CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for the City Council to vote to move to Executive Session immediately following the conclusion of public comment for the purpose of discussing litigation.
The Executive Session lasted over two hours.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $280,000 from the General Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to the Public Investment School Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the operational phasing for the CRLS construction project.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $227,590 from the General Fund School Salary and Wages account to the General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover additional transportation expenses.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-58, regarding a report on turning off city streetlights in the morning with the longer daylight hours.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $175 from the General Fund City Clerk Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund City Clerk Travel and Training account to cover the cost of the City Clerk attending the Annual Massachusetts City Clerk's Association Conference.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a reimbursement from the abutter of the West Cambridge Community and Youth Center for $8,225 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the additional cost of fence work requested by the abutter.

7. 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 $102,260 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account and will be used to cover a portion of the salaries of existing housing planners and support staff related to the administration of the HOME Program.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $1,058,333 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to create new affordable housing ($888,333) and to provide funding to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), non-profits, ($170,000) for program delivery costs for affordable housing projects (required under HOME regulations).

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-63, regarding a report on the circumstances of the chemical spill at 320 Bent Street.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-60, regarding Dalkia Steam Systems.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 21 Proof Training donations in the amount of $5,015.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account and will be used to support staff salaries at the Cambridge Prevention Coalition.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant in the amount of $93,170.00 funded by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to assist the operation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Formula Grant for $84,945.00 funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,920.00), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($49,260.00), and Travel and Training account ($1,765.00) and will be used to provide substance abuse prevention services for Cambridge seniors, transportation for Cambridge seniors to medical appointments, and weekly food shopping trips as well as to support one part-time coordinator position and several instructors who provide services at the Citywide Senior Center.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation the Massachusetts Association for Community Action grant (MASSCAP) in the amount of $7,100.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account that will be used for fuel assistance eligible oil heat customers who have exhausted their fuel benefits.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $4,000 donation to the Public Works Department Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account to support improvements to the Alexander W. Kemp playground at the Cambridge Common.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income of $5,130 to the Public Investment Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which will increase funds available to continue the development of affordable housing.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for the former North Prospect Church property at 1797-1803 Massachusetts Avenue.
Charter Right - Maher

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Historical Commission for a term of three years to expire June 11, 2012: Susannah Barton Tobin, Joseph V. Ferrara

Susannah Barton Tobin
Ms. Tobin grew up on Newport Road in Cambridge; her grandfather was a Kerry Corner resident. She is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and works for the US Court of Appeals as a clerk for Judge Levin Campbell, a former state representative from Cambridge. She is a resident tutor at Harvard's Leverett House.

Joseph V. Ferrara
Mr. Ferrara has been a Cambridge resident for 23 years and now lives at 195 Brattle Street. He worked as an architect from 1985 until 1996 and is engaged in life sciences consulting. He served on the Half Crown Neighborhood Conservation District Commission in 2004-05.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-31, regarding a report on enforcement of noise from motorcycles and loud cars.

Note: Most of the communication from Police Commissioner Haas concerns excessive engine/exhaust noise, but the last part of his response is interesting and promising:

Under Article 8, Section 8.16.080 of the city’s Ordinance. (Non-measured noise disturbances).
Radios, phonographs, etc., the using, operating, or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker or public address system, unless used by the City of Cambridge, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) from the building, structure VEHICLE or dwelling unit in which it is located. The penalty for violating this section is a $300.00 fine to issued to the violator on a City of Cambridge Ordinance Violation Form.

The Department will initiate Roll Call Training to all officers relative to their authority to address all complaints relative to loud and objectionable noises emitting from car radios and vehicles with loud exhaust systems.

If you need additional information please let me know.

Sincerely,
Robert C. Haas, Police Commissioner

ON THE TABLE
1. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

2. That the City Manager is requested to make available adequate funds to the City Council so that the City Council can hire its own legal expert to review relevant issues in pending litigation. [Tabled on motion of Councillor Davis Order Number Two of May 18, 2009 together with motion to amend by substitution submitted by Councillor Toomey.]
Councillor Kelley moved to take this from the table, and the motion failed on a roll call vote of 4-4-1. [Councillors Kelley, Reeves, Seidel, and Simmons voted YES; Councillors Davis, Maher, Toomey, and Ward voted NO; and Councillor Decker was ABSENT.] Councillor Decker then arrived and made a motion to suspend the rules to reconsider the vote. This failed on a roll call vote (called by Councillor Toomey) of 3-4-1-1 with (I believe) Councillors Decker, Seidel, and Simmons voting YES; Councillors Kelley, Maher, Toomey, and Ward voting NO; Councillor Reeves voting to ABSTAIN; and Councillor Davis ABSENT. [Six votes are, I believe, necessary to suspend the rules to reconsider a vote. It is unclear what the intentions were of those who wanted to take this from the Table. This occurred after an extended Executive Session of over two hours on the underlying matter.]

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

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

5. An application from Alan L. Johnson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 135 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Mar 23, 2009. Meeting recessed on Mar 30, 2009. Referred to Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Ward on Apr 6, 2009.]

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Apr 14, 2009 to consider a petition submitted by Lesley University to amend the Zoning Map and Article 10.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding "Section 20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District." The petition was passed to a Second Reading on May 11, 2009. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 25, 2009. Planning Board hearing held Apr 7, 2009. Petition expires July 13, 2009.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Richard Simone, 7 Buena Vista Park, transmitting support of the zoning proposal submitted by Lesley University.

2. A communication was received from W. Robin Upton, 23 Buena Vista Park, transmitting support of the zoning proposal submitted by Lesley University.

3. A communication was received from John Howard et al transmitting support of the Lesley Overlay District and support landmark of the former North Prospect Congregational Church.

4. A communication was received from Martha A. Davis, 27 Norris Street, transmitting support of the Lesley College/AIB plans to develop the Porter Square church property.

5. A communication was received from Karen Zorn, Longy School of Music, transmitting support for Lesley's zoning petition to include the property of the former North Prospect Church and to establish a Lesley Overlay District.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Suzette Abbott from the Baldwin School.   Councillor Kelley

2. Resolution on the death of Grace Marie (Gagliardi) De Magistris.   Councillor Toomey

3. Congratulations to Jean-Dany Joachim on being named the Cambridge Poet Populist for 2009-2010.   Councillor Reeves

4. Happy 60th Birthday wishes to Bethune Kelly.   Councillor Reeves

5. Thanks to Mark Sutherland for his years of services as Co-Chair of the Cambridge Ward 5 Democratic Committee.   Councillor Davis

6. Retirement of Mary Woodilla from the Agassiz and Baldwin School.   Councillor Kelley

7. Retirement of Janice Sette-Lund from the Agassiz and Baldwin School.   Councillor Kelley

8. Retirement of Michael Giacoppo from the Police Department.   Mayor Simmons

9. Retirement of Lawrence Stead from the Police Department.   Mayor Simmons

10. Resolution on the death of Ucal McKenzie.   Councillor Ward

11. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher M. Kurth.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Charles D. Parrish.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Justin J. Duffy.   Councillor Decker

15. Appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre for staging the "Dance for World Community " festival on June 6, 2009 in Harvard Square.   Vice Mayor Seidel

16. Congratulations to William Rawn and William Rawn Associates on being chosen as the top architecture firm by "Architect" magazine.   Councillor Davis

17. Resolution on the death of John F. Ciano.   Councillor Toomey

18. Resolution on the death of Jeanne Coolidge Parker Cahill.   Councillor Toomey

19. Resolution on the death of Janet Currier.   Councillor Toomey

20. Happy Birthday wishes to Chay Carter.   Councillor Decker

21. Happy 40th Birthday wishes to Jamie Townes.   Mayor Simmons

22. Speedy Recovery to Grand Historian Raymond Coleman.   Mayor Simmons

23. That the City Council go on record honoring Minister Don Muhammad on Friday, June 19, 2009 at Lombardos in Randolph.   Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the potential use by City departments and staff of social networking programs such as Twitter and Facebook.   Councillor Kelley

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments to review the parking conditions on Massachusetts Avenue north of Porter Square, to include no-parking and loading zones, to ensure that metered spaces exist where appropriate and are properly marked.   Councillor Kelley
Councillors Maher and Toomey voted NO.

3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the current status of the City's 5-year plan for road and sidewalk work, to include an explanation of how projects were reprioritized to reflect funding constraints.   Councillor Kelley

4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council about any studies, ongoing or conducted in the past, that analyze the effectiveness of the City's traffic-calming program and analyze the potential problems such as flooding, loss of parking and safety hazards posed by the City's traffic-calming devices.   Councillor Kelley

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant city, state and federal officials to determine what, if any, improper asbestos removal efforts took place at the Just A Start property at 1066 Cambridge Street, to determine what the City's response to neighborhood safety concerns was, to determine the current status of that property's asbestos and other potential hazards such as lead-based paint or fuel storage tanks, to determine the status of any relevant enforcement actions and to report back to the City Council on these issues.   Councillor Kelley

6. That the City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Legislative Delegation to support H715, An Act to Promote to Small Plot Farming in the Commonwealth.   Councillor Davis

7. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and the Police Department's Safety and Speed Enforcement Division to address the concerns over the number and weight of shuttle busses traveling on Coolidge Avenue and the noise associated with this traffic, as well as the poor condition of the lower part of the avenue, closest to Mount Auburn Street.   Councillor Maher

8. That the City Manager is requested to form a Cambridge team that includes the Community Development Department, Human Services, the License Commission (because of their involvement with taxi services) and community members as appropriate to attend the free intensive training in October to help communities provide cost-effective and customer-focused transportation services.   Councillor Davis

9. That the City Manager is requested to perform an assessment of the existing Cambridge pre-schools and early childcare slots and develop a planning process to insure that Cambridge pre-schools can stay in the city with enough capacity for Cambridge pre-schoolers.   Councillor Davis

10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department and the Department of Human Services to convene a series of meetings with the Civic Unity Committee immediately in Jefferson Park and invite the surrounding neighbors to discuss the Boston Globe article concerning violence in the neighborhood - the goal of the meeting is to provide a forum to listen to resident concerns, provide current information and resources available to help promote a safe and healthy neighborhood.   Councillor Decker

11. That the City Manager is requested to report on whether city streetlights are configured to prevent "disability glare."   Councillor Davis

12. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Edward T. Sullivan Road and Belmont Street in honor of John August.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Maher.
Councillor Kelley voted NO.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 15
5:00pm   Special Presentation to honor Cambridge, Somerville and Transit police officers for apprehension of perpetrators of several street robberies.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 23
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss information and support for homeowners and tenants who may be facing displacement due to economic distress.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the city.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, June 24
2:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss how Cambridge can adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College Program and/or principles to provide parent education for low income families that will provide the tools they need to help their children succeed.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 25
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee conduct a public hearing on the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for the Shell Spectacular Sign at 187 Magazine Street at the corner of Memorial Drive.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Addendum Report and Revised Recommendations.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 30
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance to provide for Wind Turbine Installation subject to certain requirements and limitations. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to amendment Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code "Refuse and Litter" as well as a new proposed ordinance Chapter 8.25 "Dumpster Licenses."  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 1
5:00pm   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to explore the possibility of creating small scale solar panels that would enable the powering of small household items.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, July 2
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider a zoning petition filed by Jean Connor, et al., to amend the Zoning Map from its current designation as a Residence C-1 to a Residence B District encompassing all or portions of lots on Assessors Plats #205, #206 and #228 including but not limited to those abutting Garden, Winslow, Fenno, Stearns, Esten, Sherman Streets and Upland Road. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 8
3:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss neighborhood rents for retail space.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, July 28
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Sept 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Oct 6
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Oct 20
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Nov 3
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Nov 17
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Dec 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Dec 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: New social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter offer alternative means of ongoing communication via the internet; and
WHEREAS: Such applications are in use by various parts of government across the country; and
WHEREAS: Such applications may allow various City departments, to include the Cambridge Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Human Services, and the Cambridge Public Library, to interact more effectively with their various stakeholders; and
WHEREAS: Such applications may pose unique management and security concerns that might either preclude their effective use or require specific guidelines; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the potential use by City departments and staff of social networking programs such as Twitter and Facebook.

O-2     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: On-street metered parking is a prized commodity in Cambridge business districts; and
WHEREAS: Studies indicate that the availability of on-street metered parking plays a large part in the general public's decision about whether or not to go to an area to shop and dine; and
WHEREAS: There is considerable curb space in front of St. John's Church on North Massachusetts Avenue that appears unused except on Sundays; and
WHEREAS: There is other curb space on North Massachusetts Avenue that is marked for loading zones or where the parking spots are not clearly marked with lines; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct relevant City departments to review the parking conditions on Massachusetts Avenue north of Porter Square, to include no-parking and loading zones, to ensure that metered spaces exist where appropriate and are properly marked; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-3     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The recession has led to a decrease in funding available for roadway and sidewalk projects; and
WHEREAS: The City's 5-year plan for road and sidewalk work may have been impacted by the decrease in available funding; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the current status of the City's 5-year plan for road and sidewalk work, to include an explanation of how projects were reprioritized to reflect funding constraints.

O-4     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City's street improvement projects often include traffic-calming devices such as curb extensions, raised intersections and chicanes; and
WHEREAS: It is not readily apparent to many people that these traffic-calming devices make our streets safer, as cars turn widely around curb extensions and drivers may focus more on road obstructions rather than pedestrians; and
WHEREAS: These traffic-calming devices can cost tens of thousands of dollars, create problematic street drainage patterns, lead to an increase in noise from vehicles bumping over raised devices or slowing down and then accelerating when negotiating the devices and decrease the availability of on-street parking; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council about any studies, ongoing or conducted in the past, that analyze the effectiveness of the City's traffic-calming program and analyze the potential problems such as flooding, loss of parking and safety hazards posed by the City's traffic-calming devices.

O-5     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Asbestos is a material that poses significant health risks to both workers and the general public if not handled properly to the extent that no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe; and
WHEREAS: Removing asbestos creates unique dangers, both to workers and the general public, unless proper precautions are taken that may involve pressure systems, proper notice, area security and special bagging requirements; and
WHEREAS: There was an asbestos removal project at the Just A Start property at 1066 Cambridge Street in the spring of 2009 that results in action by state and possibly federal officials because asbestos removal handling rules were not being properly followed; and
WHEREAS: It is possible that this improper handling of asbestos may have exposed local residents and visitors to an asbestos health hazard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant city, state and federal officials to determine what, if any, improper asbestos removal efforts took place at the Just A Start property at 1066 Cambridge Street, to determine what the City's response to neighborhood safety concerns was, to determine the current status of that property's asbestos and other potential hazards such as lead-based paint or fuel storage tanks, to determine the status of any relevant enforcement actions and to report back to the City Council on these issues.

O-6     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: H715, An Act to Promote to Small Plot Farming in the Commonwealth is currently before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture; and
WHEREAS: This bill would allow farm supports for plots as small as one acre (down from five acres) that generate at least $1000 in verifiable revenue a year; and
WHEREAS: Part of the reasoning behind this bill is that it is often difficult to prevent large tracts of land from being purchased by developers and that agriculture in Massachusetts may need to undergo a radical transformation toward small-scale localized farming and providing supports could potentially encourage intensive food production on small plots; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Legislative Delegation to support H715; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Cambridge state legislators as soon as possible.

O-7     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Several residents of Coolidge Avenue have expressed concern over the number and weight of shuttle busses traveling on Coolidge Avenue and the noise associated with this traffic, as well as the poor condition of the lower part of the avenue, closest to Mount Auburn Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and the Police Department's Safety and Speed Enforcement Division to address these issues.

O-8     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Transportation for the elderly and disabled is part of a comprehensive plan for aging in place; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Institute for Transportation Coordination is hosting a free intensive training in October to help communities provide cost-effective and customer-focused transportation services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to form a Cambridge team that includes the Community Development Department, Human Services, the License Commission (because of their involvement with taxi services) and community members as appropriate to attend this conference.

O-9     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to perform an assessment of the existing Cambridge pre-schools and early childcare slots and develop a planning process to insure that Cambridge pre-schools can stay in the city with enough capacity for Cambridge pre-schoolers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the assessment answer the following questions:
* Where are Cambridge children in childcare before they enter kindergarten?
* What is the city policy toward preschool facilities and space?
* Are the facilities or programs in danger of losing their space?

O-10     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department and the Department of Human Services to convene a series of meetings with the Civic Unity Committee immediately in Jefferson Park and invite the surrounding neighbors to discuss the Boston Globe article concerning violence in the neighborhood - the goal of the meeting is to provide a forum to listen to resident concerns, provide current information and resources available to help promote a safe and healthy neighborhood.

O-11     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on whether city streetlights are configured to prevent "disability glare."

O-12     June 15, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of Edward T. Sullivan Road and Belmont Street in honor of John August; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council 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.
Councillor Kelley voted NO.

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

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

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

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)

09-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the removal of the Homeland Security Surveillance cameras and infrastructure and who is responsible for the removal.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/09/09 (O-7)

09-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on survey of surrounding cities and towns on the hours of operation of their libraries and a survey of patrons as to their needs and desires with respect to library hours.
Councillor Davis 03/09/09 (O-14)

09-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to implement the recommendations made in A Look at Women in Cambridge Now.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-7)

09-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of doubling the number of solar panels to be installed on the high school using stimulus funds.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-8)

09-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to bring city lighting more in line with dark sky principles and address problems of enforcement of existing regulations.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-16)

09-31. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #19
RE: report on plans to enforce noise from motorcycles and loud cars.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/13/09 (O-4)

09-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of the Healthy Parks and Playground Initiative Task Force.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-2)

09-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what economic stimulus funds are available to the City.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-9)

09-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on planting trees in parking lot #8 and surveying all city parking lots and library branches with a plan for tree maintenance.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-2)

09-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing changing tables in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms in all city-owned buildings.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-7)

09-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the warranty on city street trees.
Councillor Davis 05/11/09 (O-25)

09-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Black MSM issues in Cambridge.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 05/18/09 (O-12)

09-55. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the problem of lice and on preventative measures to combat such infestation from occurring.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 06/01/09 (O-1)

09-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on analyzing the current development patterns in the Residence C-1 area.
Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-2)

09-58. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on turning off city street lights in the morning with the longer daylight hours.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-10)

09-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing signage in crosswalks at intersections on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-11)

09-60. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #10
RE: report on the extent of Dalkia's supply system, who they service in the area and the current operational state of the supply lines in the area.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-12)

09-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to reduce speed on Magazine Street.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-1)

09-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on keeping the Magazine Beach pool opened.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-2)

09-63. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #9
RE: report on the circumstances of the chemical spill at 320 Bent Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-4)

09-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature and purpose of multi-unit building inspections.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-6)

09-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on clarification of the policy on posting "no parking" signs.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-7)

09-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to prohibit smoking in parks.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/08/09 (O-8)