RECONSIDERATION
1. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a detailed analysis, to include relevant citations, of split lot law in Massachusetts. Councillor Maher filed reconsideration on Apr 14, 2008 on the vote taken adopting Order Number Four of Apr 14, 2008.  Order Adopted as Amended

2. Questions regarding public/private aspects of e-mail to and from public officials. Councillor Maher filed reconsideration on Apr 14, 2008 on the vote taken adopting Order Number Five of Apr 14, 2008.  Order Adopted as Amended

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years effective the first day of January, 2008:  Daniel F. Long

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the Alison Cohen as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term to expire on Apr 18, 2011.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge GLBT Committee:
Richard M. Juang (1-year term); Monika K. Dargin (1-year term); Christopher Mason (1-year term); Karen Malme (2-year term); Neal Minahan (2-year term); Sarav Chithambaram (2-year term); Tony Wieczorek (3-year term); Richard Scali (3-year term); Toni L. Snow (3-year term)

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-22, regarding a report on crossing guard regulations, policies and duties as well as a list of crossing guard locations.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-43, regarding a report on the pedestrian fatality that took place on March 17th.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-58, regarding a report on the late night use of an MIT University shuttle bus in residential neighborhoods.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the request from First Street Venture, LLC at One First Street for permanent easements to allow for certain parts of the buildings to encroach into, on or over the public way and for permanent aerial easements for bay windows, balcony railings, cornices, window heads, and a metal entrance canopy to project over the public way.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-47, regarding a report on the exodus of biotech companies from Cambridge.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the FY2009 submitted budget and appropriation orders.  Referred to Finance Committee

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to amend the existing Jitney License of Super Duck Excursions, LLC d/b/a Super Trolley Tours.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to amend the pending Jitney License of CityView, Inc.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-57, regarding a report on whether land-use planning and zoning could be used and/or modified to provide for more positive transitions for former church properties and other similar re-use issues.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-56, regarding a report on what if any land use planning and zoning policies could support the growth of aging-in-place programs.  Referred to Human Services Committee - Decker

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Pilot Classroom Quality Grant for $3,125.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care for the Morse Preschool to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($158.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,967.00) and will be used to purchase assessment tools to measure children’s progress across all developmental domains and improve DHSP preschool program quality.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of donations in the amount of $5,260.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to support 21 Proof Training which where received by the Cambridge Prevention Coalition from numerous alcohol-serving establishments in Cambridge for conducting server training and will be used to support staff salaries.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $2,229.91 refund from Pearson Education related to a return of educational supplies purchased last year to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds will be used to purchase similar materials in compliance with the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE) from which the materials were originally purchased.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $10,000 from the General Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This transfer will allow the Community Schools to cover increased costs related to bus transportation and other contractual services.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $100,000 from the Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training (Judgments & Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-31, regarding a report on restrictions for resident permits for new buildings.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program for $38,180 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used to purchase laptop computers for police vehicles and related service maintenance as well as other MIS equipment to enhance mobile computing.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-26, regarding a report on how many children with special needs or IEP’s Human Services is making accommodations for in the after-school programs.  Charter Right - Decker

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-18, regarding a report on the methods to provide long-term protection for Joan Lorentz Park.  Referred to Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee - Davis

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,630,000 to continue sewer projects in the Cherry Street/South Massachusetts Avenue, Agassiz, and Fresh Pond areas of the City.  Passed to 2nd Reading

Apr 28, 2008
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,630,000 to continue sewer projects in the Cherry Street/South Massachusetts Avenue, Agassiz, and Fresh Pond areas of the City. This order is being submitted for the Apr 28, 2008 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on May 19, 2008 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY09 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

Since there is no May 5, 2008 City Council meeting, final approval of this order would not be possible until June 2, 2008 in order for the City to comply with all legal requirements. If passed to a second reading on Apr 28, 2008, this will allow the City to comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on May 19, 2008. Please see pages V36-37 in the FY09 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY09 Capital Budget is scheduled for May 7, 2008.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

Agenda Item No. 23     Apr 28, 2008
ORDERED: That $8,630,000 is appropriated for the purpose of financing the design and construction of the following water pollution abatement projects:

Cherry Street/South Massachusetts Avenue
Construction of Sewer Separation and Stormwater Management Facilities, including the removal of common manholes in the area along the northern side of Massachusetts Avenue and Inman Street, the construction of a sewer separation and drainage system around City Hall, and the construction of other stormwater management infrastructure in Parking Lot 6 in the Bishop Allen/Columbia Street area

Agassiz Area
Construction of Sewer Separation and Stormwater Management Facilities in the Agassiz area

Alewife Watershed Area
Construction of Sewer Separation, Stormwater Management and Floatable Control Facilities in the Alewife Watershed area, including Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) reduction/elimination improvements in the area between Concord Avenue, Fresh Pond and Huron Avenue and a stormwater wetland in the Alewife Reservation

including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $8,630,000 and issue bonds or notes therefor under G.L. c.44 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; that such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the City unless the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager determines that they should be issued as limited obligations and may be secured by local system revenues as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C; that the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C or the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or a security agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Trust or the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the projects or for the financing thereof; and that the City Manager is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, to expend all funds available for the projects and to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to fund extensive improvements to the Lafayette Square Fire Station and Fire Headquarters.  Passed to 2nd Reading

Apr 28, 2008
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to fund extensive improvements to the Lafayette Square Fire Station and Fire Headquarters. This order is being submitted for the Apr 28, 2008 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on May 19, 2008 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY09 Budget. Approval of loan orders on adoption night has been the practice for several years.

Since there is no May 5, 2008 City Council meeting, final approval of this order would not be possible until June 2, 2008 in order for the City to comply with all legal requirements. If passed to a second reading on Apr 28, 2008, this will allow the City to comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on May 19, 2008. Please see pages V21-22 in the FY09 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY09 Capital Budget is scheduled for May 7, 2008.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

Agenda Item No. 24     Apr 28, 2008

ORDERED: That $1,000,000 is appropriated for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Lafayette Square Fire Station and Fire Headquarters; and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $1,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,700,000 to fund the replacement of all City and public safety radio systems.  Passed to 2nd Reading

Apr 28, 2008
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,700,000 to fund the replacement of all City and public safety radio systems. This order is being submitted for the Apr 28, 2008 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on May 19, 2008 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY09 Budget. Approval of loan orders on adoption night has been the practice for several years.

Since there is no May 5, 2008 City Council meeting, final approval of this order would not be possible until June 2, 2008 in order for the City to comply with all legal requirements. If passed to a second reading on Apr 28, 2008, this will allow the City to comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on May 19, 2008. Please see page V24 in the FY09 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY09 Capital Budget is scheduled for May 7, 2008.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

Agenda Item No. 25     Apr 28, 2008
ORDERED: That $6,700,000 is appropriated for the purchase and installation of public safety and City radio systems to replace the existing systems, including related equipment and communications and computer technology; and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $6,700,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to review the process by which the Board of Zoning Appeal turned down a variance request to build a new hotel in Porter Square, where the Porter Square Neighborhood Association and the majority of the abutters supported the proposal and the only opposition was from a neighborhood association not located in Porter Square and there was commentary that zoning was the domain of a given councillor. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Order Number Eight of Apr 14, 2008.  Placed on File under Rule 19 - No action taken.

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

3. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 84 Wadsworth Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Six of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

4. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 360 Memorial Drive between 296 and 120 Vassar Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Seven of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Simmons.]

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

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Brian Murphy and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Apr 3, 2008 to consider a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to provide that bicycle parking not be included in the calculation of Gross Floor Area. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Apr 28, 2008. Planning Board hearing held Apr 15, 2008. Petition expires July 2, 2008.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from the Cambridge Licensee Advisory Board, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing the Taste of Cambridge - June 19, 2008.

2. An application was received from the Cambridge Licensee Advisory Board, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK at Mount Auburn Street announcing the Taste of Cambridge - June 19, 2008.

3. An application was received from the Cambridge Licensee Advisory Board, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Taste of Cambridge - June 19, 2008.

4. An application was received from Hoppy, LLC requesting permission for two retractable awnings at the premises numbered 49 Mount Auburn Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

5. An application was received from Johnny’s Hair Salon requesting permission for two awnings at the premises numbered 164 Hampshire Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

6. A zoning petition was received from Meehn Su Gim on behalf of Kaya-Ka, Inc. (owner), regarding proposed modifications to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to the boundary of the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District and Accessory Parking and Vehicular Access for Hotel Use.

7. An application was received from JP Licks at Harvard Square Inc., requesting permission for seven tables and twenty-eight chairs in front of 1310 Massachusetts Avenue for restaurant seating.

8. An application was received from John Collier, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 120 Cherry Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works and the neighborhood association.

9. An application was received from One First Street Venture, LLC requesting permission for nine awnings at the premises numbered One First Street (corner of Second and Cambridge Street; Cambridge Street and First). Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

10. An application was received from Ruben Mouno, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 42 Bay State Road; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.

11. An application was received from The Dance Complex, requesting permission for two temporary banners across across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall and JFK at Mount Auburn Street for Dance Month.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the resolution adopted by the City Council in support of H374, which would create a special commission to examine the impact on Massachusetts of the World Trade Organization and similar international trade agreements.

2. A communication was received from Mark Mulligan, regarding the Apr 14, 2008 Council order on split lot zoning interpretation.

3. A communication was received from Holly R. Miller, transmitting support of Councillor Kelley’s request for clarification of the City’s split lot zoning interpretation.

4. A communication was received from David Kotker, Membership Coordinator, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, announcing the publication of "Conservation and Land Use Planning Under Massachusetts’ Chapter 61 Laws"-the second edition of our guide to the workings of Chapter 61.

5. A communication was received from Michael Brandon, regarding the Porter Square hotel proposal.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Gail Palmer from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

2. Retirement of Nicole May from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

3. Retirement of Suzette Demarais from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

4. Retirement of Frank Donato from the Water Department.   Mayor Simmons

5. Proclaim May 5-10, 2008 as Drinking Water Week in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

6. Resolution on the death of James J. Finn Jr.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

7. Resolution on the death of Edwina M. Cafarella.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

8. Resolution on the death of Marie (Elliston) Polcari.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

9. Resolution on the death of Margaret "Dolly" (White) Robinson.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Lillian M. (Eagles) Camara.   Councillor Toomey

11. Resolution on the death of Helen R. (Cavallaro) Mederios.   Councillor Toomey

12. Resolution on the death of Reverend Doctor Krister Stendahl.   Vice Mayor Murphy

13. Thanks to Donna Keefe for her years of service to the Cambridge community as she leaves her position at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Shane Penley.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jacob Fairbanks.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Richard Vaughn.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Lilly.   Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jeremiah McNeal.   Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Morris.   Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Corporal Richard Nelson.   Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Specialist William Allmon.   Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Hartley.   Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Timothy Smith.   Councillor Decker
24. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jeremiah Hughes.   Councillor Decker
25. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jesse Ault.   Councillor Decker
26. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Travis Griffin.   Councillor Decker
27. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Dean Opicka.   Councillor Decker
28. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Kazarick.   Councillor Decker
29. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Shaun Tousha.   Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Technical Sergeant Anthony Capra.   Councillor Decker
31. Resolution on the death of Major Mark Rosenberg.   Councillor Decker
32. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett.   Councillor Decker
33. Resolution on the death of Major Stuart Wolfer.   Councillor Decker
34. Resolution on the death of Colonel Stephen Scott.   Councillor Decker

35. Congratulations to Larry Weinstein on the publication of his new book titled Grammar For the Soul.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Simmons

36. Congratulations to Daniel McCusker on receiving the Dance Belt Award.   Mayor Simmons

37. Congratulations to Progenika on their new operations facility in Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

38. Congratulations to the Penny Wrappers who collected and rolled pennies to support the development of the new Cambridge Senior Center.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Decker

39. Congratulations and thanks to MIT for the success of Area IV Day at MIT.   Mayor Simmons

40. Congratulations to Julia Reynolds, founder and director of the Girls Preparing to Succeed (GPS) program.   Mayor Simmons

41. Congratulations to Dita Obler on the publication of her article on congenital heart disease.   Mayor Simmons

42. Appreciation to the Massachusetts Youth Pride Committee for their hard work in the community.   Mayor Simmons

43. Appreciation to The Friends of GLBT Youth, Inc. for their hard work in the community.   Mayor Simmons

44. Congratulations to Dorothy Elizabeth Tucker on receiving a Dance Belt Award.   Mayor Simmons

45. Appreciation to the Boston Area Gay and Lesbian Youth (BAGLY) for their organization of BAGLY’s 28th anniversary.   Mayor Simmons

46. Proclaim May as Dance Month in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

47. Proclaim April 2008 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

48. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. LeRoy Attles, Sr. for his thirty years of ministry at St. Paul AME Church.   Mayor Simmons

49. Congratulations to the Cambridge Post Office on being the first post office to receive both Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Plan Award for Safety and the Environmental Protection Agency Performance Track Award.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis

50. Urge residents to be cognizant of the 29th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival which will take place on June 8, 2008.   Mayor Simmons

51. Appreciation to the students of the Atrium School in Watertown for sharing their contribution to the environment, both locally and globally.   Mayor Simmons

52. Congratulations to the North Cambridge Family Opera Festival Chorus on their production of the Powers of 10.   Councillor Kelley

53. Happy 90th birthday to Eulene Galloway.   Mayor Simmons

54. Proclaim Apr 25, 2008 as Arbor Day in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

55. Appreciation to Diego Sanchez for providing a thoughtful and powerful Keynote Address on the occasion of the Bayard Rustin Community Breakfast.   Mayor Simmons

56. Appreciation to the Digital Divide Committee and participating CRLS students for their work on behalf of households in Cambridge affected by lack of access to technology.   Mayor Simmons

57. Congratulations to Dr. Evelynn Hammond on being named Dean of Harvard College.   Councillor Reeves

58. Resolution on the death of Hale Champion.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Maher

59. Resolution on the death of Mary Welch.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

60. Congratulations to Beshara, Lia and Matthew Bandar on the birth of their new daughter and sister Emily Elizabeth Bandar.   Councillor Decker

61. Congratulations to Sophie Zunz on launching her public relations and marketing firm.   Councillor Decker

62. Congratulations to Vladimir Baruskov on his recent mobile sculpture show in Cambridge.   Councillor Seidel

63. Resolution on the death of James M. O'Leary.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

64. Resolution on the death of Anna P. (McCarthy) Foster.   Councillor Maher

65. Thanks to all City personnel who helped in preparing City Hall for the Science Festival.   Councillor Davis

66. Congratulations to the winners of the Cambridge Science Festival.   Mayor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft a new ordinance that would replace the original ordinance (Ordinance #1138 as attached) to provide that non-profit organizations and community groups may post flyers on utility poles.   Councillor Seidel, Councillor Kelley and Councillor Decker

2. That the City Manager is requested to urge the public to attend the many wonderful activities that the Cambridge Science Festival has to offer from Apr 26 through May 4, 2008.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Maher

3. That the City Manager is requested to develop a plan, in consultation with the appropriate City departments and the Public Planting Committee, to plant more fruit trees and berry bushes at appropriate places in the city.   Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager is requested to consider a long-term over very long-term plan to bury wires in the city.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Maher

5. That the City Manager is requested to make use of the Public Health Department’s Community Engagement Team to disseminate the message about the switch from analog to digital TV.   Councillor Davis

6. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of Frank Duffy Marigiolio.   Councillor Toomey

7. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of William Fran Martino.   Councillor Toomey

8. That the City Manager is requested to inquire with Marriott Hotels to receive an update on the former union employees who were promised their jobs back once the hotel re-opens.   Councillor Decker

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explain its policy of hiring contractors who are not union contractors.   Councillor Decker

10. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update on the implementation of a trans-fat ban in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Decker

11. That the City Council go on record urging Marriott Hotels to use union contractors and sub-contractors for their projects in Cambridge.   Councillor Decker

12. That this City Council go on record urging Millennium to accept union bids on the Data Center project.   Councillor Decker

13. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the City Council a plan to make city outdoor lighting in parks, along streets and on buildings energy efficient and respectful of "dark sky" principles.   Councillor Davis

14. That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in honor of Ms. Ruby Faye Lightfoot.   Mayor Simmons

15. That the City Manager it requested to ask the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and other relevant personnel to review the possibility of pursuing a change in the pedestrian light at River Street and Massachusetts Avenue and report back on the impact of such a change.   Mayor Simmons

16. That the City Manager is requested to investigate locations near and around community centers, and where permission is provided create and install Information Posting Boards for use by and for the community.   Mayor Simmons

17. That the City Manager is requested to look into the shortage of visitor parking at Neville Center and report back to the City Council as to the possible solution to this problem.   Vice Mayor Murphy

18. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the multiple small holes in street pavement found in groups on various City streets, to include who is responsible for drilling them, what sort of permits are required to drill them, who is responsible for filling them and what threats they might pose to maintaining safe and even streets.   Councillor Kelley

19. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant department heads and report back to the City Council on the status of testing, and any associated results, for pharmaceutical residue in the City’s drinking water supply.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Seidel

20. That the City Manager is hereby requested to send a letter to Mass Highway and DCR requesting they report back on the testing of the bridge and the results of the environmental review.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher and Councillor Kelley

21. That the Ordinance Committee be directed to draft language to rescind Ordinance #1138 regarding posting of handbills and to prepare new language to provide that non-profit organizations and community groups may post flyers on utility poles with contact information and the responsibility to remove the posters after a specific amount of time.   Councillor Decker  Charter Right - Kelley

22. The City Council go on record supporting the request by Councillor Henrietta Davis for eleven hundred dollars ($1,100) in additional travel funds.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on Apr 2, 2008 to receive an update on the preparation of the FY09 budget for the City of Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on Apr 2, 2008 for the purpose of a follow-up discussion of the issues raised at the City Council Roundtable discussion on housing on Mar 5, 2008 and a discussion of the committee agenda for the term.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 25, 2008 to discuss the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA).

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Committee, for a meeting held on Apr 8, 2008 to discuss the agenda for the committee.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary of the School Committee, transmitting notification of an order adopted by School Committee requesting the City Manager to confer with the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Works and other relevant City and School Department staff to determine and implement appropriate short-term security measures at the Russell Field Athletic Complex.

2. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary of the School Committee, transmitting notification of an order adopted by School Committee that the City Manager is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools to determine if Cambridge Public Schools has any mode split data for students and staff and, if needed, to pay to assist Cambridge Public Schools in developing that data.

3. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary of the School Committee, transmitting notification of an order adopted by School Committee on the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Recommended Budget of $130,704,170.

4. A communication was received from Councillor Henrietta Davis, requesting additional travel funds to attend the ICLEI Local Action Summit on May 13-16, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 30
1:00pm   The Veterans Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss coordination of veterans services with the Cambridge Health Alliance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 1
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 5
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting for a discussion of Cambridge demographics. No public comment. No votes will be taken.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 7
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 8
9:30am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting for a preliminary discussion on the waste stream.  (Ackermann Room)
11:00am   The Government Operations and Rules Operations will conduct a public meeting to determine the agenda and to prioritize discussion of the items which have been referred to the committee.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, May 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 13
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 14
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss FY09 City Budget (if necessary).  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 15
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss services in Cambridge for children and their families during early childhood.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 19
4:00pm   2008 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 28
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting with the School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Sept 15
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting for a discussion on communication issues between the City Council and School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It is common practice for residents and neighborhood groups to post flyers on utility poles to communicate information to one another; and
WHEREAS: Recently, a neighborhood group has been fined for placing these flyers on utility poles due to the City ordinance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft a new ordinance that would replace the original ordinance (Ordinance #1138 as attached) to provide that non-profit organizations and community groups may post flyers on utility poles; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Ordinance Committee.

O-2     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge the public to attend the many wonderful activities that the Cambridge Science Festival has to offer from Apr 26 through May 4, 2008.

O-3     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop a plan, in consultation with the appropriate City departments and the Public Planting Committee, to plant more fruit trees and berry bushes at appropriate places in the city.

O-4     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Taxes may soon be levied on Verizon and others who string wires and post devices on poles around the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider a long-term over very long-term plan to bury wires in the city, making use of all or part of the new income stream when and if it becomes available; and be it further
ORDERED: That a portion of this money be considered for use in refurbishing elementary schools.

O-5     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make use of the Public Health Department’s Community Engagement Team to disseminate the message about the switch from analog to digital TV, especially the fact that if people already have cable TV they do not have to take any action.

O-6     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Frank Duffy Marigiolio; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-7     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of William Fran Martino; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-8     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inquire with Marriott Hotels to receive an update on the former union employees who were promised their jobs back once the hotel re-opens.

O-9     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Housing Authority to include a provision in their labor contract that would include Cambridge residents be hired either by contractors or sub-contractors; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explain its policy of hiring contractors who are not union contractors.

O-10     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update on the implementation of a trans-fat ban in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That if no ban can be put into place immediately, that the City Manager report back to the City Council on how the ban can be put into effect no later than 90 days from now.

O-11     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to the right of all workers to have dignity in their lives, safe conditions at work, a living wage, and health benefits, and supports responsible employers who follow the law and treat their workers fairly; and
WHEREAS: There are strong concerns that the Marriott Hotels, which has been anti-union in the past, has not gone with the lowest bidder for their interior paint job at the former Radisson, instead choosing to go with a non-union sub contractor; and
WHEREAS: The Marriott Hotels has shown a continuous pattern of disregard for both livable wages and union workers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Marriott Hotels to use union contractors and sub-contractors for their projects in Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitable engrossed copy of this resolution to Marriott Hotels on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: There is concern that Millennium is not accepting union bids on the new $7 million dollar Data Center project in Cambridge that they are managing; and
WHEREAS: When a union is hired as a sub-contractor to help complete a project, they employ residents of the City in which the project is being completed; and
WHEREAS: There is concern that Cambridge residents will not have access to these skill trade jobs due to Millennium’s decision not to accept union bids; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Millennium to accept union bids on the Data Center project; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitable engrossed copy of this resolution to Millennium on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-13     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council a plan to make city outdoor lighting in parks, along streets and on buildings energy efficient and respectful of "dark sky" principles.

O-14     Apr 28, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Ms. Ruby Faye Lightfoot was a valued and longtime resident of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record designating a suitable corner in honor of Ms. Ruby Faye Lightfoot.

O-15     Apr 28, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There have been concerns expressed about pedestrian safety at the intersection of River Street and Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: There have been recommendations that pedestrians be provided a period of time to cross the intersection before the traffic signal permits cars to turn right into the intersection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager it requested to ask the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and other relevant personnel to review the possibility of pursuing this recommended change and report back on the impact of such a change.

O-16     Apr 28, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There remains a need for citizens of Cambridge to post information within the community and neighborhoods they live in; and
WHEREAS: There remain laws that govern where information may and may not be posted; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to investigate locations near and around community centers, and where permission is provided create and install Information Posting Boards for use by and for the community.

O-17     Apr 28, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the shortage of visitor parking at Neville Center and report back to the City Council as to the possible solution to this problem.

O-18     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the multiple small holes in street pavement found in groups on various City streets, to include who is responsible for drilling them, what sort of permits are required to drill them, who is responsible for filling them and what threats they might pose to maintaining safe and even streets.

O-19     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Pharmaceutical residues in drinking water have been found in a variety of locations in the United States; and
WHEREAS: Some individuals may have a low tolerance for such residues, possibly resulting in problematic health impacts when exposed to low level pharmaceutical residues on a chronic basis; and
WHEREAS: It is important for people to understand if they may be exposed to such residues, even if there is no practical means for the Cambridge Water Department to remove them; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant department heads and report back to the City Council on the status of testing, and any associated results, for pharmaceutical residue in the City’s drinking water supply.

O-20     Apr 28, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Mass Highway and DCR are in the process of investigating the safety of sidewalks on the Longfellow Bridge to determine whether or not the bridge should remain open to pedestrians for such events as the 4th of July fireworks; and
WHEREAS: Mass Highway and DCR are expected to report back on the environmental review process of the bridge reconstruction; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to send a letter to Mass Highway and DCR requesting they report back on the testing of the bridge and the results of the environmental review.

O-21     Apr 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the Ordinance Committee be directed to draft language to rescind Ordinance #1138 regarding posting of handbills and to prepare new language to provide that non-profit organizations and community groups may post flyers on utility poles with contact information and the responsibility to remove the posters after a specific amount of time.

O-22     April 28, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: City Council go on record supporting the request by Councillor Henrietta Davis for eleven hundred dollars ($1,100) in additional travel funds.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1

The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Apr 2, 2008 at 1:36pm in the Ackermann Room. The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update on the preparation of the FY09 budget for the City of Cambridge

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Marjorie C. Decker; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor David Maher; Councillor Sam Seidel; and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; David Kale, Budget Director; David Holland, Budget Analyst; and Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager.

Councillor Maher opened the meeting, explained that Vice Mayor Murphy would be a few minutes late and stated the purpose. He invited Mr. Healy to provide an update on the budget process.

Mr. Healy submitted a written presentation of the material that would be discussed at the meeting (Attached). Mr. Healy reported that health care costs have been growing at an annual rate of 12-13%. During the collective bargaining process the City has negotiated an 18%/82% split, in which employees pay 18% of the cost of their health care plan for most of the collective bargaining units, and 17 out of 18 units have settled. The Police Patrol Officers have not settled, and the Teamsters contract expires in June 2008. The Commonwealth pays 75% of health care insurance and state employees pay 25%.

He does not yet have the School Committee’s adopted budget, but he expects the school budget will comply with the guidelines that he has set, which allow for funds that could be supported by a 4% tax levy, with $1 million of the expenses non-recurring. His proposed budget is for $434 million, of which the school budget will be about $130 million, roughly one-third of the total.

Mr. Healy said that he is estimating that this budget will result in an overall increase of 6% to the property tax levy. The Assessors are not seeing the kind of shift in valuation between commercial and residential that would significantly change the existing 1/3 residential, 2/3 commercial split.

Vice Mayor Murphy asked about the projections with regard to other streams of revenue. What revenues are the bell weather of a recession? Mr. Healy said excise taxes play that role. People will put off purchasing new cars. The MMA Metro Mayors and Managers Group is suggesting that the State moderate the depreciation in the valuations used for the excise taxes, because they are far lower than anything you would find in a Blue Book of automobile values. Mr. Healy added that because of the strength of the euro in comparison with the dollar, the revenue from the hotel tax is still strong. The closing of the Edward J. Sullivan Court House may affect the parking fund revenues since the jurors were a big part of the parking customer base for the East Cambridge garage.

With regard to state funding sources, Mr. Healy said that the net Cherry Sheet (Revenues vs. Assessments) is up less than $50,000 this year (See Part B of the attachment). However, the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Plan is not being funded at the level of its expenses and will continue to present a challenge for state resources. Mr. Healy said in summary, the revenue picture is okay and expenditures are being controlled in the situations where the local government has control. The next three years will require careful planning, because of the debt funding for the city’s capital projects. However, after that, the debt payments will drop off. He has some concerns about what the overall cost of the renovations of the high school will be, but he is monitoring it closely. Mr. DePasquale added that if this is a good year with respect to free cash, they would like to add more to the debt stabilization fund.

Mr. Healy then provided an update on Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB). The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is requiring government entities to determine their unfunded actuarial accrued liability for post employment benefits other than their actual pension, for example health care benefits. The City has commissioned an actuarial study, and a memorandum from Mr. DePasquale on this matter is enclosed as part of the material submitted for this meeting (Part D of the attachment). Cambridge is currently addressing its unfunded pension liability, which under state law must be eliminated by 2028. The City makes an annual payment of $17 million and hopes to be able to have eliminated the underfunding by 2013. Thereafter, this payment could go towards the unfunded liability for the OPEB.

Councillor Maher asked about the possibility of recouping funds through the sale of one of the city buildings that is not being used. Mr. Healy said that the School Department plans to use the Longfellow and the Upton Street buildings as swing space for CRLS students during the high school renovations. The bid documents are being prepared on the basis of this arrangement for accommodation of students during the renovations and cannot be changed after the invitation for bids has been issued and bids have based on this scenario.

Mr. Healy said that of the three city buildings that could potentially be sold, the Upton Street building, the Longfellow School building and the current police station, the police station is the least valuable. Councillor Decker said that the best use for those building is not just a financial question. She expressed her disapproval of the former Graham and Parks building having been kept empty for such a long period.

Councillor Maher asked about the status of revaluation. Mr. DePasquale informed him that the rules have changed; in addition to a full recertification every three years, the values have to be validated by the State every year in the interim. Last year there was a full recertification and this year (FY09) there will be a validation by the state Department of Revenue. Councillor Maher expressed the hope that the City is being very aggressive revaluing the high end properties, particularly those that are undergoing extensive renovations. Mr. DePasquale assured him that the Finance Department is working very closely with the building department.

Councillor Kelley asked whether the City has thought of increasing the price of resident parking stickers. Mr. Rossi said that an increase in fees should be evaluated based on the cost of administering the program for which the fee is charged. Councillor Decker said that increasing the fee for the parking sticker is unfair; it is a flat tax that not proportionate to revenue. Mr. Rossi also said that increasing parking meter fees shares the cost between residents and visitors, while increasing the parking sticker fee falls entirely on residents.

Councillor Seidel asked if the financial picture will get better after 2011. Mr. DePasquale said that it will as long the City controls expenditures carefully during 2009,10 and 11. Mr. Healy said that Cambridge has the authority to spend lots more money than we do since we are not at our levy limit, but taxes would have to go up to pay for such expenditures.

At this time Vice Mayor Murphy invited comments from the members of the public in attendance.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, asked what percentage of property taxes supports transportation. Mr. Rossi said that there are multiple sources. Mr. DePasquale said that the $17 million parking fund is distributed among the departments that have functions related to transportation. Ms. Podgers asked how we determine the impact on seniors and disabled persons of rising property values and taxes. Mr. Healy responded that 92% of residential taxpayers received tax bills with increased that ranged from 0 to $100. Ms. Podgers requested that the City provide more details about the impact of taxes on seniors and disabled persons. She urged the City Council to consider what if anything the City can do about the state law limitations on providing property tax exemptions for seniors and persons with disabilities. Ms. Podgers also questioned whether bringing sidewalks into compliance with the ADA requirements and improving the operation of traffic signals was part of the public safety budget.

Marilyn Wellons, Green Street, requested information about the status of the North Point development and whether moving the MBTA station was still a part of the project. Mr. Healy said that whoever ends up owning the property will be bound by the Special Permits that the Planning Board has already issued. He said that moving the MBTA station is still a part of the plan, but that the timing could be changed. The developers who applied for the permits and began the construction wanted the renovation of the MBTA station to take place early in the development to attract tenants, but they were not required by the permits to do then

Vice Mayor Murphy thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 3:36 P.M.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on Apr 2, 2008 beginning at four o’clock and five minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of a follow-up discussion of the issues raised at the City Council Roundtable discussion on housing on Mar 5, 2008 and a discussion of the committee agenda for the term.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; and City Clerk Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Carol Glazer, Deputy Director for the Community Development Department (CDD); Christopher Cotter, Housing Director of Housing, CDD; and Cassandra Arnaud, Housing Planner, CDD.

Councillor Seidel convened the meeting and explained the purpose.

Mayor Simmons said that the first thing that the City Council needs to decide whether Cambridge has a housing policy or not. If not, Cambridge needs to develop a housing policy. Cambridge should have larger affordable housing units. The criteria used to qualify applicants for affordable housing is confusing.

Councillor Reeves said that he believes that Cambridge does have a housing policy and that part of that policy is a preference for using affordable housing resources for family housing. Mayor Simmons said that she would call that a practice not a policy.

Councillor Reeves said that he too has been pushing for larger units for families, but there is information from the housing professionals that the demand among Cambridge residents is for smaller units.

Councillor Davis asked whether anyone had seen the recent article in the New York Times about the increasing demand for family housing in New York City. She emphasized the importance of looking at demographics. She also noted that sometimes when we talk about affordable housing, we are talking about subsidized housing, affordable to low and moderate income housing, but other times, we are talking about housing that is affordable to families who make too much money to qualify for subsidized housing. Cambridge needs more housing for families for all income levels.

Councillor Davis also said that she believes that Cambridge should build larger units for families even if that means that the units will go to families who do not currently live in Cambridge. She also would like to see the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) criteria of using "local connections" to extend the local preference beyond just current Cambridge residents.

Councillor Seidel requested that Ms. Rubenstein outline the underlying policy principles embedded in the previous discussion. Ms. Rubenstein said that at the Mar 5, 2008 housing roundtable discussion, the CHA reported that the waiting list for family housing is comprised predominantly of families needing one or two bedroom units. If the CHA builds three- and four-bedroom units, they will be filled by families, but those families will not be current Cambridge residents. Similarly, the housing developments financed by the Affordable Housing Trust currently use a strict Cambridge resident local preference. Building additional larger units and utilizing a less restrictive "Cambridge connection (former Cambridge residents, current Cambridge employment, etc.)" criteria would mean that families who are not currently Cambridge residents would occupy some of these units. That is a policy decision for which the CDD staff would like City Council input.

Councillor Kelley said that there seems to be a feeling that parents leave Cambridge because of the cost of housing; however, in the survey of why former public school parents left Cambridge, housing was not even one of the top three reasons. Parents left because of the school system. It is not necessarily true that building bigger affordable will keep families in Cambridge. Councillor Kelley added that the Council cannot talk about affordable housing without talking about density. The City cannot just put all of the affordable housing density into the neighborhoods. His concern with density is the increased cars that come with it. He does not have a problem with density if it doesn’t mean additional cars. He is very interested in the arrangement that Harvard has with the City with regard to the Riverside student housing, in which no parking permits will be provided for residents of that housing. Councillor Kelley also noted that with regard to changing the inclusionary zoning to allow for larger affordable family units in private developments with mostly one-and two-bedroom units, residents of the smaller units may not necessarily want to see a family of five move in down the hall.

Councillor Davis said that she would like to see more discussion about the possibility of allowing owners of single family buildings to create "granny units" within the building envelope.

Ms. Rubenstein said there are several possibilities that could be explored. For example, perhaps a large single-family house could be modified to create a subsidized.

Councillor Seidel returned the discussion to the question of the City’s housing policy. Councillor Reeves said that there are several guiding principles. One is long-term affordability. Another is that homeownership units are always limited equity units. For him, this is an issue, because the equity limitation forecloses the opportunity to build up wealth. Similarly, owners cannot rent their units, and if the owner dies, the family may have to move out.

Mr. Cotter said that these restrictions represent the balancing required in committing large amounts of public funds to the production of homeownership units. Without the equity restrictions, the units would cease to be affordable after the first owner sells his or her unit. The owner gets an affordable price, a return on his or her down payment and capital improvements with interest calculated in accord with U.S. Treasury Bills, and the income tax deductions available to homeowners. If the homeowner dies and the heirs have an income that qualifies them for access to subsidized housing, then they do not have to move. The problem comes if the heirs have an income that is too high to qualify for the subsidy.

Mayor Simmons said that perhaps the need is for the City to be extremely clear in telling these homeowners that for owners who want to accumulate wealth by building equity, they need to see the City’s limited equity homeownership as just a step to their final goal. Their next step would be to sell the limited equity back to the City and buy a market rate home.

Councillor Seidel asked the staff what assistance they would like to see the Housing Committee provide. Mr. Cotter said that he would welcome a discussion with the committee on the Council’s priority for family housing with a chance to talk about the implications and ramifications of particular interpretations and implementations. He also said that with regard to the criteria used to qualify applicants for affordable housing, he would like to have a discussion with the committee about the different ways that the local preference can be interpreted, and what policy implications those differences may present. Mr. Cotter also distributed a chart showing affordable housing distribution by neighborhood (Attachment A). In response to a question from Councillor Seidel, he outlined the relationship of the work of CDD and the CHA.

The committee then moved to a discussion of the chart on neighborhood distribution of affordable housing. Councillor Reeves said that the area beside the Manning Building in Central Square might be improved by additional density. He said that he would like the Housing Committee to look at where there could be additional housing with additional density in areas close to the MBTA stations.

Councillor Seidel then asked the members of the Council what they would choose, if they absolutely had to choose, their one greatest housing concern or priority. Their answers were as follow:
* Councillor Reeves: Fairness of the allocation of affordable housing.
* Councillor Davis: Demographics of Cambridge, what is, what could be, what we want.
* Councillor Kelley: How Cambridge chooses the location and type of affordable housing

Councillor Reeves said that the Cambridge City Council has set affordable housing as its highest priority. He would like to hear from staff on how and where Cambridge could mass housing near transit areas because these are the places where density makes good sense. He also said that he would like to know how Cambridge can prevent North Point housing from being all one- and two-bedroom units.

Ms. Rubenstein said that members of the Planning Board were very interested in the discussion at the roundtable meeting of how to encourage units with more bedrooms. Councillor Reeves said that he knows that there are members of the development committee who would like to have discussions with policy makers about what could be different. Ms. Rubenstein said that there might be ways to provide incentives for creating units for larger families. She cautioned however, that building larger market rate units may mean that they will be mostly occupied by higher income couples who want two dens and then the family with children that could afford a two bedroom unit will have a harder time fining one.

Councillor Davis requested that the Cambridge Housing Authority be invited to send a representative to Housing Committee meetings on affordable housing for families and other relevant topics.

At this time Councillor Seidel invited comments from members of the public in attendance.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, board member, CEOC, asked whether the chart of affordable housing includes expiring use housing. Mr. Cotter replied that expiring use housing is not included. Ms. Pizza-Zeoli encouraged the City to plan ahead with regard to the buildings in which the requirement for affordable housing use will be expiring in the next few years. She said that a group convened by CHAP A on this topic meets regularly. She also noted that the Cambridge Housing Authority is developing a new ten-year master plan that will require a lot of decisions.

Councillor Davis said that she would like to have a list/chart that includes affordable housing and other affordable housing. She would like to know the total amount of affordable housing in Cambridge.

Councillor Seidel thanked all those present for their attendance. He said that he would create a list of the topics and request that members of the committee prioritize them, and that there would be another meeting in approximately a month.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:16pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Mar 25, 2008 at seven o’clock and four minutes P.M. in the City-wide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA).

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Sam Seidel; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environment and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); John Bolduc, Environmental Project Planner, CDD; Deborah A. Donovan, Cambridge Energy Alliance Project Manager; Steve Morgan, CEA Account Manager; Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez; and Penny Peters, "Research Assistant" to Councillor Davis.

Also present were Carol Carver, CESI; Amy Panek, Kendall Foundation; Jerral Pierce, 8 Beech Street; Paul Raymond; Joel Nitzberg, Cambridge College; Fred Schlicher, MCAN Program Manager; Adam Briggs, Energy Associate, Mass. Energy; Jim Shannon, 820 Mass. Ave.; Decia Goodwin, Mass. Housing; Kathy Reine; Daphne Abeel; Betsy Boyle, 277 Rindge Avenue; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Andrew Stern, 269 Norfolk Street; John MacDougall, 175 Richdale Avenue # 209; Judith Nathans, 511 Putnam Avenue; Beth Conlin, 249 Kent Street, Brookline, MA; M. Stefanek, 21 Field Street; Amy Tighe, 1730 Mass. Avenue; Laurie Leyshon, Co-founder, MAGIC; Robert L. Lindamood, 29 Otis Street # 104; Lester Sackett, 137 Magazine Street; George Metzger, 130 Bishop Allen Drive; Musa Pam, Cambridge Health Alliance; Vanessa Rule, 45 Matignon Road; Lynn Hoefgen, 22 Haskell Street; Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Zeyneb Mugavi, 515 Putnam Avenue; Jay Baldwin; Ray Faulkner; Jamie Leef, S & H Construction; Minka vanBeuzekom; Steve Morr-Wineman; Bruce Posner; Helen Lozorantis; Nan Doyle; Bill Zamparelli, NSTAR; Monica Raymond; Scotland Willis; Bruce Sylvester, 453 Franklin Street; and Nancy Cole.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. Cambridge is doing something bold in energy efficiency. On Fri, Mar 28, 2008 the PBS Program NOW will feature a detailed work of the Cambridge Energy Alliance. She introduced City Manager Robert W. Healy.

Mr. Healy stated that CEA is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the city and in partnership with the Cambridge Health Alliance to create an energy efficiency effort using new technical services and financing options. Financing at all levels is needed to get the program started. NSTAR and Governor Patrick have been brought into the project. Massachusetts is ready for decoupling. The concept and the people involved are committed to the project. He introduced John Bolduc who outlined the creation of CEA.

Mr. Bolduc gave an overview of Cambridge’s Climate Protection Plan which was adopted in 2002 (ATTACHMENT A). The city’s goal was to reduce green house gas emissions by 20% below the 1990 levels by 2010. Emissions in Cambridge have gone up so the 20% reduction goal is not being met. The need to do energy efficiency on a large scale led to the creation of the CEA. The mission of CEA is to enlist individuals, businesses, religious and educational institutions in the city to achieve levels of energy efficiency and clean energy expansions. Mr. Bolduc introduced Ms. Donovan who outlined the work of the CEA.

The Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA) is a nonprofit organization with members represented by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Health Alliance and the Kendall Foundation. A project overview was distributed (ATTACHMENT B). Consultants are technicians for the CEA. The goals for the next five years are to stabilize water costs, to improve the quality of buildings, to reduce climate change emissions and reduce peak electricity demand by 50 megawatts. The program will reduce emissions by 150,000 of CO2 thereby saving 14.5 million gallons of gas per year. At the end of the design phase water and energy costs will be reduced by 30%. The cash savings will pay for the energy efficiency investments. Each participant will be offered financial and engineering services. Private energy service groups have been created. Work will be monitored. There are 6-8 professionals on staff. Business costs will be covered by aggregated government incentives. There have been 30-40 pilot assessments conducted. At this time Steve Morgan discussed the residential program (ATTACHMENT C).

Mr. Morgan stated that energy service companies prepare a spread sheet for each project. Projects are paid for from energy savings; savings are paid by debt service. Buildings with 1- 6 units are identified to become more energy efficient. Mass. Housing has 1300 units. To access the program, audits are conducted by Mass. Save. Gas and electricity is measured and NSTAR rebates will be secured. Three banks are participating in the program. Conservation Services Group (CSG), the one-stop services partner, working with CEA will prepare a spread sheet of energy savings. The savings will retire the debt service. CSG is the NSTAR contractor for energy conservation rebates for residential customers.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment and questions.

Joel Nitzberg, asked what jobs are being created, is training required and would jobs go to low income residents. Mr. Morgan responded that 700-800 jobs will be created and not all the jobs will be in Cambridge. The jobs consist of energy auditors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and HVAC installers. Collaboration will be done with RSTA and Cambridge College. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the city is creating a Green Collar Jobs Task Force. The more the participants in the program the more jobs are created. Non-skilled and skilled workers will be needed.

Robert Winters told of work done on his triple-decker. Window replacement was done in conjunction with renovation work. How could work be done as an integrated approach, he asked. Mr. Morgan stated that a major renovation is the best time to go to a bank for an energy loan and piggybank the loan. The Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) can be used as general contractors. A discussion ensured about availability of credit. The East Cambridge Bank is the selected bank. Mr. Shriner asked if loans would be based on the home equity. Mr. Morgan stated that the loans are non-recourse loans; equity loans provide a better interest rate. Ms. Donovan stated that loans would improve the equity of the house. Low income homeowners would get 0% loans. A question was asked about if there is a way to increase the value of property through energy efficiency. Mr. Morgan explained that the CEA is working on this. There is a silver/platinum/gold process. He wants to set up a reasonable standard.

Laurie Leyshon supported the creation of a green jobs committee.

Mayor Simmons spoke about urban gas green alliance as the pathway out of poverty. There will be 800 jobs created over the next five years commented Mr. Morgan. The jobs will be low entry jobs, but over time there would be more kinds of jobs. Some jobs will require a college degree. Five communities in Massachusetts are doing this project.

Mayor Simmons spoke about the training for these jobs. Mr. Scotland Willis asked if benchmarks and goals are being established. It is important to have long range goals. He further asked if colleges and institutions are being brought into the dialogue.

Mr. Healy stated that the CEA program will result in installations that need jobs. The city would be involved in the green jobs task force. CEA has competitively bid the energy service companies. This will be a Mass. Energy effort project that will establish jobs.

Councillor Seidel thanked the CEA. He stated his interest in the quality of work for multi-unit piece. Green improvements are just jobs well done. Are the savings guaranteed? Mr. Bolduc stated that CEA will be successful when participants pass word of mouth about the program. Jobs will be inspected to ensure jobs are done correctly. Certification and verification is important to the program commented Mr. Healy. The revenue stream comes from the forward capacity.

Mr. Morgan stated that independent engineers will inspect small and large jobs. Contractors will review the pre and post retrofit program. This will enable us to know how city and the end user is doing. Large customers will be offered loan guarantees. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the East Cambridge Savings Bank will look at multi-unit buildings like condo buildings which might be modeled as one loan rather than fourteen separate loans. With a green lease the tenants work with the landlord and might have a rider to their lease to pay more rent if improvements are made.

Sue Butler requested that CSG provide evaluation for insulation installation.

Jay Baldwin inquired what products would be used. He suggested going to big manufacturers to purchase in bulk the products that will be used to do the retrofit for the HVAC systems. Mr. Morgan stated that product manufacturers have been referred to ESCOs.

Monica Raymond spoke of the specific options offered. Any new boiler will do better than an old boiler. Where is the education effort? Mr. Morgan stated that there is an active web site.

Paul Raymond wanted this program to happen faster. What are the measurable goals and the timetable? Ms. Rasmussen stated that there is a five year timetable. The CEA program needs to get started; it will ramp up in the first year.

Nancy Cole stated that CO2 emissions are up. How will short term goals be met to reduce the emissions, she asked. Mr. Bolduc stated that the trends in Cambridge mirror the country. That was the original motivation to go to the Kendall Group for help. Emissions will be reduced by 150,000 tons.

Terrence Smith from the Chamber of Commerce stated that the first jobs created will be energy auditors and installers.

Minka vanBeuzekom expressed concern regarding coordination with programs already in existence. Ms. Donovan stated that CEA is working with NSTAR to dovetail with the basic project. HRI met with them to provide access to the CEA program. The small residential buildings will require the most effort. Projection of investments and impact is the commercial and industrial sector. Mr. Bolduc stated that the city is a natural aggregator: Lead Safe, HRI and Just-A-Start have easy access and an existing working relationship.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at eight o’clock and thirty-one minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Apr 8, 2008 at three o’clock and four minutes p. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the agenda for the committee.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Councillor David Maher; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD); Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present at the meeting was Matt Quam, 181 Windsor Street, Cambridge.

Councillor Seidel opened the meeting and stated the purpose. Councillor Maher stated that there could be issues that are crossovers between the city council committees.

Ms. Rubenstein outlined the CDD work plan for the Ordinance and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning committees. The Community Development Department works on issues relating to planning and zoning; Human Services Department gets involved in health service issues.

Councillor Seidel asked what are the zoning issues. Councillor Maher explained that in 1960 the zoning laws were relaxed to allow rooming houses and were later tightened to prevent them.

Ms. Rubenstein listed the zoning issues. Looking for opportunities to acquire open space and access to the Charles River. This may be a priority improvement issue rather than a zoning issue. CDD has been working on a technical review of the Alexandria proposal. Councillor Maher stated that this proposal has great potential due to one property owner owning massive amounts of property. Ms. Rubenstein continued. Zoning change is needed for the Beal Company parcel. The green building committee will begin to meet at the end of April. It will take 6-9 months to make recommendations to adopt LEED or something else. Councillor Maher asked if there are bonuses for standards. Ms. Glazer responded that some bonuses were given by small communities for new development. Councillor Maher asked what communities have adopted LEED. Ms Glazer responded San Francisco, Portland, Oregon and Boston have some portion of LEED. There are a lot of green environmental people on the green building committee. Protecting solar equipment and technical pro and con issues will be reviewed. Mr. Dash spoke of the LEED requirements and different options to achieve the requirements.

Councillor Maher spoke of an existing building in Harvard Square where one floor was designated for mechanicals and now the equipment has changed so much that it now requires less space. The space is being converted to useable space, but the FAR is an issue. He inquired how the streetscape on Church Street could be improved; the FAR is already full. Ms. Rubenstein stated that this is an interesting question.

Ms. Rubenstein spoke of green jobs and updating the neighborhood studies. Mr. Dash described the process for the neighborhood study updates. The recommendations are reviewed to see if the recommendations were achieved and if not, why not. A follow-up meeting is conducted. The report is finished; it may only be informational or an action plan item. Action items are reviewed.

Councillor Seidel questioned Mr. Dash about the Wellington/Harrington Neighborhood Study. Mr. Dash informed the committee that the Wellington/Harrington Neighborhood Study was updated in 2005. Ms. Rubenstein stated that she would look at the reuse rule for churches. Councillor Maher commented that St. Francis Church on Sciarappa Street maybe an issue under Section 5.28 of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 5.28 outlines what needs to be done with a property to be used as a residential dwelling.

Councillor Maher stated that housing has been allowed where not previously allowed. This needs to be reviewed. He cited the Binney Street truck route as a site where housing was added then the residents complained about the truck traffic. Housing has been welcomed in commercial and industrial areas. Councillor Seidel commented that the trend is housing. Housing was an anticipated trend; but it has slowed stated Ms. Rubenstein. If there was a use shift at North Point Planning Board approval would be required. A major zoning change would require a zoning ordinance change. Ms. Glazer stated that Planned Unit Developments (PUD) are fazed, timed and scaled. The PUD concept took a bad PR hit a few years ago; it was ill advised to move away from PUD. CDD would work on city-wide design guidelines. Currently city-wide guidelines are area specific. The city could offer technical assistance for city-wide guidelines.

Councillor Seidel asked what are the long-term planning issues.

Ms. Rubenstein stated that the city-wide zoning petition looked at back yard development and it was down zoned. Mr. Dash stated that traffic and housing were big issues in the city-wide petition. Demographics will be reviewed for the future. The retail climate is changing. The area on First Street, between Cambridge Street and the Galleria Mall called for ground floor retail, but the city could not get retail in this area because of the lack of foot traffic. The area is now office space. Councillor Maher suggested a retail fund to subsidize retail. Harvard University has been successful in giving below market rent to small retail stores. Councillor Seidel stated that Harvard Square to Porter Square and North Mass. Avenue are areas of concern; he wanted planned zoning for this area and not the zoning variance process. A zoning change will be needed by Lesley College. Councillor Maher suggested that the City Council should not make decisions around zoning. Criteria should be written by which the Planning Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals approves zoning. Zoning should match the desired outcome. Institutional uses are creeping up Mass. Avenue. Ms. Rubenstein stated that CDD held multiple meetings to keep stores from turning into institutional use. The big picture thinking about retail is about the internet. Councillor Maher spoke about a stabilization fund to help small businesses. Ms. Rubenstein spoke of the façade improvement program. Councillor Maher cited a potential problem were a business is closing on Huron Avenue. This property was altered and is now possibly commercial space and could be used as a church or school. This is potentially an explosive situation. Ms. Rubenstein stated that a church can be located in any zoning district.

Councillor Seidel inquired about the gateways into the city. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the Public Works Department is working on this project. Councillor Seidel inquired about the Faces property. Ms. Rubenstein informed the committee that the owner of the property has been contacted to take care of this site.

Councillor Seidel discussed open space. Mr. Dash spoke about the Green Ribbon Report. He spoke about park usage. More people are going to parks for quiet space versus physical activity.

Councillor Seidel asked Councillor Maher for his views for this committee. Councillor Maher asked how you protect the vibrancy of the neighborhood issue. He also listed open space, retail, above ground versus underground utilities, the cost and how it will be accomplished. He suggested that the money collected for taxing utility poles would go into a fund to make neighborhood improvements. The Alexandria development is exciting. It may help secure open space for East Cambridge. Open space is a big deal in a congested city. Having retail stores that meet the needs of the residents. Beal property has potential. He would love to see the resolution for North Point. Ms. Rubenstein stated that open space will be achieved through density. Retail, she stated, works best with density. Councillor Maher spoke of potential underground parking at the Danehy site. Councillor Seidel stated that he would like a presentation on the city-wide zoning.

Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their attendance. He stated that he would plan another meeting. Councillor Maher stated that in an effort not to duplicate the issues some issues could start in the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and move into the Ordinance Committee. He suggested coordination with the Ordinance Committee.

The meeting adjourned at four o’clock and thirty-two minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-18. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #22
RE: report on the methods to provide long-term protection for Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 02/04/08 (O-4)

08-22. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on the regulations and policies regarding crossing guard duties and placement along with a list of crossing guard locations.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/11/08 (O-9)

08-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report how many children with IEP’s receive out of school assistance either written or not written into their plans.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-5)

08-26. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #21
RE: how many children with special needs or IEP’s DHSP is making accommodations for in the after-school programs.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-9)

08-31. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #19
RE: report on the status of on-street parking permit restrictions applied to the residents of Harvard’s new construction in Riverside and what sort of permutations of this type of parking-restricted development could be used elsewhere in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-19)

08-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plan to improve and maintain the MLK Plaza, the pocket park on Franklin Street and the Central Square Branch Library and the Manning Apartments.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-22)

08-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of CPA funding for this upcoming year.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-7)

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

08-43. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on the traffic accident in Central Square that killed a pedestrian.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/24/08 (O-1)

08-47. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #8
RE: report on the exodus of biotech companies from Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy & Councillor Seidel 03/24/08 (O-8)

08-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on public education campaigns and traffic enforcement campaigns to increase bicycling safety.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/24/08 (O-11)

08-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing mini-grants for seniors and other low-income residents who might need to purchase flood insurance.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 03/24/08 (O-14)

08-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reason for blackout on March 17th in West Cambridge.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 03/24/08 (O-15)

08-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on policy of managing ad hoc public memorial sites.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/31/08 (O-2)

08-52. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on number of buildings, whether residential, commercial or municipal, using geothermal heating and/or cooling systems.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 03/31/08 (O-3)

08-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the obligations of taxi drivers to meet the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis and Full Membership 04/07/08 (O-1)

08-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing security cameras at the Russell Field athletic complex.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 04/07/08 (O-2)

08-55. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on information campaign regarding the conversion of TV signals from analog to digital.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 04/07/08 (O-3)

08-56. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #13
RE: report on what if any land use planning and zoning policies could support the growth of aging-in-place programs.
Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Maher and Full Membership 04/07/08 (O-6)

08-57. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #12
RE: report on whether land-use planning and zoning could be used and/or modified to provide for more positive transitions for former church properties and other similar re-use issues.
Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy and Full Membership 04/07/08 (O-10)

08-58. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #6
RE: report on the late night use of university shuttle buses in residential neighborhoods.
Councillor Toomey 04/07/08 (O-12)

08-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the enforcement policy of graffiti vandals and how many people have been apprehended.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/14/08 (O-1)

08-60. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reasons for the traffic-calming installation on DeWolfe Street.
Vice Mayor Murphy and Full Membership 04/14/08 (O-7)

08-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on keeping the main library open on Sundays throughout the summer months.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 04/14/08 (O-9)

08-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a line item explanation accounting for every dollar given to the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 04/14/08 (O-10)

08-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Cambridge Health Alliance is maintaining women’s health services at the East Cambridge Neighborhood Health Clinic.
Councillor Decker 04/14/08 (O-11)