Cambridge City Council meeting - June 18, 2012 - AGENDA
RECONSIDERATION
1. Councillor Toomey notified the City Clerk of his intention to move reconsideration on placing on file Agenda Number Twenty-seven of June 11, 2012 relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-40, regarding a report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units.
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term of three years, effective July 1, 2012: Traci A. Logan (Cambridge Representative), Madge Kaplan (Cambridge Representative), Kathleen McGilvray (Somerville Representative)
Traci A. Logan (Cambridge Representative)
Traci Logan is a Cambridge resident who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Bentley University. As COO, Ms. Logan is heavily engaged in Bentley's strategic planning, financial operations, information technology, human resources, facilities management, public safety, and board engagement activities. Prior to becoming COO, she served as the Vice Provost and Vice President for Information Technology. Ms. Logan possesses a Master of Science in Accounting (Beta Alpha Psi honors) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.Madge Kaplan (Cambridge Representative)
Madge Kaplan is a Cambridge resident who currently serves as the Director of Communications for the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI). In this capacity, Ms. Kaplan is responsible for developing new and innovative means for IHI to communicate the stories, leading examples of change, and policy implications emerging from the world of quality improvement-both in the US and internationally. Since May 2009, she's been the host and producer of WIHI, a new, free 60-minute audio "talk show" from IHI, devoted to the cutting edge of quality improvement and patient safety. Prior to joining IHI, Ms. Kaplan spent 20 years as a broadcast journalist for public radio-must recently working as a health correspondent for National Public Radio. Ms. Kaplan possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Brown University.Kathleen McGilvray (Somerville Representative)
Kathleen McGilvray is a Somerville resident who currently serves as the Senior Investment Officer for the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. In this capacity, Ms. McGilvray is responsible for underwriting real estate transactions including low income housing tax credit, new markets tax credit, and construction lending at non-profits specializing in the financing of affordable housing and community development throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to her affordable housing background, Ms. McGilvray has a strong background in finance and experience in healthcare consulting. Ms. McGilvray possesses a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and American Studies. Ms. McGilvray is a volunteer with the Somerville Homeless Coalition Shelter and a member of the Somerville Community Corporation Real Estate Development Advisory Committee.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 21 Proof Training donations in the amount of $2,385 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account which will be used to conduct 21 Proof server trainings.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Cambridge Prevention Coalition Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) grant received from the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services in the amount of $80,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($65,300), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($13,450), and Travel and Training account for ($1,250) which will be used to support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's work to continue addressing the issue of underage drinking.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Cambridge Prevention Coalition Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) grant received from the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services in the amount of $30,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($26,563), and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,437) which will be used to continue to support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's work to implement programs and projects to reduce opioid overdoses in collaboration with the coalition's partners.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Learn to Cope grant received from the Regional Center for Healthy Communities (RCHC) for $14,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to fund the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's efforts to prevent opioid overdoses and support users and their loved ones, by supporting the development of a Learn to Cope support group in Cambridge.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of various private donations to the Council on Aging in the amount of $18,743.50 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,000) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($13,743.50) which will be used to support a variety of services for Cambridge Seniors, including food and entertainment for senior parties, the purchase of fans for low-income seniors, provision of minor home adaptation equipment, support for the food pantry, and transportation for special senior center events and trips.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board for $14,200 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($11,700) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,500) which funds will be used to reimburse the City for salary costs associated with enrolling income-eligible youth in a pilot program for school year work opportunities and to support costs for partner programs' work in developing sites.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) from the Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $484,449 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($39,765) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($444,684) and will be used to contract with local shelter providers to support operating costs or rehabilitation costs of shelter facilities and other essential services.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of funds for the Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) from the Cambridge Housing Authority for $67,010 to the Grant Fund Human Service Department Programs Salary and Wages account and will be used to maintain the capacity of the Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) by continuing to fund a Vocational Case Manager to provide career counseling and case management services to Cambridge residents seeking employment, particularly those residing in public housing.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $61,625.52 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account as reimbursement, for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Petition to Modify Zoning Requirements for Municipal K-8 School Sites (Proposed Section 5.54).
The Planning Board recommends adopting the petition to create a new Section 5.54 in the Zoning Ordinance, which proposes special requirements that would apply to the reconstruction or alteration of municipal elementary and middle (K-8) schools on existing school sites.
Given the future plans of the Cambridge School Department as outlined in their Innovation Agenda, it is expected that there will be substantial planning to modernize the City’s educational programs in coming years, including the creation of a new upper school program serving students in grades 6-8 that will be distributed across four existing K-8 school sites. These changes will likely result in future modifications to school facilities. Because all public K-8 schools are located in low to moderate density residential zoning districts, any significant change to a school building would require seeking variances from the Board of Zoning Appeal.
The proposed zoning provides a framework for the overall scale and form of future school development. In some cases, projects would be able to seek limited zoning relief from the Planning Board based on clear principles and design criteria. In the Board’s view, this approach has advantages over the process of seeking variances, which would not provide the public or the School Department with a clear set of expectations and limitations for school projects.
The Planning Board heard testimony from neighbors stressing the importance of outdoor open space on school sites, which is often used by Cambridge residents during after-school hours and is an important part of a neighborhood’s open space system. Community Development Department staff commented that additional zoning language would be drafted with the intent of retaining open space uses currently existing on a school site, in the event that a site may need to be reconfigured to accommodate changes to the school building. The Board agrees that the retention of publicly enjoyable open space is an important goal and recommends that the City Council consider this alternate language when it is made available.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell, Chair
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the CJUF III Northpoint LLC Zoning Petition to Amend Section 13.700.
The Planning Board recommends that the City Council adopt the changes to Section 13.700 of the Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the petitioner.
It is the Board’s view that the master plan presented by the North Point development team at the June 5 hearing conforms to the conceptual framework of the master plan that was previously approved by the Planning Board in 2003. Moreover, the proposed changes have been carefully crafted and developed in close consultation with neighbors and City officials, and the Board believes that these changes will only further improve the final development from what was previously proposed.
It is also the Board’s view that the proposed changes to the zoning language are consistent with the purpose and objectives of Section 13.700 and will provide additional flexibility needed to implement the master plan that has been presented. The allowance of increased height, as presented at the hearing, has the potential to allow for increased open space and improved site design. As in the current zoning, it will be important for the Planning Board to review and approve the final allowed building heights within the context of a specific area-wide master plan. Similarly, the allowance of a floor area exemption for above-grade structured parking adjacent to the railroad and the Gilmore Bridge is a rational extension of the current zoning policy in this district. The Board finds that this additional exemption will not result in excessive amounts of additional building size and bulk.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell, Chair
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-43, regarding a report on the feasibility of off-leash dog hours in Area Four.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-43, regarding a report on the feasibility of off-leash dog hours in Area Four, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy reports the following:
In 2008, the City began to explore the feasibility of a pilot program for shared use off-leash hours in parks throughout the city, where dogs would be allowed off-leash at certain times but would not be fully fenced or separated from other park uses or activities.
In determining the initial locations for a pilot program, criteria were established to give consideration to the location of existing off leash areas and the distribution of off-leash opportunities throughout the city. The program targeted spaces that were at least 10,000 square feet, avoiding the use of school grounds or heavily scheduled athletic fields. In 2009 the pilot program for shared use hours was established at Gold Star Mother's (Gore Street) Park and Corcoran (Raymond Street) Park between 6a.m. and 9a.m..
In Area Four, the most likely candidates for Off-Leash use are Sennott Park and Greene-Rose Park. These parks were not initially considered for off leash hours because of their use by nearby elementary schools.
Staff from the City Manager's Office, Community Development Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Human Services Programs, Historical Commission, and Animal Commission are currently in the process of evaluating the pilot shared use programs at Corcoran and Gold Star Parks.
As a result of this process, we now have a better understanding of the off-leash practices of dog owners, enforcement limitations, and the ongoing interest of dog owners in access to nearby off-leash facilities. Based on initial observations, the following issues should be addressed before expanding the current shared use program:
The need for additional outreach regarding regulations and rules for off-leash hours.
The need to identify a member of the public to serve as an off-leash liaison at each location with off-leash hours to help communicate issues to the dog-owner community and serve as a contact for City staff regarding potential user conflicts and maintenance concerns.
The establishment of off-leash hours at one of the Area Four parks would require a broader public process to get information and feedback from nearby residents, park users and dog owners. A community meeting will be scheduled in early fall to begin these discussions.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-58, regarding a report on recent ruling that law enforcement can conduct strip searches.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-86, regarding a report on an increase in evening disturbances at Canal Park.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-46, regarding a report on the accident at the corner of Dover Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-78, regarding a report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets.
Referred back to City Manager for additional information
18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-42, regarding a report on pedestrian safety at the intersection of Coolidge Avenue and Mt. Auburn Street and where Mt. Auburn Street crosses Fresh Pond Parkway.
19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to additional information on the purchase of 53.6 acres of watershed land in Lincoln, MA, for $1,152,247 from Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve Fund, for the purposes of drinking water supply protection and land conservation.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
Please find attached additional information on the purchase of 53.6 acres of watershed land in Lincoln, MA, for $1,152,247 from Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve Fund, for the purposes of drinking water supply protection and land conservation.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the purchase of 53.6 acres of watershed land in Lincoln, MA, for $1,152,247 from Community Preservation Act Open Space Reserve Fund, for the purposes of drinking water supply protection and land conservation. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Twenty-eight of June 11, 2012.]
Adopted
2. That a Task Force be formed to review Cambridge's current program to creatively encourage and maximize participation in PILOT agreements with the City, and to evaluate the possibilities of implementing SILOT (Services In Lieu of Payment) and/or GILOT (Grants In Lieu of Payment) programs. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Four of June 11, 2012.]
Referred to Finance Committee - Maher
ON THE TABLE
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
4. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 15, 2012 to discuss the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinances by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 25, 2012. Planning Board hearing held May 1, 2012. Petition expires Aug 13, 2012.
9. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 23, 2012 to discuss a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge by adding to Section 5.50 entitled "Special Dimensional Regulations" a section 5.54 entitled "Special Regulations for Municipal Elementary and Middle (K-8) Schools. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 25, 2012. Planning Board hearing held June 5, 2012. Petition expires Aug 21, 2012.
10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 23, 2012 to discuss an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on a petition filed by CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend Article 13.700 - Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 25, 2012. Planning Board hearing held June 5, 2012. Petition expires Aug 21, 2012.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Clothware requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1773 Massachusetts Avenue.
2. An application was received from Mithen Nallari requesting permission to widen an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 31-33 Willard Street; said application has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.
3. An application was received from the Trustee of Cottage Park Realty Trust requesting permission to modify the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 27 Cottage Park Avenue; said application has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Charter Right - Kelley
4. An application was received from Alexandria Real Estate Equities requesting permission for curb cuts at the premises numbered 75 & 125 Binney Street; said application has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Costanza Eggers regarding North Massachusetts Avenue zoning amendment.
2. A communication was received from Megan Brook, Inman Street transmitting her comments on Policy Orders #1 and 2.
3. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street transmitting an article on Community Schools.
4. A communication was received from James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place transmitting information from the Urban Land Institute regarding core transit congestion and the future of transit and development in Greater Boston.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Happy Birthday wishes to Toni Bee, Poet Populist of Cambridge. Vice Mayor Simmons
2. Speedy recovery wishes to John Ramos. Vice Mayor Simmons
3. Thanks to John Ramos, Massachusetts Senior Action Council and the Community Development Department for their advocacy in working to bring a bus shelter to the corner of Erie and Brookline Streets. Vice Mayor Simmons
4. Congratulations to Cooper Charleson Kelley on winning a national STEM challenge award for his SCRATCH-based computer game titled "The Mechanical Dragon." Councillor Kelley
5. Congratulations to Deborah C. Jackson on receiving the Lady Baden-Powell Award at the 29th Annual Good Scout Luncheon on June 29, 2012. Mayor Davis
6. Resolution on the death of Emma Jeane (Higginson) Wilson Pierson. Councillor Maher
7. Resolution on the death of John M. "Bucky" White Jr. Councillor Maher
8. Resolution on the death of Julia "Judy" (Otis) Bibbins. Vice Mayor Simmons, Mayor Davis
9. Resolution on the death of Jennifer R. Mapes. Councillor Maher
10. Resolution on the death of Ann Looney. Councillor Maher
11. Happy Birthday wishes to Marian Darlington-Hope. Vice Mayor Simmons
12. Congratulations to KW/Savage on their re-opening and best wishes in future endeavors. Mayor Davis
13. Congratulations to Jean Cunningham on receiving the Good Scout Award presented at the 29th Annual Good Scout Luncheon on June 29, 2012. Mayor Davis
14. Thanks to the organizers for the best ever Taste of Cambridge event. Councillor Reeves, Mayor Davis
15. Speedy recovery wishes to Bob Wilson. Councillor Maher
16. Congratulations to Spare Change News on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary Gala on June 21, 2012. Mayor Davis
17. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys Volleyball team on capturing the State Championship. Mayor Davis
18. Congratulations to Jeff Dunn on photographing the entire "Antiques Roadshow" in Boston on June 9, 2012. Councillor Reeves
19. Congratulations to Akrivis Technologies, LLC for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to follow in the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
20. Congratulations to Epizyme for being recognized by The Scientist Magazine in its Best Places To Work issue. Councillor Cheung
21. Congratulations to Appsembler for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to follow in the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
22. Congratulations to Memory on Hand for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to follow in the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
23. Congratulations to Vertex Pharmaceuticals for being recognized by The Scientist Magazine in its Best Places to Work issue. Councillor Cheung
Withdrawn by Councillor Cheung
24. Thanks to the Department of Human Services for attending the screening of the "Gen Silent" documentary at the Cambridge Main Public Library on June 14, 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
25. Thanks to Sheri Barden, Lois Johnson, Lisa Krinsky, Joanne Peskowitz and Mel Simms for serving as panelists following the screening of "Gen Silent" documentary at the Cambridge Main Public Library on June 14, 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
26. Thanks to John Moniz, Cadbury Commons, Colleen Johnston of the Human Rights Commission, Kerry Kenst, former intern under Councillor David Maher, and Melody Brazo, Family Liaison to the LGBT Community at the Family Resource Center, for their contributions to the GLBT community and for making the screening of "Gen Silent" documentary at the Cambridge Main Public Library on June 14, 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
27. Thanks to Kate Thomas, Elder Care Advisor and chair of the LGBT Task Force at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services for their work in helping to plan and execute the "Gen Silent" event. Vice Mayor Simmons
28. Thanks to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Cadbury Commons, Cambridge Homes, the Cambridge Council on Aging, and the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for making the screening of "Gen Silent" on June 14, 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
29. Thanks to Jeff Arnold for providing food for the June 14, 2012 screening of "Gen Silent." Vice Mayor Simmons
30. Thanks to School Committee Member Fred Fantini and Cambridge Police Superintendent Christopher Burke for attending the screening Of "Gen Silent." Vice Mayor Simmons
31. Resolution on the death of John Briston Sullivan Sr. Councillor Maher
Note: John Sullivan was a former Cambridge School Committee member (1956-57) and father of former School Committee member Jane Sullivan (1982-87).
32. Resolution on the death of John M. Milmore. Councillor Maher
33. Resolution on the death of Mary Herlihy (Holland) Connolly. Councillor Maher
34. Thanks to the members of the Kids' Council Youth Involvement Subcommittee for representing the youth of Cambridge through their involvement and activism. Mayor Davis
35. Declare June 27, 2012 as National HIV Testing Day in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Davis
36. Welcome H Mart to Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
37. Best wishes to Don Borut, Executive Director of the National League of Cities, on his retirement. Mayor Davis
38. Resolution on the death of Arthur Miles. Councillor Maher
39. Resolution on the death of Pasqualina "Lena" (Lopolito) Roberto. Councillor Toomey
40. Resolution on the death of Bob MacQueen. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation of what processes and procedures have been instituted to help ensure that discrimination and wrongful termination complaints do not arise in the future. Councillor Kelley
Referred to Civic Unity Committee 5-4 (Cheung, Decker, Reeves, vanBeuzekom, Davis FOR; Kelley, Maher, Simmons, Toomey AGAINST)
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff, to include the City Clerk's Office, to determine how best to put direct communications to the City Council on the City Council's website to make the information contained in them readily available to the public even though it does not become part of a particular City Council agenda. Councillor Kelley
Referred to Gov't Ops. & Rules Committee - Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to dispatch the appropriate staff members from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to confer with the Government Operations and Rules Committee and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee to review the City's parking sticker and guest permit rules and regulations, and to determine whether modifications are necessary at this time. Vice Mayor Simmons
4. That the City Manager is requested to refer the matter of a ban on to limit the size of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages in restaurants to the Cambridge Public Health Department for a recommendation. Mayor Davis
Amended; Referred to Community Health Committee - Decker
5. That the City Manager is requested to hire an outside consultant to conduct an evaluation of City departments with high volume of public interaction to be sure customer service is of the highest standard and City services are being provided efficiently. Councillor Toomey
Referred to Gov't Ops. & Rules Committee - Toomey
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Mayor's office and the appropriate departments on the feasibility of applying for the Mayor's Challenge Program. Councillor Cheung
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department on the feasibility of signing onto the amicus brief on behalf of business and employer community in the Golinski v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management in the Ninth Circuit. Councillor Cheung
8. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to have a 3-D model created of all potential development projects resulting from zoning petitions. Councillor Decker
9. That the Area 4 Neighborhood Preservation Petition be added to the Applications and Petition List of the June 18, 2012 meeting of the City Council. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Suspension of Rules to place on Applications & Petitions Failed 4-5 (Decker, Simmons, Toomey, vanBeuzekom FOR; Cheung, Kelley, Maher, Reeves, Davis AGAINST). Petition to be placed on agenda of next Regular City Council meeting.
10. That the City Manager and the Office of the Mayor be and hereby are requested to work together to publicize and promote the opportunities to visit dasHAUS. Mayor Davis
11. That the City Council go on record expressing its appreciation to the Obama administration for taking steps towards creating a short-term solution to the immigration problems facing the United States, and to encourage local undocumented immigrants to seek additional information on how this may affect their status in the United States. Councillor Toomey
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public hearing held on June 5, 2012 to review the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority's (CRA) relationship with the city, how the CRA was set up and who is the CRA's governing body.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on June 6, 2012 to discuss the petition from the Planning Board to rezone the North Massachusetts Avenue area. A hearing was also scheduled at 4:15 PM to discuss a petition of the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Map for an area along North Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B. The petitions were discussed together.
Petition to amend zoning map for North Mass. Ave. in Trolley Square remains in committee.
North Mass. Ave. petition passed to a 2nd Reading.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on June 11, 2012 to discuss changing the Traffic Regulations in Appendix D, Schedule 13 by striking out the penalty fee of $30.00 and substituting in place the fee of $5.00 as it relates to Section 16.7 entitled "Street Cleaning".
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on June 11, 2012 to discuss an appropriation of $11,917,462 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account which appeared as Agenda Item Number Fifteen of Apr 23, 2012.
Order adopted 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Leland Cheung transmitting a copy of a letter from Senator Sal DiDomenico regarding Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Cambridge, weighing a potential move to the South Boston waterfront.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 18
5:00pm Special Presentation to the CRLS Boys Volleyball State Champions (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Fri, June 22
10:00am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to have an initial discussion with the City Manager to develop a comprehensive short and long term succession plan. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, June 25
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss with the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools how the City's Five year financial plan will impact the School District's building renovation plan. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 26
5:00pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss open space throughout the City. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 27
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinance by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, June 28
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on petitions from the Planning Board to rezone the North Massachusetts Avenue area and to amend the Zoning Map for an area along Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 30
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: A combination of discrimination and wrongful termination complaints have resulted in many millions of dollars of costs and damages for the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The actions that led to these complaints, plus the filing of the complaints and subsequent law suits, caused much anguish for the city employees involved; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear that the City Manager has ever apologized to the City of Cambridge or anyone else involved for any role he may have played in creating this situation; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear what practices and policies the City has instituted to help ensure that similar situations do not arise in the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council extend its apologies to both the City employees who filed the complaints and to the taxpayers and residents of the City of Cambridge for both the angst created by its employee, the City Manager, and the cost to the City as a result of these cases; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby lets the City Manager know of its disapproval of his judgment and actions regarding this situation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation of what processes and procedures have been instituted to help ensure that such a situation does not arise in the future.
O-2 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Unless a Council Order asks that the City Manager report back to the City Council on an issue, the City Manager's response to that Order takes the form of an internal letter that is not posted on the City Council's webpage nor is the communication and the information in it searchable in the City Council's database or otherwise available to the public; and
WHEREAS: Making information that has been given to the City Council in response to a City Council request as readily available as possible to the general public will allow people to better access to their local government and will empower them to be more effectively involved in local issues; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff, to include the City Clerk's Office, to determine how best to put these communications to the City Council on the City Council's website to make the information contained in them readily available to the public even though it does not become part of a particular City Council agenda.
O-3 June 18, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of senior residents have voiced their concerns that the City's rules governing parking permits, guest passes, and neighborhood parking may be too rigid when it comes to making considerations for the elderly and chronically ill, who may require multiple visits from various care providers on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS: For these types of residents, it is not unusual for multiple caregivers to visit their homes - sometimes on an overlapping basis - for short periods throughout the day. In these scenarios, having one guest pass may be insufficient, and the mechanism for having the City address these matters on a case-by-case basis may be due for a review; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to dispatch the appropriate staff members from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to confer with the Government Operations and Rules Committee and the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee to review the City's parking sticker and guest permit rules and regulations, and to determine whether modifications are necessary at this time.
O-4 June 18, 2012 Amended
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: High intake of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of obesity and diabetes; and
WHEREAS: New York City has a plan to limit the serving size of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages sold in restaurants; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to refer the matter of a ban on to limit the size of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages in restaurants to the Cambridge Public Health Department for a recommendation.
O-5 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to hire an outside consultant to conduct an evaluation of City departments with high volume of public interaction to be sure customer service is of the highest standard and City services are being provided efficiently.
O-6 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Mayor's office and the appropriate departments on the feasibility of applying for the Mayor's Challenge Program: http://mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org/index.cfm?objectid=5E7C9C10-9EA6-11E1-823A000C29C7CA2F.
O-7 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice and equality; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge played a part in the historic First Circuit win challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) by signing onto an amicus brief filed by the business and employer community in the First Circuit; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that another case challenging DOMA, Golinski v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management, is pending in the Ninth Circuit and litigators are partnering with the business and employer community to file an amicus brief similar to the one filed in the First Circuit; and
WHEREAS The mission would be the same - an amicus from business organizations and other employers pointing out the inconsistencies in the state/federal scheme; and
WHEREAS: Joining the amicus brief as a listed entity will send a strong message that Cambridge will not support inequality, discrimination and prejudice against the LGBQT community from the federal and state governments and private parties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Law Department on the feasibility of signing onto the amicus brief on behalf of business and employer community in the Golinski v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management in the Ninth Circuit.
O-8 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: There are numerous zoning proposals that are pending before the City Council; and
WHEREAS: The proponents of the Fox petition had a scale model of the proposal which was a good visual aid; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to have a 3-D model created of all potential development projects resulting from zoning petitions.
O-9 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The Area 4 Neighborhood Coalition is comprised of a diverse mixture of residents throughout the neighborhood has expressed concerns about automobile traffic congestion, limited ability of MBTA red line to handle increases in ridership, increased air pollution, loss of middle-income housing and canyon-ization of Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Several areas within the neighborhood may be within an area deemed to be up-zoned to increase height and density and compromise open space; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council will not hold a regularly scheduled City Council meeting after the June 18, 2012 meeting until July 30, 2012; and
WHEREAS: The neighborhood desires that the City Council consider a petition affecting a prescribed region of Central Square and Area Four as soon as possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached Area 4 Neighborhood Preservation Petition [original with signatures] be added to the Applications and Petition List of the June 18, 2012 meeting of the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council refer the attached petition titled Area 4 Neighborhood Preservation Petition to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for a hearing and report.
O-10 June 18, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The energy efficiency pavilion called dasHAUS is coming to Cambridge from June 18-27 and will be displayed at MIT in the 219 Vassar Street parking lot; and
WHEREAS: dasHAUS is a project of the German-American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with MIT and the City of Cambridge to display cutting edge technology to help decrease energy use in buildings of all types; and
WHEREAS: dasHAUS will be open to the public for tours (see website for the schedule http://Cambridge.dashaustour.com); now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council welcomes dasHAUS to Cambridge and urges members of the public to visit the pavilion to learn about ways to make their homes more energy efficient; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Office of the Mayor be and hereby are requested to work together to publicize and promote the opportunities to visit dasHAUS.
O-11 June 18, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Obama administration announced Friday that it would halt the deportation of some young illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing its appreciation to the Obama administration for taking steps towards creating a short-term solution to the immigration problems facing the United States, and to encourage local undocumented immigrants to seek additional information on how this may affect their status in the United States.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on Tues, June 5, 2012 beginning at 10:09am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to review the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority's (CRA) relationship with the city, how the CRA was set up and who is the CRA's governing body.
Present at the meeting were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor Denise Simmons; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor Marjorie Decker; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; John Clifford; Jason Alves; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board members: Kathleen Born, Chair; D. Margaret Drury, Vice Chair; Barry Zevin, Assistant Secretary, CRA State appointee; Joseph Tulimieri, Executive Director, CRA; Jeffrey Mullan, CRA Legal Counsel, Foley, Hoag and Elliot; Tom Stohlman,19 Channing Street; Steve Kaiser, 18l Hamilton Street; Mark Jaquith and Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street; and Robert Winters, 366 Broadway.
Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. An agenda was distributed (ATTACHMENT A). Councillor Maher asked Assistant City Manager for Community Development Mr. Murphy to introduce the new CRA board members. Councillor Maher stated that there is great new talent on the new CRA board. Ms. Born, Chair, CRA board introduced Mr. Tulimieri, CRA Executive Director and Mr. Mullan, CRA Legal Counsel. Ms. Born stated that Mr. Mullan is a redevelopment historian for all over the company. She stated that she was elected as Chair, D. Margaret Drury was elected as Vice Chair, Christopher F. Bator was elected Treasurer and Conrad Crawford was elected Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Bator and Mr. Crawford will be working with Mr. Tulimieri on the financial audit for the CRA. There are several outstanding issues of interest to the public and the City Council. She further stated that the board would review and reaffirm action taken as needed in the two year period when there was not a full complement of the board.
Mr. Mullan gave a history of CRA (ATTACHMENT B). Foley, Hoag and Elliot have been legal counsel for CRA since 1956. CRA grew out of the war era. This grew out of legislation for blighted area and the enabling act is Chapter 121B. The CRA and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) are controlled by Chapter 121A. The CRA is charged with creating redevelopment areas from decadent, substandard or blighted open areas. A document was distributed that outlined the relationship between the CRA, the City Manager and the City Council ant the State (ATTACHMENT C) Four members of the CRA are appointed by the City Manager and one member is appointed by the Governor. There are four key functions that the CRA perform. They are to prepare urban renewal plans, acquire land, execute redevelopment contract and dispose of land. In 1965 the first urban renewal plan was approved in Kendall Square on the former NASA site which is now the Volpe site. In 1977 NASA withdrew as the developer of the land north of Broadway and the project was replanned with an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances to create an MXD District. The first amendment to the Kendall Square urban renewal plan was amended in 1977 and it is the current plan that the CRA is currently operating under. This is the oldest Urban Renewal Plan. Some amendments are major amendments and some are minor amendments. Minor changes are done by CRA. Major changes are the same as adopting a new plan. These changes require approval from Planning Board and the City Council. The core duties of the redevelopment authorities are to acquire land, execute redevelopment contracts and dispose of property. The CRA executed a land agreement with Boston Property for Kendall Square. In addition to the core responsibilities the CRA and Mr. Tulimieri have provided advice to the city. At one time the CRA had seventy-two employees; now there are only three. Today the CRA's primary activity is Kendall Square and moving the plan forward.
Councillor Maher stated that the next item on the agenda is discussion the relationship between the CRA and the City, CRA governance and the role of the City Council.
Mr. Tulimieri stated that there are two public bodies, the CRA and the City Council. The City Council has a relationship with the City Manager and is governed by the City Charter. The CRA's charter is Chapter 121B and it outlines the relationship between the Executive Director and the governing board. The CRA was created under the provision of Chapter 121B. There exists a cooperation agreement between the CRA and the City. In Kendall Square the City created the zoning and cooperated with the CRA to develop Kendall Square. The role of the City Council is to appoint the CRA members and approval the urban renewal plans. Mr. Tulimieri stated that the CRA acts as a conduit for federal funding. He is active with a government firm in Washington, D.C. The CRA pays for design of the projects with these funds. The CRA has been involved in open space projects. Councillor Maher asked Mr. Tulimieri if that between the CRA and the City Manager is there any advantage for have a third party. Mr. Healy stated that by history and origin it made sense to have an urban renewal plan. The Housing Authority and the Redevelopment Authority are separate authorities. Mr. Tulimieri has been successful in lobbying for earmarks. It has been necessary to have HUD funding for the NASA site. From a fiscal standpoint there is no advantage. Mr. Mullan added that urban renewal money comes from HUD and Community Development funds and is settled on a case-by-case basis.
Mr. Murphy stated that going forward the City Council has put into place funding to hire Goody Clancy for a planning study for Kendall Square. This plan became K2C2. The last meeting on Kendall Square under this plan is June 14, 2012. The City Council will receive recommendations and a zoning amendment proposal. Mr. Tulimieri has been active in the process. The CRA was a founding member of the Kendall Square Associates (KSA) and this provides input from the Kendall Square stakeholders.
At this time Councillor Maher opened the meeting to questions by the City Council.
Councillor Kelley asked when contracting out work is the CRA bound by the City. Mr. Tulimieri stated that Chapter 30B does not apply to acquisitions. Any contract over $25,000 is advertised. The CRA will meet with the finance committee of the CRA board and an RFP will be advertised. Councillor Kelley asked what the CRA operating budget is. Mr. Tulimieri responded that the budget will be finalized on Thursday. The operating budget is around $900,000. Councillor Kelley asked how much is for salaries. Mr. Tulimieri stated that the CRA made a decision not to hire an internal general counsel. Most services are contract services and are contracted out. Most contracts, exclusive of maintenance service contracts, are approved by the board.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she appreciated the general overview of the CRA. Mr. Mullan stated that the CRA is a city-wide body that looks at decadent and blighted areas that has jurisdiction over a planned area. Mr. Murphy stated another CRA project is Walden Square. Vice Mayor Simmons asked why is the focus on Kendall Square. She asked are the 9,500 jobs permanent or project specific. The jobs are permanent for the seven CRA projects. All jobs are still in place. There are 1000 jobs in Kendall Square in the Volpe Center. Vice Mayor Simmons spoke about the composition and makeup of the CRA board. Mr. Healy stated that the new board is constituted so that terms are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. In reality the only active urban renewal plan is the Kendall Square urban renewal area. In 1980 the CRA and its designated developer, Boston Property, entered into development agreements. Terms on the CRA board expired. He forgot the expiration of terms and board was functioning. It was his belief that there was a sufficient board membership. He takes responsibility for lapse in the appointments to the CRA board. The work of Boston Properties and the CRA moved forward. The City Council took the necessary votes. The new CRA board will reaffirm action previously taken during the lapse of appointments. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that the work of CRA is important and work is carried out by the board and will be limited by board membership. She stated that it is important to have a fail/safe system on the appointment process. She held the CRA responsible to notify the City Manager regarding the lapse of appointment.
Councillor Cheung spoke about the new beginning. What does the CRA need to do? Does the CRA need to look at blighted open space. Mr. Healy stated that this is the declaration of what the Kendal Square was in the past - open, blighted area. Mr. Healy stated that the CRA's authority is acquisition and eminent domain taking of land. The CRA is a good vehicle for eminent domain procedures. There can be other areas in the City designated as an urban renewal area. The CRA has an urban designation in Kendall Square area. Walden Square was an interesting project. The City incinerator had to be dealt with. The Kendall Square urban renewal plan has not been closed out. Mr. Tulimieri informed the committee that the Broad Canal was filled in by a CRA process. The CRA did an eminent domain taking. Mr. Mullan offered statutory frame work of open blighted area - this was the initial reason for the CRA.
Councillor Maher asked if the old Forest City site would have met the criteria. Mr. Tulimieri responded in the affirmative. Another phase is functionally obsolescing. Mr. Healy stated that the University Park process was interesting. This was a single property owner. City chose to do its own design plan. There was no need for eminent domain. This could have been an urban renewal project. Councillor Maher spoke about the Alewife area in the area of the Bulfinch building. Mr. Healy stated that urban renewal does not bring in funding. It would be a long land damage case. Only the CRA board could vote on the eminent domain. Mr. Murphy stated that another area will be movement on the Volpe site. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that this is why she asked if the CRA only focused on Kendall Square would there be a new plan required. Mr. Tulimieri stated that the City Council has to site an area, then there is an urban plan and financing of the plan and then you proceed.
Councillor Cheung asked whether the CRA can be used as a tool in the City in the area of housing where rental prices keep going up. Can the CRA be used as a tool for housing? Boston has an innovation district; Cambridge has innovation, but Boston keeps stealing the innovation. Can the CRA help and what is the structure and how does it relate. Mr. Healy stated that the urban renewal area needs to be expanded. The CRA has to work within the boundaries of the urban renewal plan. There is no funding. The CRA has been left to deal with the Kendall Square urban renewal plan together with the CDD and through the zoning amendment process. Federal HUD for urban renewal has gone away. Mr. Tulimieri stated that the CRA can cooperate to identify potential sources for "lower priced" office space. The CRA would support this. On the Volpe site, within the urban renewal area, the CRA will develop resources because it is within the boundaries.
Vice Mayor Simmons asked if a CRA board keeps minutes and if Roberts' Rules was followed. Ms. Drury responded that the CRA is a public body; minutes are avail for inspect by public.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that going forward there is an opportunity to do good things. What is the vision of the future projects? Ms. Born stated that within the urban renewal area there are few opportunities for development. Kendall Square is now in its second phase of life. Kendall Square has come to life within the last 5-6 yrs. Some of changes before the CRA are reuse of buildings and public space. There are some sites in Kendall Square that if built now would be built differently. MIT Coop building is smaller than what you would build now. Housing was unwanted in Kendall Square. Getting housing into Kendall Square is at the top of list now. Mr. Tulimieri gave examples: the Google expansion, monitoring the Broad site, Idenix, working with developer on housing and watching the Kendall Square report.
Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the four sites that have not been given development rights. Mr. Tulimieri outlined the proposal for the Kendall Square area. Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the 1979 development agreements with Boston Properties to develop large sites. She spoke of contracts and the clarity or lack thereof as to who is responsible for what. She does not understand continuing relationship with the CRA and Boston Properties. Mr. Tulimieri stated that the CRA has a continuing responsibility on a supplemental plan disposition, design and are now monitoring the project. Once a building is built any modification would require CRA and Boston Property approvals. The responsibility is until 2020 when urban renew plan ends. Mr. Healy added that Boston Properties took a risk and it has been successful. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked what parcel Boston Properties took a risk on in 1979. Mr. Tulimieri stated that Parcels 3 & 4 - the CRA owns the land then land is sold to developer. CRA retains rights to the dirt until a building is planned and then CRA sells the land. Councillor vanBeuzekom expressed her concerns about an arm's length between the CRA and Boston Properties. Mr. Tulimieri stated that in 1979 Boston Properties got the development rights. There have been 22 supplemental agreements as the 22 buildings were planned and built. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked when the CRA board was not fully functioning how decisions were made. Mr. Tulimieri outlined the activities that the CRA can undertake with its Executive Director. No sale of land was acted upon unless voted on by board. Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the votes on the roof top garden and the land along the train tracks. The land will go to the city and it can only be used as open space stated Mr. Tulimieri. It will be on the CRA agenda and the CRA will vote to dispose the land to the City. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked about the open space and the pocket parks along Broadway. There is no sense of a plan for accessible open space along Binney Street. Will the CRA have oversight? Mr. Tulimieri responded in the affirmative. This is on the CRA agenda. Ms. Born spoke of areas of responsibility of the CRA this fall in the urban renewal plan. Whenever there is a change there has to be a change to the urban renewal plan which would contain design for parks along Binney Street.
Councillor Cheung stated that he wanted an update on the Alewife Feasibility Study. What happened with this study? In the old day HUD had a process which included a feasibility study. The CRA did the original feasibility study. HUD would not give the money so CDD did the Feasibility. Mr. Healy added that the feasibility study is outdated and that the CRA has not been involved in Alewife.
Councillor Maher spoke about the condition of the sidewalks, walkways and pedestrian access. What is the plan going forward and what will the coordination be with the City? The roadways and sidewalks were built 40 years ago stated Mr. Tulimieri. Once the CRA builds it the CRA cannot go in and rebuild. The City picks up the roadway improvements. The City has traffic recommendations to cut in a roadway. The CRA will cooperate with the City. Councillor Maher asked if Boston Properties controls the sidewalk at 5 Cambridge Center from the property out. Mr. Tulimieri responded in the negative. The CRA controls the sidewalk at 3 Cambridge Center. Boston Properties did temporary sidewalk repair. Councillor Murphy added that in the Kendall Square process this is a Public Works project. From Ames towards City Hall a loan order funding will make the repairs. Councillor Maher commented that the area needs significant repairs. Mr. Healy added that improvements will be seen this construction season. Councillor Maher added that the median is a vast improvement. Mr. Tulimieri thanked Public Works.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that in 2009 the Kendall Square urban renewal plan was extended to 2020. Is there that much work to do? Mr. Tulimieri responded in the affirmative. He also stated that the amount of work is also dependent on what comes out of the Kendall Square recommendations. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked if staff would be hired for expansion and where will the money come from. Mr. Tulimieri stated that staffing will be discussed with the board.
Councillor Kelley asked where the operating funds come from. The CRA ran out of urban renewal grants, but the CRA does have funds from land proceeds as land is sold to developers. Funding is dependent on a schedule between CRA and developer and has been updated. It is in the range of $9-10 million. He will get back with the asset figure.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked does Boston Properties have development right of Binney/Third Streets. Mr. Tulimieri responded in the negative because it is outside of boundary. He has had an expression of interest on this property.
At 11:45 AM Councillor Maher opened public comment.
Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, reviewed what he heard and read the law the CRA operates under. The CRA hires development staff and provides oversight and monitoring. Decisions have been made without a CRA board. First meeting after 2 years it was stated that these vote were affirmative votes. He wanted the CRA to take the votes seriously.
Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that he found the City Manager's comments positive. New CRA board members are a good selection. This board is not a rubber stamp. He opposes any merger with CRA and the Planning Board and the Community Development Department. From April 2010 through April 2012 no CRA meetings were held. He stated that the fault is not only the City Manager's. The City Solicitor, Mr. Tulimieri and the CRA's legal counsel are all at fault. The Google property needs to be clarified and redone. There is a possibility to go to legislature and justify action for the two year period. In reference to the word blighted he stated that some think that modern architecture is a form of blighted property.
Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, had two requests. He wanted more fleshing out about the history of CRA. He spoke about the relationship with the Historical Commission and the CRA. He would love to see markers for the Broad canal, etc. He wanted a focus on the future - and possibilities that can happen. He expressed his pleasure at the new board membership.
Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that the first meeting of the new CRA board gave her hope. She reemphasizes the questions of the activities where there was no board for 2 years. She applauded the board in addressing this issue. MXD was appropriate for its time. CRA has so much power because the Planning Board has no authority in this area. The public was kept out of the decisions made by CRA and this has caused discontent. She stated that the MXD and the urban renewal plan should be revisited.
Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, stated that he was aware of the project and how it was carried out. Premises here and everything that has been said has been about growth economy. He attended the first meeting of CRA and he was delighted by the clarity. He is not optimistic because of this indefinite growth and how it will be achieved. The current Kendall Square plan is ecologically sound. Public transportation was included in the planning, but there was no thought to the carrying capacity with the jobs created. No thought has been given to infrastructure.
Public comment ended at 12:05 PM on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom.
Councillor vanBeuzekom requested that the future meetings of the CRA do not conflict with the City Council meetings. CRA Chair, Ms. Born, explained the conflict that existed for the first meeting was the only possible date for the meeting. The next meetings for the CRA have been scheduled. They are June 20 and July 18th which are on Wednesday.
Councillor Maher thanked all present for their attendance. This was a good discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 PM.
For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, June 6, 2012 beginning at 4:12pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the petition from the Planning Board to rezone the North Massachusetts Avenue area. A hearing was also scheduled at 4:15 PM to discuss a petition of the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Map for an area along North Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B. The petitions were discussed together.
Present at the hearing were Councillor David Maher, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Leland Cheung; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Taha Jennings and Jeff Roberts, Neighborhood Planners, CDD; Penny Peters; Savitri Khalsa; John Clifford; Leo Gayne; and Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk.
Also present were Susan Hunziker, 80 Orchard Street; Blair Galinskey, Jean TePaske and Douglas Bell, Davis Park Development, LLC, 4 Tannery Brook Row, Somerville, Massachusetts, as Lease Hold Owner of 88 Elmwood Street; Charles Rinaldo, 2200 Massachusetts Avenue; Young Kim, 17 Norris Street; Eric Grunebaum, 98 Montgomery Street; Michael Rome, 20 Gold Star Road; Dan Kaiser, 22 Seagrave Road; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place; Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street; and Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue.
Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that he is opening both meeting because they relate to each other. The meeting is being recorded by audio and visual devices. An opening presentation will be given by Taha Jennings from Community Development. He would then entertain questions from the City Council and then hear public comment.
Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD gave a PowerPoint presentation (ATTACHMENT A). He discussed how zoning recommendation came about. The petition presented contains zoning changes that were recommended after a series of community meetings, input from residents, and property and business owners in this area. Massachusetts Avenue is the primary transportation and retail corridor for the North Cambridge area. It also serves as a gateway into the City. This portion of Massachusetts Avenue has been the subject of past neighborhood planning studies.
In 1980 subway service was introduced to Porter and Davis Squares as well at Alewife. This made Massachusetts Avenue in walking distance to transit. The current BA-2 Zoning District and the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District design guidelines were created because of the new development pressures of the area. New developments have affected the feel of Massachusetts Avenue. The changes have been positive and the residential presence on the avenue is a good thing. However, there can be missed opportunities. He cited housing developments on large sites where the designs did not have what people were hoping for. There are sections of the avenue that do not feel inviting and there is a lack of street activity.
In 2010 CDD began a process to improve North Massachusetts Avenue. North Massachusetts Avenue began from Beech Street to the Arlington line. At the time of the study no major street construction or infrastructure was anticipated. The focus was on planning steps such as zoning changes, strategies that supported retail and other streetscape improvements such as landscaping and pedestrian and bicycle amenities. Community meetings were well attended and input was received. From these discussions there were a lot of positive aspects about Massachusetts that we did not want to lose. There is a mix of uses including housing, neighborhood retail, historic features on older homes and close transit proximity. Linear Park is an important open space resource, pedestrian amenity and connector. There are planning challenges, but there are important characteristics of this area. Potential zoning changes that would support retail and streetscape amenities were reviewed and a vision for North Massachusetts Avenue was formed. The vision was for safe, walkable streets with mixed use and an active ground floor that is visually appealing. This vision led to petition.
The petition would retain ground floor retail, protect historic structures and include outdoor seating. Another aspect of the petition is to examine the current BA-2 district boundaries especially where they extend deeper into residential neighborhoods. There was concern expressed about losing ground floor retail as development continued along the avenue. Under the current zoning there is a disincentive to develop retail in the gross floor area allowed. He outlined in the chart on page seven of the attachment the different FAR and what they mean under current zoning for housing, commercial and housing with ground floor non residential use as well as what is proposed. The proposed zoning removes the disincentives for retail at the ground level and requires that uses on the ground floor be non-residential. The proposed zoning changes if a site was only residential uses you can only get an FAR is 1.0 with a special permit. The commercial FAR remains the same, but with a site with non-residential use on the ground floor and housing above the FAR is 175. We are trying to get mixed use building; rather than larger buildings. The avenue has nice historic features associated with older homes and do not want to encourage these sites redevelop or take away the features that add character to the site. In the proposal buildings that are historical significant will be exempted from the ground floor non-residential use requirement. Non-residential ground floor uses do add a level of activity that previous residential developments have not provided. Next zoning recommendation is to create an active streetscape with the help of outdoor seating. Under current zoning is a business wants to provide temporary seasonal outdoor seating for a restaurant or cafe, parking has to be provided for the additional seating. Business owners cited hurtle, especially for small businesses to provide this type of seating. The zoning proposal exempts the parking requirement for only seasonal temporary outdoor seating between certain times of the year up to the amount of seats. The exemption of seats from the parking requirement would be a %. We expect the area to grow incrementally and on a few key sites. The incremental changes would include ground floor non-residential uses where appropriate.
The proposed changes fall under the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. He proceeded to explain the changes to the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. The first significant change is that Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District would be divided into three subdistricts. He outlined the boundaries of the subdistricts. Subdistrict one extends from Harvard Square to Porter Square; Subdistrict two is Porter Square and Subdistrict three extends from Porter Square to the Residence B/BA2 zoning district line. There are concerns that have been raised by residents from Harvard to Porter Sq. since the filing of the petition. The principal zoning changes only apply to North Massachusetts Avenue; CDD felt that there are minor zoning changes that affect the entire overlay district including areas that were not part of the public process. He stated that CDD is in the process of making additional changes to the submitted text. The proposed changes would change the layout and structure and limit the changes to North Massachusetts Avenue in the original text. These changes only affect area from Beech Street to the Arlington line. The intent and content of the petition would remain the same, but additional changes only affect the area from Beech Street to the Arlington. He explained some of the other basic text changes.
Page Two
the proposed dimensional requirements in the overlay district are applied even though they are not stricter than the base zoning language. This is clarification of building with non-residential uses may allow a higher FAR than different uses in the base zoning district.
Page Three
the language for bay windows was modified specifically what area can be exempted, how it is exempted, how calculated, and to be more flexible on the design of bay windows.
Clarification of how set back restrictions should apply.
No parking in front of a building on Massachusetts Avenue
Page Four
In 20.106.l language clarification regarding the ground floor and how calculated in terms of minimum depth for the ground floor use. It is extended to 40 feet. A 20 foot depth was not adequate for most retail uses.
20.106. l (5) grandfather's existing buildings but they cannot be altered and increases the degree that they are non-compliant with the zoning.
Page Five
relates to section 20.107.1 spells out how to take the measurements that is mentioned in the zoning text.
Page Six
language is removed because there is already a standard that applies for non-conforming structures. This is to be more compliant with the standard that exists.
Pages Seven and Eight
relate to the sub-districts 1 and 2. Additional language will be submitted to limit to what is being proposed for North Massachusetts Avenue.
Page Nine
begin the recommended changes to North Massachusetts Avenue.
For any lot within sub-district 3 (or North Massachusetts Avenue) the ground floor must include at least one of the listed active non-residential uses; the list is not intended to overrule the base zoning. Problems have arisen with the interpretation so clarifying language will be submitted.
Page Ten
lays out the dimensional requirements for those uses including the minimum depth, linear frontage, store size, and the ground floor height.
Page Eleven
describes the circumstances the Planning Board may approve modifications to those dimensional requirements and for other non-residential uses not mentioned in the previous section. The intent is not to allow anything more than what is already allowed in the base zoning district. This too is being revisited. Section 20.110.33 lays out when a building cannot meet the active non-residential use on the ground floor retail requirement and this is generally not allowed without a variance unless all of the following apply:
1. The existing site currently does not have a non-residential use on the ground floor and has not within the past five years;
2. The ground floor use would be considered detrimental to abutting properties; and
3. The ground floor non-residential use would not be viable at the location.
All three of the above conditions must be met before a special permit could be issued to waive the ground floor requirements that are listed above.
Page Twelve
20.110.34 describes the FAR allowed for different uses. Residential use with an active non-residential use on the ground floor is allowed in an FAR 1.75. All other uses a maximum FAR is being proposed of 1.0.
Page Thirteen
explains that lots with a historic structure are exempt from the ground floor requirement, but are still subject to a maximum FAR of 1.0, but the Planning Board could grant a special permit for additional FAR up to 1.75 as long as it is not a detriment to the historic nature of the structure. 20.110.36 makes dimensional and parking modifications to accommodate some of the changes and ground floor uses that are being required.
Height is being increased from 45 feet to 50 feet because non-residential uses at the ground level floor need a higher ceiling height than a residential use. The building would be exempt from the bulk control requirements. This will facilitate the mixed uses that are being sought. Basement space would be exempt from the FAR calculations.
Page Fourteen
bullet # 4 deals with outdoor seasonal seating. It makes seasonal outdoor seating for eating establishments exempt from the parking requirement for up to 50 seats or 50% of the permanent seats whichever is less. The timeline is to be consistent with other city departments.
Mr. Jennings now proceeded to the petition on the map change for the North Massachusetts Avenue area. This is a separate petition but came out of the North Massachusetts Improvement process. This would adjust the boundaries of the current BA-2 district in the vicinity of Trolley Square. There was an expressed interest to look at the Business A-2 district boundaries particularly where they extended 100 feet beyond the centerline of Massachusetts Avenue where the area is more residentially scaled. There were three areas that were closely reviewed:
1. Cottage Park Avenue which was rezoned as part of the Fox petition. This no longer extends into the residential area.
2. The Henderson Carriage site, a large site, that extends into a residential area and has a large building on the site now and there is not a lot of additional floor area to build or develop on the site. The site is not likely to change in terms of the amount of building that can be built here. No changes are being recommended for this site.
3. The site that a change is being proposed is Trolley Square. The area contains a number on non-residential uses and is adjacent to Linear Park.
The petition is for a map change from BA-2 to RES. C-2B past 100 feet from Massachusetts Avenue. The Res C-2B allows similar residential density to the BA-2 but has increased set back and open space requirements. The main difference is that Res. C-2B is limited to primary residential uses. The Community Development Department has heard from one property owner in the area affected by this change that had been putting thought into the current and future use of the property and has concerns about limiting the allowed uses to residential only. Balancing the issues expressed above with the desire to protect the nearby residential use character as well as enhance Linear Park that cuts through this area are discussions that CDD is open to having in terms of the map change.
At this time Councillor Maher opened the meeting to questions from the City Council.
Councillor Kelley questioned fast food as an allowed use under the provisions of 20.110.3 on page ten. He asked why it is allowed. Mr. Dash explained that these are uses that would qualify for what is allowed for commercial uses on the ground floor. However language will be included to make it clear that these uses do not override the base districts requirement that the fast order food is not allowed in the district and would have to get a variance. Councillor Kelley commented why not just listed what uses are allowed and not what uses are disallowed in the base district. It looks like the base district gets trumped. Why can't we just say within the overlay district the following uses are allowed rather than the following is not allowed under the base district? Mr. Jennings stated that the idea was to be as flexible as possible because we were requiring a non-residential use at the ground floor. The intention was not to override what is allowed in the base zoning district. This is a question of the layout of the language rather than intent. CDD is currently looking into this now. We are on the same page as to what kinds of uses would be allowed on the ground floor. The intent was to be flexible as to what was being required.
Councillor Kelley asked how much of what is being discussed is not BA-2 in the North Massachusetts Avenue petition. All the proposed zoning changes are within the BA-2 district. Councillor Kelley stated that if there is only one underlying base zoning and then start playing with what is allowed except it is not allowed by the underlying base zoning it gets too confusing. He suggested simply say what the allowed uses are.
Councillor Kelley questioned the map change for Trolley Square he asked why the line wasn't continued farther north. There was just a zoning variance for Fast Phil's, just north of the BA-2 zone. There may be reasons not to extend the overlay district for the BA-2. The map is being changed to put in part of Trolley Square under the overlay district that is not currently there. Mr. Jennings stated that these areas are not being brought into the Massachusetts Avenue overlay district. He stated that areas north of Cottage Park Avenue by Fast Phil's CDD has had discussions about different issues in the area. People generally like the character of the area. There was not a lot of interest in zoning changes in that area which has a more residential character. The vacant gas station at the corner of Magoun Street and Massachusetts Avenue was discussed for ways to incentivize redevelopment happening at this site. There was no desire to see incentives put in or zoning changes to get there so this is not included in any zoning recommendations.
Councillor Cheung asked why this is not extended to the Arlington line. Mr. Dash responded that this was part of the 1986 zoning. This was discussed and there was no reason to change this.
Councillor Kelley questioned starting on page nine section 20.110.31 discretion is being given to the Planning Board. He stated that he is not in favor of giving discretion to the Planning Board. The Special Permit issued by the Planning Board can grant a waiver for a lot. He is uncomfortable with this. Discretion should be narrowly defined. Mr. Jennings stated that if Councillor Kelley was referring to the dimensional relief this is to try to be as flexible as possible. Zoning can be a broad tool. It is to allow some discretion on minimum depth, ground floor height or the store size. Uses allowed are straightforward. Mr. Dash stated that there is some misunderstanding for the ability of the Planning Board to waive uses. The Planning Board may approve active ground floor uses not specifically listed. If a use is listed the Planning Board may decide not to approve them. A small candy manufacturing store by use made by categorized as small industrial but may be desirable by the neighborhood. The Planning Board could take the use not listed in the uses and say that it fits comfortably with the intent of the ordinance. Councillor Maher gave another example of intended uses. The Season to Taste Catering on Massachusetts Avenue did not meet the criteria when they went to move into the store. The Planning Board issues a waiver.
Councillor Kelley stated that if fast food were taken out of the allowed uses then the Planning Board can approve as a special permit? Mr. Dash stated that he does not think that it needs to be taken out of the uses because CDD is preparing language that will make it clear that this does not override the base district in terms of allowed uses. However it does mean that if a variance is sought and received for a fast order food if considered desirable by the neighborhood it does quality under the requirement. Councillor Kelley stated that he hopes that the new language is clearer.
Councillor Kelley on page seven in section 20.110.2 is this going to be removed? Mr. Dash stated that it is the intention is the changes are only for North Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Kelley stated that this text will be removed when it comes back to the City Council. Mr. Dash responded in the affirmative. Councillor Kelley again stated that he has problems with the special permit process. Councillor Kelley asked to explanation of the historical structure might work. It lists a maximum 1.0 FAR that can go up to 1.75 as long as it is not detrimental to the historic structure. Explain how historical structures would be impacted. Mr. Dash stated that the intent is to encourage retention of great look historical structure on Massachusetts Avenue and not require them to develop them in a form inconsistent with a historical structure. If the Planning Board can be shown that the historical nature and character of a structure is being retained with satisfaction of the Historical Commission they may be able to develop on their site up to a maximum of 1.75 FAR. Mr. Dash gave examples: building on Broadway, near 344 Broadway where there is an older house that has some well done nice additions done to the house. Additional FAR is given but the integrity of the structure is maintained. Councillor Maher added another example of a house between Prospect and Inman Street. Mr. Jennings stated that the Historical Commission has a list of houses that are listed as historically significant. Councillor Maher requested Mr. Jennings to get a copy for the City Council of the lots that are listed as historically significant.
Councillor Cheung asked can he modify this petition now. Councillor Maher responded that CDD will come back to the City Council with different language. Councillor Cheung stated his confusion by fast food and he would support the new language. Councillor Cheung stated his concern with the fact that there has been an explosion of bank openings. Banks can go into a space and pay a higher amount of rent. He wanted a cap on banks. He would like to remove bank as an allowed use in 20.110.31(a). Mr. Dash stated that language would be added that would limit the frontage but not the use. He sees North Massachusetts Avenue as being a target for more banks. He wants to see language to limit bank frontage. Councillor Cheung asked if fast food is disallowed in the base zoning. In the overlay district fast food is permitted. Mr. Dash stated that a variance could be sought for the base district. Councillor Cheung stated that it would be used to see two lists of uses: one list the permitted use for the underlying district and the second for uses in the overlay district. Councillor Cheung questioned the FAR and how the numbers were arrived at. He spoke about maintaining ground floor retail along Massachusetts Avenue. Retail is needed on both side of the street to make it dynamic and engaging. Mr. Jennings stated that the basic 1.75 is the maximum FAR that is allowed now for a totally residential project. CDD wanted to incentivize the ground floor non-residential uses, but were weary of creating a situation where you ended up with a lot more bulk or height along the avenue. CDD wanted to be consideration of these concerns expressed by the neighbors. The 1.75 FAR gets the same size building but with a mix of uses is what we were going for and it also removes the disincentive that currently exists to creating ground floor retail. Councillor Cheung stated that there is no strict requirement for ground floor retail be in place. Mr. Dash stated that the requirement is for a commercial use to distinguish the use. The requirement is for active ground floor retail. Councillor Cheung asked is commercial use a requirement. Mr. Dash it is a requirement unless you can show you do not meet the three point criteria. Councillor Cheung asked how close this extends to Porter Square. Mr. Jennings stated it is the lower end of the district, at Beech Street. It is adjacent to Porter Square. Councillor Maher stated that it is at St. James Church.
Councillor Maher stated that along Linear Park the area is listed as open space and under the new map it appears to grab the parcel along the Somerville line. Why would that be? The overlay is being put over the open space. Mr. Jennings stated that he would have to check but the piece on the other side of Linear Park is zoned BA-2. This reflects the current zoning. It is part of the trolley yard. Councillor Maher stated that CDD has more work to do on the language. How do you see this moving forward? The petition expires on Sept 4, 2012. Mr. Dash stated that the new language will be provided to the Ordinance Committee next week. Will be ready for summer meeting. Councillor Maher stated that the City Council has been contacted by the owners of the parcel north of Linear Park. Councillor Maher requested that a letter submitted by Charles and Michele Rinaldo, owners of 2200 Massachusetts Avenue who are objecting to the petition on preserving historic structures, be made part of the record (ATTACHMENT B).
Councillor Maher opened public comment at 5:21pm.
Susan Hunziker, 80 Orchard Street, stated that at a meeting in May, Mr. Denis Carlone suggested that a drawing of the full building be provided as well as a picture of the roof line and the bay windows that will be exempt. This will allow you to see what is being done. This would be useful to see what this will look like in the build out and for context. Having a picture really does help to understand things.
Jean TePaske, Blair Galinskey and Douglas Bell, Davis Park Development, LLC, as Lease Hold Owner of 88 Elmwood Street, submitted (ATTACHMENT C) stating their opposition to the North Massachusetts Avenue petition pursuant to Section 4 of Chapter 40A MGL. Section 4 states "any zoning ordinance which divides cities and towns into districts shall be uniform within the district for each class or kind of structures or uses permitted." Blair Galinskey, 88 Elmwood Street and his partner, Jean DePaske, 70-10 Kirkland Street both spoke on the petition.
Ms. DePaske stated that she has undertaken this project at 88 Elmwood Street with her partner. The parcel has been owned for 15 years and is partially developed. If the zoning change goes forward the parcel will have two different zoning designations. This zoning change will have a big impact on their development plans. Mr. Galinskey stated that he and Douglas Bell have been committed to ecological design. His parcel is in the Res. C2B district. There are 4-5 parcels in Trolley Square that will be affected by the zone change. Because his parcel straddles the Somerville line the RC district for Somerville is consistent with the BA2 zone, the Cambridge designation. That zoning has allowed his development to be flexible and adaptable in the development of the site which is a truly creative community. The development has been applauded as a sustainable model. It has been used as a case study for Harvard School of Design. MIT and Tufts come to site to show it to students. You can only get to the Elmwood site by traveling through Somerville. All mixed use sites receive services from Somerville and pay double tax rates. Zoning will encourage development of site and require city services. The parking lot on Elmwood Street cannot be developed because it is deed restricted due to hazardous waste. If rezoned his site would be rendered unusable. He asked this his parcel be removed from the petition.
Young Kim, 17 Norris Street, spoke about concerns of the neighborhood. Specifically traffic and the fast food use. Fast food usually brings high traffic. Dormitory use can create high density use. He wanted to see a ratio between commercial- common residential uses to limit density with a building with a FAR of 1.75.
Eric Gruebaum, 98 Montgomery Street, spoke about Cambridge being a walkable City which is listed on the City's website. He supported incentivizing mixed use. However, he did not want to overly limit the use because of the language and do not want to require a double variance. He did not want to open an "as of right" McDonalds nor limit it to made it difficult for a little cafe to open. He was agnostic about the type of retail. He stated that the uses listed on page nine where it states a range of permitted uses is a mistake in the descriptor. It should say uses that quality as retail. Do not overly limit the uses. He stated that North Massachusetts Avenue should be looked at as an opportunity to grow.
Michael Rome, 20 Gold Star Road, stated that he is a resident and business owner. He stated that all residents and businesses want a health neighborhood for walking, living and working. In Trolley Square there are 158 residential units, where before there were businesses. At every meeting over the last two years there was support for non-residential uses. A petition was signed by 265 people in support of this.
Don Kaiser, 22 Seagrave Road, stated that there is a consensus that the vitality of Massachusetts Avenue be maintained and the only way to do this is to preserve the retail along Massachusetts Avenue. A lot of work went into this petition to preserve Massachusetts Avenue as a walkable area rather than a drive through. Massachusetts Avenue will transform into a more density residential area with the commercial sites being converted into residential.
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, asked that the legal process be explained as to who passes the petition to a second reading. Councillor Maher explained the process. The City Council passes the petition to a second reading. One issue that was raised by Mr. Carlone at the Planning Board hearing was variation along the roof line and how does this fit into language. He spoke about the historic structure being exempted and going to a FAR of 1.75 is there any change in the overall size of the buildings that would be allowed under this exemption or is it allowing them to do what they are currently allowed to do with the intention of protecting the historic structure. He asked by 1369 was listed as a fast food establishment.
Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, stated that Mr. Carlone's comments about build out goes back to a City Council order submitted by Councillor Decker who was requesting models. All zoning petitions should have models. He stated that special permit waivers are like having no zoning at all. These should be stricken because special permits are designed to be granted. He stated that residents need time to look at the final document with the updated language. If the clock has run out so be it. The final language should be ready for the public hearing, he said.
Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue, Clerk for the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee, who stated that former petitions discouraged the use of automotive related businesses and empty lots. The issue is large residential buildings with no retail at the ground level. City is at fault on this. The most dominant site is the Trolley Square site which the neighborhood had requested active ground floor retail. He hopes the zoning is adjusted to allow incentivized active ground floor retail. As currently written fast food and other undesirable uses are allowed. There was a lot of concern that the zoning submitted affected the entire North Massachusetts Avenue corridor from Cambridge Common to where the district ends in North Cambridge even though this was not part of the public and planning discussions. He is pleased that revised language will address the area and uses allowed. He was in opposition to allow the Planning Board to be empowered to grant waivers. He requested that the new language be prepared before the next hearing. He spoke about the base zoning change amendment from BA-2 to C2B for Trolley Square. He stated that plans for the Galinskey site were just learned. They were not consulted when this proposal was submitted. They will appear before the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee to discuss their proposal. People did not understand why change was being proposed. The zoning petition does not make sense. There will be unintended consequences like reintroducing hotel/motel use under the new proposal which was previously eliminated. He spoke about addressing the new language and the time line. He stated that he has concerns with the approach of trying to changing the zoning through the overlay district rather than through the base zoning. This approach may be flawed. Dividing the overlay district into sections may not be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley stated on the last page in the third to last paragraph relating to the vehicle parking exemption, he asked who waives the parking. He requested clarification on this before it comes to the City Council. He stated that looking at the height requirements on page eleven and on page two the height requirements are confusing when you have a base and overlay districts with the overlay split into three subdistricts which are modified on different occasions. This gets too confusing to follow. He further stated that the fast food use is clearly spelled out in ordinance. He asked what do people want that is considered fast food - this could be language added in the petition. He suggested language such as for this area fast food is . . . . . . . Councillor Kelley stated that he wanted uses list that shows what is allowed and what is not.
The following emails or communication were received relating to the petitions and were made part of the record as follows:
Ken Bader expressing his opposition to the creation of a fast food allowed use for Massachusetts Avenue. He urged the Ordinance Committee to consider the importance of preserving the character of several neighborhoods (ATTACHMENT D).
Joan Keating, 51 Dudley Street, in opposition to Massachusetts Avenue rezoning petition from Porter Square to the Arlington line (ATTACHMENT E).
Inge Schneier Hoffmann, 91 Washington Avenue, in opposition to the commercialization of Massachusetts Avenue (ATTACHMENT F).
Councillor Maher thanked all that worked on this petition. There is a shared vision of what Massachusetts Avenue should look like. He explained the procedural timing for the petition. There are two remaining City Council meetings before the summer break. This petition needs to be passed to a second reading at the City Council meeting of June 18, 2012. He is recommending that the North Massachusetts Avenue be referred to the full City Council without recommendation and keep the subject matter in committee. Another meeting will be scheduled for June 28, 2012 and will have the revised language and the Planning Board recommendation.
If there are concerns expressed or resistance the petition will be re-filed. He stated that he wanted to work out the concerns.
The motion to refer the petition to the full City Council without recommendation and to keep subject matter in committee - Carried.
Councillor Maher made a motion that the Map change petition remains in committee and that an additional meeting is held on this petition on June 28, 2012.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their attendance.
The hearing adjourned at 6:06pm on motion of Councillor Cheung.
For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair
QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING REPORT, PLACING ON FILE AND PASSING TO A SECOND READING THE NORTH MASSAVE PETITION. THE PETITION TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP FOR NORTH MASS AVE IN TROLLEY SQUARE REMAINS IN COMMITTEE. on June 18, 2012
Committee Report #3
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on June 11, 2012 at 10:12am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss changing the Traffic Regulations in Appendix D, Schedule 13 by striking out the penalty fee of $30.00 and substituting in place the fee of $5.00 as it relates to Section 16.7 entitled "Street Cleaning".
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; David Kale, Budget Director; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Jim Laupen; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street; Richard Cleary, 15 Brookford Street; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; and Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue.
Councillor Decker opened the meeting and explained the purpose.
Councillor Decker opened the meeting to public comment at 10:12am. No one appeared for public comment.
Councillor Cheung spoke on his order number one of June 4, 2012 (ATTACHMENT A). He stated that he feels that the penalty is unnecessarily punitive. There is $90 towing fee, a storage fee and a ticket fee of $30. The City should issue citation as a way to incentivize people to be good citizens and park their cars legally. The $90 is high and punitive. He asked if the $90 fee can be reduced?
Mr. Healy responded that there are no $5.00 tickets. The $90 fee goes to towing company. A portion goes to city. The revenue received over a three year period for a $30 tickets is $261,750. He explained the expense of street cleaning, the vehicles uses. The fee is less than the operational cost. He does not see the merit to reducing the ticket fee. Revenue would be down $220,000 over three years if the ticket were reduced to $5.00. He would not recommend this. The Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation will not reduce the ticket fee for violation of street cleaning.
Councillor Decker stated that the state sets the fee for the towing. The streets need to be cleaned.
Councillor Cheung agreed that streets need to be cleaned. The $30 ticket does not prevent people from parking illegally. Can storage fee be capped or reduced. Councillor Decker asked how would the City handle the expense for the police giving tickets. How do you begin to cover the costs - the city does not get money from the storage fee.
Mr. Healy stated that towing and storage fees are set by the state.
Councillor Decker stated that she agrees that this is burdensome.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that as she understands the matter ticket fees underwrite street cleaning. She stated that in the past she had supported an order to have streets cleaned twice a week. The ticket is not a surchargeable offense. She stated that she thinks a fee should be charged. Lowering the tow fee would lead to lowering other fees. She will not support this measure.
Mayor Davis stated that there are two separate items. People have gotten tickets because they violated the street cleaning and parking regulations. This is the part of doing the wrong thing and paying a fine. She thinks a $5.00 ticket is silly. There is a lot of support for street cleaning. The City Council has to support those who do obey the law.
At this time Councillor Decker stated that this matter does not need further discussion. She suggested that this matter be referred to Transportation, Traffic and Parking committee. No action was taken on this motion.
Mayor Davis made a motion that Order Number One of June 4, 2012 be placed on file.
On a voice vote the motion - Carried.
Councillor Decker thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #4
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on June 11, 2012 at 9:20am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss an appropriation of $11,917,462 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account which appeared as Agenda Item Number Fifteen of Apr 23, 2012 and was referred to the Finance Committee (ATTACHMENT A).
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; David Kale, Budget Director; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Jim Laupen; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street; Richard Clarey, 15 Brookford Street; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; and Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue.
Councillor Decker opened the meeting and explained the purpose.
Councillor Decker opened public comment at 9:21am.
Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street stated that this is difficult; he is not here to criticize the City Manager. It is the responsibility of the City Council as elected officials. He feels that this is dereliction of duty by the City Council. The City Council is charged with the responsibility to establish policy and to oversee the City Manager and to make constructive criticism of the City Manager. He stated that he has never seen any constructive criticism by the City Council.
Richard Clarey, 15 Brookford Street, recalled the events of the Monteiro case from 1998 to the present.
Councillor Decker closed public comment at 9:30am.
At this time Councillor Decker asked the City Manager for his comment on the topic of the meeting.
City Manager Healy commented on the financial matter. The question is for an appropriation from available free cash in the amount of $11,917,462 to the judgment and damages account which is one of the two accounts that the city can overdraft. The other account is the snow removal account. If by June 30, 2012 this account is not zeroed out the funds must come from the next year's budget. This is not in best interest for the city. He is requesting funds from free cash which will be replenished when the books are closed. This is a balancing of the books and a fiduciary responsibility. It is his hope that the Finance Committee will refer the matter to the full City Council for approval.
Councillor vanBeuzekom commented on a letter from City Solicitor Drisdell that listed the total amount in excess of $8 million for the litigation. She assumed that the balance of $3.8 million is the legal expense. She asked if it was possible to get an update to the Dec 19, 1998 letter with how the money was spent. Mr. Healy replied that the $11,917,462 is the total amount paid to 3 of the 5 plaintiffs of the 1998 case. The City attorneys have been paid from the Salaries and Wages Account for the Law Department for the last fourteen fiscal years. This amount covers all of the expense for the case. This is the amount paid to plaintiffs' attorneys. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that in the letter dated Dec 19, 1998 from Mr. Drisdell it lists the total amount of the City's legal expense. She is asking for an update to add the amount paid. Mr. Healy stated that there is no update. The amount requested is what has been paid by the City in the litigation filed by Monteiro, Stamper and Wong. Councillor vanBeuzekom commented there is no breakdown of the interest. Mr. Healy stated that is correct. He again stated that the requested appropriation is the total expense.
Councillor Cheung asked if there will be any other meetings on the $3.8 million. Mr. Healy responded that this is the total amount that has been paid out. There will be no further discussions on this. Councillor Cheung stated that it is unfortunate that this has to be paid, but the public has requested that this case be closed.
Councillor Decker stated that she is in receipt a communication from Councillor Kelley who is unable to attend the meeting due to a family commitment. She read his communication into the record (ATTACHMENT B). In his communication Councillor Kelley has a list of questions and is submitted a proposed order. She commented that she would suggest to Councillor Kelley that he submit the order to the City Council separately.
Mayor Davis commented that she is satisfied that this is the most fiscally responsible way to deal with the Monteiro case and close the books on this for this fiscal year.
Vice Mayor Simmons commented that that there is a great deal of public interest in this matter? It is important that this is behind us.
Councillor Kelley in his communication had a list of seven questions. Councillor Decker requested that the answers to the questions be included in this report. The responses to the questions are attached (ATTACHMENT C).
Councillor Decker asked is there any pending litigation. Mr. Healy responded that he is unable to comment on pending litigation. Councillor Decker stated that this was a difficult case.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked Mr. Healy what policies and procedures are in place to prevent this in the future. Mr. Healy responded that there are personnel policies in place. This is why there is insurance in place; there is no way to prevent anyone from filing an action. There are just no guarantees. Cambridge is a professional operating City with professional departmental managers. This is an aberration. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked if there are any new things in place to prevent or minimize this type of litigation. Mr. Healy responded in the negative. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked if the City Manager could respond yes or no about the question of whether there is any pending litigation. Mr. Healy responded that yes there are always pending litigation.
At 9:50 AM Councillor Decker again opened the meeting to public comment.
Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that it is understandable that the only other account that can be over drafted is the snow and ice account. She stated that she was intrigued that settling a law suit is in the same category. She felt these issues should be brought before the City Council for discussion. As for prudent management these cases show the pitfalls with people making a decision on spending money when they are personally involved. This is a change that might be good change. She spoke about another law suit in the newspaper regarding police treatment of a doctor.
Lawrence Atkins stated that it is troubling that something of this nature has occurred. Our process has not moved into modern times. There needs to be a filtering system to get back to work. There should be an independent action that allows the elected official to take action in situations like this. He is hopeful to change the action and it cannot be left in the hands of an individual. This is a responsibility of the City Council and to make changes as to how the business of the City is done. In the private sector this would not occur. This fell on the residents of Cambridge.
Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue, stated he was glad for the hearing, but disappointed that there has been no public process to address the issues. Only discussion has been on the financial aspects. He requested that there be a televised public hearing in the evening to address the financial impact, the reputation of Cambridge, how managed and what are the values it represents. He spoke about the secrecy of settlements and executive sessions. The public had no information except what came from the court. He does not feel that there has been any change by the City Manager. The City Council has not addressed the violations of this case. The people of Cambridge have paid the penalty. There has not been any punishment of the violators of this case. He further asked the City Manager fiscal law covers the judgment and damages account. He asked if these costs could have been paid early on. He further requested all executive session minutes released unredacted. He asked under public records law that these be released. He requested that Councillor Kelley's order in his letter be discussed now to get an apology or to censor the City Manager.
At this time Councillor Maher made a motion to forward favorably to the City Council the appropriation of $11,917,462 from free cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account.
The motion - Carried on a voice vote.
Councillor Decker thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
KELLEY LETTER:
I cannot make Monday's meeting of the finance committee and would appreciate this letter being read and entered into the record.
Many thanks - Craig
Dear Committee Members:
Because of Coopers 'moving on' ceremony today at 9am, I cannot make this meeting. I continue to be amazed that the City can spend millions and millions and millions of dollars on what started as a discrimination complaint and wound up as a wrongful termination complaint and no one ever has to say he, or she, is sorry, no one has to explain what processes and procedures have been put in place to keep the sort of behavior that resulted in this judgement from happening again and no one has been censured.
I am not surprised that the Manager has not expressed regret for his actions as I think that he truly believes. he did nothing wrong and that the case was decided incorrectly. I disagree, but at least I can follow his logic and if he feels he did nothing wrong I see no sense in expecting him to apologize for it. That the Council, as a body, feels no need to apologize to everybody involved, though, troubles me. At the end of the day, the Manager is an employee of the Council and we are responsible for his actions, both the ones with happy outcomes and the ones that are problematic.
I also still wonder how much the various aspects of these cases cost us. I would like to know how much:
1. We paid for outside legal counsel before our appeal of Ms. Montiero's judgement
2. We paid for such counsel on the appeal of Ms. Montiero's case
3. We paid for such counsel to handle the Wong and Stamper cases
4. How much in extra costs- opponents legal fees, interest and so forth- as a result of our appeal of the Montiero verdict
5. How much, in total (not counting City staff time) these cases cost us
6. If there were similar cases that the City also settled in any department
7. If there are similar cases pending in any departmentI propose the following Order:
Whereas: A combination of discrimination and wrongful termination complaint~ have resulted in many millions of dollars of costs and damages for the City of Cambridge; and
Whereas: The actions that led to these complaints, plus the filing of the complaints and subsequent lawsuits, caused much anguish for the City employees involved; and
Whereas: It is not clear the that City Manager has ever apologized to the City of Cambridge or anyone else involved for any role he may have played in creating this situation; and
Whereas: It is not clear what practices and policies the City has instituted to help ensure that similar situations do not arise in the future; now be it therefore
Ordered: That the Council extend its apologies to both the City employees who filed the complaints and to the taxpayers and residents of the City of Cambridge for both the angst created by its employee, the City Manager, and the cost to the City as a result of these cases; and be it further
Ordered: That the Council hereby lets the City Manager know of its disapproval of his judgement and actions regarding this situation; and be it further
Ordered: That the City Manager be, and hereby is, requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation of what processes and procedures have been instituted to help ensure that such a situation does not arise in the future.
CITY SOLICITOR'S RESPONSES:
TO: Robert W. Healy
FROM: Nancy E. Glowa
RE: Responses to Councilor Kelley's Questions Regarding Monteiro et al
DATE: June 12,2012As requested, please see the following responses to Councilor Kelley's questions:
1) Q: How much we paid for outside legal counsel before our appeal of Ms. Monteiro's judgment.
A: We paid a total of $2,144,786.13, which includes $611,563.63 for discovery in all five cases originally brought, and $1,533,222.50 for the two trials in the Monteiro matter.2) Q: How much we paid for such counsel on the appeal of Ms. Monteiro's case:
A: 488,409.53.3) Q: How much we paid for such counsel to handle the Wong and Stamper cases.
A: In addition to the $611,563.63 for discovery in all five cases, including the Wong and Stamper cases, we paid $45,903.01 for legal expenses in the Wong and Stamper cases, including mediation expenses.4) Q: How much we paid in extra costs - opponent's legal fees, interest and so forth as a result of our appeal of the Monteiro verdict.
A: We paid $913,673.90 for interest on the damages award after the entry of final judgment, and $298,349.33 for attorneys' fees and costs.5) Q: How much, in total (not counting City staff time) these cases cost us.
A: $14,596,558.6) Q: If there were similar cases that the City also settled in any department.
A: One similar case was settled in another department.7) Q: If there are similar cases pending in any department.
A: There are six similar cases pending in three departments.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on zoning changes for the Sullivan Courthouse and neighboring parcels.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/30/12 (O-7)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass and on the abilities of universities and other organizations to close off property owned by them but enjoyed by the public.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-6)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what additional measures could be taken to improve the amount of municipal green purchasing by city government, including at the school department.
Mayor Davis, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/19/12 (O-4)
12-42. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #18
RE: report on reevaluating pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection of Coolidge Avenue and Mt. Auburn Street and the x-shaped intersection where Mt. Auburn crosses Fresh Pond/Gerry's Landing.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-6)
12-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility and desirability of developing an off-leash dog park in or nearby Area 4.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-9)
12-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the proposal by Global Oil LLC will impact Cambridge. Referred back by Councillor Cheung for a report on 5/21/12.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-10)
12-46. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #16
RE: report on the accident at the corner of Dover Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Referred back by Councillor Kelley for more information at meeting of 4/9/2012.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/26/12 (O-3)
12-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on legal requirements for public notices and meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/02/12 (O-2)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)
12-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appropriate regulation of satellite dishes, possibly through an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 04/30/12 (O-2)
12-58. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #14
RE: report on recent ruling that law enforcement can conduct strip searches.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/14/12 (O-7)
12-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a city-wide department answering service.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/14/12 (O-4)
12-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety issues at the intersection of Mass Avenue and Vassar Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/14/12 (O-11)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)
12-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a ban on trucks transporting hazardous materials through the City.
Councillor Cheung 05/21/12 (O-5)
12-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether NSTAR is able to ensure to the greatest extent possible the continued and successful flow of the City's electrical power.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-4)
12-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the condition of Avon Street and Shepard Street between Walker and Garden Streets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-7)
12-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accepting payment at parking meters via credit card.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-9)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how increases in student loans might impact Cambridge students.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-11)
12-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether automated external defibrillators can be utilized in police vehicles.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-12)
12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Willow Street shooting.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-18)
12-77. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on organizing a youth-focused community forum to discuss issues related to the shooting on Willow Street.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-1)
12-78. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #17
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the construction of the Cambridge Street Overpass.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)
12-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a list of bike corral stations and how locations for the corrals where chosen.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-8)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing an initiative similar to the Boston Meter Program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-11)
12-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adopting the local option set forth in "The Valor Act."
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-12)
12-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process that insures the public way is maintained when sidewalk obstruction permits are renewed each year.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-13)
12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)
12-86. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #15
RE: report on an increase in evening disturbances at Canal Park.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-15)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City plans to maintain grade separated bikeways and keep them free from sand, branches and other debris.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)