Cambridge City Council meeting - May 14, 2012 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Human Services Commission for a three year term to expire June 30, 2015.
May 14, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Katherine E. Thomas as a member of the Human Services Commission for a three year term to expire June 30, 2015.
Ms. Thomas is a lifelong resident of Cambridge, a mother of children who went to the Cambridge public schools, and the Assistant Director of the Cambridge-based Institute for Health and Recovery. I believe that she will bring a wealth of human services knowledge and experience to the Human Services Commission.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-56, regarding a report on the status of audio/visual equipment and improvements for presentations.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-55, regarding a report on how the Council may incorporate the use of electronic communications technology in the conduct of its business, including the parameters of an prerequisites for such use.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-45, regarding a report on testing all city-operated community gardens for toxins in the soil.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-49, regarding a report on the paving materials used by Boston on their crosswalks as well as the data in the Jacobs Report.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the supplemental appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $11,013.46 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be subcontracted to the Cambridge YWCA.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of funds within the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $15,927.51 from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to increase the funds allocated to prevent housing loss for lower income Cambridge renters who are at risk of becoming homeless by satisfying clients rental arrearages.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan, 2012: Albert Darling (renewal), Cambridge, MA
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to Chapter 6.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code which regulates animal activities in the City.
Referred to Ordinance Committee
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $650 in donations from two road races to the Grant Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account which were donated to the Cambridge Auxiliary Police in recognition of their assistance with these events and will be used to purchase equipment for the Cambridge Auxiliary Police.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for $52,500 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account and will be used to support the Department's Safety Net Collaborative by supporting two part-time Safety Net Coordinators who will implement a new strategy for the reorganization of school resource officers in line with the Innovation Agenda, as well as establish outcome measures.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $25,000 from the sale of police vehicles that were being disposed of for a variety of reasons including body damage, age of vehicle and high mileage to the General Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account to supplement the purchase of four hybrids vehicles.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY12 Shannon Grant for $19,300 received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council through the Executive Office of Pubic Safety to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will be used to support additional youth violence prevention and anti-gang initiatives by the Police Department by increasing Police visibility, building enforcement and intervention capacities and supporting gang interdiction activities.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $70,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (Insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs and lump sum settlement for the remainder of the fiscal year for personnel injured in the performance of their duties.
ON THE TABLE
1. 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.]
2. 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.]
3. 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.]
4. 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.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to proposed revisions to Article 2, Section 2.24.050 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the "Code") relative to the fees charged by the City Clerk for a Domestic Partnership Application. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 7, 2012.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,100,000 to provide funds for the replacement of the slate roof on City Hall and additional funds for the replacement of the roofs on the Ryan Garage and Simard Building at Public Works. The question comes on adoption on or after May 14, 2012.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 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 14, 2012.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,245,000 to provide funds for the acquisition of a ladder truck and pumper to replace vehicles that have been in service since 1994 and 1991, respectively. The question comes on adoption on or after May 14, 2012.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,540,000 to provide funds for the design, regrade, drainage, and installation of new synthetic field surfaces on the soccer fields at Danehy Park. The question comes on adoption on or after May 14, 2012.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,557,670 to provide funds for construction of sewer separation, stormwater management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the City's Alewife watershed. The question comes on adoption on or after May 14, 2012.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from West Bridge Restaurant requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1 Kendall Square. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutter.
2. An application was received from Bob Slate Stationer requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 30 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development, Historical Commission and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Darleen G. Bonislawski transmitting thanks for the resolution recognizing her retirement from the Election Commission after 24 years of service.
2. A communication was received from Reverend Danny De Gug introducing "Action Empathizing Committees."
3. A communication was received from Lori Goldstein, 6 Fainwood Circle transmitting a photo of snow piled up against the telephone pole at Fainwood Circle preventing snow removal and access to residential driveways.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Estella Johnson as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Cambridge. Mayor Davis
2. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Pavo. Councillor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of Emanuel A. Pimentel. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Maria C. (Salgado) Cabral. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulations to Deborah Jackson on her new position as President of Cambridge College. Councillor Reeves
6. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Artis Spears. Councillor Reeves
7. Resolution on the death of Sofia (Spirito) DeSimone. Councillor Toomey
8. Retirement of Barbara Keating from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Davis
9. Congratulations to the Wellness Warriors as they celebrate their new Dragon Boat from Charles River Apparel. Mayor Davis
10. Congratulations to the recipients of the Cambridge School Volunteer awards. Mayor Davis
11. Happy 100th Birthday wishes to Vera Metastasio. Mayor Davis
12. Congratulations to Harvard and MIT on their new partnership program for online education EdX. Mayor Davis
13. Congratulations to Neville Place on their 10th anniversary. Mayor Davis
14. Retirement of Manuel Alicea from the Department of Public Works. Mayor Davis
15. Retirement of Francis Conole from the Department of Public Works. Mayor Davis
16. Resolution on the death of H. Rita Murphy. Councillor Maher
17. Resolution on the death of Helen Cauchon. Councillor Maher
18. Resolution on the death of Harriet (Kasloff) Berman. Councillor Toomey
19. Congratulations to Colin and Anna Walsh on their recent marriage. Councillor Decker
20. Congratulations to Tatte Bakery and Cafe on the opening of their new location in Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
21. Congratulations to Rich Levandov of Avalon Ventures for ranking number 53 on the Forbes' Midas List. Councillor Cheung
22. Congratulations to Craig Altemose on being named a "Climate Hero" by the green band Melodeego. Councillor Cheung
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to set up a meeting with residents of Tremont Street to listen to their concerns about the continuing traffic issues in that area, and to use this meeting as an opportunity to discuss possible remedies. Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons and Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and utility companies to determine what measures could be implemented to either move the location of the pole in the center of Fainwood Circle or to otherwise ease the concerns of Fainwood Circle residents over the potential safety hazard it poses. Vice Mayor Simmons
3. That the Mayor is requested to confer with relevant City staff and City Councillors and report back to the City Council on the status of the process for filling the City Manager and City Clerk positions. Councillor Kelley
Referred to Gov't Operations and Rules Committee
4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of providing the main phone numbers for all City departments with an answering system that would, at a minimum, provide off-hour callers with information on when that department's offices are open and provide the number for a 24-hour hotline. Councillor Kelley
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine whether further repairs should be conducted on the stretch of road on Erie Street between Sidney and Brookline Streets to prevent excessive pooling of rain water. Vice Mayor Simmons
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the feasibility of additional parking spaces for Ten Tables guests and report back to the City Council. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Cheung
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, Cambridge Police Department and Sheriff Katoujian's office on the citywide interpretation of the Supreme Court case Florence v. Board of Freeholders of County of Burlington ruling regarding strip searches as it applies to the police and residents of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department to make raffle license information and the process available online and report back to the City Council. Councillor Cheung
Amended
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Purchasing Agent and the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department on the feasibility of passing legislation similar to that of Iowa City, Indiana, which gives local businesses the opportunity to match the bids of out-of-county vendors in order to give them a competitive edge in Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Conservation Commission to provide an explanation of how the waiting lists for community garden plots work. Councillor Cheung
11. That the City Manager is requested work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and report back on a proposed plan of action to improve safety in area of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. Councillor Cheung
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Comcast to notify customers on the CityTV station changing from channel 8 to channel 22. Councillor Cheung
13. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Acting City Solicitor to prepare draft language to the Municipal Code that will increase the fines for violations to the dog ordinance and refer said language to the Ordinance Committee. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Charter Right - Kelley
14. That the City Council go on record naming the City Clerk Vital Records Vault as the Donna P. Lopez Vital Records Vault. Councillor Decker
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 14
4:00pm 2012 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 15
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinance by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 16
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY2013 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 17
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY2013 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
2:00pm The Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to hear from invited guests on what makes city events interesting. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting [Budget Adoption] (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 23
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance by adding to Section 5.50 entitled "Special Dimensional Regulations" a section 5.54 entitled "Special Regulations for Municipal Elementary and Middle (K-8) Schools. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:45pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition of CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend the Zoning Ordinances in Article 13.700-Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 24
2:30pm The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting to review plans for visits to academic institutions by the committee. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 30
9:00am Roundtable Meeting to complete the update from Goody Clancy and the Community Development Department on the Kendall Central Study (K2C2) and to discuss the appropriate next steps in the process. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 31
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the PTDM Ordinance, how the ordinance works for property owner who comply with the PTDM, the specific tactics used to reduce Single Occupancy Vehicles and whether the PTDM Ordinance merits expansion to better serve and inform decision making in the current development boom. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 5
10:00am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to review the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority's relationship with the city, how the CRA was set up and who is the CRA's governing body. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, June 6
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition from the Planning Board to rezone the North Massachusetts Avenue area. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:15pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition of the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Map for an area along North Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 30
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: On Oct 31, 2011, the City Council adopted a Council Order asking that the City Manager instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to meet with residents of Tremont Street to listen to and address their ongoing issues about traffic issues on Tremont Street between Hampshire Street and Broadway; and
WHEREAS: The City did follow up on this Council Order by exploring possible traffic mitigation remedies, yet residents in this area continue to feel that the problem persists, and several residents have requested that the City re-examine the matter; 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 set up a meeting with residents of Tremont Street to listen to their concerns about the continuing traffic issues in that area, and to use this meeting as an opportunity to discuss possible remedies.
O-2 May 14, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has recently come to the City Council's attention that residents of Fainwood Circle are concerned over the location of a utility pole located in the center of their street; and
WHEREAS: The location of the utility pole is in the middle of the roundabout, without any guard rails, curbs, or other protections that could prevent one from potentially driving into it; and
WHEREAS: There is also nothing visible to suggest the pole can withstand events like a hurricane or severe winter storm without falling over; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and utility companies to determine what measures could be implemented to either move the location of this pole, or to otherwise ease the concerns of Fainwood Circle residents over the potential safety hazard it poses.
O-3 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and City Councillors and report back to the City Council on the status of the process for filling the City Manager and City Clerk positions.
O-4 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Many City departments do not have answering machines so anyone calling those departments after hours cannot leave messages and do not get information on when to contact the department or what number to call in a non-911 emergency; and
WHEREAS: Phone-related answering services such as voicemail are often used to record off-hour messages and/or provide off-hour access phone numbers for non-911 emergency calls; and
WHEREAS: The inability to reach any sort of answering machine, even one that simply gives office hours and a 24-hour hotline for non-911 emergencies, can be frustrating for people trying to communicate with City officials; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of providing the main phone numbers for all City departments with an answering system that would, at a minimum, provide off-hour callers with information on when that department's offices are open and provide the number for a 24-hour hotline; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a plan to implement such city-wide department answering service should such a service not be demonstrably unfeasible.
O-5 May 14, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Recent work conducted on Erie Street has left a stretch of road between Sidney Street and Brookline Street level to the point that rain water tends to excessively pool near the curb sides, leading water to build up and remain long beyond when a rain storm has passed; and
WHEREAS: The water is regularly splashed up onto nearby buildings whenever motorists drive by, and this was not an issue prior to the recent road work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine whether further repairs should be conducted on this stretch of Erie Street to prevent excessive pooling of rain water.
O-6 May 14, 2012 Charter Right - Cheung
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Ten Tables is seeking additional parking to better accommodate guests; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the feasibility of additional parking spaces for Ten Tables guests and report back to the City Council.
O-7 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Supreme Court case Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of County of Burlington has recently ruled that law enforcement can conduct strip searches on people arrested for any offense, however minor, before admitting them to jail even if the officials have no reason to suspect the presence of contraband; and
WHEREAS: According to a supporting brief filed by the American Bar Association, international human rights treaties also ban the procedures and as many as ten states are at odds with the procedures; and
WHEREAS: As municipalities across the state weigh in on the impact such a controversial law would have on whether law enforcement should carry of the liberal use of strip searches, residents express concerns about the impact it might have locally; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Law Department, Cambridge Police Department and Sheriff Katoujian's office on the citywide interpretation of this ruling as it applies to the police and residents of Cambridge and report back to the City Council.
O-8 May 14, 2012 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The ability to easily access information over the web is an increasingly desirable option for Cambridge residents to remain informed on how their municipal government operates; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that residents are having difficulty accessing information on how to obtain a raffle license and are requesting that the process be explained on the city website; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department to make raffle license information and the process available online and report back to the City Council.
O-9 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been heralded for supporting and encouraging its local business community; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Iowa City, IA has recently adopted a policy aimed at fostering local business which gives them the opportunity to match the bids of out-of-county vendors in order to give them a competitive edge; and
WHEREAS: Specifically, the Buy Local policy allows local companies the opportunity to match the bid or quote from a non-local vendor if the local company's quote or bid is within 5 percent of the non-local vendor; and
WHEREAS: If non-local companies bid within 5 percent of a lowest bid made by a local business, the out-of-county vendor does not get the opportunity to rebid; and
WHEREAS: Implementing a similar policy in Cambridge would allow local businesses to bid with confidence and successfully expand and grow their company in our city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Purchasing Agent and the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department on the feasibility of passing similar legislation in Cambridge and report back to the City Council.
O-10 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Community gardens serve as areas that bring residents together, provide fresh produce and beautify the city; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has thirteen community gardens located throughout the city and demand for space is high as each garden is divided into plots that are shared among residents; and
WHEREAS: Residents are requesting clarification on how the waiting lists work to apply for a community garden plot and ways to make the process simpler and more efficient; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Conservation Commission to provide an explanation of how the waiting lists for community garden plots work and report back to the Cambridge City Council.
O-11 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that pedestrians and cyclists remain at risk as trucks continue to drive recklessly at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street; and
WHEREAS: A bicyclist accident at the intersection of Vassar and Massachusetts Avenue this past December renewed safety concerns as Cambridge police have responded to 55 accidents at the intersection; 24 of them involving cars and bikes; and
WHEREAS: In 2011, the intersection ranked No. 2 in Cambridge's top five dangerous intersections as thousands of people pass through it every day; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and report back on a proposed plan of action to improve safety in the before-mentioned area and report back to the City Council.
O-12 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: In the information age in which we live, local television provides community members immediate updates and breaking news on events that are happening right outside their doorstep; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Comcast has changed the CityTV station from channel 8 to channel 22; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel that there should be an announcement made to bring awareness to the change in Comcast's channel lineup; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Comcast to notify customers on the CityTV station changing from channel 8 to channel 22.
O-13 May 14, 2012 Charter Right - Kelley
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Acting City Solicitor to prepare draft language to the Municipal Code that will increase the fines for violations to the dog ordinance and refer said language to the Ordinance Committee.
O-14 May 14, 2012
COUNCILLOR DECKER
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record naming the City Clerk Vital Records Vault as the Donna P. Lopez Vital Records Vault.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on zoning changes for the Sullivan Courthouse and neighboring parcels.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/30/12 (O-7)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass and on the abilities of universities and other organizations to close off property owned by them but enjoyed by the public.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-6)
12-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process which would require developers seeking zoning relief to build a model of the area impacted by the proposed developments.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-12)
12-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resurfacing the courts at the Jimmy Johnson Street Hockey Rink and providing lighting for the playing area.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Vice Mayor Simmons 02/13/12 (O-13)
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)
12-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan for implementing separate trash or recycling curbside pick up for small businesses along existing curbside pick up routes.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/05/12 (O-1)
12-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 03/05/12 (O-3)
12-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing traffic calming measures on Norfolk Street between Broadway and Hampshire Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/05/12 (O-7)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what additional measures could be taken to improve the amount of municipal green purchasing by city government, including at the school department.
Mayor Davis, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/19/12 (O-4)
12-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reevaluating pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection of Coolidge Avenue and Mt. Auburn Street and the x-shaped intersection where Mt. Auburn crosses Fresh Pond/Gerry's Landing.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-6)
12-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility and desirability of developing an off-leash dog park in or nearby Area 4.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-9)
12-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the proposal by Global Oil LLC will impact Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-10)
12-45. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on testing all city-operated community gardens for toxins in the soil.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-15)
12-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the accident at the corner of Dover Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Referred back by Councillor Kelley for more information at meeting of 4/9/2012.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/26/12 (O-3)
12-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on legal requirements for public notices and meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/02/12 (O-2)
12-49. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on the paving materials used by Boston on their crosswalks as well as the data in the Jacobs Report.
Councillor Cheung 04/09/12 (O-10)
12-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the legal and logistic possibility of banning the use of imidacloprid insecticide.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-2)
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)
12-52. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the Council may incorporate the use of electronic communications technology in the conduct of its business, including the parameters of and prerequisites for such use.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-7)
12-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on turning on all water for fountains and gardens at the earliest possible date of the year and shut off at the latest possible date of the year.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-8)
12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)
12-55. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on whether Cambridge can be re-certified to regulate cable TV costs due to a lack of competition in the area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-10)
12-56. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on status of audio/visual equipment and improvements for presentations.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/30/12 (O-1)
12-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appropriate regulation of satellite dishes, possibly through an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 04/30/12 (O-2)