Cambridge City Council meeting - May 6, 2013

Cambridge City Council meeting - May 6, 2013 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $38,000 from the General Fund Police Travel & Training (Judgments & Damages) account to the Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover expenses for medical evaluations, uniforms and professional services for new officers.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $3,363,774.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($117,547.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,246,227.00) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the McKinney-Vento/HEARTH Act. The Continuum of Care Program and Rental Assistance funds will be contracted with Homeless Services Providers and cover the costs related to serving homeless persons.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Bridge to College Program grant in the amount of $13,700.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($13,405.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($295.00) which will provide classes and counseling for CHA residents in the Cambridge Community Learning Center Bridge to College program.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $8,615.00 for the Center for Families program funded by the Cambridge Public Health Commission's Agenda for Children to the Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($7,655.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($960.00) which will be used to provide community playgroups, drop-in playgroups, provider groups and support of the June 2013 Family Fun Day.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to revised text of the Bicycle Parking Zoning Petition.
Referred to petition

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-49, regarding a report on recommendations for the next steps on updating the City's nexus study.

From: Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: May 1, 2013
Re: Policy Order #10 dated April 22, 2013 regarding updating the City’s nexus study

Nexus studies form the basis for both the Incentive Zoning Ordinance and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. These Ordinances both seek to mitigate the impact of private development in the City by creating new affordable units for low and moderate-income residents or by generating funds for use by the Affordable Housing Trust to invest in the City’s affordable housing stock.

Incentive Zoning
The Incentive Zoning Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 1988 to mitigate the impact of non-residential development on the city’s housing market by looking at the impact of demand from new Cambridge-based workers on market rents. The Ordinance applies to certain non-residential developments seeking increases in density or intensity of use through certain special permits. The incentive zoning contribution rate was initially set at $3.00 per square foot, and, after periodic adjustments by the Affordable Housing Trust based upon changes in the consumer price index, is currently $4.44 per square foot. Proceeds from the housing contributions are used by the Trust to preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing.

The City last reexamined the incentive housing contribution rate in 2002 when a second nexus study was completed. The 2002 study found that the housing contribution rate would have had to be increased to $7.83 per square foot to adequately address the impact of new development on market rents. However, after some discussion, no action was taken in response to this study.

Inclusionary Housing
The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 1998 and requires that new market-rate housing developments of 10 or more units (or 10,000 or more square feet) set-aside 15% of units as affordable. Developers subject to inclusionary are compensated with a 30% increase in both unit count and floor area. Where the density bonus is intended to offset the cost of creating affordable units, those units are not included in determining the number of required affordable units. Taking into consideration the impact of the density bonus for which most projects are eligible, approximately 11.5% of the total units in new buildings subject to the Inclusionary Ordinance are affordable.

Prior to the adoption of the Inclusionary Ordinance, a rationale study was completed in 1998. The study found that 15% of the City’s housing stock was subject to long-term restrictions requiring that units be kept affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The study found that new market housing was not affordable to low- and moderate-income households and that in order to maintain the then-existing city-wide ratio of housing that was affordable to low and moderate-income residents, 15% of units in new developments would need to be made affordable to these households. This is the basis of the 15% requirement in the Ordinance.

New Studies
Where there has been renewed interest in both the Incentive and Inclusionary Ordinances and the impact of both residential and non-residential development on the housing market, specifically on private market rents and affordability for low, moderate-, and middle-income households, we agree that new studies would be valuable to assess the continuing impact of new development on the housing market. Study recommendations would assist in consideration of updates to existing and/or new policies to maintain the socio-economic diversity of the city. In addition to looking at current incentive and inclusionary requirements and needs, we would also ask the consultant(s) to consider the impacts on and needs of middle-income households as this has been a focus of recent discussions.

The Community Development Department will take steps to undertake new nexus studies. The cost of such studies will be significant, for instance the 2002 study cost $50,000 and we would expect that the cost for a similar study today would be substantially more than that. With guidance from the Council on the focus of the studies, we will develop an estimate of the overall cost. Once funds have been identified CDD, in conjunction with the City’s Purchasing Department, will solicit and select a consultant(s) to assist in designing and undertaking the study(s) and report back to the City Council on timing. If we were to begin work on new studies now we would expect to have completed studies for consideration and discussion in 2014.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $190,000 from the General Fund Fire Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost to outfit 17 new firefighters with personal protective equipment and uniforms as well as to perform related medical evaluations.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $850,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the replacement of a heavy duty Rescue Truck.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to clarify whether private driveways and apartment garages may be rented to car owners that are unrelated to the property and by what process can these spaces be legally rented. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Five of Apr 29, 2013.]

2. That the City Council formally go on record urging the Cambridge Health Alliance to maintain its Child Assessment Unit and its Adolescent Unit in their current, independent incarnations. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Simmons on Order Number Eleven of Apr 29, 2013.]

ON THE TABLE
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]

4. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]

10. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling to pass MA House Bill 4165, "An Act Relative to Speed Limits." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012. Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Dec 3, 2012.]

11. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-90, regarding a report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits. [City Manager Agenda Number Seven of Feb 25, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 25, 2013.]

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible. [Order Number Two of Mar 18, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 18, 2013.]

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-29, regarding a report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers. [City Manager Agenda Number Two of Apr 1, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 1, 2013.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 3, 2013 to discuss an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new Section 6.100 Bicycle Parking, and to create a new definition for Bicycle Parking in Article 2.000, modify the yard standards in Article 5.000 as they relate to bicycle parking and modifying various sections of Article 6.000 to remove references to bicycle parking. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 6, 2013. Planning Board hearing held Mar 19, 2013. Petition expires June 17, 2013.
Amended to revise text per CDD memo; returned to Unfinished Business

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,180,000 to provide funds to supplement other financing sources for improvements to the Cambridge Common. The question comes on adoption on or after May 13, 2013.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of several streets and sidewalks. The question comes on adoption on or after May 13, 2013.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $54,658,000 to provide funds for construction of sewer separation, stormwater management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the City's Alewife Watershed, Harvard Square, Agassiz, and Cherry Street/South Massachusetts Avenue areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program. The question comes on adoption on or after May 13, 2013.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow an additional $500,000 to provide funds for improvements to the Kendall Square area including Main Street between Broadway and Ames Street including the reconstruction of streets and sidewalks and the installation of new pedestrian-scale public lighting, street furniture, trees, and other beautification measures. The question comes on adoption on or after May 13, 2013.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Giulia requesting permission for four tables and eight chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 1682 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Primo Pizza & Roast Beef requesting permission to change ownership of a pre-existing sign at the premises numbered 783 Main Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development.

3. An application was received from Muireann Glenmullen requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 93 Kirkland Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Charter Right - Kelley

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Jim Nelson transmitting thanks for the resolution on his retirement.

2. A communication was received from the Department of Public Utilities transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return for the year ended Dec 31, 2012 for NSTAR Electric Company.

3. A communication was received from the Department of Public Utilities transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return for the year ended Dec 31, 2012 for NSTAR Gas Company.

4. A communication was received from Matthew Ponzio, 68 Allston Street regarding the Cambridgeport Fulmore Park Area Zoning Petition.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Thomas McCorkle on being recognized for his 25 years as a Cambridge Public School volunteer. Vice Mayor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Linda Sharpe on being recognized as a Mack I Davis II Award recipient by the Cambridge School Volunteers. Vice Mayor Simmons

3. Congratulations to Young Kim on being recognized as a Mack I Davis II Award recipient by the Cambridge School Volunteers. Vice Mayor Simmons

4. Congratulations to Jeff Quateman on being recognized as a Mack I Davis II Award recipient by the Cambridge School Volunteers. Vice Mayor Simmons

5. Congratulations to Christine Hoepfner on being recognized as a Mack I Davis II Award recipient by the Cambridge School Volunteers. Vice Mayor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Carolyn Turk on being named the 2013 Kenneth S. Neal Awardee by the Cambridge School Volunteers. Vice Mayor Simmons

7. Congratulations to Sergeant Kathleen Murphy, Supervisor of the Cambridge Police Department's Community Relations Unit, on being the recipient of the Jeannie Warren Paine Award by Paine Senior Services. Mayor Davis

8. Speedy recovery wishes to Joao Pereira. Vice Mayor Simmons

9. Resolution on the death of Lena M. (DiCeglie) Costa. Councillor Toomey

10. Congratulations to Chris Smith on being named the Secretary of MIT's Graduate Student Council. Councillor Cheung

11. Congratulations to Caleb Waugh on being named President of MIT's Graduate Student Council. Councillor Cheung

12. Congratulations to Parth Trivedi on being named Treasurer of MIT's Graduate Student Council. Councillor Cheung

13. Congratulations to OutGrade for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to Follow by the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung

14. Congratulations to Alex Guo on being named the Vice President of MIT's Graduate Student Council. Councillor Cheung

15. Congratulations to St. Peter's Episcopal Church and Director Vyonnie de Mel and the staff of Afterworks on the 20th Anniversary of the Afterworks program. Mayor Davis

16. Thanks to the employees of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center for their fifteen year volunteerism with the Kennedy-Longfellow School students. Vice Mayor Simmons

17. Congratulations to Cydan, LLC on their recent launch in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung

18. Congratulations to the Sino-american Pharmaceutical Professionals Association New England (SAPA-NE) on the occasion of their 15th annual conference. Councillor Cheung

19. Congratulations and best wishes to John and Lucille Rebello on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Councillor Toomey

20. Congratulations to Cliff Cook, Martha Flynn, Calvin Lindsay, Evelyn Kantor Lugo, John Nollet, Dan Riviello and Annette Rodibaugh on the occasion of receiving the 2013 Outstanding City Employee Award. Mayor Davis

21. Resolution on the death of Olivia Alethia (Cragwell) Morse. Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons

22. Congratulations to Brian Hernandez for his successful completion of the Youth CITIES March-to-May Bootcamp and becoming a Youth CITIES Scholar. Councillor Cheung

23. Congratulations to Walter Nufio for his successful completion of the Youth CITIES March-to-May Bootcamp and becoming a Youth CITIES Scholar. Councillor Cheung

24. Congratulations to Axel Lopez for his successful completion of the Youth CITIES March-to-May Bootcamp and becoming a Youth CITIES Scholar. Councillor Cheung

25. Congratulations to Victoria Lee for her successful completion of the Youth CITIES March-to-May Bootcamp and becoming a Youth CITIES Scholar. Councillor Cheung

26. Congratulations to Andy Palmer on being named Angel of the Year at the New England Venture Capital Association's NEVY Awards. Councillor Cheung

27. Congratulations to Jounce Therapeutics on being named the Best New Startup at the New England Venture Capital Association's NEVY Awards. Councillor Cheung

28. Congratulations to the Cambridge Health Alliance on their affiliation with the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Mayor Davis

29. Thanks to Moksa Restaurant and all event sponsors for the benefit on May 3, 2013 to assist those affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy. Councillor Cheung

30. Congratulations to Ying Tam on winning two awards at the 2013 Harvard Extension Business Conference and the IBM Innovation Center. Councillor Cheung

31. Resolution on the death of Mary C. Fitzmaurice. Councillor Maher

32. Resolution on the death of Walter L. "Babe" Thomas. Councillor Toomey

33. Speedy recovery wishes to Senator Sal DiDomenico. Councillor Toomey

34. Resolution on the death of Donald Greenidge. Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to ensure that the new location of the Cambridge Multi-Service Center is reflected prominently on the City's homepage, on the home page for the Multi-Service Center for the Homeless, on the City's intranet pages, and in all City print and online publications going forward. Vice Mayor Simmons

2. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council as it relates to assistance to the Deborah Mason School of Dance in finding an adequate new space and whether the City is still actively working with the owner to find said space. Vice Mayor Simmons

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Electrician and NStar representatives and report back to the City Council on the reason for the multiple outages over the last year in the East Cambridge area and steps being taken to prevent future outages. Councillor Toomey

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and provide a report to the City Council noting how the capacity of the Cambridge Works program might be increased such that it may serve an even greater number of the city's young adults. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Councillor Reeves

5. That the City Council meet in the Government Operations and Rules Committee with the purpose of discussing open space, transportation, and workforce readiness initiatives. Councillor Toomey and Mayor Davis

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department as to the feasibility of donating old computers to non-profit agencies in lieu of recycling them through the Department of Public Work and report back to the City Council. Councillor Cheung

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments as to the feasibility of implementing a program that makes cycling a more affordable, accessible and practical commuting option for low-income residents in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung

8. That the matter of Cambridge City Council Rule 16 pertaining to "Reconsideration of a Vote" be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee for review and revision. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Failed 4-5 (Maher, Toomey, vanBeuzekom, Davis - YES; Cheung, Decker, Kelley, Reeves, Simmons - NO). Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey.

9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide a report to the City Council noting how the city transportation planners evaluate and incorporate "flashing red" and "flashing yellow" signaling during very low traffic volume times; said report to include: where sensors are located including the specific intersections and specific location of in-road sensors not triggered by bicycles. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Amended

10. That the City Council go on record encouraging residents to attend the Department of Public Health hearing on Wed, May 8, 2013 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Cambridge Health Alliance Macht Auditorium that will address concerns regarding consolidation of child and adolescent inpatient psychaitric units which will reduce the number of beds available to service youth with mental health issues. Councillor Decker, Councillor Toomey and Vice Mayor Simmons
Kelley voted NO

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on Apr 9, 2013 to assess how other cities support neighborhood groups and examine how Cambridge could make use of these practices.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting a letter from John DiFava, Chief of the MIT Police to Commissioner Robert Haas.

2. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting a letter from L. Rafael Reif, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology transmitting sincere gratitude and thanks to the City of Cambridge for its support of the Institute in the difficult days following the death of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 6
5:00pm Special Presentation thanking all first responders and all public safety officials. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 7
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss enforcement of loud car radios and motorcycle mufflers. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 9
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 City Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 13
4:00pm 2013 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Special Meeting to receive a debriefing on the tragic events of the Boston Marathon and the events that followed on Apr 18th and 19th. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 14
4:00pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how technology can be used to connect arts and culture to broader community goals. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 15
2:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to review the Cambridge Alert System and any other public notice system used for public safety issues. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 16
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a zoning petition from Charles D. Teague, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance to clarify existing law so that said law can be enforced by inserting text after Section 7.20 Illumination, with the existing text to be retained and labeled as Section 7.23 Lighting Restrictions for Residential Districts. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 22
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a zoning petition from Michael Phillips, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance to the Special District 2 (SD-2) zoning district in North Cambridge. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 23
2:00pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the IT Gartner report. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 29
6:00pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting for the purpose of developing measures through which immigrants in Cambridge can have improved access to computers and the internet. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 4
4:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss urban agriculture. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 6, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Apr 13, 2013, the Cambridge Multi-Service Center relocated from its longtime location at 19 Brookline Street to the newly renovated former Cambridge Police Department headquarters at 362 Green Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to ensure that this new location is reflected prominently on the City's homepage, on the home page for the Multi-Service Center for the Homeless, on the City's intranet pages, and in all City print and online publications going forward; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what measures are being undertaken to publicize this new address on to the city at large.

O-2 May 6, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Jan 30, 2012, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to assist the owner of the Deborah Mason School of Dance in finding an adequate new space; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the current status of this matter, and on whether the City is still actively working with the owner of the Deborah Mason School of Dance in finding an adequate new space.

O-3 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There have been numerous power outages in the East Cambridge area over the past year; and
WHEREAS: These outages while effecting many residents also impacted businesses in the vicinity of First Street and prevented them from opening and conducting business; and
WHEREAS: The reason for these outages is unclear; and
WHEREAS: During one of the black outs NStar was under the impression power had been restored to this area even though it was not; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician and NStar representatives and report back to the City Council on the reason for the multiple outages over the last year in this area and steps being taken to prevent future outages.

O-4 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: That City of Cambridge's Office of Workforce Development manages the Cambridge Works transitional jobs program, which is designed to serve Cambridge residents (ages 18-35) who, for a variety of reasons, have not been able to get or keep jobs; and
WHEREAS: The centerpiece of the transitional jobs model is "learning to work" by "going to work;" and
WHEREAS: The City and a limited number of private sector partners provide a 13-week temporary job as a vehicle for participants to learn basic job-readiness skills; and
WHEREAS: That Cambridge Works transitional jobs program recently celebrated the accomplishments of eight Cambridge Works graduates, who are the tenth graduating class; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and provide a report to the City Council noting how the capacity of this program might be increased such that it may serve an even greater number of the city's young adults.

O-5 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: During the MIT rezoning process, the petitioners and the City Council discussed the creation of a community benefits fund that defined three distinct uses for allocated funds; and
WHEREAS: This fund would invest in public open space in Kendall Square and adjoining neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: This fund would invest in transit project that would benefit Kendall Square and surrounding neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: This fund would create workforce readiness training programs for Cambridge residents and help develop pathways to employment within Cambridge's innovation economy; and
WHEREAS: MIT committed $10 million toward the creation of this fund and the benefits were discussed during many Ordinance Committee hearings; and
WHEREAS: Open space funding specifically played a major role in the overall context of the MIT petition as it accounted for the completion of various streetscape projects and improvement that were vital to successfully transforming Kendall Square; and
WHEREAS: Specifically the vision for the Broad Canal as a focal point and retail engine for Kendall could be jeopardized without funds allocated for open space enhancements; and
WHEREAS: State transportation funding at this time is in jeopardy and this fund would allow the City of Cambridge to make our own transportation improvements and help us over come future transportation challenges when state funding is not available; and
WHEREAS: Preparing Cambridge residents of all ages to be part of the Kendall Square workforce is an important goal for the City; and
WHEREAS: Language pertaining to open space, transportation, and workforce development did not survive the zoning process; and
WHEREAS: Much community support was garnered for this project based on the promises of open space enhancements, transportation improvements and job training for our residents and students; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council meet in the Government Operations and Rules Committee with the purpose of discussing open space, transportation, and workforce readiness initiatives.

O-6 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge regularly encourages residents to donate old computers to non-profit agencies including Technology for Social Change and Solutions at Work in lieu of leaving them out for curbside recycling; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department as to the feasibility of donating old computers to the aforementioned non-profit agencies in lieu of recycling them through the Department of Public Work and report back to the City Council.

O-7 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Biking is one of the City of Cambridge's most popular, healthful, and sustainable transportation options; and
WHEREAS: Cities across the nation have recently begun implementing programs that make cycling a more affordable, accessible, and practical commuting option for low-income communities; and
WHEREAS: One such program is Roll it Forward, a program started by the City of Boston that collects, repairs, and distributes bikes to low-income Boston residents who may not otherwise have access to bikes; and
WHEREAS: The aforementioned program rehabilitates abandoned bikes that are collected by local authorities or donated by members of the community and then distributes them at homeless shelters, the housing authority, and community health centers; and
WHEREAS: Such a program promotes healthy lifestyles, sustainable commuting options, and increased transportation about the City; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments as to the feasibility of implementing such a project in the City of Cambridge and report back to the City Council.

O-8 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council Rules contain both rules that relate to the "Rights and Duties of Members" and Rule 36 noting that the Council shall be governed by "Roberts' Rules of Order in all questions of parliamentary practice NOT provided for by special rules of order"; and
WHEREAS: Roberts' Rules of Order notes that the purpose of "Reconsideration of a Vote" is to enable the assembly to bring back for further consideration a motion that has been voted on; and
WHEREAS: Roberts' Rules of Order further notes that only a member who voted with the "prevailing side" can make a motion for reconsideration. Meaning that if the motion passed or failed the member asking for reconsideration had to have voted with the majority. The principle behind reconsideration being someone in the council has to have "changed their mind on their vote" before the entire council will reconsider the motion; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the matter of Cambridge City Council Rule 16 pertaining to "Reconsideration of a Vote" be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee for review and revision.

O-9 May 6, 2013 Amended
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: When traffic levels are low late at night traffic signals such as "flashing red" and "flashing yellow" and in-road sensors allow vehicles to travel through intersections safely and efficiently while reducing vehicle idling times; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide a report to the City Council noting how the city transportation planners evaluate and incorporate this traffic signaling during very low traffic volume times; said report to include: where sensors are located including the specific intersections and specific location of in-road sensors not triggered by bicycles.

O-10 May 6, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Council is deeply concerned over Cambridge Health Alliance's (CHA) decision to consolidate its child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units, which will reduce the number of beds available to serve youth with mental health issues; and
WHEREAS: As part of this plan CHA will eliminate inpatient psychiatric services to children between the ages of three and seven years old; and
WHEREAS: This decision will continue to limit health care and human services available to youth in Cambridge and the surrounding communities leaving our youngest children in crisis without care; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes that there is a growing need to protect mental health services for vulnerable members of our communities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record encouraging residents to attend the very important Department of Public Health hearing on Wednesday May 8, 2013 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Cambridge Health Alliance Macht Auditorium that will address concerns over this impending merger; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Health Alliance on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Apr 9, 2013 at 5:36pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to assess how other cities support neighborhood groups and examine how Cambridge could make use of these practices.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Mayor Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley, Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Dan Riviello, Communication Specialist, Police Department; Deputy Superintendent of Police Joseph Wilson; Rebecca Rutenberg; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present at the meeting were Lindsay Morgia, Nathan Peyton, John Ferrante and Po-Yu Yuen, Northeastern University Co-Creation Team, who prepared the presentation on Co-cre@tive C@mbridge; Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, Mt. Auburn Neighborhood Association; Dan Spiess; Olivia Fiske; Margaret McMahon, 14 Highland Avenue, Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association; Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street; Liz Leighton; Julian Cassa; Ruth Ryals; Risa Mednick; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; and Mike Connelly, 40 Harding Street, Association for Cambridge Neighborhoods.

Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This is an approach to explore the current structure of formal neighborhood groups, how the city presently supports these groups and what other cities are doing to ensure the success of neighborhood groups in their municipalities. Student guests from Northeastern University will share their findings on increasing community engagement through co-creative applications. The CDD will provide insight about the formal structure of neighborhood groups in the City of Cambridge, and police personnel will explain how the police reach out to the neighborhood groups.

Lindsay Morgia, Northeastern, stated that Councillor Cheung has repeatedly expressed his interest in increasing community engagement. She distributed a document entitled Co-cre@tive C@mbridge (ATTACHMENT A). The team from Northeastern has reviewed the efforts of other cities to increase civic engagement and create collaborative partnerships between neighborhoods and municipalities.

Nathan Peyton outlined how this project was approached. City departments were interviewed and the city tools reviewed. Members of neighborhood associations (NA) and community-based organizations (CBO) were interviewed. People are busy and have different communication skill sets. NAs and CBOs have a desire to collaborate and are valuable for the services and support that they provide to their groups, members of their communities, and the City. Cambridge and the NAs have the ability to build on the platforms that exist.

Po-Yu Yuen stated that the team believes there is a great opportunity to build on the platforms that Nathan outlined with Co-Creation. Co-Creation is any tool or strategy that allows for the two-way flow of information between government and its citizens. Anyone can be a leader through co-creation to build creative strategies and promote local assets.

John Ferrante discussed the different strategies that the City of Boston has employed. Many of Boston's efforts have centered on developing mobile applications and other outlets such as the Mayor's Hotline and Citizen Connect to increase interaction with government in terms of constituent services and public works issues. There are available tools in the Co-Creative process, but it is the people who are responsible to use these tools. The take away from Boston is that Boston is responsible for the tools and the opportunity, and citizens provide input and voice the concerns. Presently, 20 percent of all service requests in the City of Boston come in through these methods.

Ms. Yuen discussed the strategy employed by the City of Portland, Oregon. The needs of the people were put at the center of the process in creating any co-creative tools. Individuals can suggest ideas that are turned into challenges and are provided with open data by the government to facilitate these challenges. This tool builds partnerships with local businesses for sponsors of the awards. Local art work apps show art work in the city.

Ms. Morgia discussed the process of developing co-creative tools in Palo Alto, California. The Open City Hall efforts were not successful. Open data was used to engage software companies. Partnerships were created with businesses. When these connections were established, a project was up and running in a short period of time. Feedback was provided back to City. The NA role was limited and did not play an important role in governmental decision making. The setting is formal. The NAs were not involved with tools to create civic engagement. She highlighted the 6 lessons learned through these case studies of Boston, Portland, and Palo Alto: be clear in defining goals; internal leadership is critical to success; utilize local talent and resources; foster coordination and cooperation; develop and document clear plans; and monitor and celebrate successes.

Mr. Peyton explained that the Northeastern team and Councillor Cheung want to build collaboration between NAs, the citizens, community groups and the government. Potential ideas include opportunities for neighborhood-government partnerships, collaboration with local universities and businesses, government-to-you events, an app that keeps the need of NAs in mind, a neighborhood portal website, volunteer exchanges, a community data bulletin, a constituent services websites, and collaborative workshops with community partners.

Councillor Cheung asked what CDD and DHSP have done around neighborhood planning. Mr. Dash stated that for over twenty years he has worked with NAs across the City. The Community Development Department has three neighborhood planners who serve as liaisons for thirteen different neighborhoods in the City. There have been neighborhood planning studies done. The Community Development Department meets with NAs as needed. Councillor Cheung asked if there are specific planners that do the neighborhood planning studies. Mr. Dash explained that there are recommendations in the neighborhood studies and the recommendations are reviewed for completion. Mr. Murphy added that CDD is trying to revitalize the neighborhood studies. He explained that there is collaboration between several city departments on neighborhood work. He stated the K2C2 planning studies took more time than anticipated. Mr. Dash stated that any NA may request help from CDD. He used the example of the need to develop a cross walk.

Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services stated that there are two ways to intersect with NAs through the neighborhood council which are connected through the community schools. The Community School directors meet monthly with the neighborhood council and they advise the Community Schools Director around programming. Some neighborhood council and neighborhood associations overlap. She stated that other forms of community outreach are geared to demographic cultural groups and this helps with connection to city services.

Mayor Davis stated that the Cambridge Housing Authority did a survey of families living in public housing that have access to the internet. She stated that 40 percent of families living in public housing are not connected to the internet. Ms. Semonoff stated that, in conjunction with the Police Department, DHSP goes door to door at housing development to talk about programs and services. Mr. Murphy stated that CDD tries high and low tech ways to make a connection with residents in an effort to reach people where they are. Mr. Dash stated that phone and online surveys are done to receive feedback about the City services that are provided. Public Works Commissioner Peterson stated that her department uses the same tools as CDD, usually in collaboration with CDD.

Deputy Superintendent Joe Wilson spoke about the neighborhood sergeants program. An e-mail tree was established in the neighborhoods. This program is being revamped to get more attendance at meetings. The Community Relations Unit has mental health and homeless outreach services. Dan Riviello spoke about methods of communication for people to respond to police, such as social media and Twitter initiatives. He explained the technology used for the neighborhood sergeants program, which list the neighborhood sergeants and their contact information.

Councillor Cheung asked the City Council for their comments.

Mayor Davis stated that as Chair of School Committee is there outreach done with the School Department. She stated that the biggest challenge is the ability to reach out to the entire school population. Contacting parents through internet is a challenge. The Choice Program survey was not translated and the results were segued. She stated that the City is not reaching out to all and this is an inequity for the underserved or underprivileged population. She suggested establishing goals to reach the population. The community engagement team is a new strategy to connect to this population.

Councillor Reeves asked how does the city do outreach. In the Riverside neighborhood there was to be a Western Avenue Improvement Project. The Community Development Department and a neighborhood planner held meetings and did door to door notification. He suggested that the neighborhood planner talk to certain individuals in the neighborhood. He stated that elected officials as a resource are not involved and their involvement could save time. How does an elected official process the voice of a neighborhood association that is only two members? The East Cambridge Neighborhood Association is a model. They meet frequently and are on top and involved with all things in the neighborhood and make decisions. They suggested a workshop for all neighborhood associations to make them active and effective, but it was not well received.

Councillor Cheung commented on what the City does to connect with city groups and what could be done structurally to have neighborhood associations groups more involved in city planning.

Carolyn Shipley explained her initial involvement with a neighborhood association. The DHSP website is fantastic, but it is not widely used. The Cambridgeport and Riverside neighborhood associations attend each other's meetings and share ideas and concerns. She spoke about the fast changes in the neighborhood studies. She asked about the Community Sergeant Programs on the weekends. She was advised to call the main police station or the shift commander.

Liz Leighton, Area 4 Coalition, stated that neighborhood associations are task oriented. Area 4 is in need of the workshop offered by ECPT. She suggested a community calendar and a city sponsored website for all the neighborhood associations. She stated that she wanted to talk about participatory budgeting. She would like anyone from the city to talk about funding. Councillor Cheung spoke about participatory budgeting in the 2015 budget cycle. Dan Spiess commented that Lisbon, Portugal started participatory budgeting in 2008 by inserting a line item in the budget for citizens to determine how a portion of City funds should be spent. Voting is done online and funding goes to numerous projects. Chicago and New York also have implemented participatory budgeting models. Mr. Dash commented that Cambridge has had participatory budgeting. Thirty years ago East Cambridge had a funding cycle and Area 4 had UDAG funding. Councillor Reeves spoke about the neighborhood study process. By the time the study is completed and disseminated the information does not fit the new neighborhood. Mr. Murphy commented that 76 percent of all residents live in the City five years or less, which shows the turnover in the City. He stated that CDD is discussing how to make these studies more real and relevant.

Councillor Cheung commented on the contact information not being up to date on the website. Carolyn Shipley stated that neighborhood associations have members of the City Council on them. Tom Stohlman stated that the MANA neighborhood is not on CDD list of neighborhood associations. Every method needs to be tried to make contact with the hope that the neighborhood responds. All you can do is try your best and use every method available.

Mike Connelly, ACN stated that the information on CDD website is outdated. The new president of the ACN is Gary Dmytryk. Councillor Cheung stated that the challenge is how to systemize with the neighborhood associations to keep the information up dated.

Heather Hoffman, Past President of ACN stated that you need to be humble with dealing with neighborhood associations. Civic engagement is so hard to get. People do not know that neighborhood associations exist and do not care until something affects them. The City and the neighborhood associations can do a better job to get information out to the public. You need to make people feel that their presence is felt.

Julian Cassa, Area 4 Coalition, spoke about providing open source or a platform to build apps to incentivize civic engagement. At present, there is not a good mechanism that allows smart people to get involved civically. He stated that other associations versus neighborhood associations should not be overlooked. He stated that his neighborhood association is trying to broaden its scope. He suggested that that additional City funding should be provided neighborhood associations and that there should be increased communication efforts. A 2013 goal is to add more wireless in the neighborhood. MIT has donated wireless. He stated that expanding wireless for public and affordable housing should be something seriously done. He suggested using auto dialer and/or robot call. If all neighborhood associations were getting the same information in real time it would alleviate the frustration. Frustration comes when information is learned after the fact. He encouraged having a simple and easy-to-follow uniform system and multi-lingual methods of communication. It is impossible for the best neighborhood associations to be on top of all things all the time. In conclusion he stressed the need for access, education, a streamlined process, communication between developer and the neighborhood associations and funding for the neighborhood infrastructure.

Robert Winters stated that neighborhood associations speak for themselves. If you want civic engagement, reinstitute the neighborhood councils. He suggested having common standards for the neighborhood councils. This could create neighborhood platforms. The neighborhood associations are separate from neighborhood representation. Councillor Reeves commented that the Globe Real Estate Section has information on the neighborhoods.

Ms. Shipley explained that the Cambridgeport neighborhood association has no space for its meeting and is charged for the meeting space. Dues are not collected by the neighborhood association. Funding previously from the Police Department to the neighborhood association stopped recently. She stated that the winter farmers market is a great place for information.

Margaret McMann stated that neighborhood associations are all different and cannot be lumped together. She agreed with Councillor Reeves' statement that the ECPT is great model. It is not just incumbent on the city; it is the responsibility of the neighborhood association to engage individuals. She does not think that the neighborhood councils would work under their present mandate.

Risa Mednick stated that a community can exist outside of the neighborhood. We need to look deeper into our rapidly changing community about who is living here. The lack of translation in the school is shameful. It is important to reach out to all to bring them into this process. She stated that 25 percent of families do not speak English as their second language. She favored acknowledgement, development and maximization of resources.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that Cambridge is a mosaic of neighborhoods. She spoke about the welcome wagon and welcoming the students into the city. She suggested welcoming new residents to the City should be given with the City Census. Ms. McMahaon stated that information about the neighborhood association should be given to the new residents. Councillor Cheung stated that the structure of the welcoming procedures still need to be addressed as well as something done about the structure to have the neighborhood associations become more vital.

Councillor Cheung asked if there were any plans or recommendations for the next steps. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that space issues and the revitalization of the Police Department funding for a block party should be addressed. Public Works Commissioner Peterson commented that the City has a lot of tools and perhaps we are not using them to its best effort. Mr. Peyton stated that all want to work for the same goal but development of a strategy needs to be established to achieve the goal. He could work with Councillor Cheung and move this project forward.

Councillor Cheung stated that this is a great next step and then develop around different themes.

Councillor Cheung thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)

12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)

12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)

12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)

12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)

12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)

12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)

12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)

12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)

12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)

12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)

12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)

12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)

12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)

12-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of finding additional secure locations for the disposal of prescription drugs.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-4)

12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)

12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)

12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)

12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)

12-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating permanent bathroom facilities at the Cambridge Common; conduct a study for permanent bathroom facilities in all public squares; and provide a list of all locations where portable bathroom facilities are currently used.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 11/19/12 (O-8)

12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)

12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)

12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day. Referred back for more information by Councillor Decker on 12/17/2012.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)

12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of re-filing a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)

12-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on convening a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations such as public parks and squares.
Mayor Davis 12/10/12 (O-16)

12-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a reduced small business parking rate for local business owners at city garages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-1)

12-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to ban tandem tractor-trailers from entering the city with a view in mind of requiring large freight vehicles of a certain size to transfer freight to a smaller vehicle before entering the city.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-4)

12-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse including what zoning changes will be needed and reasons for Leggat McCall being chosen as the developer.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-9)

12-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to create a Pathway Overlay District.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-12)

12-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the cost, user price, and payback period if Cambridge were to build its own broadband network
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-8)

13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's plans for the property located at 205 Western Avenue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-6)

13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving logistical challenges of deliveries and trash removal to and from businesses as they related to adjacent residents.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-11)

13-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of participating in the Code for America Peer Network.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/28/13 (O-6)

13-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with NSTAR officials to establish a firm timeline for maintenance and replacement plans for the transformers and electrical systems that serve the city to ensure that local businesses and residential communities are fully serviced.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 02/11/13 (O-5)

13-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on refining procedures to uphold existing ordinances that prohibit the reservation of cleared on-street parking spaces by placing objects in the spots.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-4)

13-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assessing the feasibility of necessity of utilizing the services provided by the Springfield Data Center and MassGIS's Oliver mapping tool.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-11)

13-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying for the Code for America Fellowship Program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-1)

13-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what flooding, drainage, sightline, maintenance and traffic flow issues exist at Linear Park and who is responsible for addressing them.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-7)

13-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of adding a RSS feed options to all of the City's websites. Referred back to the City Manager by Councillor Cheung on 4/22/2013.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-8)

13-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current investigate of the murder of Charlene Holmes.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/18/13 (O-1)

13-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans to publicize the upcoming special election.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-5)

13-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing fiber-optic conduits when doing sewer reconstruction.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 03/18/13 (O-7)

13-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on measures Cambridge can take to prevent the transport of ethanol.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-8)

13-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of implementing a "Don't Block The Box" policy for Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-4)

13-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways in which the Cambridge Works Program might affiliate itself with Building Pathways, an intensive program sponsored by the Boston Building Trades Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-5)

13-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with SuperTours as to the feasibility of altering their bus tour route to one that provides more interesting sightseeing opportunities to tour participants while improving the quality of life of residents of Cambridge Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-8)

13-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of shortening the traffic light cycle times at the intersection of Broadway and Ames Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-10)

13-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how Cambridge can include a participatory budgeting portion in the 2014 budget.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-12)

13-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the taxi and livery industry can modernize its services, provide heightened customer service, and protect drivers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/08/13 (O-9)

13-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the procedures in place for when Inspectional Service inspectors are on vacation or extended sick leave so that projects that need inspecting are not delayed.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/08/13 (O-10)

13-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of updating the Library's room usage policy to allow for an online calendar and request system.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/22/13 (O-2)

13-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing City Councillors with more Exchange server space to send, receive and store emails.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/22/13 (O-3)

13-49. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on recommendations for the next steps on updating the City's nexus study.
Councillor Cheung 04/22/13 (O-10)

13-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on formally applying to the Federal Rail Administration for establishing Quiet Zones.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 04/29/13 (O-3)

13-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on clarifying the expiration date for zoning petitions filed in the City.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 04/29/13 (O-4)

13-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying to the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive program for grants that will fund publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations; electric vehicles; and hybrid vehicles.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 04/29/13 (O-6)

13-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a working group to review dog park issues.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/29/13 (O-8)

13-55. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to develop a working group to review public bathroom issues.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/29/13 (O-9)

13-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on progress of the LED Street Light conversion project.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/29/13 (O-10)