simmons. Councillor Davis informed the committee that the Board of Zoning Appeal Board is not aware of the neighborhood studies. She favored integrating pertinent departments with the neighborhood studies. She suggested an implementation briefing for the neighborhood studies.

Ms. Rubenstein stated that CDD meets with relevant departments three times per year to make sure that all pertinent departments are informed about the neighborhood studies. It is a good suggestion to integrate the Police Department into these meetings. If an issue is raised in the neighborhood study the Police Department is brought into the process commented Mr. Dash. At this time Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan to the City Council to integrate all city departments, boards and commissions, especially the Board of Zoning Appeal, into the briefing and implementation process of the neighborhood studies and updates.

The motion – Carried.

The committee then discussed Community Schools. Ms. Keegan informed the committee that neighborhood councils focus on the needs of the residents of the neighborhood, including what types of programs or services are necessary. Senior issues are discussed in four neighborhoods. Councillor Simmons asked if every neighborhood had a neighborhood council. Ms. Keegan responded in the affirmative. She distributed a document that listed the neighborhood council meetings, members and issues (Attachment B). The neighborhood councils are active, discussions are broad and meetings vary. She would like to encourage some neighborhood councils to meet more often and to have a broader discussion based on the needs of the population served. Is training provided for the Community Schools program asked Councillor Simmons. Ms. Keegan praised CDD who has had a representative at the neighborhood council meetings. Councillor Simmons requested the names and positions of the neighborhood councils. The next area of discussion was the Bennett Street project and Transit Realty.

Councillor Simmons requested an update on the Bennett Street property. Ms. Glazer stated that the Assessors Office is working on getting this information. Councillor Simmons stated she wanted the Request for Proposal (RFP) on this property. She wanted the city to be proactive. Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to be proactive in identifying large, single ownership lots that have the potential for extremely different development.

The motion – Carried.

Ms. Rubenstein spoke of "soft sites" and what is allowable versus what is actually developed. Ms. Glazer stated that it is difficult to predict where there could be a potential to assemble lots together to create a larger lot with a different development potential. Councillor Davis cited the self-storage facility and the shopping center at Alewife as two such sites. The city needed to start the process to be on the same level with developers. Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information regarding the RFP for the Bennett Street site.

The motion – Carried.

The committee next discussed the preliminary analysis of the demographics for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) projections. Ms. Glazer distributed information on the projections (Attachment C). The MAPC report on demographics is a projection; it is not a census. The information was gathered in a different way – the information is a prediction. The predictions are for the years 2010, 2020 and 2030. In Cambridge, by 2030, the population will grow by 15%. The population 0-19 will increase by 9% by 2010 but will decline slightly for a total increase of 4%. Councillor Davis stated the college population, 18-19 year olds, information is needed. The MAPC data is not broken down this way stated Ms. Glazer. The Election Commission, through the City census, does collect this information. The School Department does have data about their declining enrollment. This data cannot be compared to the census data. Councillor Davis wanted the data source checked for the MAPC projections. The School Department and the universities should provide a better picture of this data. Ms. Rubenstein commented that it is a good idea to bring all data sources together, but it may be hard to analyze and to lead to the correct conclusions. Did the MAPC projections look at the housing stock and the unit size. MAPC used the 2000 census and looked at the number of housing units. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the School Department and university information, the ground information, is best. Councillor Simmons stated that it is important to have this information in order to make good decisions as they relate to housing and youth centers. Ms. Semonoff stated that the 2000 census data is old. The School Department data is from 2000 to the present and should integrate the data from the Election Commission. Councillor Davis wants the Election Commission to inform the committee what data it has. The working age group would increase by 5% by 2010 and then remain stable for twenty years stated Ms. Glazer. The biggest shift in population would be in the over 65 age group. This population would increase by 20% by 2010 and by 100% by 2030. This indicates that youth centers should be community centers. Councillor Davis stated that people are living longer and the planning for the city should relate to assisted living facilities. She wanted to know if the Inspectional Services Department has housing data. The data is the building permit stated Ms. Rubenstein. Meeting space was next discussed.

Councillor Simmons wanted open space and meeting space outlined together. Meeting space tends to be at the schools stated Ms. Semonoff. Councillor Davis wanted information on how to obtain meeting space, the cost, permits required for meetings in the neighborhood. The main contact is the School Department commented Ms. Semonoff. Community groups want to use space in the school buildings stated Ms. Keegan. The School Permit Office sends the applicant to community schools. The fee is waived. Councillor Davis inquired about the information of when the thirteen schools are available and for what nights. The program changes make this information difficult to provide. Mr. Ryder stated that the School Permit Office issues the permit to use the space. This is the place to go. Councillor Simmons outlined the issues. The first issue is where is there community space. Next, School Permit Office then contact the Community Schools Coordinator. The applicant could be bumped. Councillor Davis suggested that all new development should be required to build community space for the city. If there is an evening custodian that person would be the contact person stated Ms. Keegan. Councillor Simmons wanted an inventory of space and if there is a custodian on duty. Councillor Davis wanted a map of all the available community space. This issue needs to go back to the neighborhood studies.

Councillor Simmons scheduled the next two meetings for April 19 and April 26, 2006. She thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and fifty-three minutes a.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Health and Environment Committee and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a joint public hearing on March 21, 2006, beginning at 6:15pm in the auditorium of the Morse School, 40 Granite Street, for the purpose of discussing the Urban Ring and its impact on Cambridge.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio; Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department; and Nedd Codd, Manager of Plan Development, Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (EOC).

Councillor Kelley convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He provided some background on the urban ring project. He stated that the Urban Ring started as an MBTA project, and is now being planned by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation. It proposes a ring transit service so that passengers who want to go from one point on the urban ring would not have to go to downtown Boston in order to go somewhere else on the urban ring. He said that the project is divided in three phases: Phase I: Improved bus service; Phase II: Bus rapid transit; Phase III: Light rail.

Councillor Kelley stated that plans for bus rapid transit are currently under discussion and that the environmental process ends in 2007. He invited Suzanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Cambridge Community Development Department to provide more information about the project.

Ms. Rasmussen said that the Urban Ring project proposes service from Columbia Point through Roxbury, Cambridge to Everett and Chelsea, then the Airport. It is unlikely someone would ride from one end the other. The City has been supporting this project for a long time. It would greatly improve transit in the City. The planned alignment through Cambridge, with stops at Lechmere, Kendall and the B.U. Bridge, would provide access by an easy walk for a large number of Cambridge residents, and would connect with commuter rail and bus routes.

Ms Rasmussen said that Phase I planning was completed long ago, but still it awaits implementation. The reason the project is in phases is monetary considerations. The original plan was to go straight to light rail transportation. She noted that many have questioned whether it is it realistic to think a full-blown light rail project could be financed, and added that the Federal Government tends to favor bus rapid transit on the basis of cost. Ms Rasmussen said that the next phase of planning is a revised preliminary environmental impact report. There is lots of time for input. All meetings are open [to the public]. There is no implementation date for the project. The Executive Office of Transportation will also have meetings on this.

Ms. Rasmussen said that the City’s planners want to insure that Urban Ring system of bus routes will not be open to general traffic. There is skepticism about the concept of bus rapid transit in mixed traffic. The City is also not happy with the Charles River crossing—the B.U. Bridge, and wants a tunnel to be studied. The State should also study expected vibration and noise effects on MIT labs. Tunnel alignments need to be looked at for the Longwood Medical Area because existing street traffic in that area should be avoided.

Ms. Rasmussen said that the she serves on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) to the Urban Ring process, and that the CAC also includes Jeff Rosenblum as a public member and a representative from Harvard and one from MIT. The meetings are all public and are held at the Transportation Building in Park Square. There will be a great many meetings of the CAC.

Councillor Kelley then invited Ned Codd, Manager of Plan Development for the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT), to make opening remarks. Mr. Codd stated that as a part of realignment of state agencies, the EOT has taken over planning for long-term expansion transportation projects in order to pull together planning and make it multi-modal. The MBTA has a high debt load and high expenses maintaining the existing system. The State has more flexibility in financing the project. EOT is working very closely with the MBTA, so that there is institutional memory.

With regard to environmental impacts, Mr. Codd said that there has been a lot of study of the Urban Ring to date. The 2001 study defined the concept in three phases, with broad-brush corridors. The 2004 draft environmental impact report [DEIR] for Phase II is done. This looked much more closely at this corridor, applying bus rapid transit and at the costs. There is a new process to revise that DEIR to address specific issues, for example the tunnel in the Longwood Medical Area, also the improvement to the Charles River crossing. November 2007 is the expected date for a final EIR for Phase II. Mr. Codd noted the following overarching issues: To improve transit time, the impact on adjacent land uses and costs. How cost effectively can it provide transit? Tunnels can drive up the cost and lower the cost effectiveness. He emphasized that EOT wants to be responsive to neighborhoods throughout the corridor. Projects that don’t have neighborhood support don’t move forward, because there is a great deal of competition for the available federal funds and those funds will go to projects with public support.

Councillor Kelley and Councillor Decker then invited public comment and questions.

Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, stated that there is a lot of opposition to the Urban Ring and the project does not have neighborhood support. One and a half years ago, there was a public meeting here on this issue. At that time, the gentleman explained that buses would be coming from the western suburbs straight through to Kendall Square every ten minutes. There would be six bus routes coming through the area. They would make for a traffic hazard on her street. A truck ban on Western Avenue was enacted because a child was killed.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Rasmussen to comment. Ms. Rasmussen said that the alignment of Phase I has a number of bus routes proposed. One is EC2, which would remain in Phase II. It would go from Riverside to Kendall and Lechmere. It would operate during the morning and evening weekday peak hours. Only one route would go south of Massachusetts Avenue. There are a variety of destinations.

Robin Chase, Cottage Street, stated that she lives five houses away from River Street with three children and she is very much in favor of the Urban Ring. She favors reducing automobile traffic.

Lawrence Atkins, 45 Hayes Street, President of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, stated that he has gone to a number of meetings on the Urban Ring and heard a number of presentations on the project, but there is still a lot of uncertainty within the neighborhood about what the project is. This has moved forward without the neighborhood being informed what is going on.

Jeff Rosenblum, 17 Bishop Allen Drive, introduced himself as the Cambridge representative to the CAC and stated that the current planning process which EOT is beginning is a re-do of the process the MBTA went through. It is a restart of that process from before, when there was not enough public input. He wants to hear from Cambridge residents about their concerns. In response to an invitation from Councillor Decker to introduce himself, Mr.Rosenblum stated that he started the Livable Streets Alliance and he has a background in environmental engineering. He submitted an application, and was selected by the EOT.

Councillor Decker stated that she agrees with Mr. Adkins’s comments. There have been mixed messages from the federal government on down. She requested that CDD arrange for updates on the Urban Ring to appear on the City’s website.

Annie Butler, 32 Andrew Street, expressed her concern that Harvard and M.I.T. have representatives on the CAC, but that no one known to the community is on the CAC. The Urban Ring will not serve neighborhoods. It will serve M.I.T., Harvard and B.U. She expressed her anger about not knowing what is going to happen and about her feeling that this project will push out the people who live here. Mr. Codd stated that the purpose of the project is improving transportation access and choices to places that are growing, providing better transit options and thereby reducing the amount of one-person transportation.

Randy Stern, 12 Kenwood Street said that he does not know all the details of the plan, but he supports public transportation that will reduce auto traffic. He asked whether there is access to the rail bridge for the service, and he asked whether the commuter bus service from the west is inextricably tied to the project. Ms. Rasmussen replied that the EC2 (Express Commuter) plan for bus service from Newton is not per se tied to the Urban Ring project. It was made part of the project. It would go from Riverside to Kendall and Lechmere.

Karen Parson, North Cambridge, said that she does not understand why there are representatives from Harvard and MIT on the CAC as Cambridge representatives. There should be Cambridge people on the committee.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that she belongs to both the Dana Park Neighborhood Association and the Riverside Neighborhood Association, and both of those associations elected Marilyn Wellons as their representative. She requested that all documents of nominations be available to the public and asked that the process be made transparent. She stated that the Fenway has two representatives on the CAC. Cambridge has no community representatives. The Urban Ring doesn’t solve real transportation problems. Don’t run it through the Fenway. Build where there is already infrastructure. There is already a bus going to Dudley, and it is empty. Another one goes to M.I.T. and it is empty also.

Mr. Codd said that CAC membership has been determined by the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Membership has been expanded to include more neighborhood representatives. The project goes through seven municipalities. It would be extremely difficult to have every neighborhood represented. That is why EOT wants lots of public meetings.

Don Grossman, 129 Sidney, stated his support for the Urban Ring and suggested taking the point of view of what can we do to design the Cambridge part to make it the best possible? There was a lot of effort to downzone Cambridgeport a few years ago, but perhaps there should be some rethinking about increasing the density in light of this project.

Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, stated that Grand Junction is not an abandoned rail route. The bridge is used by the railroad every day. She noted that the words "environmental justice" appear in the mandate for the Urban Ring. As originally envisioned, the Urban Ring was described as a means to bring people from Chelsea and other low-income neighborhoods to sources of jobs. Now, Harvard and Boston University’s plans have entered into the process. For Phase III, planners initially considered heavy rail as the appropriate mode in many portions of project area where the demand is greatest and then stepped back because of the cost. The Secretary of Environmental Protection has asked the CAC to reconsider the phasing. If Phase II includes sinking tons of money into tunnels, this is money not initially considered for the bus phase. The bus expenditures should not stop the implementation of Phase III rail. She recommended that planners implement portions of Phase III. She noted that the Secretary recommended looking at whether parts of Phase III be implemented

Mr. Codd stated that there is a heavy rail option from Assembly Square, Sullivan Square and around to Dudley. There are also two light rail options. The current certificate is that whatever is advanced for Phase II not present a problem for rail implementation in Phase III. There can be a dual use or a converted use to rail. The State cannot implement a little bit of rail her and a little bit of rail there. It has to be consistent with later development of Phase III.

Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that she feels like she has walked into Act II of a play: She asked what are the corridors they are speaking of. Mr. Codd said that Everett and Chelsea are included. The idea is to give people a short cut so they don’t have to go all the way in and come all the way out to take public transportation. The intention tonight was not to get into that level of detail, but rather to give you an overview of the project.

Tom Joyce, 50 Spring Street, member of the East Cambridge Planning Team, stated that he does not understand the routes, even though he has heard about this project for years. He urged more specific information about the proposals. He also expressed concern that there were no MBTA representatives at the meeting. Mr. Joyce also asked about a bike trail along the Grand Junction corridor that had been previously discussed. Ms Rasmussen stated that the planning is being done for a bicycle and pedestrian trail along the rail corridor, and that CDD believes that it is technically possible to create it along with the Urban Ring project.

Frank Shirley, 75 Henry Street, asked what specific problems the Urban Ring is intended to solve, what kind of fuel the buses would use and whether they would be idling and what would be the distance between bus stops.

Councillor Decker stated that one of the reasons for this meeting is to get more information for Cambridge residents and to help EOT understand the information needs of the Cambridge community. Mr. Codd stated that EOT needs to get out something more user friendly and also up to date. He also noted that state law prohibits idling more than five minutes.

Sarah Smith, Putnam Avenue, stated that it is hard to believe that more buses will reduce traffic.

Michael Hegarty, 143 Otis Street said that in East Cambridge, 12,000 units of housing are going in. We are going to suffocate without mass transportation in that area. He said that he is glad to see the Urban Ring initiative being discussed. Supplementing transit with buses in the short range is good. But BRT (bus rapid transportation) is an oxymoron. Bus and rapid transit do not belong in the same phrase. If we put money into bus ways, the possibility of it being converted to rail is slim.

Dennis Friedler, 24 Corporal McTernan Street, agreed. He asked how will buses using fossil fuels improve the health of anyone in this corridor and stated that he does not agree believe in BRT at all.

Laura Kershner, 97 Henry Street asked if it were still true that there is no plan for a stop in Cambridgeport, and if so, why not use the parallel route of Vassar Street? She noted the problem of any plan that puts the buses into the B.U. Rotary and urged the State to consider a plan that made the #47 bus a Cambridgeport loop route during rush hour so that there was reasonably fast transportation at that time of day.

Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, sated that all the meetings are wearing down people. People should be able to find out about a proposed project at one meeting and not have to go to multiple meetings or research websites.

Roger Lipton, Cambridgeport, stated that he would like a more coherent and complete presentation of information. He stated that he also feels a little alarmed by the defensive comments made at this meeting about who will come to Cambridge if the Urban Ring is built.

Sarah Satterthwaite, Hamilton Street, stated that she agrees with the concerns about bus transit not being rapid and the concerns that the plan will not ultimately go any further than the bus phase. She said that we cannot go back to Cambridge as it was 20 years ago and said that she hopes energy will be devoted to analyzing whether there is a way that this project could be done well enough to be a benefit for the Cambridge community. Otherwise, Cambridge will just be ignored because other communities actually want transportation solutions.

Betty Deutch, 25 Chalk Street, expressed concern about the Newton-Riverside express bus routes.

Councillor Decker and Councillor Kelley submitted the following orders:
1. ORDERED: That the City Manager speak with the appropriate department heads, stakeholders and State Agencies with the view of creating on the City’s website access to all the information regarding the Urban Ring project along with a narrative overview of the process.

2. ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct appropriate City of Cambridge staff to confer with state agency staff and the Chairs of the City Council Health and Environment Committee and Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee to discuss a more neighborhood-oriented process to allow more community input into the Urban Ring planning process.

The orders passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Decker expressed her hope that, in view of the money that will go into the Urban Ring project, there will be ways to make this a project that Cambridge will welcome and benefit from.

Councillor Davis thanked the Chairs for bring the meeting together and thanked Ned Codd for his participation. She said that the transition from planning responsibility from the MBTA to EOT has caused confusion among members of the public, and noted the need for clear handouts from the State and information about the Urban Ring to appear on the City’s website.

Councillor Kelley and Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance and participation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Health and Environment Committee

Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair
Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on March 15, 2006, beginning at five o’clock and thirty-five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NABS)/Alan Zimlicki et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to yards, open space, parking and special permit criteria for the redevelopment of existing buildings.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor Craig Kelley, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use for the Community Development Department (CDD); Liza Paden, Senior Planner, CDD; and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Sullivan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the proponents to present the petition.

Alan Zimlicki, 195 Erie Street, described the petition. The petition began as a proposal to change the zoning in the area of the Blessed Sacrament, which was sold to a developer. Neighbors became concerned about the amount of density and intrusion on abutters’ properties allowed under the current special permit zoning applicable to dwellings (Section 5.28). The petition proposes changes to Sec. 5.28.23 Yard Requirements, Section 5.28.25 Useable Open Space and Section 5.28.27 Criteria For Approval of a Special Permit. The petition would also amend the parking requirements of Article 6 to require 1.3 parking spaces for all units in excess of those that would be allowed under the base zoning.

Mr. Zimlicki said that the issue is that in the redevelopment of a large older structure within a neighborhood, filling the entire volume of the building would result in double the density of the surrounding neighborhoods. Allowing decks and balconies up to the third-floor in such a structure, which does not have the required setbacks, would result in a substantial loss of privacy for the neighbors, and allowing many more and much larger windows would have a similar effect.

Mr. Zimlicki said that the Planning Board issued a special permit for the Blessed Sacrament project before this proposed amendment was advertised, so a change would not affect that project. However, as the problem still exists in other parts of the city, the petitioners have filed the proposal as a citywide amendment.

Councillor Sullivan then invited Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use for the Community Development Department (CDD) to comment. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the Planning Board held its hearing on March 7, 2006. They did not vote that night. The Planning Board members were sympathetic to most of the neighbors’ concerns. She noted that the ordinance governing the parking requirement for redeveloped structures was amended last summer. In the special permit, the developers did a specific analysis of the on-street parking at 3:00 a.m. in support of their position that sufficient on-street parking would be available to the neighborhood after the building was built and occupied.

Councillor Davis said that the Planning Board benefited from a detailed parking analysis, but such an analysis is not required; perhaps the Zoning Ordinance should be amended to require such a study.

Councillor Davis submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide the Ordinance Committee and the City Council with information on the average number of cars that would be added to on-street parking related to a newly constructed building of units occupied by higher income tenants under the current parking requirements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department staff review the information provided to the City Council in connection with the previous change in the parking requirement for redeveloped buildings and provide copies to the Ordinance Committee of relevant material.

Councillor Kelley stated that he does not think that a parking ratio of 1.3 spaces per unit is high enough.

Mayor Reeves stated that the whole purpose of a special permit is to craft a solution that fits the particular situation. Large-scale conversions, such as churches, seem to be testing the limits of the special permit. He asked how the Community Development Department could help to keep the proportions within more reasonable and palatable boundaries.

Ms. Rubenstein stated that there are different kinds of special permits. The criteria for this type, which is reconversion, do try to get at that problem. She gave the example of windows in the school building which is part of the Blessed Sacrament project. There were changes to the proposed design based on neighbor concerns.

Mayor Reeves said that balconies are another difficult issue. New balconies can cause a dramatic loss of privacy. He emphasized that he hopes there will be some continued negotiations to address neighborhood concerns.

Councillor Kelley asked how the type of units built would change if more parking were to be required.

Mr. Barber said that the developer had the option of creating a parking lot, which would have increased the onsite parking, and the neighbors rejected that idea. Another option would be to increase the size of the units but the question is whether this would have decreased the parking demand, because more bedrooms could mean more cars.

Councillor Kelley submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant Director for Community Development to report to the Ordinance Committee and the City Council on the costs of increasing parking for the development to 1.3 and to 2.0 spaces per unit.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Cynthia Kamishlian, Erie Street, stated that the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NAB) organization supports redevelopment that is sensitive to the neighborhoods. The current privacy level of the abutters should be maintained. The parking requirement should be increased.

James Rafferty, 187 Concord Avenue, stated that he is the attorney for the developer of the Blessed Sacrament site but that he was not speaking as his attorney tonight. His client already has a permit for that development. Attorney Rafferty stated that he has represented a number of developers in this situation. Section 5.28 was initially developed as part of the Cambridgeport Rezoning with the goal of encouraging changes from commercial to residential uses. He stated that some very valid issues have been raised by the petitioners. He cautioned the committee against locking in a particular formula. Solutions should be site specific. The decisions that are made will affect the cost of units, the types of families able to buy the unit. The City should provide criteria and tools to analyze the outcomes.

Heather Hoffman, Hurley Street, stated that there should be consideration of the issue of what constitutes re-use. There are not criteria. It is not re-use when the developer gets rid of everything there.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that the real problem is density. Too many of these developments are turning into densities that would not be allowed in public housing projects. The City should plan ahead. It is necessary to take a look at the parking impacts on the neighborhood as a whole, not just the abutters. She suggests a more stringent parking requirement.

Tom Joyce, 50 Spring Street, stated that he is a member of the board of the East Cambridge Planning Team, but that he was speaking only on his own behalf. He said that at 5:00 a.m. when police needed to clear cars on his street because of a bomb threat he saw neighbors from 5-6 blocks away coming to move their cars. Parking spaces are increasingly hard to find.

Elvie Rayes, 10 Museum Way, spoke in support of the petition.

Chris Matthews, member of the East Cambridge Planning Team, stated that upper floor balconies seriously affect the privacy of abutters.

Steve Kaiser, Hamilton Street, stated that the Blessed Sacrament site consists of four buildings and he would be very sorry to see any of them destroyed to create a parking lot. He is very glad that the issue is being raised. The City has done no study of the effects of development on on-street parking.

Judy Kobeck, 69R Gore Street, stated that East Cambridge is seeing a lot of new development, with lots of impacts on neighbors. She urged the City Council to protect neighborhoods.

Nancy Stiening, secretary of the East Cambridge Planning Team, stated that the members of the East Cambridge Planning Team are very supportive of the goals in this petition. She urged the City to work on the right language and compromises. Setbacks and open space are really important. Upper level decks should not be counted as open space.

Dennis Friedler, 24 Corporal McTernan Street, stated that he wants to talk more generally about special permits. The larger issues of the process of the Planning Board, citizen participation and density need attention. Allowing the presentation of new material with no opportunity for public comment is unfair and probably a violation of law. Neighbors are at a complete disadvantage.

Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, praised the citywide nature of the petition.

Barbara Broussard, 148 Third Street, President of the East Cambridge Planning Team, spoke in support of the petition and urged changing the parking requirement to specify that the developer must provide one onsite parking space for each bedroom in the development.

Councillor Decker said that she continues to be skeptical about whether the developer will be able to do what he has proposed at the Blessed Sacrament site for the price that was paid. She hopes that how this project gets built will uphold the dignity of labor. She said that none of the proposed amendments would affect the Zoning Ordinance’s requirement for a specific amount of affordable housing. The City Council will ensure that this project respects the neighborhood. The idea of counting upper level decks as open space is ridiculous.

Councillor Sullivan thanked Mr. Zimlicki for the presentation and stated that it takes more of a stretch of the imagination than he is willing to make to see upper level decks as open space. He asked the staff to look again at some parking ratio that takes other factors into account, for example the number of bedrooms and the luxury element. Councillor Sullivan stated that he anticipates further committee discussion on the petition.

Councillor Davis agreed that there is a need for better analysis. She stated that perhaps there should be a joint meeting with the Planning Board and that parking should be one of the issues. She stated that perhaps this is an opportunity to look at family housing.

Mayor Reeves stated that several issues have been raised, such as balconies as open space and the treatment of windowsills and windows in redevelopment. Perhaps there could be a commission that included design professionals and members of community organizations. He said that he would like to hear more from the developers about what economic incentives and disincentives there are for increasing parking and other of the issues that have been raised.

Councillor Kelley said that he is interested in the idea of allowing more density in exchange for providing that occupants will not be eligible for resident parking stickers.

Councillor Davis asked about useable open space. Mr. Barber stated that useable open space is only required for residential construction. It is to benefit the occupants, not the public. The citywide rezoning doubled the amount of open space and provided that half of the useable open space must be provided at ground level and the other half can be above ground level as balconies, decks, etc.

Councillor Davis moved that the petition be referred to the full City Council but that the Ordinance Committee retain jurisdiction over the subject matter for the purpose of further discussions if necessary. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair

Committee Report #4
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee held a public meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2006 at five o’clock and thirty-four minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Police Department’s traffic enforcement plan for the city.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Police Superintendent David Degou, Police Superintendent Michael Giacoppo, Police Deputy Superintendent Robert Ames, Police Deputy Superintendent Lester Sullivan, Police Lieutenant John Albert, Police Lieutenant John Sheehan, Community Relations and Police Sergeant Kathleen Murphy, Community Relations, George Fosque, Emergency Communications Director, Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, School Committee Member Richard Harding and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, Arthur Strang, 60 Fresh Pond Parkway, Greg Hill, Littauer Library, 1875 Cambridge Street, Tom Joyce, 50 Spring Street, William O’Neill, Fifth Street and Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street.

Councillor Kelley opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He stated that not all traffic enforcement problems would be solved at this meeting but there is a need to a start somewhere. He hopes this meeting is the beginning. He requested Commissioner Watson to explain the process of traffic enforcement by the Police Department and then he would go to public comment.

Commissioner Watson stated that a traffic enforcement plan was prepared (Attachment A) and he discussed the department strategies. Every member of the Police Department participates in traffic enforcement. Superintendent Degou and the operations staff prepared the traffic enforcement plan.

Councillor Davis asked Commissioner Watson to explain what are the 3E’s of enforcement. Commissioner Watson stated that the 3E’s are: enforcement, education and engineering. Traffic needs to move through the city with a minimum of violations and impact to bicyclist, pedestrians and motorists. The need to regulate cars and bikes is important to prevent injuries and accidents. More warnings than violations are written by many police officers. Officers were asked to do balanced enforcement. Training, education and knowledge of citations are provided to the officers. The officers make the determination whether to issue a ticket, written or verbal warning. Cambridge has a good record on enforcement, with 45% of warnings and citations issued. Issuing warnings does not have an effect on behavior. This is the reason why police officers issue tickets. Residents identify locations in the city that would require additional enforcement. The "Four Points of Safety" program was developed after an accident occurred where a bus struck a woman. Schools are targeted by the police because of violations occurring with motorists and school busses. The Police Department plays a role in engineering throughout the city.

Councillor Davis asked what type of data is kept by the department. Commissioner Watson stated that due to racial profiling legislation all data is kept on traffic enforcement. For a four-month period, September – December 2005) 900 citations were written. Cambridge is capturing data and can tell who is driving on Cambridge streets. Lieutenant Albert spoke on accident and traffic stop data. The statistical data is broken down categorically by police officer, location and time frame. Violations can be identified. Councillor Davis asked if photo enforcement would help prevent running red lights. Commissioner Watson responded in the affirmative, but the Legislature has not passed video enforcement legislation. The city of Lawrence has passed an ordinance on video enforcement. The fines collected go to the Registry. A stationary police officer is assigned to a location like Massachusetts Avenue and Prospect Street to prevent running red lights, but this could be done by video enforcement allowing the officer to do traffic enforcement in another area in the city. Councillor Davis asked how could Lawrence do video enforcement. Commissioner Watson informed the committee that the city manager and the city solicitor were given a copy of the ordinance from Lawrence. His hope is to mirror Lawrence. Vice Mayor Toomey commented that the City Council voted not to have video enforcement. The City Council will try again to pass video enforcement.

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

Kathy Podgers expressed her concern for enforcement of moving violations. Tickets are being written for bicyclists; bicyclists do not know the rules. Many police officers, she stated, do not have violation ticket books on their person so that they can issue a ticket for bicycle violations. The moving violation ticket book should include the bicycle violations. Commissioner Watson stated that bike violators are people who live in Cambridge. There is a large college population; information is provided to this population. Our goal is the safe operation of vehicle and bicycles, not the issuance of citations or tickets. Cambridge is one of the few cities that enforce bicycle laws. Bikes are a problem. Every officer is issued the citation books that they need to do their job. Ms. Podgers also suggested that the signs used at intersections in Somerville be used in Cambridge. The signs read, "Bike stop at stop sign." She asked what is the perception of the Police Department about persons with disability and providing safety for persons with disabilities. They are not in legal places for them, but have no place else to go. Commissioner Watson stated that streets have wheelchair access ramps but that many people in wheelchairs prefer to ride in the street. They present a sick to drivers who cannot see them. This is a challenge that is faced everyday by the Police.

Greg Hill stated that he works at Harvard University. Every September the students arrive in the city. The students are not trained. He suggested that better education be done for the students on bicycle laws. He supported good bicycling habits on campus. He also commented on the safety issue of having trucks drive through the neighborhood late at night.

At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to meet with the MIT and Harvard University police and the Bicycle Committee in an effort to cooperate and ensure that students are educated about the bicycle laws and that the bike laws are enforced on the campuses.

The motion – Carried.

Commissioner Watson informed the committee that both MIT and Harvard have a bike patrol that work with the Police Department so that bicyclists know what is expected on the streets of Cambridge. The universities do spend time educating new students.

Tom Joyce informed the committee of a situation that occurred on Mass. Avenue at Walden Street. A vehicle made an illegal left turn and jumped the red light. A police officer was at this intersection and did nothing about this violation. This is disheartening he said. Commissioner Watson stated that an infraction such as the one stated above should be reported to the Police Department. Note the date, time, location and vehicle identification number and the Police Department will take corrective action. Officers are well trained and if they do not do their duty there are supervisors who will take corrective measures. The "Four Points for Safety" program is one response to this. Mr. Joyce also spoke about pedestrian walk light where vehicles are turning into the path of pedestrians. This situation is unsafe.

Councillor Kelley questioned the enforcement jurisdiction of the universities on the streets of Cambridge. Commissioner Watson stated that the universities have no authority for enforcement on city streets. They enforce the university property. Transit police enforce around bus stops. Councillor Kelley asked does Cambridge have jurisdiction on state roads for enforcement. Councillor Watson responded yes, if necessary. Lieutenant Albert stated that local police enforce the laws and when asked to enforce laws on state road the local police cooperate with state police on enforcement. As a courtesy on Fresh Pond Parkway the state police would be notified if the local police have any issues.

Councillor Kelley asked what is the procedure when a traffic ticket is appealed. Lieutenant Albert stated that the right of appeal is explained when the citation is issued. The appeal should be submitted to the regional or district court. A hearing would be scheduled. The hearing is held by the clerk magistrate and if awarded the appeal goes to a hearing before a judge. Councillor Kelley asked what is the percentage of officers that attend traffic court. Commissioner Watson responded that police officers are required to attend traffic court. Officers always appear at court when summoned. He cited traffic court hearings and appearances for 2004 and 2005 (ATTACHMENT B). Any convicted traffic violation causes a surcharge on insurance and this causes a spike in requests for appeals.

Councillor Kelley commented that people do not feel safe crossing the street and riding their bikes because cars do not stop for pedestrians. People are concerned that there is not enough aggressive enforcement. How can the city make cars follow the law, he asked. Commissioner Watson stated that violators are not Cambridge residents.

When the police department has the data the issue can be better addressed. Education about the law is done in Cambridge for residents.

Vice Mayor Toomey asked if there has been an increase in citations issued over the last three years. Superintendent Degou stated that the citations issued were as follows:
1. 25,646
2. 23,288.

Accidents have decreased since 1998. Commissioner Watson stated that truck enforcement has decreased accidents and improved truck safety. This is an educational program also. Vice Mayor Toomey asked if there is a decrease in the amount of truck enforcement being done. Lieutenant Albert stated that in the four years of strict truck enforcement there are repeat offenders. Vice Mayor Toomey asked if truck enforcement was done at night. Lieutenant Albert responded in the negative. Any officer can do restricted route enforcement. For the police officers safety truck enforcement must be done in a well-lit area.

The Police Department is negotiating to increase the bike units to twelve-fourteen persons using officers on overtime. Bike officers respond to calls for service, go to senior centers, parks, and do bike enforcement.

Councillor Davis suggested that two more points be added to the Points of Safety. They are bikes riding on sidewalks and parking of vehicles in bike lanes. Sergeant Murphy stated that she wanted to develop a card for bike lanes. Enforcement of bike lanes in Harvard and Central Square is being done. Vice Mayor Toomey mentioned the intersection of Huron and Concord Avenue bike lane. To make a right turn who has right of way. Sergeant Murphy stated that if a bike is in the bike lane the first car has to stop. The dashed line lane signifies share the road. She gave the following information on bike violations for 2005:
Sidewalks 71
Red light 800
Other 255.

Red light running and stop signs are the biggest area of concern. The MBTA complains about bikes. Councillor Kelley stated that bicyclist need to be taught their responsibility of not riding bikes on sidewalks based on the 71 violations. Ms. Podgers disputed the 71 violations and suggested using a camera to capture offenders. In Central Square bikes travel on the handicapped ramps. These violators are not students, she said. She wanted real statistics of how many bikes are riding on the sidewalk and increased enforcement.

Ms. Podgers stated that when she points out bike riding on sidewalks to police officers they are not responsive. Lieutenant Sheehan stated that when a bicyclist is traveling on the sidewalk the police officer would inform the cyclist not to ride on the sidewalk. This is done as a courtesy and is usually all that is required to prevent the violation. There are no statistics on the number of bicyclist who are given verbal warnings. Commissioner Watson stated that the issue is compliance. You cannot enforce courtesy; it is not a numbers game. He wants people to understand that sidewalks are a restricted area in the city. Officers are given discretion whether to issue a verbal warning or a ticket. Ms. Podgers stated that this is a civil rights issue. Persons with disabilities should be able to use the ramp without being accosted.

Vice Mayor Toomey asked why do people not stop for a yellow/red light. Commissioner Watson stated that this could be caused from attitude, bad habit, speed, alcohol or a whole list of issues. The traffic study will look at who is on Cambridge streets. When Cambridge is the only city doing enforcement it is tough.

Councillor Davis asked the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation if there was a technical standard for the timing of yellow lights. Ms. Clippinger stated that no change has been made to yellow lights. There is a standard, based on the size of the intersection.

Councillor Kelley asked what is the average length of stop made by the police officer. Commissioner Watson stated that the average stop is between 3-8 minutes. Professionalism is measured by survey. Surveys are sent out for warnings and fines. Seventy-five percent of the surveys are returned.

Heather Hoffman discussed school crossing guards. She asked how many crossing guards there are, where are they located, how long do they stay at their assignment, how are they assigned and could crossing guards be used for enforcement. Commissioner Watson stated that he would like a part time cadet program to fill in these duties. Lieutenant Albert stated that there are 54 crossing assignments; three of which have retired. Currently three police officers are filling these retired positions. The crossing guard staff is reviewed with the School Department and the Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation. He discussed new locations that needed a crossing guard. The intersection of Putnam Avenue and Magazine Street, Binney Street and a Charter School are new areas that require a crossing guard. Commissioner Watson stated that the Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation had a plan for evaluation and review of the crossing guards. Ms. Clippinger stated the crossing guard evaluation received an award from a transportation group for its professionalism. Ms. Hoffman stated that the intersection of Fifth and Spring Street by the East End House has 25 children waiting for the school bus between 3:15-3:30pm without a crossing guard and earlier busses with fewer children have a crossing guard. Lieutenant Albert stated that the crossing guard’s hours were extended at this location.

Councillor Kelley stated that the city is not getting there fast enough to keep the streets safe. He expressed his concern for the safety of his children crossing the streets in the city. Where do we go from here, he asked. Commissioner Watson suggested that the pedestrian and bicycle committee be invited to a meeting with this committee. He will continue enforcement. The Police Department has a lot to do; it is a balancing act. Mr. Joyce stated that late night truck traffic on Third and Spring Street bumped over curb bumpouts. This also happens on Gore and Binney Streets. What is going on with enforcement, he asked. Lieutenant Albert responded that it is no secret that the truck enforcement team is not out between midnight and 6:00am. He is send his other shift offers to get at this issue. There is legitimate business on that roadway that allows truck traffic. Councillor Davis stated that homicides must be first priority for the Police Department. Commissioner Watson stated that there have been two tragic deaths in the city. This is the first incident of violence on the streets of Cambridge since 2003. People have access to weapons. He spoke of the impact of incarcerated individuals coming back to the city.

At the conclusion of the meeting Councillor Kelley submitted the following e-mails and documents:
E-mail from Richard Colbath-Hess ATTACHMENT C
E-mail from Sarah Block ATTACHMENT D
E-mails from Shannon Larkin ATTACHMENT E
E-mail from Joe Avin ATTACHMENT F
Spot Enforcement Schedule for Spring ATTACHMENT G
Information on TROMP program ATTACHMENT H

Councillor Kelley thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at seven o’clock and twenty minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair