Cambridge City Council meeting - May
24, 2010 - AGENDA
[Councillor Cheung was ABSENT]
RECONSIDERATION
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs
of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on Mar 25,
2010 for the purpose of discussing dividing the Health and Environment Committee
into two committees, one to focus on health issues and the other on
environmental and sustainability issues.
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a
Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Zoning Petition to Amend
Section 20.70 - Flood Plain Overlay District. [The Planning Board recommends
adoption of the petition as filed.]
Referred to Petition
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an application for EZ Ride Shuttle to amend their existing jitney route due to a merger with MIT’s Northwest Shuttle service.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-64, regarding the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse. ["In light of the courthouse’s great size (460,000 square feet), lack of parking associated with the building, and its out-of-date architectural style, I do not see any public reuse for the structure." ... "Should the property be sold to and redeveloped by a private entity local zoning would apply. We have expressed our willingness to work closely with any owner to develop a project of more moderate height and scale; with active ground floor uses; including some portion of residential use, in keeping with the neighborhood context; and with appropriate parking supply based on building uses."]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-69, regarding a report on making the property at 93 Kirkland Street part of the affordable housing stock.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-82, regarding a report on why the incidences of fires in the City has risen.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $139,274.90 between School Department statutory accounts. These transfers include: $5,167.46 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages account and $134,107.44 from the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the School Travel and Training account ($122,030.32) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($17,244.58) and are related to re-allocations within School Department programs.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
the transfer of $300,000 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages,
$100,000 from the School Travel & Training and $100,000 from the School
Extraordinary Expenditures to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance ($500,000)
and is required to cover additional costs for special education tuitions due to
increased number of students and a reduction in the percentage reimbursement
provided to the City from the State’s Circuit Breaker Program.
Councillor Simmons voted PRESENT
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of various private donations to the Council on Aging in the amount of $16,063.04 to the grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to support a variety of services for Cambridge Seniors, including food and entertainment for senior parties, the purchase of fans for low-income seniors, provision of minor home adaptation equipment, support for the food pantry, and transportation for special senior center events and trips.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) from the Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $139,577.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($14,778.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($124,799.00) and will be used to contract with local shelter providers to support operations and to support operations at the Multi Service Center.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Program Grant received from the Department of Early Education and Care in the amount of $5,360.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account (1,630.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,730.00) and will support the staff training and implementation of the Pearson Performance Screening tool, a tool to assess children’s social and emotional development, at the Fletcher Maynard After-School Program.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the City Run Road Race revenue received from registration fees and corporate donations in the amount of $25,457.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will primarily benefit the Friends of Cambridge Athletics and limited race expenses and a portion of the funds will also benefit DHSP’s Special Olympics Program and the Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriate the Summer Food Program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Massachusetts Department of Education for $125,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to provide nutritious meals to Cambridge youth at 25 confirmed sites throughout the City during the summer months when schools are closed.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $500 Men’s Health League Grant from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account that will be used to conduct an 8 week weight loss program for Public Works employees featuring a competition with incentives.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $5,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Animal Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funding for the repair of the Department’s van which was damaged in an accident and requires significant repairs.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the transfer of $100,000 from the Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training (Judgments & Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer $3,035.75 within the Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant from the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account which will support additional training classes for dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the MIT Federal Credit Union for $1,000 to the Grant Fund Human Rights Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will support the annual Fair Housing Month student poster and essay contest.
18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative
to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the
development of the former St. John’s property site.
Charter Right - Kelley
19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-77, regarding a report on a review of investments and business practices engaged in by the City to determine what activities are conducted with the State of Arizona. ["Following a review of the City’s current listing of CD’s purchased through Morgan Stanley, it was determined that a $100,000 CD was purchased on Apr 9, 2009 from the Asian Bank located in Phoenix, Arizona. The CD has a maturity date of July 9, 2010, and will not be renewed after reaching maturity. Our representative at Morgan Stanley has been instructed to refrain from purchasing any further investments in the State of Arizona."]
20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the supplemental appropriation of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) Grant received through the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services for $12,200 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,200), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,000) and will be used to conduct trainings, expand its web presence and support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition’s work to implement programs and projects to reduce opioid overdoses in collaboration with the coalition’s partners.
21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a $20,819 transfer within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) Grant from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used will be used to support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition’s work to implement programs and projects to reduce opioid overdoses in collaboration with the Coalition’s partners.
ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing
the amount of public information about elections while the election is in
progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City
Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. May 10, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 2-7-0 remains on Table.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting
a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a
meeting held on Apr 29, 2010 to consider a proposed amendment of the Zoning
Ordinance to Section 20.70 Flood Plain Overlay District to adopt the revised
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps incorporate the new FEMA study,
as is required as a condition of continued participation in the National Flood
Plain Insurance Program, which provides access to residents to flood insurance.
The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 24, 2010. Planning
Board hearing held on May 4, 2010. Petition expires July 28, 2010.
Ordained 7-0-2. Ordinance #1332.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,250,000 to
continue sewer projects in the Harvard Square, Cambridgeport, and Alewife
Watershed areas of the City. The question comes on adoption on or after May 24,
2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $700,000 to
provide funds to replace the existing artificial turf on the soccer field at
Danehy Park as well as resurfacing the 400 meter running track. The question
comes on adoption on or after May 24, 2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 to
provide funds to fund the reconstruction of JFK Street between Eliot and Brattle
Streets. The question comes on adoption on or after May 24, 2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,500,000 to
provide funds to fund the first phase of the reconstruction of the Harvard
Square Tunnel (Cambridge Street Underpass). The question comes on adoption on or
after May 24, 2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $500,000 to
provide funds to fund the design of the restoration of the Kendall Square area
on Main Street between Broadway and Ames Street. The question comes on adoption
on or after May 24, 2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to
an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,500,000 to
provide funds for improvements to several City buildings including the East
Cambridge and Inman Square Fire Stations, Ryan Garage at Public Works, Central
Square Library, and several elementary schools. The question comes on adoption
on or after May 24, 2010.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Harvard Cafe, requesting permission for a
sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 61 Church Street.
2. An application was received from Cambridge Auto Center, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1280 Cambridge Street.
3. An application was received from India Castle, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 928 Massachusetts Avenue.
4. An application was received from Lush Cosmetics, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 30 JFK Street.
5. An application was received from Crazy Dough’s Pizza, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 36 JFK Street.
6. An application was received from City Express Cleaners, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 428 Massachusetts Avenue.
7. Revocation of a sign permit for Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, a division of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., for the premises numbered 1246 Massachusetts Avenue, issued May 29, 1961. Inspectional Services inspected property on May 13, 2010 and sign is down.
8. Revocation of a sign permit for Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, a division of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., for the premises numbered 1646 Massachusetts Avenue, issued Mar 18, 1960. Inspectional Services inspected property on May 13, 2010 and sign is down.
9. Revocation of a sign permit for Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, a division of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., for the premises numbered 305 River Street, issued Mar 27, 1967. Inspectional Services inspected property on May 13, 2010 and sign is down.
10. An application was received from Douglas Beaudet, requesting permission for a new curb cut and the removal of an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 281 Broadway; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Disapproval has been received from the neighborhood association.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from State Representative William N.
Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for the three City Council resolutions adopted
in April on the expanded bottle bill, municipal early retirement provision and
the PACE language in the Municipal Relief bill.
2. A communication was received from State Representative Alice K. Wolf, transmitting thanks for forwarding copies of the three orders pertaining to proposed legislation: the Bottle Bill, PACE and the Municipal Early Retirement Program.
3. A communication was received from Congressman Michael E. Capuano, transmitting thanks for contacting him regarding H.R. 1024, the Uniting American Families Act.
4. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, requesting the creation of a subcommittee to address the City's compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1990.
5. A communication was received from Peter Blake, 3 Wilson Avenue, who distributed photos taken on May 24, 2010 of the St. John's site showing dirt and debris at the site.
6. A communication was received from Marnie Clippinger, 9 Avon Street, regarding Linnaean Street traffic calming proposal.
7. A communication was received from John S. Allen, 7 University Park, Waltham, regarding his concerns about the bike path on Concord Avenue.
8. A communication was received from Chris McElroy, 4 Morrison Court, expressing her concerns about the former Marino's Restaurant site.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Cosmo Macero, Sr. Councillor Toomey
2. Congratulations to City Councillor E. Denise Simmons on being presented an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School. Vice Mayor Davis
3. Resolution on the death of Catherine Elizabeth "Kay" (Deasy) Wadden. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of K. Dun Gifford. Councillor Toomey
5. Retirement of Richard Cabral from the Public Works Department. Mayor Maher
6. Best wishes to Mark Dennis, Coordinator of Heading Home, on his future endeavors. Councillor Decker
7. Congratulations to Sarav Chidambaram on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulations to Timothy Groves on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulations to Leigh Hardy on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
10. Congratulations to Rawhl Adams receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
11. Congratulations to Judy King on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
12. Congratulations to Arpi Kouzouian on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
13. Congratulations to Cambridge Cares About AIDS on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
14. Congratulations to Area 4 4 Peace on receiving a Peace and Justice Award from the Cambridge Peace Commission. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung
15. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Esau S.A. Gonzales. Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Rita Veronica (Moran) Sousa. Councillor Toomey
17. Resolution on the death of Eric V. "Rick" Benson. Councillor Toomey
18. Urge Cantabrigians to pause on Memorial Day to remember and pay tribute to our nation’s defenders for their service and devotion to the country. Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher
19. Retirement of John McElroy from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Maher
20. Congratulations to Theresa Carew for her participation in the National Kidney Foundation’s 60th Annual Boston Kidney Walk on May 16, 2010. Councillor Cheung
21. Retirement of Patricia Williams from the School Department. Mayor Maher
22. Happy Birthday wishes to a special Cantabrigian. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel and Councillor Toomey
23. Congratulations to the Cambridge Health Alliance on receiving the CARES Award for its community work to improve the care of patients with cardiac arrest. Councillor Cheung
24. Best wishes to the Cambridge Family and Children’s Services on the occasion of their 17th annual Circle of Friends gals on May 26, 2010 at 6:00pm at the Charles Hotel. Councillor Cheung
25. Congratulations to Cambridgeport residents who worked together to rescue seven ducklings that had fallen down a sewer. Councillor Cheung
26. Congratulations to Gabrielle Jacques on the occasion of having her photograph of her cat published in the spring 2010 issue of The Marble Collection. Councillor Cheung
27. Congratulations to Melissa Pals and Dave Christie on their recent marriage at Donnelly Field. Councillor Cheung
28. Congratulations to Aukera Therapeutics for their excellent work in developing a new drug to combat Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Councillor Cheung
29. Congratulations to Couchange.org on winning the Twitch contest as part of the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition. Councillor Cheung
30. Congratulations to C-Crete Technologies on winning the top prize in the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition. Councillor Cheung
31. Congratulations to Nancy Rappaport on being named the recipient of the 2010 Julia Ward Howe Prize by the Boston Authors Club for her memoir "In Her Wake: A Child Psychiatrist Explores the Mystery of her Mother’s Suicide." Councillor Cheung
32. Congratulations to Senator John Culver on being chosen to serve as Interim Director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics. Councillor Cheung
33. Congratulations to the Cambridge Friends School for participating in the "Get a Kick Out of Sharing," a program which sends soccer balls to children in need worldwide. Councillor Cheung
34. Congratulations to David Beisel, founder of The Web Innovators Group, and all who participated in WebInno26. Councillor Cheung
35. Congratulations to all the Cambridge Business Awards nominees for their excellent and successful work. Councillor Cheung
36. Congratulations to Littane Bien-Aime on being selected a 2010 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow following a nationwide contest. Councillor Cheung
37. Congratulations to the four recipients of the Cambridge Department of Public Works Commissioner’s Awards. Councillor Cheung
38. Congratulations to Jon Pierce on the occasion of hosting "Angel Boot Camp" on Tues, June 1, 2010 at the Microsoft New England R & D Center. Councillor Cheung
39. Resolution on the death of Peter J. Dolan. Councillor Decker
40. Congratulations to Kadijah Britton on her graduation from the Boston University School of Law. Councillor Reeves
41. Thanks to the CRLS Youth to Youth delegation that will be traveling to El Salvador. Councillor Decker
42. Congratulations to Robinson Farrar on being awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club. Mayor Maher
43. Congratulations to Roland Hence on being awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club. Mayor Maher
44. Congratulations to Civry Melvin on receiving a scholarship from the Rotary Club. Mayor Maher
45. Congratulations to Ariane Berelowitch on being awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club. Mayor Maher
46. Resolution on the death of Alfineo DiFava. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
47. Congratulations to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on their "Annual Grecia Festival Under the Big Tent" on June 18-20, 2010. Mayor Maher
48. Declare June 2010 as Cambridge Men’s Health Month. Councillor Cheung.
49. Congratulations to Kelly Langan for being nominated as one of the finalists for the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award. Mayor Maher
50. Resolution on the death of Alfred G. Folger, Jr. Councillor Decker, Councillor Toomey
51. Congratulations to the Kennedy-Longfellow and the Tobin Schools for winning "RecycleCraze" and thatnks to the Department of Public Works for facilitating this competition. Mayor Maher
52. Thanks to Paul Parravano for his work in the Prince Hall Memorial Committee. Councillor Simmons
53. Thanks to Tom Lucey for his work in the Prince Hall Memorial Committee. Councillor Simmons
54. Thanks to the Most Worshipful Grand Master Anthony I. Jakes, Sr. for his work in the Prince Hall Memorial Committee. Councillor Simmons
55. Thanks to Brian Burke for his work in the Prince Hall Memorial Committee. Councillor Simmons
56. Congratulations to Rosaleah Brown and Josh Grisham on the birth of their daughter Adyana Jewell Grisham. Councillor Simmons
57. Resolution on the death of Ruth Murray. Mayor Maher
58. Resolution on the death of Virginia M. (McCann) O'Connor. Mayor Maher
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with
the decision process for the closing of the Main Library on Sundays for the
summer months. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding traffic calming measures that are being introduced to Linnaean Street. Councillor Decker
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding the traffic patterns on Kenway Street and determine what, if anything, can be done to reduce the amount of traffic on Kenway Street. Councillor Simmons
4. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the status of the building formerly occupied by Marino’s Restaurant and what plans, if any, exist to find a new tenant for the property to ensure that the building does not became a haven for North Cambridge youth to congregate. Councillor Simmons
5. That the new Riverside neighborhood park be named in such a way as to
commemorate the historic African American presence in the Riverside
neighborhood. Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Simmons
Referred to Gov't Operations and Rules Committee
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the reasoning behind removing the dedicated walk cycle from Massachusetts Avenue crossings between Harvard Square and Porter Square. Councillor Kelley
7. That the City Council Committee on Transportation, Traffic and Parking schedule a public meeting on the City’s traffic calming and bike facility programs. Councillor Kelley
8. That the City Manager is requested to review with the License Commission the feasibility of conducting a customer satisfaction survey of the Cambridge taxi industry, the purpose of which would be to determine why consumers do or do not choose Cambridge taxis, to determine whether the License Commission can, by policy implementation or regulation, assist the Cambridge taxi industry in being more consumer-friendly and more competitive, and to help the License Commission and the taxi industry in Cambridge establish a strategic plan to prioritize how and when the recurring industry issues will be addressed. Councillor Reeves
9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the property known as the Norton Woods that has been reopened after being closed due to flooding with a newly instituted no dogs policy. Councillor Decker
10. That the City Manager is requested to inform the City Council on how the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Room of the Cambridge Public Library, the Cambridge Historical Society, and Cambridge Community Television might work together to digitize the various Cambridge historical collections and determine how these various entities will work together to preserve Cambridge history of the past, current happenings, social history, architectural history and preservation, and other matters of historical significance to Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
11. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park. Councillor Seidel
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner on the recent commercial break-ins in East Cambridge and report back to the City Council with an update. Councillor Toomey
13. Encourage the Massachusetts Cultural Council to reconsider their decision to eliminate the Creative Schools Program. Councillor Decker
14. Opposition to Senate Amendment #91 to S2424, An Act Relative to Municipal Relief, and urging the joint Conference Committee to not include any legislative language in the final Conference Committee Report that would negatively impact the delivery of local veterans' services. Councillor Toomey
15. That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development for further discussion and recommendations to the Ordinance Committee in the area of specifying the protections that are envisioned for solar energy systems that are registered with the City. Councillor Seidel and Councillor Toomey
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk,
transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance
Committee, for public hearings held on May 5, 2010, May 13, 2010 and May 19,
2010 relative to the General Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal
Year 2011 and recommending adoption of the budget in the amount of $426,629,125.
Adopted 7-1-1 (Kelley NO, Cheung ABSENT)
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk,
transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance
Committee, for a public hearing held on May 13, 2010 relative to the Water Fund
Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2011 and recommending adoption
of the budget in the amount of $16,416,120.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk,
transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance
Committee, for a public hearing held on May 13, 2010 relative to the Public
Investment Fund for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2011 and recommending
adoption of the budget in the amount of $9,935,015.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on May 12, 2010 for the purpose of providing a summary to community leaders of the city’s current and proposed budget and an explanation of how state and federal budget cuts have impacted the city’s budget.
5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on May 4, 2010 to receive an update on Cambridge’s new Baby U pilot program, how to improve the college graduation rate for Cambridge students, middle school programs and the committee agenda for this term.
6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on May 6, 2010 to consider a petition filed by the City Council on behalf of the Green Building/Zoning Task Force to amend the zoning ordinance to encourage green building practices in Cambridge.
(LATE) COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Marjorie Decker, transmitting
information requested at the School Department Budget Hearing.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 25
5:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a
public meeting to review a proposed policy for dedication of street corners, a
proposal to name the gymnasium at the Sheila Doyle Russell Youth and Community
Center in honor of the late Kenneth Holway, instituting parking fines for over
staying meters that increase as the time of the overstay increases, planning the
fall 2010 process by which the City Council will set its goals for FY 2012 and
standards for for city hearings, including notification, minutes and appeal
processes and any other items that may properly come before the committee.
(Ackermann Room)
Wed, May 26
1:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to
discuss plans to prevent violence in the city during the summer. (Sullivan
Chamber)
4:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities
Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss energy efficiency in city and
school buildings. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 2
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will
conduct a public meeting to discuss improvements to Massachusetts Avenue between
Harvard and Porter Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 7
10:00am The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee
will conduct a public meeting to receive a report from Boston Consulting Group
on leadership and business strategies to optimize the future of Kendall Square.
(Ackermann Room)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 9
5:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 16
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to
discuss community gardens, Agricultural Fair and other updates. (Sullivan
Chamber)
Mon, June 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 23
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities
Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the digital divide.
(Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 2
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Aug 3
6:00pm School Committee Summer Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Sept 7
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Sept 21
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council with the decision process for the closing of the Main Library on
Sundays for the summer months.
O-2 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that there are
proposed traffic calming measures for Linnaean Street; and
WHEREAS: The city is attempting to manage and slow traffic down on Linnaean
Street in response to the pedestrian safety concerns expressed by some
residents; and
WHEREAS: Many residents have expressed concerns about the proposed measures by
the city regarding loss of parking spaces in a dense neighborhood, and whether
or not said measures will achieve or hinder pedestrian and bicycle safety; and
WHEREAS: It appears that many resident concerns have not been addressed; now
therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council with a summary of residents concerns, the rational for the proposed
concerns and a community meeting scheduled on a night other than a Monday night
to allow councillors to attend and listen to the response with residents prior
to any implementation of said measures.
O-3 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that motorists have
been using Kenway Street as a drive through; and
WHEREAS: Many parents with young children live on Kenway Street and they are
concerned that an increase in the volume of traffic on the street may jeopardize
the safety of their children who often play on the sidewalk; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding the
traffic patterns on Kenway Street and determine what, if anything, can be done
to reduce the amount of traffic on the street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-4 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there is growing
concern in North Cambridge over the future of the building formerly occupied by
Marino’s Restaurant; and
WHEREAS: Residents in the vicinity of the now vacant building have reported that
a number of local youth now use the building to congregate after school; and
WHEREAS: It has been some time since the City Council has received an update
from the City Manager on the status of the building; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City
Council with an update on the status of the building formerly occupied by Marino’s
Restaurant and what plans, if any, exist to find a new tenant for the property
to ensure that the building does not became a haven for North Cambridge youth to
congregate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-5 May 24, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the new Riverside neighborhood park be named in such a way as to
commemorate the historic African American presence in the Riverside
neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to form a committee
(to meet no more than three times) to propose an appropriate name for the new
park.
O-6 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on the reasoning behind removing the dedicated walk cycle from
Massachusetts Avenue crossings between Harvard Square and Porter Square, thus
setting up conflicts between drivers that turn on a green light against
pedestrians crossing during a concurrent walk signal.
O-7 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council Committee on Transportation, Traffic and Parking
schedule a public meeting on the City’s traffic calming and bike facility
programs.
O-8 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The Cambridge License Commission recently held a mandatory meeting of
taxi medallion owners and lessors; and
WHEREAS: At this meeting, many matters of concern were raised regarding the
responsibilities of owners and lessors, the proper functioning of the taxi
industry in Cambridge, and the level of customer satisfaction with Cambridge’s
taxi industry; and
WHEREAS: There are many issues which plague our taxi industry, such as
insufficient training for new drivers, dysfunction among various radio services,
and enforcement of the ban on Cambridge pick-ups by non-Cambridge cabs not
specifically called to Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: There are many unresolved issues which remain on the Cambridge taxi
industry’s agenda; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review with the
License Commission the feasibility of conducting a customer satisfaction survey
of the Cambridge taxi industry, the purpose of which would be to determine why
consumers do or do not choose Cambridge taxis, to determine whether the License
Commission can, by policy implementation or regulation, assist the Cambridge
taxi industry in being more consumer-friendly and more competitive, and to help
the License Commission and the taxi industry in Cambridge establish a strategic
plan to prioritize how and when the recurring industry issues will be addressed.
O-9 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that after a month of
closure, Norton’s Woods has reopened; and
WHEREAS: Seemingly without consulting the community, Norton’s Woods is now
unavailable for use to dogs when historically the community has been entitled
reasonable access to the property; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inquire as to why a
new policy barring dogs from Norton’s Woods has been instituted; and be it
further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-10 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: There are many entities, both private and municipal, who take on the
role of preserving the history of Cambridge, including the Cambridge Historical
Commission, the Cambridge Room of the Cambridge Public Library, the Cambridge
Historical Society, and Cambridge Community Television; and
WHEREAS: These entities work to preserve the history of Cambridge’s past,
current happenings in Cambridge, the social history of Cambridge, the
architectural history of Cambridge, and other facets of the history of
Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: A collaborative effort to digitize these collections would serve the
people of Cambridge by easing access to these collections; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inform the City
Council on how the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Room of the
Cambridge Public Library, the Cambridge Historical Society, and Cambridge
Community Television might work together to digitize the various Cambridge
historical collections and determine how these various entities will work
together to preserve Cambridge history of the past, current happenings, social
history, architectural history and preservation, and other matters of historical
significance to Cambridge.
O-11 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council with a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
O-12 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There has been a recent increase in commercial break-ins the East
Cambridge area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Police Commissioner on the recent commercial break-ins in East Cambridge and
report back to the City Council with an update.
O-13 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that after many years the Creative
Schools Program will no longer be funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council;
and
WHEREAS: It has become increasingly apparent how crucial the arts are to the
development of children; and
WHEREAS: The Creative Schools Program is a valuable tool in bringing the arts to
students here in Cambridge and throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Not only students, but local artists, benefit from the existence of
this program; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record encouraging the Massachusetts
Cultural Council to reconsider its decision to eliminate the Creative Schools
Program; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to Anita Walker, Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Cultural Council, on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-14 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Amendment #91
passed by the Massachusetts Senate would restructure the districting of local
veterans agencies and negatively impact the delivery of local services to
veterans; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record opposing Senate Amendment #91 to
S2424, An Act Relative to Municipal Relief, and urging the joint
Conference Committee to not include any legislative language in the final
Conference Committee Report that would negatively impact the delivery of local
veterans' services.
O-15 May 24, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Assistant City Manager for Community Development for further discussion and
recommendations to the Ordinance Committee in the area of specifying the
protections that are envisioned for solar energy systems that are registered
with the City.
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 2011 in the amount of $426,629,125 held public hearings on this
matter on May 5, 2010 and May 13, 2010 commencing at 9:30am and on May 19, 2010
commencing at 6:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the GENERAL FUND BUDGET for the City of
Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2011 in the sum $426,629,125 to the full City Council
with a favorable recommendation.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, 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
2011 in the amount of $16,416,120 held a public hearing on this matter on May
13, 2010 commencing at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the WATER FUND for the City of Cambridge for
Fiscal Year 2011 to the full City Council for the adoption of the enclosed order
in the total amount of $16,416,120.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, 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 2011 in the amount of $9,935,015 held a public hearing on this
matter on May 13, 2010 commencing at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE has referred the PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND for the City of
Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2011 to the full City Council for the adoption of the
enclosed order in the total amount of $9,935,015.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #4
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council,
conducted a public meeting on Wed, May 12, 2010 at six o’clock and twelve
minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide a summary to community leaders of the city’s current and proposed budget and an explanation of how state and federal budget allocations have impacted the city budget.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor Davis; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; City Manager Robert W. Healy; Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi; Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Louis DePasquale; Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein; Assistant City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff; Budget Director David Kale; Public Works Commissioner Lisa Peterson; Police Commissioner Robert Haas; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Also in attendance was Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street; Marilyn Garlington, 15 Lambert Street; Kathy Podgers; Risa Mednick, Transition House; and Gordon Calkin, Heading Home.
Councillor Decker opened the meeting and explained the purpose. This meeting is to explain how the budget is developed, the City Council goals and how tax dollars are reflected in the budget to community leaders. Cambridge, she said, is in a good financial situation. She requested City Manager Healy to give an overview of the budget.
Mr. Healy stated that the budget is conservative. He explained that expenditures "less than" projected and revenue "more than" projected equals "free cash". The budget contains the capital and operating budget and the five year projections for capital projects. Sixty-eight percent of the revenue to operate the city comes from property taxes. The commercial sector pays 2/3 of the property taxes while residential sector pays 1/3. Cambridge has the lowest residential tax rate in the Commonwealth and the commercial rate is the second lowest. The formula used to determine the property tax rate is the total dollars needed from the property tax divided by the tax value. The city works hard to keep the tax increase predictable. Ultimately, the tax rate is determined by the budget, which sets out the total dollars needed for the fiscal year. The budget narratives explain how the city departments operate and achieve the City Council goals. Cambridge has received awards for the budget. He explained that this was his thirty-sixth year with the city and his twenty-ninth year as City Manager. In 1980 Proposition 2½ was adopted to limit property taxes. The fiscal year 1982 budget had to be reduced by 12½ percent due to Cambridge being twenty-five percent over the Proposition 2½ limit. In fiscal year 1983 the budget was supposed to be cut an additional 12½ percent, however in November 1982 Cambridge voters passed a referendum not to cut the budget by 12½ percent. The bond rating was suspended which meant that the city had no ability to borrow money from 1981-1984. Cambridge has received a AAA bond rating for the last eleven consecutive years.
Mr. Healy explained the budgetary process and schedule. City staff works on the budget all year long. Revenue is reviewed continuously
* In December the City Manager holds a departmental meeting to give a briefing on budget guidelines;
* In January department heads submit their departmental budgets;
* In February and March the City Manager holds departmental budget hearings at which budgets are reviewed to ensure that the goals of the City Council are met;
* In April the City Manager submits his proposed budget to the City Council;
* In May the City Council holds budget hearings; and
* In late May the City Council adopts the budget for the next fiscal year.
He further added that this current budget contains a three percent salary increase negotiated through collective bargaining; no increase occurs in 2011. Revenue from the hotel/motel tax is down. The water department is supported from money received from the water bills.
At this time Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Mr. DePasquale distributed a hand out (ATTACHMENT A). He highlighted items in the attachment. He stated that the total assessment is made up of 61% residential property that pays 33% of the property tax and 39% commercial property that pays the remainder of 67%. Less than 1% of the tax bills sent out requested abatement. The Free cash balance is $84.6 million. The city does not use free cash that it cannot replenish. The use of $9 million in free cash decreased the tax rate. Public facility project bonds used $24 million. The Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility, War Memorial renovations, CRLS renovations, Library and the Mayor Sheila Doyle Russell West Cambridge Youth and Community Center were five major projects funded. In the school stabilization fund $2.8 million will be used in the current budget leaving a balance of $7.1 million. In fiscal year 09 the Health Claims Trust Fund balance was $17.6 million and the Parking Fund balance was $11.8 million. The Reserve Fund balance is $60.4 million. The Water Fund balance is $6.4 million. The Water Fund money is used for sewer work.
Mr. Healy spoke of the principal employers in the city. Harvard and MIT are the two principal employers in the city. Novartis, he stated, was persuaded to stay and expand its operations in Cambridge. The ten top taxpayers were listed in the attachment. MIT is the top tax payer in Cambridge. Kendall Square houses the life science industry that grew from a risk taken by Boston Properties in the l970’s. He discussed the ability to generate non property tax supported revenues. New growth and new development is important to the city. The current budget is down l position and down 28 positions in the last five years. The Police and Fire Departments staffing levels have returned to their pre-2½ levels. The state budget reductions to Cambridge over the last five years have been significant. Cambridge has absorbed the reductions with a reasonable property tax increase. The budget contains four statutory categories. Mr. Rossi chairs the capital committee and the process for capital expenditures is the same as the budgetary process.
Mr. Rossi outlined the Capital process. Projects costing $50,000 or more with a five year life are capital projects. Departments assess their needs and desires then the needs are prioritized. The city is focusing on energy improvements and will realize savings in the operating budget with the improvements. The Capital Committee meets and reviews the capital requests, looks at what the city can afford and then makes a recommendation to the City Manager. At this time Budget Director Mr. Kale spoke of the City goals.
Mr. Kale provided a month by month outline of the work on the financial, budgetary, CPA, Capital and narrative work for the preparation of the Annual Budget document. This included a description of how budget guidelines are developed and an overview of the budget process.
Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Healy how much time does the City Manager and the Superintendent of Schools spend on the budget.
Mr. Healy responded that he meets with the Superintendent in December after work has been completed on the school budget. The School Committee adopted the school budget. There is a $3.9 increase in the school budget. The city swallowed the Chapter 70 state cuts of $367,000.
At this time Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein gave a departmental perspective of the budget development process and guidelines. She told the life of her department for a year and at the programmatic level in preparing the budget. Budgetary expenditure is put together with the goals. Money is being saved through the use of e-mail rather than snail mail. Savings are also realized by work done by in house staff rather than through the use of consultants. New priorities are reviewed.
Mr. Healy stated that the budget is up 3.1% due to the fact that there are fifty-three Thursday pay periods in the current budgetary period for the Fire and Police Departments. This will occur next year also for the employees who are paid on Fridays. He stated that Fiscal Year 2012 will be rough. State Aid will decline because the ARRA money is used up. He does not foresee revenue from casinos.
Councillor Decker thanked the City Manager, Deputy City Manager and the Fiscal Team for their work. The goal of this meeting was to get community leaders together with the city administration to explain how the budget is prepared. Her hope is to encourage more community involvement in the process. This is the beginning of that process. At seven o’clock and fifty minutes PM she opened the meeting to public comment from community leaders.
Gordon Calkin, Heading Home, stated his agency provides shelter services primarily to the homeless. He stated that this meeting was helpful. He is seeing a change in their clientele. The homeless now are the working poor caused by the economic downturn.
Risa Mednick, Transition House, stated that her agency is a domestic violence prevention agency. She also sees a shift in their clientele. She sees an increased need for supported housing and it involves skilled providers to provide needed services. There is a more coordinated cohesive need.
Charlie Marquardt stated that East Cambridge has seen a significant amount of development. People want to age in place. Better sidewalks are needed. It is hard for residents of East Cambridge to get to the new library. The city needs to build housing that does not require automobiles. He spoke of the lack of a food market in East Cambridge and its need. He asked what would become of the Court House site in the future.
Vice Mayor Davis spoke about the resistance met to implement new initiatives. She cited the aging in place as a new initiative that has no performance standard. Mr. Rossi stated that as items become a City Council policy in time they will become a reality.
Councillor Decker thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at eight o’clock and eight minutes PM.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #5
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on May
4, 2010 beginning at 10:00am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update on Cambridge’s new Baby U pilot program, how to improve the college graduation rate for Cambridge students, middle school programs and the committee agenda for this term.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, chair of the committee; Vice Mayor Sam Seidel; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.
Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Ardeene Goodridge, Area 4 Task Force; Lei-Anne Ellis, Director of Early Childhood Programs, Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP); Betsy Abrams, Coordinator, Baby U, DHSP; Barbara Kibler, Executive Director, Margaret Fuller House; Jennifer Bailey, Agenda For Children Literacy Initiative, Cambridge Health Alliance; Mina Reddy, Director, Community Learning Center, DHSP; Bobby Tynes, CRLS; Steven Swanger, Director of Resident Services, CHA; Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer, Cambridge Public Health Department; Allyson Allen, Office of Workforce Development, DHSP; Michelle Godfrey, Director, Center for Families, DHSP; Kathleen Kinsley, Cambridge Family YMCA; Susan Walsh, Director, Office for Workforce Development, DHSP; Khari Milner, Cambridge Public School Department (CPSD) Afterschool Partnership; Daryl Mark, Director of Children’s’ Library Services; Nancy Tauber, Member, Cambridge School Committee; Debbie Bonilla, Baby U; Ellen Wolpert, Cambridge Community Partnership for Children (CPC); Robert Haas, Police Commissioner; Joyce Colman, Cambridge Guidance Center; Carolyn Turk, Deputy Superintendent, CPSD; Susan Flug, DHSP; Ellen McLauglin, Executive Director, Tutoring Plus; Susan Richards, DHSP; Mike Delia, Director, East End House; Robert Bridgeman, Director, Phillips Brooks House Association.
Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and explained the purpose. Councillor Reeves reviewed the work of the committee during the last term, when the committee focused on looking closely at the work of the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), particularly in the areas of parent education through its Baby College program, and college graduation through its Office of College Success, and how these HCZ programs might be adapted to meet Cambridge needs in similar areas. He commended the hard work of committee attendees, which resulted on the institution of the Baby U pilot project, and invited Ellen Semonoff and her staff to update the committee on Baby U.
Ms. Semonoff began by noting the extraordinary level of collaboration of the early childhood /human services community that has enabled the thoughtful and enthusiastic creation of the Baby U. She invited Lei Anne Ellis to describe the program. Ms. Ellis said that the program design utilizes the HCZ program design, modified by what Cambridge brings to the table in the form of pre-existing programs. She described the program and distributed three handouts describing the program, "Baby U Update" (Attachment A), "Baby U Guiding Philosophy" (Attachment B) and "Baby U Calendar" (Attachment C). They began with 30 families and lost some, mostly due to parents finding work that resulted in changed schedules. They now have a steady 23 families. The program includes home visits, workshops once a week for eight weeks, followed by eight weeks of organized play groups. Like the HCZ program, there are weekly incentives for attendance. Each workshop covers a different topic in parenting education, for example, the first workshop is entitled "Babies Brains: You Make a Difference." Ms. Ellis emphasized the importance of a steering committee that brings strong and differing expertise to the program’s success.
Councillor Kelley asked where we go next with the people who have gone through this program. Ms. Semonoff said that they realize that the parents will need additional support. There is a planning process underway to look at that question. Councillor Seidel suggested that perhaps there are other sources of funding for a follow up program that is not as intensive as Baby U. Councillor Reeves said that HCZ has a program for three-year-olds. He added that it is also important to think about a "boot camp" for four- and five-year-olds to make sure that they start school ready to learn.
Ms. Goodridge asked if there is some way to build the families from this first pilot into the one which will take place in Area Four. Ms. Bailey replied in the affirmative. She said that families from this program have volunteered to be "ambassadors" to introduce the next program.
Councillor Kelley asked if there are any groups for fathers. Ms. Godfrey said that there is a "Nurturing Fathers" eight week program at the Center for Families. They have hired two men to lead the group and it is based on discussions of fathers’ roles in their children’s lives. The participants include both men living in homes with their children and men not living with their families. Councillor Reeves noted the connections among programs that the Men’s Health Program has been fostering, especially with the Cambridge Works program. He said that several of the Cambridge Works participants are young fathers. Ms. Semonoff said that one of the participants in Cambridge Works is also participating in Baby U. Councillor Reeves also urged the use of incentives for program participation, as Baby U is doing.
Councillor Reeves then moved the discussion to the issue of how Cambridge can help Cambridge college students stay in school until they graduate. He asked Dr. Turk to what extent there has been a review of the college counseling that takes place at the high school. Dr. Turk said that there are two important changes in this area. One is that CRLS is maintaining a much more active connection with students and their families in terms of follow-up during the first semester of college. The other is that CRLS is taking advantage of survey data that they did not have in the past.
Mr. Tynes added that the CRLS guidance staff is using the Naviance Program which allows entry of a great deal of individual student data which can then be compared with its huge data base of student data and college acceptances and is extremely helpful in giving information about what is a good match of student and school. There is a strong interest and career matchup component.
Councillor Reeves added that there is a problem in Cambridge of some seniors getting "unaccepted" by colleges because of poor second semester grades. Mr. Bridgeman said that Philips Brooks House offers two $2500 scholarships to CRLS students. There were only three applicants. Mr. Bridgeman said that some of the Phillips Brooks House students are interested in mentoring CRLS students.
Ms. McLaughlin said that this is not just a Cambridge problem. There is a national problem with kids who go to colleges and are not academically ready. They have to take remedial course and they run out of scholarship and loan money before they are halfway through the college curriculum. Councillor Reeves agreed. He said that he knows a young man at Northeastern University who has been there for six years and is nowhere near graduation.
Councillor Reeves stated that he believes there needs to be a smaller task force that meets on the issue of how to improve college success rates for Cambridge students. He requested that a smaller group of interested persons, including of course, Dr. Turk, Steve Swanger, Robert Bridgeman and Ellen Semonoff, meet and develop recommendations for the larger group.
Councillor Reeves listed the following issues as items for future
consideration by the committee:
* homelessness
* coordination among the many human service agencies
* update on Cambridge Works
* afterschool/out of school time
* system wide working together (added by Councillor Seidel)
* demographic update
Councillor Reeves then announced that the topic for the next meeting would be middle schools and middle school afterschool programs and determining the committee’s agenda for the rest of the term.
Councillor Reeves congratulated all of the participants on their achievement with the Baby U program and thanked all attendees for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 11:55am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair
Committee Report #6
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on May 6, 2010 beginning at 6:05pm
in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the hearing was to consider a petition filed by the City Council on behalf of the Green Building/Zoning Task Force to amend the zoning ordinance to encourage green building practices in Cambridge.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Susan Glazer, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD; Iram Farooq, Senior Planner, CDD; and Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor.
Councillor Seidel convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited CDD staff to present the proposal. Mr. Dash opened the presentation and introduced Ms. Farooq, who chaired the Green Building/Zoning Task Force. Ms. Farooq said that the task force was appointed by the City Manager at the City Council’s request. It included representation from the whole range of the building and planning community and the green energy community. The task force met for over a year, beginning in 2008. The task force recommends adoption of the proposed zoning amendments to encourage energy efficient building practices and create green building standards in Cambridge.
The remaining zoning proposals would accomplish the following:
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS FOR LARGE DEVELOPMENT /LEED
All major new construction and significant rehab of existing buildings already
subject to special permit or development consultation would be required, at a
minimum, to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green
building criteria at the following levels:
* 25,000-49,999 sq. ft. - LEED ‘Certified’ level
* 50,000 sq. ft. and larger - LEED ‘Silver’ level
Formal certification from US Green Building Council (USGBC)/ Green Building
Certification Institute (GBCI) would not be required.
GREEN ROOFS
Green roofs would be excluded from the calculation of gross floor area (GFA)
even when access to the rooftop is provided. Currently, access to a rooftop,
when located above the third floor, triggers the roof area being included in the
GFA calculation.
As an incentive to create green roofs, decks or patios less than or equal to 15% of the green roof area and set back 10’ from all building edges may also be excluded from the calculation of GFA. This would be permitted as of right in non residential districts and high density residential districts (Residence C-1A, C-2, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A, and C-3B). A special permit would be required in the remaining residential districts.
IMPEDIMENTS TO BUILDING GREEN IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Certain green elements that may reduce a building’s energy consumption and
improve indoor environmental quality would be excluded from the calculation of
GFA. These include:
* double skin façade exterior walls
* extensive exterior wall insulation
* shading devices such as overhangs, eaves, awnings, pergolas, and arbors
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Building mounted solar energy systems would be defined as mechanical equipment
in the zoning ordinance and hence would not be subject to FAR and height
restrictions. Installation of solar systems would require a building permit and
a list of solar energy system permits, including addresses and dates of issue,
would be maintained at the Inspectional Services Department.
New development projects adjacent to existing solar systems would be encouraged to minimize shadow impacts on those solar systems. In addition, the impact of tree planting and landscape improvements on neighboring solar energy systems should also be considered.
Councillor Seidel then invited questions and comments from the members of the City Council.
Councillor Kelley said that, with regard to the proposals to encourage green roofs, he appreciates the efforts, but he sees a problem in allowing roof decks as an incentive for creating green roofs. The idea of putting more outdoor activities in a dense area is likely to cause conflicts among neighbors.
Councillor Kelley said that he likes the idea of not counting the extra wall space for insulation as part of gross floor area needed for GFA. He is not sure how he feels about awnings. In evaluating the proposal his question is whether residents are getting something suitably useful for the trade offs. He added that the greenest we can possibly be is by making Cambridge a place where people like to live.
Councillor Cheung thanked CDD and the task force for the great work that they have done. From his perspective, this is a safe and cautious approach that relies on what has been proven to work. He sees it as a useful zoning amendment that will help the City realize its green goals.
Mr. Dash said there are two parts to green roofs proposal. In general, a green roof is not seen as an area for social activity, but the proposed amendment does allow 15 percent of the roof area as a deck in non-residential zoning districts, set back 10 feet from the edge of the roof. The issue of whether to allow decks on roofs was a very active discussion by the committee.
Councillor Kelley said he believes that allowing decks will cause a difficulty. We can sleep with windows open in the summer now but when it gets so noisy from deck activity that we close the windows and get air conditioners, it is not clear that it is a victory for the green agenda.
Councillor Seidel asked why the required LEED standard is so low. Ms. Farooq said the lower standard is for the smaller buildings. The goal is to encourage green buildings without making it out of reach financially. In looking at green building regulations in other cities, they often start requirements at 50,000 square foot buildings which is where the proposed standard in this petition becomes stricter.
Councillor Seidel asked what in the proposal allows for the growth of knowledge and technological advances that can happen in five years. Ms. Farooq pointed to the use of LEED standards instead of creating one specific standard that would become part of the zoning law. The LEED standard is created by a consensus process among the experts, the US Green Building Council. As the technology advances, the LEED standard will advance.
Councillor Seidel urged careful attention to any unexpected side effects. He gave he example of an individual who put R-60 insulation right under his roof. The insulation worked so well to keep in heat that snow and ice on his roof did not melt as fast and resulted in significant roof damage.
Councillor Kelley said that in the solar energy protection sections, there is no concrete measure of what would be prohibited. He asked whether a new developer of a building that required a special permit could be ordered in the special permit to buy back the solar system from the affected residents. Mr. Dash said that the task force had a discussion about these issues. It would have to be a solar system that preexisted building permit application.
Councillor Kelley asked whether there is a minimum amount of solar energy that needs to be generated to trigger the protector. To him it looks like one solar cell gets the same protection as a solar roof.
Ms. Farooq said the solar energy issue was extremely challenging. She noted that there is no protection from an as-of-right construction that impedes the solar energy system; the protections only apply where the construction needs a special permit.
Councillor Kelley said maybe something could be done like if x percent of the system is lost by non as-of-right building; there is a requirement for the builder to buy back the system.
ORDERED: It is hereby ordered that the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development for further discussion and recommendations to the Ordinance Committee in the area of specifying the protections that are envisioned for solar energy systems that are registered with the City.
Councillor Seidel then invited public comment.
Guy Asaph, 29 Oakdale Street, said there is no reason for anyone to invest $30,000 in a solar system. A $25,000 investment would produce $25 in electricity. There is no incentive. He said that if we want to make energy issues seriously, there have to be real incentives. The proposals are nice, but they do not go far enough. The greenest buildings are big buildings, so up-zoning and providing incentives are the best ways to make Cambridge buildings more energy efficient.
Councillor Kelley asked about groundwater source pumps. Ms. Farooq said that they are included as one of the exclusions from GFA for the area used for the equipment. The hearing ended with some the possible advantages of neighborhood co-generation.
It was agreed without objection that the petition would remain in committee. On a motion of Councillor Cheung, the hearing was adjourned at seven p.m.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
09-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what barriers would prevent residents from raising chickens and
what could be done to remove these barriers. Remains on Awaiting Report List at
request of Councillor Davis
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 12/14/09 (O-2)
10-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an assessment and plan for repairs and improvements of all school
playgrounds.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 01/11/10 (O-3)
10-32. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#18
RE: report on issues with the development of the former St. John’s property
site.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/08/10 (O-4)
10-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report detailing issues of greatest importance that are before the Police
Review and Advisory Board.
Councillor Simmons 03/22/10 (O-12)
10-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of initial funds and any other funds received to date
from Lesley University for improvements to Mass Avenue.
Councillor Seidel 03/22/10 (O-15)
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of
civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the experimental rubber sidewalks.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-9)
10-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the adoption of a regulation to prohibit licensed hotels from
subcontracting housekeeping services.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor
Reeves and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-16)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and
whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the
purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on red light violations at 77 Mass Avenue and the possibility of
installing a raised crosswalk.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-2)
10-60. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City’s current cell phone tower zoning policy.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-5)
10-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Cambridge and on the feasibility
of partnering with local institutions to conduct an annual HIV and Hepatitis
Testing Day.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-6)
10-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business
and residential building improvements.
Councillor Cheung 04/26/10 (O-8)
10-64. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#3
RE: report on the possibility of submitting a proposal for use of the Sullivan
Courthouse and to monitor the proceedings of the sale.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-11)
10-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City maintains and enforces the appropriate width of a
sidewalk for safe access.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-12)
10-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an impact assessment and enabling language for an ordinance
amendment requiring that all new street-level parking lots make use of
semi-permeable paving alternative.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/26/10 (O-13)
10-69. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#4
RE: report on making the property at 93 Kirkland Street part of the affordable
housing stock.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley,
Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey
05/03/10 (O-3)
10-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of updating the website with automatic translation
software.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor
Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/03/10
(O-5)
10-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on requiring all licensed establishments to clean the sidewalks in
front of their businesses or risk being fined.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor
Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/03/10
(O-6)
10-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on removing the raccoons from the Squirrel Brand park.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor
Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/03/10 (O-7)
10-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether any action is necessary by the City as it relates to
affordable housing commitments at 303 Third Street as a result of a recent
judgment by the Suffolk Superior Court.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley,
Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons
05/03/10 (O-8)
10-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on white protruding cylindrical objects on the roof the former
Blessed Sacrament Church building project.
Councillor Decker 05/03/10 (O-9)
10-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-1)
10-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current tree-related ordinances, state statutes and informal
policies.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-2)
10-77. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#19
RE: report on a review of investments and business practices engaged in by the
City to determine what activities are conducted with the State of Arizona.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-4)
10-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on proposed ordinance to allow residents to purchase permits to
barbeque on public land.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor
Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/10/10
(O-6)
10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and
barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of
enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)
10-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of implementing a 2D barcode located on square
signs.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-8)
10-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on broadening awareness of the importance of filling out the census.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-9)
10-82. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr
#5
RE: report on why the incidences of fires in the City has risen and what
residents can do to protect against this.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-12)