Cambridge City Council meeting - May
3, 2010 - AGENDA
[Councillor Davis was ABSENT]
RECONSIDERATION
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs
of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 25,
2010 for the purpose of discussing dividing the Health and Environment Committee
into two committees, one to focus on health issues and the other on
environmental and sustainability issues.
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a
$3,500 transfer within the ARRA Title IID Technology Competitive grant from the
U.S. Department of Education from the School Department Grant Fund Other
Ordinary Maintenance account to the Travel and Training account to provide funds
for staff of private schools, which were provided funding through the grant, to
attend conferences on the best practices in using technology.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a $4,100 transfer within the federal McKinney-Vento American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocation grant from the U.S. Department of Education from the School Department Grant Fund Salaries & Wages account to the School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for staff training & instructional materials and is available from workshop stipends balances.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the ABE Capacity Building Grant for Career Pathways in the amount of $10,000.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($8,865.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,135.00) for the purpose of developing the capacity of the Community Learning Center staff to integrate job readiness and career awareness into instruction and counseling.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of a donation to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition for $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the Cambridge Public Health Commission and will be used to support the Cambridge Teen Health Survey.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Capacity Building Grant for Family Literacy in the amount of $8,067.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,874.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,193.00) and will be used for the Community Learning Center (CLC) to develop a manual to support outreach workers, student leaders, and teachers in providing workshops on key parenting issues.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $32,500 from Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Program Income to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the second year of a two-year contract with the Area Four Neighborhood Coordinator for neighborhood activities.
7. 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 (BJA) under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program for $59,804 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used to support the department's mobile computing infrastructure through the of purchase laptop computers for police vehicles, modems and related cellular service.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Woman (OVW), through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety for $37,500 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salaries and Wages account. This award has been made to the City from the OVW under their VAWA Stop Recovery Act Grant Program and will be used by the Police Department to develop and strengthen effective responses to violence against women by hiring a Domestic Violence Advocate to assist with the High Risk Assessment Team.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-49, regarding a report on the feasibility of adopting a Pay-As-You-Throw program.
May 3, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-49, regarding a report on the feasibility of adopting a Pay-As-You-Throw program, Public Works Commissioner Lisa Peterson reports the following:
Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) refers to a system in which residents pay for each unit of waste discarded rather than solely through a fixed fee per residential household or property tax. In Massachusetts and nationally, it has proven to be the most effective means of reducing waste and increasing recycling.
In 2008, the City received a technical assistance grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to review different approaches to increase recycling and decrease waste; the final report included a review of PAYT. Below are key findings from the report:
* PAYT is proven to be the most effective means of reducing waste and increasing recycling in MA and across the US. Nationally, communities with PAYT programs have reduced solid waste tons 25-40% and increased recycling tons 15-25%.
* 130 communities in MA have adopted PAYT, including Worcester, Brockton and Malden serving residential buildings with up to 6 units. 7+ unit buildings in Malden can choose to participate in PAYT and are limited to no more than 14 PAYT bags of trash per week.
* Most commonly, trash is only allowed in official PAYT bags (available in 2 sizes). Hybrid programs allow one "free" barrel per household, and excess trash must be in PAYT bags. The "free" barrel method, is not recommended in urban communities with multi-family buildings, without extensive monitoring and enforcement.
* With more than 90% of households in multi-family buildings, enforcement in Cambridge will be challenging and has not been extensively analyzed.
* In the PAYT excel model provided by DEP in 2008, residents could pay $1.75/$1.00 per 33-gal/13-gal bag, resulting in about $2 million per year in revenue. The model provided to the City allows the City to consider different options and scenarios. Using 2008 data and assumptions, the model shows that PAYT can save the City government $1.5 million per year, lowering costs from $7.2 million to $5.6 million. This savings is realized in part through reductions in trash disposal and revenue from the sale of PAYT bags.
Implementing PAYT in Cambridge is feasible and would be challenging. Additional analysis is needed, considering our dense housing stock, municipal ordinance impacts, and administrative, education and enforcement requirements.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative
to draft language that would modify the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance with respect
to the regulation of signs.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-14, regarding a report on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Communities."
May 3, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-14, regarding a report on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Communities," Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein and Public Works Commissioner Lisa Peterson report the following:
The Massachusetts Green Communities Program, which is part of the Department of Energy Resources, has announced the 2010 Green Communities Grant Program. Grants of up to $1 million in this first grant round may be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Participation in the program involves two steps. The first requires attaining eligibility by documenting compliance with five criteria. Applications for eligibility are due by May 14, 2010. The second step involves a grant proposal, which is due by May 28. The State expects to announce grant awards by June 28, 2010.
Communities must meet the following five eligibility criteria: 1) as-of-right zoning for renewable/alternative energy installations and/or research and development or manufacturing facilities, 2) expedited permitting for the as-of-right renewable/alternative energy uses, 3) commitment and plan to reduce municipal energy use by 20%, 4) commitment to purchasing only fuel-efficient vehicles, and 5) minimizing life-cycle costs of buildings, which may be demonstrated by adoption of the Stretch Energy Code.
After consulting with the state and analyzing our own policies, we believe the City complies with all five eligibility criteria. Our current zoning meets the first criterion, as R&D facilities are allowed as-of-right in many parts of the city, including all of the Office, Business and Industrial zones. As-of-right buildings in Cambridge meet the time lines understood to constitute expedited permitting (permits received within one year). We are working to prepare a plan to commit to a 20% reduction in energy use. Our Green Fleets procedure, in place since 2006, puts us well on the way to purchasing only fuel-efficient vehicles. Cambridge has satisfied the fifth criterion with the City Council's adoption of the Stretch Energy Code in late 2009.
A number of city departments, including Public Works, Community Development, Water, Electrical, Traffic and the School Department are working together to prepare a plan to meet the 20% reduction in energy use. We expect these reductions to come from a number of measures, likely to include retrofits of building lighting and HVAC systems, energy reductions at the Water Treatment Plant and improved energy management systems.
We will keep the City Council apprised of our progress in obtaining designation and grant funds under the Green Communities Act.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative
to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-47, regarding a report on a list of properties
the Police Department does not have jurisdiction and how police respond to those
calls.
Referred to Environment Committee - Kelley
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-51, regarding a report on how the City handled the recent flooding, how residents are being informed of any federal assistance and on informing residents in the flood plain of the need to purchase flood insurance.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative
to a request from the Department of Conservation and Recreation
("DCR") for a permanent easement of about 16,293 square feet (the
"Easement") over a section of the City's water line in Watertown (the
"Property") so that DCR may construct and maintain a
bicycle/pedestrian path.
Three Orders adopted 8-0-1 (Davis ABSENT)
ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing
the amount of public information about elections while the election is in
progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City
Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. That the FY2011 City Budget be referred to the Finance Committee, with the
exception that the Budget Overview be postponed to a certain date, that being
the May 3, 2010 City Council meeting and will be placed on Unfinished Business
at which time the City Manager will give an overview of the FY2011 City Budget.
Order Number Seventeen of Apr 26, 2010 adopted. Budget Overview referred to
Unfinished Business.
Referred to Finance Committee - Decker
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Taste of Cambridge, requesting permission
for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing its
celebration on June 24, 2010.
2. An application was received from Taste of Cambridge, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing its celebration on June 24, 2010.
3. An application was received from Economy Hardware, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign and a display of merchandise in front of the premises numbered 438 Massachusetts Avenue.
4. An application was received from Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe, requesting permission for gelato cart in front of the premises numbered 6 Brattle Street.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Best wishes to Schuyler Armstrong as she leaves her position at HomeStart to
pursue a career in law. Councillor Decker
2. Congratulations to Musica Sacra on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Mayor Maher
3. Congratulations and thanks to the Veterans' Services Department for organizing the annual Patriots Day event. Mayor Maher
4. Congratulations to Florienne M. Saintil, M.Ed. on the occasion of being honored for her work on behalf of the Haitian community at the Haitian Heritage Month Gala. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulations to Gerdes Fleurant, Ph.D. on the occasion of being honored for his work on behalf of the Haitian community at the Haitian Heritage Month Gala. Councillor Toomey
6. Retirement of Teresa Savioli from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Maher
7. Retirement of Edward Jillett, Jr. from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Maher
8. Resolution on the death of Sharon M. (Sousa) Joaquim. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of John J. Farrell Jr. Councillor Toomey
10. Resolution on the death of Blanche A. (Libby) Travers. Mayor Maher
11. Congratulations to city departments and their personnel who contributed to make the 2010 Cambridge Science Festival such a successful event. Vice Mayor Davis
12. Congratulations to the students who will be honored for completion of the Cambridge Biomedical Careers Program. Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung
13. Congratulations to the organizers and partners of Fresh Pond Day which will be held on May 8, 2010. Councillor Cheung
14. Congratulations to the Cape Ann Fresh Catch for their excellent work and commitment to promote sustainable fishing practices. Councillor Cheung
15. Congratulations to the Cambridge businesses who are participating in the Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer event. Councillor Cheung
16. Congratulations to Marty Walz on being named Legislator of the Year by Advocates for Autism Massachusetts (AFAM). Councillor Cheung
17. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher D. Worrell. Councillor Decker
18. Congratulations to the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) Cambridge for their excellent work in promoting energy efficiency. Councillor Cheung
19. Thanks and congratulations to Kiara Gomes on her fundraising work for Transition House. Mayor Maher
20. Thanks and congratulations to Dashawn Johnson on his fundraising work for Transition House. Mayor Maher
21. Thanks and congratulations to Trinidad Ramkissoon on her fundraising work for Transition House. Mayor Maher
22. Thanks and congratulations to Shaniece Cooper on her fundraising work for Transition House. Mayor Maher
23. Thanks and congratulations to Simon Valentin on his fundraising work for Transition House. Mayor Maher
24. Retirement of Mary Kelso from the Cambridge Public Library. Mayor Maher
25. Congratulations to Ariana Fontanez on being named Pedal Partner of the 31st Annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Councillor Cheung
26. Recognize the week of May 3-9, 2010 as Public Service Recognition Week in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
27. Declare May 16, 2010 as "Laser Day" in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
28. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Thomas as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Apr 30, 2010. Councillor Toomey
29. Congratulations to the King Open School Roots and Shoots Program and welcome Dr. Jane Goodall to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
30. Resolution on the death of Stephen C. Christo. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
31. Resolution on the death of Raoul "Bama" "Kool One" Demers. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
32. Resolution on the death of William J. Corkery Jr. Mayor Maher
33. Resolution on the death of Florence C. (Powers) Sullivan. Mayor Maher
34. Resolution on the death of Fouad Matta. Councillor Decker
ORDERS
1. Approval of the application of Councillor Simmons on behalf of the Prince
Hall Celebration Committee for 36 banners on electrical poles in Harvard Square
in honor of the Prince Hall Memorial Weekend to be celebrated on May 15, 2010
provided that all banner requirements have been met and necessary approvals have
been obtained. Councillor Simmons
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads on the feasibility of offering closed captioning for streaming video on the City's website. Councillor Cheung and Councillor Decker
3. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of making the property at 93 Kirkland Street part of Cambridge's affordable housing stock through purchase and renovation by the City or by a qualified non-profit. Councillor Seidel
4. That the Cambridge City Council go on record supporting S 1658 regarding post-conviction DNA testing. Councillor Cheung
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads on the feasibility of updating the City of Cambridge's website with automatic translation software. Councillor Cheung
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Chair of the License Commission to once again look into the feasibility of requiring all licensed establishments to be responsible for cleaning the sidewalks in front of their businesses or risk being fined and report back to the City Council with an enforcement plan. Councillor Cheung
7. That the City Manager is requested to determine what measures can be taken by the city to remove the raccoons from the Squirrel Brand park to ensure the safety of children and adults who use the park. Councillor Seidel
8. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department to determine and report to the City Council at its next meeting whether any action is necessary by the City as a result of the recent Superior Court summary judgment in the Crowley vs. 303 Third SPE LLC, particularly as it relates to affordable housing commitments. Councillor Toomey
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments regarding the rooftop construction of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Councillor Decker
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to assess the intersection of JFK Street and Memorial Drive with a view towards implementing measures that will improve pedestrian and cycling safety. Councillor Simmons
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor David P. Maher, transmitting changes
in the membership of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee.
[Councillor Decker has been removed from this committee, per her request.
Councillor Simmons has been appointed to this committee. The committee now
consists of Councillors Seidel (Chair), Cheung, and Simmons.]
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 4
10:00am The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting
to receive an update on Baby U, continue the discussion on how best to assist
Cambridge college students to achieve college graduation, discuss middle school
after school programs in relation to middle school in-school time and consider
the workplan for this committee this term. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 5
9:30am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
discuss FY2011 City Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan
Chamber)
Thurs, May 6
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
consider a proposed amendment to Section 5.28.2 of the Zoning Ordinance to
expand the applicability of Section 5.28 Conversion of Non Residential
Structures to Residential Use to include structures that may have been built for
residential use but have been in Institutional Use for at least ten years. This
hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
consider a petition by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in accord
with the recommendations of the Green Building Zoning Task Force to encourage
energy efficient building standards in Cambridge. This hearing to be televised.
(Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 11
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
consider a petition filed by Boston Properties to amend the Zoning Ordinance in
the MXD Zoning District to create a Smart Growth/Underutilized Area in the
vicinity of Broadway, Main and Ames Streets and the site of the West parking
garage on Ames Street. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 12
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting for the
purposes of providing a summary to community leaders of the city's current and
proposed budget and an explanation of how state and federal budget cuts have
impacted the city's budget. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan
Chamber)
Thurs, May 13
9:30am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
discuss FY2011 City Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan
Chamber)
Mon, May 17
4:00pm 2010 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting on single stream recycling and related
trash management issues (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 18
10:00am The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting
to receive an update on Baby U, continue the discussion on how best to assist
Cambridge college students to achieve college graduation, discuss middle school
after school programs in relation to middle school in-school time and consider
the workplan for this committee this term. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 19
3:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will
conduct a public meeting to discuss adding more bike racks to Harvard Square.
(Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
discuss FY2011 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.
(Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 20
9:30am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to
discuss FY2011 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.
(Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities
Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the Cambridge Energy
Alliance, NSTAR Energy Efficiency Plan and the Property Assessed Clean Energy
(PACE) Program. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 26
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities
Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss energy efficiency in city and
school buildings. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 16
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to
discuss community gardens, Agricultural Fair and other updates. (Sullivan
Chamber)
Mon, June 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 23
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities
Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the digital divide.
(Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record approving the application of
Councillor Simmons on behalf of the Prince Hall Celebration Committee for 36
banners on electrical poles in Harvard Square in honor of the Prince Hall
Memorial Weekend to be celebrated on May 15, 2010 provided that all banner
requirements have been met and necessary approvals have been obtained.
O-2 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: June 26th, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the
Americans with Disability Act; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes the work left to be done to ensure that
disabled Americans are fully able to participate in society; and
WHEREAS: Today many people who are disabled are not receiving the services they
need to be healthy and independent; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has always prided itself for being in the forefront of
civil rights issues; and
WHEREAS: In its current form, the Cambridge Live City Webcast offered through
the Cambridge City website is not user friendly for disabled Cambridge
residents; and
WHEREAS: Other cities have updated their websites to provide closed captioning
for live streaming video; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge always strives to do whatever it can to support
the disabled community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
appropriate department heads on the feasibility of offering closed captioning
for streaming video on the City's website.
O-3 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The City recently has had many conversations about expanding the
affordable housing stock in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The property at 93 Kirkland Street has sat vacant for at least the past
two years with a fence around it; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the
possibility of making the property at 93 Kirkland Street part of Cambridge's
affordable housing stock through purchase and renovation by the City or by a
qualified non-profit; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-4 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has always been on the forefront in the advancement of
civil rights; and
WHEREAS: However, Massachusetts is one of only three states in the country that
lacks a post-conviction DNA access law that can prove innocence or confirm
guilt; and
WHEREAS: The wrongful conviction of an innocent defendant strikes at the
foundation of the criminal justice system and impacts everyone: the defendant,
the victim and the victim's family, the integrity of the system, and, perhaps
most importantly, the public's confidence in our system of justice; and
WHEREAS: For each and every wrongful conviction, there is a real criminal
responsible for that crime that is still out on the streets possibly committing
additional crimes; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Legislature needs to follow the rest of the country's
lead by allowing DNA testing wherever it can establish innocence, including
cases where the defendant pled guilty, and requiring full, fair, and prompt
proceedings once a DNA testing motion has been filed; and
WHEREAS: Legislation that addresses this issue is currently up for debate in the
Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record supporting said
legislation (S 1658); and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge delegation and the Massachusetts
Joint Committee on the Judiciary on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-5 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in
the country; and
WHEREAS: For over 30% of Cambridge residents English is not their first
language; and
WHEREAS: In its current form, the Cambridge website is not user friendly for
people struggling to learn English, and
WHEREAS: As a result, these residents are not receiving the services and
information needed to better the quality of their lives and stay informed on the
ongoing activities of local government; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
appropriate department heads on the feasibility of updating our website with
automatic translation software and report back to the City Council on this
issue.
O-6 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The ban against smoking in all indoor public spaces led to an increase
of littered cigarette butts and packaging on city sidewalks, especially in front
of establishments that provide outdoor seating; and
WHEREAS: This City Council addressed this issue in May of last year by ordering
the License Commission to consider requiring all licensed establishments to be
responsible for cleaning the sidewalk in front of their business or risk being
fined; and
WHEREAS: However, a year later, the City Council is still receiving numerous
complaints from Cambridge residents, most specifically from Minka vanBeuzekom
and the Central Square clean-up team, that there has been no measurable
difference in the amount cigarette butts littering our streets; now therefore be
it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to look into the
feasibility of requiring all restaurants and stores that sell cigarettes to
provide a cigarette butt can nearby; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Chair of the License Commission to once again look into the feasibility of
requiring all licensed establishments to be responsible for cleaning the
sidewalks in front of their businesses or risk being fined and report back to
the City Council with an enforcement plan.
O-7 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Residents have observed raccoons living in or near the Squirrel Brand
park on Boardman Street; and
WHEREAS: Raccoons harbor disease and can be territorial; and
WHEREAS: Many children and adults use Squirrel Brand park to recreate and relax;
now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine what
measures can be taken by the city to remove the raccoons from the park to ensure
the safety of children and adults who use the park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council in a timely manner on the actions undertaken to achieve this goal.
O-8 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: On Apr 13, 2010, the Suffolk Superior Court allowed the Plaintiff's
Motion for Summary Judgment in connection with William Crowley, Jr., M.D. et al.
v. 303 Third SPE LLC; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the
City Solicitor and the Community Development Department to determine whether any
action is necessary by the City as a result of this judgment, particularly as it
relates to affordable housing commitments and to report back to the City Council
at its next meeting.
O-9 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the construction
project on the former Blessed Sacrament Church now includes on the rooftop many
white protruding cylindrical objects; and
WHEREAS: There are ways to render the objects less visible against the roof and
sky; and
WHEREAS: There are concerns that the roof may now be less structurally sound and
more prone to leaks with the addition of so many penetrations made for said
objects; and
WHEREAS: It is unclear at this point to the residents living in the direct
vicinity of the construction project whether or not the objects were shown in
the planning submissions or the application for a building permit; now therefore
be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
appropriate departments to address these concerns; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-10 May 3, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has been reported by pedestrians and students that the traffic light
at the intersection of JFK Street and Memorial Drive presents a safety hazard
whereby the signal discourages pedestrians and bicyclists to use the
intersection, thus creating a public safety hazard; and
WHEREAS: The students in the Freshman Seminar of Communications, Advocacy, and
Public Affairs at Harvard College have taken notice of this public safety
hazard, and in the spirit of civic engagement and community involvement have
given notice of this hazard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Traffic, Parking and
Transportation Department to assess the intersection of JFK Street and Memorial
Drive with a view towards implementing measures that will improve pedestrian and
cycling safety.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
09-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what barriers would prevent residents from raising chickens and
what could be done to remove these barriers. Remains on Awaiting Report List at
request of Councillor Davis
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 12/14/09 (O-2)
10-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an assessment and plan for repairs and improvements of all school
playgrounds.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-3)
10-14. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#11
RE: report on the status of Cambridge becoming a "Green Community."
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor
Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/08/10
(O-2)
10-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a CitiStat type system for tracking police and
criminal activity.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/22/10 (O-2)
10-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property
site.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-4)
10-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report detailing issues of greatest importance that are before the Police
Review and Advisory Board.
Councillor Simmons 03/22/10 (O-12)
10-47. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#12
RE: report on a list of properties that the police department does not have
jurisdiction and how police respond to calls to these properties.
Councillor Kelley 03/22/10 (O-14)
10-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of initial funds and any other funds received to date
from Lesley University for improvements to Mass. Avenue.
Councillor Seidel 03/22/10 (O-15)
10-49. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#9
RE: report on the feasibility of adopting a Pay-As-You-Throw program.
Councillor Reeves 03/22/10 (O-17)
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of
civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-51. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#13
RE: report on how the City handled the recent flooding, how residents are being
informed of any federal assistance and on informing residents in the flood plain
of the need to purchase flood insurance.
Mayor Maher 03/22/10 (O-19)
10-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the experimental rubber sidewalks.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-9)
10-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on parking in the area of the Police Headquarters.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-12)
10-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the adoption of a regulation to prohibit licensed hotels from
subcontracting housekeeping services.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor
Reeves and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-16)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and
whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the
purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on alternatives to the orange barrels at the entrance to the main
library.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-1)
10-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on red light violations at 77 Mass Avenue and the possibility of
installing a raised crosswalk.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-2)
10-60. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's current cell phone tower zoning policy.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-5)
10-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Cambridge and on the feasibility
of partnering with local institutions to conduct an annual HIV and Hepatitis
Testing Day.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-6)
10-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on posting information on the MassSAVE program on the City's website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-7)
10-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business
and residential building improvements.
Councillor Cheung 04/26/10 (O-8)
10-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of submitting a proposal for use of the Sullivan
Courthouse and to monitor the proceedings of the sale.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-11)
10-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City maintains and enforces the appropriate width of a
sidewalk for safe access.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-12)
10-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an impact assessment and enabling language for an ordinance
amendment requiring that all new street-level parking lots make use of
semi-permeable paving alternative.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-13)
10-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the property at 74-76 Lexington Avenue.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-16)
10-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the specific location of the strip of land in Cambridge and
Belmont to be acquired by DCR.
Councillor Simmons 04/26/10 (O-18)