CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $5,990 from the General Fund Library Travel and Training account to the General Fund Library Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of the installation of a new HVAC compressor unit at the Central Square Library.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $25,190 from 2008 City Run Road Race receipts to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to support athletic programs at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School through the Friends of Cambridge Athletics.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000 from the Cambridge Public Health Commission to the Grant fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Healthcare Access Project.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $385,000 in medallion revenues to the License Commission Grant Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide funding for the Accessible Cambridge Taxicabs (ACT) Management Program and to provide $10,000 each to those medallion owners who convert existing medallions to hybrids or other environmentally efficient vehicles.

June 9, 2008

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $385,000 in medallion revenues to the License Commission Grant Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This one-time revenue is a result of the City successfully auctioning off one accessible medallion to the highest bidder.

Revenues will be used to provide funding for the Accessible Cambridge Taxicabs (ACT) Management Program which manages and oversees all accessible vehicles in the City and coordinates and monitors services to seniors and persons with disabilities. In addition, funds will be used to provide $10,000 each to those medallion owners who convert existing medallions to hybrids or other environmentally efficient vehicles. Currently, there are 6 medallion owners who are eligible, with a goal of at least 20 vehicles. Also, funds will be used to support the Arthur J. Santoro Taxicab School by adding an additional class for existing drivers and dispatchers as well as to provide drivers with a booklet of maps of the City. Lastly, these funds will be used to purchase a taxicab driver identification photo machine which has reached its useful life.

These planned uses have been developed in conjunction with the License Commission and the Cambridge Taxicab Advisory Sub-committee.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $85,000 from the Water Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account ($70,000) and from the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($15,000) to the Public Investment Water Extraordinary Expenditures account to fix the 42 water fountains and 32 irrigation controls that have been vandalized.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $58,720 interest earnings to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for ongoing maintenance and replacement plantings in Lechmere Canal Park and for landscape design consultant services.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $88,800 in tree replacement funds from Harvard University to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used for trees and potentially other streetscape enhancements along Massachusetts Avenue between Wendell and Waterhouse Streets as well as to plant tree trees in empty tree wells in areas which do not currently have 20% tree cover.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the transfer of $6,493 within the Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant from the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Salary and Wages account to the Emergency Communications Travel and Training account ($2,988), Emergency Communications Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,310) and to the Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account ($195) to support training classes for new and existing dispatch personnel in Emergency Communications and to cover the purchase of an additional license for training software.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $65,000 from the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($25,000), General Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account ($5,000), Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,000) and from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($25,000) to the Public Investment Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account ($30,000), to Public Investment Water Extraordinary Expenditures account ($10,000) and to the Public Investment Traffic, Parking and Transportation Extraordinary Expenditures account ($25,000) to fund the purchase and installation of new fuel pumps and fuel management system at the Department of Public Works at 147 Hampshire Street.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the appropriation of a Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $7,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Salary and Wages account ($5,000) and Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) which will support training for fire personnel in the deployment and effective implementation of decontamination units assigned to our district as hospital protection units.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $26,035.10 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account received as additional reimbursement, for training performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) which will cover the City’s costs, which have already been incurred, for either back fill or overtime for public safety personnel who have participated in drills/trainings.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $26,875 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($22,875), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) and Travel and Training account ($2,000) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-77, regarding the pursuit of foreclosed properties for use as affordable housing.

June 9, 2008

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-77, regarding the pursuit of foreclosed properties for use as affordable housing, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein reports the following:

The City, working with the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and the city’s non-profit developers, is committed to pursuing every feasible opportunity to acquire existing housing and sites for new development to increase the City’s stock of affordable rental and ownership units. Foreclosure is one of several ways property becomes available.

CDD Housing staff and the non-profit developers find available property in several ways. CDD conducts annual outreach to multi-family property owners to identify those who are interested in selling to the City. Many owners also have relationships with the non-profits through the multi-family rehab and other programs and will approach them when they are interested in selling. Housing staff and the non-profits also work with brokers and search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for opportunities on the open market.

The Housing Staff searches the legal notices on a weekly basis to track properties in foreclosure. Banks are required to give 30 days notice to a property owner prior to the sale. They are also required to advertise the sale at least 21 days in advance. Many things can occur that prevent the property from actually becoming available for sale: the bank and the owner may choose to enter into a workout agreement to restructure the debt; the parties may agree to a "short sale" (i.e. selling the property for less than the debt owed); or the owner can declare bankruptcy, which in many cases halts the foreclosure proceeding.

Cambridge has a much lower rate of petitions to foreclose than communities such as Boston, Somerville and Medford. According to CDD research in May 2007, the foreclosure filing rate in Cambridge was less than 1/5 that of Medford and less than 1/7 that of Boston. In the past 60 days, only eight properties in Cambridge have had notices to foreclose filed against them, compared to 337 in Boston. In the past six months, 39 properties in Cambridge were foreclosed, compared to 1,439 properties in Boston.

(It is useful to note that not all of those properties will be sold. Unlike many markets, the value of property in Cambridge remains steady, giving both banks and owners an incentive to work out agreements rather than risk auctioning the property.)

Housing staff examines all foreclosure sale properties to determine if the unit size and type are appropriate for affordable housing and if the economics of the project are feasible. Factors we consider when evaluating a foreclosure property include zoning, unit size, property condition, and cost. When a property or site is a strong candidate for affordable housing, staff work with the non-profits to determine a reasonable bid and assemble deposit financing. If a property is feasible, the designated non-profit developer will attend the auction and bid for the property.

Cascap, Inc. recently had an offer accepted on a nine-unit existing building on Columbia Street. This property was originally a foreclosure sale, but after the owner declared bankruptcy the foreclosure sale was stopped. Cascap was able to continue to work with the seller, the bank and the bankruptcy court to successfully negotiate a purchase price. They plan to acquire the property and create nine permanently affordable family-sized rental units.

The Housing staff, Affordable Housing Trust and local non-profits will continue to look for opportunities to acquire foreclosed properties that are good sites for affordable housing.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the authorization to further amend the loan order originally approved by the City Council on May 23, 2005 and amended on July 30, 2007 for $2,000,000 for renovations and improvements to several City buildings.  Passed to 2nd Reading

June 9, 2008

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the authorization to further amend the loan order originally approved by the City Council on May 23, 2005 and amended on July 30, 2007 for $2,000,000 for renovations and improvements to several City buildings. The amended loan order allocated the funds as follows:

$811,000 HVAC improvements to City Hall, Coffon Building, Senior Center, and Area IV Youth Center

$840,000 Remodeling and Repairs to City Hall

$349,000 Masonry Projects at City buildings

This amendment changes the amounts allocated to the HVAC and masonry categories and adds new buildings to the HVAC authorization but does not change the total original amount approved of $2,000,000. Specifically, the HVAC allocation would increase by $243,000 from $811,000 to $1,054,000 and the masonry allocation would decrease by $243,000 to $106,000 from $349,000. This reallocation is needed to provide additional funding for HVAC projects for the Coffon Building, Frazier Building, Lombardi Building and North Cambridge Senior Center and will supplement existing capital appropriations for these projects.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a reimbursement from the Mt. Auburn VFW for $193,901 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the remaining portion of costs associated with renovating the new West Cambridge Youth and Community Center to accommodate the VFW.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,000,000 from the General Fund School Salary and Wages account ($700,000) and General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($300,000) to the School Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover anticipated relocation costs related to the high school renovation project, which is scheduled to begin in mid-year 2009.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-54, regarding a report on the feasibility of installing security cameras at the Russell Field Athletic Complex.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-73, regarding a report on DeWolfe Street and traffic calming public input.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-83, regarding the City’s plans for repairs, changes, or modernization efforts that may enhance the quality and safety of Clement Morgan Park.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Council meeting of June 30, 2008 be cancelled. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Maher on Order Number Nineteen of June 2, 2008.]  Order adopted 7-2, Kelley and Seidel voted NO

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 Nov 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on Unfinished Business.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Peili Patty Chen requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 480 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

2. An application was received from Scott Shuster, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 91-93 Sciarappa Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Disapproval was received from the neighborhood association and applicant's response to the disapproval is also included.
[Note: This was approved 8-1 with Kelley voting NO. The petition was reportedly not opposed by abutters or by the East Cambridge Planning Team, but Barbara Broussard of the East Cambridge Planning Team submitted a disapproval. Ms. Broussard was Councillor Kelley's campaign manager in the 2007 election. This point was not lost on some councillors when they voted 8-1 in favor of the curb cut petition. The mood was similar to a 2007 candidates forum in East Cambridge in which Ms. Broussard, while the campaign manager of one candidate, was the person in charge of most aspects of the event. Several candidates, most notably Councillors Toomey and Decker, were very agitated about this at that event.]

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Susan Glazer, transmitting thanks on behalf of the Michelson family for the resolution in memory of their father, Howard Michelson.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Elon Fyfield on being named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Volleyball team.   Councillor Toomey

2. Congratulations to Liz Walker on graduating from the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers Class of 2008.   Councillor Decker

3. Congratulations to Debra Miller on graduating from the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers Class of 2008.   Councillor Decker

4. Congratulations to Mary Bonauto on graduating from the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers Class of 2008.   Councillor Decker

5. Congratulations to Maureen Curley on graduating from the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers Class of 2008.   Councillor Decker

6. Congratulations to Sarah Abrams on graduating from the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers Class of 2008.   Councillor Decker

7. Congratulations to Father Tom Rafferty on being named Pastor of St. John's Church in Swampscott.   Councillor Maher

8. Resolution on the death of Marguerite J. (Gallagher) Cruickshank.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

9. Resolution on the death of Antonio Gil.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of John W. Yearwood.   Councillor Toomey

11. Condolences to Patricia Bradshaw and family on the death of Ivy Smith.   Councillor Reeves

12. Congratulations to Kevin and Nadia Foster on the birth of their son, Kenneth Alexander Foster.   Councillor Decker

13. Resolution on the death of Corporal Christian Cotner.   Councillor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Specialist Justin Mixon.   Councillor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kyle Norris.   Councillor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Blake Evans.   Councillor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Frank Gasper.   Councillor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Jason Dene.   Councillor Decker

19. Congratulations to Lee Pedro on her graduation from Cambridge College and Amanda Pedro on her graduation from Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School.   Councillor Decker

20. Congratulations to the Margaret Fuller House on its third annual fundraiser, A Sweet Soul Supper 2008 - A Carnival Celebration.   Mayor Simmons

21. Appreciation to the professionals of Gay Officers Action League of New England (GOAL/NE) for their contributions to law enforcement personnel.   Mayor Simmons

22. Congratulations to Rose White and Chris Cotter on the birth of their son, Torin Sanford Cotter-White.   Councillor Davis

23. Thanks to Abhi Bezbaruah for performing at the benefit concert for the Aasra Gramin Vikas Sansthan (AASRA), a non-profit group whose initiatives promote education for girls and empowerment of women in community and family planning matters in India.   Councillor Seidel

24. Declare June 12, 2008 as Keir Dullea Day in the City of Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Murphy

25. That the City Council recognize June 14, 2008 as the official Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day with a special tribute to Jennifer Chrisler and the Family Equality Council.   Mayor Simmons

26. That the City Council recognize June 14, 2008 as the official Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day with a special tribute to Sarah S. Brannen.   Mayor Simmons

27. That the City Council recognize June 14, 2008 as the official Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day with a special tribute to Libby Bouvier.   Mayor Simmons

28. That the City Council recognize June 14, 2008 as the official Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day with a special tribute to Richard M. Juang.   Mayor Simmons

29. That the City Council recognize June 14, 2008 as the official Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day with a special tribute to Joanne Shapiro.   Mayor Simmons

30. That the Cambridge City Council honors the memory of Robert Francis Kennedy, for his work, for his courage, for his words and for his sacrifice.   Councillor Seidel

31. Resolution on the death of Catherine McGowan.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

32. Resolution on the death of Dora Athanas.   Councillor Maher

33. Thanking Claire Spinner for her service to Cambridge in the Finance Department and wishing her well in her new position.   Councillor Davis

34. That the City Council extend a warm welcome to the participants and applaud the initiative of the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association and its many volunteers for developing this program.   Mayor Simmons

35. Resolution on the death of Maria (Rodrigues) Vidinha.   Councillor Toomey

36. Congratulations to Robin Brown on his graduation from School C, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.   Mayor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the City Council on the City's policy for obtaining a replacement resident parking sticker when a resident changes cars mid-year.   Councillor Toomey

2. That the City Council vote during the regular meeting on June 9, 2008 to go into Executive Session to discuss Monteiro vs. City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

3. That the Cambridge City Council does hereby urge Congressional delegates to express the will of the people of Cambridge in opposing any U.S. attack on Iran.   Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate whether Cambridge should join the Carbon Disclosure Project.   Councillor Davis

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools to advise the City Council of the appropriate section or feature for dedication in honor of William Gurry.   Councillor Davis

6. That the City Manager is requested to urge City departments to transmit to those running outdoor summer events that they be sensitive to neighbors when setting their sound systems.   Councillor Davis

7. That the City Manager is requested to report on community gardens in Cambridge (how many, the number of people participating, the number of those on the waiting list) and on the opportunities for adding to the number of community gardens through the use of CPA funds and other means.   Councillor Davis

8. That the City Manager is requested to ask the appropriate City department to clean and improve the condition of the tree holes on Pearl Street outside the Central Square Library, adding mulch or doing whatever is necessary to make them look presentable.   Councillor Davis

9. That the City Manager is requested to notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) about the dangerous situation at the corner of Ash Street and Memorial Drive and request that the DCR post signs indicating "No Parking Here to Corner" several car lengths from Ash Street on Memorial Drive to prevent vehicles from such obstruction.   Councillor Davis

10. That the City Council is requested to examine, with the purpose of developing a better understanding, the public health approach to gun violence prevention.   Councillor Seidel

11. That the City Manager is requested to determine whether a residential unit can have a deed restriction placed upon it preventing that unit from ever being able to receive a Cambridge parking permit.   Councillor Seidel

12. That the City Manager is requested to consider a suitable department or commission to be assigned the ongoing oversight and coordination of Sister City agreements with the support of each Mayoral Administration so as to provide a consistent and appropriate level of attention to Sister City agreements.   Mayor Simmons

13. That the City Manager report to the Health and Environment Committee whether the City has become engaged in negotiations vis-a-vis water or sewer connections related to the Silver Maple Forest in Belmont and further, take no action on this matter prior to the summer meeting of the City Council.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Toomey and Vice Mayor Murphy

14. That the City Manager is requested to further investigate this information and to find appropriate ways to distribute and educate the affected homeowners so they can purchase insurance before the January 2009 deadline.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Murphy

15. That the City Manager is requested to refer to the Green Building/Zoning Task Force the issue of the urban heat island effect (the process by which asphalt and other materials retain heat) and the possibility of promoting green roofs and area plantings, among other things, to mitigate this effect.   Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the effects of the proposal to place a helipad in Boston on Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

17. That the City Council go on record as supporting H.R. 6003.   Councillor Davis

18. That the City Manager is requested to convene City Departments who are responsible for commercial recycling compliance, including but not limited to the License Commission, Inspectional Services Department, Department of Public Works and any other appropriate departments for the purpose of increasing said compliance.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on May 8, 2008 to conduct a preliminary discussion on the waste stream.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 10
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the committee's discussion of services in Cambridge for children and their families during early childhood.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to boundaries of the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District and to allow by special permit, lots within the overlay district that are zoned BC and have a contiguous portion of the lot in the adjacent residential district, underground parking and increased allowable FAR of 1.60 for hotels, to be calculated using the entire lot area. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 18
4:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss long-term open space protection for Joan Lorentz Park.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 19
5:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relative to housing for larger families in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 24
2:00pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on present and future plans for the arts in Harvard Square and to discuss how Harvard Square Arts organizations can be further enhanced.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 25
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition submitted by Alexandria Real Estate Equities proposing amendments in the PUD-3A, PUD-4C and PUD-4B Districts to the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in eastern Cambridge. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, July 1
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the committee's discussion of services in Cambridge for children and their families during early childhood.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Sept 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 15
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting to discuss matters relevant to School Committee and City Council communication strategies.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Nov 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 29
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the City Council on the City's policy for obtaining a replacement resident parking sticker when a resident changes cars mid-year.

O-2     June 9, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A timely response to Council Order 4, dated June 2, 2008, would be the inclusion of an Executive Session discussion of Monteiro vs. City of Cambridge at the June 9, 2008 City Council meeting; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council vote during the regular meeting of the Cambridge City Council on June 9, 2008 to go into Executive Session for a discussion of Monteiro vs. City of Cambridge.

O-3     June 9, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Bush Administration and its Congressional allies are engaging in a systematic campaign to convince the American people that the Islamic republic of Iran poses an imminent threat to the American nation, American troops in the Middle East and U.S. allies; and
WHEREAS: This campaign bears a strong resemblance to that waged during the lead-up to the Iraq war and occupation, with the use of unreliable sources, exaggerated threat assessments, the selective use of information, unsubstantiated accusations about Iran’s nuclear program and its supply of weapons to Iraqi forces as centerpieces of their case to the American people for aggressive action against Iran; and
WHEREAS: Iran has not threatened to attack the United States, and no compelling evidence has been presented that Iran poses a real and imminent threat to the security and safety of the United States that would justify an unprovoked unilateral pre-emptive military attack; and
WHEREAS: We support the people of Iran who are struggling for freedom and democracy, and nothing herein should be construed as supportive of their government, the Islamic Republic of Iran, but a unilateral, pre-emptive U.S. military attack on Iran could well prove counter productive to the cause of promoting freedom and democracy in that country; and
WHEREAS: A 2007 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), representing the consensus view of 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, concluded that Iran froze its nuclear weapons program in 2003, and an earlier NIE concluded that Iran’s involvement in Iraq "is not likely to be a major driver of violence" there; and
WHEREAS: An attack on Iran is likely to cause untold thousands of American and Iranian casualties, lead to major economic dislocations, and threaten a much wider and more disastrous war in the Middle East; and
WHEREAS: A pre-emptive U.S. military attack on Iran would violate international law and our commitments under the U.N. Charter and further isolate the U.S. from the rest of the world; and
WHEREAS: An attack on Iran is likely to inflame hatred for the U.S. in the Middle East and elsewhere, inspire terrorism, and lessen the security of Americans locally and worldwide; and
WHEREAS: The Iraq war and occupation has already cost the lives of over 4,000 American soldiers, the maiming and wounding of over 38,000 American soldiers, the death and maiming of over one million Iraqi civilians; and
WHEREAS: According to the nonpartisan National Priorities Project, the Iraq war and occupation has cost American taxpayers more than $500 billion, and the citizens of Cambridge more than $225 million; and
WHEREAS: Any conflict with Iran is likely to incur far greater costs and divert more precious national resources away from critical human needs in the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council does hereby urge Congressional delegates to express the will of the people of Cambridge in opposing any U.S. attack on Iran, and urging the Bush administration to pursue diplomatic engagement with that nation; and
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to President George W. Bush, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator John Kerry and Representative Michael Capuano on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate whether Cambridge should join the Carbon Disclosure Project; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the entire City Council on this matter.

O-5     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: On Feb 14, 2000, the City Council adopted an order expressing its desire that an appropriate section of the War Memorial renovated swimming facility be dedicated in honor of William Gurry; and
WHEREAS: The renovation of the War Memorial building is expected to be completed in the fall of 2008; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Superintendent of Schools to advise the City Council of the appropriate section or feature for dedication in honor of William Gurry; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council arrange a suitable Dedication Ceremony, after consultation with the family.

O-6     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge City departments to transmit to those running outdoor summer events that they be sensitive to neighbors when setting their sound systems.

O-7     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on community gardens in Cambridge (how many, the number of people participating, the number of those on the waiting list) and on the opportunities for adding to the number of community gardens through the use of CPA funds and other means; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council and the Health and Environment Committee on this matter.

O-8     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the appropriate City department to clean and improve the condition of the tree holes on Pearl Street outside the Central Square Library, adding mulch or doing whatever is necessary to make them look presentable.

O-9     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Vehicles parked on Memorial Drive at the corner of Ash Street obstruct the view for vehicles exiting Ash Street onto Memorial Drive; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) about the dangerous situation at the corner of Ash Street and Memorial Drive and request that the DCR post signs indicating "No Parking Here to Corner" several car lengths from Ash Street on Memorial Drive to prevent vehicles from such obstruction.

O-10     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to examine, with the purpose of developing a better understanding, the public health approach to gun violence prevention; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council discuss appropriate venues for continued examination, which might include the Healthy Children's Task Force; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Health and Environment Committee for further consideration.

O-11     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine whether a residential unit can have a deed restriction placed upon it preventing that unit from ever being able to receive a Cambridge parking permit; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider both the case of ownership and of rental units; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with his findings.

O-12     June 9, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a long history of developing and maintaining what are commonly known as "Sister City" agreements; and
WHEREAS: It has been incumbent on each Mayoral Administration to honor the pre-existing Sister City agreements and fund activities related to these agreements - generally without a historical context for optimal coordination; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider a suitable department or commission to be assigned the ongoing oversight and coordination of Sister City agreements with the support of each Mayoral Administration so as to provide a consistent and appropriate level of attention to Sister City agreements.

O-13     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The City Council adopted the following order on Jan 8, 2007:
"That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to reconfirm Order #24 from the May 22, 2006 City Council meeting that the City Manager notify the City Council if the City becomes engaged in negotiations vis-a-vis water or sewer connections related to the area known as the Silver Maple Forest in Belmont and further consult with the Council prior to taking any action with regard to development in this area"; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the Health and Environment Committee at a meeting prior to the City Council's summer meeting; and be it further
ORDERED: That the subject of the City Manager's report should be development in the Silver Maple Forest and negotiations to tie into the Cambridge sewer system; and be it further
ORDERED: That no action should be taken on this matter until it can be considered at the summer meeting of the City Council.

O-14     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The new FEMA flood map will affect many new households in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Home Insurance on these added homes will be dramatically changed; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that homeowners who have been added to the list can be grandfathered in to a flood insurance rate if they begin their coverage before January 2009 when the maps take effect; and
WHEREAS: The attached NFIP MAP & ZONE GRANDFATHER RULES and flow chart provide a brief description; and
WHEREAS: Only certain insurance providers participate in this program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to further investigate this information and to find appropriate ways to distribute and educate the affected homeowners so they can purchase insurance before the January 2009 deadline; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-15     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to refer to the Green Building/Zoning Task Force the issue of the urban heat island effect (the process by which asphalt and other materials retain heat) and the possibility of promoting green roofs and area plantings, among other things, to mitigate this effect.

O-16     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Cambridge residents are sensitive to increased airplane noise; and
WHEREAS: There is a proposal to place a helipad in Boston; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the effects of this proposal on Cambridge.

O-17     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Rail transportation has the lowest carbon emissions of any mode of transportation per mile traveled for both people and freight; and
WHEREAS: H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 that would reauthorize Amtrak for five years, is now before the U.S. Congress; and
WHEREAS: The reauthorization would provide $14.4 billion for the rail system over the next five years, giving the system stability and allowing Amtrak to focus on long-term planning; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record as supporting H.R. 6003; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk send a copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts congressional delegation as soon as possible.

O-18     June 9, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene City Departments who are responsible for commercial recycling compliance, including but not limited to the License Commission, Inspectional Services Department, Department of Public Works and any other appropriate departments for the purpose of increasing said compliance.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, May 8, 2008 at nine o’clock and thirty-eight minutes a. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a preliminary discussion on the waste stream.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Sam Seidel; Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner; John Nardone, Assistant Public Works Commissioner of Operations; Randi Mail, Recycling Director, Public Works Department; John Bolduc, Environmental Project Planner, Community Development Department; Penny Peters, "Research Assistant" to Councillor Davis; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Cathleen McCormick and Cornelia Herzfeld, Recycling Committee members; John Francis, Climate Protection Action Committee; Sue Butler, Green Decade; Adam Mitchell, partner, Save That Stuff, Inc.; Kevin Douglas, Russell Disposal; Rob Gogan, Harvard University Recycling; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, Recycling Committee member; Ted Live, 17 Wendell Street; and Kathy Reine.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. She asked Commissioner Peterson to recap the recycling initiatives.

Commissioner Peterson spoke of new initiatives and getting to the next step with recycling. The City has received a technical assistance grant from the state to get information for Cambridge based on demographics. Cambridge is looking at the importance of single stream recycling. Single stream recycling means that bottles, cans, paper and cardboard is disposed of all together and that separation is done at the collection facility. Large collection containers are given to households. Another initiative is curbside organic collection.

Councillor Davis cited statistics from 1990-2006 on waste and recycling. The tonnage of waste is down from 41 tons to 31 tons and recycling is up. The amount collected in 2002 was higher than 2006. Ms. Mail stated that recycling includes private pick up. Tonnage has stayed consistent. Mr. Nardone stated that business waste is not tracked. The rubbish waste that the City picks up is consistently down. Private pay collections need to be analyzed.

Mr. Gogan stated that the recycling rate is up; it is a huge increase. Recycling is a strategy toward waste reduction. The weight per capita is just as important. He suggested recycling and composting to reduce total weight of trash per person. He spoke of the manufacturers’ responsibility to reduce the pounds of waste. Councillor Davis asked if Harvard University has a plan to reduce trash. Mr. Gogan stated that his goal is zero waste by 2010.

Councillor Davis asked what is zero waste? Ms. Mail explained that zero waste is a global movement and there are global zero waste alliances. No system is 100% efficient. Zero waste shifts the thinking from trash management to elimination. Municipalities can ban or regulate products. The core concept is to shift the thinking about nature, which has been viewed as endless. Policy can come from this new thinking.

Councillor Davis asked if the City could work on a strategy to limit the waste stream cycle. Ms. Mail commented that low-hanging fruit in the waste stream is what is looked at, but big things need to be reviewed also. Plastic bags may not give a big bang in reducing waste. The single stream approach will give more reduction. Conversation with retailers and manufacturers could help to eliminate plastic bags. This is the challenge at the local level to reduce waste. Mr. Gogan stated that a shift to paper bags could worsen the waste stream. He suggested a promotion to reuse plastic bags. Whole Foods gives a discount when bags are reused. The recycling center accepts plastic bags. A charge for the bags could be used, if needed. Paper bags weigh more and as a consequence there would be more potholes due to the weight of trash trucks, etc. Ms. McCormick commented that the elimination of plastic bags is a symbol. There has been no effect on reduction. Ms. Butler stated that it should be made positive to encourage people to bring their own bag. Ms. Reine informed the committee that Tags gave bags and Harvest has reusable bags for sale. Johnny’s Foodmaster paid their customers for using their own bags; it was not a publicity stunt. Mr. Gogan stated that this is a litter reduction issue.

Ms. Mail informed the committee that San Francisco has a curbside organic collection and provides biodegradable bags. Mr. Mitchell spoke on the cost of bags. Whole Foods concept was a marketing tool to get consumers into the store. He brings his bags back for recycling.

Ms. Peterson discussed the incentives. She is interested in the financial neutral incentives. The City cannot yet implement "pay as you go". Councillor Davis suggested getting people involved in an opt-in system of "pay as you go". Ms. Mail spoke of a pilot program for drop off of food waste. There were 350 household that participated in the pilot program and 7,000 pounds of food waste was collected.

Councillor Davis asked how long before organic waste is collected curbside. Cambridge will get there, but at what cost stated Ms. Peterson. This maybe bid as an alternative collection. Cambridge could sub-contract with the Boston program commented Ms. Butler. Mr. Winters stated old becomes new again. He referred to the old food waste bins that were located in yards. Collection of this waste would be harder today than it was in the past. What happens when the big splash dies with this new program, he asked. He spoke about long-term population versus turnover of 60% every five years. How does the new population find out about how Cambridge does business? All buildings are required to recycle. The City does not pick up business recycling and it would be a staffing issue to focus on business recycling. Businesses have an option to use a city contracted hauler. Commercial recycling is 50% of recycling. Could new businesses present a recycling plan similar to the PTDM asked Councillor Davis? Mr. Winters commented that numerous businesses operate in a building so it should be a building management plan. Mr. Mitchell stated that recycling in the business sector is market driven. He suggested taking focus on enforcement and putting it on Inspectional Services for sanitary issue and where the recycling bin is located. A yearly review of the business license was suggested. Councillor Seidel commented that even if there is a bin outside how does the City know if recycling is being done.

Councillor Davis stated that before waste comes in there needs to be a plan. Ms. Peterson expressed her concern about shifting the burden to another department. Regarding commercial recycling the departments of License Commission, Community Development and Inspectional Services should be in the conversation. Mr. Nardone spoke about a business leasing space versus a building owner. Mr. Mitchell stated that an owner of a building pays for trash disposal. It is in their best interest to make the system work. Commercial recycling is happening in Cambridge. He spoke about getting mixed paper out of the waste stream. Mr. Winters asked what are the economic benefits of large buildings paying for waste disposal versus recycling. Mr. Mitchell stated that it is cheaper to recycle. There is still not enough incentive to get people to recycle. Property owners have it written into their lease that tenants take care of their own waste. Why is this not enforced asked Councillor Davis. Ms. Peterson stated that it is a priority issue. Councillor Seidel stated that it is cheaper to recycle. There is a cost for forcing recycling. Councillor Davis suggested that follow up be done on commercial side to increase recycling.

Councillor Davis asked about "pay as you throw". Mr. Winters stated that this is difficult to do in Cambridge. There is more recycling when it is collected in a single stream. Ms. Mail stated that 96 gallon containers are offered to large buildings for free. Mr. Douglas stated that the breakeven point is when 150% is reached. Larger toters would slow traffic down because of pick up. There are 100 new buildings with toters. Ms. Reine spoke about her neighbors who do not separate their trash and it is not collected. The Compliance officer works on the rejection notice to these residents.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information to include compliance with the recycling ordinance for the commercial sector.

The motion – Carried.

The commercial enforcement conversation should occur now stated Councillor Davis. There is a need for review of the ordinance more holistically for the commercial sector. The zero waste concept is a mind shift. Mr. Winters suggested a promotional campaign. Councillor Seidel stated that he would like to see a demonstration of ten units of trash broken down as recycling. Mr. Mitchell stated that the State Master Plan is being revised to include zero waste. Mr. Francis spoke of the educational lesson and the family focus. Children already know that cereal boxes are recyclable.

Ms. Peterson stated that education is done on the residential sector. Public Works is aggressive with noncompliance. Haulers and recycle companies do not want to discuss zero waste.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at eleven o’clock and five minutes a. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report how many children with IEP's receive out of school assistance either written or not written into their plans.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-5)

08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing mini-grants for seniors and other low-income residents who might need to purchase flood insurance.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 03/24/08 (O-14)

08-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on policy of managing ad hoc public memorial sites.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/31/08 (O-2)

08-54. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #17
RE: report on the feasibility of installing security cameras at the Russell Field athletic complex.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 04/07/08 (O-2)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the shortage of visitor parking at Neville Center.
Vice Mayor Murphy and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-17)

08-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of multiple small holes in the street pavement found in groups on various City streets.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-18)

08-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on testing of the Longfellow Bridge and the results of the environmental review.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher & Councillor Kelley 04/28/08 (O-20)

08-73. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #18
RE: report on traffic calming projects that are being planning or are currently being constructed that have not been developed with public input.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/19/08 (O-2)

08-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on methods of collecting, maintaining, and analyzing traffic enforcement and accident data.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 05/19/08 (O-4)

08-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Linear Park crossings of Mass Avenue and Cameron Avenue.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/19/08 (O-9)

08-77. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #13
RE: report on whether the Affordable Housing Trust and/or the non-profit housing agencies are actively purchasing property in various stage of foreclosure.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 05/19/08 (O-10)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number and location of pre-school facilities, the number of day care facilities, and the number of children served by these facilities.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-5)

08-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the condition and safety of Pacific Field and the dog park.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-8)

08-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why street trees have not been planted along Tremont Street.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-12)

08-83. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #19
RE: report on plans for improvements to Clement Morgan Park.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-18)

08-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether Massachusetts Water Protection Act or Rivers Protection Act empowers abutting or downstream communities to speak on or affect the outcome of a development permitting process.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-7)