CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan, 2007: Kenneth Albert; Claude St. Louis; John D. Glover

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-66, regarding a report on the possibility of traffic calming measures on Middlesex Street.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-63, regarding a report on improving budget performance measures related to pedestrian and bicycle safety, tracking accidents and setting goals for consistently safe and legal behavior at crosswalks and red lights.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order authorizing the City Manager to transfer appropriations for available balances prior to the close of the books for FY06-07. [The majority of these transfers involve funding departmental salary and wage accounts from the salary adjustment budget account. The funding for the salary adjustment budget account was approved in the FY07 Adopted Budget. The City Council in the past has authorized the City Manager to make necessary transfers from available budget balances to those needing supplementals to avoid budget overruns.]

Agenda Item No. 4     June 4, 2007
ORDERED: That pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 33B, and prior to the close of the books for FY2007, the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations from allotments with available balances to those needing supplementation.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, the appropriation of $19,675 from the 2007 City Run Road Race receipts to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used primarily to support athletic programs at CRLS through the Friends of Cambridge Athletics with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Special Olympics Program and the Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT)

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $227,269 from the School General Fund Salary and Wages account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($171,533), to the School General Fund Travel and Training account ($35,024) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($20,712) to allow for reallocations related to approved school improvement plans, plant maintenance repairs (HVAC and roof repairs) and department operating transfers, including AVID training for staff at various schools, after-school and extended day programs, and CRLS technology equipment.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT)

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,700,000 from the FY07 School General Fund Salary and Wages account ($1,130,000) and the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($570,000) to the School Debt Stabilization Fund and will be used to fund future school capital projects and help offset fluctuations in future debt service revenues and expenses, subject to appropriation.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT)

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund City Clerk Extraordinary Expenditures account for the purchase of a replacement copier for the City Clerk’s Office.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT)

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of Feb 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin' Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 27, 2006.]

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table City Manager Agenda Number Six of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the Historical Commission's recommendation for the consolidation of the Half Crown and Marsh Neighborhood Conservation Districts. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Two of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Mayor Reeves on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the recommendations for changes to the Neighborhood Conservation District Ordinance and the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Order, submitted by the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee and endorsed by the Historical Commission. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Three of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Sullivan on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

5. That the City Council go on record in opposition to House Bill 847 An Act to Streamline Chapter 91 License Applications and Coastal Planning. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Sullivan on Order Number Sixteen of Mar 5, 2007. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Davis on Mar 19, 2007.]  Adopted

6. Opposition to the Urban Ring Phase II bus system unless the whole route is grade separated to ensure that the buses would not have to compete with general traffic. [Placed on Table Order Number Nineteen of Apr 9, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 9, 2007. Councillor Kelley's motion to take from Table Failed 3-6-0 on Apr 23, 2007.]

7. An application was received from Singh Raghbin, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 66 Dudley Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Response has been received from neighborhood association. [Placed on Table Applications and Petitions Number Four of Apr 23, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 23, 2007.]

8. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant Department heads to have the West Cambridge painted "rotary" removed. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Toomey on Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007. [Placed on Table Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on May 7, 2007.]

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

10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 26, 2007 to continue discussion on a proposed amendment to Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code, Animal Control Regulations, regarding rules for off-leash areas. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 4, 2007.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT) - Ordinance #1306

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow an additional $5,700,000 to the Public Investment Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to finance the War Memorial renovation project. The question comes on adoption on or after June 4, 2007.  Adopted 8-0-1 (Reeves ABSENT)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Cambridge Hair Design, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 389 Cambridge Street.

2. An application was received from Good Food Cafe, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 2378 Massachusetts Avenue.

3. An application was received from Desi Dhaba, requesting permission for nine tables and thirty chairs for restaurant seating in front of premises numbered 401 Massachusetts Avenue.

4. An application was received from Health Training Center, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 358 Broadway.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the family of Mildred Chase, acknowledging your expression of sympathy and thoughtful resolution.

2. A communication was received from Representative William N. Brownsberger, regarding City Council support of H2168, an Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition.

3. A communication was received from the Walpole Board of Selectmen, asking for support on legislation that will cause the immediate suspension of MGL Chapter 40B, the Comprehensive Permit Law.

4. A communication was received from Richard P. Carbone, Jr., President, Cambridge Hotel Association, requesting an extension on the hearing regarding the Hotel Worker Retention Ordinance scheduled for June 6, 2007.

5. A communication was received from Ruth E. Catavolo, transmitting thanks for the resolution in George's name.

6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding immigration.

7. A communication was received from Dennis D. Keefe, Chief Executive Office, Cambridge Health Alliance, regarding the Windsor Street Health Center.

8. A communication was received from Ethel Delgado, regarding the Windsor Street Health Center.

9. A communication was received from Minka vanBeuzekom, Area Four Neighborhood Coalition Leadership, regarding the Windsor Street Health Center.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to SCM Community Transportation for its exemplary service providing transportation to seniors and people with disabilities.   Councillor Davis

2. Welcome the new Kendall Square Farmers' Market to Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

3. Congratulations to Joe Petner on his retirement as principal from the Haggerty School and wish him well.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan

4. Thanks to Omar Bandar for his efforts as the Mayor's Office staff person designated to oversee efforts related to Cambridge's presence and effectiveness at the BIO 2007 Conference in Boston.   Mayor Reeves

5. Best wishes to Rounder Records as they relocate to Burlington.   Mayor Reeves

6. Congratulations to Reverend L. Nelson Fox on his 25th Anniversary as a Priest.   Mayor Reeves

7. Congratulations to Judge Joyce London Alexander on her election as Board chairperson of the Joint Center for Policy, a division of the Congressional Black Caucus.   Mayor Reeves

8. Welcome to the Harvard Class of 1972 to Cambridge on the occasion of their 35th Harvard College Reunion.   Mayor Reeves

9. Congratulations to Henry Lewis on his graduation from Harvard University in the School of Extension Studies.   Mayor Reeves

10. Congratulations to Joseph Johnson on his graduation from Harvard University in the School of Extension Studies.   Mayor Reeves

11. Congratulations to Councillor Marjorie Decker on her graduation from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan and Vice Mayor Toomey.

12. Congratulations to Mayor Joseph Curtatone on his recent election to the Metropolitan Planning Organization.   Vice Mayor Toomey

13. Congratulations to J. Keith Motley on being nominated to become the first black chancellor of the University of Massachusetts.   Mayor Reeves

14. Congratulations to the senior citizens who will be recognized at the 2007 Senior Recognition Award.   Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves

15. Retirement of Isaac M. Colbert from MIT as the Dean for graduate students.   Mayor Reeves

16. Best wishes to Cassandra Koutalidis on her new position as City Engineer for the City of Medford.   Mayor Reeves

17. Resolution on the death of Charles J. "Charlie" Ayers.   Vice Mayor Toomey

18. Resolution on the death of Josephine A. "Joni" (Aufiero) Cebrero.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

19. Resolution on the death of Terpsichore Citino.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

20. Resolution on the death of Chester L. Edwards.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

21. Resolution on the death of Muriel E. (Greene) Fowler.   Councillor Galluccio

22. Resolution on the death of Martha C. (McGee) Lang.   Councillor Sullivan

23. Resolution on the death of Celso A. Moreira.   Vice Mayor Toomey

24. Resolution on the death of Catherine T. (Welsh) O'Brien.   Councillor Galluccio

25. Resolution on the death of Herbert W. Randell.   Councillor Galluccio

26. Congratulations to the participants of the City-Links Program.   Councillor Sullivan

27. Thanks to Senator Barrios for his service to the people of Cambridge and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the death of John Joseph Pollander.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

29. Congratulations to Deb Sercombe on being named Principal of the Amigos School.   Councillor Sullivan

30. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the exhibition by Thomas Doane Perry III at the Greek Institute, 1038 Massachusetts Avenue on June 8, 2007 from noon to 5:00pm.   Councillor Sullivan

31. Happy 75th Birthday wishes to William Daley.   Councillor Sullivan

32. Retirement of Nancy Goodale Daniels from the School Department.   Councillor Simmons

33. Congratulations to Anthony Petrucelli on his successful senate race.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Daniel Courneya.   Councillor Decker
35. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Aaron Gautier.   Councillor Decker
36. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Robert Worthington.   Councillor Decker
37. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Joseph Anzack Jr.   Councillor Decker
38. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Robert Dembowski.   Councillor Decker
39. Resolution on the death of Private First Class William Farrar Jr.   Councillor Decker
40. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jonathan Hamm.   Councillor Decker
41. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nicholas Hartge.   Councillor Decker
42. Resolution on the death of Specialist Rhys Klasno.   Councillor Decker
43. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Benjamin Desilets.   Councillor Decker
44. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Roy Jones III.   Councillor Decker
45. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew LaForest.   Councillor Decker
46. Resolution on the death of Private Christopher Murphy.   Councillor Decker
47. Resolution on the death of Private Oscar Sauceda.   Councillor Decker
48. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jeffrey Walker.   Councillor Decker
49. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jonathan Winterbottom.   Councillor Decker
50. Resolution on the death of Corporal Julian Woodall.   Councillor Galluccio [presumably Decker]
51. Resolution on the death of Specialist Benjamin Ashley.   Councillor Decker
52. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Daniel Cagle.   Councillor Decker
53. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Davis.   Councillor Decker
54. Resolution on the death of Corporal Victor Pulido.   Councillor Decker
55. Resolution on the death of Private Anthony Sausto.   Councillor Decker
56. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Casey Zylman.   Councillor Decker
57. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Steven Packer.   Councillor Decker
58. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Anthony Schober.   Councillor Decker
59. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Allen Dunckley.   Councillor Decker
60. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Christopher Gonzalez.   Councillor Decker
61. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Kristopher Higdon.   Councillor Decker
62. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Andrew Bacevich.   Councillor Decker
63. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Steve Butcher Jr.   Councillor Decker
64. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant David Kuehl.   Councillor Decker
65. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Shannon Weaver.   Councillor Decker
66. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Robert Montgomery Jr.   Councillor Decker
67. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant John Self.   Councillor Decker
68. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jason Vaughn.   Councillor Decker
69. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Russell Shoemaker.   Councillor Decker
70. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Brian Ardron.   Councillor Decker
71. Resolution on the death of Major Douglas Zembiec.   Councillor Decker
72. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Robert Dunham.   Councillor Decker
73. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Frank.   Councillor Decker
74. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Thomas Wright.   Councillor Decker
75. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class James Connell.   Councillor Decker
76. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Major Bradly Conner.   Councillor Decker

77. Congratulations to Jack Connelly on winning the Alderman-At-Large seat in Somerville.   Councillor Galluccio

78. Best wishes to Martin Martinez in his future endeavors.   Councillor Galluccio

79. Resolution on the death of Kyle Campbell.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

80. Resolution on the death of Joseph B. Beatty.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

81. Resolution on the death of Maria do Carmo Pimentel.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

82. Resolution on the death of Rosemary A. (McDonough) Hopkins.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Davis

83. Congratulations to the recipients of the Cambridge First Day Awards.   Mayor Reeves

84. Resolution on the death of Eleanor O. (Adenauer) DeSantis.   Councillor Galluccio

85. Resolution on the death of Scott C. Bachelder.   Councillor Galluccio

86. Resolution on the death of Dave "Tim" Middleton.   Councillor Sullivan

87. Congratulations to the 8th grade students of the Baldwin School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

88. Congratulations to the 6th - 8th grade students of the Amigos School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

89. Congratulations to the students of the King Open School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

90. Congratulations to the students of the Haggerty School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

91. Congratulations to the members of the King Open School Science Club for Girls for visiting the King Open classrooms and explaining how Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs can save energy, money and fight global warming.   Councillor Davis

92. Congratulations to 7th and 8th grade students of the Cambridgeport School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

93. Congratulations to the students of the Kennedy-Longfellow School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

94. Congratulations to the students of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Environmental Action Club for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

95. Congratulations to the 5th grade students of the Peabody School for their fundraising efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

96. Congratulations to the students of the Fletcher-Maynard Academy for their efforts to help save energy while raising money for programs at their school.   Councillor Davis

97. Resolution on the death of Deborah A. Bray.   Councillor Sullivan

98. Resolution on the death of William R. Walsh.   Councillor Sullivan

99. Retirement of Boston Police Superintendent-In-Chief Al Goslin.   Councillor Sullivan

100. Congratulations and best wishes to Marlin Davis on being named Principal/Director of the Benjamin Banneker Charter School.   Councillor Simmons

101. Best wishes to Lenora Jennings on her retirement.   Councillor Simmons

102. Speedy recovery wishes to Eugene Sullivan.   Councillor Sullivan

103. Declare Saturday, June 9, 2007 as Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day.   Mayor Reeves

104. Congratulations to the tutors, teachers and students who participated in the 2006-2007 Cambridge Public Library Literacy Project.   Councillor Sullivan

105. Resolution on the death of Lucy Gaspar.   Vice Mayor Toomey

106. Congratulations to Sarah Lynne Cooper and John David Lundell on their recent marriage.   Councillor Davis

107. Congratulations to the CRLS Girls Track Team on their outstanding performance at the All State Track Meet.   Councillor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Department of Conservation and Recreation with the view in mind of installing trash receptacles along the Esplanade with particular emphasis on the area in front of the IBM Buildings, the Hotel Sonesta, the Hotel Marlowe and the Galleria Mall.   Councillor Sullivan and Vice Mayor Toomey

2. That the City Manager is requested to investigate why NSTAR Electric rates are higher in Cambridge than in other NSTAR serviced communities and report back to the entire City Council and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee.   Councillor Davis

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance with the view in mind of explaining why this action is contemplated and to further inform the Chief Executive Officer that neighborhood clinics need to be full service in order to meet the needs of the patients who use these clinics and these services.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Simmons

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance with the view in mind to request that in the future, when a major decision is made that affects the neighborhoods such as the obstetrics and gynecological services being eliminated at the Windsor Street Clinic, that the Cambridge Health Alliance as a courtesy notify the City Council of their decision.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

5. That the City Manager is requested to designate funds for a portrait of former Mayor Michael A. Sullivan.   Mayor Reeves

6. Urge the Massachusetts Legislature and the Patrick Administration, in the strongest possible manner, to oppose any effort to eliminate the municipal consent process for competitive providers of cable television service until, at a minimum, a thorough evaluation is completed of the current system and the effect of any proposed changes on local governments, residents, competitors, and incumbents is analyzed.   Mayor Reeves

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation of how the bike racks at Trolley Square got vandalized and how other bike racks in the City will be kept more secure in the future.   Councillor Kelley

8. That the City Manager is requested to develop and implement relevant policies as outlined in the attached Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2006, amended by Chapter 310, Sections 8, 33 and 34, of the Acts of 2006 to carry out the new law that grants new property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, surviving spouses and Gold Star parents which also contains motor vehicle excise exemptions as well.   Councillor Kelley  Amended

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads and the Department of Conservation and Recreation or Mass Highway to determine what sort of temporary signage might be used to let drivers know that Memorial Drive is closed on Sundays, what sort of specific traffic enforcement, especially at intersections where drivers frequently "block the box," might help traffic flow more smoothly and whether the lights at the intersections of Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue, Memorial Drive and Storrow Drive can be better synchronized.   Councillor Kelley

10. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with the accident statistics for Massachusetts Avenue from Upland Road to the Arlington line from Jan 2005 through June of 2006, broken down by the type of accident, severity of any injuries, date of accident and location of accident.   Councillor Kelley  Charter Right - Reeves

11. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the City's policy concerning idling City vehicles.   Councillor Kelley

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to address the strong odors emanating from the sewers along Cambridge Street.   Vice Mayor Toomey

13. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the impact of the Attorney General's settlement of a Class Action lawsuit regarding minority hirings for police and fire positions.   Councillor Galluccio

14. That the City Council, through their representative in the State House Vice Mayor Toomey and the City Manager, confer with MassPort on revisiting the granting of permission to Cambridge cabs the ability to pick up passengers at the airport after they drop off passengers.   Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey

15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance to ensure that services are not stopped until a public discussion of this matter has come before this City Council and that this matter be referred to the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing.   Councillor Decker  Amended

16. Congratulations to Allied Barton, Harvard University, and SEIU 615 on reaching a contract agreement.   Councillor Decker

17. City Council support of the workers at Smithfield processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina in their struggle for dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, and their right to organize into a union.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Galluccio

18. City Council opposition to the decision to ask the State Legislature to suspend Chapter 40B applications which fund affordable housing within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan and entire membership

19. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to ensure that the lighting from the Alewife head House from the T Station along the foot path to Russell Field are working and monitored.   Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the Human Services Committee, for a public hearing held on May 3, 2007 to discuss the vision for our youth centers.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 24, 2007 to discuss the petition from the Constellation Charitable Foundation to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 13.42 and 13.43 in Article 13.000, Planned Unit Development Districts, Section 13.40, PUD-3 Development Controls.  Passed to 2nd Reading

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a public hearing held on May 22, 2007 to discuss regulations relating to a proposed generator installation on Revere Street, adjacent to housing in a residential area and to receive a follow up on NSTAR outages.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 4
5:00pm   Special Presentation to Father Tsehai Birhanu for his leadership of the Ethiopian Christian community in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 5
6:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss citywide neighborhood issues and a presentation on community participation by Marian Darlington-Hope.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 6
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition from Craig H. Appel et al., requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge in Section 4.34 Office and Laboratory Use and Section 4.40 Footnotes. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition from Felicia Cott et al., requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge by changing the area bounded by the centerlines of Broadway, Hancock Street, Harvard Street and Lee Street from Residence C-1 district to Residence B district. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 13
5:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities will conduct a public meeting to discuss Building Code revisions on green buildings.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 20
9:30am   Economic Development, Training, and Employment Committee  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 26
2:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update from the Cambridge Health Alliance on current projects.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Sept 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that trash is accumulating along the Esplanade due to there being no trash receptacles; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Department of Conservation and Recreation with the view in mind of installing trash receptacles along the Esplanade with particular emphasis on the area in front of the IBM Buildings, the Hotel Sonesta, the Hotel Marlowe and the Galleria Mall.

O-2     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate why NSTAR Electric rates are higher in Cambridge than in other NSTAR serviced communities and report back to the entire City Council and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee.

O-3     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that effective July 1, 2007 the obstetrics and gynecological programs currently available at the Windsor Street Clinic will no longer be available; and
WHEREAS: The patients who use these programs at the Windsor Street Clinic will be sent to either the Cambridge Hospital or the East Cambridge clinic for these services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance with the view in mind of explaining why this action is contemplated and to further inform the Chief Executive Officer that neighborhood clinics need to be full service in order to meet the needs of the patients who use these clinics and these services.

O-4     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance with the view in mind to request that in the future, when a major decision is made that affects the neighborhoods such as the obstetrics and gynecological services being eliminated at the Windsor Street Clinic, that the Cambridge Health Alliance as a courtesy notify the City Council of their decision; and be it further
ORDERED: That this policy be transmitted to any and all agencies, boards and commissions that the City Manager deems necessary.

O-5     June 4, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate funds for a portrait of former Mayor Michael A. Sullivan.

O-6     June 4, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Verizon Communications has built facilities through which competitive cable television services can be offered in nearly 50 Massachusetts communities, yet it is not clear whether or when any other municipality in which Verizon also operates will enjoy the benefits of competition to the same extent as these communities; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth provides a primary role for local governments to negotiate the terms and conditions under which a wireline cable television company may provide cable television service to its residents pursuant to a municipal consent ordinance, and this requirement of law is consistent with the long-standing principle of ascertaining and addressing community cable-related needs at the local level; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth’s wireline cable television companies constructed and now operate cable television systems under municipal consents that address the specific needs of local communities with specific agreed upon terms; and
WHEREAS: Federal law explicitly prohibits cable companies and municipalities from entering into exclusive franchises. Yet, notwithstanding non-exclusivity, construction of competitive wireline cable television systems in Massachusetts has not occurred to the extent desired due to economic factors beyond the control of local government; and
WHEREAS: Competition in the provision of cable television service is desirable and has the potential for producing consumer benefits through increased choice and Cambridge supports competition; and
WHEREAS: In order to ensure nondiscriminatory and equal access to competitive services consistent with federal and state law, Cambridge has an obligation to ensure that its residents are among those to whom Verizon’s competition services will be made available by a date certain; and
WHEREAS: Verizon is seeking state legislation that would exempt it from the municipal consent process to which all cable television companies now operate and, if such legislation were enacted, would be permitted to offer competitive cable services under a state-issued franchise that would bypass municipal authorization and approval; and
WHEREAS: The process for award of such a state-issued franchises will have the effect of eliminating any meaningful opportunity for Cambridge to address the specific cable-related needs that otherwise might be fulfilled by Verizon and prevent Cambridge the ability to ensure competition is offered on equal terms; and
WHEREAS: Municipalities and their residents have a significant and specific interest in the terms and conditions attendant to the award of a cable television franchise; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Massachusetts Legislature and the Patrick Administration, in the strongest possible manner, to oppose any effort to eliminate the municipal consent process for competitive providers of cable television service until, at a minimum, a thorough evaluation is completed of the current system and the effect of any proposed changes on local governments, residents, competitors, and incumbents is analyzed.

O-7     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge prides itself on being a City where bicycling is a popular and effective method of alternative transportation; and
WHEREAS: Numerous bicycles are stolen in Cambridge every year; and
WHEREAS: Bicyclists need to be able to securely lock their bicycles if they wish to run errands or otherwise do activities that require leaving their bicycles outside and unattended; and
WHEREAS: Many cyclists leave their bicycles locked up outside because there is not enough room in their apartments or apartment buildings to conveniently store them; and
WHEREAS: Two bicycle racks were torn out of the pavement near Trolley Square recently; and
WHEREAS: These bicycle racks were recently installed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation of how these bike racks got vandalized and how other bike racks in the City will be kept more secure in the future.

O-8     June 4, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2006, as amended by Chapter 310. Sec. 8, 33 and 34 of the Acts of 2006, grants new Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, surviving spouses and Gold Star parents; and
WHEREAS: The same law also contains motor vehicle excise exemptions as well as a provision that creates a new local option statute, G.L. c. 59, S. 5L that give MA National Guardsmen and reservists deployed outside the state, or their dependents, up to 180 days after that service to pay their property taxes without interest or penalties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting Cambridge's adoption of this new law (as attached); and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop and implement relevant policies to carry out this new law; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on his recommendations.

O-9     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The closure of Memorial Drive on Sundays creates significant traffic impacts on streets leading to and from the Charles River and various parts of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: These traffic impacts include drivers getting stuck in intersections and blocking cross traffic, drivers getting impatient and honking their horns and drivers finding themselves unable to turn right from Western Avenue onto Memorial Drive and having to aggressively merge back into traffic; and
WHEREAS: Better signage of Memorial Drive's closure and better enforcement of traffic laws at relevant intersections could help alleviate these traffic impacts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads and the Department of Conservation and Recreation or Mass Highway to determine what sort of temporary signage might be used to let drivers know that Memorial Drive is closed on Sundays, what sort of specific traffic enforcement, especially at intersections where drivers frequently "block the box," might help traffic flow more smoothly and whether the lights at the intersections of Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue, Memorial Drive and Storrow Drive can be better synchronized.

O-10     June 4, 2007  Charter Right - Reeves
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There have been several accidents and reports of accidents on North Mass Avenue in the past several months; and
WHEREAS: Recent and pending new construction will have, and have had, impacts on traffic patterns in the area; and
WHEREAS: Without data it is impossible to determine what, if any, City policies and programs need to be changed to address traffic safety issues; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with the accident statistics for Massachusetts Avenue from Upland Road to the Arlington line from Jan 2005 through June of 2006, broken down by the type of accident, severity of any injuries, date of accident and location of accident; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide this data in digital form in an access database, an Excel spreadsheet or a similar type of data management program.

O-11     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Idling vehicles have a negative impact on local air quality; and
WHEREAS: City vehicles idle under a variety of circumstances; and
WHEREAS: Sometimes it is necessary for a City vehicle to idle in order to run relevant equipment, but sometimes it would be proper for the vehicle to be turned off; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the City's policy concerning idling City vehicles.

O-12     June 4, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to address the strong odors emanating from the sewers along Cambridge Street.

O-13     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the impact of the Attorney General's settlement of a Class Action lawsuit regarding minority hirings for police and fire positions.

O-14     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is the hub of technology; and
WHEREAS: The rise in Cambridge tourism has increased two-fold; and
WHEREAS: The ability to keep Cambridge competitive depends in part on transportation to Cambridge hotels is significant; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council, through their representative in the State House Vice Mayor Toomey and the City Manager, confer with Massport on revisiting the granting of permission to Cambridge cabs the ability to pick up passengers at the airport after they drop off passengers.

O-15     June 4, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the Windsor Street Clinic, operated by the Cambridge Health Alliance, will no longer practice OB\GYN services there as of July 1, 2007; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance to ensure that services are not stopped until a public discussion of this matter has come before this City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make the necessary arrangement to televise this public hearing.

O-16     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Allied Barton, Harvard University, and SEIU 615 have reached a contract agreement with security guards employed at Harvard University after 2½ years of negotiations; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record congratulating Allied Barton, Harvard University, and SEIU 615 on reaching a contract agreement; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Allied Barton, Harvard University, and SEIU 615 on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-17     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to the right of all workers to have dignity in their lives, safe conditions at work, a living wage, and health benefits, and supports responsible employers who follow the law and treat their workers fairly; and
WHEREAS: Smithfield Foods is the largest pork producer and processor in the world, the fourth largest turkey processor and fifth largest beef processor in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS: The largest of Smithfield’s facilities is in Tar Heel, North Carolina, where approximately 5,500 workers slaughter and process 32,000 hogs a day; and
WHEREAS: Smithfield Foods has created an environment of intimidation, racial tension, fear and sometimes, violence, for workers who desperately want a voice on the job. The company in Tar Heel, N.C., has been found liable of physically assaulting workers, threatening bodily harm, and causing the false arrest of workers for exercising their legal rights; and
WHEREAS: The right to form trade unions has been recognized as a Human Right under the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet it has been repeatedly ignored by Smithfield Foods. From the first attempt to organize in 1993 through today, Smithfield has met workers' attempts to organize with tactics that include racism, violence, and intimidation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record in support of the workers at Smithfield processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina in their struggle for dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, and their right to organize into a union; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Chairman Joseph Luter and CEO Larry Pope, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-18     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long supported Chapter 40-B funding for affordable housing within the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Some communities have asked the Massachusetts State Legislature for the immediate suspension of MGL Chapter 40B as it applies to applications for a comprehensive permit not supported by the community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record in opposition to the decision to ask the State Legislature to suspend Chapter 40B applications; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation, the Massachusetts State Legislature, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-19     June 4, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to ensure that the lighting from the Alewife head House from the T Station along the foot path to Russell Field are working and monitored.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Human Services Committee held a public meeting on Thurs May 3, 2007 beginning at 7:20pm at the Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st floor. Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the committee; Richard Harding, School Committee Member; Luc Schuster, School Committee Member; D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk; Wendy Wheeler, President, Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Michelle Farnum, Director of Youth Programs, Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP); Sarah Link, Assistant Director of Youth Programs, DHSP; Allen Platt, Director of the Area 4 Youth Center, DHSP; Stacey King, Cambridge Health Alliance; Susan Richards, Out of Schools Coordinator, Agenda for Children; Mary Wong, Executive Director of the Kids’ Council (DHSP); Patricia Bradshaw, Director of the Moore Youth Center, DHSP; Mo Barbosa, Assistant Director, Medical Foundation; Nancy Erdman, 190 Pemberton Street; Sam Seidel, Cambridge; Ann Murray, Harvard Street; Greg Moree, Pemberton Street.

Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She requested that Ms. Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services provide some background on the process and facilitator. Ms Semonoff did so and introduced Michelle Farnum, Director of Youth Programs, DHS. Ms. Farnum provided an overview of the process. The comprehensive and ongoing process has included visionary sessions development of actions plans, a feedback loop for clarification, along with ongoing staff training in the areas of youth development and principles. She then introduced Wendy Wheeler, president and founder of the Innovation Center. Ms. Wheeler has been a consultant, trainer and facilitator throughout the process. Ms. Wheeler commended the commitment of the City of Cambridge in the hard work in which it is engaged in order to provide its youth with excellent youth programming.

Councillor Decker and Councillor Galluccio then described the community forums at four different youth centers that they had requested that the DHSP convene on their behalf to solicit candid community feedback about the youth centers. Councillors Decker and Galluccio then presented a summary of the feedback provided by community residents, parents and youth, both youth currently enrolled and youth not enrolled in a youth center at all four forums. Their presentation covered the areas of general perceptions, knowledge of activities, youth development needs, staff qualities and suggested changes, activities and untapped resources. Their presentation summarized the report of the feedback attached to this report as Attachment A.

Ms. Farnum then described the focus groups that were also used to gather feedback. There were over 100 participants, all teens, half users of the youth centers, and half non-users. Seventy five percent of the participants had been to a youth center at least one time. Ms. Farnum stated that in general, the feedback from the focus groups mirrored the feedback received at the community forums.

Councillor Decker then invited the members of the School Committee to speak.

Richard Harding noted the importance of staff development. He reported on a very positive development in the area of school and out of school time partnerships: this year the School Department has given the youth center staff access to academic records. Mr. Harding emphasized that the most vulnerable times for teens are weekends and later at night. He also said that kids participate in a number of different activities and should not be expected to be at centers for many hours each night.

Luc Schuster applauded the connection of the youth programs with the School Department. He said that the School Committee is talking a lot about the future of the middle schools. Mr. Schuster noted two interesting program models: Project Hip Hop, which uses hip hop music get kids involved and also has a strong social justice component, and the Computer Club House at the Science Museum.

Councillor Decker then invited public comment.

Greg Moree, Pemberton Street, stated that there are hundreds of kids at Rindge Towers who do not know what to do. He urged more outreach, bringing picnics and bands to Rindge Towers.

Ann Murray, Harvard Street, stated that she grew up in Cambridge and has recently moved back. She sees big changes in the separation of rich and poor in Cambridge. We are not building bridges. She emphasized the need to find a way to serve the entire community and urged thinking about whether the youth centers should actually be community centers. Ms. Murray noted that the recent Science Festival could have located some events at the youth centers.

Sam Seidel, Cambridge, asked it the goal is to increase the usage of the youth centers of to fit them into an integrated plan of all of the programming. He said that the two goals could dovetail, but they are not the same. In response to his question about where the kids who use each of the youth centers come from, Mr. Platt, Director of the Area 4 Youth Center, said that all of the centers have a larger percentage of kids from the immediate neighborhood, but that this is a loose pattern, kids go all over the city to be with their friends or for particular interests. All of the centers have pre-teens from eight different schools.

Susan Richards, Out of School Time Coordinator for the Agenda for Children, said that issues of race and class continue in Cambridge.

Councillor Galluccio noted that the kids are much more willing to integrate than their parents are. He said that it would be a good idea to have enough community activities to get families comfortable with the youth centers. Councillor Galluccio also noted the need to look at the evolution of affordable technologies which keep kids home more (for example my space computer and hand held games and cell phones) and how to tackle that as a participation issue.

Councillor Decker stated that the next step would be a facilitated meeting of Human Services Committee to provide an opportunity for the City Council and School Committee to develop a shared vision for the youth centers and youth programs.

Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Co-Chair
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair

ATTACHMENT A

YOUTH CENTER - Community Forums - Summary of Participant Feedback

Overview In January and February of this year, at the request of City Councilors Anthony Galluccio and Marjorie Decker, the DHSP Youth Programs Division convened four community forums at four different Youth Centers: Area IV, Gately, Frisoli and Moore. The purpose of these forums was to solicit candid community feedback about the Youth Centers, both in terms of what they currently do and what they might do better. Community residents, parents and youth, both those enrolled and not enrolled in a Youth Center, participated in this process.

The following provides a summary of participant feedback collected from all four forums, with a focus on several key questions—listed below. Overall, participants conveyed positive feedback about the Youth Centers—that they offer a "safe place" in the community and engage youth in a variety of positive activities. At the same time, they offered valuable insight on ways the Youth Centers might seek to improve—in particular, how Youth Centers might seek to involve a broader cross-section of youth and how they might forge new partnerships with community organizations and residents.

Perceptions

Question: What words/images come to mind when you think about the Youth Centers?

On balance, the words and images participants associated with the Youth Centers were positive. Common perceptions included the following:

1. Youth Centers are "safe places" or "sanctuaries" for youth

2. Youth Centers offer "positive," "fun," "hip" or cool" activities that are positive alternatives to unsafe/unstructured peer activities

3. Youth Centers offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for youth.

Other positive, though less frequent, comments included: youth center staff serve as mentors, the Youth Centers offer educational support/homework help, and that Youth Centers are "community spaces", "meeting places," "family-oriented", and "resources for families," especially working families.

Feedback was also mixed, with some participants conveying critical perceptions. Common critical views included:

1. Youth Centers are segregated, in that they tend to serve only subgroups of youth, whether because of race, class, neighborhood/turf or peer culture delineations.

2. Youth Centers are a "mystery," in that not enough is known about what they do or offer, and that outreach/communication to surrounding residents and community organizations is limited.

Further review shows that while the first of these perceptions (Youth Centers as segregated) was reported by participants across Youth Centers/forums, the second (Youth Centers as a mystery) was predominantly reported at one forum (Area IV) and by what appears to be a small number of participants, and thus may reflect either a site-based challenge or a particular concern of some participants. Still, both of these perceptions may represent real, broad concerns within the community. To determine just how pervasive they are will require additional feedback from the community, and thus might be useful topics to raise at subsequent meetings/forums.

Other, less frequent criticisms were that Youth Centers are "underused," "boy-centered" and "loose/unsupervised." One of the most common perceptions was that Youth Centers primarily provide basketball and sports activities. It is likely that participants were conveying that this was both a positive and negative aspect of the Youth Centers.

Knowledge of Activities

Question: What activities are you aware of?

Participants listed a range of activities, demonstrating a high level of awareness of activities offered by youth centers. This may reflect the high number of Youth Center users participating in the forums. The most commonly cited activities were sports activities, followed by homework help, art enrichment, cooking and special events (dances, trips, parties, etc). Other, less cited activities were community service programs, social/gender clubs, academic enrichment, mentoring, and leadership programs.

Youth Development

Question: What do young people need to be successful?

Aligned with the youth development literature, the two most common elements cited by forum participants as essential for youth to succeed were:

1. who can "provide guidance" and serve as "role models" and "mentors."

2. Opportunities for youth to explore/"try new things" that expand their understanding of the world, provide leadership opportunities and build self-confidence

Participants also referenced several other essential components for promoting positive youth development, including: fostering social-emotional skills (self-control, respect/empathy for others, health peer relationships), providing learning/educational opportunities, parental support, "focusing on strengths," involving youth in decision-making, goal-setting, and fostering a "sense of belonging"

Staff Qualities

Question: What qualities should staff exhibit?

Corresponding with feedback that youth need positive connections with adults to succeed, forum participants predominantly focused on the personality traits and social-emotional skills that staff need to build strong, supportive relationships with youth. The most commonly cited qualities, thus, included:

1. Maturity and strong character –staff should demonstrate/embody qualities such as honesty, fairness, respect for others, patience and responsibility so that they can effectively guide youth and serve as "role-models."

2. A positive disposition –staff should convey that enjoy life, their work ("its not just a job") and being with youth; that they "have fun", are energetic, and have/share a sense of humor.

3. Strong communication skills—staff should have the ability to engage/build rapport with youth (both in groups and individually), facilitate activities and social experiences and effectively resolve conflicts.

A fourth, though less cited quality, was that staff should have expertise in a range of sports and art enrichment areas. Similarly, some participants suggested that staff have prerequisite education and skills to provide academic support to youth. Other staff qualities cited by participants included: "community" or "cultural" awareness (e.g. knowing the kids and neighborhood) and creativity/vision.

Suggested Changes / Activities / Untapped Resources

Question: What are some programs/activities do you wish we offered?

Question: If you could change something about the Youth Centers, what would it be?

Question: What are some untapped resources?

A predominate theme emerging from the forums was the need to more effectively connect or "open up" the Youth Centers to the larger community. More specifically, a majority of suggestions could be grouped into three main ideas:

1. Youth Centers should develop stronger and/or new connections with community organizations and residents. Participants cited the need for more in-depth, ongoing partnerships with one or more of the following:

* Local colleges and universities, whether in providing student volunteers, interns or mentors, enrichment activities, college/career counseling, career development/tuition credits for staff, etc.

* Businesses/non-profits (esp. high tech industry) to offer career exploration/apprenticeships, develop math/science/technology enrichment activities/projects, sponsor youth entrepreneurs, etc.

* Schools – to facilitate better collaboration to address youth academic and social-emotional needs

* Cultural organizations—museums, libraries, theater companies, dance studios, galleries

* Other youth serving agencies – such as other after school programs (Community Schools), academic prep programs or initiatives (e.g. Steppingstone foundation, Tutoring Plus, Science/robot-building contests), community service programs (e.g. City Year), and youth employment programs (e.g. JAS, OWD)

* Local artists/specialists/professionals – to offer enrichment classes, mentor youth, etc.

2. Youth Centers should shift to become "Community Centers," by serving/being open to not only youth, but parents/adults and younger children as well. Specific suggestions included the following:

* Creating community meeting spaces or locating services/amenities within Youth Centers (e.g. coffee houses, art galleries) that convene a cross section of the community

* Offering adult resources/classes –e.g. parenting classes, computer training, job counseling, fitness clubs, etc.

* Peer mentoring – in which older youth mentor younger youth

Note: Area IV participants offered most of the suggestions along these lines.

3. Youth Centers must improve their communication / public relations process

Several participants suggested that Youth Centers could do a better job "getting the word out" whether to youth, families, residents and schools/organizations. Specific ideas/comments included: developing new information materials/websites, targeting outreach to middle school families and teachers and hiring a street worker.

A second set of suggestion from participants focused on ways that Youth Centers could offer more/new activities to currently enrolled youth as well as activities that would appeal more to non-enrolled youth. The most common suggestions included the following:

* College/career counseling and support initiatives— colleges tours, youth jobs, youth-run businesses/entrepreneur programs, apprenticeships

* New art enrichment offerings (e.g. dance studios, open mic, recording studios, etc.)

* New/alternative sports and exercise activities (girls sports, rock climbing, crew, volleyball, etc)

* Enhanced academic skill support—e.g. MCAS prep classes, writing workshops, technology classes ("not just computer games"), etc

* Weekend hours

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee, comprised of the entire membership, held a public meeting on Thurs, May 24, 2007 at five o’clock and thirty minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the petition from the Constellation Charitable Foundation to amend the Zoning Ordinances in Section 13.42 and 13.43 in Article 13.000, Planned Unit Development Districts, Section 13.40, PUD-3 Development Controls.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Les Barber, Director, Land Use and Planning, Community Development Department; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Glenn KnicKrehm, President, Constellation Charitable Foundation, 975 Memorial Drive; Fred Paulsen and Donald Vaughn, Burns and Levinson, LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; and Tom Joyce, 183 Third Street.

Councillor Sullivan opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He asked the petitioner for a brief overview.

Donald Vaughn, representing the petitioner, distributed a packet of information as follows:
The petition and the revised text (ATTACHMENT A)
Summary of reasons for support for the petition (ATTACHMENT B)
Support letters
 East Cambridge Planning Team (ATTACHMENT C) 
 Biomed Realty Trust (two letters) (ATTACHMENT D-1 & D-2)
 Twining Properties (ATTACHMENT E)
 Genzyme Corporation (ATTACHMENT F)
 Draft finding by City Council (ATTACHMENT G)
 Additional findings by the petitioner (ATTACHMENT H)

This petition will not include any megaplex and does not change the allowed uses in the PUD-3 District. The petition does include a PAC – Performing Arts Center under "theater or hall for public gatherings". This petition adds a definition for gross floor area (GFA) that includes the features of a PAC. Acoustical and mechanical supports for the performing arts center are included in the petition. PAC would only be located in PUD-3 districts. Head and seat counts would be required by the Planning Board. He stated that letters of support are included in the distributed material.

Councillor Sullivan asked Councillor Davis if she had any questions about the petition.

Councillor Davis asked if the petition had an impact on anything in the city and if so, what is the impact. Mr. Barber responded that the changes in the petition are specific to PUD-3. There are three PUD permits in the First, Third, Broadway and Linsky Way areas of the city. This petition would affect this one development. There is no affect beyond the PUD-3 district. This project is supported by the neighborhood stated Councillor Davis.

At five o’clock and thirty-five minutes p.m. Councillor Sullivan opened the meeting to public comment.

Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that she is involved with the North Cambridge Opera Company. It is hard to find good space for small performing arts groups. She urged the City Council to adopt the amendment to the Zoning Ordinances.

Thomas Joyce, 183 Third Street, stated that he was a member of the East Cambridge Open Space Trust and recorded the support of the trust as well as the East Cambridge Planning Team. This building is in open space, but it is a public space area.

Glen Deleto, a neighbor of the Constellation Charitable Foundation, stated his support of the petition.

Councillor Davis moved that the petition be forwarded to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

Councillor Sullivan thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at five o’clock and forty minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair

PASS PETITION TO A SECOND READING on June 4, 2007

Committee Report #3
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Tues, May 22, 2007 at four o’clock and thirty-five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss regulations relating to a proposed generator installation on Revere Street, adjacent to housing in a residential area and to receive a follow up on NSTAR outages.

Present at the meeting were Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor; George Fernandes, City Electrician; Les Barber, Director, Land Use, Planning and Zoning, Community Development Department; Andrea Boyer, Lead Investigator, License Commission; Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk; Bill Zamparelli, Community Relations Representative, NSTAR; and Fred Martin, Lead Engineer, NSTAR.

Also present were Rosalie Prosser, 144 Mt. Auburn Street; Lucy Tittmann, 12 Gerry Street; Craig H. Appel, 11 Gerry Street; David T. Rich, 10 Gerry Street; Chris P. Jones, 130 Mt. Auburn Street #107; Joanne and Ken Cleary, 16 Gerry Street; Edwin M. Higgins, 130 Mt. Auburn Street #102; Janet Amphlett 8½ Ash Street Place; Grenelle Scott, 8½ Ash Street Place; Dirck Born, 985 Memorial Drive; and Janet Garfield, 130 Mt. Auburn Street.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She announced that city officials have met with State Street Financial and were informed by State Street Financial that they are no longer proposing a permanent or temporary generator at Revere Street. City Electrician, George Fernandes, stated that the business relating to the need for the generator will no longer be conducted at this location. The generator was needed to back up State Street Financials computer system. The request for the installation of a generator has been withdrawn. Councillor Davis stated that she was in receipt of a letter from State Street Financial stated that a permanent or temporary generator is not needed at this location (ATTACHMENT A). Councillor Davis expressed her gratitude to city staff for their negotiating skills.

The Ordinance Committee will be conducting a public hearing on June 6, 2007 at 5:00pm on the petition filed by Craig H. Appel, et al which deals with citing of generators. Mr. Barber stated that the petition regulates the amount of power that could be generated in a residential or office zone.

At four o’clock and forty minutes p.m. Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Craig H. Appel stated that the petition to amend the Zoning Ordinances addressed the amount of power that a non-conforming building could use in a residential or office zone. The petition does not specifically address generators. He asked why a generator is needed. Generators belong in an industrial zone, not a residential area.

Rosalie Prosser stated that she is the owner of a computer based business. She was not disturbed by the generator but felt that an interruption in service would be disastrous. She expressed her concern about the disruption to the peace of others.

Lucy Tittmann stated that any noise in this area is magnified. The generator is loud.

David T. Rich stated that he was pleased that an agreement had been reach about the generator. Generators located in a residential or adjacent area is a problem.

Chris P. Jones stated that he was glad about the agreement. He asked about the status of the letter/agreement and the enforcement. Ms. Boyer stated that the letter was made public. If the generator were installed the city would again negotiate; however State Street Financial is moving this part of the business and the generator is not needed. This is a good faith agreement. Councillor Davis stated that the letter from State Street Financial has been addressed to the City Council – this is a good faith stand.

Mr. Fernandes stated that a conduit on the street was requested for electrical and communication. The city will only allow the conduit for communication; not electrical.

Ken Cleary asked if there are a lot of outages in the Revere Street area. Mr. Zamparelli stated that NSTAR had planned a series of scheduled outages to upgrade this area of the city. This area was affected by the upgrade. The Aberdeen substation services this area. Future reliability will result from these outages. This is ongoing work. No work is done in the winter or summer. There is only 1-2 months from March – June, to do upgrade work. The Aberdeen substation will be completed on June 6, 2007 and the other work will be completed by June 30, 2007. The outages are necessary for improved service.

Janet Amphlett spoke about noise. This is a powerful issue. The city needs a plan about these issues.

Grenelle Scott spoke about noise from 11pm to 3am. The noise was unbearable. She appreciated the work done on this issue.

Dirck Born commented that there is a noise ordinance covering air conditioners. Generators, he said, are not a dissimilar problem.

Janet Garfield thanked the city for their work.

Mr. Appel asked Mr. Zamparelli what is the percentage of the load on the circuit for 138 Mt. Auburn Street. The history with the service issues in this area began in 1999 when State Street Financial moved to Mt. Auburn Street. Mr. Martins stated that there was a service upgrade by State Street Financial for three phase power and a transformer upgrade for 400 AMP service. Mr. Fernandes explained that 400 AMP 3 phase services is equivalent to power for three homes. This is not significant as it relates to the service. The problem from 1999 has been corrected.

Mr. Zamparelli discussed the Aberdeen substation. The circuit was upgraded to a 5 MVA circuit transformer, but this needs to be permanently relocated on a switch pad.

A discussion ensued about outages. Mr. Fernandes cited the lightning storm of May 16th as a cause for outages. Councillor Davis stated that she received e-mails about seven traffic intersections without power in the morning. The process about notification about planned outages and the ability to call NSTAR, has this process improved, she asked. Mr. Zamparelli stated that letters are sent to customers of record to notify them of scheduled outages. The entire process was reviewed. Now individual letters are sent with the date for scheduled work. The time frame for these letters is 2-3 weeks. This is time consuming. He gave the telephone number of 1-800-592-5000 to obtain information about the status of a permit. Councillor Davis commented that communication must be clear and friendly. She has concerns about outages that affect traffic intersections. The state police did not respond when the intersection outages occurred. Mr. Zamparelli stated that these outages were extended because of the lightning strike. NSTAR will take the necessary action to have a police detail in the future. Work is usually done from midnight to 5 a.m. because it is less disruptive.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting adjourned at five o’clock and twelve minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair