CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-134, regarding a report on the effects of the Housing Assistance Program cuts.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-122, regarding a report on repeated power outages in the Tremont Street area.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-133, relative to a report on improving lighting in the area of Lawn Court.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-135, regarding changing construction start times from 7:00am to 9:00am.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the Cambridge Council on Aging Board effective April, 2005:
Marie Espiritu, Elder Service Plan (2-year term)
Mary Gorman, Director Windsor House ADHC (2-year term)
Patricia Toner, 74 Reservoir Avenue (3-year term)

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities effective May 1, 2005 for a term of three years:
Katherine Patton, 171 Allston Street, Cambridge
Laura Brelsford, 16 Elmer Street, Cambridge
Susan Ellis Holland, 26 Normandy Terrace, Cambridge
Donald Summerfield, 237 Franklin Street, Cambridge

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-03, regarding a report on a study of available street parking in the area of the Blessed Sacrament Church and the vacant Upton Street School building.

ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

2. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the MIT Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Toomey on May 9, 2005 on an order requesting the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to amend the City Charter to provide for popular election of the Mayor in the next municipal election.

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 Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on March 9, 2005 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Section 6.12 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding the requirement for providing parking in existing buildings with new additions and/or new uses. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after April 18, 2005. Planning Board hearing held April 5, 2005. Planning Board Report received May 9, 2005. Petition expires June 7, 2005.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order for the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 for the renovation of several City buildings including City Hall, Coffon Building, Senior Center, and Area IV Youth Center. The question comes on adoption on or after May 23, 2005.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to order for the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,365,840 to continue sewer reconstruction projects in the Fresh Pond / Alewife, Harvard Square, Cherry Street / South Massachusetts Avenue, and Cambridgeport areas of the City. The question comes on adoption on or after May 23, 2005.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order for the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,000,000 for the acquisition of a parcel or parcels of land and buildings thereon at a site for the West Cambridge Youth and Community Center. The question comes on adoption on or after May 23, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Inktec Zone, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 485 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Dado Tea, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 50 Church Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

3. An application was received from Zigo, Inc., requesting permission for a sandwich board sign and three bistro tables and six chairs for restaurant seating at the premises numbered One Broadway.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Mrs. Marie T. Flynn, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on Marian T. Kelly.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding city policy.

3. A communication was received from Dennis Quinn and family, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution.

4. A communication was received from Kevin Hill, regarding the development process of the Mahoney north and south sites.

5. A communication was received from Philip R. Fenstermacher, commending the City Council on Policy Order Resolution # 1 of May 16, 2005 supporting Utility Workers Local 369 in their negotiations with NSTAR.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Clara Frangos.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Congratulations to Out of the Blue Gallery on its achievements and support for their efforts to incorporate as a non profit to promote arts and culture in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Best wishes to David Yamada, Founder and Faculty Director of the Rappaport Honors Program In Law and Public Policy at Suffolk University Law School, on his future endeavors.   Councillor Galluccio

4. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher Dixon.   Vice Mayor Decker

5. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Stephen Baldwyn.   Vice Mayor Decker

6. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Wesley Davids.   Vice Mayor Decker

7. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Marcus Mahdee.   Vice Mayor Decker

8. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nicholas Messmer.   Vice Mayor Decker

9. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Taylor Prazynski.   Vice Mayor Decker

10. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nicholas Erdy.   Vice Mayor Decker

11. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal John Schmidt, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

12. Resolution on the death of Sergeant John Smith.   Vice Mayor Decker

13. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenneth Zeigler.   Vice Mayor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan Grant.   Vice Mayor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jourdan Grez.   Vice Mayor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Thor Ingraham.   Vice Mayor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Samuel Castle.   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Specialist Steven Givens.   Vice Mayor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Jodon.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Travis Anderson.   Vice Mayor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Kendall Ivy, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Anthony Goodwin.   Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of First Sergeant Michael Bordelon.   Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Alfred R. Hudson.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Resolution on the death of Geraldine A. Carr.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the death of Rosa Albano.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Support for the Actors' Shakespeare Project's production of Julius Caesar on Thursday, June 2, 2005 from 6:00pm - 7:15pm in the Theater Lobby of the Cambridge Family YMCA.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Congratulations to the 2005 graduates of the Carey Program, the Human Services Programs and the Cambridge Multi-Service Center, at their graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at 6:00pm at the Citywide Senior Center.   Mayor Sullivan

29. Congratulations to the 2005 ELL Students of the Year.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Congratulations to the awardees for receiving the thirteenth Cambridge First Day awards on Tuesday, June 7, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Support for International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (PPNW).   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Memorial Day is observed this year on Monday, May 30, 2005 with a parade exiting the Cambridge Common at 9:30am, followed by a memorial observance at the Cambridge Cemetery.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Congratulations to the 2005 Cambridge Scholarship Award recipients.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Alexander A. Melendez.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

35. Resolution on the death of Luis O. Cambindo.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

36. Resolution on the death of Reverend Francis H. Belcher.   Mayor Sullivan

37. Resolution on the death of Josephine Rose Blair.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Resolution on the death of Robert E. Neville.   Mayor Sullivan

39. Resolution on the death of Anthony Athanas.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

40. Resolution on the death of Marie Madeline Lucas.   Mayor Sullivan

41. Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary wishes to Mike and Marion Connell and Cambridge proclaims Saturday, June 4, 2005 as Mike and Marion Connell Day.   Mayor Sullivan

42. Best wishes to Holly Hatch on her future endeavor.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Recognition of the Major Donors of the City of Cambridge Scholarship Fund program.   Councillor Galluccio

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to contact Comcast for information about the new cable TV pricing structure as it relates to digital cable TV and what are the possibilities of Direct TV.   Councillor Simmons

2. The City Council is requested to schedule a roundtable meeting regarding planning beautiful parks.   Councillor Reeves

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Public Works Commissioner to place "Slow Children" signs at the appropriate location on Holmes Street from the direction of Holworthy and Park Avenue.   Councillor Galluccio

4. The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to review language to determine whether it could be used as an amendment to the zoning changes proposed in the O'Connor petition, and whether the language would cure the defect in the current proposal.   Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey

5. Opposition to Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).   Vice Mayor Decker

6. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer to post the names of all of the Sister Cities in several public areas around the City, including City Hall, all of the branches of the Library and on the City's website.   Vice Mayor Decker

7. Support for any effort to phase out the Lottery Division.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Support for employees of Service Employees International Union (SIEU), AFL-CIO, CLC to improve work conditions for Cambridge and Boston security guards.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

9. The City Manager is requested to report on what it would take to award four-year scholarships to high school graduates as some communities do.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on May 4, 2005 and May 11, 2005 relative to the General Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2006 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $347,128,690.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 11, 2005 relative to the Water Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2006 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $17,104,000.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 11, 2005 relative to the Public Investment Fund for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2006 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $9,017,330.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on March 23, 2005 to continue to discuss the next steps in the short-range plan to provide a program of arts and cultural events in FY 06 similar to those of Destination Cambridge last year and to begin discussion of the long-term issue of how the City could proceed to a plan that could draw in the arts, culture, heritage and other unique aspects of the City as part of a strategy to maintain Cambridge’s competitive position as a preeminent knowledge-based economy.

5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on May 12, 2005 to finalize plans for the first anniversary of May 17, 2004 same sex marriage celebration.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, transmitting the final recommendations of the Committee on Homelessness.

2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from the Day family transmitting thanks for the resolution in memory of Staff Sergeant David F. Day.

3. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from the Ryan family transmitting thanks for the resolution in memory of Corporal Marc T. Ryan.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 23
4:00pm   2005 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 25
1:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to evaluate the needs of the Cambridge homeless, particularly the Harvard Square population.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 26
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to hear from developers of both affordable and market rate housing with regard to proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding parking requirements for new uses in existing buildings.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 6
5:00pm   Special Presentation – Recognition of Just-A-Start/Cambridge Savings Affordable Housing Partnership  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:15pm   Special Presentation – Recognize City's Environmental Partners  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 13
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting with the Cambridge Retirement Board. The purpose of the meeting is to receive an overview of the retirement system for municipal employees and a report from the Personnel Director on the opportunities available to city employees for additional retirement savings. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 14
9:00am   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relating to relocation of the Police Station.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 22
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the text of Section 20.100 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance relating to the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District from the Planning Board. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Planning Board's proposed rezoning of the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Comcast is moving entirely to digital cable television; and
WHEREAS: Digital is currently much more expensive than analog; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact Comcast for information about the new pricing structure; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what possibility exists for Direct TV.

O-2     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable meeting regarding planning beautiful parks.

O-3     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: There have been high numbers of small children on Holmes Street; and
WHEREAS: Motorists use Holmes Street as a cut-through street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Works Works Commissioner to place "Slow Children" signs at the appropriate location on Holmes Street from the direction of Holworthy and Park Avenue.

O-4     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to review the attached language to determine whether it could be used as an amendment to the zoning changes proposed in the O'Connor petition, and whether said language would cure the defect in the current proposal, as discussed by the City Solicitor in his opinion letter of April 6, 2002.

O-5     May 23, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: A fact-finding delegation from Cambridge has just returned from El Salvador investigating the potential impact of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) having met with a wide array of public and private representatives; and
WHEREAS: The delegation has also consulted a wide array of representatives of organized labor, municipal government and community representatives on the impact of CAFTA here at home all of whom have confirmed the negative impact of CAFTA; and
WHEREAS: The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) will contribute to continued job losses, business closings, the weakening of environmental standards, the loss of democracy and the privatization of essential, public services both in the United States and in Central America; and
WHEREAS: CAFTA requires basing purchasing decisions on price, thereby negating state and local preferences regarding factors such as recycled content, small businesses, minority and women-owned businesses, vendors with a competent track record, a living wage, and avoidance of goods made with forced child labor; and
WHEREAS: CAFTA fails to preserve the traditional powers of state and local governments by failing to assure transparency in negotiating trade agreements; by failing to accord state and local officials timely access to negotiating documents to assess potential impacts on their authority and on their constituents; by failing to inform them of suspected adverse impacts; and by failing to invite them to participate in the negotiation, approval, and adjudication processes; and
WHEREAS: CAFTA expands corporate power and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) whose rules have been used 27 times to challenge public health, workplace safety and environmental laws and NAFTA has cost the United States over 750,000 jobs; and
WHEREAS: CAFTA permits private corporations to sue governments for passing laws that protect people, but jeopardize profits. Once ushered by Congress inside our legislative gates, this creature of CAFTA will subvert the capacity of our own legislative and judicial systems to protect its citizens' health and safety and CAFTA could legally invert the "precautionary principle" written into U.S. food safety law, which states that companies must prove products to be safe before selling them and
WHEREAS: CAFTA will increase foreign investor rights and shift power away from state and local government, challenging zoning and protection of ground water and other natural resources, and will discourage local businesses but encourage commercial flight to low-wage areas, without allowing meaningful input by those adversely affected and grant foreign investors rights, participation, and representation superior to that of U.S. citizens.; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this Cambridge City Council go on record opposing CAFTA and further urge the United States Congress to defeat it; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to our elected representatives in the Massachusetts State Legislature, our elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate, and the appointed U.S. Trade Representative.

O-6     May 23, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer to post the names of all of the Sister Cities in several public areas around the City, including City Hall, all of the branches of the Library and on the City's website.

O-7     May 23, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
RESOLVED: That this City Council encourage the Massachusetts Senate to:
1) Support any effort to phase out the Lottery Division in a shorter time than recommended by the House or Senate Ways and Means budgets (4 years),
2) Support the proposed $55 million Chapter 70 reserve, and ask that they commit to working with local officials to establish a distribution plan, and
3) Protect the vital Additional Assistance account, and oppose and effort to reduce or redistribute any of this aid (159 localities have already been hit with 21 percent cuts in this account); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts State Senators representing the City of Cambridge on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of employees of Service Employees International Union (SIEU) AFL-CIO, CLC in their effort to improve work conditions for Cambridge and Boston security guards that work in premier office buildings (including Harvard University) across Massachusetts, and in particular, in support of those Cambridge workers, many of whom reside in Cambridge.

O-9     May 23, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking those who worked on the Cambridge Scholarship Fund to administer it and award grants to outstanding students and congratulate all the recipients of these scholarships; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on what it would take to award four-year scholarships to high school graduates as some communities do.

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 2006 in the amount of $347,128,690 held public hearings on this matter on May 4, 2005 and May 11, 2005 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 2006 in the sum $347,128,690 to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, 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 2006 in the amount of $17,104,000 held a public hearing on this matter on May 11, 2005 commencing at 10:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the WATER FUND for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2006 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $17,104,000.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, 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 2006 in the amount of $9,017,330 held a public hearing on this matter on May 11, 2005 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 2006 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order in the total amount of $9,017,330.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, March 23 2005 beginning at two o’clock and forty-five minutes A.M. in the Sophia Anastos Room, second floor, Cambridge City Hall.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue to discuss the next steps in the short-range plan to provide a program of arts and cultural events in FY 06 similar to those of Destination Cambridge last year and to begin discussion of the long-term issue of how the City could proceed to a plan that could draw in the arts, culture, heritage and other unique aspects of the City as part of a strategy to maintain Cambridge’s competitive position as a preeminent knowledge-based economy.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee; Mayor Michael A. Sullivan; Councillor Brian Murphy; and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey Jr. Also present were Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer; Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department; Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Arts Council; Frank Connelly, Taste of Cambridge; Robyn Bell, Director, Office of Tourism; and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk; Terrence Smith, Chamber of Commerce; Rozann Kraus, Dance Complex; William Sage, Radisson Hotel; Robin Franz, Central Square Business Association; Paul Parravano, Co-Director of Community and Government Relations, MIT; and Tom Lucey, Office of Government and Community Affairs, Harvard University.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He suggested beginning with the ongoing issue of the need for both short-term and long-term planning for the concept of Cambridge as a destination. Councillor Reeves stated that the short- goal of providing over the next year at least as many events as the successful events of the past year would cost around $300,000. Eventually, to sustain over time a successful ongoing program of arts and culture events to enhance Cambridge as a destination, the cost would be closer to $500,000 per year.

Councillor Reeves reported that with regard to the short-term goal, the City Council had adopted an order requesting the City Manager to recommend $100,000 as a budget allocation for FY 06, with the view that those funds would be matched by another $100,000 through fundraising. He noted Bill Sage’s previous suggestion to approach the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Board for some additional funding from the proceeds of the $4 million of hotel/motel taxes that Cambridge provides to the MCCA. Mr. Sage reported that he had met that morning with the finance official at the MCCA. Their budget has been suffering for the past few years due to decreases in revenues from the hotel/motel tax. There is no chance of money from MCCA this year.

Councillor Reeves noted the Mayor’s concern that fundraising for Cambridge as a destination not endanger the fundraising efforts of the small nonprofits that are very important to Cambridge. He invited comments and suggestions.

Mayor Sullivan suggested approaching Comcast. Tom Lucey suggested approaching large financial institutions such as American Express. He asked about the possibility of funding from beer and/or other alcohol producers. Councillor Reeves said that obtaining funding from alcohol sponsors is a sensitive issue. Paul Parravano said that there is room for all types of sponsors but there is a question of which events; for example MIT would not want to sponsor a beer garden.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Weeks what kind of sponsors and funding the Arts Council seeks. Mr. Weeks said that the Arts Council mostly approaches corporations, especially Cambridge friendly businesses (i.e., no alcohol or tobacco). Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Sage whether he thought there was a possibility of contributions from the Hotel Association. Mr. Sage said that in the past that association has stayed away from making money contributions.

Mayor Sullivan said that it could be in the interest of the companies in Kendall Square to help sponsor events that would enliven that area.

Councillor Reeves suggested as a next step that he as chair of the Economic Development Committee and Councillor Murphy as chair of the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee, working in conjunction with the Mayor, invite the universities and up to 10 potential sponsors, including Novartis, to discuss fundraising and sponsorship of Destination Cambridge activities. Mr. Parravano suggested thinking about the companies that are doing well in Cambridge, for example the manufacturers and producers of Ipods, other electronics and music. Councillor Reeves suggested thinking about university alumni who still feel connected to Cambridge. In the ensuing discussion, the following were also added to the list:
* Healthworks
* Galleria Mall
* Spaulding and Sly
* EMS
* NSTAR
* ATT
* Verizon
* Radio stations
* Performers and artists with strong connections to Cambridge (e.g., YoYo Ma)
* Locally based TV stations like FMX
* Local franchises for Pepsi and Coca Cola

Councillor Reeves then directed the discussion to the issue of long-term planning for institutionalizing an arts and cultural events program designed to highlight Cambridge as a destination for tourism, business location and living. He stated that the long-range plan would involve more discussion of what kind of programming is wanted. Toward this end, the City could hire a firm like Wolf, Keens and Co. to do a comprehensive community survey of its cultural assets. Alternatively, the City could do a self-study or do part of the study. The cost for a study like Wolf Keens does is about $100,000 to $150,000. He asked the group whether they saw the need for that type of commissioned study.

Ms. Johnson stated that there is a great deal of talent within the pool of people who work for the City of Cambridge. Mr. Rossi said that perhaps it would be better to focus on ten to twelve activities that should happen every year and then spend more money on advertising. He said that it is always going to be a struggle to raise the funds for a program of activities; however the City has some good events to build on.

Councillor Murphy said that he believes that the City needs to do a comprehensive inventory and then repackage it. This type of activity lends itself well to presentation on a web site. Mr. Rossi said that he believes that the City could arrange for an intern to develop the inventory. Mr. Weeks added that it might also be a project that a class or group of students could take on, for example Kennedy School students or students from the Harvard School of Design, where he know a professor who is interested in this area of arts and economic development intersection.

Councillor Reeves stated that Mr. Rossi’s idea of an in-house inventory seems to him to be a very good idea.

Mr. Parravano summarized the steps discussed thus far as cataloguing, developing a website and advertising.

Mr. Smith suggested requesting hotel personnel to review the inventory to identify where there are gaps in the entertainment catalogued therein. He noted that the inventory will be very useful in identifying the spots where more events or publicity would improve the overall package.

Councillor Reeves identified structure and leadership as another important issue in developing a long-range plan. He noted that Mr. Goldring of Wolf Keens had reported that Arts Councils often take a leadership role in this area. He asked Mr. Weeks to comment. Mr. Weeks said that the link with economic development is a big topic in Art Councils right now, but he wonders if perhaps the structure should be bigger than just the Arts Council, and especially whether it should formally include economic development professionals.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Rossi how he would approach a five-year process of institutionalizing an arts and cultural/economic development program. Mr. Rossi said that it is important to think carefully about the structure and the power. The Office for Tourism model involved the formation of a nonprofit, with a reporting responsibility to the City and the Deputy City Manager as a board member. He believes that structure has worked quite well.

At this time there was another discussion of funding, more particularly related to consistent and reliable funding for an institutionalized program. The following entities were seen as possibilities for funding for a long-term program: radio stations, local TV stations, media such as the Boston Globe, and franchises of large national soft drink manufactures like Pepsi and Coca Cola. Additionally, it was noted that although the era of tight state and federal budgets still prevails, it is worth keeping in contact with state government on this matter. Mr. Sage reported that the Massachusetts Cultural Council funds a category of cultural grants that could perhaps fit well with this program. He stated that Senate President Travaglini has an excellent understanding of the significance of the importance of tourism to economic development, and urged the Committee to meet with President Travaglini.

Councillor Reeves brought up the issue of whether there could be any additional funding from new city revenues, for example the recent increase to the parking fund. Councillor Murphy added that the City has been looking at all its fees and charges to increase fees that need to be updated. Perhaps there are particular fees that could be rationally linked to an arts and culture/ economic development program, for example liquor license fees. Mr. Parravano said that it would be worth looking at liquor fees because there is a tie to entertainment. He stated that the committee has a big job ahead to communicate to the larger population how important it is for cities to do this sort of thing.

Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at nine o’clock and twenty minutes A.M. in the Anastos Room.

The purpose of. The meeting was to finalize plans for the first anniversary of May 17, 2004 same sex marriage celebration.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee; Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner; Calvin Lindsay, Director, Municipal Cable; Sandra Albano, Assistant to the City Council; Maryellen Carvello, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager; Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer; Garrett Simonsen, Chief of Staff to the Mayor; D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk; and Donna P. Lopez Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Arthur Lipkin, 16 Chatham Street; and Sue Hyde, 180 Pearl Street.

Councillor Murphy convened the meeting and explained the purpose.

The final plans were discussed. The Hyatt Regency would be providing the cake and sparkling cider. The first couple to file their intentions on May 17, 2004, Susan Shepherd and Marcia Lynn Hams, would cut the cake.

News releases would be added to the website, CCTV and municipal cable. A reminder about the celebration would be forwarded to the television stations.

A display of photographs would be installed on the second floor. City staff would take pictures at the Marriage Equality Anniversary event.

Municipal cable would show highlights from the video from last year in the Sullivan Chamber. At 8:00pm on May 17, 2005 the 2004 video would be shown on Channel Eight. CCTV disk of the 2004 event would also be shown.

Mayor Sullivan would serve as the master of ceremony. The program would begin at 4:15pm. Reverend Irene Munroe would give the Invocation with the Benediction being given by Reverend Mark Bozzuti-Jones. Testimonials on how marriage equality affects their families would be provided by the children of three families. A copy of the program is attached to this report as Attachment A.

A table staffed by members of the Diversity and the GLBT Commission would be set up on the first floor.

Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their attendance and cooperation.

The meeting adjourned at nine o’clock and forty-five minutes A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair