CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order authorizing the City Manager to transfer appropriations for available balances prior to the close of the books for FY03-04.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $158,935 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages account to the Public Investment Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to support needed school facility projects.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to transfer of $93,172 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages account to the School Travel and Training account ($87,078) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($6,094). In addition, I am requesting a transfer of $23,848 from the General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance Account School Extraordinary Expenditures account. These transfers are required to cover the costs of worker’s compensation and litigation settlement costs as well as for elementary school instructional computer equipment costs that were reallocated within school discretionary funds.

4. 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.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $505 in donations received by the Peace Commission in support of the annual Peace and Justice Dinner to the Grant Fund Peace Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. Donations will be used to offset the cost of the Dinner.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) for $64,339 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account to support the Cambridge Employment (CEP) program by continuing to fund a Vocational Case Manager.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education through the Children’s Trust Fund for $60,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account ($56,054) and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,946) to be used to supports a variety of family support and parent education programs and resources targeting parents of children up to six years.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Cambridge Health Alliance for $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the development, dissemination and analysis of the 2004 Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School student health survey.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $56,000 in the General Fund from the Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover additional expenses related to energy costs and vehicle maintenance and repairs.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $18,000 from the General Fund Police Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,000) and General Fund Police Travel and Training account ($12,000) to cover the cost of medical/psychological evaluations and equipment for new police recruits.

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 for $67,777 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account ($60,000), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,277), and Travel and Training account ($2,500) to provide funds for staff salaries and training related to the administration of the HOME Program.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $111,504 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide down payment, closing costs and interest reduction assistance to low income first-time homebuyers.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $1,112,497 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to create new affordable housing ($935,456) and to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), Just-A-Start, and Homeowner’s Rehab ($177,041) for program delivery (required under HOME regulations).

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $91,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of firefighter protective gear and equipment for new fire recruits.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a License Commission recommendation denying a Jitney License Application by Daniel Hermon d/b/a Dan's Coach, 563 Massachusetts Ave.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-44, regarding a report on archiving all information pertaining to gay marriage for historical and educational purposes

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2004:
With Power
   Daniel J. Saccoccio, 55 Otis Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Without Power
   Jared Hazel, 13 Donegal Circle, Danvers, MA 01923
   Robert Degowski, Jr., 64 Bridge Street, Billerica, MA 01821
   John T. Kaptcianos, 14 Herold Road, W. Peabody, MA 01960
   Alex M. Hold, 7 Iowa Street, Boston, MA 02124

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Council on Aging Board effective June, 2004:
   Yao Kudayah, 10 Peabody Terrace, #22, Cambridge
   Mary Vlantikas, 18 Prentiss Street, Cambridge
   Andrea Franz, CASCAP, 678 Massachusetts Avenue

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Police Review & Advisory Board:
   Martin Small, 205 Brattle Street, Cambridge
   Mertin Betts, 13 Dodge Street, Cambridge
   Leslie English, 99 Allston Street, Cambridge
   James Connor, 98 Foster Street, Cambridge
   Susan Melucci, 9 Edmunds Street, Cambridge

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to reappointments of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees effective June, 2004:
   Jon Stearns, 15 Winthrop Road, Belmont, MA
   Mary Ann Hart, 13 Hollis Street, Cambridge, MA
   Mary Cassesso, 2 Bigelow Street, Somerville, MA
   Jay Burke, MD, 7 Williams Circle, Winchester, MA

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-37, regarding a report on the City-owned land at the corner of Charles Street and Lopez Avenue.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Commission on the Status of Women effective June 15, 2004 for a term of three years:
   Phyllis Bretholtz, 65 Antrim Street, Cambridge, MA
   Aliyah Gary, 77 Trowbridge Street, Cambridge, MA
   Kathy Girod, 52 Chestnut Street, Cambridge, MA

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY05 grant from the Office of the Attorney General, Local Consumer Aid Fund for $22,000 to the Grant Fund License Commission (Consumer’s Council) Salaries and Wages account ($19,500), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,000) and Travel and Training account ($1,500), to be used to cover the cost of staff salaries, interns, summer staff mediators and special project assistants. In addition, the grant will support travel and training activities and the purchase of office supplies.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of and authorization to borrow $385,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 108 Loan Program to be used for financing of the 77-unit Auburn Court mixed income housing development in University Park.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-43, regarding a report on the "4 Points of Safety" Program.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. The City Manager is requested to report on the April 14, 2004 arrests at Lafayette Square and procedures for concerned citizens.

ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 5, 2004 for the purpose of continuing to consider a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to change the zoning along Memorial Drive in Cambridgeport.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 5, 2004 for the purpose of continuing to consider the proposed Tree Protection Ordinance and proposed Zoning amendments to implement the Tree Protection Ordinance.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that the City Council accept amendments to the Municipal Code relating to the fee schedule for services provided by the City Clerk's Office and Animal Commission.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Ten Thousand Villages, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 694 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Scrubby Bubble Laundromat, requesting permission for two benches at the premises numbered 2288 Massachusetts Avenue.

3. Constable bond surety received from Burton M. Malkofsky.

4. An application was received from David Boghossian and Elizabeth Bartle, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 45 Bellevue Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Two Neighborhood Association letters were sent out. No response received from the Neighborhood Associations.

5. An application was received from Juma Crawford, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 83 Brookline Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Three Neighborhood Association letters were sent out. No response received from the Neighborhood Associations.

6. An application was received from Elisabeth Ross and Ian Taylor, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 5 Wright Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No Neighborhood Association for that neighborhood.

7. An application was received from Salvation Army Thrift Store, requesting permission to display merchandise (bike, dressers, chairs) at the premises numbered 328 Massachusetts Avenue.

8. An application was received from Manhattan Clothing, requesting permission for a table to display merchandise at the premises numbered 563 Massachusetts Avenue.

9. An application was received from Joseph F. Tulimieri, Executive Director, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and Michael Cantalupa, Senior Vice President, Boston Properties, Inc., requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 7 Cambridge Center; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No Neighborhood Association for that area.

10. An application was received from Robert W. Foster, Leggat McCall Properties, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered One First Street (Formerly 134-160 Cambridge Street); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. One Neighborhood Association letter was sent out. Approval has been received from the Neighborhood Association.

11. An application was received from Green Street Studio, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 185 Green Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the family of Lawrence F. Feloney, acknowledging your expression of sympathy.

2. A communication was received from the family of Mario F. Carreiro, transmitting appreciation for your kind expression of sympathy.

3. A communication was received from Eileen M. Orlando, transmitting appreciation for the resolution on the death of her husband, Judge Reno J. Orlando.

4. A communication was received from Nancy Webb, transmitting how proud she was of the city as the doors of City Hall opened to same sex couples.

5. A communication was received from Representative Paul C. Demakis, transmitting thanks for the resolution passed by the City Council thanking him for his work as a state representative and wishing him luck in his further study at Fletcher School.

6. A communication was received from Shelley Neill, Executive Director, Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, regarding the annual grant from the city.

7. A communication was received from Michael J. Sullivan, United States Attorney, transmitting information on the PATRIOT Act.

8. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police power.

9. A communication was received from Senator John F. Kerry, transmitting thanks for contacting him regarding the government's inadequate funding of special education programs.

10. A communication was received from Father Bruce N. Teague, transmitting many thanks for the City Council resolution forwarded to him on behalf of his Dad.

11. A communication was received from William B. Cunningham, regarding the jurisdiction of the Police Review Advisory Board over activities of police personnel employed by Harvard, MIT, and the universities in general.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the newly installed officers of the Arlington American Legion, Post 39.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Best wishes to Franciscan Children's Hospital on its benefit dinner, Creating Hope, held on Tuesday, June 8, 2004.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. Merigan.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

4. Congratulations to Father Luiz Sayao on his installation as the Pastor of the Portuguese Baptist Church.   Mayor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of Raymond F. Rourke.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the retirement of Louise Corkhum.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the retirement of Margaret E. Walsh.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the retirement of Mary Webb.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the retirement of Francis Fitzgerald.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Appreciation expressed to Marta Rosa for her years of service at the Childcare Resource Center, Inc.   Councillor Toomey

11. Congratulations to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth, Ken Burns, Kirsten Lodal and Brian Kreiter on receiving the 2004 National Jefferson Award for their continued dedication to public and community service.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Welcome to Reverend Randy Coplin, Pastor of the Rush Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and his family to Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Congratulations to the A.T. Cross Company on the grand opening of its first U.S. retail store, CROSS, and Cambridge proclaims June 9, 2004 as CROSS DAY.   Mayor Sullivan

14. Resolution on the death of Juracy C. Goncalves.   Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Reverend David Gerard Bonfiglio.   Councillor Toomey

16. Congratulations to Jennifer and Richard Walsh on the birth of their son, Richard Cotter Walsh, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Joel Bikofsky.   Councillor Toomey

18. Congratulations to the Reverend Robert Tobin on his retirement of service as Rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

19. Congratulations to the Reverend Acelia Iona Smith Nze on her ordination as a minister on April 17, 2004 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Connecticut.   Councillor Reeves

20. Congratulations to Bryan Barrett on his graduation from Harvard University Law School and best wishes to him and his wife as they return home to Pennsylvania.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Congratulations to Interaction Associates on its thirty-fifth anniversary and Thursday, June 10, 2004 is proclaimed as Interaction Associates Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Congratulations to Reverend Lawrence A. Ward on his 10th Anniversary as Pastor of the Abundant Life Church.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Well wishes extended to Peter Torigian, former Mayor of Peabody.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Happy 2nd Birthday wishes to Nathaniel Wells.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Congratulations to Ahmad Mallak on being selected as the 2004 City of Cambridge Taxi Cab Driver of the Year.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Happy 75th Birthday wishes to William "Bill" Tracy as Cambridge proclaims Thursday, June 20, 2004 as Bill Tracy Day.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Happy 80th Birthday wishes extended to Hellen Groom.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Congratulations to Councillor Denise Simmons and Reverend Irene Munroe on receiving the Black Butterfly Award.   Councillor Murphy

29. Congratulations to Charles Lyons, the President of the National League of Cities, on receiving the Homeownership Hero Award.   Councillor Murphy

30. Resolution on the death of Carrie D. Pogue.   Councillor Galluccio

31. Resolution on the death of Michael J. Cunningham, III.   Councillor Galluccio

32. June 18, 2004 declared as Bradford and Nancy DeRocher Day in Cambridge in recognition of their many years of service as they retire from the School Department.   Councillor Reeves

33. Congratulations to Brenda and Joseph Giunta on the birth of their daughter, Emma Victoria.   Councillor Toomey

34. Resolution on the death of Charlotte Dussault.   Councillor Galluccio

35. Resolution on the death of Margaret Hehir.   Mayor Sullivan

36. Sympathies extended to the family and friends of Brian Dosick on his passing.   Councillor Reeves

37. Best wishes to Lilli Dennison as she prepares to leave Cambridge for New Orleans.   Councillor Reeves

38. Resolution on the death of Celestine Heywood.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

39. Resolution on the death of Edward L. Corcoran.   Councillor Toomey

40. Resolution on the death of Michael A. Manzelli, Jr.   Councillor Toomey

41. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth M. Palumbo.   Councillor Toomey

42. Resolution on the death of Reverend Basil Trahon, C.P.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Resolution on the death of Catherine M. Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

44. Resolution on the death of Paul W. Eckhardt.   Mayor Sullivan

45. Resolution on the death of President Ronald Reagan.   Mayor Sullivan

46. Resolution on the death of Robert J. Conti.   Mayor Sullivan

47. Resolution on the death of Florence Evans.   Councillor Galluccio

48. Resolution on the death of Duarte O. Raposo.   Councillor Toomey

49. Get well wishes extended to Nancy MacLeod.   Councillor Maher

50. Get well wishes extended to Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi.   Councillor Maher

51. Condolences extended to Nancy Reagan and thanks to her for all she has done to educate the public on Alzheimer's disease.   Councillor Maher

52. Resolution on the death of Florita A. Coughlin.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of Peter Guglietta.   Councillor Toomey

54. Congratulations to CCTV for receiving an award for Overall Excellence in Public Access Programming from the National Alliance for Community Media.   Councillor Toomey

55. Resolution on the retirement of Jacqueline Carroll.   Mayor Sullivan

56. Resolution on the retirement of Rudolph Walcott.   Mayor Sullivan

57. Congratulations to Alyssa Farrell and John Greene on their engagement.   Mayor Sullivan

58. Well wishes extended to Cy derBoghosian.   Mayor Sullivan

59. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Varsity Softball team on advancing to the Massachusetts Division 1 State Tournament.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Congratulations to the Honorable Lynda M. Connolly on being sworn in as the Chief Justice of the District Court Department for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

61. Congratulations to Hines on receiving the GoGreen Business Award for the small business category and to Genzyme, Harvard Green Campus Initiative and M.I.T. for the large business category.   Mayor Sullivan

62. Congratulations to ADD, Inc. on receiving the GoGreen Business Award in the large business category.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Congratulations to Whole Foods Market, Fresh Pond, on winning the GoGreen Business Recycling Award in the large business category and to Hines on winning the GoGreen Business Recycling Award in the small business category.   Mayor Sullivan

64. Resolution on the retirement of Salvatore Rossini.   Mayor Sullivan

65. Resolution on the retirement of Alfred Gianatasio.   Mayor Sullivan

66. Well wishes extended to Mary Finneran.   Mayor Sullivan

67. Get well wishes extended to Joe Finneran.   Mayor Sullivan

68. Get well wishes extended to Joe Cellucci.   Mayor Sullivan

69. Congratulations to Christian G. Stevens on his graduation from Harvard University.   Mayor Sullivan

71. Congratulations to Benjamin Barnes on his appointment as Clerk Magistrate for Palmer District Court.   Councillor Toomey

72. Congratulations to the City Manager and the Department of Public Works on the attractiveness of this year's public plantings.   Councillor Reeves

73. Wishes for a Very Happy 75th Birthday to Rita Dottin Dixon.   Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons

74. Reverend Richard Richardson of St. Paul A.M.E. Church recognized as a "Phenomenal Father."   Councillor Reeves

75. Welcome to Alice Huffman, Chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention to Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

76. Welcome to Reverend Randy Coplin and Cynthia Coplin as they assume the leadership of Rush Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.   Councillor Reeves.

77. Congratulations to Matthew and Anita Wells on the birth of their daughter, Lydia.   Mayor Sullivan

78. Resolution on the death of Christopher M. McAuliffe.   Mayor Sullivan

79. Congratulations to George Rodriguez and Dary Prodero on their wedding.   Mayor Sullivan

80. Congratulations to William F. McGilvreay on his retirement from the East Cambridge Savings Bank as July 13, 2004 is proclaimed William F. McGilvreay Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

81. Happy 50th Birthday wishes extended to the Honorable Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor of the City of Salem, Massachusetts as Cambridge proclaims Tuesday, June 22, 2004 as Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr. Day.   Mayor Sullivan

82. Congratulations to Lester Sullivan on being promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent within the Cambridge Police Department.   Mayor Sullivan

83. Congratulations to Stuart Meyerson of the Hyatt Regency Hotel for his many years of dedication to the City of Cambridge and its residents, and wish him well in all his future endeavors.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Henry Leo Carroll.   Mayor Sullivan

85. Resolution on the retirement of Paula Lyons.   Councillor Toomey

86. Best wishes to Reverend Edmond D. Henley, Sr. on his retirement as pastor of the Western Avenue Baptist Church at a celebration in his honor at the Radisson Hotel in Cambridge at 6:00pm.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

87. Resolution on the death of Philip S. Holtzman.   Councillor Murphy

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to direct all appropriate departments to coordinate and cooperate with the Inman Square Business Association in preparation for a street festival in September.   Councillor Toomey

2. The City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Bike Committee to increase awareness that motor vehicle operators must look before opening their car doors so as to be aware of bicyclists.   Councillor Toomey

3. The City Manager is requested to assign the proper city staff to attend a joint meeting of the Human Services and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committees to discuss issues around transportation for Seniors.   Councillor Simmons

4. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council by the August meeting as to the feasibility of posting on the City's website a list of all Boards and Commissions appointed by the City Manager and its current members, a list of all their vacancies, their holdovers and the dates the terms expire for their positions and ongoing trainings.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to improve safety in bicycle lanes by ticketing cars parked more than the legal twelve inches from the curb and ticketing and/or towing vehicles partly or completely blocking the bicycle lane and to report back the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Davis

6. A dedication of a tree near Cambridge Street and Fayette Street in memory of Jacqueline Darling.   Mayor Sullivan

7. The City Manager is requested to estimate what it would cost the City to purchase the MDC pool at Magazine Beach and that the City purchase the pool from the MDC and report back to the City Council prior the last council meeting in June 2004 on such possibility.   Vice Mayor Decker

8. The City Manager is requested to resume discussion with the Archdiocese regarding properties the Archdiocese plans to sell in Cambridge and to make every effort to acquire these properties and report back to the City Council prior the last council meeting in June 2004 and to explore all avenues for the acquisition for the best use for the properties with neighborhood residents.   Vice Mayor Decker

9. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Human Rights Commission to provide an online resource detailing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses, including its basic goals and requirements, as well as other pertinent information.   Mayor Sullivan

10. The City Manager is requested to determine, in consultation with the City Arborist, whether the City has allocated sufficient staff and funding resources, to adequately address the removal of tree stumps throughout the City and report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Reeves

11. The City Manager is requested to determine whether there currently exists a listing or inventory of alleys and public ways which are owned by the City, and if so, to present said list to the City Council.   Councillor Reeves

12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look at the issue of trucks using Gold Star Road as a short cut from Massachusetts Avenue to the corner, particularly with respect to safety and the effect of vibrations on property.   Councillor Toomey

13. The City Council urges Archbishop O'Malley to take immediate steps to settle the current dispute between the Archdiocese and the Boston Archdiocesan Teachers Association.   Councillor Murphy

14. The City Council requests that the Public Safety Committee review the crosswalk adjacent to the Alewife T Stop (Near Minuteman Bicycle Path) and to hold a public hearing on safety issues regarding said crosswalk.   Councillor Maher

15. The City Council requests that the Government Operations and Rules Committee look at the possibility of putting on line in a GIS format all of the Cambridge City Squares that have been named for people, on a map so that when people click on the map, there is a short description of the person.   Councillor Maher

16. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on incidents of hate crimes of defacing of property that have been happening in West Cambridge.   Councillor Maher

17. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and the Police Commissioner to utilize the exceptional talents of the CDD graphic artist to assist in graphic design to make the City of Cambridge domestic violence brochures developed by the Police Department even better and more effective than they already are.   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Daniel and Rita Murphy.   Mayor Sullivan

19. City Manager report on the extent to which child care and early education are formally incorporated in the city’s economic development planning and whether additional work is necessary to attract and retail business, as well as provide quality child care and early education for the children of Cambridge workers and residents and report back with recommendations for incentives for employers to promote and support the child care and early education industry.   Mayor Sullivan

20. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to provide for regulation of motorized scooters on Cambridge streets and sidewalks and to report back to the City Council on said regulations and enforcement regulating scooters.   Councillor Davis

21. The City Manager is requested to determine if the Cambridge Cemetery can provide seating and an awning for families at burials.   Councillor Reeves

22. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Acting Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Council on Aging to explore how to package and present information to past-fifty-year old residents about estate planning, trusts for houses and retirement planning, and about assisted living options.   Councillor Reeves

23. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the bump out/roadway improvements at the intersection of Willow Street, Webster Avenue and York Street to ensure safe passage of Public Safety vehicles, specifically fire engines.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

24. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department relative to the reinstallation of the street signs on High Street.   Mayor Sullivan

25. The City Manager is requested to review the City's noise ordinance, in the context of the noise ordinance proposed by New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and to report back to the City Council for recommendations.   Mayor Sullivan

26. A site dedicated in honor of Thomas White.   Mayor Sullivan

27. City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 14, 2004 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,313.56.   Councillor Toomey

28. Law Department prepare language for an amendment to the proposed ordinance to allow skateboarding in skateboard parks or on other areas designated by the City.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on April 27, 2004 for the purpose of discussing proposed criteria for siting a new or renovated police station, options for a renovated police station in Central Square and an overview of security measures for the Democratic National Convention.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a joint meeting held on May 13, 2004 to continue discussing same sex marriage and preparation for May 17th and any other issue related to same sex marriages.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Claims Committee, for a meeting held on May 19, 2004 to consider claims filed against the city.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on May 27, 2004 to continue discussions on planning a Senior Town meeting and to continue discussing space and programs relating to childcare programs and any other issue related to the Human Services program.

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 5, 2004 for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Municipal Ordinances to prohibit skateboarding on City property.

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair of the Special Committee to Review the Election for Mayor, for a meeting held on May 20, 2004 to receive public testimony and to receive a report from the City Solicitor on whether a change could take place through a home rule petition and without a charter commission.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 15
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the living wage as it relates to child care workers.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 16
3:30pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss community meetings on summer safety in Cambridge neighborhoods.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, June 21
5:00pm   Special Roundtable Meeting with the MBTA to received a briefing on the temporary closing of the Green Line between Lechmere to North Station. Informal meeting with no public comment and no votes. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 23
3:30pm   The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the condition of the Cambridge Housing Authority's state-funded units and whether the city can assist the Cambridge Housing Authority in any way to obtain the funds necessary for repair.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, June 24
10:00am   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee and the Public Safety Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss a hazardous cargo transport route.  (Ackermann Room)
11:00am   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussing the criteria for a new police station, with an emphasis on discussion of the parking needs associated with a new police station and potential parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square.  (Ackermann Room)
2:30pm   The Special Committee to Review the Method of Election of Mayor will conduct a public hearing to receive information from Worcester Mayor Timothy P. Murray and City Clerk David Rushford on the changes in the Worcester City Charter from a Plan E government like that of Cambridge to a Plan E government with a popularly elected Mayor.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, June 30
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public meeting to receive a presentation from Cambridge court personnel and justices on the Drug Court and to discuss how community leaders can work with the court to reduce drug-related crimes in the community.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, July 6
10:00am   The Economic Development Training, and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 2
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 14
1:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss benches and bus stops.  (Site to be announced)

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

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

Mon, Oct 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct all appropriate departments to coordinate and cooperate with the Inman Square Business Association in preparation for a street festival in September.

O-2     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Bike Committee to increase awareness that motor vehicle operators must look before opening their car doors so as to be aware of bicyclists.

O-3     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to assign the proper city staff to attend a joint meeting of the Human Services Committee and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committees to discuss issues around transportation for Seniors. Organizations which presently provide transportation and escort services for seniors should be invited to attend this meeting.

O-4     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by the August meeting as to the feasibility of posting on the City's website a list of all Boards and Commissions appointed by the City Manager; a list of all current members of those Board and Commissions; a list of all their vacancies; a list of all holdovers on the Boards and Commissions; and the dates that the terms expire for all their positions and further, to report back to the City Council on said information; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager also report on whether and how often the members are trained and if they are not, to institute new and ongoing Boards and Commissions trainings.

O-5     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with a view in mind of improving safety in bicycle lanes by ticketing cars parked more than the legal twelve inches from the curb and ticketing and/or towing vehicles partly or completely blocking the bicycle lane; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested report back the City Council on this matter.

O-6     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a tree in the vicinity of Cambridge Street and Fayette Street in memory of Jacqueline Darling; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-7     June 14, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager resume responsibility for producing an estimate of what it would cost the city to purchase the MDC pool at Magazine Beach and that the city purchase the pool from the MDC; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the council prior to the last council meeting in June 2004 on exploring such a possibility.

O-8     June 14, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to resume discussion with the Archdiocese regarding properties the Archdiocese plans to sell off in Cambridge. The City Manager should make every effort to acquire these properties and report back to the City Council with his recommendations for each property prior the last council meeting in June 2004; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager to explore all avenues for the acquisition so that the City can help determine the best use for said properties with neighborhood residents.

O-9     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Human Rights Commission to provide an online resource detailing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses, including its basic goals and requirements, as well as other pertinent information (see the City of Temecula, California website as an example); and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council relative to the progress on this matter.

O-10     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine, in consultation with the City Arborist, whether the City has allocated sufficient staff and funding resources to adequately address the removal of tree stumps throughout the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report his findings on this matter to the City Council within such a time as is feasible.

O-11     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine, in consultation with the City Arborist, whether the City has allocated sufficient staff and funding resources to adequately address the removal of tree stumps throughout the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report his findings on this matter to the City Council within such a time as is feasible.

O-12     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look at the issue of trucks using Gold Star Road as a short cut from Massachusetts Avenue to the corner, particularly with respect to safety and the effect of vibrations on property.

O-13     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging Archbishop O'Malley to take immediate steps to settle the current dispute between the Archdiocese and the Boston Archdiocesan Teachers Association; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Archbishop O'Malley and the Boston Archdiocesan Teachers Association on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-14     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council requests that the Public Safety Committee review the crosswalk adjacent to the Alewife T Stop (Near Minuteman Bicycle Path) and to hold a public hearing on safety issues regarding said crosswalk.

O-15     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Council be and hereby requests that the Government Operations and Rules Committee look at the possibility of putting on line in a GIS format all of the Cambridge City Squares that have been named for people, on a map so that when people click on the map, there is a short description of the person.

O-16     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on incidents of hate crimes of defacing of property that have been happening in West Cambridge, said report to include information on steps that have been taken to put an immediate end to the hateful graffiti.

O-17     June 14, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and the Police Commissioner with the view in mind of utilizing the exceptional talents of the CDD graphic artist to assist in graphic design to make the City of Cambridge domestic violence brochures developed by the Police Department even better and more effective than they already are.

O-18     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That this City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Daniel and Rita Murphy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-19     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the extent to which child care and early education are formally incorporated in the city’s economic development planning and whether additional work is necessary to attract and retail business, as well as provide quality child care and early education for the children of Cambridge workers and residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with recommendations for incentives for employers to promote and support the child care and early education industry.

O-20     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to provide for regulation of motorized scooters or Cambridge streets and sidewalks, either by drafting an ordinance on traffic regulations or both, and to report back to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Police Commissioner inform the City Council as soon as possible on enforcement mechanisms or procedures in place regulating these devices.

O-21     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine if the Cambridge Cemetery can provide seating and an awning for families at burials. Currently, very elderly people must stand during commitment services; on very sunny days (and rainy days) protection from the elements is warranted. Could awnings and seating be available even for an additional fee?

O-22     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Acting Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Council on Aging to explore how to package and present information to past-fifty-year old residents about estate planning and trusts for houses and retirement planning. Also, how more information may be made available about assisted living options for working class citizens.

O-23     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the bump out/roadway improvements at the intersection of Willow Street, Webster Avenue and York Street to ensure the safe passage of Public Safety vehicles, specifically fire engines.

O-24     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department relative to the reinstallation of the street signs on High Street.

O-25     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the City's noise ordinance, in the context of the proposed ordinance changes by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York to that city's noise ordinance, and report back to the City Council with an analysis and recommendations.

O-26     June 14, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That this City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Thomas White; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-27     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 14, 2004 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,313.56.

O-28     June 14, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Law Department prepare language for an amendment to the proposed ordinance to allow skateboarding in skateboard parks or on other areas designated by the City.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on April 27, 2004 beginning at 1:40pm in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of discussing proposed criteria for siting a new or renovated police station, options for a renovated police station in Central Square and an overview of security measures for the Democratic National Convention.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, City Manager Robert W. Healy, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Police Superintendent David Degou, Police Superintendent Michael Giacoppo, and Deputy Fire Chief John O’Donoghue.

Councillor Davis convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She distributed copies of the criteria used by the City of Lynn in siting their new police station. Attachment B.

Commissioner Watson said that parking must be an important criterion. Mayor Sullivan suggested including parking as part of the "Lot Size/Program Fit" category. Parking for employees is always a sensitive subject in Cambridge, and for many good reasons it is not something that the City can or should provide, but in the case of the Police Department, the need for employee parking is uniquely part of the program needs. Councillor Davis said that she is more comfortable with having parking as a separate criterion so that the need for parking is laid out and discussed from the beginning.

Mayor Sullivan also said that Arlington built a new public safety building that included both police and fire departments. He suggested considering a similar approach. City Manager Healy said that the program needs of the Police Department are 80-90,000 square feet. The City has not done this analysis for the Fire Department. He noted that, like the Police Department, the Fire Department also has vehicle storage needs. Deputy Chief O’Donoghue stated that he has not heard the Fire Chief talk about a joint site. The Fire Chief would like to see a combined training facility. Mayor Sullivan said that if a large enough site became available, the City should consider a joint site.

It was agreed that "Parking and Vehicle Maintenance and Storage Space" should be added to the criteria, and that "Lot Size/Program Fit" and "Vehicle Parking, Maintenance and Storage" should be rated as important criteria. With regard to the criterion "Acquisition Cost," Mr. Healy said that it certainly should be part of the list, but he would not rate it as high as the Lynn analysis rates it. Mayor Sullivan said that the category of "Occupancy Phasing" really is a part of the cost.

The discussion then moved to the issue of whether a central location should be a criterion; it is included in the Lynn analysis under the category of "Visibility, Image-ability." Mr. Healy said that given the scarcity of sites in Cambridge, this criterion increases the difficulty of siting substantially. He added that while he has heard reasonable expositions of both sides of this issue and he knows that a lot of people like the idea of having the police station centrally located, in order to have a new building, it would have to be outside the central city. Councillor Davis said that for her, the need for a central location is related to community policing and facilitating the police department’s relationship to the community. Mr. Healy said that the station itself is not the real focus of community activity. Commissioner Watson said that if the police department building included a community room where community meetings could take place and if the Police Department did outreach to the community regarding this space, a centrally located police department building could enhance the Police Department’s relationship to the community. Mayor Sullivan said that while he does not believe that the Police Department must be located right in Central Square, it should not be "in the middle of nowhere." Commissioner Watson said that accessibility by public transportation is a factor.

It was agreed that the criterion of "Contaminated Soils" and "Utilities" can be eliminated because they are actually already included in other categories. It was also agreed that "Local Traffic Conflicts" and "Vehicular Egress" could be combined. A copy of the preliminary list of potential site criteria showing the deletions and combinations as a result of this discussion is attached as Attachment A.

Mr. Healy distributed architect’s drawings for re-use of the existing site. Attachment C.

Commissioner Watson said that Superintendent Giacoppo and Deputy Superintendent Walsh attended a four-day training program on siting a new police station. He would like them to review the Lynn criterion and the suggested revisions and he would like the committee to look at the material that they brought back from the training program.

Councillor Davis suggested that City Manager Healy have informal individual conversations with various members of the City Council on the topic of their siting preferences.

Councillor Davis then moved the discussion to the issue of parking in Central Square. She asked what information would be needed for a thorough discussion of the issue. The following were suggested:

* The presence of the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, along with maps of city parking areas in Central Square and Cambridge.

* More information about the potential of a parking garage on the YMCA site, with estimated costs.

* The cost of underground parking in general and in Central Square specifically.

Councillor Davis then moved to a discussion of security issues connected to the Democratic National Convention in Boston in July. Mr. Healy reported that there will be five delegate hotels in Cambridge, housing a total of 675 delegates. The estimated total for delegates and their families who will be staying in Cambridge that week is approximately 1,000. The signed agreement between the City of Boston and the DNC calls for Boston to provide security. In Cambridge, Mr. Healy will require the hotels to pay for security as details.

Mr. Healy noted that there will be traffic problems. Route 93 will be closed at various times during the convention. It will be closed Monday through Thursday in the early evening hours. The four-hour closure being announced really amounts to eight hours because of the before-and-after setup activities required. The Tobin Bridge will be closed. Route 93 from the north and the south will be closed. Storrow Drive will be closed at Leverett Circle. Drivers will be encouraged to get off Route 93 at Route 128. Some will want to use Route 2.

Councillor Davis asked whether the terrorism issue is being taken into consideration. Commissioner Watson answered in the affirmative. He said that the whole public safety community is involved and that there are regular meetings in which Cambridge public safety personnel are actively involved. City Manager Healy added that 50% of the State Police work force will be fully deployed on DNC support.

Councillor Davis asked how the involvement of Cambridge police in DNC security work would affect police patrols in the neighborhoods that week. Commissioner Watson assured Councillor Davis that there would be no impact on police patrols in the neighborhoods.

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their participation. She requested that the City Clerk provide a document reflecting the changes suggested for the criteria for the next meeting. She also requested that the administrative staff bring all of the information necessary for a detailed discussion of the parking issue to the next meeting, as well as any information required for further revision of the criteria. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Human Services Committee and the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee conducted a joint public meeting on Thursday, May 13, 2004 at one o’clock and five minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussing same sex marriage and preparation for May 17th and any other issue related to same sex marriages.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebration Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Maryellen Carvello, City Manager’s Office, Sandra Albano, Assistant to the City Council, Garrett Simonsen, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office, Calvin Lindsay, Municipal Cable Director, Cathy Hoffman, Director, Peace Commission, Nancy Ryan, Director, Women’s Commission, Mary Hart, MIS Director, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Reverend Jory Agate and Reverend Irv Cummings, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Sue Hyde, Arthur Lipkin, Lavender Alliance, Johanna Schulman, GLAD, Jennifer Hess, Freedom to Marry, Debbie Lewis and Jeff Seiffert, YMCA.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He asked the City Clerk for a report on the training by the state on the filing of marriage intentions and the court waiver. Then the City Manager would report on the logistics for the celebration. He thanked the staff and the City Administration. The City Clerk referred to a memo from Chief Justice Samuel E. Zoll addressed to the District Court Judges and Clerk-Magistrates stating that petitions for court waivers could be accepted, but would not be effective until May 17, 2004.

City Clerk Drury reported that the City Clerk’s Office would continue to do what has been done all along and accept affidavits from the applicants. There is an impediment to marriage for same sex couples in every state except Massachusetts. If a same sex couple comes to file an intention that live out of state and state they intend to live out of state an intention will not be issued to this couple. The couple can get a copy of their intention to go to court. If a same sex couple comes to file their intention to marry on May 17th and have secured a waiver the City Clerk’s Office is not prepared to issue marriage licenses; the marriage license would be issued in the morning of May 17th when the office opens at 8:30am.

Councillor Murphy asked how many clerks would be available to process intentions. The City Clerk responded five.

Councillor Murphy asked for the City Manager to do a walk through of the process for May 17th.

Mr. Healy stated that the expected crowd is difficult to determine. The number of blood tests is not a good indication of the expected crowd. The capacity of the City Hall is five hundred per the Building and Fire Safety Code. The applicants will not be prohibited from the building. Friends and well-wishers will be sent to the Senior Center. The municipal cable would televise the activities. The media, performers, employees and persons with disabilities will use the rear door. There are one hundred and sixty-seven performers. The City is moving to the implementation stage. The Hyatt has donated refreshments. The media is another crowd concern. A media briefing was done on May 12th. The BBC and a Holland entity have expressed an interest to tape the May 17th activities. A pool feed will run outside a window from the Sullivan Chamber. Two major satellite vehicles will be parked on Inman Street. The media would utilize an area on the first floor near the switchboard area to interview the couples. This area will be barricaded. Couple number one will be videoed on the ground floor; then the media will leave. Couples two to five would be sent to the ground floor to fill out their intentions. The First Amendment area will be in front of the Post Office. The City Hall sidewalk will be used for the applicants and their well-wishers. Police officers will be on hand. The plan is in place and could be modified.

Vice Mayor Decker asked about the building capacity. Mr. Healy responded that with almost two hundred in staff and performers this left only two hundred and fifty to three hundred residents allowed in the building. What is the process to monitor the numbers asked Vice Mayor Decker. The Fire Chief will keep track of the crowd stated Mr. Healy. When the building capacity is reached no one would be let into the building. Only the applicants will have access to the building. Councillor Simmons commented that the chorus usually would not stay so there would be give and take with the number of people in the building. Ms. Hoffman asked whether people could be encouraged to leave the building after the ceremony so that the well-wishers could accompany the applicants. Councillor Murphy asked if the well-wishers would be with the applicants. Ms. Drury responded in the affirmative.

Ms. Hyde suggested that the couple number one which the media will video should be preselected.

Ms. Hess thanked the staff and the administration for all their work.

Councillor Davis stated that the Postmaster was not aware that the First Amendment area would be in front of the post office. The Postmaster should be notified. Councillor Simmons asked if the 1369 Coffee House was notified. An attendee stated that the 1369 were reluctant to let people use their restrooms. Mr. Lipkin stated port-a-potties are needed. Mr. Healy stated he would look into this issue.

Reverend Agate stated she would let her congregation know about the building capacity issue. She asked if volunteers were needed. The City Manager appreciated the offer, but additional volunteers would impact the capacity of the building.

A discussion ensued about the importance of disseminating information to the applicants. Ms. Hess stated information is critical. Mr. Healy stated that he wanted copies of any information sent to his office by four p.m. on May 14th. Ms. Hess stated that volunteers are needed who have knowledge to keep the line flowing to City Hall and the Senior Center. The volunteers should be identified as to who can answer questions. Mr. Healy stated that the line would go down Massachusetts Avenue to Inman Street. The Senior Center will only be opened if there is an overcapacity issue. Mr. Rossi stated that City Clerk’s personnel should work the line; the City Clerk should enlist volunteers. Councillor Davis asked what information do you want people who are in line to know. Ms. Hess stated that the Freedom to Marry would be training volunteers to help the applicants. Mr. Healy stated his concern about the dissemination of information and propaganda. The protestors would demand the same opportunity. A central person is needed to distribute information. Mr. Healy stated that the City Clerk’s office would distribute information. It was decided that a volunteer coordinator would work with the City Clerk’s Office and the City Manager’s Office to distribute information about the process to the applicants. The volunteer coordinator is Jennifer Hess.

Mr. Healy stated that the numbers would be given out beginning at ten-thirty p.m. No vendors, flowers, balloons or commercial photographers would be allowed.

The discussion focused on couple number one. Ms. Hyde stated that couple number one should be selected to voice that the marriage of same sex couple couples is an end to discrimination. The couple is there to protect their family the same way other people protect their family. Councillor Murphy stated that the Goodridge plaintiff piece is easy, but all the plaintiffs are filing their intentions in other communities. Councillor Simmons stated that GLAD would like some control in selecting number one. Mr. Simonsen stated that a proposed idea would be to have the first five couples would be chosen. The media need not get the opportunity to dictate. Mr. Healy stated that he wanted this to be a positive experience for applicants.

Councillor Murphy distributed a document from Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. relating to same sex marriages (Attachment A).

Councillor Murphy stated that he would want all the City Councillors to have input into any change about the selection of couple number one. In the end no change was made to the earlier decision regarding couple number one.

Mr. Cox reported that one hundred and twenty blood tests were done by the Health Alliance.

Ms. Albano outlined the celebration activities.

Councillors Murphy and Simmons thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at two o’clock and forty minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Human Services Committee

Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair
Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee

Committee Report #3
The Claims Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at five o’clock and five minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider claims filed against the city.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Committee, and Donna P. Lopez Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Vali Buland and Jonathan Tynes, Assistant City Solicitors.

Councillor Toomey convened the meeting and explained the purpose. Thereupon the committee moved to the consideration of the following claims:

Claimant; Nature of Claim; Award

Amy Bauman, 1 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143; Vehicle struck a pothole on Western Avenue; Approved

Benjamin Brown, 65 Franklin Street, #20, Cambridge, MA 02139; Vehicle struck a pothole on JFK Street; Approved

Moriah Campbell-Holt, 97 Sawyer Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125; Vehicle was struck by a snow plow while it was parked in front of 36 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA; Referred to the next meeting

Janice Fitzgerald, 50 Webster Avenue #2, Cambridge, MA 02141; Vehicle was sprayed with blue paint by the Water Department; Approved

Curtis Gaines, 34 May Street, Cambridge, MA 02140; Vehicle struck a center island at Huron Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue; Approved

Anne M. Gilmer, 44 Langdon Street, #1 Cambridge, MA 02138; Vehicle struck a pothole on Langdon Street; Approved

William F. Hibert; 109 Antrim Street, Cambridge, MA 02139; Vehicle was damaged due to a tree limb falling on Antrim Street; Approved

Martha Stearns, 12 Chilton Street, Cambridge, MA 02139; Garden tools were mistakenly discarded by Public Works during trash pick-up; Approved

Jose O. Vergara, 44 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138; Claimant fell on the sidewalk at Park and Huron Avenues; Approved

Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and twenty minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair

ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 14, 2004 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,313.56.

Committee Report #4
The Human Services Committee held a public meeting on Thursday, May 27, 2004 beginning at eight o’clock and fifty-seven minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions on planning a Senior Town meeting and to continue discussing space and programs relating to childcare programs and any other issue related to the Human Services programs.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, Eileen Ginnetty, Director, Council on Aging, Emma Watkins, Director, City–wide Senior Center, Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging, Elaine DeRosa, Director, CEOC, Bill Bates, Physical Ed Department, Cambridge School Department, Eileen Keegan, Director, Community Schools, Jackie Neel, Child Care Division, Human Services Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She began the meeting with the discussion on childcare programs. Ms. Keegan distributed a list of the total number of children served in the Winter session in Enrichment Classes and Early Release, Vacations and Special Events Programs (Attachment A). The chart depicts the actual children served in Kindergarten through fifth grade with some preschool children included. The winter session covers the period January through April. Ms. Keegan outlined the increased number of children served with the last four decreasing as follows:

The Agassiz’s numbers are high because of the Gallery held at this site. The increase occurred with one less community school and one program moved that lost half of the children in the program.

Councillor Simmons commented that the draw is the schedule of programs. There is a natural audience if the children attend school and after school programs at the same site. How would parents get information about the programs if not in a school building asked Councillor Simmons?

Ms. Keegan responded that in this instance getting the information out would be a major problem. Transportation is a factor. Cambridgeport lost two community school programs and a youth center. Challenge is where are the children who live in Cambridgeport going, are they staying in the building.

Councillor Davis asked Ms. Keegan if she could ask the parents for this information. Parents are following the quality of the programs or the children are staying in the school building in the neighborhood. Outline a perimeter and then ask the School Department to produce a label for each child. A mailing could be done to the parents to see what programs the children are participating in.

Councillor Simmons stated her concern whether the Cambridgeport neighborhood is being served and if a program were put in the Cambridgeport area would the children go to this program.

Councillor Murphy noted the enrollment numbers. Ms. Keegan stated that some kids take more than one class. Enrollment gives a picture of the number of classes taken. At the Tobin each of the 94 children take six classes a week and at the Haggerty each child takes seven classes. Ms. Keegan stated that $10,000 was received for each Community School Program. At the Fletcher/Maynard a 21st grant was received and added to the $10,000. A system of flowing out of academics into a Community Schools Enrichment Program at no cost has been followed. The Kennedy School numbers doubled due to Principal Alvarez working with the neighborhood to do academics, activities and literacy programming. School transition money in the sum of $60,000 and a partnership with Community School was used by the Principal. Creativity is needed in order for this program to survive. Community School does the administration, hires the staff and supervises the staff.

The goal of this committee is to have Enrichment Programs be available to all children without cost stated Councillor Davis. Parents need consistent childcare and want the benefit of Community School programs stated Councillor Simmons. All parents who have children in childcare should have Enrichment Programs stated Ms. Keegan. The children who are not receiving any programming must be considered and then we need to work out the barriers.

Ms. DeRosa asked what is the price range for the programs. Ms. Keegan responded $80.00 for a ten-week session to $120.00 for a twelve-week session. An annual allotment of $3300.00 for scholarships is provided. The scholarship money is used mostly in the summer. Ms. Neel stated that children come from childcare to enrichment classes. The Morse Community School offers every child a free class. At the King Open the Community School Program helped to hire the teacher and Extended Day children go to class free. The numbers needed to the reviewed of the children coming out of childcare. In response to a question from Mr. Bates, Mr. Keegan responded that Community School pays the teachers and the Principal reimburses the Community School through a Form 20.

Ms. DeRosa asked what is the total number of children in the middle school. Mr. Bates responded 500 at grade level across the system totaling 1500. Councillor Davis commented that more information is needed. The total number of kids attending school by age is needed, then a percentage if children who are attending programs by school could be figured. If the percentages are the same for all schools then the programs are equal or is there an equality issue. An inventory of programs including the youth centers need to be reviewed stated Ms. Keegan. Councillor Murphy commented that GIS mapping should be done. This is a good graduate student project stated Ms. Neel.

Councillor Simmons stated that any information is important to see if we are serving families. Does the City need to serve all families appropriately, does the City have the space to serve families, prioritizing who uses school buildings and collaboration between school principals and Community School coordinators all needed to be answered. The use of the facilities is an issue stated Councillor Davis. However, more basic data is needed first. Then the facilities should be reviewed as a separate issue. Councillor Murphy asked if this could also be done by a graduate student. This issue should be reviewed from a consumer’s standpoint. Quality, affordability and accessibility are the issues. Ms. Keegan stated that Ms. Richards works with out-of-school providers; the providers play a roll in this issue. What are the non-profits experiencing? This is a big piece of the issue. Councillor Murphy asked is the City giving people what they want or do the programs need to be reconfigured.

Councillor Davis asked Ms. Chomitz about her experience with programs. Ms. Chomitz stated her children are at the Cambridgeport. Agassiz is a different program because it is an After School and Enrichment Program. A gap exists in the mornings before the programs start. Ms. Neel stated that there exists scholarship options both for childcare and enrichment programs. The Morse School principal asked to cut one program due to space issues. Space is needed for existing programs. Councillor Davis stated that a joint meeting between Human Services, the School Department and Mr. Maloney is needed to discuss the issue of space. The principals are in charge of the buildings stated Councillor Simmons. A working meeting with the Principals and Assistant Principals and key Human Service Department staff is needed to see what can be done about space stated Councillor Simmons. Councillor Simmons scheduled a working meeting for Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 8:30 A.M. with Mr. Maloney, Ms. Neel and key staff of the Human Services Department to discuss Cambridgeport space needs. Mr. Bates stated that some principals needed to be educated about the Community Schools Programs.

At ten o’clock and fifteen minutes A.M. the focus was on the Senior Town Meeting.

Ms. Ginnetty provided the committee with a copy of the Senior Survey (Attachment B). Six hundred surveys were distributed; 270 were received; 100 were distributed to community coordinators and some were given to the CHA coordinator. She reviewed 50 random surveys. She gave the results to questions #1-6 on the 50 random surveys as follows:

Question #4, What would you like to see the Town Meeting offer was ranked as follow:

All information must be received by July 31. The Senior Town Meeting could be advertised at the August 4, 2004 MIT Picnic stated Ms. Ginnetty. Councillor Simmons requested that the Massachusetts delegation, the CHA, the Health Alliance and the MBTA be invited to the Senior Town Meeting. There would be a panel to listen to the seniors.

August and September would be used to plan the Senior Town Meeting. Ms. Ginnetty would visit the Morse School to view the site.

The proposed dates for the Senior Town meeting were reviewed: September 30, October 2nd, October 14th and October 16th.

Ms. Watkins informed the committee that she has not received the responses she was hoping for, for an event she is planning on Saturday to get the new senior to participate. Ms. Keegan stated that seniors connect with their families on the weekend. Councillor Simmons asked should the Senior Town Meeting be held later at night to include the new senior after they come from work. Councillor Murphy asked if there is a particular issue that would get the new senior to participate in the Senior Town Meeting. The times for the Senior Town Meeting would be 2-6 p.m. and then 6-8 p.m. The evening session would start with the elected official panel where the afternoon session would end with the elected official panel. The sessions could be networking/informational sessions. Ms. Pacheco cautioned that the school buses are transporting students at 2 p.m. Councillor Simmons suggested noon. Councillor Murphy stated that the logistics needed to be worked out. Councillor Simmons stated a date and a location need to be set for the Senior Town Meeting. The day will select the time and place.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and forty minutes A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on May 5, 2004, beginning at seven o’clock and thirteen minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for purpose of considering an amendment to the Municipal Ordinances to prohibit skateboarding on City property (Attachment A).

Present at the; meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Deputy City Solicitor Nancy Glowa, Paul Ryder, Director of Recreation for the Department of Human Services, and Police Lieutenant John Sheehan, Commander of the Community Relations Section.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Ms. Glowa to describe the proposed ordinance. Deputy Solicitor Glowa noted that the impetus for the proposed ordinance was the concern of the neighbors with regard to skateboarding at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and the adjacent sidewalks. She described the ordinance and informed the Ordinance Committee that the walkways and the Library and Joan Lorenz Park are mixed-use areas, used for both school and city purposes and thus are subject to City control. In addition, the City solicitor has talked with the Superintendent of Schools and the superintendent is willing to cooperate with any additional posting required on school to prohibit skateboarding.

Councillor Davis asked whether the Ordinance should include an exemption for area where skateboarding will be permitted, since there are plans for two skateboard parks in Cambridge. Ms. Glowa said that the City Council could amend the proposed ordinance now or wait until the skateboard parks are developed. Councillor Davis stated that she would prefer to include the exemption now and submitted the following motion:

Ordered: That Law Department prepare language for an amendment to the proposed ordinance to allow skateboarding in skateboard parks or on other areas designated by the City.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Murphy requested that Paul Ryder provide an update on the new skateboard park. Mr. Ryder stated that the planning process is moving forward and that he has had two meetings with youth. The location has been selected; the park will be at the bus turn around on New Street at Danehy Park. He hopes to see late fall or early spring construction. The plan calls for breaking ground later this summer.

Councillor Reeves asked whether the youth are Cambridge residents. Mr. Ryder said yes; the 20-25 kids who have attended all of the meetings are all Cambridge residents.

Councillor Reeves asked about supervision. Mr. Ryder said that supervision of the skate park would be by regular Danehy Park staff. It will close when the rest of Danehy Park closes. Staff will work with the kids on rules. Experience with skateboard parks in other cities has shown that enforcement of rules is a much more successful when the kids have decided on the rules.

Councillor Reeves asked about liability. Ms. Glowa said municipal liability is limited by state statute. Mr. Ryder said that there are accidents in all types of sports, like basketball and bicycling, not just skateboarding.

Police Lieutenant John Sheehan said the skateboarders have a website they all visit, and CRLS is mentioned in it. He believes it is much more dangerous to the kids and the City to have them skateboarding at CRLS than at a well-designed skate park.

Councillor Toomey described the plans for the skate park planned for under the Zakim Bridge. It will be a state–of-the-art one million dollar facility modeled after a Louisville, KY Skate Park. It will be open twenty-four hours a day.

Councillor Toomey then invited public comment.

Chris Roberson, 20 Ware Street, described the skateboarding at CRLS as a terrible problem despite the fact that the police have been very responsive. He has encountered and been threatened by skateboarders from Providence and Vineyard Haven. In Boston, a police officer was instrumental in getting a $100.00 fine for skateboarding on public property. Mr. Robinson expressed concern about the Danehy Park hours of dawn to dusk; most skateboarding occurs after dusk. He stated that he believes a fine is essential. He urged passage of this ordinance.

Karen Carmean, 1657 Cambridge Street, expressed her pleasure at having two new skate parks in Cambridge. They will be wonderful additions. She agreed with the previous speaker about how irritating the noise is. In addition, the skateboarding taking place at CRLS is very dangerous for the skateboarders because of the traffic.

Councillor Maher moved referral of the proposed ordinance to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their interest and participation.

The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and thirty minutes P.M.

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

Committee Report #6
The Special Committee to Review the Election for Mayor held a public hearing on May 20, 2004 beginning at 6:33pm in the Sullivan Chamber to receive public testimony and to receive a report from the City Solicitor on whether a change could take place through a home rule petition and without a charter commission.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor David P. Maher and Councillor Brian Murphy. Also present were City Solicitor Donald Drisdell and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Councillor Galluccio convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the City Solicitor to begin by describing the methods by which the method of electing the Mayor of Cambridge could be changed to popular election. Mr. Drisdell submitted copies of legal opinions provided to the City Council in 1998 that analyze the three methods available for charter amendment with regard to the method of election of a mayor. Attachment A.

Two of the methods are local, the charter commission and the local amendment pursuant to Article 2 Section 4 of the Massachusetts Constitution and M.G.L. Ch. 43B Sec.10. The charter commission is a complex procedure in which 15% of the voters eligible to vote in the last election must file a petition at the Election Commission and then the question of whether to establish a commission and who would serve on the commission if the vote on the former question is in the affirmative goes on the next ballot. The elected commission has full discretion to recommend any and all changes it sees fit in a final report due 18 months after election of the commission. Thereafter the commission’s proposed charter changes go on the ballot at the next election.

The local amendment procedure provides for a 2/3 vote of the City Council, then a public hearing, and placement of the proposed charter amendment on the next city election held at least two months after the effective date, which is four weeks after submission of the proposal to the Attorney General after the public hearing. There are some limitations on what types of changes can be made by the local amendment procedure – it cannot be used for changes in a charter relating in any way to the composition, mode of election or appointment or terms of office of the legislative body, city manager or mayor (defined by statute to mean only an officer elected by the voters as the chief executive officer).

The third method is by special act, that is, enactment of a home rule petition by the state Legislature. This method requires an order adopted by majority vote of the City Council petitioning the state Legislature for amendments to the charter as set forth in the requested special act. The City Council petition may include a requirement that the proposed amendment be placed on the ballot. The state Legislature also has the power to include a requirement that the voters accept the proposed amendment. There is no limitation on what types of changes may be made by the home rule petition method.

Councillor Galluccio requested that the City Solicitor do research to determine whether there have been home rule petitions in the past in which the Legislature has required acceptance of the proposed special act by the voters. He asked Mr. Drisdell whether the Legislature could make any other amendments to a proposed charter change by home rule petition, and Mr. Drisdell explained that the Legislature could not make other amendments because it is precluded from passing a law affecting only one city or town, except where the city or town requests passage of the law.

Vice Mayor Decker said that she would like to see eight City Councillors elected and a separate election for a Mayor who then becomes the Chair of the Council. She asked if that type of change could be made by home rule petition. Mr. Drisdell answered in the affirmative and explained that the only method of charter change that has any limitation to the type of changes permitted is the local amendment by a 2/3 vote of the City Council and subsequent acceptance of the voters. In response to a question from Councillor Galluccio, Mr. Drisdell said that there could even be a change to a strong mayor form of government by home rule petition.

Councillor Maher stated that he believes that the form of government of Watertown is similar to that proposed by Vice Mayor Decker. He added that he has questions about the potential conflict between the direct election of the mayor and the proportional representation form of election.

Councillor Galluccio said that he has had discussions with the Mayor and City Clerk of Worcester, where there was a charter change from a Plan E government just like Cambridge to one in which the Mayor is popularly elected. They are willing to come to a meeting of this committee to discuss the Worcester changes.

Councillor Reeves said that he would also be interested in looking at a wider range of possibilities. For example, the town meeting is a very democratic and very interesting form of government.

Councillor Murphy asked Mr. Drisdell whether in the research he did previously to provide the legal opinions, he had looked at other models and whether he had looked at the political science implications. Mr. Drisdell said that he did look at the Worcester scheme and process but not at the political science implications.

Councillor Murphy suggested looking at the town of Braintree, which just went through the process of attempting to change from a town to a city.

Councillor Galluccio then invited public comment.

William Cunningham, Newtowne Court, representing the Green Rainbow Party, stated that a proposal to elect the mayor but not to change the mayor’s duties does not make a real change. He would like to see the committee address the power of the mayor, the role of the city manager and the way that the city council is structured, at large vs. district. There is a published summary of the variety of plans that exist in Massachusetts. He said that Cambridge’s change to Plan E was brought about by an economic crisis in the late 1930’s and a big increase in the welfare requirements and responsibilities of the City.

Councillor Reeves asked whether the Rainbow Green Party has a preferred position. Mr. Cunningham said that the Somerville/Cambridge branch believes a strong mayor is preferable to a strong city manager because of accountability to the electorate. There is no magic in a city manager plan; most Cambridge city managers have been longtime Cambridge residents. He urged strong public involvement. He submitted an excerpt from "Which People’s Republic?" entitled "The City Charter" and a document entitled "MRGRA Position on Direct Election of Cambridge Mayors" (Attachment B).

Wayne Drugan, 16 Linnaen Street, stated that although he is a member of the Election Commission, he is speaking strictly for himself. He expressed qualified support for popular election of the mayor. He does not support limiting the power of the city manager. He proposes electing the mayor by extending the PR election for city council to elect the mayor. Quota would be determined by counting all of the votes cast, dividing by 2 and adding one vote, effectively fifty-one percent, so that only one candidate would be elected.

Richard Clarey, 15 Brookfield Street, stated that about 100 years ago, the Republican Party had a problem in that immigrants were moving in and voting as Democrats. The Republicans dealt with this by eliminating the position of mayor. The city manager form of government is a profoundly anti-democratic form of government. In Cambridge it has worked just the way that the Republicans wanted it to. The city is financially viable but there is no direct public accountability in the executive. Even the most modest reform being proposed would increase the representation of the people in the executive function of government. It would also mean that the mayor would have a position, so issues would be discussed during campaigns.

John Moot, 44 Coolidge Hill Road, recommended keeping the proposed change simple, so that some progress can be made. The more that the City Council tries to change; the longer it will take. He suggested keeping the focus on how the mayor is elected.

John Myers, 15 Chalk Street, said perhaps Cambridge should scrap the whole system and start again. He stated that he supports progressive change in the City. Cambridge is a world-class city.

Tom Stohlman, 119 Channing Street, had to leave the meeting, but submitted his written testimony (Attachment C).

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she strongly supports the Plan E form of government. She does not see that cities with strong mayors are doing better than Cambridge in affordable housing, senior services and school funding. She is motivated by a desire to change the way that the mayor is elected; because the current method is divisive. Perhaps even more important, a popular election of the mayor would allow the public to elect the chair of the School Committee. Additionally, the popular election of the mayor would require the candidates to articulate a vision for the city.

Councillor Galluccio invited committee members to make requests for additional information.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested reaching out to parent groups and inviting School Committee members and past School Committee members to future meetings.

Councillor Reeves asked Councillor Galluccio about what he sees as next steps.

Councillor Galluccio said perhaps there should be one meeting that is school focused. There should also be a meeting about the Worcester experience. The committee may want to think about inviting not just the present Mayor of Worcester but also past mayors.

Councillor Reeves said that the City Clerk should increase the outreach efforts. He has always hoped that the people would rise up and direct the City Council. He would like to know more about the thoughts and concerns of the business community and he would also like the committee’s consideration to include a discussion about the schools.

Councillor Murphy said that it is important to think about what problems the committee is trying to solve and what are the possible unintended consequences of particular methods. Is the problem the lack of direct election of School Committee Chair, the consequences of inter-council competition, or the need for a directly elected leader of the City Council? He also would like to look at the "political science" consequences - how the rest of the political structure would be affected by popular election of the mayor. His expectation is that it would decrease the power of the City Manager and the City Council. If the issue is inter-council harmony insuring, there is also the question of whether the City Council should look at the election of the vice mayor and its effects.

Vice Mayor Decker said she would like to hear Councillor Murphy’s thoughts about the proposal not just his concerns.

Councillor Murphy said that his thought is that it is very important to look at what problems the committee seeks to solve and then at whether the proposed solution would work toward that end. For example, if the problem is the need for insuring popular election of all of the members of the school committee, he is not sure if popular election of the mayor is the best way to accomplish this goal. Why not elect all seven members of the school committee? Councillor Murphy said that he would also like more information about the effects of popular election of the mayor on the power of the city manager in light of the strong financial position that Cambridge has enjoyed under the current system.

Vice Mayor Decker said it is important to hear from all the committee members about what they see as pros and cons of the proposal. She also suggested that there be an academic component to the committee’s investigation, perhaps the committee could hear from recognized scholars in the area.

Councillor Murphy said that he does have reservations, particularly in the area of unintended consequences; he intends to keep an open mind and looks forward to receiving more information.

Councillor Maher stated that he is not a member of a committee, but he is very interested and intends to attend meetings of the committee. He stated that he voted against establishing this committee because he thought the conversation appeared to be more narrow. He is interested in a broader conversation.

Councillor Reeves stated that he would like information about other municipalities.

Councillor Maher stated that he would like to hear from City Council members from Worcester, as well as the Mayor.

Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. On a motion from Councillor Murphy, the meeting was adjourned at eight o’clock and twenty-one minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony Galluccio, Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair