CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person to the Human Rights Commission for a three year term to expire Apr 5, 2010:  Joyce E. Coleman

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,200,000 in surplus sewer revenues to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for remedial reconstruction and repairs to the sewer system throughout the City to address in a sustainable way the structural maintenance of our systems. [DPW will spend this money on mainline conveyance system work, most particularly on priority combined sewer lines so as to ensure adequate service levels in both sanitary systems and storm systems thereby limiting the potential for back-ups and flooding and also on lateral connections and catch basins on our major streets and thoroughfares. This $2,200,000 allocation, when coupled with $1,500,000 approved in the FY08 sewer capital budget, will bring the total funding to $3.7 million.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $400,000 in free cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to complete open space and park improvements for the 238 Broadway/ Harvard Street Park.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 in the General Fund to the Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account from surplus recycling revenue for the purchase of recycling toters for multi-family buildings. [The Public Works Department budgeted $125,000 in revenue for FY07. We have received $236,000 to date, and expect annual revenues to exceed $250,000. The surplus is due to the high overseas demand for paper, which has led to an increase in our revenue from $41.50 to $89 per ton since February. This appropriation will allow the City to purchase approximately 950 recycling toters for all 8-12 unit residential buildings and some 4-7 unit buildings. Providing larger containers for recycling will help the City increase its recycling tonnage.]

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-69, regarding a report on measures to prevent further vandalism to trees at Danehy Park.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an update on the upcoming move of three historic houses on the Harvard Law School campus from their current locations south of Everett Street on Massachusetts Avenue to their new location at Mellen Street and Massachusetts Avenue. [This effort, which has been planned over the last 5 years, will take place over the weekend of June 23-24, 2007. More particularly, the impacted section of Mass. Ave. will be closed from 6:00pm on Fri, June 22 through 5:00am on Mon, June 25…Detailed information and updates will be available www.construction.harvard.edu. Individuals with problems can contact Harvard’s Construction Mitigation Hotline at (617) 496-0857 or the Cambridge Police at (617) 349-3300.… MBTA bus service will continue as scheduled on revised routes. A rain date of the weekend of July 7-8 has been established.... This long-planned effort will preserve three notable historic structures and provide positive visual enhancements for the neighborhood.]

June 6, 2007
From: Lisa Peterson, DPW Commissioner
To: Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Re: Harvard University House Moves on North Massachusetts Avenue on June 22-25, 2007.

As part of Harvard Law School’s capital improvements, three 19th Century buildings are being moved from 1581-1583 and 1587 Massachusetts Avenue to 1637-1653 Massachusetts Avenue. These buildings are being moved to open the site for a new law faculty building and to preserve the 19th Century homes. Harvard Law School project managers, engineers and consultants have worked closely with city staff and state agencies to ensure a seamless and safe plan for the house moves. We have reviewed and identified the various components within the public way that will require removal and reinstallation during the house moves occurring between June 22, 2007 and June 25, 2007, with contingency days for weather delays between July 6 and July 9, 2007. The plan generally involves closing Massachusetts Avenue from Waterhouse St. to Wendell Street beginning at 6pm on June 22, 2007, and having a traffic management plan in place throughout the weekend and into Monday. Once closed, MBTA crews will begin removing all catenary lines, the City Electrical Department will remove 8 cobra heads and 2 light poles, and Traffic and Parking will remove traffic signals. Shawmut Design and Construction will be the lead company, working on behalf of Harvard University, responsible for coordinating with the Department of Public Works and other City departments during the move weekend. After the three buildings move on Sat, June 23, 2007, the aforementioned agencies will begin reinstalling their systems with the main goal of opening this portion of Massachusetts Avenue up to traffic by 5:00am on Mon, June 25, 2007.

Harvard’s team of engineers and contractors, working with the various City departments and the MBTA, has planned the relocation of these structures with great care. The roads, sidewalks, curbing and medians are in reasonable condition and adequate to carry the load. The inspection of these items is documented on video tape. There are no overhead electric wires owned or operated by the City on the route of the move. The MBTA will be temporarily disassembling and later reinstalling the overhead catenaries system along the route of the move. All work relative to the catenaries system will be completed by the appropriate MBTA staff. MBTA officials are coordinating this work with the Harvard Law School project team and the City. The project engineers have set the loading of the houses to meet the HS-20 requirements, which shows that the weight of the houses will not be greater than normal truck traffic. The structural engineers have determined that the houses have been prepared in a manner that is safe for the move and this documentation has been given to the City's Inspectional Service Department. In addition, Harvard’s consultants have determined that in their professional opinion the city utilities under the street will not be impacted by the house moves. The sewer and drain lines have been videoed and will be inspected again after the move is complete. Should damage be discovered, which a result of the house moves is, Harvard Law School will cause its contractor to take all reasonable steps to correct the damage so that the condition is at least equal to its pre-move condition.

In addition, as part of the house moves, there will be miscellaneous tree pruning required to help facilitate the passing of the houses on Massachusetts Avenue. Working closely with the city arborist, Harvard Law School has reviewed the condition of various trees on Massachusetts Avenue from Everett to Wendell Streets and has agreed to perform routine maintenance for 2 seasons on any tree that is pruned in preparation for the house move project. There will be a total of (10) ten trees and the pruning and maintenance plan has been reviewed and agreed upon by the city arborist. All tree pruning that will take place is planned to be performed within reasonable tolerances so as not to adversely affect the trees. There is, however, a Norway maple tree on the southbound side of Massachusetts Avenue whose canopy has been in competition with a larger residential tree canopy and has shown signs of decay at approximately 7 feet from ground level. Harvard will contribute $50,000 to fund tree and streetscape enhancements along Massachusetts Avenue between Wendell and Waterhouse Streets. This contribution can be utilized to replace the aforementioned species and to fund other improvements that will enhance the pedestrian character and unique environment of this section of the Massachusetts Avenue corridor. This planning and work will be coordinated among the City, Agassiz and Neighborhood Nine residents.

Harvard will reimburse the City for all costs associated with the house relocations. The University has also coordinated the appropriate insurance coverage with the City's Law Department. In addition, all City emergency service departments have been properly notified. The University and the all City emergency service departments will continue to coordinate throughout the work associated with the house relocations.

In conclusion, I am satisfied that the planning and engineering associated with this work adequately protects City infrastructure and interests and that Harvard University has made all reasonable accommodations to minimize disruption to the community and insure public services are minimally disrupted and that public safety is comprehensively addressed.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $8,041 within the Massachusetts Family Network Grant received from the Department of Education from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to pay for other costs associated with programming such as program facilitators, database development, and transportation for two family field trips.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,320 within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant received from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to assist CPC’s social marketing campaign, Youth Involvement Coalition, and to purchase server training manuals.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Constellation Charitable Foundation Petition regarding Performing Arts Center in the PUD-3 District. [Recommendation. The Planning Board recommends adoption of the Petition as filed. The Board views this proposed change as a technical amendment that will facilitate the realization of what promises to be an important cultural center in East Cambridge.]

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Lead-Safe Grant (Round 12) Program Income of $10,503.85 to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to increase funds available to control lead hazards in eligible housing in Cambridge.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $30,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Animal Commission Extraordinary Expenditures account for the purchase of a replacement van for the Animal Commission.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with the accident statistics for Massachusetts Avenue from Upland Road to the Arlington line from January 2005 through June of 2007, broken down by the type of accident, severity of any injuries, date of accident and location of accident. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Order Number Ten of June 4, 2007.]  Tabled - Davis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 24, 2007 to discuss the petition from the Constellation Charitable Foundation to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 13.42 and 13.43 in Article 13.000, Planned Unit Development Districts, Section 13.40, PUD-3 Development Controls. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 18, 2007. Petition expires Aug 22, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Jasmine Sola, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 29 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

2. An application was received from the License Commission, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Taste of Cambridge event.

3. An application was received from the License Commission, requesting permission for a temporary banner on Mount Auburn Street at JFK Street announcing the Taste of Cambridge event.

4. An application was received from Unofficial Tours LLC, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign between Out of Town News and Harvard Square Visitors Kiosk outside T station.

5. An application was received from Unofficial Tours LLC, requesting a sandwich board sign by the news racks on Massachusetts Avenue in front of Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Patricia Burgess, transmitting thanks for the retirement resolution

2. A communication was received by M. Wyllis Bibbins, transmitting written opposition to the Cott petition.

3. A communication was received from Samuel S. Brooks, transmitting written opposition to the Cott petition.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding the most vulnerable.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Specialist Clinton Blodgett.   Councillor Decker
2. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Matthew Baylis.   Councillor Decker
3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Jaurigue.   Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal David Lindsey.   Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Specialist James Lundin.   Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Joshua Moore.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Junior Cedano Sanchez.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Specialist Mark Caguioa.   Councillor Decker
9. Resolution on the death of Corporal James Summers, III.   Councillor Decker
10. Resolution on the death of Specialist Francis Trusell, Jr.   Councillor Decker
11. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Matthew Bean.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Clayton Dunn, II.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Anthony Ewing.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jonathan Markham.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gregory Millard.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Specialist Alexander Rosa, Jr.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Specialist Alexandre Alexeev.   Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Chadrick Domino.   Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Charles Hester.   Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Robert Liggett.   Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Specialist Erich Smallwood.   Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Kile West.   Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Corporal Zachery Baker.   Councillor Decker
24. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bacilio Cuellar.   Councillor Decker
25. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Keith Heidtman.   Councillor Decker
26. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Richard Correa.   Councillor Decker
27. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Nicholas Walsh.   Councillor Decker
28. Resolution on the death of Private William Bailey, III.   Councillor Decker
29. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Weiglein.   Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Theodore Church.   Councillor Decker
31. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Thomas McFall.   Councillor Decker

32. Best wishes to Dr. William Dandridge, Dean of Education at Lesley University on his retirement.   Councillor Simmons

33. Declare June 11-19, 2007 as Cambridge Men's Health Week.   Mayor Reeves

34. Congratulations to the Cambridge Youth Soccer Ravens team for winning the Regional Championship.   Councillor Simmons

35. Thanking NSTAR for supporting the CFL program.   Councillor Davis

36. Resolution on the death of Peter Marfione.   Councillor Sullivan

37. Resolution on the death of Agnes Mary Maytum.   Councillor Sullivan

38. Resolution on the death of Vito Leone.   Councillor Sullivan

39. Resolution on the death of Lucinda M. (Russell) Ashton.   Councillor Sullivan

40. Thanking Nancy Walser for her dedicated service to the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Sullivan

41. Best wishes to Mark White on the occasion of his retirement from the Haggerty School.   Councillor Galluccio

42. Congratulating the outstanding achievements of the Top Ten Graduates of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School for 2007.   Councillor Murphy

43. Wishing Joanne Bergen a happy and healthy retirement.   Councillor Kelley

44. That the City of Cambridge proclaim July 18, 2007 to be Ride to Work Day.   Mayor Reeves

45. That the City Council endorse the Municipal Partnership Act.   Mayor Reeves [Duplicate - See Order #5]

45. Expressing its appreciation for the courage and sense of civil responsibility exhibited by Nelson Albandoz and Jack Loder in attempting to come to the assistance of a police officer.   Councillor Galluccio

46. Happy surprise 50th wedding anniversary.   Vice Mayor Toomey

47. Congratulating Nicolas Gonzalez for obtaining the admirable rank of Eagle Scout.   Councillor Kelley

48. Thanking Marina Pevzner-Hennessey for her service at the Central Square Business Association.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

49. Resolution on the death of Muriel Francis.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Clare M. Tallon.   Councillor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Ruth A. Milley.   Councillor Galluccio

52. Resolution on the death of Denne Mancuso.   Councillor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of Arpeny "Penny" Kolgian.   Councillor Sullivan

54. Resolution on the death of Manuel D. "Manny" Arruda.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

55. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. Gavin, Sr.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

56. Congratulating Reverend Foxx on celebrating his 25th year as an ordained priest.   Mayor Reeves, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Decker

57. Congratulations to Ted and Tanya Carr on the birth of their daughter.   Councillor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Thomas Bacci.   Vice Mayor Toomey

59. Resolution on the retirement of Kevin Layne.   Councillor Galluccio

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager direct the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department to conduct a traffic study of Tremont street, specifically possible traffic calming measures, and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Murphy

2. That the City Manager contact Comcast for an explanation as to what justifies the elimination of the discount on the digital voice package that was originally offered to their customers.   Councillor Galluccio

3. That the City Manager direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide an update to the City Council on the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program applicants, including the applicants who are on the waiting list and the employment for those applicants.   Councillor Galluccio

4. That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to analyze the infill development which has occurred over the last several years and the tools that the City has used to regulate infill development and to report back to the City Council on what protections exist for particular neighborhoods and what gaps exist with respect to particular areas and particular development practices and what additional measures the City could take to provide additional protection against infill development, including the possibility of prohibiting the development of any new construction in the backyard of an existing property.   Councillor Simmons

5. That the City Council hereby endorses the Municipal Partnership Act, and calls on the Massachusetts Legislature to enact the full scope of the bill this year, as this municipal partnership legislation would give cities and towns practical and meaningful tools to close local budget shortfalls and enhance stability in municipal and school services.   Mayor Reeves

6. That the City Manager instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to install trash barrels in the parks located near the Sonesta and Marlowe Hotels.   Councillor Sullivan

7. That the City Manager instruct the Police Commissioner to patrol the Warren Street area which is experiencing disruption of peace due to trucks driving through city streets.   Councillor Sullivan

8. That the City Manager confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on the locations and number of vandalized cars reported in the East Cambridge area.   Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Sullivan

9. That the City Manager converse with the owners of the abutting properties to the Sidney Street Dog Run relative to the possibility of providing a water spigot.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy

10. That the City Manager direct the Office of Cable TV to videotape the moving of the three historic houses on the Harvard Law School Campus to Mullen Street and Massachusetts Avenue with the goal of documenting this historic move.   Councillor Murphy

11. That the City Manager instruct the Public Information Officer and the cable director to make public the affordable homeownership opportunity program run by Community Development Department and the fact that the Cambridge Housing Authority has 50 units recently renovated coming on line and available for seniors.   Councillor Davis

12. That the City Manager confer with NSTAR to receive the following information: how many power outages Cambridge has had due to NSTAR work in the past six years and how many of these outages were planned, how many households were affected by the outages, what the average repair time was for repairing infrastructure, and how much funding has been reinvested in NSTAR's infrastructure and where the new infrastructure is located in Cambridge and report back on this matter.   Councillor Decker, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis and entire membership.

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

Tues, June 12
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the removal of OB/GYN services from the Windsor Street Clinic. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, June 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   Special Presentation to Nelson Albandoz and Jack Loder for their attempt to assist Cambridge Police Personnel.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 20
9:30am   The Economic Development, Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on commercial vacancies along Massachusetts Avenue and any other high-traffic streets.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Thurs, June 28
5:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the Police commissioner his action plan for violence prevention during the summer in the city.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Many residents of Tremont Street have reported an increase in the amount and speed of traffic transiting the area; and
WHEREAS: Tremont Street is host to a temple, borders a city park, and is frequently an area full of children; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department to conduct a traffic study of the street, specifically possible traffic calming measures, and report back to the City Council of its findings.

O-2     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: In May 2007 Comcast mailed their customers a letter stating that effective July 1, 2007 that the $5.00 discount on the Comcast Digital Video package will no longer be offered and would be removed from the customers' accounts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact Comcast for an explanation as to what justifies the elimination of the "hook" discount that was originally offered to their customers.

O-3     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide an update to the City Council on the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program applicants, including the applicants who are on the waiting list and the employment for those applicants.

O-4     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Infill development continues to eat up the remaining nooks and crannies of precious space in Cambridge residential neighborhoods despite the establishment of neighborhood conservation district commissions (in a certain few neighborhoods) and despite the ordination of various downzoning petitions (which offer some protections for some but far from all residential neighborhoods); 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 analyze the infill development which has occurred over the last several years and the tools that the City has used to regulate infill development and to report back to the City Council on what protections exist for particular neighborhoods and what gaps exist with respect to particular areas and particular development practices and what additional measures the City could take to provide additional protection against infill development, including the possibility of prohibiting the development of any new construction in the backyard of an existing property.

O-5     June 11, 2007
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: In order for the residents and the economy of Massachusetts to prosper and thrive, it is essential that the Commonwealth establish an enduring state-local financial relationship that ensures sufficient and stable revenue sources to appropriately and adequately fund all essential local government services and responsibilities, including public safety, public works, public education and the full range of vital local government activities and obligations;
WHEREAS: The sound financial health of cities and towns and the high quality of municipal and school services are necessary for the growth of the knowledge-based Massachusetts economy and the well-being of residents and businesses;
WHEREAS: The great majority of cities and towns have not financially recovered from the deep and painful municipal and school aid cuts imposed in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 that resulted in widespread reductions and cutbacks in local services and the municipal workforce;
WHEREAS: Reliance on the regressive property tax has increased to historic levels, and has placed a heavy property tax burden on low- and moderate-income homeowners, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, and the communities of the Commonwealth should not be forced to further their reliance on the property tax, which is only major source of tax revenue granted to local government;
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, and cities and towns across the Commonwealth are facing structural budget shortfalls this year and into the future because existing municipal revenues and current levels of local aid are inadequate to maintain services and fund the high growth in unavoidable local costs, including health insurance for public employees and retirees, special education for disabled students, and rising fuel and energy expenses; and
WHEREAS: Cities and towns in Massachusetts have far less autonomy under state law to manage local revenues and costs than other states; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby endorses the Municipal Partnership Act, and calls on the Massachusetts Legislature to enact the full scope of the bill this year, as this municipal partnership legislation would give cities and towns practical and meaningful tools to close local budget shortfalls and enhance stability in municipal and school services; and be it further
RESOLVED: That meaningful partnership legislation must include both substantial revenue self-reliance measures referenced in the next provision, as well as strong administrative cost-cutting opportunities in the areas of health insurance and pension funding as proposed by the Governor in the Municipal Partnership Act filed in February; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Municipal Partnership Act passed by the Legislature must include the following revenue provisions: a local option sales tax on meals of up to 2 percent, a local option expansion of the room occupancy excise of an additional 1 percent, and closing the telecommunications property tax loophole in state law to eliminate the special ability of telecommunications companies to avoid appropriate local taxation and shift this burden onto other taxpayers and communities.

O-6     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to install trash barrels in the parks located near the Sonesta and Marlowe Hotels.

O-7     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to patrol the Warren Street area which is experiencing disruption of peace due to trucks driving through city streets.

O-8     June 11, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: A number of cars in the East Cambridge area were vandalized over the weekend of June 8, 2007; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on the locations and number of vandalized cars reported.

O-9     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to converse with the owners of the abutting properties to the Sydney Street Dog Run relative to the possibility of providing a water spigot.

O-10     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Office of Cable TV to videotape the moving of the three historic houses on the Harvard Law School Campus to Mullen Street and Massachusetts Avenue with the goal of documenting this historic move.

O-11     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Information Officer and the cable director to make public the affordable homeownership opportunity program run by Community Development Department and the fact that the Cambridge Housing Authority has 50 units recently renovated coming on line and available for seniors.

O-12     June 11, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with NSTAR to receive the following information: how many power outages Cambridge has had due to NSTAR work in the past six years and how many of these outages were planned, how many households were affected by the outages, what the average repair time was for repairing infrastructure, and how much funding has been reinvested in NSTAR's infrastructure and where the new infrastructure is located in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back his findings to the City Council prior to the roundtable on this matter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on how the amount of money invested in Cambridge infrastructure compares with the amount invested in surrounding communities; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back on how has NSTAR improved its customer notification system and whether it has simplified the customer service system as promised last year.