Cambridge City Council meeting -- June 12, 2006 -- AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-60, regarding the possibilities of the Cambridge Police Department using a list of email list-servers to provide electronic communication to various neighborhoods.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-50, regarding the Police Department’s existing enforcement policy for air quality related issues and exhaust opacity.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-73, regarding limitations on use of CPA funds.
[Note: The City Manager provided a copy of the CPA
(Community Preservation Act) without further comment. In fact, there are several questions that should have been addressed and were not. Specifically, if the CPA committee (appointed by the City Manager) recommends that CPA funds be distributed in
a certain manner and if the City Council disagrees with the recommendations, is there any recourse? May the Council send the recommendations back to the CPA committee for further consideration?
May the City Council vote to recommend what percentages ought to be applied for affordable housing, open space acquisition, and historic preservation (with the implied hope that the CPA committee will respect the recommendation)? Are there any legal restrictions on what the City Council might do? This was, I believe, what Councillor Kelley's order was asking. If so, then the Manager's response is a nonresponse.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-31, regarding a report on preparations for an avian flu pandemic.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-64, regarding a report on recent power outages in the Area Four neighborhood.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-36, regarding the possibility of utilizing the technology employed by the National Grid.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-78, regarding a report on the extent of flooding caused by recent rains.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $107,645 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account ($99,290), Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,355) and to the Grant Fund Community Development Travel and Training account ($7,000) to be used to cover the cost of a housing planner position and a portion of support staff salaries related to the administration of the HOME Program as well as to cover the cost of training, memberships and materials.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $4,400 from the General Fund Public Library Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Library Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $25,000 in Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to support the planned construction of the Charles River Skatepark to be located in East Cambridge (in the vicinity of the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge). [This 40,000 square foot project is being developed in collaboration with the Charles River Conservancy, the State Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Central Artery/Tunnel Project. The expenditure of City funds for this project is contingent upon the overall project being funded through donations that are being spearheaded by the Charles River Conservancy.]
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $971,807 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to create new affordable housing ($809,890) and to provide funding to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), non-profits, ($161,917) for program delivery costs for affordable housing projects (required under HOME regulations).
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-85, regarding a report on what carbon offset is and how might the City use it.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-81, regarding a report on the partially demolished building at 56 Churchill Avenue.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $2,500 from the General Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Travel and Training account ($1,000) and the General Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Salary and Wages account ($1,500) to the Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of the purchase of a replacement decibel reader and calibrator which will be used to monitor the City’s street performer program and sidewalk use ordinance that governs artistic performances in public spaces throughout the City.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-47, regarding a report on the number of Cambridge Housing Authority units that are not suitable for habitation.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-104, regarding the feasibility of assigning a Traffic Supervisor to the Amigos School on Kinnaird Street.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-101, 06-102 and 06-103, regarding concerns on Howard Street. [As requested, a neighborhood meeting had been scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 7:00pm at the Willis D. Moore Youth Center on Gilmore Street (next to Hoyt Field) to discuss this matter. Representatives of the City Manager's Office, Police Department, Department of Human Service Programs and the Cambridge Housing Authority will be in attendance.]
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Slater Anderson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 12 Hollis Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works. Disapproval has been received from the neighborhood association. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number One of June 5, 2006.
- TABLED
2. Petition the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Court to enact the attached home rule petition entitled "AN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS." Charter Right exercised by Councillor Davis on Order Number Fifteen of June 5, 2006. ORDER APPROVED AS AMENDED 8-1 (Kelley - NO, Decker initially ABSENT but changed to YES later in meeting.)
AMENDED ORDER
Calendar item #2 June 12, 2006
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge supports youth civic engagement through the
Cambridge Kids' Council Youth Involvement Subcommittee; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge respects diversity among its residents and has been in the
forefront of passing legislation that improves the lives of all its residents;
and
WHEREAS: The earlier in life a habit is formed, the more likely that habit or
interest will continue throughout life. We assert that young residents who are
able to vote with their families and peers in their local community are more
likely to continue to vote after moving to another stage of life; and
WHEREAS: Young people are taxpaying residents in Cambridge, concerned about
issues of local governance, with no formal way to express themselves as a
constituency; and
WHEREAS: Including youth as a constituency in politics in a formal manner will
lead to their representation and participation in local politics; now therefore
be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record petitioning the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts General Court to enact the attached home rule petition entitled
“AN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL
ELECTIONS.”
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND SIXAN ACT TO ENABLE SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section one of chapter fifty-one of the general laws, or any other general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, citizens who are seventeen years old who reside in the city of Cambridge may, upon application, have their names entered on a separate registration list of voters established by the Cambridge Election Commission (Commission), and may thereafter vote in any Cambridge election on local questions and any Cambridge election for members of the city council or school committee. Such seventeen year olds shall be known as "local voters".
SECTION 2. The Commission shall establish a separate registration list for local voters who shall fill out an alternative registration form. Upon turning eighteen, each local voter shall be taken off the separate list and notified that he or she must register as a regular voter in accordance with State law and guidelines. The Commission shall create and print at the city's expense the special registration form needed for the purpose of registering local voters. If a local question appears on a state election ballot, the Commission shall print a separate ballot for the local question at city expense.
SECTION 3. Local voters shall not be eligible to run for office in municipal elections, nor shall they be eligible to sign candidate nomination papers.
SECTION 4. Local voters shall not be included in the number of voters for the purpose of determining the number of signatures needed to present petitions to the city council or school committee, nor shall local voters be eligible to sign such petitions. Local voters shall not be eligible to sign initiative or referendum petitions pursuant to Art. 48 of the Amendments to the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution.
SECTION 5. Nothing in this act shall be construed to confer upon local voters the right to vote for any state or federal office or any state or federal ballot question.
SECTION 6. The Commission is authorized to formulate regulations and guidelines to implement the purpose of this act.
ON THE TABLE
3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006 on Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin' Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on unfinished business.]
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 March 15, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Neighbors and Abutters of Blessed Sacrament (NABS)/Alan Zimlicki et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to yards, open space, parking and special permit criteria for the redevelopment of existing buildings. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006. Petition expires June 13, 2006.
6. Proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance regarding creating a Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 8, 2006.
Ordinance Committee hearing held on May 31, 2006.
PASSED TO BE ORDAINED AS AMENDED 9-0-0 ORDINANCE #1295
7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on April 26, 2006 for the purpose of considering a petition to rezone the Concord/Alewife area, which was re-filed by the City Council. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 29, 2006. Petition expires July 25, 2006.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding official misconduct and US law.
2. A communication was received from Florence Stanley, regarding what dog owners are allowing their dogs to do in the park on Dudley and Cedar Streets.
3. A communication was received from Alan Eckel, President, Eckel Industries, Inc., transmitting written opposition to three facets of the proposed Concord-Alewife Rezoning Petition.
4. A communication was received from Eleanor DuFour, transmitting thanks for your expression of sympathy for her mother, Agnes L. DuFour.
5. A communication was received from Arne A. Henden, Director, The American Association of Variable Star Observers, transmitting opposition to the Tobin-Danehy Zoning Petition.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Alice J. (Haverty) Riley. Councillor Sullivan
2. Resolution on the death of George J. Williams. Councillor Sullivan
3. Resolution on the death of John F. McNeill. Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Reverend Gerald D. Perno. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan
5. Resolution on the death of Eleanor M. (Flynn) Hodgkins. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan
6. Congratulations to the Community Development Department, Cambridge Savings Bank and Just-A-Start for their accomplishments in housing programs that address the needs in Cambridge. Mayor Reeves
7. Congratulations to Genzyme on its Expression of Hope Art Exhibit. Councillor Sullivan
8. Best wishes to Susanna Walker for her dedicated service to St. Peter School. Councillor Sullivan
9. Congratulations to Michael Joyce on the occasion of the opening of his new office in Boston. Councillor Decker
10. Congratulations to Cosmo Macero, Jr. on the occasion of his new position as Vice President in the communications practice at O'Neill and Associates. Councillor Galluccio
11. Congratulations to Father Gabriel Troy on his appointment to Pastor of Saint Mary's Church. Vice Mayor Toomey
12. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Brett Tribble. Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brock Bucklin. Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Benjamin Mejia. Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Corporal Richard Bennett. Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Captain Nathanael Doring. Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Specialist Bobby West. Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Captain James Funkhouser. Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jeremy Loveless. Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Specialist Adan Garcia. Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Darren Harmon. Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Corporal Ryan Cummings. Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Agustin J. Vega. Vice Mayor Toomey
24. Happy 40th wedding anniversary wishes and Happy 60th Birthday wishes to Paul and Dianne Chase. Mayor Reeves
25. Congratulations to Molly Struzziery on the occasion of her graduation from Hull High School. Councillor Sullivan
26. Appreciation to Robin Franz for her excellent work as Executive Director of the Central Square Business Association and best wishes in her new endeavor. Councillor Murphy
27. Congratulations to Laura Chasin on her appointment of Chair of the Board of Directors of Public Conversations Project. Councillor Davis
28. Congratulations to Cherry Muse on her appointment as Executive Director of the Public Conversation Project. Councillor Davis
29. Resolution on the death of retired City of Cambridge Fire Chief Andrew R. Murphy. Councillor Sullivan
30. Invitation for Cantabrigians to hear of the achievements and observations from the El Salvador delegation at their report-back meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. Councillor Decker
31. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys Tennis Team for qualifying in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Tournament. Councillor Galluccio
32. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Girls Varsity Softball Team for qualifying for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Tournament. Councillor Galluccio
33. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys Varsity Baseball Team for qualifying for the state tournament. Councillor Galluccio
34. Congratulations to Daniel Neczypor on being named first team All-Ivy. Councillor Galluccio
35. Resolution on the death of Marie F. (Ryan) Callahan. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan
36. Resolution on the death of Jessie (Rodway) Matthews. Councillor Galluccio
37. Best wishes to Chris Kosinski on the opening of his new restaurant "East Side." Vice Mayor Toomey
38. Resolution on the death of Nancy Mae Silver. Councillor Galluccio
39. Thanks to Miss Sullivan for her dedication to Cambridge children and best wishes in her new endeavor. Councillor Sullivan
40. Thanks to all whose efforts have contributed to the emergency repairs on the magazine Pedestrian Bridge. Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan
41. Congratulations to Marina and Marguerite as they leave the Tot Lot preschool. Councillor Davis
42. Congratulations to Luciana Bozan and Matt Damon on the birth of their daughter Isabella on June 11, 2006. Councillor Decker
43. Thanks to the organizers of the Cambridge 2006 Gay Pride Celebration. Mayor Reeves
44. Happy Birthday wishes to Zelma Olivia Evelyn. Mayor Reeves
45. Thanks to Merriam Ansara for her work and contributions to Cambridge. Mayor Reeves
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to work on a solution to alleviate the worries and inconvenience
regarding the bench in the area designated A.J. and Artis Spears Square has caused the residents of Cambridge living along Pleasant Street, Western Avenue and Auburn Street. Councillor Sullivan
2. That the City Council go on record urging Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator John Kerry to oppose the Stevens bill and any other attempt to preempt local control over video franchising decisions. Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons
3. Opposition to Verizon's March 16, 2006 rulemaking petition filed with the Department of Telecommunications and Energy regarding license application procedures. Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons
4. That effective July 1, 2006, notices to City administrative staff for City Council committee meetings shall be sent to the City Manager and the relevant department heads. Councillor Sullivan
5. That the City Manager is requested to form a committee with the purpose of setting appropriate criteria for the naming of street corners and squares throughout the City. Vice Mayor Toomey
6. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a status report on the order adopted by the City Council on February 27, 2006 relative to the reappointment of the special subcommittee to address the needs and conditions in Cambridge Housing Authority's state funded housing units. Councillor Galluccio
7. That as part of the work conducted by the City Council subcommittee on Human Services that the Human Services Department report back to the City Council with a one-year long visioning plan of the city's youth centers. Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Decker
8. That the Mayor work with the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee to undertake an interview process utilizing whatever resources are necessary to determine what graduating seniors will be doing next year. Councillor Galluccio
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with NSTAR and the appropriate Department heads relative to service interruptions on or around Leonard Avenue. Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey
10. Request that the School Committee encourage the Amigos School and the King School to have a consolidated discussion on the issue of how best to address safety concerns relative to the Kinnaird Street vehicle entrance. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy and Vice Mayor Toomey
11. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Assessor to report back on the status of the recommendations of the special committee on property tax. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker and Vice Mayor Toomey
12. Urge the Cambridge Legislative Delegation to support the State's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Senate Bill 2516. Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons
13. That the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to confer with the Superintendent of Schools and the members of the School Committee to request that the City Council be provided with the number of children that are in the Cambridge School system who will be raised by grandparents. Councillor Simmons
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee and Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a joint public meeting held on April 6, 2006 to discuss Cambridge owning and operating its own municipal power company.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on May 10, 2006 to discuss the proposal for WIFI and bridging the digital divide.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held on May 17, 2006 to continue discussion with emphasis on a senior panel and resource fair geared to issues of concern to the senior population and its relation to neighborhoods.
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 May 31, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Code submitted by Vice Mayor Toomey, Jr. to add a new Chapter 2.123 entitled "Cambridge Commission on Immigration Rights and Citizenship."
SUBSTITUTE TEXT ORDAINED AS AMENDED - ORDINANCE #1295
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 May 31, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the text of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Article 20.80 - Memorial Drive Overlay District by inserting the following sentence at the end of paragraph c. of Section 20.810: "Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of computing lot area per dwelling unit, the provisions of Article 5.14 shall not apply."
PASSED TO 2ND READING
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Henrietta Davis, transmitting a communication from Kim Lundgren, Director, Northeast Regional Capacity Center, ICLEI-USA congratulating the City of Cambridge on receiving a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs for diesel retrofit technology.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 13
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting on the Concord/Alewife proposed zoning amendment to discuss the shopping center, with a presentation on what is possible under present zoning, what would be possible under the proposed zoning and what the owner envisions for the area. There will also be consideration of the environmental and infrastructure issues with regard to the proposed amendments. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss why there are so many outages in the Area Four Neighborhood with NSTAR. (Auditorium, 225 Windsor Street, Fletcher-Maynard Academy)
Wed, June 14
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a working meeting on Concord Alewife rezoning petition. No public comment. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, June 19
5:00pm Special Presentation - Recognition of Cambridge Savings Bank/Just-A-Start/Community Development Department Affordable Housing Partnership (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 21
8:30am The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue planning the Senior Fall Fair and to receive an update on the open house held on May 20,
2006 and the panel discussion on senior resources held on June 6, 2006. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss tree trimming by public utility companies, installation of traffic lights and NSTAR outages. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 27
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the petition received from residents requesting that Howard Street be a one way, between River Street and Howard Street. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 28
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing relative to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance Recertification. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the City Solicitor and Community Development Department staff possible components of a draft amendment to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to limit use conversion allowances to projects in which at least 65% of the original structure is to remain intact. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, June 29
3:30pm The Economic Development, Training, and Employment Committee and the Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to continue discussing how the strategic planning system like that of Global Community Initiative could be utilized in Cambridge to develop and implement a shared community vision. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, July 11
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the MBTA the issues of bus shelters, and advertising in bus shelters, bus and subway service. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, July 18
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting with the members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees to discuss issues concerning pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and traffic enforcement. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, July 25
5:30pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss jitneys. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 7
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Sat, Oct 21
10:00am-2:00pm Senior Fall Fair (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall & Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and the Human Services Department are planning to hold a Senior Fall Fair. More details will be forthcoming as they are finalized closer to the date of this event. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The City Council has learned that there have been many issues regarding the bench in the area designated A. J. and Artis Spears Square. Homeless people sleeping on the bench disrupting the neighborhood as well as children assembling around the bench at all hours of the evening; and
WHEREAS: The residents have communicated their increasing worries and fears for their safety as well as quality of life issue to the City Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to work on a solution to alleviate the worries and inconvenience this bench has caused the residents of Cambridge living along Pleasant Street, Western Avenue and Auburn Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on its findings.
O-2 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cities and towns across Massachusetts and the nation are facing a mounting attack on their existing local video franchising authority. Several bills moving through Congress would significantly alter or eviscerate the ability of local governments to enter into and enforce local cable franchise agreements, and to manage and collect fees for the use of local rights of way; and
WHEREAS: In the Senate, Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has introduced S.2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. While this bill purports to bring about competition and lower prices to the cable market, in reality, it preempts the very local authority that ensures that the neighborhood you live in would actually get competition and lower prices; and
WHEREAS: As currently written, the Stevens bill undermines local franchising enforcement and compliance authority, threatens local budgets, limits the benefit of broadband-video competition to a few well-to-do neighborhoods, weakens provisions that ensure video providers meet each community's needs and interests, and undermines the ability of local governments to protect their residents and respond to cable customer service complaints. While lobby industry lobbyists claim this is about competition, their business model and past practices show that it is really about profits at local government's and taxpayer's expense; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator John Kerry to oppose the Stevens bill and any other attempt to preempt local control over video franchising decisions; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator John Kerry on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-3 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that on March 16, 2006, Verizon filed a rulemaking petition with the Cable Division of the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE); and
WHEREAS: Verizon's petition proposes extremely unreasonable rules; and
WHEREAS: The proposed rules would require a municipality to hold a public hearing on an initial cable television license application within 60 days of the application filing, and would allow only 30 days from the time of the public hearing for the municipality to approve or disapprove the application, and issue the actual license in case of approval; and
WHEREAS: It is impossible to conclude a proper initial license application review, negotiation, license drafting and issuance within 30 days of the public hearing. Such an initial licensing time frame would be untenable in the best of circumstances, and is particularly untenable now in light of the many questions of first impression and complex issues raised by the non-standard terms and conditions commonly reported to be included in Verizon-proposed cable licenses; and
WHEREAS: The existing license timetables constitute a fair and reasonable licensing process and have worked well for decades; they should not be changed at the behest of a single proponent; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its strong opposition to Verizon's March 16, 2006 rulemaking petition filed with DET; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution o the Department of Telecommunications and Energy to be included as a public comment in the hearing process; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts legislative delegation to the State House and Governor Mitt Romney.
O-4 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That effective July 1, 2006, notices to City administrative staff for City Council committee meetings shall be sent to the City Manager and the relevant department heads, with the view that the City Manager and department heads will then invite the additional city staff they deem necessary for the meeting.
O-5 June 12, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to form a committee with the purpose of setting appropriate criteria for the naming of street corners and squares throughout the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That this Committee include the Deputy City Manager, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Veterans' Services and the Assistant to the City Council.
O-6 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a status report on the attached order adopted by the City Council on February 27, 2006 relative to the reappointment of the special subcommittee to address the needs and conditions in Cambridge Housing Authority's state funded housing units.
O-7 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That as part of the work conducted by the City Council subcommittee on Human Services that the Human Services Department report back to the City Council with a one-year long visioning plan of the city's youth centers.
O-8 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: The City Council and the School Committee will benefit for knowing where high school seniors will be next year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor work with the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee to undertake an interview process utilizing whatever resources are necessary to determine what graduating seniors will be doing next year and that the same group of students be interviewed in late July or during the month of August so that the students can be given an opportunity to make definitive plans for the next year; and be it further
ORDERED: That the same group of students be interviewed one year later to determine the outcome.
O-9 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with NSTAR
and the appropriate Department heads relative to service interruptions on or
around Leonard Avenue; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the
City Council on this matter.
O-10 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the School Committee
encourage the Amigos School and the King School to have a consolidated
discussion on the issue of how best to address safety concerns relative to the
Kinnaird Street vehicle entrance.
O-11 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City
Assessor to report back on the status of the recommendations of the special
committee on property tax; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Assessor be and hereby is requested to update the City
Council on trends in the commercial and property tax markets.
O-12 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Legislative
Delegation to support the State's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative Senate Bill 2516; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably
engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on
behalf of the entire City Council.
O-13 June 12, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to confer with the
Superintendent of Schools and the members of the School Committee to request
that the City Council be provided with the number of children that are in the
Cambridge School system who will be raised by grandparents.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Finance Committee and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a joint public meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2006, beginning at four o’clock and forty-eight minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Cambridge owning and operating its own municipal power company.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair of the Finance Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Attorney Vali Buland, City Solicitor’s Office, Commissioner Lisa Peterson, Department of Public Works (DPW), Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Suzanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Karen Preval, Senior Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office, Rosalie Anders, Project Administration, (CDD), Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, James Monagle, City Auditor and John Bolduc, Environmental Planner, CDD.
Councillor Davis called the meeting to order and explained the purpose of the meeting. She invited Mr. Healy to begin.
Mr. Healy said that he understands that there are many excellent reasons for a city owning its own utilities. The major deterrent is financial, and that is a huge deterrent. Mr. Healy submitted a report from Joseph Ridge and Alexander Heil, Camp Dresser and McKee (Attachment A) and summarized their findings. Mr. Healy noted that in addition to impeding the City’s current capital investment program, an initial investment of $250-300 million within the first 3 years would be required. The required operating budget would be larger than that of the Police Department and larger than the Fire Department budget, which would make it the largest City budget. The consultants have estimated annual operating costs of $35-40 million.
Mr. Healy said that there is a utility that distributes electricity to Cambridge. Cambridge would have to buy this system from the current owner, NSTAR. It is unclear how much additional capital would need to be invested. The amount of $10 to $25 million annually per year for capital reserve within the first three years is a conservative estimate. He noted that a fleet of 68 vehicles would be required and a workforce of 100 persons would require a site.
Mr. Healy stated that he does not see the capacity to provide less expensive electricity or better service to Cambridge residents by acquiring an electrical utility. In his estimation it would be a very bad financial move. With regard to the acquisition cost, the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) would ultimately decide the price Cambridge would pay. He noted that when Cambridge had to pay top dollar to acquire the streetlights and then appealed to the DTE, DTE sided with NSTAR.
Councillor Sullivan said that it was his understanding that the proposed legislation that would allow Cambridge to purchase and run a utility has not yet been enacted. As of now, the State will not allow Cambridge to do this. Councillor Sullivan asked whether Cambridge could utilize the authority model, to create a Cambridge Electrical Authority like the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Mr. Healy said that just creating an authority does not give the entity bonding capacity. If Cambridge acquired a utility he would fully fund all the components through the rate structure but the numbers show that the rate structure would not be any better and could be worse because of the startup costs. Bonds would require the backing of the full faith and credit of the City, at least for the first several years.
Councillor Sullivan stated that creating an authority would give an opportunity to a larger community similar to the opportunity of surrounding communities provided by the Cambridge Health Alliance. The availability of government-supplied electricity might appeal to neighboring communities. He stated that he has no doubt that the product that the City would provide would be much better than what is currently provided.
Mr. Healy said that the addition of $250 million in debt would be a serious negative consequence for the City of Cambridge. The bond rating would drop low enough to make debt service for all of the debt much more onerous. In order to provide better service, the City would have to make a bigger investment in the infrastructure than NSTAR has made. The numbers are astounding. In response to a question from Councillor Sullivan, Mr. Healy said that the financing structure for the library and police station is 20-year debt.
Councillor Sullivan said that he is concerned about the ability to maintain business in the Kendall Square area. We are seeing much more co-generation from institutions and businesses in that area. If the corporations cannot sustain themselves because of poor product delivery, it is a big concern. He pointed out that Cambridge’s track record with our own water facility is that we deliver a good product.
Mr. Healy said that the big differences between water and electricity are that we have our own supply of water and the delivery mechanism for water is relatively simple. He noted the volatility of the source of supply for electricity.
Councillor Davis stated that she sees this as long term planning question. For her it is a question of renewable energy. We are hampered by our utility. She hears a great deal of frustration at being unable to meet our
City’s goals for renewable energy. She said that it is worth looking at this option as a way of doing this differently. Factors may change over time. This is an issue to revisit.
Councillor Murphy stated that unfortunately the State deregulation bill passed several years ago was bad for consumers. He is interested in looking at the question of generation.
Councillor Davis then invited public comment.
Patrick Mehr, Lexington Electric Utility Citizen Committee, stated that the conclusions of the City Manager are invalid. Even using his assumptions, the result would not be higher numbers for ratepayers. He noted the following issues with regard to the report submitted by Mr. Healy:
Mr. Mehr said that the report cannot prove that the rate structure would not be better. In addition there are other benefits. In Concord 40 percent of the wires are underground, and electricity costs are half. With regard to the issue of supply, NSTAR does not own a generation facility. The uncertainty of the price of supply exists whether NSTAR or the City of Cambridge owns the utility. If Cambridge residents want to continue to look at issues, they should form a committee of experts. He agrees that this is not the kind of thing that is going to happen quickly. Regarding state legislation, MGL Ch.164 Section 41- 43 outlines the process to determine value. But under today’s law, once the price is set, NSTAR can decide not to sell. Legislation has been filed to correct this and require a sale at the price set. NSTAR charges 70 percent more than what is charged by municipal utilities in other Massachusetts communities.
Mr. Mehr said that in Lexington they believe municipal ownership could lower residential rates by 20 percent and commercial rates by 10 percent.
Karen Carmean, Cambridge Street, said that it makes sense to have a task force to study this. It is important to consider life cycle costs and benefits for example, trees that have not been chopped by bad pruning and wires that are underground making an amazing visual difference. Most of us have seen a major degradation in the quality of the power that we have. She is very concerned that if we continue to let an entity this is run by short-term metrics supply our power, there will be a bigger bill to pay in the future.
Councillor Sullivan recalled the incident on the hot summer day when the popping manholes and un-repaired wires on Lawrence Street destroyed fire vehicles. Public safety personnel waited and waited for NSTAR to show up. He asked Mr. Healy to invite Joseph Ridge, one of the consultants who wrote the attached report, to respond to some of the comments about the report made by Mr. Mehr.
Mr. Ridge said that the analysis utilized data obtained from DTE and the ISO New England. The analysis is based on available public records and not any inspection of the current system, evaluation of its condition or discussions with NSTAR representatives. There are some very significant cost categories that utilities are not required to include in the public record. Mr. Mehr’s question about transmission expenses is a legitimate question. However, the methodology used in the analysis is the methodology required by DTE. Historically the purchase of utilities by municipalities has been by eminent domain, and the courts have required the purchasers to pay the replacement value. DTE will be deciding the value and DTE practice and precedent is that they accept the utility’s accounting records at face value.
Councillor Sullivan asked what price would National Grid, another private utility, have to pay to purchase the Cambridge electrical facility. Mr. Ridge stated that DTE would probably allow National Grid to pay the book value minus depreciation; this is the net book value. The complication in Massachusetts is that in the only precedent for sales to a municipality, the court required replacement value. So National Grid would pay less than the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Davis thanked those present for their participation. They agreed to keep the matter in committee. The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and fifty-five minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Chair, Finance Committee
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair, Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee
Committee Report #2
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, beginning at five o’clock and thirty-five minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposal for WIFI and bridging the digital divide. Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Craig Kelley, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Mary Hart, Information Technology Officer, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, members of the WIFI and the Digital Divide Committee and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This meeting will discuss the city’s proposal for citywide wireless internet access closing the digital divide assuring that those who do not have computers have access. The format of the meeting would be a statement from the City Manager, a presentation by Mary Hart and then public comment.
City Manager Healy stated that a Wireless Committee, consisting of members from MIT, Harvard University, Cambridge Housing Authority, School Department, the Museum of Science and the IT Department have met monthly. The municipal fiber network supports the City. The City has discussed wireless technology and helping people who cannot afford the equipment. No cost would be assessed to Cambridge residents and service could be provided through the School Department and the Cambridge Housing Authority. Washington Elms and Newtowne Court would be used as a beta site. He commented on legislation in Pennsylvania that would prohibit wireless technology.
Councillor Davis stated that the wireless service would be named the Cambridge Public Internet (CPI). She requested Mary Hart to make a presentation.
Ms. Hart stated that the wireless is an exciting project. She introduced the working beta team. Cambridge has partnered with MIT and Harvard University. MIT has a network called roof net and has extended its use to Cambridge at low or no cost. The IT Department has a plan to deploy wireless to the City buildings, schools and the library. The Sullivan Chamber is wireless. In August 2005 the City Council adopted orders relating to wireless technology and the digital divide and providing the technology into low-income housing. A wireless committee was formed and started meeting in November 2005. The wireless technology committee members are from MIT, CHA, Museum of Science, CCTV, library, Zip Car and public schools.
The Digital Divide Committee includes a member of the Harvard Extension School, the Housing Authority, the city’s Human Services Department and others. About the technology Harvard University is a closed wireless network. The CPI technology is known as munimesh. At MIT, equipment is given to the students to be placed on the windowsill. Mesh technology is more attractive because it does not need to be hard wired and can communicate to another device that is not hard wired, but will look for equipment that is hard wired. Mesh technology is faster than dial up. The windowsill device communicates to connected equipment. The proposal is for Cambridge to have roof top antennas. Due to the low cost and the tall buildings, antennas would be installed on buildings. The equipment needed to be reviewed for the range of deployment. The Beta Project is deployed with roof top antennas. The Central Square roof top antennas are hard wired to the Cambridge and MIT networks. Beta will be up and running by the end of the summer, and will be tested for the deployment range. Radio signals cannot get through steel walls.
Once the beta is deployed, citywide recycled equipment may be deployed to low-income families. Some concerns are training, equipment, and tech support. Councillor Davis stated that the first users should be school children. There are 40 families at Washington Elms who have 8th grade students who should be the first families to use this technology.
School Committee Member Luc Schuster informed the committee that a history teacher approached him about integrating the Internet with his classes. Advanced placement students have computers; some others don’t. Students are posting their papers on the Internet. The "grade book" software is available for teachers and parents. He hoped that members of the School Committee would invite members of the wireless committee to its meeting.
Councillor Kelley expressed his concern about maintenance of the system. How much liability is the City incurring with this system. Mr. Healy stated that for this service to be free a basic system is required. The City would need to find a not for-profit partner for tech support. The IT Department would not support a citywide wireless system. Maintenance and upkeep is relatively inexpensive. Councillor Davis suggested that students at the high school could provide tech support as part of community service or RSTA.
Nolan Bowie, 3 Hastings Square, asked if there was any intention to provide full broadband service. He stated that DSL is slow, but sufficient. Computer prices have come down. Councillor Davis commented that laptop computers can be brought in to be fixed, but are more expensive than used computers. The City will have a policy on used computers stated Mr. Healy. Ms. Hart commented that Pennsylvania and Brookline are only providing one megabyte of service and are charging for the service. Cambridge will not be charging a fee for the service. An unidentified member of the public requested that the issue of network neutrality should be reviewed.
Steve Ronan, 76 Garfield Street, stated that the roof net was a good plan. His concern was that it required the investment of the City to make it successful.
Kris Locke, Program Manager, Harvard Bridge Program, explained that this program serves Harvard University service workers. The program was started this year. It restores and refurbishes computers that are given to workers. The workers are trained. The logistics of the program are still being worked out. Councillor Kelley asked what the program covers. Ms. Locke stated that to get a computer the worker would have to sign up for training. The first pilot program was done based on need. The problem is support.
In response to a question about the savings to Cambridge residents Mr. Healy stated it is hard to quantify. The high-speed connection will go forward. The objective is to provide service to those who cannot afford it. Ms. Locke stated that her program is pushing "self service." For example Harvard is saving because checks are not being mailed. Ms. Hart stated that the cost of deploying the mesh technology is $150,000 per square mile. The objective for the usage of the service is that the potential user must have the basic service. The City will not compete with Comcast. The fee for the Earthlink Proposal in Pennsylvania would be $30.00. per month and California the fee would be $40.00 per month, stated Mr. Healy. Councillor Davis stated that the City should not invest in technology that may change in 2-3 years; this program is low cost. New York City proposal is a ten-year plan for mesh technology. It is expected that Cambridge would have this service because it is a technology city.
Todd Bytell applauded Cambridge for the digital divide work. However people who are used to fast wireless service will not use this service. Ms. Hart stated roof top service is fast. There are four roof top antennas on the GIS map. Councillor Kelley asked if the wireless antennas are smaller than cell antennas. Ms. Hart responded that the wireless antennas are different than cell antennas. The city ordinance has been researched. This is an accessory use to a public service in a public building.
School Committee Member Schuster asked what is the health hazard of antennas. Ms. Hart responding there was nothing she was aware of.
David Peterson stated that he was glad that computers would be recycled. He asked if small businesses could have their computers refurbished. Mr. Healy responded in the affirmative.
Ray Mercy commented that a good reason for this technology is the number of conferences that come to Cambridge. He suggested that it would be a good idea to demonstrate what is one megabyte. He asked if Cambridge would do a public service announcement on wireless and emergency service. There will be all kinds of users as this technology grows stated Ms. Hart. The first focus is to serve the low-income households and the community at large. The usage will be tracked. The City’s needs will be assessed as we move ahead.
Councillor Davis stated that this program demonstrates working together in partnership. The first focus is on kids who cannot do their best on their homework because of their inability to access the Internet.
Josh Patshi informed the committee that Estonia has established that it is a right for all persons to have Internet access. The economic benefit would be large to the City for a wireless network.
An unidentified male questioned the privacy guarantees. He suggested Cambridge lead the way on the privacy issues. The privacy issue is always debatable commented Ms. Hart. The object is to transport packets not to download. Councillor Davis stated that the City would investigate the privacy issue.
Councillor Davis thanked all attendees for their participation. She urged all to spread the word about the wireless technology and to get feed back.
The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and fifty-five minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at eight o’clock and thirty-five minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of meeting was to continue discussions with emphasis on a senior panel and resource fair geared to issues of concern to the senior population and its relation to neighborhoods.
Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Emma Watkins, Director, Citywide Senior Center; Eileen Ginnetty, Executive Director, Council on Aging; Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present was Leroy Cragwell, 13 Hubbard Avenue.
Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She asked what is the status of the Senior Fall Fair. She wanted a reporting back component and a questionnaire on topics of interest from the seniors.
Ms. Ginnetty explained the process. On Tuesday, June 6, 2006 senior service providers would present information on their services. A flyer was distributed (ATTACHMENT A). Six agencies plus the Cambridge Health Alliance and the Mount Auburn Hospital will be present. This is a following up to the meeting held in April on Retiring in Place. There will be a question and answer period. Space must be reserved. At the following up meeting topics of interest to seniors for the Fall Fair will be secured.
Ms. Watkins informed the committee that on Saturday, May 20, 2006 there will be an open house from 10:00am to noon. The open house will highlight what the senior center has to offer. There will be a tour of the senior center and a buffet lunch. Questionnaires will be distributed for more information. Ms. Semonoff stated that she would like to get the people who attend the open house to come to the Fall Fair. At the Fall Fair Councillor Simmons wanted to give seniors an opportunity to talk to their elected officials. A keynote speaker was discussed but no final action was taken.
Mr. Cragwell inquired of the availability of the senior center at night. What is the rate and who should be contacted, he asked. Ms. Semonoff stated that the standard rate is $31.00 per hour for a minimum of four hours. Public Works staffs the building. Normally meetings at the senior center do not get bumped. Mr. Cragwell requested that the rates be posted. Councillor Simmons stated that the issue of public meeting space would be discussed in this committee at some point in time. The Fall Fair was discussed in more detail.
Ms. Semonoff stated that there is a space issue with the Fall Fair. She suggested choosing a date when Durrell Hall at the YMCA is available. This could be used for the speak-out. Councillor Simmons stated that the Sullivan Chamber could also be used and would provide the capability to televise the event. She requested that Mr. Lindsay be invited to the next meeting. The Fall Fair should be held on a Saturday. Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 10:00am to 2:00pm was selected as the Fall Fair. Programs are held on Saturdays at the senior center but could be cancelled for the day. Councillor Simmons requested that the Sullivan Chamber be reserved and that the Fall Fair event be put on the City Calendar. Ms. Watkins would work to reserve Durrell Hall. This event could be a bridge to bring the younger senior together with the older senior.
Councillor Simmons commented on grandparents who are supporting grandchildren in a primary way is on the rise. The laws work against grandparents. More support is needed for grandparents. The stigma with the CORI law needs to be considered with children and grandparents stated Mr. Cragwell. If a CORI shows up public housing is denied stated Councillor Simmons. She asked how many grandparents are parents. Ms. Semonoff stated that she did not know the answer to this question.
At this time Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to confer with the Superintendent of Schools and the members of the School Committee to request that the City Council be provided with the number of children that are in the Cambridge School system who will be raised by grandparents.
The motion – Carried.
Councillor Simmons thanked those present for their participation. She scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, June 21, 2006.
The meeting adjourned at nine o’clock and fifteen minutes A.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Committee Report #4
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, beginning at four o’clock and twelve minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Code submitted by Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. to add a new Chapter 2.123 entitled "Cambridge Commission on Immigration Rights and Citizenship."
Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Councillor E. Denise Simmons, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, Deputy City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa and Assistant City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff.
Councillor Sullivan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He then invited public comment.
Attorney Steven Clark, Flynn and Clark, 1 Main Street, stated that he practices immigration law and is the past chair of the National Immigration Lawyers Committee. He voiced his support for the proposed ordinance and commended the City Council for taking an interest in the rights of immigrants, especially at this time.
Gabriel Commacho, Vice President of Centro Presente and an employee of the American Friends Service Committee, emphasized the importance of keeping a strong voice of the grass roots immigration associations on the committee. Those associations can provide important information on how various proposals would affect immigrants. Immigrant rights should not be a partisan issue.
Cynthia Tschampl, resident of East Cambridge, stated that she is employed as the senior advisor to the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Coalition and congratulated the City Council for taking up this topic and taking this positive step. The laws being passed and the rhetoric and threats of laws are having a profound effect on the lives and well-being of immigrants; for example, the Hondurans and Guatemalans who have temporary status and the right to re-apply are not doing so, because of rumors of the effects of new laws.
Lois Josimovich, Massachusetts Association of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), and Cambridge resident, 41 Royal Avenue, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. She said that this is a very positive step, and it is an area in which the city can really make a difference. She also conveyed the appreciation of the Executive Director of MAPS, who could not be present at the hearing.
Laura Booth, Columbia Street, Director of Public Policy for CEOC, stated that CEOC wholeheartedly supports this proposed legislation. The federal and state laws targeting immigrant populations are of great concern.
Jerry Villacres, 655 Concord Avenue, said that he is originally from Ecuador and he has been a legal resident of the United States for many years. He stated his concern for the current atmosphere and attitudes toward immigrants and immigration. Mr. Villacres said that he is the editor of a Spanish-language newspaper and a trustee at Bunker Hill Community College. He said that undocumented people have become the twenty-first century economic slaves of the first world.
Councillor Sullivan then requested that Deputy City Solicitor Nancy Glowa provide an overview of the recommended changes in the language of the proposed language as a result of her review of the draft. Attorney Glowa said that the proposed changes focused on making the ordinance consistent with other city ordinances and on facilitating implementation of the ordinance. In response to Councillor Sullivan’s question, she agreed that in her proposed revisions, the substance remains the same. The changes are technical and functional.
Vice Mayor Toomey thanked all those present for coming. He emphasized that having a city department with a department head focused on immigration issues will add greatly to the City’s ability to be a welcoming community for immigrant families.
He stated that he does not support the change "subject to appropriation" proposed by the Law Department.
Councillor Toomey moved to strike the words "subject to appropriation" from the revisions that the Ordinance Committee will forward to the full City Council. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Simmons expressed her support for the ordinance. She moved that the proposed ordinance be forwarded to the full City Council with a recommendation that the City Council make all of the City Solicitor’s amendments except the "subject to appropriation" language (ATTACHMENT A).
Councillor Murphy expressed the importance of Cambridge taking a leadership role in this debate. He emphasized that no one is illegal. He thanked Vice Mayor Toomey for bringing this proposal to the City Council.
Councillor Sullivan thanked Deputy City Solicitor Nancy Glowa for her quick work in reviewing the proposed ordinance and getting the language ready for ordination. He also expressed thanks to Vice Mayor Toomey for his efforts on behalf of immigrants.
At this time the question came on referring the proposed amendment to the full City Council with a recommendation that the proposed ordinance be amended to include all the changes suggested by Attorney Glowa except for the language "subject to appropriation" and that the proposed ordinance as amended be ordained. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Murphy and Councillor Sullivan thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at four o’clock and thirty-five minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Committee Report #5
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on May 31, 2006, beginning at five o’clock P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the text of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Article 20.80 – Memorial Drive Overlay District by inserting the following sentence at the end of paragraph c. of Section 20.810: "Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of computing lot area per dwelling unit, the provisions of Article 5.14 shall not apply."
Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Councillor E. Denise Simmons, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, and Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use for the Community Development (CDD).
Councillor Sullivan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioner to make a presentation.
James Rafferty, attorney for Morgan Stanley Nordic Properties (MSNP) Cambridge Acquisition, LLC, the owner of the property and hotel at 770 Memorial Drive, introduced Todd Fremont Smith, Vice President of Development for Nordblom Company/Nordic Properties.
Attorney Rafferty stated that the purpose of the proposed amendment is to correct a technical problem with rezoning for the Memorial Drive Overlay District. He explained that after a collaborative process involving the owner of the hotel at 770 Memorial Drive, neighborhood representatives and CDD staff, all involved agreed upon an amendment, which was designed to enable the owners of the hotel to build housing on their property. However, in drafting Section 20.810, which provided for incentives of additional Gross Floor Area to encourage the construction of additional housing, the drafters overlooked the problem created by Section 5.14, a somewhat obscure provision, which mandates that every 1,000 sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area in a building of permitted residence uses in Residence A, B, C and office districts be treated as one dwelling unit for purposes of computing minimum lot area. The effect of that provision is that the hotel property could not have additional dwelling units, even though the zoning in Section 20.810 was created to provide an incentive for housing.
Councillor Sullivan then invited Mr. Barber to speak. Mr. Barber agreed that intent of the original amendment creating Section 20.810 could not be accomplished without the proposed amendment now under consideration.
Councillor Sullivan then invited public comment.
Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, described the process by which the owner and the neighbors arrived at an agreement, and agreed that the amendment now being considered should be adopted to effectuate the purpose of providing an incentive for the creation of housing. However, he noted that if housing were to be built as-of-right without a variance, there would be significant height limits on the Pleasant Street side. He also noted that the neighborhood wants the site landscaped, particularly the unattractive fence.
Councillor Murphy moved that the proposed amendment be forwarded to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection. Councillor Murphy and Councillor Sullivan thanked those present for their participation. On a motion by Councillor Simmons the meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and fourteen minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair