CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the nomination of John Ramos as a Commissioner of the Cambridge Housing Authority for a term to expire January 11, 2010.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $105,617.82 for the establishment of the Robert W. Healy Endowment Scholarship Fund within the accounting mechanism of the City of Cambridge.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-115, regarding a report on the growing trend in the abuse of prescription drugs.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-125, regarding the importance of having a living will.

5. 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 FY04-05.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary & Wages account to the Veteran’s Travel & Training account to cover additional veteran benefits and medical costs through the end of the fiscal year.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Pier 1 Imports for $1,000 to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support crime/prevention education efforts.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant received from the National Football League for $200,000 to the Public Investment Fund DPW Extraordinary Expenditures to support the installation of artificial turf at the Russell Field football field as part of the Russell Field renovation project.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $337,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account. These funds are a result of a reimbursement for a portion of snow related costs incurred by the Public Works Department, as well as other City departments related to the snowstorm of January 22-25, 2005.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $83,000 the Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds to cover additional expenses associated with snow plowing contracts, salt and other material costs incurred during the snowstorms of the past winter, as well as for additional costs for energy and building maintenance.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant for $6,000 from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to the Grant Fund Arts Council Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to implement the project that will bring work of local artists from Cambridge and other New England States working in the field of public art into communities through touring exhibitions, including the CAC gallery.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Abt Associates for $200 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages Account in support of the Cambridge Even Start Program.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of private donations for $2,229.01 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance Account for the Council on aging to provide additional food and nutrition services for seniors at the Cambridge Senior Centers.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a private donation for $2,891.57 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to support the activities of participants in Cambridge special needs recreation programs.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation to the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for $108,955 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to allow benefit ranges for energy costs to increase from $225-$655 to $250-$730 for clients in the program.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Local Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) through the United Way of Massachusetts Bay for $9,663 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to be used to support fuel assistance programs.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) from the Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $139,616 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($6,980) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($132,636) to be used to contract with local shelter providers to support operation and rehabilitation costs of shelter facilities as well as for homeless prevention activities and services for the homeless.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $113,965 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account to provide funds for staff salaries related to the administration of the HOME Program.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $1,525,682 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to create new affordable housing ($854,735), develop housing for the chronically homeless ($500,000) and to provide funding to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), non-profits, ($170,947) for pre-development costs for affordable housing projects (required under HOME regulations).

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of rebate revenues received from NSTAR gas for $8,250 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures to perform additional engineering/energy studies in City Buildings.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $29,697.44 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program income to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which will increase funds available to continue the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing in the City of Cambridge.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-137, regarding a report on the development of dog parks.

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a proposed zoning amendment received from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a proposed zoning amendment and a proposed amendment to the Parking Transportation and Demand Management Ordinance (PTDM).

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

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. Three applications were received from the Church of Scientology of Boston, requesting permission for two tables with chairs and a display of merchandise at the premises numbered 567-589 Massachusetts Avenue, 596-620 Massachusetts Avenue and 1436-1440 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Cambridge Nails, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 2096 Massachusetts Avenue.

3. An application was received from Harvard Square Massage Therapy, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 15 Story Street.

4. An application was received from Josiane Hudicourt-Barnes, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 19 Jay Street (access from Jay Street); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association. ZBA #9036-March 2005 owner/developer is responsible for installation of curb cut.

5. An application was received from Scrubby Bubbles Laundromat, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign and two benches at the premises numbered 2288 Massachusetts Avenue.

6. An application was received from Kyu Sung Woo, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 7 RC Kelley Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response was received from the neighborhood association. All work for installation is responsibility of developer.

7. An application was received from Andrew Cruse, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 29 Dana Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding city priorities.

2. A communication was received from Edward F. Carney, transmitting the family's sincere gratitude for the resolution adopted in memory of their sister Jean (Carney) Parsons.

3. A communication was received from John E. Butterworth, transmitting thanks for the resolution from the City Council.

4. A communication was received from David Leslie, transmitting thanks for the City Council's congratulatory resolution.

5. A communication was received from Vyto Charles Janunas and Albin F. Janunas, transmitting thanks to the members of the Cambridge City Council for the resolution praising our late brother Anthony Joseph Janunas for his service in the Army of the United States.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Helen A. Sorrentino.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of Manuel A. Cabral.   Councillor Toomey

3. Recognition of the Latino After School Initiative for its dedication in building after school programs and best wishes to the students in the programs.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Well wishes to Ann Marie McGinnity.   Mayor Sullivan

5. Congratulations to Adam Klapper and Mely Edith Santizo-Alvarez on their wedding.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Support for the Saint Anthony Procession from St. Anthony's Church on Cardinal Medeiros Avenue on Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 2:30pm.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Recognition of the Physicians for Human Rights for their continued humanitarian efforts and wish them well in their new home at 2 Arrow Street.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Happy Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary wishes to Willy and Irene Sawyer and Thursday, July 7, 2005 is proclaimed as Willy and Irene Sawyer Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Saverio F. Capotosto.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Louis A. DePasquale, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

11. Resolution on the death of Alicia Altenberger.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the retirement of Alan Lameiras.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Resolution on the retirement of Brenda Andrade.   Mayor Sullivan

14. Resolution on the death of Patrick J. Pilleri.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Paul Linardos.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Elvira M. Santoianni.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

17. Happy 79th Birthday wishes to Ila Watson.   Councillor Simmons

18. Resolution on the death of Eugene Gross.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Resolution on the death of Ethel W. White.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

20. Resolution on the death of Geneva M. Tewksbury.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Eliot T. Bernstein.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Resolution on the death of Sister Therese Capistran.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Resolution on the death of Maria Cappucci.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

24. Resolution on the death of Denis R. McKenna.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

25. Resolution on the death of Juan Pedro Villaman.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Wesley Riggs.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Specialist Tyler Creamean.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Brad Wentz.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Robin Fell.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Mark Maida.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kenneth Schall.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Antwan Walker.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Specialist Daniel Varnado.   Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Benjamin Morton.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jacob Simpson.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David Wimberg.   Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Brazee.   Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Aaron Seesan.   Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bernard Sembly.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Specialist Bryan Barron.   Vice Mayor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Wyatt Eisenhauer.   Vice Mayor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Specialist Phillip Sayles.   Vice Mayor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kurt Schamberg.   Vice Mayor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Scott.   Vice Mayor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Specialist Audrey Lunsford.   Vice Mayor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Peter Hahn.   Vice Mayor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Alfred Siler.   Vice Mayor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Randy Collins.   Vice Mayor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Major Ricardo Crocker.   Vice Mayor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Lourey.   Vice Mayor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Carl Morgain.   Vice Mayor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Saburant Parker.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of Sergeant John Ogburn, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

54. Congratulations and best wishes to Deborah Mason on the 30th Annual Recital of the Deborah Mason School of Dance on June 18 and 19, 2005 at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School auditorium.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

55. Congratulations to the Amicable Masonic Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons on the celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary on June 2 at 6:30pm at the Masonic Temple at 1950 Massachusetts Avenue in Porter Square.   Councillor Reeves

56. Resolution on the death of Joseph C. LaPiana.   Councillor Toomey

57. Resolution on the death of James R. Rogers.   Councillor Toomey

58. Support for the 7th Annual Benefit Concert for the Homeless on September 30, 2005 at 8:00pm at the Sanders Theater in Harvard Square.   Mayor Sullivan

59. Wednesday, June 8, 2005 proclaimed as Spare Change News Day in Cambridge in honor of its thirteenth birthday.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Resolution on the death of John Hovannisian.   Councillor Maher

61. Tuesday, June 21, 2005 proclaimed as Robert Patrick Drinan, S.J. Day in Cambridge in honor of his fifty year association with Boston College Law School..   Mayor Sullivan

62. Congratulations to the Rendon Group on winning the 2005 Emmy Award for Outstanding Public Service Announcement Campaign.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Welcome to Organon on the grand opening of its research center in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

64. Resolution on the death of Dighton E. Spooner.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

65. Resolution on the death of Christian M. Caldaroni.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

66. Congratulations to Philip Eugene Pare, Jr. on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 45.   Mayor Sullivan

67. Resolution on the death of Paul Cully.   Mayor Sullivan

68. Recognition of all the participants in the First Annual Central Square Spruce Up.   Councillor Davis

69. Best luck to Melanie Bates, Director of Development of Club Passim, on her future endeavor.   Vice Mayor Decker

70. Congratulations to Club Passim and Executive Director Betsy Siggins Schmidt for a successful 47th Anniversary celebration.   Vice Mayor Decker

71. Congratulations to Carol McCullough of the Inman Square Cambridge Family Health Center on her retirement.   Vice Mayor Decker

72. Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Lacey of the Inman Square Cambridge Family Health Center on his retirement.   Vice Mayor Decker

73. Congratulations to KC Commoss for receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.   Vice Mayor Decker

74. Congratulations to Jake Dwyer on his selection to play for the Eastern Massachusetts All Star Team in August.   Councillor Toomey

75. Congratulations to Myra McCoy for receiving the Jean Burton Award.   Councillor Reeves

76. Congratulations to Matthew Joseph Shea on his 2005 graduation from Woburn Memorial High School.   Councillor Reeves

77. Best wishes to the organizers on their 50th Anniversary Symposium commemorating the South African Freedom Charter on June 16, 2005, 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Harvard Law School, Austin Hall, 1563 Massachusetts Avenue.   Councillor Reeves

78. Congratulations to Jane Shapiro and Constance Brown for their vision and labors as co-owners of the 17 Wendell Street Gallery and Cambridge will be diminished with the absence of the gallery.   Councillor Reeves

79. Congratulations to Zeynep Postalcioglu and Thomas Otto Schonwalder on their marriage.   Councillor Reeves

80. Congratulations to MIT Provost, Robert A. Brown, on being named President of Boston University.   Mayor Sullivan

81. Congratulations to Jim Roosevelt on being appointed as President and CEO of Tufts Health Plan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy

82. Get well wishes to Richard Freierman.   Councillor Davis

83. Best wishes to Hafthor Yngvason on his new endeavor.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Congratulations to the staff and administration at Rindge School of Technical Arts for receiving full state approval.   Mayor Sullivan

85. Congratulations to Theda Skocpol on being named Harvard's new dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.   Mayor Sullivan

86. Resolution on the death of Philip Parre, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan

87. Resolution on the death of Anthony J. Gedaminsky.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

88. Resolution on the death of Kenneth J. Feeley.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

89. Resolution on the death of Marie J. Barbuto.   Mayor Sullivan

90. Resolution on the death of Brother William M. Quegan.   Mayor Sullivan

91. Recognition of Saturday, June 11, 2005, as Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day.   Mayor Sullivan

92. Congratulations to the Gately Youth Center on receiving the 2005 Easter Seals Community Leadership Award for Greater Boston.   Mayor Sullivan

93. Resolution on the retirement of Mary C. Cabral.   Mayor Sullivan

94. Resolution on the retirement of Jayne Marquedaunt.   Mayor Sullivan

95. Resolution on the retirement of Doris Partan.   Mayor Sullivan

96. Resolution on the retirement of James A. Adjemian.   Mayor Sullivan

97. Welcome Chief Justice Pius Nkonzo Langa to Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

98. Welcome South African Justice Zakeria Mohammed Yacoob to Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

99. Welcome to the wife and son of Sergeant First Class Paul Smith, Birgit and David Smith, and Monday, June 13, 2005 is proclaimed as Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

100. Recognition to the almost three dozen businesses participating in "Art Up Front.   Mayor Sullivan

101. Congratulations to Larry Clinton and Nancy DiLando on their wedding.   Councillor Maher

102. Recognition of Lieutenant Mike McGrath, Assistant to the Chief in Lawrence for his assistance to a lost Cambridge official.   Councillor Galluccio

103. Resolution on the death of Jose Saraiva.   Councillor Toomey

104. Resolution on the death of Marjorie M. Cages.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate staff to report on the status of Harvard and Central Square MBTA elevators and to convey to the MBTA the importance of maintaining elevators for access to public transportation.   Councillor Davis

2. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report to the City Council the number of households that take advantage of the Department of Human Service Fuel Assistance Program and its energy efficiency services.   Councillor Davis

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report on the progress in applying an anti-bullying program similar to the School Department's for the Human Services programs and to include in the report information regarding the possibility of including private schools in the anti-bullying effort.   Councillor Davis

4. Support for the commitment of 20% by 2010 campaign for renewable energy resources.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Toomey

5. The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to work with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Retirement Board to draft a home rule petition to allow the nurse midwives to buy back the years in the retirement system that they lost due to being involuntarily transferred out of the system.   Councillor Toomey and Vice Mayor Decker

6. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase truck enforcement on Fulkerson Street to stop the illegal truck traffic.   Councillor Toomey

7. The City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Public Information Officer to work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a press release that tells the Cambridge Scholarship Story in a moving and motivating article for publication in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Connections.   Councillor Davis

8. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to conduct a community "envisioning" planning event for Harvard Square.   Councillor Murphy

9. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate department to ensure that immediate attention be given to the rodent problem in the City neighborhoods in particular the area between Harvard and Central Squares, said attention to include determination of whether a neighborhood meeting is needed.   Councillor Reeves

10. The City Council is requested to schedule a roundtable meeting of the topic of family housing, both market-rate and affordable.   Councillor Davis

11. The City Council is requested to cancel the City Council meeting of June 27, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Reeves and Councillor Simmons

12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding increasing police patrols during evening hours near the Gold Star Mother's Park, Kennedy School parks and near Seventh and Eight Streets due to recent report of gunshots in the area.   Councillor Davis

13. The City Clerk is requested to forward the proposed Zoning Amendment attached to City Manager's Agenda Item Number 24 as a City Council petition to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy

14. The City Council and the School Committee is requested to schedule a roundtable meeting regarding the report on the growing trend in the abuse of prescription drugs.   Mayor Sullivan

15. City Manager is requested to confer with the Administrator of the Cambridge Health Alliance with a view in mind of installing bike racks at the health clinics that would support the 5-2-1 Health Campaign.   Councillor Davis

16. City Manager is requested to review the possibility of establishing a contingency funding source for roadway projects to include bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

17. City Manager is requested to identify funding for improvements to the Peabody Street ramp.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on May 3, 2005 to meet with the Bicycle Committee to discuss bicycle issues and any and all matters that may properly come before the committee.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance submitted by Joanne Wilbert Weed et al. to change from Residence C-1 to Residence A the area bordered by Willard Street, Foster Street, Sparks Street and the C-2 district along Mount Auburn Street.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of continuing the consideration of a petition by Joan O’Connor et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance to make the Mount Auburn Hospital subject to the Institutional Use Zoning provisions.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 26, 2005 to continue discussion of a proposed amendment of Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance relative to the parking requirements for new uses in existing buildings, and in particular, to hear from developers of both affordable and market-rate housing.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting changes to proposed amendments requested by the Ordinance Committee at the May 26, 2005 public meeting on behalf of the Co-Chairs of the Committee.

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

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

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

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

Tues, June 21
10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on Destination Cambridge events for FY05-06 and to discuss any other business that may come before the committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate staff to report on the status of Harvard and Central Square MBTA elevators and to convey to the MBTA the importance of maintaining elevators for access to public transportation.

O-2     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
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 the number of households that take advantage of the Department of Human Service Fuel Assistance Program and its energy efficiency services.

O-3     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report on the progress in applying an anti-bullying program similar to the School Department's for the Human Services programs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the report include information regarding the possibility of including private schools in the anti-bullying effort.

O-4     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Electricity generation produces more harmful air pollution than any other single human activity and emissions caused by the current methods of generation trigger asthma attacks and contribute to other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer; furthermore, Massachusetts has the 8th highest current asthma rate in the United States; and
WHEREAS: Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy programs that save money, create jobs and strengthen local economies, and improves energy security by diversifying our energy supply; and
WHEREAS: Renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar and wastewater residuals– are constantly replenishing themselves, and, if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge adopted the Climate Protection Plan in 2002 which sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2010; therefore reducing air pollution and global warming; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a member of the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, which commits the City to be a leader in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions both through energy and fuel efficiency measures and through renewable energy generation and purchases; and
WHEREAS: The City is fortunate that Cambridge businesses are now developing new technologies to further the use of our renewable energy resources; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge recognizes and supports the goal of the 20% by 2010 campaign; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council, with a commitment to the health of its citizens, commits the City of Cambridge to the 20% by 2010 campaign where, by the year 2010, the City’s own municipal facilities including schools will purchase 20% of energy needs from clean energy sources and that the City staff will investigate all options for meeting that goal and beginning the purchases as soon as possible, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates, local clean energy installations and possible state and federal funding opportunities; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge will lead by example and encourage all businesses, institutions and households within Cambridge to engage in energy and fuel efficiency measures and to adopt the goal of making at least 20% of their energy purchases come from renewable energy sources by the year 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their electricity bill if it becomes available and at the presentation of the 2005 Go Green Business Awards on June 14, 2005 will announce the City’s commitment to 20% by 2010 and raise awareness of clean energy options.

O-5     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the retirement rights of several certified nurse midwives of the Cambridge Health Alliance were undermined by an involuntary transfer out of the Cambridge Retirement System and a subsequent reinstatement eight years later; and
WHEREAS: These midwives have made important contributions to the health and well-being of their patients; and
WHEREAS: This City Council believes that these midwives deserve to be treated fairly and with respect; and
WHEREAS: Correction of this error would require legislation, specifically a home rule petition; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to work with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Retirement Board to draft a home rule petition to allow the nurse midwives to buy back the years in the retirement system that they lost due to being involuntarily transferred out of the system.

O-6     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase truck enforcement on Fulkerson Street to stop the illegal truck traffic.

O-7     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Scholarship Story is a moving and motivating story; and
WHEREAS: Information about the scholarship recipients and what these scholarships mean to them can be especially inspiring to donors and to prospective donors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Public Information Officer to work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a press release that tells the Cambridge Scholarship Story in a moving and motivating article for publication in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Connections.

O-8     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Harvard Square has undergone many changes over the last several years; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to conduct a community "envisioning" planning event for Harvard Square.

O-9     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department to ensure that immediate attention be given to the rodent problem in the neighborhoods of the City, in particular in the area between Harvard and Central Squares, said attention to include a determination of whether a neighborhood meeting is needed.

O-10     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to schedule a roundtable meeting of the topic of family housing, both market-rate and affordable.

O-11     June 6, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to cancel the City Council meeting of June 27, 2005.

O-12     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding increasing police patrols during evening hours in the vicinity of the Gold Star Mother's Park, Kennedy School parks and in the vicinity of Seventh and Eight Streets due to recent report of gunshots in the area.

O-13     June 6, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward the proposed Zoning Amendment attached to City Manager's Agenda Item Number 24 as a City Council petition to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board.

O-14     June 6, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council and the School Committee be and hereby is requested to schedule a roundtable meeting regarding the report on the growing trend in the abuse of prescription drugs.

O-15     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Administrator of the Cambridge Health Alliance with a view in mind of installing bike racks at the health clinics that would support the 5-2-1 Health Campaign.

O-16     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the possibility of establishing a contingency funding source for roadway projects to include bicycle and pedestrian enhancements; 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-17     June 6, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to identify funding for improvements to the Peabody Street ramp.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee conducted a public meeting on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at six o’clock and five minutes p. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to meet with the Bicycle Committee to discuss bicycle issues and any and all matters that may properly come before the committee.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner, Environmental and Transportation Division of Community Development Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were the members of the Bicycle Committee: Ken Field, Jeff Grace, Julie McNabb, Steve Miller, C. R. Rogers, Tim Ledlie, Kathleen Regan, John Burckardt, Manju Gokhale and Chris Porter and Ryan Hanlon, 1350 Mass. Ave., Holyoke Center, and Michael Bierer, 37 Dana Street, Cambridge.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This committee would meet on an annual basis with the Bicycle Committee and report to the full City Council listing the priorities of the committee. Councillor Davis turned the meeting over to the Bicycle Committee.

Mr. Miller stated that the approach of the Bicycle Committee is to be clear. The city needs to be structured to allow people to bike through the city safely. The strategy is to work with groups. He listed four points that the Bicycle Committee would discuss. They are:
Bicycle benefits to the entire community;
Facilities making differences;
Partnering; and
Future opportunities.

Mr. Rogers and Mr. Grace would discuss the benefits of bicycling.

Mr. Rogers outlined the benefit to him of bicycling. He is seventy-one years young, has no car and has two bikes. He uses his bike for recreation, takes it on public transportation and bikes to Truro. Bicycling does not contribute to traffic congestion, does not take up parking spaces or space in parking lots, does not pollute or make noise. Bicycling promotes a more liveable city and promotes neighborliness. He stated that people over 75 in the Netherlands spend 25% travel time walking and 25% cycling. He stated when bike lanes are made convenient life improves. Mr. Grace next discussed the issues of economic development, reputation, bike police and promotion.

Mr. Grace stated that cars are useful for distance; bikes fit in between. The reputation of Cambridge is discussed when he travels. How people get around in the city is discussed. The Bike Patrols are visible, responsive to the needs of the people and are doing a wonderful job. He spoke of the "public rides" event held last May where 140 participants were riding bikes.

Mr. Field stated that the City Council has been convinced that bicycling is a good thing. Facilities are needed to encourage bicycling. He cited critical facilities to encourage cycling are bike parking and bike lanes. The goal of the Bicycle Committee is to encourage the installation of bike lanes on streets that could physically support bike lanes. Bike lanes increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and all who use the lane. Councillor Murphy asked if this is the consensus view. Mr. Field responded that there are differing views in the bike community. Ms. Seiderman commented that the Hampshire Street study revealed that 90% of the respondents wanted bike lanes. Views, she said, are not as divisive as one would think. The Bicycle Committee reviews all bike lane infrastructures in the city. Ms. Regan commented that the Hampshire Street study had evidence that behavior was affected by the use of bike lanes. The bike lane facilities improved behavior. Mr. Field stated that Cambridge should encourage cyclists in the street. Right of way of cyclists needed to be affirmed. The Hampshire Street study showed that any line in the street moved the cars to the right. Cyclists tend to ride away from car doors. The efforts of the city and the Bicycle Committee have worked. Bike use has increased 25% over the last few years. Ms. McNabb next discussed the strategies.

Ms. McNabb spoke about partnerships. Programs have been done around safety with children. Collaboration has been made between the Police Department and the Bicycle Committee. Special rides have been provided for city employees and the City Council. Construction plans are given technical review by the Bicycle Committee. Cambridge, she said, should be proud of its efforts. Mr. Miller stated that the Bicycle Committee has worked closely with the DCR, the MBTA and the new Charles River Basin Citizens Advisory Committee. North Point is a key intersection and must be done correctly. Mr. Burckardt expressed his concern about the elimination of work on the bridge around the Museum of Science. He also spoke about regional pathways that link getting from park to park. Mr. Miller spoke about future opportunities.

Mr. Miller informed the committee that bicycle racks are needed at schools and at the health centers. Mr. Rogers stated that a partnership is needed with the Cambridge Health Alliance. An effort is needed to get children riding bikes. Pedestrians and cyclists need a smooth surface on which to travel. He suggested that there be a contingency fund for road projects. Mr. Burckardt added that curb extensions cost money to install. Mr. Miller stated that traffic laws needed to be obeyed. He cited right turns, red light running and double parking as areas where continued enforcement must be given. Cyclists, he said, are struck first. Police need to be educated on the rights and responsibilities of cyclists.

A mother expressed her concern about her children being able to ride their bikes, but they are unable to. She urged Cambridge to take a bolder approach to streets. The City Council should question the theory that automobile own the streets. The city works too hard to accommodate vehicles. She encouraged reducing velocity.

Mr. Gokhale spoke about the safety issue of children. He stated that there should be a move toward making it more comfortable for the bike user.

Mr. Miller urged the City Council to support the proposed legislation to reduce speed limits to 25 MPH. Councillor Davis informed the committee that the City Council has in fact supported this legislation for four years. Councillor Murphy stated that this is frustrating to the City Council. He urged the Bicycle Committee that if there is other proposed legislation on bicycle safety needing support to let the City Council know about the legislation.

Councillor Davis stated that one of the Pedestrian Committee issues is enforcement. She would schedule a meeting in the future with the Police Department and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees to discuss this issue. The Points for Safety raised awareness, but it should be reviewed to see how it could be improved. Enforcement and fines are revenue enhancements and would lead to a change in behavior stated Councillor Murphy.

Ms. Seiderman spoke about the problem of double parking. Councillor Murphy wanted data on how many violations are given out for double parking. This matter should be discussed at the enforcement meeting to be held stated Councillor Davis.

At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Administrator of the Cambridge Health Alliance with a view in mind of installing bike racks at the health clinics that would support the 5-2-1 Health Campaign.

The motion – Carried.

A discussion followed about establishing a contingency fund for minor improvements at or nearby roadway projects that would enhance bike and pedestrian routes.

Councillors Davis and Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the possibility of establishing a contingency funding source for roadway projects to include bicycle and pedestrian enhancements.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Murphy suggested that the Porter and Harvard Square projects be reviewed. Mr. Miller suggested adding the Flagstaff Park ramp also. Ms. Seiderman stated that the Harvard Square pedestrian ramp is not in the state contract.

Councillors Davis and Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to identify funding for improvements to the Peabody Street ramp.

The motion – Carried.

Councillors Davis and Murphy thanked the Bicycle Committee for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at seven o’clock and fifteen minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 18, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and twenty minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to change from Residence C-1 to Residence A the area bordered by Willard Street, Foster Street, Sparks Street and the C-2 district along Mt. Auburn Street. Joanne Wilbert Weed et al. submitted the petition for the proposed amendment.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, and Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. Councillor Reeves noted that the Planning Board has recommended against adopting this amendment. He invited Beth Rubenstein and Lester Barber to explain the Planning Board’s rationale.

Mr. Barber said that the Planning Board looked at the affected lots as they are now. There are twenty-five lots. The majority of the lots are already built up to C-1 or above. From the nature of the existing development, the Planning Board determined that the existing zoning district designation is appropriate. There are only two or three lots where a building could be built in the backyard. In those situations the Neighborhood Conservation District Commission is sufficient protection.

Councillor Reeves asked whether adopting the petition would constitute spot zoning. Mr. Barber said it would not; all of the lots would be affected in different ways, but the two or three lots that could accommodate backyard building under the current zoning would be specifically affected as described.

Councillor Murphy asked if the Planning Board discussed a Residence B district. Mr. Barber said not really, because the Planning Board members believed that existing zoning is the appropriate zoning for the area in light of the existing level of development.

Councillor Davis asked for more information about the location of the district and the character of the surrounding district. Mr. Barber said that CDD has done some analysis of the surrounding districts and they are all developed similarly to the C-1 district under consideration. The C-1 designation has existed since 1961, but for a long time back the districts have been developed similarly.

Councillor Reeves then invited public comment.

Jane Thompson, 27 Willard Street, stated that the Riverview building is an anomaly and the petitioners would be happy to modify the petition to remove it. She noted the difference of C-1 from the other zoning districts of the adjacent neighborhoods.

Ms. Thompson said that the biggest misunderstanding by the Planning Board in the Planning Board report is their conception of the role of the Marsh District Neighborhood Commission, which only approves exterior physical appearance. It does not have the power to prevent new buildings. The object of the down zoning is to control building in backyard lots without street frontage. Ms. Thompson stated that the widespread nonconformity in the district has been longstanding and is not an important issue. She also noted the problem of the availability of the condominium development approach that could allow even more development.

Elizabeth Delaney, 52 Foster Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning. She asked the City to look into the allegations of threats and intimidation by their neighbors. There are more than forty units where there were once fifty-four. Rezoning is unnecessary.

William Bean, 21 Foster St., spoke in support of the rezoning. He lives on the north side of Foster St, an A-1 district, and the character of his zone is very similar to C-1 district in question.

Sean Delaney, co-owner of 54 Foster Street with his sister, stated he lived there until a few years ago. He spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning amendment.

Mayor Sullivan moved referral to the City Council without a recommendation.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and fourteen minutes.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 18, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and fifty-five minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of continuing the consideration of a petition by Joan O’Connor et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance to make the Mount Auburn Hospital subject to the Institutional Use Zoning provisions.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present was Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD).

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Lester Barber to provide some background information regarding the Planning Board hearing. Mr. Barber stated that the Planning Board held its public hearing on May 17th, the night before this Ordinance Committee hearing. The hearing had been previously scheduled and then postponed to May 17th at the petitioners’ request. The Planning Board will probably discuss the petition at the June 7, 2005 Planning Board meeting and will forward the report to the City Council thereafter.

Councillor Maher requested an update on the neighborhood/hospital meetings. Councillor Reeves said that there have been three meetings and that they were cordial and pleasant, but that there was not a lot of progress. Right now the meetings are focusing on construction issues.

Councillor Reeves asked James Rafferty, attorney for Mt. Auburn Hospital, to report on these meetings from the hospital’s perspective. Mr. Rafferty agreed that the meetings have been cordial. Jeanette Clough, President and CEO, Thomas P. O’Neill, III, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nicholas Dileso, Chief Operating Officer, and Attorney Rafferty have represented Mt. Auburn Hospital at the meetings. As a result of the discussions, the hospital has agreed to take a floor off the building. A fourth meeting has been scheduled. Mr. Rafferty reported that the hospital is continuing to explore access from Gerry’s Road with the State. He said that he is reserving judgment on the state of the negotiations, but he is still hopeful.

Councillor Reeves invited Fleet Hill, President of the Mt. Auburn Neighborhood Association and Co-Chair of the Neighborhood Steering Committee to comment on behalf of the neighborhood. She stated that she agrees with Mr. Rafferty that there has been some progress. She said that the neighbors still want the new building to be the same as submitted in the original Determination of Need application, that is, three stories less than the current proposal. The neighborhood association has asked the hospital to look at a different footprint. They learned last night at the Planning Board hearing that the hospital intends to submit an application for a special permit very soon.

Councillor Davis stated that she would like to know more about the specifics of the proposal before the Planning Board and would like more information on the zoning amendment. She noted that it is possible to re-file the zoning petition.

Councillor Reeves invited Mr. Barber to comment. Mr. Barber stated that the petition proposes amending the institutional use regulations to make the entire hospital campus subject to review under those provisions. Such a review would be in addition to the project review special permit process, which the hospital is subject to now. Currently the Institution Use provisions apply only to the Residence C-1 piece of the hospital campus.

Councillor Reeves invited public comment.

Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, stated that he agreed with Attorney Rafferty and Ms. Hill about the meetings. The process has been very useful. At the end of the day he hopes that residents and hospital will stand together. He explained how the Institutional Use regulations differ from the Section 19 project review requirements. The Institutional Use regulations require a balancing of institutional need and residential need. The site plan must be compatible with neighborhood. The regulations specifically require the hospital to temper its impact.

Marcus Byruch, 4 Lowell Street, stated that he endorses Mr. Stohlman’s point of view.

Fleet Hill said that the neighbors are seeking with the zoning petition to require the Planning Board to consider the hospital as a single entity. It affects the neighborhood as a single entity. The institution itself currently lies in part of the property exempt from the zoning law that applies to institutions. They are also looking ahead to future projects.

Rebecca Pries, 10 Longfellow Road, thanked all the members of the City Council who have helped them get to this point. She said that the neighborhood respects the legitimacy of hospital’s needs to be the best hospital it can be. The neighborhood has a legitimate need to be the best that it can be. There is a need to continue the dialogue. She was dismayed with the first offer, which was to take one floor off of a building that was already three floors higher than the neighbors expected.

Joan O’Connor, 2 Longfellow Road, expressed her agreement with the neighbors who spoke previously. The neighborhood needs the protection of the 32 attributes that are in the institutional overlay regulation provisions. She understands that there is a technical problem with the petition that they are attempting to correct. She believes that this amendment would serve both the hospital and the neighborhood as well. The neighbors understand that the hospital needs to grow; they are just asking for the neighbors to have some input.

Dennis Walcott, 20 Lowell Street, requested those in support to stand. Fourteen persons did so.

Attorney Rafferty stated that the hospital agrees that there is legitimacy on both sides. However, this petition could be devastating for the hospital. It would render the entire hospital nonconforming. This petition turns on its ear the entire institutional use zoning structure. He cited the problem of nonconformity if there were to be a fire as well as the effect on financing.

Councillor Davis noted that rarely if ever does the fire/nonconformity issue prevent rebuilding.

Councillor Maher asked Mr. Rafferty about the meeting with the state and whether he was hopeful. Mr. Rafferty answered in the affirmative. The state officials did raise a jurisdictional issue; the hospital must demonstrate that there are not other alternatives. However, they were receptive.

Councillor Reeves asked why the original Determination of Need differs for the current proposal. Attorney Rafferty said that the original filing contained a rendering of only the floors proposed in the Phase 1 of a phased project as planning went on, the hospital decided to propose both phases. They proposed a net increase of 72 beds, reducing number of beds by 20.

Councillor Reeves asked about the function of the Determination of Need office. Mr. Dileso said that the Determination of Need process was created years to contain hospital construction spending and to control the number of beds in the 1970’s. By the early 2000’s, emergency room diversion was becoming a problem, and restrictions as to how many beds could be requested were lifted in 2001. Now there is a $12 million cap as a threshold. Under that amount, there is no requirement to go through the Determination of Need process.

Dennis Walcott, 20 Lowell Street, said that the neighbors constantly feel like they do not know what is going on, that they all are one step behind. The proposal to the state in the Determination of Need process was the hospital’s proposal and it showed empty bed space for potential future growth. There was no mention of phase one and phase two. He emphasized the need to build in a mechanism that requires the hospital to talk to its neighbors ahead of time. The neighbors know that this hospital is going to grow again.

Diane Hixon, 66 Sparks Street, said that there seems to be a differentiation in the zoning law between religious and educational institutions and other types of institutions. She asked whether Mt. Auburn, as a teaching hospital, could be subject to all of the protection of the educational institutions.

Philip Walton, 28 Lowell Street, thanked Fleet Hill for her work and reiterated his support for the petition and hope for mutual agreement.

Councillor Davis expressed frustration about the issue that comes up often that there is no discussion between the institution and the neighbors until something has already been filed. A collaborative process from the beginning might have been better.

Councillor Toomey said that the City staff has done a tremendous job of rezoning the City; he cannot imagine how the City staff could predict all of the development ahead of time.

Councillor Reeves said that in the beginning MIT and Harvard were seen to be "the institutions." He emphasized the need to do more to get the institutions to understand the magnitude of their impact on the neighborhoods.

Councillor Reeves asked why the hospital was not put in the Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District. Mr. Barber said that he expects that the Marsh Conservation District proposal was initiated by neighborhood residents who were concerned with protecting the character of their residential neighborhood from residential development pressures.

Councillor Maher said that while we cannot through zoning come up with a perfect relationship between the hospital and the neighbors, he hopes that what comes out of this process is an agreement that the hospital will meet regularly with the neighborhood residents, much like what has happened in the Agassiz neighborhood.

Councillor Davis moved that the petition be referred to the City Council without recommendation. The motion was adopted on a voice vote without objection.

Council Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked all present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and five minutes.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #4
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and fifteen minutes P. M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting assembled in the Sullivan Chamber and moved to the Ackerman Room and resumed at five o’clock and twenty minutes. The meeting was held to continue discussion of a proposed amendment of Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance relative to the parking requirements for new uses in existing buildings, and in particular, to hear from developers of both affordable and market-rate housing.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Stuart Dash, Director of Community Neighborhood Planning, CDD, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD, Christopher Cotter, Director of Housing, CDD, Cassie Arnoud, Planner, CDD, Barbara Shaw, Co-Chair of the Planning Board.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development to begin the discussion.

Ms. Rubenstein said that in response to requests from the Ordinance Committee at its second hearing on this matter on May 18, 2005, the Community Development Department did additional research on the issue of the demand for parking by residents of affordable housing units. She invited Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning for the Community Development Department to present the results of the research. Ms. Rasmussen distributed a document entitled "Analysis of Parking Demand for Affordable and Mixed Income Housing (Attachment A) and summarized the data presented therein. According to 2000 Census data, Cambridge has 40,871 cars and 44,725 housing units, a ratio of .91 cars per housing unit. CDD’s Housing Division did an informal survey looking at parking rations at several affordable and mixed income housing developments. The survey consistently found parking ratios to average .57 cars per unit for affordable units and .90 cars per unit for market rate units.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that the Cambridge Housing Authority also did a survey of parking demand in seven of its scattered site projects. The CHA found that the parking demand ration to units for affordable housing was .57 and for market-rate units the ration was .9.

She noted that the number is almost identical to the citywide census results analyzed by CDD. Ms. Rasmussen stated that CDD has also decided that from now on it will monitor the data regarding parking demand on an ongoing basis.

Councillor Davis suggested amending the zoning to require one parking space for each market rate unit and .6 spaces for each affordable unit. For a project that is 50% or more affordable units, that formula would result in an overall requirement of spaces for 80% of all of the units.

Councillor Reeves asked what projects CDD surveyed for its study. Christopher Cotter, Director of Housing, CDD, stated that the survey includes data from the Squirrel Brand conversion, the St. Patrick’s Church conversion, Auburn Court, and others. The projects surveyed were chosen because of their comparability to the Blessed Sacrament conversion possibility that started this discussion. He noted that at the Squirrel Brand development, there are 20 units of housing and 18 parking spaces, but only ten are utilized. Ms. Rasmussen said that the garage for the Holmes development in Central Square has many parking spaces that are not used by residents.

Councillor Reeves agreed that the projects mentioned were well chosen. He noted, however, that the Kennedy Biscuit building conversion to affordable housing, which provided parking down the street in another structure for an additional charge, has resulted in numerous complaints by neighbors about the increased on-street parking.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that studies have shown that decoupling the parking from the housing site and charging extra for the parking will almost always lead to a great deal of on-street parking by residents of the housing development.

Councillor Reeves then invited comments from those in attendance.

Arthur Huh, Cambridge Housing Authority, spoke in support of the proposed amendment and stated that the reduction in the number of parking spaces required is important to the viability of the project.

Susan Hunziker, Cambridge, spoke in support of Councillor Davis’s suggestion of requiring parking for 80% of the units where the development would be 50% or more affordable, and urged the City Council to require as much parking as possible.

Peter Daly, Executive Director of Homeowners’ Rehab, Inc. spoke in favor of a reduced parking requirement for affordable housing developments for two reasons. He said that the first reason is because the demand really is significantly less for affordable housing, and the second and more important reason is to make the playing field for the development of affordable housing a little more level. Affordable housing developers find themselves in competition for scarce sites with market rate developers who can simply pass on the increased costs of the parking to the buyers. The State, on which the affordable housing developers are dependent for subsidy, is already concerned with the high cost of Cambridge projects. He added that if a development is 100% affordable, the parking requirement should be spaces for 60% of the units, not 80%, because that is what the research has shown the demand to be.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, distributed material (Attachment B), including data on the increase in the number of people who work in Cambridge and do not live here. He stressed the importance of mobility to a livable city and said that adding parking spaces just adds to the congestion and decreased mobility. He stated that he believes that there are now significant numbers of vacant units in Cambridge; perhaps as many as 15%of recently build and owned units are being held empty, for example apartments held by corporations.

Barbara Shaw, Just-A-Start, Chair of the Planning Board, said that just because a minimum number of units is set by the zoning law, that does not mean that the developer will provide only that number. She emphasized that affordable housing developers are using substantial amounts of public funds to build the housing, and there is a real need to use those funds efficiently. If an affordable housing developer has to build more parking spaces, that requirement translates directly into fewer units. Councillor Reeves asked whether this is because of the const of the units. Ms. Shaw stated that in part, that is the reason, but more significant is the lost opportunity to build more units of housing with the available funding.

Mr. Daly stated that in the type of buildings being described at this meeting, there is not a lot of room for surface units.

Mr. Barber said that the City Council must make two decisions, one on the overall requirement and one on the exemption, if any, for affordable housing.

Councillor Davis said that from the discussion at this meeting and at the May 18th hearing, she believes that the City Council wants to see a requirement of one space per unit as the general rule, and that the remaining question is how to treat affordable housing.

Councillor Davis requested that CDD provide language for a requirement of one space per unit for market-rate housing and for setting the requirement differently for affordable housing, so that for a 50% affordable development the requirement would be the provision of spaces for 80% of the total units.

Councillor Murphy suggested using a formula approach that provides one spaces per unit for the market units and .6 spaces per unit for the affordable units because those are the demand figures according to the research.

Ms Rubenstein agreed that CDD would provide this language.

Paul Ognebene, Cambridge resident and developer of the Blessed Sacrament site, stated that for the Blessed Sacrament site, he intends to use a one to one ration for the entire building, but he does in general support setting the requirement at .6 spaces per unit for affordable units. He noted that requiring one space per unit could mean that developers have an incentive to tear down old buildings to be able to fit above ground parking on the site.

Mayor Sullivan posed the question of whether it would be useful to differentiate the requirements based on the congestion of the particular area where the development will be located.

Councillor Davis responded that that is one of the standards applying for a special permit from the BZA.

Councillor Reeves said that he is very concerned about the increasing traffic congestion. He does not want to see Cambridge streets become like Massachusetts Avenue in Boston at rush hour.

Councillor Toomey said that the vast amount of increased traffic is drive-through traffic for which Cambridge is not the final destination.

Councillor Davis added that people who live in Cambridge hold only 8% of new jobs created in Cambridge.

Councillor Reeves expressed concern about the traffic and parking demand that the North Point development will add.

Councillor Toomey said that he is concerned that North Point residents will not interact with the City of Cambridge at all. They will work in Boston and plan to live there for a few years and then move on. He noted that only seven of all of the residents of Museum Towers voted in the primary election.

Councillor Davis said that developments full of one- and two-bedroom units encourage a more transient population.

It was agreed that CDD would prepare the language necessary for an amendment setting a requirement of one parking space per unit for all units, with the exception of affordable units, for which the requirement would be .6 of a space per unit for the City Council to consider at its June 6, 2005 meeting.

Councillor Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their thoughtful participation. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr, Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair