Cambridge City Council meeting -- June 5, 2006 -- AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $48,840 from the School General Fund Salary and Wages account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account and $14,828 from the School General Fund Travel and Training account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,706) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($3,122) and are reallocations related to school improvement plans, curriculum development and school and department operating transfers.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $3,700,000 from the FY06 School General Fund Salary and Wages account ($1,450,000) and the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,250,000) 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.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $1,000 from the Cambridge Community Foundation to the Grant Fund of Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to support year-end program events at the Moore Youth Center.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $1,400.00 from the Medical Foundation to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used for the design and implementation of a Tobacco Education campaign for youth at the Frisoli Youth Center.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Phillip Brooks House in the amount of $400.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to provide additional educational and programmatic supplies for Cambridge Youth Programs.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau in the amount of $9,170.60 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account to be used (phase one) to support the enforcement of the "Click It or Ticket" and "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." campaigns.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $46,004.28 from the Grant Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($24,004.28) and from the Grant Fund Police Travel and Training account ($20,000.00) to the Grant Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account ($46,004.28) within the 2004 Community Policing Grant and will be used to support the purchase of replacement portable radios.
8. 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 FY05-06.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-72, regarding a report on the construction schedule for Alden Park.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-49, regarding a report on the legal requirements for construction operations to have assigned police details. COUNCILLOR KELLEY RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-49, regarding a report on the legal requirements for construction operations to have assigned police details, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson reports the following:In Massachusetts, construction operations affecting traffic in a public way are required generally to have a police detail. There is not a specific state statute requiring the police details, but there are a number of state regulations authorizing police officers only to direct traffic on state roads. At 720 CMR 9.07, the Massachusetts Department of Highways regulations provide that the standard driving rules do not apply to persons acting in conformity with directions given by a police officer. At 350 CMR 4.01(1), the Metropolitan District Commission (now the Department of Conservation and Recreation) regulations provide that, "The operator of a vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control sign, signal, device, marking or legend unless otherwise directed by an Authorized Police Officer." At 730 CMR 7.08(11)(a), Massachusetts Turnpike Authority regulations provide that, "An operator may not drive a motor vehicle upon any portion of a way when, by reason of construction…the portion of the way is closed to travel or use as indicated by a sign or by a Massachusetts State Police Officer."
The City of Cambridge Traffic Regulations, at Article III, Section 3.1(a) authorizes Cambridge Police Officers or such officers as are assigned by the Police Commissioner to direct all traffic by voice, hand, or signal in conformance with traffic laws. Article III, Section 3.2 requires drivers to obey lawful orders and directions of Officers relating to the direction, control or regulation of traffic. Also, Cambridge City Code §12.12.020(C) describes the street excavation permit requirements that may be imposed by the Superintendent of Streets and states, "…where the passage or flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic will be impeded or rerouted that such licensee shall procure at such licensee’s expense sufficient police detail as the regulations issued by the Chief of Police may require…."
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-69, regarding a report on increased traffic enforcement in the Gerry’s Landing Road and Mt. Auburn Street area.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-70, regarding a report on public safety concerns at the corner of Massachusetts and Putnam Avenues.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-30, regarding a report on the Healthy Children Task Force Advisory Board.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Petition to substitute the phase "Useable Open Space" throughout the Zoning Ordinance with the phase "Private Open Space." [Recommendation. The Planning Board recommends adoption of the Petition with the addition of the word "Residential" so the new phrase would read "Private Residential Open Space."]
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-32, regarding a report on surveying middle school students and their families about after-school programs.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-32, regarding a report on surveying middle school students and their families about after school programs, Assistant City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff reports the following:The Department of Human Service Programs has conducted a family survey of all families in our out of school time programs asking them about their experiences in our programs as well as about the kind of programming they would like to see for their elementary and middle school age children. We received completed surveys from 589 families representing, 706 elementary and middle school children, which is 42% of the 1680 children in our programs this winter. About one-third of those responding to the survey were families of 5th through 8th graders. Information from the survey pertaining to middle school age children is attached and some of that information is highlighted below. In addition, to reach families who are not currently participating in our out of school time programs, we will survey both children and families in two elementary schools.
Focusing just on the middle school families, 39% thought the primary goal of after-school programs should be enrichment or mostly enrichment, 46% thought it should be an equal mix of enrichment and academics and 16% thought it should be mostly academics or academics. Middle School families were more likely to choose an equal mix of enrichment and academics as a primary goal than elementary age families (46% vs. 34%) and less likely to choose mostly enrichment or enrichment as a primary goal than elementary age families (39% vs. 55%).
Middle School family selection of a primary goal for after school is highly correlated with family income. Whereas 50% of low income or low/moderate income middle school families picked an equal mix of enrichment and academics as the primary goal, only 31% of moderate to high income middle school families selected an equal mix. In contrast, whereas only 26% of low income families and 21% of low/moderate income families picked enrichment or mostly enrichment as the primary goal, 64% of moderate to high income families chose these as primary goals.
In response to questions about which types of activities were the highest priority for after-school, middle school parents gave as the highest priority activities that promote social skills, friendship and independence with the second priority being recreation and physical activities. Structured help with homework and activities that promote reading, writing, math and science skills were also highly ranked. Two-thirds (67%) of middle school families thought it would be helpful or extremely helpful for after-school staff to communicate with the school day teacher to support children’s learning after school.
Similar to the responses about the primary goal of after-school, these rankings reflect family interest in a mixture of enrichment and academic activities for middle school families.
The Peabody School, the Fitzgerald Community School and the Gately Youth Center are working closely together to design a new middle school after-school program to be piloted this fall. Rather than running a separate program for the youth center and the community school, we will be offering one collaborative program for 6th, 7th and 8th graders, which will have expanded, age appropriate offerings and operate in both the Peabody School building and the Gately Youth Center. The Principal of the Peabody School has been working with our staff on the design. As part of this process, the design team will incorporate feedback from families and youth–both from surveys already collected and those to be collected over the next month—in an effort to effectively respond to community interests and needs.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-75, regarding excessive noise emanating from the ventilation system at the restaurant at 1105 Massachusetts Avenue.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-160, regarding a report on making wireless internet access available throughout the City.
Abridged Version of Statement
The group has outlined the following objectives:
1. To provide residents of, and visitors to, the City of Cambridge with "basic" wireless access to the Internet via inexpensive and pervasive technology throughout the City, such access to be provided at no cost to residents and visitors. A priority for deployment would be Public Schools, Housing, Libraries, Squares, and Parks.2. To supplement, not compete with, the products and services of commercial interests, such as existing Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) and coffee shops and hotels that provide Internet access for a fee.
3. To provide a "basic" level of wireless service sufficient for World Wide Web access, checking email, and similar activities at speeds higher than those available via dial-up Internet access, but without the expectation of the speed and reliability of a broadband or DSL connection.
4. To leverage existing City infrastructure (such as the fiber network and existing Internet connections) as well as that of other participating private entities (e.g. building access for mounting wireless antennas and repeaters).
5. To work with existing ISP’s doing business in the City to help those residents and visitors who desire higher speed Internet access (e.g. for such purposes as streaming video or transmitting large files like photos or music) to purchase such commercial access at attractive rates.
6. In addition to providing free wireless access, it is the goal of this committee to find sources to subsidize or loan wireless computer equipment to low income residents.
7. To extend the wireless footprint of MuniMesh infrastructure subscribers and providers (such as the Roofnet project at MIT). This will afford participating University students a similar level of access to what they have on their campus wireless systems, and Municipal employees to access their departmental services.
Initial prototype deployment
Initial prototypes and "proof of concept" deployment is being done by the City’s Information Technology Department in collaboration with MIT using wireless mesh technology connected to the MIT network. The City will leverage its fiber network and Internet access as well. Cambridge Housing Authority and Health Alliance are participating and offering prime rooftop locations for installation of antenna. The Museum of Science (MOS) has offered use of its network, contacts and locations. When appropriate, MOS will integrate the wireless mesh technology deployed in the City of Cambridge with the Charles River Wireless Collaboration and Waltham Watch City Wireless initiatives. Harvard is interested in participating. They, as of now, have a closed secure network not open to the public. It is under consideration to open it for public use at a later time. They are considering providing locations for mesh antenna installations.The cost to deploy mesh access points is significantly lower than the cost to provide typical commercial wireless access point products (primarily because each access point does not have to be directly connected to a network). It is expected that the number of mesh antenna will be 100 for initial deployment.
Locations for installation of the mesh antenna will be a mix of public and private buildings also to be determined.
18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Public Health Mutual Aid Agreement.
19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a substitute policy that is a technical clarification to the "Disposal of Supplies Valued at Less Than $5,000."
Procedures for the Disposal of Supplies Valued at Less Than $5,000
Pursuant to G.L. c. 30B, s. 15, the City’s Purchasing Agent is required to dispose of tangible supplies that are no longer useful to the City but have an estimated net resale or salvage value of less than $5,000 using written procedures approved by the City Council. [G.L. c. 30B, s. 15] "Supplies" are defined as "all property, other than real property, including equipment, materials, printing, and insurance and further including services incidental to the delivery, conveyance and installation of such property." [G.L. c. 30B, s. 3].
The procedure for the disposal of supplies with an estimated net value of less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), including disposal of supplies at less than fair market value to a charitable organization, shall be as follows:
1. The Department Head for each City Department shall notify the Purchasing Agent of any supply that is required to be disposed of under this Procedure. Prior to disposal under this Procedure, a supply must be declared to be no longer useful to the City and the estimated net value of the supply must be less than $5,000. Supplies that are to be disposed of and are valued at $5,000 or more shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30B, s. 15.
2. Each City Department shall have a designated representative for the purpose of disposing of supplies that are estimated to be valued at less than $5,000. The designated representative for each City Department shall be the individual who is identified on the attached Schedule A. The Purchasing Agent in his or her sole discretion may amend Schedule A from time to time.
3. Within five (5) business days of disposing of supplies under this Procedure, the designated department representative shall provide the Purchasing Agent with a report detailing each such disposal, which shall include, at a minimum: (a) a descriptive list of all items or group of items disposed of; (b) the estimated value of each item of group of items disposed of; (c) the means of disposal, including the name and address of the disposal facility, if any; (d) the revenue received in connection with each disposal; and (e) a receipt showing that such revenue has been deposited with the City Treasurer as provided in paragraph 4, below. The Purchasing Agent shall provide the Director of Finance and the Heads of those Departments that disposed of the supplies, with a summary report of the disposals and of the revenue received from such disposals at least annually.
4. All revenue from the disposal of supplies under this Procedure shall be deposited with the City Treasurer for deposit in the general fund, appropriate revolving or enterprise fund, as recommended by the Department Head and approved by the Treasurer.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this policy, the City Council or School Committee, as the case may be, may by majority vote, unless otherwise prohibited by law, dispose of a tangible supply no longer useful to the City but having resale or salvage value, at less than the fair market value and/or at no cost to a charitable organization which has received a tax exemption from the United states by reason of its charitable nature. G.L. c. 30B, s. 15.
THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Procedures for the Disposal of Supplies Valued at Less Than $5,000
SCHEDULE A
| DEPARTMENT | DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE |
| School Department | Chief Operating Officer or Designee* |
| Department of Public Works | Department Head or Designee* |
| Water Department | Department Head or Designee* |
| Police Department | Department Head or Designee* |
| Fire Department | Department Head or Designee* |
| Cambridge Public Library | Department Head or Designee* |
| All other Departments | Purchasing Agent |
*Department Heads who elect to designate someone from their Department to be their designated representative for the purposes of this Procedure must notify the Purchasing Agent of their designee in writing.
20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $196,500 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Human Service Salary and Wages Account ($145,000) and to the Human Service Extraordinary Expenditures account ($51,500) and will cover salary costs related to contract settlements and the additional pay period in FY06 (53rd week) not included in the Human Services Budget as well as to purchase a pick-up truck for use at Danehy Park to replace the existing 1997 pick-up truck which is beyond its useful life and the purchase of a van to support Human Service operations to replace the existing 1992 vehicle.
21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $123,000 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover additional expenses associated with electricity, natural gas, building and vehicle and maintenance costs.
22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $22,000 from the Parking Fund Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the purchase of a replacement of a pick-up truck.
23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $158,500 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Finance Department (Assessing) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for technical and professional legal fees.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the transfer of $158,500 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Finance Department (Assessing) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for technical and professional legal fees.In the past year, the Board of Assessors has resolved 158 Appellate cases representing total taxes of $50,688,169, with a tax dollar reduction of $862,497 or 1.7%. The appointed new Chair of the Appellate Tax Board has moved to speed the appeal process by limiting the number of continuances, which has dramatically increased the caseload. In addition, there is a multi-trial process for one major real estate owner, Charles Stark Draper Laboratories (Draper), which will require additional legal time and appraisals to defend the Board’s value. The increased number of cases coming to trial for the City of Cambridge, in conjunction with the complex Draper trial, was not in the Assessing Department’s budget when presented in May 2005. As is often the case, property owners exercise their rights to go beyond the local appeal process and go to the Appellate Tax Board. We have had approximately 400 such higher appeals served on the Board over the past 3-4 years with less than 1% actually tried before The Appellate Tax Board.
The requested amount to supplement the FY06 budget will be spent on defending the Board’s positions before the Appellate Tax Board.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager
ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006 on Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin' Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on unfinished business.]
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 March 15, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NABS)/Alan Zimlicki et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to yards, open space, parking and special permit criteria for the redevelopment of existing buildings. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006. Petition expires June 13, 2006.
4. Proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance regarding creating a Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006. Ordinance Committee hearing held on May 31, 2006.
5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on April 26, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition to rezone the Concord/Alewife area, which was re-filed by the City Council. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 29, 2006. Petition expires July 25, 2006.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Slater Anderson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 12 Hollis Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works. Disapproval has been received from the neighborhood association.
CHARTER RIGHT - DECKER
2. An application was received from Mint Julep, LLC, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 6 Church Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.
3. An application was received from Bryn Mawr Booksale, Inc., requesting permission for a table to display merchandise in front of the premises numbered 373 Huron Avenue.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Reverend Irene Monroe, transmitting thanks for the proclamation and key to the city presented to her for delivering the keynote address at the Bayard Rustin Breakfast.
2. A communication was received from Michele Sprengnether and R. Gilberto Gonzalez, supporting public schools.
3. A communication was received from Senator John F. Kerry, transmitting thanks for the resolution regarding the problems that have emerged with No Child Left Behind.
4. A communication was received from David L. Kelston, transmitting opposition to the curb cut at 12 Hollis Street.
5. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding one size doesn't fit all.
6. A communication was received from Tom Kelley, Secretary, Department of Veterans' Services transmitting thanks for the resolution advocating a license plate for veterans who have served since Vietnam.
7. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding best practices need committee and community involvement.
8. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the requirement for conducting a self-evaluation.
9. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the intolerance of those whose bodies are not perfect.
10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding essential political skills.
11. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding eliminating national borders.
12. A communication was received from David G. Hanson on behalf of Laura Palumbo-Hanson, regarding the curt cut petition at 12 Hollis Street.
13. A communication was received from Sheila Headley, regarding LMA/Crystal/MBTA Bus Traffic.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Elyse Cherry, Henia Handler and Melvin and Tina Poindexter on the occasion of being honored at the Barney Brunch on Sunday May 21, 2006. Councillor Simmons
2. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. Reagan. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
3. Resolution on the death of Representative Edward G. "Sonny" Connolly. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
4. Resolution on the death of Catherine R. (Shea) Williams. Councillor Sullivan
5. Resolution on the death of Edward Farley. Councillor Sullivan
6. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Naro Jr. Councillor Sullivan
7. Resolution on the death of Jeanette P. (Martin) Bresnahan. Councillor Sullivan
8. Resolution on the death of Phyllis J. (Holman) Harris. Councillor Sullivan
9. Resolution on the death of Pierina (Ricciardi) Salemme. Councillor Sullivan
10. Resolution on the death of Richard A. "Ricky" McGregor. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Genevieve A. (Gaigalas) Zilonis. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
12. Resolution on the death of Alice A. Harrington. Councillor Galluccio
13. Congratulations to The Family Dollar Store on the occasion of the Grand Opening Celebration of their new store location at 1030 Cambridge Street. Mayor Reeves
14. Proclaim the month of July 2006 as Cambridge Camping Month. Mayor Reeves
15. Acknowledge Eric Jackson as a cultural ambassador for the arts. Mayor Reeves
16. Welcome Tagsys, a producer of radio frequency identification tags, to Cambridge. Councillor Sullivan
17. Congratulations to Daniel C. Crane, Esquire on his retirement from the Board of Bar Overseers. Councillor Sullivan
18. Congratulations to The Massachusetts Senior Action Council on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary. Councillor Sullivan
19. Congratulations to Marshall Sloane on the occasion of receiving the Anti Defamation League's Distinguished Community Service Award. Councillor Sullivan
20. Congratulations to Alison Jean Devaney and Gregory Paul Serra on their upcoming nuptials. Councillor Sullivan
21. Congratulations to SEIU Local 615 on the successful agreement with Allied Barton Security Services. Councillor Galluccio
22. Congratulations to Steve and Angela Nelson on the birth of their daughter, Grace Sophia Nelson, on May 6, 2006. Councillor Galluccio
23. Congratulations to the Gloucester World War II Memorial Committee on the occasion of the dedication of the memorial honoring World War II veterans. Councillor Galluccio
24. Congratulations to Attorney Robert J. Van Campen as he joins the firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green. Councillor Galluccio
25. Retirement of Luis Colon from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Reeves
26. Retirement of Beverly Ferazani from the School Department. Mayor Reeves
27. Urge residents to be cognizant of the change and redesign in the Disabled Parking Placards. Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves
28. Congratulations to The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center on its 35th Anniversary. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
29. Congratulations to Torian Crawford on the occasion of his graduation from the Waldorf School. Councillor Simmons
30. Happy 65th Birthday wishes to Jonathan King. Councillor Simmons
31. Resolution on the death of Rose A. (Sturlese) Bartie. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan
32. Resolution on the death of John W. "Sonny" Stewart. Councillor Sullivan
33. Congratulations to Julie Viens and Mark Gottlieb on the birth of their son, Samuel Paul Gottlieb. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons
34. Congratulations to Colonel Michael F. Belcher, United States Marine Corps, as he takes command of the US Marine Corps' 25th Regiment. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan
35. Congratulations to the United States Army on the occasion of its 231st Birthday. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan
36. Thanks to Robert Stevens, Director of Veterans' Services and all participants who made the Memorial Day Parade and observations such a great success. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan
37. Congratulations to the Cambridge Public Schools' Visual and Performing Arts Department on its production of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten." Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons
38. Congratulations and thanks to the graduating members of the Cambridge Kids Council Youth Involvement sub-committee. Mayor Reeves
39. Congratulations to the Sons of Allen of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal church on the occasion of their 6th Annual Sons of Allen Oratory Program. Mayor Reeves
40. Congratulations to Deacon Sutherland on his graduation from the Gordon Cromwell Seminary. Mayor Reeves
41. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Lonnie Allen Jr. Councillor Decker
42. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nicholas Cournoyer. Councillor Decker
43. Resolution on the death of Corporal William Fulks. Councillor Decker
44. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Holland. Councillor Decker
45. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Robert Seidel III. Councillor Decker
46. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer Third Class Lee Deal. Councillor Decker
47. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Santiago Halsel. Councillor Decker
48. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Benito Ramirez. Councillor Decker
49. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal William Leusink. Councillor Decker
50. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David Christoff. Councillor Decker
51. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert Posivio III. Councillor Decker
52. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Hermanson. Councillor Decker
53. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Steven Freund. Councillor Decker
54. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Caleb Lufkin. Councillor Decker
55. Resolution on the death of Captain Douglas Dicenzo. Councillor Decker
56. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert Blair. Councillor Decker
57. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Kevin Lucas. Councillor Decker
58. Support for the dedication of The Andrea N. Harvey Music Room at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Mayor Reeves
59. Congratulations to the newly elected Governing Board for the SEIU Local 888. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
60. Congratulations to Janie Katz-Christie for the walk/ride to school initiative which was held on Fri, May 26, 2006. Councillor Simmons
61. Resolution on the death of Meghan Skidmore. Councillor Sullivan
62. Resolution on the death of Sue Williamson. Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis
63. Retirement of William "Bill" Frazier from the Public Works Department. Councillor Sullivan
64. Appreciation and best wishes to the Reverend Thomas Mikelson and his wife Patricia Sheppard as Reverend Mikelson retires from the First Parish Universalist Church of Cambridge. Mayor Reeves
65. Congratulations to the honorees of the Fourteenth Annual Cambridge First Day at MIT. Mayor Reeves
66. Congratulations to the Cambridge Girl Scouts Award recipients. Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan
67. Congratulations to the Cambridge Community Chorus and William E. Thompson, Music Director, on the occasion of their world premier of Cantos Para Nuestros Tiemposs; The Cambridge Psalms by Luis Bacalov. Mayor Reeves
68. Congratulations to Danielle Meredith Jones on the occasion of her graduation from Weston High School. Mayor Reeves
69. Congratulations to William Luff on the occasion of his graduation from Natick High School. Mayor Reeves
70. Best wishes to Thomas and Ceoria Coates as they leave the City of Cambridge. Mayor Reeves
71. Resolution to be prepared on the retirement of Charlie Gendron. Councillor Sullivan
72. Resolution to be prepared on the death of Nancy Bernard. Councillor Galluccio
73. Resolution to be prepared on the death of Carol Gentile. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Simmons
74. Thanks to Cambridge Senior Volunteers for their dedicated service to the Cambridge community. Mayor Reeves
75. Best wishes to Merri Ansara as she leaves Massachusetts. Councillor Simmons
76. Support of the Massachusetts Early Childhood Education Initiative on the occasion of their celebration on Wed, June 14, 2006. Councillor Simmons
77. Happy 60th Birthday wishes to John F. Lynch. Councillor Galluccio
78. Congratulations to the Ciociaro Social Club of Massachusetts on the occasion of their fifth annual picnic on June 25, 2006. Councillor Sullivan
79. Welcome and congratulations to Connie Chow on the occasion of being named the Science Club for Girls' Executive Director. Councillor Sullivan
80. Congratulations to SEIU Local 615 on the occasion of the election of their new leadership team. Councillor Sullivan
81. Commemoration of the Cambridge Firefighters Memorial at the Cambridge Cemetery. Councillor Sullivan
82. Resolution on the death of Sister Jeannette Normandin. Councillor Sullivan
83. Resolution on the death of William T. Levins. Councillor Sullivan
84. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Williams. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Reeves
85. Resolution on the death of William J. Joyce. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Toomey
86. Congratulations to Chet Stone on the occasion of his receiving the Harvard Medal which recognizes extraordinary service to Harvard University. Councillor Sullivan
87. Resolution on the death of Mr. Alfred Carroll. Councillor Sullivan
88. Resolution on the retirement of Lucille Kelley. Councillor Sullivan
89. Congratulations to the Cambridge School Committee on the occasion of being honored at the Sixteenth Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day Celebration on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Mayor Reeves
90. Congratulations to Reverend Thomas J.S. Mikelson on the occasion of being honored at the Sixteenth Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day Celebration on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Mayor Reeves
91. Congratulations to Reverend Irene Monroe on the occasion of being honored at the Sixteenth Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day Celebration on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Mayor Reeves
92. Congratulations to CRLS student Cory Hahn on the occasion of being honored at the Sixteenth Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day Celebration on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Mayor Reeves
93. Congratulations to the New Covenant Church of Cambridge on the occasion of the dedication of their new house of worship. Mayor Reeves
94. Thanks to Arthur Lipkin for his many years of work on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community. Mayor Reeves
95. Thanks to Sue Hyde for her many efforts on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community. Mayor Reeves
96. Declare June 10, 2006 as Gay Pride Day in Cambridge. Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons
97. Thanks to Nancy Ryan for her effort on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. Mayor Reeves
98. Congratulations to the coordinators of the annual Hoops and Health event which will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at Hoyt Field. Mayor Reeves
99. Thanks to the National Organization on Disability for recognizing the efforts of Cambridge as they relate to disability issues. Mayor Reeves
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Public Works Commissioner to investigate the incline of the accessible sidewalk ramps in the Green and Franklin Street area and make the necessary repairs. Councillor Simmons
2. That the City Manager is requested to join with the Mayors of Newton, Somerville, North Hampton and Chicopee to file a complaint with DTE on whether telecommunications companies are illegally sharing customer phone records with the NSA. Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons
3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how improvements by the Town of Belmont are related to long-term traffic calming improvements being considered for that area. Councillor Galluccio
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view in mind of making the corners of Eighth Street and Otis Street a four-way stop intersection. Vice Mayor Toomey
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads to get the lights working and timed properly in the vicinity of the Martin Luther King School, especially in the park/playground area behind the school. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads to ensure that the Cambridge Police Department makes frequent and regular patrols by foot and by bicycle through all public parks and playgrounds to include consistent late night patrols. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
7. Encourage City employees to commute and carry out their professional duties by bicycle, by foot or by public transportation whenever possible to do so without having a detrimental impact on their work. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
8. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the status of potential appointees to the Kids' Council. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads about the propriety of assigning another crossing guard to the Martin Luther King/Amigos School. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to put the City's self-evaluation under the Americans with Disabilities Act on the City's website. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons -- AMENDED
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to ensure that the City's new sidewalk furniture and patio policy does not inadvertently put Cambridge restaurants and cafes in non-compliant status concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
12. Requesting from School Committee enrollment statistics of Cambridge school-aged children in private, parochial and Charter Schools and other related issues. Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan -- AMENDED
13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads and with Cambridge Housing Authority officials to determine the status of increased bike and foot patrols in the Howard Street area and the feasibility of a police monitoring camera at Hoyt Field to reduce the possibility of violence. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons
14. Safety concerns at 7 Howard Street. Councillor Kelley
15. Petition the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Court to enact the attached home rule petition entitled “AN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS.” Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Murphy -- CHARTER RIGHT - DAVIS
16. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to hold a community meeting regarding traffic concerns on Howard Street. Councillor Simmons
17. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant Department heads and MBTA officials to determine what impact imminent staffing cuts will have on public safety at and around the MBTA's Alewife Station. Councillor Kelley
18. That the City Manager is requested to report back on the status of the placement of defibrillators in all public buildings. Vice Mayor Toomey
19. Support of the efforts of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in its "2030 Challenge" for building performance targets as they relate to reduction of fossil fuel consumption and global warming pollution. Mayor Reeves
20. Dedication of an appropriate site to William “Bill” Frazier for all of his years of service to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Sullivan
21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments regarding the City's policy on idling construction vehicles at construction sites. Councillor Decker
22. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report to the City Council on the 2006 Mayor's Summer Jobs for Youth program, including the number of applicants, the number of positions, and the number of wait-listed applicants, if any. Councillor Galluccio
23. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report to the City Council on the details of the recent job fair and any future plans for similar activities. Councillor Galluccio
24. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of the Kennedy School of Government in honor of Sue Williamson. Councillor Decker
25. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments on what types of summer activities will be taking place in the Cambridgeport neighborhood. Councillor Decker
26. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to create a policy that would require all general contractors to submit a dust management plan. Councillor Decker -- AMENDED
27. Urge Nauset Construction to have an open bid process which would allow organized labor to bid. Councillor Decker
28. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to report back on what existing laws regulate the use of cranes and other heavy construction related equipment and to implement requirements that would compel contractors to give 24 hours notice to abutters of the use of cranes and other heavy construction equipment. Councillor Decker
29. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council regarding the plans to replace or repair the traffic light at DeWolfe and Mount Auburn Streets given the frequent and unsafe failures of the light. Councillor Murphy
30. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of Tom and Betty Walker. Vice Mayor Toomey
31. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Mayor regarding the Riverside Neighborhood, with particular attention to the Howard Street residents, to set up a neighborhood meeting with concerned residents, stakeholders and appropriate city staff to address the recent shooting and other issues raised before the City approximately one year ago Councillor Sullivan
32. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to consider a similar crime alert system as to mirror the one Boston is launching. Councillor Sullivan
33. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to sweep the streets affected by the NSTAR construction in the Riverside neighborhood. Councillor Decker and Councillor Sullivan
34. That the City Manager is directed to investigate the allegation of inappropriate racial comments from a police officer. Councillor Simmons
35. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to dress up the North Massachusetts Avenue median strip with flower boxes or planters. Councillor Sullivan
36. That the City Manager, the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee establish a policy recommendation framework for the full City Council on the disposition of buildings. Councillor Murphy
37. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the outcome of the traffic calming "test" along Harvey Street and report back to the City Council prior to final approval of permanent changes. Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Sullivan
38. That the City Manager is requested to ask that the Jitney License for Paul Revere Transportation be clarified and revoked if operation is found to be out of scope of their license. Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Sullivan
39. That the City Council go on record requesting that Dalkia Energy Services LLC immediately meet with the Local 537 Pipe Fitters and the Boston Building Trades to discuss construction of the Kendall Package Boiler Replacement Project. Councillor Galluccio
40. That the City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate City departments including the Police Department, License Commission, etc. to enforce all unauthorized commercial transportation vehicle use of Putnam Avenue and surrounding streets in the Riverside neighborhood. Councillor Galluccio
41. Investigate the possibility of re-initiating the Explorer Program. Councillor Simmons
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2006 to begin discussions on future plans for the former Graham and Parks, Longfellow Schools and the Police Station.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 5
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of public safety. The committee may convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the deployment of security personnel and/or devices. No votes will be taken in Executive Session. At its conclusion, the Council will reconvene in open session for its regular meeting at 5:30pm. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 6
4:00pm The Government Operations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the schedule and process for the City Council to set goals for the FY 08-09. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss pedestrian issues relating to sidewalks specifically material used for sidewalks, tree roots, and sidewalk maintenance and repair and the report on provisions for parking for motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 7
10:00am The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the discussion of affirmative action for City employees. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 13
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting on the Concord/Alewife proposed zoning amendment to discuss the shopping center, with a presentation on what is possible under present zoning, what would be possible under the proposed zoning and what the owner envisions for the area. There will also be consideration of the environmental and infrastructure issues with regard to the proposed amendments. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss why there are so many outages in the Area Four Neighborhood with NSTAR. (Auditorium, 225 Windsor Street, Fletcher-Maynard Academy)
Wed, June 14
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a working meeting on Concord Alewife rezoning petition. No public comment. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, June 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 21
8:30am The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue planning the Senior Fall Fair and to receive an update on the open house held on May 20, 2006 and the panel discussion on senior resources held on June 6, 2006. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss tree trimming by public utility companies, installation of traffic lights and NSTAR outages. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 27
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the petition received from residents requesting that Howard Street be a one way, between River Street and Howard Street. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 28
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing relative to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance Recertification. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the City Solicitor and Community Development Department staff possible components of a draft amendment to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to limit use conversion allowances to projects in which at least 65% of the original structure is to remain intact. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 7
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Sat, Oct 21
10:00am-2:00pm Senior Fall Fair (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall & Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.) The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and the Human Services Department are planning to hold a Senior Fall Fair. More details will be forthcoming as they are finalized closer to the date of this event.
Mon, Oct 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public Works Commissioner to investigate the incline of the accessible sidewalk ramps in the Green and Franklin Street area and make the necessary repairs.
O-2 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to join with the Mayors of Newton, Somerville, North Hampton and Chicopee to file a complaint with DTE on whether telecommunications companies are illegally sharing customer phone records with the NSA.
O-3 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on how improvements by the Town of Belmont are related to long-term traffic
calming improvements being considered for that area.
O-4 June 5, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There is currently a two-way stop sign at the intersection of Otis Street and Eighth Street; 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 with the view in mind of making the corners of Eighth Street and Otis Street a four-way stop intersection.
O-5 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads to get the lights working and timed properly in the vicinity of the Martin Luther King School, especially in the park/playground area behind the school.
O-6 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads to ensure that the Cambridge Police Department makes frequent and regular patrols by foot and by bicycle through all public parks and playgrounds to include consistent late night patrols.
O-7 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record encouraging City employees to commute and carry out their professional duties by bicycle, by foot or by public transportation whenever possible to do so without having a detrimental impact on their work.
O-8 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the status of potential appointees to the Kids' Council.
O-9 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Most schools in the Cambridge Public School system have at least one crossing guard; and
WHEREAS: The Amigos School and the Martin Luther King School share one crossing guard; and
WHEREAS: The Amigos School is spending some of its School Improvement funds providing traffic safety oversight for parents dropping off children next to the school; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads about the propriety of assigning another crossing guard to the Martin Luther King/Amigos School; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-10 June 5, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to put the City's self-evaluation under the Americans with Disabilities Act on the City's
website; 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-11 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads to ensure that the City's new sidewalk furniture and patio policy does not inadvertently put Cambridge restaurants and cafes in non-compliant status concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-12 June 5, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public School department's budget for school year 2006/2007 is $125,000,000, almost a third of the entire City budget; and
WHEREAS: During budget hearings, it was repeatedly noted that 85% of Cambridge school-aged children go to public school; and
WHEREAS: During the budget hearings, it was repeatedly noted that the percentage of Cambridge children going to public schools compares favorably with local communities such as Brookline; and
WHEREAS: The Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools admitted that the 85% figure includes Cambridge youth attending
charter schools, which are considered public schools though not in district; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has three charter schools within its borders and
WHEREAS: The Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools was not sure how many charter schools local communities such as Brookline have; and
WHEREAS: The City relies on the State Department of Education to provide it with the percentages of Cambridge youth attending the public school system; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby requests that
the Cambridge School Committee confer with the Superintendent to provide an
analysis of how many school-aged children residing in Cambridge attend the
Cambridge Public School system, attend private and parochial schools, attend
charter schools or are home schooled; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council requests the Cambridge School Committee to have
the Superintendent provide the specific enrollment numbers for all public and
private schools which numbers were used for generating the numbers in the
Department of Education School Attending Children form, for each year from 2000
through 2006; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council further requests that the Cambridge School
Committee confer with the Superintendent to provide an analysis of the
percentage of Cambridge residents in each of Cambridge's charter schools; and be
it further
ORDERED: That the City Council further requests that the Cambridge School
Committee confer with the Superintendent to provide an analysis of which
surrounding communities, to include Brookline, have how many charter schools;
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council further requests that the Cambridge School
Committee request the Superintendent to explain how the Department of Education
gets the information on which it bases its attendance analysis; 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 School Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the
Department of Education to request all of the above information as well.
O-13 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Recent rowdy and criminal activity, to include a shooting, on Howard Street has resulted on one person being hospitalized; and
WHEREAS: Howard Street residents have been in communication with City Officials since January 8 over public safety issues involving Howard Street and adjacent Hoyt Field; and
WHEREAS: To date only some signage and minor landscaping improvements have been implemented; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Howard Street are currently in fear of increased violence in their neighborhoods; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads and with Cambridge Housing Authority officials to determine the status of increased bike and foot patrols in the Howard Street area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City officials to determine the feasibility of placing a police monitoring camera at the Howard Street entrance to Hoyt Field; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on his plan to reduce the possibility of violence on Howard Street in the future.
O-14 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority with the goal of removing the parking spots at 7 Howard Street and replacing this area with landscaping that is less conducive for loitering; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to determine how the Housing Authority uses its security personnel to proactively defuse potentially violent situations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to determine the extent of the Authority's liability for allowing dangerous and illegal behavior to occur on CHA property; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to determine the extent to which the Authority enforces occupancy limits in its units and on its grounds; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on these matters.
O-15 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record petitioning the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Court to enact the attached home rule petition entitled
“AN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS.”
-- CHARTER RIGHT - DAVIS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND SIXAN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section one of chapter fifty-one of the general laws, or any other general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, citizens who are seventeen years old who reside in the city of Cambridge may, upon application, have their names entered on a separate registration list of voters established by the Cambridge Election Commission (Commission), and may thereafter vote in any Cambridge election on local questions and any Cambridge election for members of the city council or school committee. Such seventeen year olds shall be known as "local voters".
SECTION 2. The Commission shall establish a separate registration list for local voters who shall fill out an alternative registration form. Upon turning eighteen, each local voter shall be taken off the separate list and notified that he or she must register as a regular voter in accordance with State law and guidelines. The Commission shall create and print at the city's expense the special registration form needed for the purpose of registering local voters. If a local question appears on a state election ballot, the Commission shall print a separate ballot for the local question at city expense.
SECTION 3. Local voters shall not be eligible to run for office in municipal elections, nor shall they be eligible to sign candidate nomination papers.
SECTION 4. Local voters shall not be included in the number of voters for the purpose of determining the number of signatures needed to present petitions to the city council or school committee, nor shall local voters be eligible to sign such petitions. Local voters shall not be eligible to sign initiative or referendum petitions pursuant to Art. 48 of the Amendments to the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution.
SECTION 5. Nothing in this act shall be construed to confer upon local voters the right to vote for any state or federal office or any state or federal ballot question.
SECTION 6. The Commission is authorized to formulate regulations and guidelines to implement the purpose of this act.
O-16 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to hold a community meeting regarding traffic concerns on Howard Street.
O-17 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant Department heads and MBTA officials to determine what impact imminent staffing cuts will have on public safety at and around the MBTA's Alewife Station; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant department heads and MBTA officials to develop and implement a public safety plan to offset any public safety problems created by the new MBTA staffing reductions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-18 June 5, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the status of the placement of defibrillators in all public buildings.
O-19 June 5, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The U.S. Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions for cities, communities, and the federal government to take actions to reduce fossil fuel consumption and global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS: The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community’s most respected assemblage of scientists, has found that climate disruption responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Building Sector has been shown to be the major consumer of fossil fuel and producer of global warming causing greenhouse gasses; and
WHEREAS: The federal government through programs fostered within may of its key agencies and numerous state governments as well as municipalities across the U.S. have adopted high performance green building principles; and
WHEREAS: A recent study completed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the most definitive cost-benefit analysis of green buildings ever conducted, concluded that the financial benefits of green design are between $50 and $70 per square foot, for more than 10 times the additional cost associated with building green; and
WHEREAS: The large positive impact on employee productivity and health gains suggest that green building has a cost-effective impact beyond just the utility bill savings; and
WHEREAS: Studies have indicated that student attendance and performance is higher in high performance school buildings; and
WHEREAS: Recognizing that a building’s initial construction costs represent only 20-30 percent of the building’s entire costs over its 30-40 year life, emphasis should be placed on the "life cycle costs" of a public building rather than on solely its initial capital costs; and
WHEREAS: The construction industry in the U.S. represents a significant portion of our economy and a significant portion of the building industry is represented by small business and an increase in sustainable building practices will encourage and promote new and innovative small business development throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS: The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the national professional organization representing architects has adopted a position statement calling for the immediate energy reduction of all new and renovated buildings to one half the national average for that building type, with increased reductions of 10% every five years so that by the year 2030 all buildings designed will be carbon neutral, meaning they will use no fossil fuel energy; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Conference of Mayors has resolved to encourage its members to adopt the following "2030 Challenge" for building performance targets:
* New construction of City buildings shall be designed to and achieve a minimum delivered fossil-fuel energy consumption performance standard of one half the U.S. average for that building type as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy.
* Renovation projects of City buildings shall be designed to achieve a minimum delivered fossil-fuel energy consumption performance standard of one half the U.S. average for that building type as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy
* All other new construction, renovations, repairs and replacement of City buildings shall employ cost-effective, energy-efficient, green building practices to the maximum extent possible; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Conference of Mayors has resolved to work to increase the fossil-fuel reduction standard for all new buildings to carbon neutral by 2030, in the following increments:
60% in 2010; 70% in 2015; 80% in 2020; 90% in 2025; Carbon-neutral by 2030 (meaning new buildings will use no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate); now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record supporting the efforts of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in its "2030 Challenge" for building performance targets; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the U.S. Conference of Mayors on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-20 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site to William "Bill" Frazier for all of his years of service to the City of Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
O-21 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments regarding the City's policy on idling construction vehicles at construction sites; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back said findings to the City Council.
O-22 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report to the City Council on the 2006 Mayor's Summer Jobs for Youth program, including the number of applicants, the number of positions, and the number of wait-listed applicants, if any.
O-23 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The Department of Human Services held a very successful job fair last week; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating the Department of Human Services on its successful job fair; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report to the City Council on the details of this job fair, including what is required for a successful job fair; and be it further
ORDERED: That said report include information as to any plans for future job fairs or other employment assistance activities.
O-24 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of the Kennedy School of Government in honor of Sue Williamson; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
O-25 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments on what types of summer activities will be taking place in the Cambridgeport neighborhood, particularly in the area formerly served by programs based in the Graham and Parks School.
O-26 June 5, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to create a policy that would require all
general contractors to submit a dust management plan.
O-27 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: When developers use contractors that do not abide by Cambridge’s community standards for wages and benefits, the taxpayers of Cambridge pick up the costs; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed as a community to the creation of good jobs, fair wages, and good working conditions; and
WHEREAS: It is this Council’s understanding that Nauset Construction has chosen not to use Cambridge workers nor union workers at their construction site on Richdale Avenue; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Nauset Construction to have an open bid process which would allow organized labor to bid; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Nauset Construction on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-28 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Abutters deserve advance notification when contractors are going to be using heavy construction equipment; and
WHEREAS: This equipment can pose major inconveniences and health threats to the neighbors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to report back on what existing laws regulate the use of cranes and other heavy construction related equipment and to implement requirements that would compel contractors to give 24 hours notice to abutters of the use of cranes and other heavy construction equipment.
O-29 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council regarding the plans to replace or repair the traffic light at DeWolfe and Mount Auburn Streets given the frequent and unsafe failures of the light.
O-30 June 5, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record designating a suitable location, after consulting with the family, to be dedicated to Tom and Betty Walker; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and herby is requested to arrange a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for a sign.
O-31 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby requested to confer with the Mayor regarding the Riverside Neighborhood, with particular attention to the Howard Street residents, to set up a neighborhood meeting with concerned residents, stakeholders and appropriate city staff to address the recent shooting and other issues raised before the City approximately one year ago; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-32 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Police Commissioner to consider a similar crime alert system as to mirror the
one Boston is launching; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on his findings.
O-33 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Commissioner of Public Works to sweep the streets affected by the NSTAR
construction in the Riverside neighborhood.
O-34 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is directed to investigate the
attached allegation of inappropriate racial comments from a police officer.
O-35 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Commissioner of Public Works to dress up the North Massachusetts Avenue median
strip with flower boxes or planters; 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-36 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager, the Superintendent of Schools and the School
Committee establish a policy recommendation framework for the full City Council
on the disposition of buildings.
O-37 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City
Council on the outcome of the traffic calming "test" along Harvey
Street and report back to the City Council prior to final approval of permanent
changes.
O-38 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask that the Jitney
License for Paul Revere Transportation be clarified and revoked if operation is
found to be out of scope of their license; and be it further
ORDERED: That the License Commission investigate the license as it relates to
disturbance to the neighborhood.
O-39 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that Dalkia Energy
Services LLC immediately meet with the Local 537 Pipe Fitters and the Boston
Building Trades to discuss construction of the Kendall Package Boiler
Replacement Project "see attached" and request a copy of this
resolution to be forwarded immediately to Dalkia Pipe Fitters Local 537 c/o Leo
Foley and James Coyle, President of the Boston Building Trades and request that
Dalkia confirm that these meetings have occurred prior to the initiation of
construction.
O-40 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all
appropriate City departments including the Police Department, License
Commission, etc. to enforce all unauthorized commercial transportation vehicle
use of Putnam Avenue and surrounding streets in the Riverside neighborhood
including but not limited to LMA bus shuttles, Crystal Bus, Peter Pan, etc.; and
be it further
ORDERED: That speed enforcement be added for authorized commercial vehicles,
including the MBTA, and report back to this City Council on action taken in this
request.
O-41 June 5, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police
Commissioner to investigate the possibility of re-initiating the Explorer
Program which is a junior law enforcement program for middle school and pre-teen
children.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, May 18, 2006, at ten o’clock and ten minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting is to begin discussions on future plans for the former Graham and Parks, Longfellow Schools and the Police Station.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, School Committee Members Fred Fantini, Nancy Walser and Joseph Grassi, Thomas Fowler-Finn, Superintendent of Schools, James Maloney, Chief Operating Officer, School Department, Marilyn Bradshaw, Executive Secretary, School Committee, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This is an introductory meeting and the first of many meetings on this subject. This meeting will be a collaborative process between the City Council and the School Committee. He thanked the School Committee for the use of the Longfellow building for the library.
Councillor Sullivan stated that space is competing for a variety of needs. The School Department has been doing a facilities needs assessment. The Community Learning Center has been looking for space for thirteen years. The Central Administration Offices were supposed to be in their location temporarily and has been at the temporary location for twenty-seven years. He requested that the committee look into the cost of concrete, steel and the building cost. Use of the other sites must also be reviewed.
City Manager Mr. Healy stated that all three buildings have value and competing uses, but the reality of the circumstances is that revenue is needed to finance school building improvements. The library and the new police station occupation will occur in late 2008. He distributed an analysis of the reuse of the Central Square Police Station (Attachment A). It included an evaluation. All the sites lack parking. The Community Learning Center and the Multi-Service Center should be located in the proximity of Central Square. The School Committee needs to take a position on its needs for the central administration offices. The building assessment is not complete and this needs to be part of the process. The criteria and the competing needs all have to be considered. All three facilities cannot become operational by the City. One facility could be sold. The rental space cost is $340,000 per year and is rising stated Mr. Rossi. This should be in the equation. He commented on the amount of debt for the renovations to the high school and the War Memorial.
School Committee Member Fantini suggested a joint committee between the City Council and the School Committee to work to resolve the issues. The School Department is making great success with academics. Academics and quality buildings work hand in hand. The School Department has a tremendous capital need. Central Administration needs to be moved. An engineering study is being done on the elementary schools. Councillor Murphy agreed with the joint committee between the City Council and the School Committee. Mr. Healy commented that he has never seen an instance where a school building is vacant that it has not been turned over to the City.
Councillor Simmons expressed concern about the timeline of the meetings between the joint committee. Does the joint committee intend to meet over the summer or in September, she asked? Jurisdiction may vary, but this is all our City, she said. It is in the best interests of the City to solve the space concerns. If the School Committee does not want to release the building the City needs to know. There are two issues:
Councillor Murphy informed the committee that at the School Committee meeting School Committees Member Grassi submitted a motion, which prevailed, about the joint committee. The Mayor will submit this to the City Council. He will figure out the timeline. The school facilities assessment result is needed. In the meantime the Graham and Parks building is vacant and the Police Station and the Longfellow buildings will be in use for two years.
Councillor Simmons questioned the school facilities assessment study progress. Superintendent Fowler-Finn reported that a space study was submitted to the City Council in January 2005. A building needs study is being done to review all the buildings. He outlined the need for capital work in the buildings. He will make available to the City Council the physical plan and needs. Mr. Healy commented that the City has expense for debt service for two projects-the HVAC work and the roof work at the high school and the War Memorial. Disposition of property will not occur in a rapid fashion. All the buildings need to be considered.
Councillor Simmons stated that no information has been supplied to the community. The assumption is that nothing is happening. The longer a project takes the more money its needs. Some disposition is needed. Superintendent Fowler-Finn informed the committee that the Central Administration building would not be eligible for SBA funds.
Councillor Davis spoke of the criterion that was used for the Police Station (Attachment B). There is a need to gather information regarding space and use needs and the square footage. The Central Administration building is not a good building. The City needs to manage the problem, resources and the priorities. The quality of the existing buildings needs to be reviewed in an effort to decide to use the existing assets versus buying. Rational information is needed before a decision is made.
Mr. Rossi stated that City Council needs to make a policy decision. When a decision is made then planning and analysis can be done to keep the tax rate stable. Councillor Davis questioned whether there was a willingness to sell any of the buildings. Mr. Rossi suggested stop paying rent for the Central Administration space and move the facility into an existing space. He outlined the proposed process as planning, budgetary impact, and possible sale of property, then recommendation and finally public debate. Mr. Healy stated that the critical issue is that there is no state reimbursement for moving the Central Administration offices. The Transitional School will not be located in the high school and the Longfellow will remain in use. If the Community Learning Center and the Multi-Service Center were located in house the amount of $327,000 would be eliminated as an annual operating expense. If the School Committee intends to maintain ownership of the Longfellow then the Graham and Parks would be the proposed property for sale. This may upset the community. One building needs to be sold to fund the other needs. To keep all three buildings is not affordable.
Councillor Davis stated that she wants information before she makes any conclusions. She agrees that a building needs to be sold. She believed that public transit should be a consideration for the Community Learning Center and the Multi-Service Center. The Graham and Parks site should be used for housing. It is in a housing zone. Again she asked if the School Committee was against selling a building.
School Committee Member Nancy Walser commented that this is an important effort and should be deliberative, rationale and explainable to the community. She urged the City Council to take time. All the pieces need to fit together. The School Committee requested a needs analysis. There is $2 million needed to repair pipes in the King School. The critical need is for the Central Administration offices. The Longfellow site may be needed for swing space. A critical needs analysis is needed for existing buildings. She is reluctant to declare the Longfellow as surplus. The Graham and Parks site was considered for the Central Administration office but then the police station came into the equation and the process stopped. She requested support from the City for the Central Administration offices. The issue is how will renovations to the high school, Central Administration offices and critical needs for the elementary schools be financed. Mr. Healy asked why couldn’t the Central Administration offices fit in the high school especially since enrollment is down. Councillor Davis wanted it on the record whether the central administration could be accommodated in the high school and how this could be accomplished. An official response is needed from the School Committee so that the City Council can make a decision. Superintendent Fowler-Finn stated that a more formal response would be prepared and sent to both the School Committee and the City Council. School Committee Member Grassi commented that this is a great opportunity for the School Committee and the City Council to work together. He stated that it was the City Council’s purview to declare the Graham and Parks surplus. The building where the Central Administration office are now located has issues. He cautioned the location of where central administration could be moved. School Committee Member Fred Fantini stated that relocating the Central Administration offices is a big issue and is the first important issue to be decided. When the location of Central Administration is determined the other issues are solvable. This location will also contain an early childhood center and the family resource center. Councillor Davis asked if the police station could be used without making renovations. Mr. Healy responded that the building needs major renovations; the HVAC is deplorable. Councillor Davis asked what would be the purchase price of a new building containing the required footage of 35,000 square feet for Central Administration. Mr. Healy responded that he would provide this information to the City Council. Ms. Walser commented on the condition of the Central Administration. Councillor Davis suggested a walk through of the Central Administration offices.
At eleven o’clock and twenty minutes A. M. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.
Dennis Friedler, 24 Corporal McTernan Street, stated that realistic figures are needed. He commented on the public confidence on the process specifically given the low sale price of the Blessed Sacrament property. A needs based assessment needs to be done. He has a vested interest in the Graham and Park site. He spoke about community involvement. Cambridgeport, he said, has the largest percentage of housing in the City. The neighborhood is not looking for more density. He wants a neighborhood that is attractive to families.
Bette Denich, 25 Chalk Street, Member of the Dana Park Neighborhood Association, stated that the association is opposed to the sale of the Graham and Parks site to a private entity. There was also opposition about Graham and Parks being a market commodity. She was shocked that the Graham and Parks was being discussed as the most dispensable property. If the Graham and Parks site were used as housing this would add more residents who are deprived of community space.
Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, spoke about the age of the three buildings. City Hall was built in 1880. The building has no air conditioning but there is no plan to tear City Hall down. There should be a move to make the school buildings work. The older buildings are more conducive to learning, he said. He urged the City to look at the function of the buildings rather than the criteria. A more economic analysis is needed. Parking should not be provided for everyone. Declaring property surplus should go out to bid.
Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, urged the City not to sell public space in the City. He spoke about the cost of building the police station, the library and the amount of the debt service. The City can afford to borrow more money for school buildings. Education is the most important thing the City does. He is concerned about the demographics.
Councillor Davis expressed her concern for the Cambridgeport community. The process will be done carefully and deliberatively. She commented on the need for family housing. Any building incentives for family housing will be considered. Information is needed to make the right decision. The community will be involved in the process.
Councillor Murphy stated that this meeting was called to alleviate fear. This process will be a long one. The school assessment piece is needed. At this time Councillor Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager, the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee establish a policy recommendation framework for the full City Council on the disposition of buildings.
The motion – carried.
Councillor Simmons stated that she was glad that there would be a joint committee between the City Council and the School Committee to have this conversation.
Councillor Murphy stated that it would make more sense to have meetings in September and discuss what steps need to be taken to move forward.
Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and fifty minutes A. M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair