CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Steven Winter, as a member of the Planning Board for a term to expire August 31, 2009.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees:
Jane Metzger (3-year term/reappointment)
Nancy Busnach (3-year term/reappointment)
Francis H. Duehay (3-year term/reappointment)
Carol Van Deusen Lukas (3-year term/reappointment)
John Pratt (1-year term)
Ronald Weintraub, MD (1-year term)
Lucian Leape, MD (3-year term)

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the revised FY2007 appropriation orders which reflect the changes approved by the Finance Committee during the course of deliberations regarding the FY2006-2007 Submitted Budget.

To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby transmitting for your consideration, revised FY2007 appropriation orders which reflect the changes approved by the Finance Committee during the course of deliberations regarding the FY2006-2007 Submitted Budget.

This reflects my recommendation of an additional $88,000 to the General Fund appropriation to support Community Schools ($55,000-$5,000 per school for programming and $33,000 or a doubling of the funds available for "scholarships" to enable participants with financial needs to take advantage of more programming). This includes $83,000 to the Human Services Salaries and Wages account and $5,000 to the Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance Account.

In addition, the revised appropriation orders reflect a decrease of $200,000 in the Public Celebrations Budget, Other Ordinary Maintenance account for the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center and an increase of $200,000 in the Reserve Budget, Other Ordinary Maintenance account.

The additional funds will increase the General Fund recommended appropriation to $362,076,085.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $17,385 from 2006 City Run Road Race receipts to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support athletic programs at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and will be used through the Friends of Cambridge Athletics, which is a volunteer parent organization.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $314,385 from the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant funded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of a donation from Harvard University in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the annual Cambridge Youth games sponsored by the Recreation Division.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Lead-Safe Grant (Round 12) Program Income of $33,527.63 to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will increase funds available to control lead hazards in eligible housing in Cambridge.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-58, regarding a report on the possibility of making Cambridge a Carbon Neutral City.

To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-58, regarding a report on the possibility of making Cambridge a Carbon Neutral City, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein reports the following:

The term "carbon neutral" or "climate neutral" refers to an organization engaged in efforts to mitigate global warming by achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In practical terms this means an organization would reduce its carbon emissions as much as possible and then offset the remainder through the purchase of renewable energy credits and other mechanisms that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Based on some Internet research, the only community we could find that has set a carbon neutral goal is Newcastle, Scotland. According to the "Carbon Neutral Newcastle" website, a community partnership has been established involving the City government, businesses, and others to undertake educational activities and support carbon emission reduction projects. It is unclear how much progress the project has made toward the carbon neutral goal. Our impression is that it is an aspiration more than a hard goal.

In the U.S., the Climate Neutral Network based in Portland, Oregon offers a standard and certification program for businesses and organizations, including BP Amoco, Interface, FedEx, and the Saunders Hotel Group. To our knowledge there are no government agencies that have sought certification. In most cases it appears that the Climate Neutral Network certifies carbon neutrality for specific products or programs rather than an entire city’s operations.

The Cambridge City Council has adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2010 and the City administration is in the process of working toward this challenging goal. At this time, a goal of complete carbon neutrality is not realistic for the city, though we will keep the goal in mind as we make progress in reaching our ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2010.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-68, regarding a report on installing traffic calming on Upland Road.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-23, regarding a report on ongoing work at Magazine Beach.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-46, regarding making available on the City’s website city reports, studies and evaluations concerning sidewalk maintenance, crosswalk status, curb cut compliance and overall handicap accessibility.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-63, regarding a report on a comprehensive review of the cap policy with recommendations for a more flexible cap policy.

To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-63, regarding a report on a comprehensive review of the cap policy with recommendations for a more flexible cap policy, License Commission Chair Richard Scali reports the following:

The License Commission is in receipt of the above order and report and will discuss whether it is appropriate to hold hearings on a review of the cap policy.

At present, the License Commission cap policy does allow for the flexibility to grant new beer and wine or full alcohol licenses to applicants who meet the criteria as determined in our original procedure. Due to the Special Act of 1922, Chapter 95, the License Commission does have the authority to grant such restaurant licenses without regard to the population. Most cities or towns must abide by the number provided to them per capita as determined by the Alcohol Beverages Control Commission. Cambridge already has almost double the number of alcohol licenses that any other city or town would have per capita, due to the special cap policy here in Cambridge.

The License Commission does allow any establishment to apply for a hearing for permission to serve beer and wine or alcohol, on a case by case basis, with input from abutters and area residents. Need, concern for public harm and overwhelming neighborhood support must be met in capped zones. Non-capped zones have less stringent requirements due to fewer numbers of licenses in those areas.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-62, regarding a report on the City's policies of allowing outdoor seating at establishments with liquor licenses.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Concord-Alewife Rezoning Petition.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-55, regarding a report on the costs of increasing parking for the development of new housing units.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Public Weigher for the calendar year 2006 to operate scale at the MICH-LIN Transfer Station, 45 Mooney Street, Cambridge:  Kimberley Imochi Vendetti

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-41, regarding a report on clarifying the City's curb cut policy.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-65, regarding a report on the detection and repair policy for potholes throughout the City.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-48, regarding a report on the timeframe for having all pedestrian crossing signal lights be of the type that countdown the crossing time

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-33, regarding a report on significantly limiting right turns on red lights.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-74, regarding a report on costs and benefits of installing a computerized traffic control system.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-66, regarding a report on the status of repairs and corrections to bicycle lanes and bicycle route markings throughout the City.

To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-66, regarding a report on the status of repairs and corrections to bicycle lanes and bicycle route markings throughout the City, Traffic, Parking & Transportation Director Susan Clippinger reports the following:

The Traffic Department has made the repainting and installation of bicycle facilities throughout the city as the number one priority of this year's pavement marking season. In the next few weeks, staff will begin evaluating all bicycle facilities and prepare a work plan for implementation that will start this July.

This work plan will include, repainting existing lanes in thermoplastic material, replacing symbols with preformed thermoplastic or tape, connecting missing section of existing bicycle facilities, adding new facilities and repairing any incorrect markings. I expect this work will be ongoing from July through the end of the marking season in November.

In addition to the re-panting of existing bike lanes, new bike lanes will be added this year to Sidney Street, Waverly Street, Hampshire Street (missing sections), Main Street (missing sections), Massachusetts Avenue (Porter Square area) and then in the spring 2007, Massachusetts Avenue from Lafayette Square to Memorial Drive. We are currently working with the Community Development Department in reviewing other major routes used by bicycles for bike lanes, symbols or edge line treatment.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-29, regarding a report on Police Department efforts to enforce parking regulations.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $587,000 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Salary and Wages Account ($107,000) and to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($480,000) as the funds are required to cover additional expenses associated with snow plowing contracts, salt and other material costs incurred during the snowstorms of the past winter, additional costs for energy and building maintenance and renovation expenses, and will also be used to cover salary costs related to contract settlements and the additional pay period in FY06 (53rd week) not included in the Public Works budget.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $90,000 from Water Fund Water Department Salary and Wages account to the Water Fund Water Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover additional expenses associated with electricity, natural gas and chemical costs.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $183,648 from the School General Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the School General Fund Salary and Wage account ($57,095), School General Fund Travel and Training account ($100,247) and to the School General Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account ($26,306) related to re-allocations within School Department programs and statutory accounts and include reallocations related to school improvement plans, special education program transfers and school and department operating transfers. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Number Four of May 15, 2006.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-59, regarding the status of ongoing renovations at 371 Broadway. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Number Ten of May 15, 2006.

3. That the City Council go on record requesting the School Committee to direct the Superintendent of Schools to fulfill his legal responsibility to serve on the Kids' Council per City Ordinance and further that a substitute does not fulfill this obligation. Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Order Number Thirteen of May 15, 2006.

ON THE TABLE
4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006 on Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin' Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. 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 November 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 February 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.]

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on March 15, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NABS)/Alan Zimlicki et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to yards, open space, parking and special permit criteria for the redevelopment of existing buildings. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006. Petition expires June 13, 2006.

7. Proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance regarding creating a Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006. Ordinance Committee scheduled for May 31, 2006 at 4:00pm.

8. Proposed amendments to City Clerk fees. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 22, 2006.

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on April 26, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition to rezone the Concord/Alewife area, which was re-filed by the City Council. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 29, 2006. Petition expires July 25, 2006.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Joseph DeVito, Jr., requesting to widen a curb cut at the premises numbered 22 Porter Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.

2. An application was received from Oliver Wahnschafft, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Cambridge Terrace; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Susan B. Lit, transmitting written opposition to the Tobin-Danehy Zoning Petition.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding time.

3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding globalism and power.

4. A communication was received from Bill August, President, Dana Park Neighborhood Association, Inc., regarding closed Memorial Drive pedestrian bridge.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Urge residents to be cognizant of the 26th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival which will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2006 on the banks of the Charles River.   Mayor Reeves

2. Resolution on the death of Francis "Frank" Manganelli.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

3. Proclaim Thursday, June 29, 2006 as Outreach Educator Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

4. Congratulations to the 2006 Cambridge Scholarship Award recipients.   Mayor Reeves

5. Congratulations to the recipients of the Department of Public Works Performance Recognition Awards.   Mayor Reeves

6. Resolution on the death of Frederick E. Lynch.   Councillor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the death of Genevieve T. (Ferraro) Lucido.   Councillor Sullivan

8. Congratulations to Kathleen McCartney on her appointment as Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Speedy recovery wishes to Reverend Vincent M. Burke.   Councillor Sullivan

10. Congratulations to the Peabody School community for its production of the musical Dear Edwina on May 5-7, 2006.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan

11. Congratulations to Cambridge Rindge and Latin School's Danceworks for their performance of modern dance on May 11-12, 2006.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan

12. Retirement of Teresa Neighbor from the Election Commission.   Mayor Reeves

13. Retirement of Robert Dunn from the Fire Department.   Mayor Reeves

14. Congratulations to the Cambridge Police Auxiliary Unit on the occasion of being the recipient of the Commissioner's Unit Ribbon Award.   Mayor Reeves

15. Retirement of Joseph Castagno III from the Police Department.   Mayor Reeves

16. Congratulations to CRLS staff on the occasion of their retirement.   Councillor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Michael G. Rukstad.   Councillor Sullivan

18. Congratulations and best wishes to City Councillor Craig Kelley and his wife Hope on the occasion of their 13th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

19. Speedy recovery wishes to Kathleen Walcott.   Councillor Simmons

20. Congratulations to the Mount Auburn Cemetery on the 175th Anniversary of the legislation authorizing the creation of the nation's first landscape garden cemetery.   Councillor Davis

21. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Alessandro Carbonaro.   Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Specialist Aaron Latimer.   Councillor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Gregory Wagner.   Councillor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Corporal Steve Vahaviolos.   Councillor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Stephen Snowberger III.   Councillor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Licalzi.   Councillor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Eric Clark.   Councillor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jason Burnett.   Councillor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brandon Teeters.   Councillor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Adam Conboy.   Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Richard James.   Councillor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ronald Gebur.   Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Hatak Yuka Keyu Yearby.   Councillor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Major Matthew Worrel.   Councillor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Jamie Weeks.   Councillor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jose Dominguez Jr.   Councillor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Captain Shane Mahaffee.   Councillor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Marion Flint Jr.   Councillor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Grant Dampier.   Councillor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal David Grames Sanchez.   Councillor Decker

41. Congratulations to Cambridge College on the occasion of its 35th Birthday.   Mayor Reeves

42. Congratulations to all who have worked to make the new Porter Square a reality and to artist Toshihiro Katayama and the Shapiro family on the occasion of the celebration and dedication of Shapiro Plaza.   Councillor Murphy

43. Congratulations to the winners of the 2006 Go Green Business Awards.   Councillor Murphy

44. Congratulations to Mark Delaney on his promotion to Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police.   Vice Mayor Toomey

45. Expressing thanks to Harold Cox for all his tireless work on behalf of the residents of Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

46. Resolution on the death of Dan Ross.   Councillor Galluccio

47. Resolution on the death of the Honorable James J. Nixon.   Councillor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of Mary A. Lyons.   Councillor Sullivan

49. Resolution on the death of Martin J. Grealish.   Councillor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Anne G. Hunter.   Councillor Sullivan

51. Expressing concern and support for the Hardy family.   Councillor Simmons

52. Congratulating Paul and Diane Chase as they celebrate their 60th year and their 40th wedding anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

53. Congratulating Nurse Manager, Cambridge Health Alliance, Anne DiDomenico as President of the Friends of Cambridge Hospital.   Councillor Sullivan

54. Congratulating Anthony Pelusi on his graduation from Austin Preparatory School.   Councillor Sullivan

55. Congratulating MassEnvelopePlus on 96 years of dedicated services.   Councillor Sullivan

56. Congratulating Thomas Markham oh his many years of service as a member and Chair of the Wakefield Democratic Town Committee.   Councillor Sullivan

57. Congratulating the Department of Public Works on its Road Show at Sennott Park.   Councillor Sullivan

63. Congratulations to the O'Neill family on the dedication and opening of Thomas "Tip" O'Neill Tunnel.   Vice Mayor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant department head about having a weekly inspection, by bicycle, of the City's main bike routes such as Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, Huron Avenue, Prospect Street, Beacon Street and Broadway.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Simmons

2. That the City Council go on record supporting Cape Wind and opposing the Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill unless the Cape Wind veto is removed.   Councillor Kelley

3. Opposition to the proposed MBTA fare hike without better justification.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the extent of the flooding caused by recent rains to include combined sewer outfall overflows, road closures and building flooding and the performance of Cambridge's flood control improvements.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

5. That the City Manager is requested to ask the director of the MBTA to ensure that MBTA bus drivers pull completely to the curb when picking up and dropping off passengers.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Sullivan

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Cambridge Housing Authority and Cambridge Police Department staff to determine the appropriate limits of CPD's involvement in CHA buildings, to include multiple daily visits at CHA's senior housing complexes.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department staff to determine the outreach methods used to ensure Cambridge veterans, to include those without honorable discharges, are as informed as possible about the veterans' benefits to which they are eligible.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

8. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant Department heads to develop a plan to ensure that during the next season's snow fall critical areas will be promptly cleared of snow and ice with no confusion as to who is responsible for doing the work.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the status of the partially demolished building at 56 Churchill Avenue.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

10. That the City Manager is requested to recommend the best way for the City Council to get a hearing with the appropriate person at the MBTA to address compliance problems.   Councillor Simmons

11. Request for Affirmative Action materials from the School Department.   Councillor Simmons

12. Request for Affirmative Action materials from the City of Cambridge Affirmative Action Director and Personnel Manager.   Councillor Simmons

13. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City Department to give the City Council a report on the homeless problem and possible solutions.   Councillor Simmons

14. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on what plans are being made to make sure we have a safe summer without an increase in crime and violence.   Councillor Simmons

15. That the Mayor schedule a Roundtable meeting with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Harvard University, Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer, and Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health, the School Department and private schools in the city to discuss the increase in complaints about insect infestation.   Councillor Simmons  AMENDED

16. Protection of the interest of residential neighbors as it relates to outdoor patios.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Sullivan

17. That the City Manager is requested to designate an appropriate person to meet with the Dana Park Neighborhood Association to inform them of the lengthy process to come on public facilities relocation.   Councillor Davis

18. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install a stop sign at the corner of Bent and Sixth Streets.   Councillor Murphy

19. Filing of Planning Board's proposed alternative amendment as it relates to Approval of a Special Permit.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy

20. That the City Council hereby urge independent and community foundations to effectively support communities of color and foster leadership development in minority-led organizations.   Councillor Simmons

21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate department heads and the Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the Morse School Foot Bridge crossway on Memorial Drive to update the City Council on what work has been done and will be done to solve this problem as soon as possible.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons

22. That the City Manager report back on refraining from granting pole and conduit permits to NSTAR until the utility is able to participate again with the city coordinating committee on construction and also that NSTAR proceeds to install traffic signals at city construction sites.   Councillor Davis

23. That the City Manager designate time at a City Council meeting to recognize Cambridge Boy Scouts and NSTAR for their successful door-to-door campaign to sell compact fluorescent light bulbs resulting in a potential savings of tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy and Vice Mayor Toomey

24. That the City Manager notify the City Council if the City becomes engaged in negotiations vis-a-vis water or sewer connections related to the area known as the Silver Maple Forest in Belmont and further consult with the Council prior to taking any action with regard to development in this area.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey

26. That the Mayor schedule a roundtable discussion on the liquor license cap policy.   Vice Mayor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on May 3, 2006 and May 10, 2006 relative to the General Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $362,076,085.  ADOPTED 8-1 (Kelley voted NO)

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 10, 2006 relative to the Water Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $17,195,045.  ADOPTED 9-0

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 10, 2006 relative to the Public Investment Fund for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $9,518,065.  ADOPTED 9-0

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Civic Unity Committee, for a meeting held on April 19, 2006 for the purpose of beginning to plan for a citywide discussion on race and class.

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on April 6, 2006 to receive a presentation from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and to discuss the Storrow Drive Tunnel Reconstruction Project.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 22
4:00pm   2006 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 30
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of the anti idling regulation and a follow up to the traffic enforcement management plan.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 31
8:30am   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion as they relate to neighborhoods, specifically to receive information about Transit Realty and the Bennett Street project, to receive information about demographics available from Election Commission, Inspectional Services and School Department and information about space available for community meetings.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance creating a Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition from MSNP Cambridge Acquisition, LLC requesting to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance in Article 20.80 - Memorial Drive Overlay District by inserting "Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of computing lot area per dwelling unit, the provisions of Article 5.14 shall not apply" at the end of paragraph c. of Section 20.810. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss environmental and infrastructure issues relative to the Concord Alewife rezoning petition. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 5
4:00pm   Special Meeting on the issue of public safety. The City Council may convene in executive session for the purpose of discussing the deployment of security personnel and/or devices. No votes will be taken in executive session. At its conclusion, the Council will reconvene in open session for its regular meeting at 5:30pm.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 6
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss pedestrian issues relating to sidewalks specifically material used for sidewalks, tree roots, and sidewalk maintenance and repair and the report on provisions for parking for motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 7
10:00am   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the discussion of affirmative action for City employees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 14
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a working meeting on Concord Alewife rezoning petition. No public comment.  (Ackermann Room)

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

Wed, June 21
10:00am   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue planning the Senior Fall Fair and to receive an update on the open house held on May 20, 2006 and the panel discussion on senior resources held on June 6, 2006.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 28
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing relative to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance Recertification.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the City Solicitor and Community Development Department staff possible components of a draft amendment to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to limit use conversion allowances to projects in which at least 65% of the original structure is to remain intact. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Sept 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Sat, Oct 21
10:00am   Senior Fall Fair  (To be held in two locations - Sullivan Chamber and Senior Center)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge prides itself as being a City where bicycling is a viable and important mode of transportation; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge's major streets are cratered with potholes and other obstructions that pose significant dangers to cyclists; and
WHEREAS: Many hazards to cyclists are not in automobile travel lanes and are therefore generally only noticed by cyclists; and
WHEREAS: Many hazards to cyclists remain unfixed for months at a time, posing an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to cyclists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant department head about having a weekly inspection, by bicycle, of the City's main bike routes such as Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, Huron Avenue, Prospect Street, Beacon Street and Broadway, with the intention of becoming more efficient at clearly marking potholes and other hazards and correcting them in a timely manner; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.

O-2     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed to obtaining 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010; and
WHEREAS: Wind power is a major source of renewable energy; and
WHEREAS: Continued reliance on fossil fuel has detrimental environmental and foreign policy impacts; and
WHEREAS: Cape Wind offers a local source of wind energy; and
WHEREAS: The Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill would allow Governor Romney to veto the Cape Wind project; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting Cape Wind and opposing the Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill unless the Cape Wind veto is removed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to inform Governor Romney, Senator Kerry, Senator Kennedy and Representative Capuano of this opposition.

O-3     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge residents and businesses rely on efficient and affordable public transportation to get to work, do errands and carry out their daily lives; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge streets and intersections are often at their maximum carrying capacity; and
WHEREAS: Many MBTA riders will drive rather than take the MBTA should MBTA fares increase; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA is proposing a fare hike of .45$ to $1.70 for subways and .35$ to $1.25 for buses, among other increases; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record opposing the proposed MBTA fare hike without better justification; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to inform MBTA officials, Governor Romney and Cambridge's State House delegation of this opposition.

O-4     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the extent of the flooding caused by recent rains to include combined sewer outfall overflows, road closures and building flooding and the performance of Cambridge's flood control improvements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.

O-5     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: When MBTA buses stop in the middle of the lane to pick up and drop off passengers they create dangerous situations for passengers, cyclists and cars; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the director of the MBTA to ensure that MBTA bus drivers pull completely to the curb when picking up and dropping off passengers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to communicate with Police Officers about the importance of ensuring that MBTA buses move to the curb when dropping off and picking up passengers.

O-6     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Senior residents of Cambridge Housing Authority buildings appreciate repeated daily visits, even ones of short duration, from Cambridge Police Officers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Cambridge Housing Authority and Cambridge Police Department staff to determine the appropriate limits of CPD's involvement in CHA buildings, to include multiple daily visits at CHA's senior housing complexes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.

O-7     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department staff to determine the outreach methods used to ensure Cambridge veterans, to include those without honorable discharges, are as informed as possible about the veterans' benefits to which they are eligible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.

O-8     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Snow cover and ice on city sidewalks, walkways and crosswalks can be a dangerous barrier to seniors, people with disabilities and others; and
WHEREAS: Ownership of many communal areas, such as MBTA bus stops, street intersections and Cambridge Housing Authority pathways, is confusing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with relevant department heads to determine who is responsible for clearing show from MBTA bus stops, street intersections and Cambridge Housing Authority common areas; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant Department heads to develop a plan to ensure that during the next season's snow fall, these critical areas will be promptly cleared of snow and ice with no confusion as to who is responsible for doing the work; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-9     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to determine the status of the partially demolished building at 56 Churchill Avenue and the process by which it was partially demolished without appropriate approvals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.

O-10     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The areas of disconnect between the City of Cambridge and the MBTA are numerous; and
WHEREAS: To no apparent avail, the City Council and the City Administration have attempted to resolve some to the problems of sending letters and such to the MBTA; and
WHEREAS: The service and compliance problems continue to happen; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend the best way for the City Council to get a hearing with the appropriate person at the MBTA to hopefully address these problems and to develop a better line of communication with the MBTA and the City of Cambridge.

O-11     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting the School Committee to confer with the Superintendent of Schools to direct the Affirmative Action Director and the Personnel Director to provide the following material to the Civic Unity Committee for discussion at its June 7, 2006 meeting:
• A copy of the first affirmative action plan, the name of the affirmative action officer who designed and administered the AA plan for that year, and the reporting line or channel. If the reporting line or channel has changed, please provide the date of that change and the corresponding new reporting channel;
• Copies of the 1996, 2000 and 2005(6) affirmative action plans
• Settlement Agreement (designed by the School Department and the racial /ethnic demographics of the student body at the time the Settlement Agreement was ordered and currently (2006);
• Most current list of names and ethnic identity of each member of the affirmative action advisory committee for 2005/6;
• List of dates of all affirmative action advisory committee meetings held over the last year (2005-2006), along with copies of the minutes of each of the Committee meetings;
• Full copies of all official citations of non-compliance issued to the School Department by the state or federal government during the years 1990 to the present, if applicable.

O-12     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Affirmative Action Director and the Personnel Director to provide the following material to the Civic Unity Committee for discussion at its June 7, 2006 meeting:
• A copy of the first affirmative action plan, the name of the affirmative action officer who designed and administered the AA plan for that year, and the reporting line or channel. If the reporting line or channel has changed, provide the date of that change and the corresponding new reporting channel.
• The most current list of names and ethnic identity of each member of the affirmative action advisory committee for 2005/6
• List of dates of all affirmative action advisory committee meetings held over the last year (2005-2006), along with copies of the minutes of each of the Committee meetings
• Full copies of all official citations of non-compliance issued to the City by the state or federal government during the years 1990 to the present, if applicable.

O-13     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Council has received several comments of concern regarding persons perceived as homeless sleeping on benches and in doorways; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City Department to give the City Council a report on the problem and possible solutions.

O-14     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on what plans are being made to make sure we have a safe summer without an increase in crime and violence.

O-15     May 22, 2006  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Mayor schedule a Roundtable meeting with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Harvard University, Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer, and Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health, the School Department and private schools in the city to discuss the increase in complaints about insect infestation.

O-16     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a vibrant and dynamic world class city; and
WHEREAS: Despite the Biblical-like rain of recent weeks Cantabrigians look forward to a warm and sunny summer; and
WHEREAS: One of the pleasures of a temperate climate is outdoor dining during the summer months; and
WHEREAS: In many locales where land is less scarce than in Cambridge, many restaurants have outdoor patios on yard space adjacent to their restaurants; in more crowded cities like Paris, Rome, and Cambridge, restaurant tables occupy some sidewalk space; and
WHEREAS: Just as restaurants that can offer beer and wine are more able to survive and prosper, the outdoor patios of restaurants that can accommodate the service of spirits and wine with dinner are likely to be chosen by more patrons; and
WHEREAS: The active street life and expansion of consumer choices that come with sidewalk patios provide additional community benefits for our residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS: The License Commission has an outstanding track record of being responsive to complaints and appropriately disciplining establishments that fail to obey its regulations and/or allow nuisance behavior that disturbs neighbors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record commending the City's efforts to allow restaurants to operate sidewalk patios where food and alcohol are served; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council both expects and trusts that in deciding whether to grant permission for such an outdoor patio, the License Commission will continue to protect the interests of residential neighbors by appropriately limiting the size of the patio allowed, the hours of operation and any other appropriate restrictions as may be determined by the License Commission.

O-17     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate an appropriate person to meet with the Dana Park Neighborhood Association to inform them of the lengthy process to come on public facilities relocation.

O-18     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting the City Manager to consult with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install a stop sign at the corner of Bent and Sixth Streets near the new charter school.

O-19     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: During consideration of the NABS/Zimlicki petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board recommended an alternative version of the proposal in its March 21, 2006 report to the City Council, which is attached to this order; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby files the Planning Board's proposed alternative amendment of Section 5.28.27 criteria for Approval of a Special Permit; and be it further
ORDERED: That the proposed amendment be referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.

O-20     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Minority ethnic groups compose nearly a third of the entire United States population; and
WHEREAS: Recent studies by the Greenlining Institute and Applied Research Center on the top fifty independent and community foundations by total giving in 2002 revealed that independent foundations awarded only 3 percent of the grant dollars and 4.3 percent of grants to minority-led organizations; community foundations awarded only 3 percent of grant dollars and 2 percent of grants to minority-led organizations; and
WHEREAS: African-Americans received 1.6 percent of total grant-making, Latinos received 1.2 percent, Asian/Pacific Islanders received 0.5 percent, Native Americans received 0.5 percent; and general ethnic and other racial minority groups received 4.1 percent of total grant dollars; and
WHEREAS: Minority-led nonprofit organizations empower communities by ensuring that those who speak for the community are also from the community they represent; and
WHEREAS: Minority-led nonprofit organizations are vital to ensuring that specific minority interests and concerns are addressed within the public sphere and provide a training ground for minority involvement in public policy and governance decisions; and
WHEREAS: Immigrant rights and advocacy groups are vital in the fair immigration reform debate; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council hereby urge independent and community foundations to effectively support communities of color and foster leadership development in minority-led organizations.

O-21     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Morse School Footbridge has been inaccessible to the residents of Cambridge for the foreseeable future due to careless driving, now therefore be it
WHEREAS: The City Council in a prior order requested the City Manager to urge the Department of Conservation and Recreation to make all necessary repairs including those needed three or more years ago; and
WHEREAS: The residents are communicating their increasing worries and fears for their safety to the City Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby requested to confer with appropriate department heads and the Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the Morse School Foot Bridge crossway on Memorial Drive to update the City Council on what work has been done and will be done to solve this problem as soon as possible.

O-22     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on refraining from granting pole and conduit permits to NSTAR until the utility is able to participate again with the city coordinating committee on construction and also that NSTAR proceeds to install traffic signals at city construction sites.

O-23     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate time at a City Council meeting to recognize Cambridge Boy Scouts and NSTAR for their successful door-to-door campaign to sell compact fluorescent light bulbs resulting in a potential savings of tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs.

O-24     May 22, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the City Council if the City becomes engaged in negotiations vis-a-vis water or sewer connections related to the area known as the Silver Maple Forest in Belmont and further consult with the Council prior to taking any action with regard to development in this area.

O-26     May 22, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Mayor schedule a round table discussion on the liquor license cap policy of the License Commission.

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 2007 in the amount of $ 361,988,085 held public hearings on this matter on May 3, 2006 and May 10, 2006 commencing at 10:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the GENERAL FUND BUDGET for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 in the sum $ 362,076,085 to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, 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 2007 in the amount of $17,195,045 held a public hearing on this matter on May 10, 2006 commencing at 10:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the WATER FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $17,195,045.

For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, 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 2007 in the amount of $9,518,065 held a public hearing on this matter on May 10, 2006 commencing at 10:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2007 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $9,518,065.

For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Civic Unity Committee held a public meeting on April 19, 2006, beginning at eleven o’clock and eight minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of beginning to plan for a citywide discussion on race and class.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Craig Kelley and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Michael Gardner, Director of Personnel, Duane Brown, Director of Affirmative Action, Cathy Hoffman, Director of the Peace Commission, Dr. Kahris McLaughlin, Director of Affirmative Action, Cambridge School Department, Leroy Cragwell, Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, Ardeen Goodrich, Member of the Peace Commission, Kathy Reddick, President of the Cambridge NAACP, and Emily Sadler, Boston University School of Journalism.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She stated that she would like to structure a follow up on the 1998 Cambridge forum on race and class (Attachment A). She stated that she is interested in looking at the model used by Boston in their City-wide Dialogues on Boston’s Ethnic and Racial Diversity (Attachment B). Councillor Simmons said that she would like to see people have these discussions in their community, and then come together for one citywide forum.

Councillor Simmons then introduced Mr. Brown to present information that he had researched regarding the Boston Citywide Dialogues. Mr. Brown submitted copies of that material (Attachment B) and discussed his conversation with Jeff Stone, one of the organizers of the Boston Dialogues. Boston hired 150 trainers and had multiple dialogues consisting of about 15-20 people per group. Boston would be interested in having Cambridge hire those trainers for Cambridge sessions.

Dr. McLaughlin said that she lives in Boston. The dialogues are good but when you focus on the dialogue too much, the work does not get done. When you look back at the 1998 report, you would probably find the same issues are still there.

Councillor Simmons said she would like to hear from people who participated in the Boston Experience. Councillor Simmons stated that a many of the items that the National League of Cities is working on in its race and class focus are things that Cambridge has done.

Ms. Reddick asked whether the Boston people meet to take action in the areas they have discussed. Mr. Brown said that they emphasized to him that the goal was the conversations themselves. Dr. McLaughlin suggested inviting Jeff Stone to a future meeting on this topic.

Ms. Hoffman said that some of what will drive the work is the question of what is the need that people are feeling. In 1998 there was a strong desire to produce recommendations. Ms. Hoffman said that the previous day she had an exciting meeting with Elena Letona, Director of Centro Presente. At this time there is an explosion of interest in immigrant issues and relationships.

Ms. Hoffman noted that Cambridge has changed a lot since 1998. One idea is to plan a discussion of race, class and immigration. She said that she is sure that Ms. Letona would like to hear part of such a process.

Ms. Hoffman noted some additional differences since 1998. One big difference is the growth of youth groups. Another thing that has brought groups together is restorative justice, and the creation of peace-making circles. She is doing some of this work at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. Ms. Hoffman stated that Cambridge has the resources in this city to make these discussions very meaningful.

Dr. McLaughlin said that there is still an issue of inequitable disparities in academic performance in the Cambridge public schools. She said this problem is not just in Cambridge; it is a national problem. The same issue existed in 1998. She suggest that the committee focus on kids and how they are doing and how they are doing when they leave school.

Ms. Reddick said that it is somewhat of a negative shock to look back at a specific time and see how much has not changed. The 1998 forum gave people a voice. She said that the NAACP has signed on as a co-sponsor of the "Juneteenth Criminal Justice Event." They are co-sponsoring the event with other NAACP branches and State Conferences in the United States. The event will highlight disparities in the criminal justice system, as well as issues related to CORI reform and education issues. She recounted that the results of standardized tests of fourth graders in Florida schools are used to help determine how many prisons to build. Ms. Reddick said that she would like to have a dialogue and then move to an action agenda. The NAACP looks forward to being a part of this project.

Councillor Simmons said that she believes that the flaw in the 1998 process was that they did not come back soon enough to review what follow-up action occurred after the forum.

Mr. Cragwell asked if anyone is keeping a record of who passed and who did not pass the MCAS exam and what has happened to them. His own experience in Cambridge public schools was the segregation that existed in the Willard and Webster Schools, where minority kids were shunted off to the industrial schools. One of the most significant things that happened to him was the Army. That took him out into the world in a more equalized setting. It was not his Cambridge education that enabled him to succeed.

Ms. Reddick said that at the NAACP they have been having discussions about "where is the will." The question is how to bring people to the table, the same table. She said that we spend more time talking about the community of Cambridge than nurturing that community.

Mr. Gardner encouraged a conscious focus on employment and employment opportunities and the ways in which Cambridge is changing in term of opportunities for employment. He also suggested that there be some focus on how to grow employment opportunities.

Dr. McLaughlin asked if anyone from the universities will sit on this committee. She said that the universities need to be part of the discussion. Dr. McLaughlin emphasized the importance of training leaders rather than workers. Mr. Gardner noted the importance of community colleges in providing the education needed to succeed.

Mr. Cragwell described the experience of the African American Heritage Trail members. They prepared a curriculum guide for the schools and delivered complete teaching packages to the schools. The material could not have been easier to use, and yet it has not been used.

Councillor Simmons said that it has been said an uphill battle to get Black history and other curricula back into the educational program since the institution of the MCAS testing. Ms. Hoffman said that it is important to raise the question of what the impact of MCAS have been on fostering and increasing race and class inequities.

Ms. Goodrich emphasized the need for young people to know that there are many options and have to plan. Some kids are not exposed to this.

Ms. Hoffman noted two essential questions for youth:
1. Obstacles
2. Who reflects back your beauty and brilliance to you?

Councillor Simmons said that the question for this meeting is who else needs to be at the table for this planning.

Ms. Goodrich suggested having youth involved. Ms. Hoffman cited a recent Derrick Jackson column on the income gap. There are powerful other forces to consider when trying to decide where this committee wants to focus its vision.

Councillor Kelley said that there needs to be a re-focus on race relations and class relations every couple of years. This is an important issue. He said that he goes to many meetings but he does not go to many meetings that include African Americans. Cambridge is very segregated in day-to-day life.

Councillor Simmons asked those present who else should be at the next meeting. The following suggestions were made: Jeff Stone from the Boston Dialogues, Valerie Batts, representatives for the universities and faith-based organization.

Councillor Simmons also said that she would like to get information on some other examples and models of community conversations. She thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and twenty minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, April 6, 2006, beginning at eleven o’clock and twenty-seven minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive a presentation from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and to discuss the Storrow Drive Tunnel Reconstruction Project.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Susan Clippinger, Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Police Lieutenant Jack Albert, Jason Schrieber, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Karst Hoogeboom, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Karl Haglund, Regional Planner for DCR, Bernadette O’Malley, DCR and Nancy Farrell, Regina Villa Associates. Several members of the public also participated in the meeting, and their names are listed below, with their comments.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited Karst Hoogeboom, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to make a presentation. Mr. Hoogeboom said that the DCR will provide early and accurate information on the project. The project goal is to repair the deteriorated Storrow Drive tunnel and to improve the parkland at the same time. He introduced Karl Haglund, DCR Regional Planner to describe the project. Mr. Haglund presented a slide show. He began with the need for reconstruction. The structure is a bridge as well as a tunnel, which has been in service for fifty-five years. The risk of structural failure is greater than that accepted by modern standards and is increasing each year. The repair needs are becoming more sizeable and less predictable. The roof, walls and base slabs leak and there has been extensive corrosion damage and falling concrete.

Mr. Haglund then described the public outreach program and the state and local review process. During the design period, there will be public meetings and briefings for civic neighborhood and business groups, along with regular updates on the DCR websites. During construction, there will be notice of the construction schedule by e-mail, news releases, letters and the DCR websites. Mr. H said that right now they’re looking at options A, B, C & D, to include options with and without a vent building. There are a variety of issues with service lives of these options. People should feel free to comment on additional options besides A-D. The cost range of the options is from 35-135 million dollars, the time range from 18 to 60 months. They will drop truly unlikely proposals, like the at-grade with flyovers, from consideration before the DEIR. Tunnels will require some sort of vent, often via expensive vent buildings. Surface vents on Esplanade would be considered a loss to the Esplanade but would not impact the view. A variety of plans have pedestrian crossings over surface roads.

The state and local review process will be governed by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) under the auspices of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA).

The Environmental Notification Process is planned for April-June 2006. The Environmental Notification Form (ENF) will be filed and there will be an ENF scoping meeting. The MEPA office will receive comments on the ENF and determine the scope for the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

In September there will be traffic workshops with neighborhood representatives followed by public meetings in October to review the three or four preferred design options of the total fourteen options that have been identified. DCR expects to be able to say by the end of the year what traffic patterns will be area by area. Twenty-five to 50 Boston/Cambridge intersections will be analyzed based on cities’ concerns. Various options will have permanent traffic impacts. Traffic is heavy everywhere at all times. Their chart shows volume over capacity, and if it gets close to or exceeds 1 it’s full. DCR has Memorial Drive down as about 0.21, but that does not take into account congestion at traffic lights. A roadway controlled by traffic signals has its capacity controlled by signals more than roadway itself. DCR is trying to look regionally and will be guided by origin and destination study.

The DCR plans to file its Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) in November. Thereafter there will be a public comment period for comments on the DEIR and then the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) will issue its Final Environmental Impact Scope (FEIR) in December.

In April 2007 the DCR schedule calls for public meetings for 25% design review of the proposed project, DEIR refinements, review of impact mitigation and the FEIR schedule and comment process, which is scheduled for May and June, 2007.

Mr. Haglund then reviewed the draft criteria for evaluation of all of the options to arrive at the preferred options (Attachment A) and briefly summarized the comprehensive list of design options that has been developed (Attachment B).

The presentation then moved to a demonstration of the application of the preferred option criteria to an illustrative example of each option type.

With regard to traffic planning issues, Mr. Haglund stated that the Central Transportation Planning staff has completed a preliminary traffic analysis. He emphasized that the data does not include traffic light information and is very preliminary. An origin/destination survey is being developed with completion expected in May. The survey will be deployed at every place where the target traffic stops for a traffic light.

Susan Clippinger, Director of the Cambridge Traffic, Parking and Transportation emphasized that there are many traffic lights on Memorial Drive. Ms. Clippinger also suggested that public transportation options be highlighted on the website for the construction project.

Councillor Davis noted that an interstate roadway pilot project in Portland, Oregon, has shown that individualized marketing techniques have the potential of diverting 6-7% of automobile-driving commuters to public transportation. The marketing technique is expensive, but it could replace some even more expensive options. She submitted an article about the pilot project (Attachment C). Councilor Davis would like traffic mitigation to be paid for by the project. She advocated for a "travel smart’ program to help make mode shifts permanent.

In response to a question from Mr. Rossi, Mr. Haglund said that there will be a public meeting in September after more detailed traffic analyses has been completed. Mr. Rossi asked whether the state would consider funding for independent traffic consultants from Boston and Cambridge.

Police Commissioner Watson stated that the Memorial Drive intersections at River Street, Western Avenue and J.F.K. Street are already maxed out. He emphasized that State Police traffic control support will be needed for these intersections every day, especially during rush hours during the construction. Commissioner Watson encouraged on-line traffic studies that would be less likely to be random and would be unbiased at that point. Mr. Haglund noted that temporary traffic issues will be considered, varying on the options. DCR is coordinating with MGH, neighborhoods, the Boston Evacuation Route, etc. Commissioner Watson noted that Cambridge streets will take a beating from the extra traffic and may need to be resurfaced and that Cambridge streets back up anytime something is going on on Boston side of the river.

Mr Haglund said that new pumps will have oil/water separators and that tunnels are the most expensive projects, but with the most benefits. DCR hopes to fix the road, improve traffic and improve the Esplanade. They will probably try to group responses to comments by category for the EIR. She does not want every square inch of river taken up by development, removing native plants, trees, etc. She wants to keep sale of City the way it is and we should think about beautiful parks we want to have, even as empty space.

Fleet Hill, president of the Mt. Auburn Neighborhood Association, urged the DCR to consider mitigation that could be done during and after the construction to improve the parkland on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, urged mitigation in terms of parkland improvement in Cambridge, not just Boston, and including the Charles River Estuary and leaving it natural. She urged that the project be designed to not cut down trees. She expressed concern about traffic impacts on the neighborhoods. One truck stuck on Storrow Drive sends all the traffic to Cambridgeport.

Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, said that the Storrow Drive project will affect Memorial Drive. She asked how this DCR restoration project ties into the Phase 2 reconstruction on Memorial Drive near the B.U. Bridge. She said that the budget for the Memorial Drive project is seven million dollars.

Mr. Haglund said that with regard to the Storrow Drive project, DCR is looking at a permanent reduction, but is not advocating a final plan at this point. Rather, they are analyzing the traffic. He said that he is not familiar with the Phase 2 Memorial Drive restoration project. Mr. Hoogeboom said that the Office of the Deputy Commissioner will be coordinating the Storrow Drive project with all other construction projects. Councillor Kelley encouraged him to coordinate with people running the Memorial drive project. He said that he believes the projects are very connected.

Arthur Strang, Fresh Pond Parkway, said that in 1962 he drove to Atlanta, which looked then like Central Square. He does not want enlarged highways, just repaired roadways. He does not want to see what happened to Atlanta happen to Cambridge. He noted that there is insufficient maintenance of the parkland at both Memorial and Storrow Drives. He suggested sending everyone who completes the origin/destination survey two one-week passes for the MBTA. He also suggested subsidy of MBTA pass costs during construction. He noted the importance of police enforcement of traffic rules on the parkway right after construction.

Karen Carmean, 1657 Cambridge Street, stated her appreciation of DCR expressing its concern for the environment long term. She encouraged looking at long-term goals and not getting drowned by the traffic needs. She also suggested talking to Harvard because they have longterm plans that relate to Storrow Drive. After an hour at Magazine Beach, she is shattered by the traffic noise from Storrow Drive. Ms. Carmean also suggested involving M.I.T. DCR should have a long-term goal of improving tranquility.

Mr. Haglund said that several people at DCR are paying very close attention to Harvard’s plan.

Councillor Davis agreed with Ms. Carmean that the noise from Storrow Drive is a big factor in keeping Magazine Beach from being a successful park area. Ms. Davis would like long-term noise mitigation.

Chris Weller, 160 Chestnut Street, suggested extending the MBTA Red Line. He stated that he is working with HOSITT and noted DCR’s observations that the tunnel is about to cave in, which means that DCR needs to act quickly and thus cannot engage in a planning process that is extensive enough. He said that it feels like everybody is all caught up in the traffic process. He would like a public meeting on what temporary work solutions exist. There is a diversity of opinion about how bad the problem is.

Mr. Haglund said that if there are engineers who think DCR is missing opportunities for short-term repairs, he would like to hear from them. DCR has laid out a planning process of at least fifteen months. Their engineers believe we are headed into a situation in which safety will continue to be a growing concern. The rating of the westbound artery bridge by the state is currently zero.

Kathy Podgers stated that there was no public process in the Magazine Beach construction. Any preservation of the environment should include a place for wildlife.

Bill Norman, Cambridge, thanked the DCR for coming and expressed appreciation for the process. He would like to see outside confirmation of how bad the structure is. He asked about the timing with regard to plans for reconstruction of the Longfellow Bridge. He expressed concern that these projects are always bigger and more costly than expected, and he thinks the continuity of events is crucial.

Mr. Haglund said that DCR has made the preliminary conclusion that the state cannot do construction on the Longfellow Bridge and Storrow Drive at the same time. He emphasized the importance of preserving the recreational areas. He noted that the engineers are not very enthusiastic about tunnels, which cause significant disruption of neighborhoods concern about water rising with climate change.

Marilyn Wellons asked if the Storrow Drive Tunnel is deemed regionally significant and whether DCR is considering the EOT study in progress regarding transportation alternatives in Allston. She expressed concern that things which are physically and logically connected may be consigned to different compartments of the government bureaucracy.

Mr. Haglund said that these projects will go through the N.P.O. He also said that when there is additional traffic on Memorial Drive, there will be additional maintenance.

Councillor Kelley encouraged DCR to really think about the fact that there are an awful lot of projects going on. Cambridge cares about moving people. At the end of this reconstruction, we hope to have figured out many more ways to enable people to move around with their cars, and without their cars. He thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at one o’clock and thirty minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair