CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the following transfers within the General Fund School Department statutory accounts: $53,419.19 from the School Salary and Wages account and $4,040.30 from the to the School Travel and Training account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($22,652.36) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($34,807.13). These reallocations are related to school improvement and professional development plans based on approved detail budget allocations by Principals.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of funds to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the Cambridge Health Alliance which will be used to support the Middle Grades Survey.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the additional appropriation for the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) received from the Community Action Programs Inter-City (CAPIC) Inc. for $53,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to aid families who are either homeless or at high risk for losing their housing.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of user fees received from Cambridge Homeless Service Provider Agencies and surrounding communities to support the Cambridge Homeless Management Information System in the amount of $11,550.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the $28,930 in City Run Road Race revenues to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will benefit the Friends of Cambridge Athletics ($11,000.00), the Special Olympics Program ($4,500.00), the Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund ($4,500.00) and the Youth Sports Commission's Coaches Training Program ($3,930), with the balance used for in race expenditures ($5,000).

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $10,664.62 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($5,664.62), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,000) and Travel and Training account ($2,000) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY2009 Firefighting Equipment Grant funded through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for $28,378 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will allow the City to purchase equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and replacement batteries and chargers for various pieces of equipment.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-02, regarding a report on trains idling in the area of Cambridge Street. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 11, 2009.]
Place on File under Rule 19 - no action taken.

ON THE TABLE
2. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

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

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

5. An application from Alan L. Johnson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 135 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Mar 23, 2009. Meeting recessed on Mar 30, 2009. Referred to Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Ward on Apr 6, 2009.]

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,290,000 to continue sewer projects in the Harvard Square, Agassiz, and Alewife Watershed areas of the City. The question comes on adoption on or after May 11, 2009.
Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to fund the remediation of soil contamination and other environmental issues in connection with the Yerxa Road Underpass Construction Project. The question comes on adoption on or after May 11, 2009.
Adopted 9-0

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to recommendations that the City Council accept the following amendments to the Municipal Code relating to the fee schedule for services provided by the City Clerk's Office, the Animal Commission, the Public Works Department, Weights & Measures, Building, Electrical and Plumbing. (Seven amendments Passed to a Second Reading) The question comes on passing the proposed seven amendments to be ordained on or after May 11, 2009.
Adopted as amended 9-0

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Apr 14, 2009 to consider a petition submitted by Lesley University to amend the Zoning Map and Article 10.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding "Section 20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 25, 2009. Planning Board hearing held Apr 7, 2009. Petition expires July 13, 2009.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Finagle A Bagel, requesting permission for four tables and eight chairs for restaurant seating in front of 1432 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Coast To Coast Refinery, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of 1105 Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Timothy Rowe, 64 Gorham Street, transmitting opposition to the Lesley University zoning petition.

2. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the resolution from the City Council urging the legislature to reverse local aid cuts and restore local aid through state stabilization funds, federal stimulus funds and an increase in the sales tax.

3. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution in support of Representative Wolf's amendment to reinstate funding for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

4. A communication was received from Gavin W. Kleespies, 24 Corporal McTernan Street, transmitting support of the landmark designation of the "Spectacular" Shell sign at the corner of Magazine Street and Memorial Drive.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Randy S. Agno.   Councillor Decker
2. Resolution on the death of Private Justin P. Hartford.   Councillor Decker
3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Shawn D. Sykes.   Councillor Decker

4. Resolution on the retirement of Joanne Ackman.   Mayor Simmons

5. Resolution on the retirement of Joanne Connolly.   Mayor Simmons

6. Extending appreciation to Beth O'Sullivan, Mary McGowan Pettibone and Shirley Stewart-Best for their dedication and service to the Science Club for Girls on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary Celebration and Catalyst Award Ceremony on May 26, 2009.   Councillor Davis.

7. Congratulating 2009 Catalyst Award Winners Dean Evelynn Hammonds and Dr. Larisa Schelkin.   Councillor Davis

8. Congratulating Matthew Curtis and his partners.   Councillor Reeves

9. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Michelle Border.   Mayor Simmons

10. Congratulations to Dr. Barbara Ann Weaver on being named the 2009 Mass History teacher of the year.   Councillor Decker

11. Congratulations to Joseph and Janet Daly on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Reeves

12. Resolution on the death of Anthony Freitas.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

13. Resolution on the death of William R. "Billy" Sullivan.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Maria L. (Nardella) Valente.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

15. Resolution on the death of Delia (Autilia Sico) Curtin.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Donald J. Smith.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

17. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Denise Sullivan and Dianne Morris.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher, Mayor Simmons

18. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Stenward W. Simmons.   Mayor Simmons

19. Best wishes to Vengerflutta Smith in her future endeavors.   Mayor Simmons

20. Sympathy to the parishioners of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   Councillor Decker, Mayor Simmons

21. Congratulations to Amy Cara Goldberg and Mary Ellen Shillue who were married on May 17, 2009.   Mayor Simmons

22. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Gloria Kinkead.   Mayor Simmons

23. Happy birthday wishes to Tara J. Knight.   Mayor Simmons

24. Retirement of Warren Messina from the Electrical Department.   Mayor Simmons

25. Congratulations to Dipak Goyal on his record-breaking run in the 2009 Boston Marathon.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to include relevant Cambridge Housing Authority staff in any discussions about public safety and crime.   Councillor Kelley  amended

2. That the City Manager is requested to make available adequate funds to the City Council so that the City Council can hire its own legal expert to review relevant issues in pending litigation.   Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons and Councillor Reeves
Order and a Substitute Order of Councillor Toomey tabled on motion of Councillor Davis (after an extended Executive Session on the topic)

3. That the City Manager is requested to install bike racks at 19 Brookline Street for use by the public.   Councillor Davis  amended

4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council on the possibility of the City of Cambridge implementing an emergency economic hardship tax deferral program.   Councillor Ward

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to disseminate information to bicyclists through various methods of communication reminding them of the "rules of the road" pertaining to bicycles and that their adherence is important to the safety of motorists, pedestrians and fellow cyclists.   Vice Mayor Seidel

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to immediately address the issue of rats in the Riverside Neighborhood.   Councillor Reeves  amended

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether additional stop signs are needed at Pacific and Albany Streets to ensure that the intersection is safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles.   Vice Mayor Seidel

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance and to inform the Council as to whether the community space at the Windsor Street Clinic will remain open despite the clinic's closing or, if it will not, if the CHA will provide some alternative to replace the need that this community space fills.   Councillor Decker

9. That the City Manager and the Mayor are requested to report to the Council on the status of the Harvard Senior Picnic.   Councillor Decker

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to inform the Council as to the City's policy regarding rape alerts.   Councillor Decker

11. That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Managers for Human Services and Community Development to determine if the reason for not allowing the Malik Academy to renew their lease is due to the landlord's complications regarding day-care code requirements and, if so, the City assist the landlords any way it can to ensure that the Malik Academy can renew their lease.   Councillor Decker

12. That the City Manager confer with the Chief Public Health Officer for a review of this issue as it applies to Black MSM in Cambridge and a report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Reeves

13. That the Mayor confers with the School Committee and inform the City Council as to the protocol for confirmed cases of H1N1 regarding the sanitization and closing of the school as well as any related methods to protect the community from further cases.   Councillor Decker

14. That Her Honor, the Mayor, schedule an executive session to discuss pending litigation.   Mayor Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on Apr 30, 2009, May 6, 2009 and May 13, 2009 relative to the General Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $410,959,775.
Adopted 7-2 (Councillors Kelley and Seidel voted NO).
[It is noteworthy that Councillor Kelley's motion to rescind the entire $443,625 budget relating to the legal costs for the Monteiro case and other legal services was defeated on a 4-4-1 vote. Councillors Kelley, Reeves, Simmons, and Seidel voted YES; Councillors Davis, Maher, Toomey, and Ward voted NO; and Councillor Decker ABSTAINED. This motion would have affected all such services and not just those relating to the Monteiro case. Councillor Decker, in particular, should be credited for not voting in favor of Kelley's reckless motion. This matter will be the subject of future Executive Sessions and Council Orders.]

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 6, 2009 relative to the Water Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $17,985,890.
Adopted 9-0

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 6, 2009 relative to the Public Investment Fund for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $29,360,780.
Adopted 9-0

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on May 5, 2009 to discuss the creation of partnerships between community or neighborhood groups and a nearby food pantry, a Cambridge Agricultural Fair and any other issues related to growing fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on Apr 1, 2009 to discuss whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all poor students in Cambridge.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley expressing strong support for the Green Streets Initiative, regret over his inability to support an additional staff position in this time of economic uncertainty and support for modification of current municipal staff duties to enable assumption of walk/ride coordination work, if the City Manager finds such modification feasible.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 18
4:00pm   2009 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 20
2:00pm   The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the committee's agenda for the remainder of the term and to discuss Harvard's termination of the lease with Three Aces Pizza and the layoffs of low paid workers by Harvard and MIT.  (Ackermann Room)

Tues, May 26
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Zone Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all low income students in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 27
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of a zoning petition submitted by Lesley University to amend the Zoning Map and Article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding "Section 20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District."  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Thurs, June 18
2:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss how Cambridge can adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College Program and/or principles to provide parent education for low income families that will provide the tools they need to help their children succeed.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, July 21
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Sept 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Oct 6
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 20
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Nov 3
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Nov 17
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Dec 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Dec 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     May 18, 2009  amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Recent shootings at or near properties associated with the Cambridge Housing Authority have raised safety concerns; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recently asked that the City Manager work with various City departments to address summer safety concerns; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include relevant Cambridge Housing Authority staff and tenant organizations in any discussions about public safety and crime.

O-2     May 18, 2009  Order and a Substitute Order of Councillor Toomey tabled on motion of Councillor Davis (after an extended Executive Session on the topic)
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: A recent jury verdict against the City awarded a judgment of 4.5 million dollars; and
WHEREAS: An appeal of this jury verdict could cost the City in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and;
WHEREAS: If the City were to lose an appeal, the City could be liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars of attorney's fees for the opposing counsel; and
WHEREAS: If the City were to lose this an appeal, the City would be liable not only for the original judgment but also a 12% interest fee on the judgment, which would add hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to the cost of the judgment; and
WHEREAS: An appeal may take years, increasing the cost, if the City were to lose, of the judgment by over a million dollars; and
WHEREAS: The decision of whether to appeal is based on the proper application of the law and not on the weight or believability of the facts; and
WHEREAS: The fiscal impact of a lost appeal on the City's finances would be significant; and
WHEREAS: The City Council does not have the expertise to decide whether an appeal makes fiscal sense; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make available adequate funds to the City Council so that the City Council can hire its own legal expert to review relevant issues in this case; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council meet in the near future in Executive Session, without the City Manager but with both the City Manager and relevant Counsel available, to determine how to proceed in this situation.

SUBSTITUTE TEXT FOR COUNCIL ORDER #2 SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Council Order #2 dated May 18, 2009 relates to pending litigation; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recently met in Executive Session to discuss this pending litigation with the City Manager, City Solicitor and special counsel retained through the City Solicitor's Office; and
WHEREAS: By operation of law, decisions regarding the potential settlement or disposition of pending litigation rest with the City Manager and City Solicitor; and
WHEREAS: Discussion in open session of the pending litigation may prejudice the City's position in that litigation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That City Council Order #2 be referred without discussion to the City Solicitor for an opinion on the potential for prejudice to the City's interest in this litigation that may be caused by discussion of this matter in a City Council meeting.

O-3     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Some employees, volunteers, and visitors of both the Community Learning Center and the Cambridge Multi-Service Center at 19 Brookline Street like to travel by bicycle but have nowhere to leave their bikes at the building; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to install bike racks at in the vicinity of 19 Brookline Street for use by the public; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report to the City Council on the adequacy of bicycle parking in Harvard Square, Central Square, Inman Square and other high traffic areas; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine whether federal stimulus money (ARRA) can be used.

O-4     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR WARD
WHEREAS: The United States of America, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Cambridge are faced with a national economic crisis in 2009; and
WHEREAS: There can be no guarantee that Cambridge will remain isolated from the home foreclosure crisis faced by many communities in this country; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a strong interest in protecting homeownership; and
WHEREAS: President Obama's administration has established programs to protect homeownership during this economic crisis by addressing mortgage payments but not addressing property tax payments; and
WHEREAS: Homeowners with temporary deferral of their property tax bill could recover from an immediate crisis and repay the deferred taxes when the crisis has passed; and
WHEREAS: Expansion of the concept and reach of the Senior Property Tax Deferral program to cover economic crisis hardship deferrals of property taxes for any homeowner who is facing displacement due to inability to pay their mortgage and their property taxes, in situations where deferment of said taxes would enable that family to remain in their home, would be a benefit to the individual or family affected and to the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS: The new program could provide for early repayment rather than the repayment at the time of property transfer to heirs or buyers as is provided in the Senior Property Tax Deferral program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council on the possibility of the City of Cambridge implementing such an emergency economic hardship tax deferral program, such report to include:
 * Any changes in the Massachusetts General Laws necessary to implement such a program
 * Appropriate guidelines and restraints for payment of the deferred amounts
 * Possibility of implementing such a policy in time for the October 2009 tax bill, including publicizing the new policy with the October 2009 tax bills
 * The cost and number of people who have exercised their options under the current Senior Property Tax Deferral
 * An estimation of the number of people in Cambridge facing foreclosure, or at risk of foreclosure, during the period 2008 to 2010
 * An estimate of the net cost to the city of the proposed emergency hardship deferral.

O-5     May 18, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a city which encourages bicycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has supported the use of bicycling throughout the City by installing bike lanes and bike parking, and sponsoring "Bike Week" and "Bike Ride" events, and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has promoted the use of bicycles by offering programs in school and in the workplace highlighting bicycle safety, and
WHEREAS: The warmer weather months are now upon us, increasing the number of bicyclists on the road, now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to disseminate information to bicyclists through various methods of communication reminding them of the "rules of the road" pertaining to bicycles and that their adherence is important to the safety of motorists, pedestrians and fellow cyclists.

O-6     May 18, 2009  amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Residents of the Riverside Neighborhood indicate that there has been a significant upsurge in the number of rats in the neighborhood. The streets around Putnam Gardens and also Western Avenue are said to be the areas where the rat problem is most severe; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to immediately address the issue of rats in the Riverside Neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Riverside Neighborhood residents to be involved in the plan to eradicate rats in the Riverside Neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That this also apply to other areas of the city that have repeated reports of the presence of rats.

O-7     May 18, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on whether additional stop signs are needed at Pacific and Albany Streets to ensure that the intersection is safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles.

O-8     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The community space at the Windsor Street Clinic is a valuable asset to the neighborhood and fills a community need; and
WHEREAS: There is talk that, with the closing of the Windsor Street clinic, this community space will no longer be accessible to the public; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance and to inform the Council as to whether or not the community space at the Windsor Street Clinic will remain open despite the clinic's closing or, if it will not, if the CHA will provide some alternative to replace the need that this community space fills; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-9     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: There is a rumor that the Harvard University senior picnic will not take place this year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Mayor are requested to report to the Council on the status of the Harvard Senior Picnic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-10     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: In the May 14th edition of the Boston Globe there was an article entitled "Police to review policy on rape alert"; and
WHEREAS: In this article it was stated that, regarding rape alerts, the Boston Police Department does "...not put out alerts until we detect a pattern"; and
WHEREAS: This policy is coming under criticism and scrutiny as an immediate rape alert could possibly prevent further attacks due to increased community awareness and vigilance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and to inform the Council as to the City's policy regarding rape alerts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-11     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that there is the possibility that the Malik Academy, currently located at 808 Memorial Drive, will not be able to renew its lease; and
WHEREAS: The Malik Academy is a vibrant cultural addition to the community and provides the community with essential day care services; and
WHEREAS: It is possible that the reason that the Malik Academy is not able to renew is because the owners are having trouble regarding day-care code requirements; and
WHEREAS: This City Council would like the Malik Academy to be able to renew their lease and encourages the owners of this space to work with the Malik Academy to do so; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Managers for Human Services and Community Development to determine if the reason for not allowing the Malik Academy to renew their lease relates to the landlord's complications regarding day-care code requirements and, if so, that the City assist the landlords any way it can to ensure that the Malik Academy can renew their lease.
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
[Note: A visit to the Malik Academy website, http://www.malikacademy.org, shows that it has not been updated in almost two years. The "Vision" statement of Malik Academy's Al-Bustan Pre-School states the following: "Al-Bustan strives to partner with parents to prepare students for all types of future success by focusing on a love for and understanding of Islam. Al-Bustan stresses the comprehensive nature of Islam and integrates it into all areas of academic development, social interaction, and personal growth and behavior. Through this balanced focus, we hope to guide students to have a strong relationship with their Creator, balanced and comprehensive personal development, and a healthy connection with all parts of the community."]

O-12     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Black men who have sex with men (MSM) exhibit an extremely high and disproportionate rate of HIV infection in the United States relative to other groups. Three recent epidemiologic studies highlight this point. First, the Young men's study employed a multisite, cross sectional, venue-based survey methodology to collect behavioral and seroprevalence data from more than 3400 MSM between the ages of 15 and 22 years. Findings from the study, released in 2000, showed that 14% of the Black MSM in the sample were HIV positive- the highest prevalence among the 5 ethnic groups represented by the sample. The study also showed that Black MSM were more than 6 times more likely than White MSM to be HIV positive
WHEREAS: Second, a study conducted by the North Carolina Department of Health involved a retrospective review of North Carolina men 18 to 30 years who were diagnosed with HIV between 2000 and 2003. The study reported an increase in HIV cases among male college students from 2 in 2000 to 56 in 2003. Almost all were MSM.
WHEREAS: Finally, the disheartening seroprevalence data were published in 2005, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 5-city study of MSM. The study, which used a methodology similar to that of young Men's study, showed an HIV prevalence of 46% among Black MSM and Latino MSM, respectively. Of the Black MSM who were HIV positive, 64% were unaware of their infection.
WHEREAS: Given the high and increasing rates of HIV infection among Black MSM, researchers have begun to place a greater emphasis on understanding the psychological, behavioral, sociocultural, and historical factors that may place these men at greater risk of becoming infected with HIV or transmitting the virus to sexual partners. For example, (Millett) in a seminal literature review, noted that rates of HIV risk behavior (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse, injection drug use, and substance use during sex) were no higher among Black MSM than among White or Latino MSM. However, their research suggested that the higher HIV incidence observed among Black MSM might be explained by the higher rates of sexually transmitted infections among this population. Sexually transmitted infection cause decreased immune-system functioning, thus making men more to the acquisition transmission of HIV. The literature review also suggested that a lack of HIV testing and late HIV diagnosis among Black MSM could be linked to heightened risk for HIV among this group. Other work by Millett points toward characteristics of the sexual partners of Black MSM (e.g., older age, Black race, HIV-positive status) as important factors in explaining heightened HIV risk.
RESOLVED: Likewise, Malebranche, in pointing out steps for public health researchers and practitioners to take in thwarting the growth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among Black MSM, suggested that a comprehensive understanding of HIV risk among Black MSM will require an examination of sexual networks, men's understandings of masculinity and sexuality, healthcare access, and increased susceptibility related to social and environmental stressors, among other issues. Other researchers have noted that homophobia and AIDS stigma within the families and communities of Black MSM may also explain heightened HIV/AIDS risk. Homophobia and stigma may operate to reduce HIV testing and other protective behaviors among Black MSM. These findings represent just a few of the myriad risk factors that may undergird the high rates of HIV infection and AIDS among Black MSM, highlighting the increased attention that needs to be focused on this public health crisis.
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Chief Public Health Officer for a review of this issue as it applies to Black MSM in Cambridge and a report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-13     May 18, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that there is a confirmed case of the Swine/H1N1 Flu at the King Open School; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor confers with the School Committee and inform the City Council as to the protocol for such confirmed cases regarding the sanitization and closing of the school as well as any related methods to protect the community from further cases; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Mayor is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-14     May 18, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That Her Honor, the Mayor, schedule an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, to which was referred the GENERAL FUND BUDGET for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 in the amount of $410,959,775 held public hearings on this matter on Apr 30, 2009 and May 6, 2009 commencing at 9:30am and on May 13, 2009 commencing at 6:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the GENERAL FUND BUDGET for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 in the sum $ 410,959,775 to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

Committee Report #2
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, to which was referred the WATER FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 in the amount of $17,985,890 held a public hearing on this matter on May 6, 2009 commencing at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the WATER FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $17,985,890.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

Committee Report #3
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, to which was referred the PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 in the amount of $29,360,780 held a public hearing on this matter on May 6, 2009 commencing at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2010 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $29,360,780.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Tues, May 5, 2009 at five o'clock and four minutes p. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the creation of partnerships between community or neighborhood groups and a nearby food pantry, a Cambridge Agricultural Fair and any other issues related to growing fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Emma Watkins, Director, Cambridge Senior Center; Dawn Olcott, Nutritionist, Cambridge Health Department; Jose Wendel, School Nutrition Coordinator, Cambridge Health Alliance; Penny Peters, chambermaid to Councillor Davis; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez. Representatives from the food pantries were Bryan Hewitt, Margaret Fuller House; David Scott, Harvest Food Pantry at the Cambridgeport Baptist Church; Ross Lohr, East End House; David Leslie, Executive Director, Food for Free. Mr. Chris Robinson represented the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Association.

Also present were Ellie Kobek, 69R Gore Street; Rob Riman, 92 Henry Street; Tricia Singer, 45A Museum Street; Kari Kuelzer, 19 Copley Street; and Peggy Kutcher, 4 Washington Avenue, Cambridge.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. She stated that Councillor Toomey had asked how help could be provided to food pantries. Councillor Davis said that she wanted to develop partnerships, particularly partnerships between neighborhood associations and community groups with nearby food pantries. Councillor Davis's aide prepared a map that located the food pantry sites in the city. It was noted that the North Cambridge area was not well represented on the map. Councillor Davis expressed a hope that some neighborhood associations would sponsor a food pantry. Leftover food could be dropped off at different locations and drop off times could be publicized. The CASPAR Shelter, 240 Albany Street, will take dropped off food at any time.

A list of the Cambridge Food Pantry Network was distributed (ATTACHMENT A) and undated by food pantry representatives. Councillor Davis asked what action would help the food pantries.

David Leslie, Food for Free, explained that he rescues food and delivers the food fresh to sixty programs, primarily in Cambridge. The focus is on free produce and bread. CEOC purchases non-perishables and Food for Free delivers them. He suggested that schools could adopt a food pantry. Councillor Davis asked Mr. Leslie if a neighborhood association had left over food from a meeting that could be dropped off at a food pantry how would this be handled. Mr. Leslie stated that Food for Free would pick up the food on a Monday-Friday schedule, no weekends. Ms. Wendel suggested that health clinics could host a food pantry.

Chris Robinson stated that he would bring this information back to the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Association.

Councillor Davis asked the representatives from the food pantries how a partnership would work.

Ross Lohr, East End House, stated that fresh produce is helpful; however, timing is an issue. Canned goods are the basic staples.

David Leslie stated that the increased help from the city food fund is a great benefit. The increased cost of food is an issue. The farmer's markets, which begin in two weeks, supplement Food for Free supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables. Mr. Leslie listed the food pantry that Food for Free visits. Food for Free also picks leftover food up from community supported agriculture organizations (CSA).

Bryan Hewitt, Margaret Fuller House, stated that his food pantry gets donations from local colleges. He also gets random calls from potential sponsors for food drives.

David Scott from the Harvest Food Pantry at Cambridgeport Baptist Church stated that there is a need for more food and plastic grocery bags. Commissioner Peterson stated that DPW has a plastic bag drop off site. Mr. Scott stated that he tried giving out canvas bags but the reuse rate was low. Mr. Lohr agreed with Mr. Scott. Ms. Watkins stated that the Senior Center had a donation of canvas bags. She suggested that the city should require canvas bags to be used.

Councillor Davis stated that all the food pantries should be notified that plastic bags are available at Public Works and at Food for Free. The use of reusable bags should be promoted.

David Scott stated that he is interested in a partnership to provide additional services to his clients in an effort for them to move to self-sustenance. He was also rethinking the location of the Harvest Food Pantry and considering moving to the west of the city where there is no long a pantry. This requires a needs assessment from the city to make sure there will be clients. Mr. Rossi suggested that Mr. Scott contact Len Thomas at the Multi-Service Center, Ellen Semonoff at the Human Services Department and the Cambridge Health Alliance to connect with service contacts. Mr. Robinson also suggested contacting Just-A-Start and Homeowners' Rehab, Inc.

Emma Watkins, Senior Center Director, informed the committee that the senior center has a large Haitian population from Rindge Towers. The Senior Center services residents fifty-five and older. The waiting room is overflowing. The Senior Center pantry is not equipped to serve the numbers of people who are coming and since last year the number of clients has doubled. The seniors are often visiting more than one food pantry. Mr. Scott agreed that the numbers have doubled.

Jose Wendel suggested listing all food pantries on a city web page to do linkages. Councillor Davis commented that partnerships are better than the web page. She asked if fuel assistance program information is distributed at the food sites. Ms. Watkins responded in the affirmative.

Mr. Leslie spoke about the Post Office food drive and suggested a North Cambridge collection point.

Dawn Olcott asked if there were any requests for special diets. Mr. Ross stated that his clients will tell you what they cannot eat. Mr. Scott responded that his clients choose their own food. Mr. Robinson added that as a client he knows that food pantries are sensitive to their client needs.

Ellie Kobek stated that to close the seasonal gap and the lack of fresh produce, there should be a connection to City Sprouts and community gardeners who grow year round.

Councillor Davis asked if there were any organizations that would partnership with a food pantry.

Mr. Robinson stated that he would report back to the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association about this issue. It will be discussed.

Mr. Leslie suggested sending the names of the neighborhood associations to the food pantries.

Councillor Davis suggested sending the report of the meeting to all food pantries.

At six o'clock and seventeen minutes p. m. Councillor Davis closed this portion of the meeting and proceeded to the discussion on the Agricultural Fair.

Kari Kuelzer stated that she and Tim Kiely met and discussed what an AgFair would look like. She explained:
A show tent of fruit, vegetables, pies and livestock that are judged;
Held in the summer or early fall;
Competition for fruits and vegetables including a junior produce competition;
Pie recipes judged by local judges;
Instead of livestock do a bike fair;
Craft or art competition done through the schools;
Master Gardener, City Sprouts and Cambridge Food Program table and
Lawn care information;

Ms. Kuelzer is favoring the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) to organize the AgFair because she and Tim do not have the resources. Community gardeners could display their produce. The entry items would be collected and registered. Displays need to be staged. Volunteers are needed. The HSBA would rather not go to Danehy Park. Winthrop Park was proposed by the HSBA. The small space will feel large. Local chefs will come out to judge. Ms. Kuelzer stated in an effort for full disclosure that she owns a business on Winthrop Street.

A discussion ensued about where and when to hold the AgFair. Suggestions were:
Partnering with a Solstice celebration;
Sept. 20 partnership with Riversing;
Aug 8, Aug 9, Aug 17 - 30, and Sept. 12 were suggested as possible dates to hold the AgFair.

Ms. Peters stated that city camps could be involved to do crafts.

Councillor Davis stated that she envisioned the HSBA turning the event into a fresh food fair in Harvard Square; it could turn into something big. A comment was made that it is worth a try as an experiment. The School food piece could also be held at Danehy Park Family Day.

Ms. Kuelzer suggested doing a preview event in the spring to do outreach and organize plans to grow vegetables. This event could move around to the different squares in the city. Councillor Davis stated that she wished it could be held with the Farmer's Market. Ms. Kuelzer suggested the school get a food information table at the Farmer's Market. This could connect eaters with farmers.

Tricia Singer spoke of a brochure promoting a garden contest sponsored by Boston's Mayor Menino. It has received good attention. A suggestion was made about a secret garden tour. Ms. Singer stated that there are 270 active members in the Somerville garden club. Mr. Robinson asked if Cambridge has a city flower. Ms. Singer suggested inviting Harvard and MIT.

Councillor Davis requested that Ms. Kuelzer arrange a meeting with the HSBA to discuss the possibility of HSBA organizing an AgFair.

At this time Councillor Davis read an update on the community gardens from Jennifer Wright. The updates were:
All gardens are up and running;
Water was an issue because there were lots of breaks during the winter, but all will be fixed by the end of the week. (E. Cambridge to follow);
All plots have been assigned. The waiting list for plots has decreased by 25%;
Jennifer Wright will hold a meeting in June with garden managers to discuss policy;
Helen Snively is matching back yards with gardeners;
Soil testing;
Pick a pocket garden is a new initiative started by Kathy Gardner;
Kick off of new garden at Costa-Lopez-Taylor on May 17, 2009 at 1-3pm.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at six o'clock and fifty-five minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Wed, Apr 1, 2009 at 1:08pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all poor students in Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Vice Mayor Sam Seidel; Councillor Craig Kelley; School Committee Member Nancy Tauber; City Clerk D. Margaret Drury;and John Clifford, manservant to Councillor Reeves. Present from the city administrative staff were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Police Commissioner Robert Haas; Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob; Mina Reddy, Director of the Community Learning Center, Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP); Lauren Leikin, Agenda for Children Literacy Coordinator, DHSP; Mary Wong, Director of the Kids' Council, DHSP; Susan Walsh, Director, Office of Workforce Development, DHSP; Michelle Farnum, Director of Youth Programs, DHSP. Present from the Cambridge Public Schools Department (CPSD) were Mary Ann McDonald, Executive Director of Student Assessment and Achievement; Barbara Van Sickle, Office of Student Assessment and Achievement; and Claire Koen, Family Liaison, CPSD. In addition, the following persons also participated in the meeting: Khari Milner, Director, CPSD and ASOST Partnership; Susan Golden, Executive Director, Cambridge Community Service; Joyce Colman, Cambridge Guidance; Rebecca Gallo, East End House; Steven Swanger, Director of Workforce Development, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Kambiz Maali, Work Force Program, CHA; Joyce Colman, Cambridge Guidance Center; Lucy Strook, 0-8 Council; Betty Bardige, President, Cambridge Community Foundation; Sue Covitz, Families First Parenting Program; Randi Walsh, Families First Parenting Program; and Stephanie Guirand, Cambridge resident and student, University of Connecticut.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and explained the purpose of the meeting. Councillor Reeves said that during the time that he has been involved in Cambridge government, the enrollment in the Cambridge public schools has decreased significantly. When he was first elected mayor, the enrollment at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School (CRLS) was approximately 2,500; now it is about 1,600. During one of the years in which he was Mayor and Chair of the School Committee, he undertook to interview every high school senior in a 15 minute interview in which he asked them whether they took the Student Achievement Test (SAT), what colleges had they had they been accepted to, what advice they had for incoming freshmen and did the school system fail them. He found that about 1/3 of the students were in great shape, another third were students for whom English was a second language with a variety of levels of comprehension and achievement, and the rest were indigenous Cambridge youth, black, white, Latino, with the very limited motivation of finding out how many credits they needed to get out of high school and how to get them with the least effort. Councillor Reeves noted that these interviews took place more than 10 years ago, and he would very much like to know more about the current student population at CRLS.

He said that the School Committee has commissioned studies on what has happened to CRLS graduates, although he does not believe the studies included in-person interviews.

The studies found that at least 40-60 and sometimes as many as 80 members of a CRLS graduating class go on to two-year junior or community colleges. He said that the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) does not work on placing high school graduates in two year junior college programs because they have concluded that students at two year schools almost never graduate. Councillor Reeves said that there is not sufficient data to reach that conclusion with regard to CRLS. Mr. Clifford noted that a recent Boston Globe study found that only 21% of Bunker Hill students graduated. Ms. Koen said that the picture is somewhat more complicated than that. She gave the example of her daughter, who graduated from CRLS and started college at UMass Boston, where she was not happy. What she really needed was an art college, and after she dropped out of UMass, she went to Bunker Hill. It was Bunker Hill guidance support that helped her get together what she needed to be accepted to Mass College of Art. So Bunker Hill's records will show her daughter as a student who did not graduate from their two-year program, Mass College of Art will show her as the graduate of a four-year college.

Councillor Reeves said that Ms. Koen's story is exactly the kind of important information that he would like to know and that an Office for College Success would follow and interpret. He gave a brief overview of the HCZ Office of College Success. HCZ provides a great deal of assistance during the college application process. Kids who are accepted into college are assigned a case manager from HCZ, who provides mentoring and support during the college years.

At this time Councillor Reeves invited Ms. Semonoff to report on the pre-meeting work of a smaller group of the professionals with expertise in the area of youth achievement who met to talk about college support for CRLS graduates. Ms. Semonoff said that the meeting attendees included her; Dr. Carolyn Turk, Acting Superintendent of Schools; Chris Saheed, Principal of CRLS; Mina Reddy, Community Learning Center; Sue Walsh, Workforce Development, DHSP; Allyson Allen, DHSP; Michelle Farnum, Youth Programs; Steve Swanger, Workforce Development, CHA; and Kam Maali, Workforce Development, CHA, They looked at excerpts from the Boston Foundation study "Getting to the Finish Line," a 2007 study of the seven-year college graduation rates for Boston public school graduates in the year 2000 (Attachment A). She noted that in 2000, the Boston high school graduation rates were much lower than CRLS rates. By 2007, 35.5% of graduates from the class of 2000 who had enrolled in a two or four year college had graduated. Variations across gender/race-ethnic groups were substantial. Graduation rates were highest for four year private colleges (56.1%) and lowest for two year public colleges (12.5%). She cautioned that although this information, along with what we have learned from the HCZ, suggests a big gap, we do not know what the numbers are for Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves said that the Schott Foundation has looked at all 50 states with regard to on-time high school graduation rates for black males, and has found that the rate is below 50%. In some cities the rate is 18%. Cambridge ranks in the 98th percentile with respect to on-time graduation rates for black males.

Ms. Semonoff said that the group talked about supports currently in place in Cambridge and supports that could be put in place. They also exchanged ideas about what features and attributes contribute to success for CRLS students, for example steering students to colleges where there are more supports and thus a larger graduation rate. Ms. Reddy described a placement test that is used extensively by two-year colleges and some four-year colleges to determine whether entering students need developmental or remedial courses before beginning college level placement. According to Mr. Saheed, that particular test is unlike most readiness tests and results in some significant number of students who do not need developmental courses being placed in these courses. Perhaps high school preparation for this test could be useful. Mr. Swanger observed that developmental courses can be a double-edged sword. They are good preparation for more advanced work, but they cost money, and can result in a student using up the available financial aid long before he or she has a degree.

In response to a question from Councillor Reeves, Ms. Reddy said that the CLC Bridge to College program serves persons who have not graduated from high school. It could also serve as preparation for college for people who already have high school diplomas, but they do not have funding for that service at the moment. Ms. Reddy said that another economic factor that is making college acceptance more difficult for poor children is that many high school graduates who might have gone to private four-year colleges in better economic times are now applying to the more affordable four-year public schools.

Ms. Semonoff said that as part of their discussion, the group identified a need to start much earlier to support kids in seeing college as a goal, at least as early as middle school. She also noted an ACT report that looked at nonacademic factors related to college success and identified the three strongest as time management-study skills and study habits, academic self-confidence and a high level of commitment to obtaining the degree (as opposed to commitment to being successful).

Ms. Semonoff said that another existing Cambridge program that supports low income children to get into college is the Cambridge Community Service's City Links program. She introduced Susan Golden to describe the City Links program. The program, which is in its 15th year, serves about 25 new immigrant CRLS students. Generally, a student is referred to the program by a teacher who perceives that the student is facing a lot of obstacles to getting into college. The students are placed in paid internships in city departments. The program also includes a seminar and a focus on college access. Every student in the program gets individual coaching. All of them have trained tutors. Older students have mentors who help them prepare for college, for example assisting with college visits. Where possible college visits are hosted by former City Links alumnae. CCS also works with families to help them prepare to send their kids to college. Ms. Golden said that in 2003, they did a study of the previous 10 years of the program. They found that 86.5% of their students had gone to college (another 9% were not eligible because of their legal status) and 82.6% of those who went to college had graduated. An additional 6.5% were still in college or had left and later returned. In response to a question from Ms. Wong, Ms. Golden said that the program does not serve more than about 25 students per year because they are limited by the amount of funding they receive.

Mr. Swanger then described the CHA Work Force Program, which is now in its 25th year. The program started in 1984 with the goal of decreasing the high school dropout rate for CHA families. The program works with 140 public housing kids each year. The program is open to all CHA kids from 8th graders through 12th graders. They provide a wide range of educational supports, including after-school tutoring, homework assistance and MCAS preparation, as well as after-school life skills classes and "try-out" jobs with over 50 area employers who serve as worksite employer-mentors. By 1990 the kids who went through the program all graduated from high school, and the staff realized that a high school degree was no longer enough. They began providing more support for college application and attendance, for example college visits and a college book award of $750 - $1,000 for each kid who graduated from the program and was accepted to college.

The Work Force Program commissioned a third party study of program graduates from 1999 to 2006. The study found that 91% of the graduates were either employed and/or enrolled in post-secondary education and 66% were no longer living in public housing. However, only 36% had completed their degrees. Most of the others were pursuing their education in fits and starts, and nearly 50% reported that financial and/or family challenges significantly impacted their studies and ability to achieve their educational goals. As a result of this study staff developed the Work Force College Success Initiative (Attachment B). The goal of the initiative is to increase the Work Force graduates' post-secondary graduation rate from the present 36% to 60% within six years. It will do so by assisting them to make more informed college decisions, bolstering their self-advocacy skills, increasing their connections with campus resources, creating sustained support networks among alumni and developing connections between alumni and current program participants to increase their college readiness.

Ms. Farnum then described the Division of Youth Services increased focus on college readiness activities in response to the needs of the youth served by their programs. They have started taking kids on college visits twice a year, with an emphasis of introducing them to schools outside of Boston. They also found that many of the kids had been accepted to and were planning to attend colleges that they had never seen, so they started visits to introduce kids ahead of time to the schools they would be attending. Councillor Reeves then asked Ms. Farnum if there is any overlap of the kids who come to the youth center programs and the kids who participate in the CHA Work Force Program, and Ms. Farnum said there was some overlap.

Ms. Wong provided a brief description of the Youth Involvement Initiative of the Kids' Council, a program to increase the civic engagement of young people of Cambridge through the creation of opportunities for participation by youth.

Councillor Reeves then introduced Stephanie Guirand, a 2008 CRLS graduate who is currently a senior at the University of Connecticut. Mr. Clifford noted that Ms. Guirand did not receive any assistance from a guidance counselor due to particular and unfortunate circumstances of the counselor who was supposed to counsel her and many other seniors. Ms. Guirand said that for her, participation in sports and the Peace and Justice Program sponsored by the City of Cambridge Peace Commission were most helpful in motivating and assisting her in her goal of a college education. She said that many of her friends were accepted to great schools and then could not go, mostly because of finances, so they ended up at Mass Bay, Bunker Hill and UMass Boston. Living on campus was a big help to her in terms of motivation to graduate. During college, Cambridge mentors like John Clifford and Ken Reeves also helped. When asked about parental support, she said that her mother, a Haitian immigrant, is glad that she is in college, although she does not know what Stephanie is studying. Her mother also helped her buy books. A lot of immigrant parents work constantly and do not have any money to be able to help their children with college expenses.

Mr. Milner asked Ms. Guirand whether she saw friends disengaging from academics over the years in school, and if so, when. Ms. Guirand answered in the affirmative. She said that by 8th grade she saw lots of kids that she could tell were not going to go to college, and then after the first year at CRLS, they were just lost. The first year at CRLS is confusing and overwhelming. The biggest factors for making it to college were what happened during that first year at CRLS, who your guidance counselor was senior year and whether you took advanced placement courses in your junior and senior years.

Vice Mayor Seidel asked what advice Ms. Guirand could offer this committee as it looks at ways to support Cambridge youth to graduate from college. Ms. Guirand said that the committee should be more diverse and should include Cambridge young people who have graduated from college recently. Councillor Reeves said that perhaps young people who have been part of the Kids' Council Youth Initiative could play a role.

Ms. Wong said that it would be good to have young people like Stephanie involved with kids who are planning to go to college. Ms. Semonoff agreed and said that the Office of Workforce Development is thinking of running a small summer program with a small group of first time college students who might provide some insight into what they believe is useful in supporting first time college students and who might work with some of the Mayor's summer youth this summer around going to college. Ms. Semonoff also reported that some interest has been expressed by one of the state colleges to collaborate more with the School Department on getting students into the college and supporting them there.

Councillor Reeves noted that Pine Manor gets excellent reviews from HCZ relative to the support they provide for their students. He then requested that Ms. Fink describe the college support activities of the Cambridge School Volunteers. Ms. Fink said that the Cambridge School Volunteers have a tutoring center at CRLS. They also have a college writing and essay program, which is especially important because the block schedule means that half of the seniors do not have English classes in the first semester, which is when seniors are writing essays for college applications. The tutor-student relationship is one-to-one.

Councillor Reeves thanked all attendees for their participation. He said that with the existing programs and plans that have been described, Cambridge may have the foundation for a good college success program. He said that he would like us to have a good sense of all of our CRLS students and their needs. He added that a follow-up meeting would engage more directly with CRLS issues relative to supporting students to get into college and graduate from college.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:02pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair.

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

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many businesses similar to Biogen have relocated some or all of their personnel from Cambridge-based offices, whether there is an indication that others will be leaving, and what the strategies are to keep businesses in Cambridge.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-9)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)

09-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why trains must idle for extended periods of time in the area of Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 01/12/09 (O-2)

09-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the removal of the Homeland Security Surveillance cameras and infrastructure and who is responsible for the removal.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/09/09 (O-7)

09-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on test data for lead levels on artificial turf at fields and tot lots.
Councillor Davis 03/02/09 (O-9)

09-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on opportunities for electric vehicles to recharge in Cambridge.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 03/02/09 (O-5)

09-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on survey of surrounding cities and towns on the hours of operation of their libraries and a survey of patrons as to their needs and desires with respect to library hours.
Councillor Davis 03/09/09 (O-14)

09-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to implement the recommendations made in A Look at Women in Cambridge Now.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-7)

09-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of doubling the number of solar panels to be installed on the high school using stimulus funds.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-8)

09-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to bring city lighting more in line with dark sky principles and address problems of enforcement of existing regulations.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-16)

09-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there has been an increase in participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/06/09 (O-1)

09-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Concord Avenue radio antennae issue.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-2)

09-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans to enforce noise from motorcycles and loud cars.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-4)

09-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the tree planting schedule and locations that will be filled throughout the City and the status of the wait list for plantings.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-6)

09-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: feasibility of posting proposed zoning changes in a manner similar to that done for the BZA hearings.
Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-8)

09-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a Cambridge Parent/Family listserv.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-14)

09-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a more user-friendly website for the DHSP and a separate webpage for the Center for Families.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-15)

09-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of the Healthy Parks and Playground Initiative Task Force.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-2)

09-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ways to increase the number of businesses and institutions that compost.
Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-5)

09-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what economic stimulus funds are available to the City.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-9)

09-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents, minorities, women and OSHA 10 hour certified employees employed by Tucker Library Interiors, LLC.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Ward, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-10)

09-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changing metered parking to residential parking in the area of the courthouse.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-1)

09-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on planting trees in parking lot #8 and surveying all city parking lots and library branches with a plan for tree maintenance.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-2)

09-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing changing tables in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms in all city-owned buildings.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-7)

09-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for summer safety.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-11)

09-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating street banners to advertise the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre 1st Annual Dance for World Community Festival.
Councillor Decker 05/11/09 (O-23)

09-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the warranty on city street trees.
Councillor Davis 05/11/09 (O-25)