CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $10,235.74 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($4,235.74) and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,000) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $28,000 from the General Fund Fire Travel and Training account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for additional energy costs incurred during FY05.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $527,582 within the statutory categories within the School General Fund Budget. These transfers include $490,660 from the General Fund School Salary and Wages account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($238,300) and to School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($252,360) and $36,922 from the School Travel and Training account to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($36,922) which are related to re-allocations within school department programs.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $4,625,000 from the FY05 School General Fund Budget Other Ordinary maintenance account to the School Debt Stabilization Fund from available balances in special education tuition accounts primarily as a result of the increase in state Circuit-Breaker reimbursements and lower than estimated number of students in tuition placements.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Self-Help Assistance grant received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office for Environmental Affairs for $400,000 to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures to support the purchase of approximately 16 acres of open space in Lincoln and Weston Massachusetts for watershed protection, conservation and passive recreation purposes.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $37,000 from Water Fund Salary and Wages account to the Water Fund Travel and Training account (12,000) to cover end-of-year medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for water department personnel injured in performance of their duties and to the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($25,000) to cover end-of-year invoices for energy and chemicals.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from CASCAP Realty, Inc. (“CASCAP”) for an oriel easement in three parts for an existing bay window and existing roof overhang and to construct a new bay window over the public sidewalk at the premises located at 411 Cambridge Street.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-127, regarding a report on the City's plan to place a notice in the property owners' chain of title for site RTN 3-0277 to comply with the Cambridge Asbestos Protection Ordinance.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-28, regarding a report on who to clarify the key telephone numbers and best entry point for citizens seeking assistance and to develop an important general government phone number public awareness program.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as youth members of the Kids' Council effective June 13, 2005 for a two year term:    Katie Shetterly, Juliana Maynard, and Jessica Scotland

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Health Alliance effective July 1, 2005:
Helanie Daniels, Ed.D
Maxwell D. Solet
Richard Cornell, MD
Isaac Machado
Jack D. Burke, Jr. MD (reappointment)
David Harrison, MD (reappointment)

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-138, regarding a report the new pricing structure as it relates to digital TV and what possibility exists for Direct TV.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the O'Connor, et al Rezoning Petition affecting the Mount Auburn Hospital Institutional Overlay District.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-103, regarding a report on the Jump Start Summer and Academic Programs.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 in surplus sewer revenues to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for remedial reconstruction and emergency repairs to the sewer system.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) grant for $232,523 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the reconstruction of the surface area in Harvard Square at the Junction of Massachusetts Avenue, JFK Street and Brattle Street where the MWRA has performed valve repair work.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $5,297.23 from the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account to the Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's continued work on implementing the “Cambridge Community Mobilizing for Change Around Alcohol Project”.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Novartis Institute BioMedical Research Inc. for $500 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for supplies for Cambridge youth that participate in programs at the Gately Youth Center.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-124, regarding a report on the sidewalk and street conditions in the Harvard Square area.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $5,000 from Police Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Police Travel and Training account (judgments and damages) to cover end-of-year medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $850 from the General Fund Public Celebrations Department Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover end-of-year invoices for general and administrative supplies to support Arts Council activities.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Council Order Number 8, dated 3/21/05, regarding an analysis of the reuse of the Central Square Police Station.

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $37,010 in the General Fund from the Employee Benefits Salaries and Wages account to the Debt Service Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for the interest payments on the sewer loans from the State Revolving Fund that were received in November, 2004.

ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

2. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the MIT Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Toomey on May 9, 2005 on an order requesting the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to amend the City Charter to provide for popular election of the Mayor in the next municipal election.

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

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance submitted by Joanne Wilbert Weed et al. to change from Residence C-1 to Residence A the area bordered by Willard Street, Foster Street, Sparks Street and the C-2 district along Mount Auburn Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 20, 2005. Planning Board hearing held April 19, 2005. Planning Board Report received May 16, 2005. Petition expires July 5, 2005.

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of continuing the consideration of a petition by Joan O’Connor et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance to make the Mount Auburn Hospital subject to the Institutional Use Zoning provisions. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 20, 2005. Planning Board hearing held April 19, 2005. Petition expires July 5, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Josiane Hudicourt-Barnes, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 19 Jay Street (access from Western Avenue); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. BZA #9036-March 2005 owner/developer responsible of installation of curb cut.

2. An application was received from Citizens Bank, requesting permission for two nylon banners at the premises numbered 689 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department, Board of Zoning Appeal (Case #8956). One abutter notified and no response was received from abutter.

3. An application was received from Happy Superette, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 102 Columbia Street.

4. Approval of constable bond surety received from James Desrosiers.

5. An application was received from Eastern Mountain Sports, requesting permission for a bike rack at the premises numbered 1 Brattle Square.

6. An application was received from Joey Mac's, requesting permission for two benches at the premises numbered 23 Warren Street.

7. An application was received from Lewis H. Robert, First Cambridge Realty Corp, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 21 Brookline Street (curb cut at 176 Green Street); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. Two neighborhood association letters sent. Approval has been received from one neighborhood association and the other neighborhood association acknowledges receipt and will not be meeting prior to the City Council meeting. BZA #8985 and PB #202.

8. An application was received from the Law Offices of Brian V. Revell/Michael Hicks, requesting permission for a sign and an awning at the premises numbered 36 Hampshire Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

9. An application was received from Joe Sent Me, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 2388 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

10. An application was received from Courthouse Fish Market/Courthouse Seafood Restaurant, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 484 Cambridge Street and two signs and one awning at the premises 498 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

11. An application was received from 2nd Street Cafe, requesting permission for two awnings at the premises numbered 89 Second Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters. 

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Representative Michael E. Capuano, transmitting thanks for the City Council's resolution regarding local control over the Public Rights of Way as well as issues related to local cable franchising.

2. A communication was received from Representative Edward J. Markey, transmitting thanks for the City Council's resolution endorsing the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement.

3. A communication was received from Jeanette G. Clough, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mount Auburn Hospital, transmitting written protest to the Joan O'Connor et al. Zoning Petition.

4. A communication was received from the Carr and Woods families, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on behalf of Geraldine Ann Carr.

5. A communication was received from Philip R. Fenstermacher, regarding the Flag Day Celebration o the Common.

6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Harvard.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Chris Helms and Jane Betz on their upcoming nuptials.
Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School's Girls Softball Team on advancing to the Division One North Softball Tournament.
Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Charles Arthur Mirak.
Mayor Sullivan

4. Congratulations to the board members and entire Harvard Square Business Association for their continued commitment.
Mayor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of John J. Jones.
Mayor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of Ethel Coley.
Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

7. Resolution on the death of Cecilia Levesque.
Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of John T. Miley, Jr.
Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

9. Resolution on the death of Eugene J. Michaud.
Mayor Sullivan

10. Congratulations to Title One for forty years of helping children, to Reading Recovery for twenty years and Even Start for ten years.
Councillor Simmons

11. Resolution on the death of Ruth M. D'Entremont.
Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

12. Recognition of Fire Department Ladder 3, Group 4 for their quick response to an individual trapped in an elevator.
Councillor Maher

13. Congratulations to GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, Cambridge Savings Bank, and the Cambridge Health Alliance on winning the GoGreen Business Energy Award.
Mayor Sullivan

14. Congratulations to Abt Associates, Inc and Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. on winning the GoGreen Business Recycling Award.
Mayor Sullivan

15. Congratulations to Petali Fresh Flowers, Zipcar, Inc, and Abt Associates on winning the GoGreen Business Transportation Award.
Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Evelyn Tanguay.
Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

17. Congratulations to Jose Barrios on the opening of the Metropolitan Laundromat at 266 Brookline Street.
Councillor Simmons

18. Welcome back to Hoffa's Swiss Alps Restaurant in Harvard Square.
Councillor Maher

19. Resolution on the death of Joseph Phillips.
Councillor Reeves

20. Resolution on the death of Berge Avadanian.
Mayor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Specialist Carrie French.
Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Daniel Chavez.
Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Louis Niedermeier.
Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brian Romines.
Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Specialist Eric Burri.
Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Corporal Antonio Mendoza.
Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert Mininger.
Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Specialist Eric Poelman.
Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Devon Seymour.
Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Dustin Birch.
Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Specialist Phillip Edmundson.
Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan Smith.
Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jeffrey Starr.
Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Thomas Keeling.
Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Brian Ulbrich.
Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Marc Tucker.
Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Michael Fashnacht.
Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Casey Crate.
Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Captain Jeremy Fresques.
Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Corporal Brad Squires.
Vice Mayor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Justin Vasquez.
Vice Mayor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Douglas Kashmer.
Vice Mayor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Captain Derek Argel.
Vice Mayor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Victor Cortes, III.
Vice Mayor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Captain Phillip Esposito.
Vice Mayor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Roberto Arizola, Jr.
Vice Mayor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Steven Langmack.
Vice Mayor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Louis Allen.
Vice Mayor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Virgil Case.
Vice Mayor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of First Sergeant Michael Barnhill.
Vice Mayor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Mark Edwards.
Vice Mayor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Major William Downs.
Vice Mayor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Crowe.
Vice Mayor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Colonel Theodore Westhusing.
Vice Mayor Decker

55. Best wishes to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School teachers on their retirement.
Councillor Simmons

56. Congratulations to Edward English, Newton City Clerk, on his retirement.
Mayor Sullivan

57. Congratulations to Community Development Department, Cambridge Savings Bank and Just-A-Start for their accomplishments with housing programs and services.
Mayor Sullivan

58. Resolution on the death of Marie Louise Martin.
Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

59. Resolution on the death of Joseph T. Corey.
Councillor Toomey

60. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Edward Mank.
Mayor Sullivan

61. Happy 50th Birthday wishes to Lee Farris.
Vice Mayor Decker

62. Congratulations to David Barrett on his retirement.
Mayor Sullivan

63. Congratulations to Maria Ferri on being named City of Peabody's new Vocational School Director.
Mayor Sullivan

64. Support for events surrounding National Night Out Against Crime 2005 on August 2, 2005.
Mayor Sullivan

65. Support for the Portugal Day Parade on Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 2:00 p.m., starting at Concord Square, Somerville, on to Springfield Street and then onto Cambridge Street ending at St. Anthony's Church in Cambridge.
Mayor Sullivan

66. Congratulations to Barbara Lee for receiving the 2005 Eleanor Roosevelt Award.
Vice Mayor Decker

67. Congratulations to Eleanor Clift for being the Keynote Speaker at the 9th Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Celebration of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights.
Vice Mayor Decker

68. Congratulations to Mary Bonauto on receiving the Inaugural Henry and Ruth Morgenthau Award.
Vice Mayor Decker

69. Congratulations to Kathy Reddick on receiving the 2005 Eleanor Roosevelt Award.
Vice Mayor Decker

70. Welcome to the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. (UPCAG) Conference at the Hotel @ MIT on July 6-8, 2005.
Councillor Galluccio

71. Congratulations to the City of Cambridge Management Mentoring Program participants on their graduation on June 15, 2005.
Councillor Davis

72. Resolution on the death of Ruth M. Nicolora
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

73. Resolution on the death of Thomas Sennott.
Mayor Sullivan

74. Resolution on the death of Michael Jason Kelley.
Mayor Sullivan

75. Resolution on the death of Donald Sullivan.
Mayor Sullivan

76. Congratulations to Ricki and Steve Lacey for their years of service to the Cambridge Health Alliance and the residents of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons

77. Thanks to Vanessa Leyvas of the Boston Red Sox Organization for her support for the young people of Cambridge.
Councillor Galluccio

78. Get well wishes to Gloria Conway.
Councillor Galluccio

79. Congratulations to Father Daniel Mahoney of St. Francis Church, Charlestown, on being the recipient of the Man of the Year Award from Bunker Hill Associates.
Councillor Galluccio

80. Congratulations to Susan Flannery on receiving the CCTV Leading Role Award at the CCTV 8th Annual Back Stage BBQ on Thursday, Sept 22, 2005.
Councillor Simmons

81. Congratulations to Dr. Alice Chiang, President and CEO of Teratech Corporation on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

82. Congratulations to Nancy Altobelllo, Managing Partner at Ernst & Young on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

83. Congratulations to Dr. Roberta Herman, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

84. Congratulations to Swanee Hunt, Director of the Women's Public Policy program at the JFK School of Government on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

85. Congratulations to Denise Kaigler, Corporate Vice President at Reebok International on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

86. Congratulations to Gloria Nemerowicz, President of Pine Manor College on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

87. Congratulations to Susan Lewis Solomont, Senior Fellow at The Philanthropie Initiative on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

88. Congratulations to Stephanie Sonnabend, CEO & President of Sonesta International Hotels on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

89. Congratulations to Kellye Walker, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at BJ's Wholesale Club on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

90. Congratulations to Meg Vaillancourt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations for the Boston Red Sox on becoming a member of the 2005 YWCA Boston Academy of Women Achievers.
Vice Mayor Decker

91. Happy 2nd Birthday wishes to Clayton Carr.
Vice Mayor Decker

92. Congratulations to Trellis Stepter, Chair of the Cambridge Democratic City Committee, for hosting the 9th Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Celebration of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights.
Vice Mayor Decker

93. Resolution on the death of Mary L. Fonseca.
Mayor Sullivan

94. Resolution on the death of Edward D. Wilson, Jr.
Mayor Sullivan

95. Resolution on the death of Emma M. Abramo.
Councillor Toomey

96. Resolution on the death of Robert A. Cusick.
Mayor Sullivan

97. Resolution on the death of Richard J. Malin.
Mayor Sullivan

98. Recognition of Tod Evans, director and pianist, for his service to Sacred Heart Church and music ministry and wish him well in his new parish of St. Patrick's Church.
Councillor Toomey

99. Resolution on the death of Florence A. Wall.
Mayor Sullivan

100. Best wishes to the Portuguese American Civic League as they celebrate the annual Holy Ghost Feast on July 8-10, 2005 at St. Anthony's Church, Cambridge.
Mayor Sullivan

101. Resolution on the death of Lorraine Delaney.
Mayor Sullivan

102. Resolution on the death of Mervyn D. DeMille.
Mayor Sullivan

103. Welcome to Sharon McPhail.
Councillor Reeves

104. Happy 74th Birthday wishes to Mrs. Barnes.
Councillor Reeves

105. Welcome to Aleck Humphrey, City Councillor from Dar-es-sallam.
Councillor Reeves

106. Congratulations to Mr. Harding and the City staff of Hoops and Health.
Councillor Reeves

107. Congratulations to Ronnie Millar on his trip to Northern Ireland.
Vice Mayor Decker

108. Welcome to Dr. Che-Mponda of Dar-es-sallam.
Councillor Reeves

109. Resolution on the death of Gladys Puglia.
Vice Mayor Decker

110. Congratulations to Shawn Murphy on his graduation from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Councillor Galluccio

111. Congratulations to the students and teachers of the Kennedy/Longfellow School for their highest passing rate (100%) of the MCAS test for Grade Three Reading.
Councillor Galluccio

112. Congratulations to the students and teacher of the Peabody School for their high passing rate (95%) of the MCAS test for Grade Three Reading.
Councillor Galluccio

113. Congratulations to the students and teachers of the King Open for their high passing rate (98%) of the MCAS test for Grade Three Reading.
Councillor Galluccio

114. Congratulations to Lynda Janyl, Carolyn Rodrigues and Jada Simmons who will be honored for their hard with special needs program at the 7th Annual Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2005.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy

115. Resolution on the death of Arsenio Raposo.
Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on the completion plans of Lafayette Square, and the direction of traffic, if it is still intended.
Councillor Simmons

2. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works with regard to the rodent problems in Area Four with a view in mind of meeting with concerned neighbors about setting up a plan to solve the rodent problems.
Councillor Simmons

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to initiate traffic calming measures for Norfolk Street between Broadway and Hampshire Streets.
Councillor Simmons

4. The City Manager is requested to look into when the pavement on Mount Auburn Street will be repainted with traffic markings.
Councillor Simmons

5. The City Manager is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council on NSTAR's investment and infrastructure and its relation to the blackouts and power outage in Cambridge.
Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

6. The City Manager is requested to report on the impact that energy conservation measures could have in preventing blackouts and power outages.
Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

7. Support for increasing the level funding for the Youthbuild program.
Mayor Sullivan

8. City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and take immediate legal action to enjoin the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from awarding operational rights for the Simoni Rink to any party other than the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher and Councillor Murphy

9. The City Manager is requested to immediately reinstate negotiations directly with the appropriate state agencies with the goal of securing operational rights for the Simoni Ice Skating Rink.
Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take the actions to moderate speed on Pearl Street.
Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

11. Dedication at the corner of Sciarappa and Otis Streets in honor of Joseph and Mary Szulewski.
Councillor Toomey

12. The City Manager is requested to designate the appropriate staff to arrange a community meeting to discuss the Urban Ring.
Councillor Davis

13. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the London Plane trees, and whether Cambridge has a winter moth infestation and if so, whether there is a plan to treat it.
Councillor Davis

14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to inform the City Council of the summer hours and programming opportunities for the youth centers while Cambridge public schools are in session.
Councillor Galluccio

15. The City Manager is requested to investigate a coupon or other purchasing program where individuals can purchase appropriate receptacles that rodents cannot eat through.
Councillor Simmons

16. The City Manager is requested to consider establishing a discount on a coupon program for the purchase of proper trash receptacles.
Councillor Simmons

17. City Council support for House Bill #1881.
Councillor Murphy

18. Support for legislation and action that would sunset, repeal, and amend any sections of the USA PATRIOT Act and opposition to any additional legislation that would infringe upon these rights and liberties.
Councillor Murphy

19. Support for the efforts of Teamsters Local 25 in their campaign against NorthEast Electrical Distributors.
Councillor Murphy

20. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on break-ins on or around the location of 884 Main Street.
Councillor Simmons

21. The City Manager is requested confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and report back to the City Council on daytime use of parking spaces on and around 884 Main Street.
Councillor Simmons

22. The City Manager is requested to direct Public Works and/or the appropriate City department to be in touch with Lorraine Williams of Washington Street on the problem of rodents in her yard and any other resident on Washington Street.
Councillor Simmons

23. Support for legislation entitled "An Act Establishing a Bladder Cancer Screening Program within the Department of Public Health" to collect data on the incidences of bladder cancer in professional and volunteer firefighters.
Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Toomey

24. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance that would ensure that any Revised Activity and Use Limitation include notification of the City Council, DEP, Cambridge Health Department, EPA, all residents within 200 yards of the activity, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at least ninety days prior to Intrusive Activity including all properties covered by the Asbestos ordinance.
Vice Mayor Decker

25. Support for goals to create good jobs, fair wages and good working conditions.
Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Maher

26. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Disability Commission to review the wheelchair accessibility at Dana Park, particularly the entrance into the park
Vice Mayor Decker

27. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to remove the gravel in Dana Park and replace it with a smooth surface appropriate for those using wheelchairs, bikes, and roller-blades.
Vice Mayor Decker

28. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to place benches in the Tot Lot area of Dana Park.
Vice Mayor Decker

29. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to place signs in the Dana Park basketball court reminding the basketball players that the lower basketball hoop should be made available to the smaller children who want to play in the court.
Vice Mayor Decker

30. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development to find more ways to add more age appropriate playground equipment to Dana Park, particularly for the older children.
Vice Mayor Decker

31. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Police Commissioner to ascertain information and forward to the City Council regarding whether all Housing Authority buildings contain security cameras and whether safety classes and tips are provided to senior housing residents.
Councillor Toomey

32. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols in the area of Thorndike and Sixth Streets due to recent tire slashings that have occurred in this area.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

33. The City Manager is requested to provide information on the June 14, 2005 Army birthday celebration on the Cambridge Common.
Vice Mayor Decker

34. The City Manager is requested to work with the City Council to discuss whether free speech zones are appropriate for events in public spaces, and if so, under what circumstances.
Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Toomey

35. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take no action to eliminate the existing traffic light at Harvard and Windsor Streets until a complete and thorough safety study can be undertaken to determine if this light can be eliminated.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher and Councillor Murphy

36. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance requiring that trash be put out in tight containers (possibly rat-proof) and not in plastic bags.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Toomey

37. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of Homeowners Rehab, Inc. to resolve all disputes with organized labor prior to the start of construction to Trolley Square, as such issues could potentially threaten future appropriateness for such projects by the City Council.
Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Toomey

38. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner with a view to increase the speed limit enforcement on Western Avenue.
Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Toomey

39. The City Manager is requested to confer with the office of State Representative Marty Walz regarding the work she has initiated concerning rodent control.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Toomey

40. City Manger is requested to direct appropriate City staff to look into the possibility of Shaw’s Cambridge stores directly distributing donated food to Food For Free instead of Food For Free having to pick up Shaw’s donated food from The Boston Food Bank.
Vice Mayor Decker

41. City Manager is hereby requested to work with CEOC to increase the appropriation for food funding and to develop a formula for regular annual increases.
Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Simmons

42. City Manger is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance to provide the services of a nutritionist to work on a regular basis with the food pantries to provide assistance with customers who need special diets.
Vice Mayor Decker

43. City Manager is requested to designate appropriate staff to facilitate a collaboration of CCTV and food pantries for TV cooking shows, perhaps also featuring famous chefs.
Vice Mayor Decker

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on April 12, 2005 for the purpose of discussing the establishment of the Cambridge Charles River Challenge, a new run-bike-kayak triathlon along the Charles River and through Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on April 13, 2005 for the purpose of discussing the challenges faced by Cambridge residents in accessing affordable and healthy food.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on May 25, 2005 for the purpose of evaluating the needs of the Cambridge homeless, in particular the Harvard Square homeless population.

HEARING SCHEDULE 
Mon, June 20
5:30pm    City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 21
10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on Destination Cambridge events for FY 05-06 and to discuss any other business that may come before the committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 22
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the text of Section 20.100 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance relating to the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District from the Planning Board. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Planning Board's proposed rezoning of the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 27
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the concerns of Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) tenants regarding crime in the vicinity of CHA housing and how CHA security and the Cambridge Police Department can work together to address these concerns.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, July 7
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to exempt the construction or location of a municipal police or fire station from the provisions of this ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed Municipal Code amendment to the Parking Transportation and Demand Management Ordinance (PTDM) to exempt the construction or location of a municipal police or fire station from the provisions of this ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment in the Kendall Square Urban Renewal area submitted by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 20
9:30am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss wireless internet access in the city and for the city.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, July 25
9:30am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the Cambridge Scholarship Program and revenue updates.  (Ackermann Room)
3:30pm   The Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Property Tax will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relating to property tax.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Aug 1
3:30pm   The Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Property tax will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues relating to property tax.  (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the completion plans of Lafayette Square, and the direction of the traffic, if it is still intended.

O-2     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works with regard to the attached letter regarding rodent problems in Area Four, and with a view in mind of meeting with concerned neighbors about setting up a plan to solve the rodent problems.

O-3     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager of Community Development with a view in mind of initiating traffic calming measures for Norfolk Street between Broadway and Hampshire Streets.

O-4     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into when the pavement on Mount Auburn Street will be repainted with traffic markings.

O-5     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council on NSTAR's investment and infrastructure and its relation to the blackouts and power outage in Cambridge.

O-6     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on the impact that energy conservation measures could have in preventing blackouts and power outages.

O-7     June 20, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: There are 2.4 million young low income adults in the United States between the ages of 16 and 24 who have left high school without a diploma or who are unemployed; and
WHEREAS: In YouthBuild programs, unemployed and undereducated young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning job skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people. Strong emphasis is placed on leadership development, community service, and the creation of a positive mini-community of adults and youth committed to success; and
WHEREAS: In 2005 there are more than 200 YouthBuild programs in 44 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, engaging approximately 7,000 young adults; and
WHEREAS: In 2004, 91% of YouthBuild students entered the program without their GED or diploma, 33% had been adjudicated, and 27% received public assistance prior to joining YouthBuild. In spite of these overwhelming odds, 59% completed the program and 80% of graduates went on to college or jobs above $8/hour, 25% go on to college; and
WHEREAS: YouthBuild is a public-private partnership. Each YouthBuild program secures its own funding, generally a mix of government (federal, state, and local) and private support. Federal support for YouthBuild was authorized under Subtitle D of Title IV of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act in 1992. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded YouthBuild grants and contracts totaling more than $500 million; and
WHEREAS: Since 1993 more than 47,000 YouthBuild students have produced over 13,000 units of low-income housing; and
WHEREAS: The nation’s ability to reconnect unemployed and undereducated young adults is critical to crime prevention, workforce development, and economic development, now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council urge the federal, state, and local governments to increase their investment in YouthBuild; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council call on Congress to increase the level of the annual funding for the YouthBuild program to at least $140 million; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge, Massachusetts congressional delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has placed public skating rinks out to bid for lease by private contractors and municipalities; and
WHEREAS: Three private contractors have submitted bid proposals for the Simoni Rink; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge submitted a proposal, which was rejected; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge owns the land on which the skating rink sits; and
WHEREAS: The rights to operate a public skating rink on the land were granted solely to the Metropolitan District Commission without any right of assignment and with a reversion clause; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and take immediate legal action to enjoin the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from awarding operational rights for the Simoni Rink to any party other than the City of Cambridge.

O-9     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately reinstate negotiations directly with the appropriate state agencies with the goal of securing operational rights for the Simoni Ice Skating Rink.

O-10     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take the following actions to moderate speed on Pearl Street:
- increased enforcement of speed limit
- use of motorist speed display
- speed study.

O-11     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating the corner of Sciarappa and Otis Streets as Joseph and Mary Szulewski Square; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council arrange a dedication ceremony after consultation with the family and arrange for an appropriate sign.

O-12     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate the appropriate staff to arrange a community meeting to discuss the Urban Ring.

O-13     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the London Plane trees, and said report contain whether Cambridge has a winter moth infestation and if so, whether there is a plan to treat it.

O-14     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services with a view in mind of informing the City Council of the summer hours and programming opportunities for the youth centers while Cambridge public schools are in session.

O-15     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The problem with rodents has been more prevalent; and
WHEREAS: This problem is not just a neighborhood concern but a City-wide concern, now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate a coupon or other purchasing program where individuals can purchase appropriate receptacles that rodents cannot eat through.

O-16     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The problem with rodents is increasing; and
WHEREAS: Part of the problem stems from having garbage and refuse; and
WHEREAS: Keeping refuse indoors only increases the likelihood of having mice and roaches; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider trash collection more than once per week as a remedy to the rodent problem; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Chief Public Health Officer and the Commissioner of Public Works to conduct a citywide educational program on controlling rats in and around the neighborhoods; and be it further
ORDERED: That the business community, including but not limited to the Chamber of Commerce and business associations, be engaged in plans to address the problem by establishing a coupon or other discount program for the purchasing of the proper receptacle.

O-17     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a Sanctuary City, dedicated to protecting civil rights and civil liberties in accordance with both the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge was one of the first cities locally and nationally to affirm a commitment to preservation of residents' freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and privacy; rights to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures even if requested or authorized to infringe upon these rights by federal law enforcement acting under new powers granted by the USA PATRIOT Act or orders of the Executive Branch and has been a leader on maintaining local defense of rights and liberties; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 1881 in the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security extends statewide and local vigilance and observation of each individual's rights and liberties in all towns and cities of the Commonwealth, and calls upon the federal government to allow to sunset, to repeal, and to amend those sections of the USA PATRIOT Act which allow the Executive branch to infringe upon the rights and liberties of persons as specified in the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to oppose any additional legislation that would infringe upon these rights and liberties; therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, Senator Jarrett Barrios, Senate Chair of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Representative Cheryl Rivera, Chairman of House Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Cambridge delegation in support of House Bill 1881, the Resolution Affirming the Civil Rights and Liberties of the People of Massachusetts.

O-18     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a history of firm dedication to the protection and defense of civil rights and liberties for all individuals in accordance with both the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: The USA PATRIOT Act was passed without public hearings or adequate debate and contains several surveillance, privacy, information and search provisions that gravely threaten the civil rights and liberties of individuals that the United State Constitution and Bill of Rights are sworn to defend; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge was one of the first communities nationally to affirm a commitment to preservation of residents' freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and privacy; rights to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures even if requested or authorized to infringe upon these rights by federal law enforcement acting under new powers granted by the USA PATRIOT Act or orders of the Executive Branch and has been a leader on maintaining local defense of rights and liberties; and
WHEREAS: The USA PATRIOT Act has several provisions due to expire on December 31, 2005 and members of Congress will soon decide whether or not to extend or expand the current legislation and provisions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Congressman Michael Capuano and the entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation urging them to support legislation and action that would sunset, repeal, and amend any sections of the USA PATRIOT Act which allow the Executive branch to infringe upon the rights and civil liberties of individuals as specified in the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to oppose any additional legislation that would infringe upon these rights and liberties.

O-19     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting the efforts of Teamsters Local 25 in their campaign against NorthEast Electrical Distributors which is using intimidation and harassment against workers in their efforts to be represented by the Teamsters Local 25; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Teamsters Local 25, Jobs with Justice, and NorthEast Electrical Distributors.

O-20     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on break-ins on or around the location of 884 Main Street.

O-21     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and report back to the City Council on daytime use of parking spaces on and around 884 Main Street.

O-22     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct Public Works and/or the appropriate City department to be in touch with Lorraine Williams of Washington Street on the problem of rodents in her yard and any other resident of Washington Street who is experiencing a similar problem.

O-23     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of the attached legislation entitled "An Act Establishing a Bladder Cancer Screening Program Within the Department of Public Health;" which would collect data on the incidences of bladder cancer in professional and volunteer firefighters; and be it further
ORDERED: That The City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Legislative Delegation.

O-24     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance that would ensure that any Revised Activity and Use Limitation include a mechanism for notification of the Cambridge City Council, DEP, Cambridge Health Department, EPA, community members including ANI, ASG, and all residents residing within 200 yards of the intrusive activity, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at least ninety days prior to undertaking an Intrusive Activity and would also include all properties covered by the Asbestos ordinance.

O-25     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed as a community to the creation of good jobs, fair wages, and good working conditions; and
WHEREAS: This commitment not only benefits the many working people in our city, but also helps to promote long term economic development; and
WHEREAS: With that, we call on employers in Cambridge to consider supporting the following goals; and
1) A family wage: It is imperative that the workers who help make our businesses and community institutions successful are themselves able to provide for their families in Cambridge; and
2) Health Care: Cambridge workers should be able to access quality and affordable healthcare; and
3) The Right To Organize: Workers have the right to decide on their own time whether they want to form a union and what demands they want to make as a union. Cambridge employers should respect these rights so that their employees can have a voice at work; and
4) The Right To Dignity and Respect: Workers in Cambridge should have a workplace free of all forms of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record supporting these goals and asks that all Cambridge employers follow these goals; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Jobs With Justice and all Cambridge based unions on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-26     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Disability Commission to review the wheelchair accessibility at Dana Park, particularly the entrance into the park.

O-27     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to remove the gravel in Dana Park and replace it with a smooth surface appropriate for those using wheelchairs, bikes, and roller-blades.

O-28     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to place benches in the Tot Lot area of Dana Park.

O-29     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to place signs in the Dana Park basketball court reminding the basketball players that the lower basketball hoop should be made available to the smaller children who want to play in the court.

O-30     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development to find more ways to add more age appropriate playground equipment to Dana Park, particularly for the older children.

O-31     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Police Commissioner to ascertain and forward the following information to the City Council:
- Do all Housing Authority buildings, especially senior housing developments, contain security cameras that record who enters and leaves the buildings; and
- Are periodic safety classes and safety tips provided to senior housing residents to help residents be safe and protected in their apartments.

O-32     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner to increase patrols in the area of Thorndike and Sixth Streets due to recent tire slashings that have occurred in this area.

O-33     June 20, 2005 [AMENDED]
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested that the following information be provided to the City Council:
1. Who decided on behalf of the City and the process in which it was decided that the City would become a host to birthday celebration coordinated by the Army recruitment office; 2. The extent and specifics of resources and contributions provided by the City of Cambridge including the School Department; 3. The process by which Cambridge elementary school children were invited, including the invitation process to schools, and the notification process to parents, and the relevance of the event to their curriculum; and be it further
ORDERED: That all information be provided as to the relationship between the City of Cambridge and the military including the details of the agreement signed by the City Manager and the Army regarding recruitment and partnerships with the Army; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a legal opinion regarding the following:
1. The criteria for creating a protest pen including the denial of entrance on public land to individuals who disagree with the intent of the event taking place on public; 2. Whether endorsements or partnerships by the City (aside from the provisions in the schools of No Child Left Behind) which promote the military or with a recruiting component violate the Human Rights Ordinance.

ORIGINAL ORDER
O-33     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: On June 14th, 2005, the City of Cambridge hosted a celebration of the 230th anniversary of the Army on the Cambridge Common; and
WHEREAS: While the City Council received an invitation to the event from the Army, the neither the City Council or the public played a role in the planning or endorsement of the event which might have clarified or narrowed the focus of it; and
WHEREAS: The event was advertised as specific to Cambridge’s history but was part of a national series of similar celebrations sponsored by the Army and featured not only historical recognitions of the past and a tribute to veterans but current displays of Army hardware and its recruiting vehicles and materials for the Cambridge event were emblazoned with the City seal but came from the Army recruiting office with Army recruiters as the phone number; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge elementary school children were invited to the event, some of whom were there with a specific historic focus for their classes and supervised and others who were climbing in tanks and trying on current military equipment; and
WHEREAS: An event that for some represented an honoring of veterans and a positive history of the military and for others a propaganda effort of Army recruitment become an occasion of confrontation and protest in which many people expressed feelings of bewilderment, anger and disrespect; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested that the following information be provided to the City Council:
1. Who decided on behalf of the City and the process in which it was decided that the City would become a host to birthday celebration coordinated by the Army recruitment office; 2. The extent and specifics of resources and contributions provided by the City of Cambridge including the School Department; 3. The process by which Cambridge elementary school children were invited, including the invitation process to schools, and the notification process to parents, and the relevance of the event to their curriculum; and be it further
ORDERED: That all information be provided as to the relationship between the City of Cambridge and the military including the details of the agreement signed by the City Manager and the Army regarding recruitment and partnerships with the Army; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a legal opinion regarding the following:
1. The criteria for creating a protest pen including the denial of entrance on public land to individuals who disagree with the intent of the event taking place on public; 2. Whether endorsements or partnerships by the City (aside from the provisions in the schools of No Child Left Behind) which promote the military or with a recruiting component violate the Human Rights Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: In order to restore communication and connection, that a forum be organized in which all parts of the Cambridge community can express their reactions and concerns to the Army celebration event and Cambridge’s role in it.

O-34     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Council to discuss whether free speech zones are appropriate for events in public spaces, and if so, under what circumstances.

O-35     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take no action to eliminate the existing traffic light at Harvard and Windsor Streets until a complete and thorough safety study can be undertaken to determine if this light can be eliminated.

O-36     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance requiring that trash be put out in tight containers (possibly rat-proof) and not in plastic bags.

O-37     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
VICE MAYOR DECKER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of Homeowners Rehab, Inc. to resolve all disputes with organized labor prior to the start of construction to Trolley Square, as such issues could potentially threaten future appropriateness for such projects by the City Council;; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to all members of the Boston Building Trades on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-38     June 20, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner with a view to increase the speed limit enforcement on Western Avenue.

O-39     June 20, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the office of State Representative Marty Walz regarding the work she has initiated concerning rodent control.

O-40     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to direct appropriate City staff to look into the possibility of Shaw’s Cambridge stores directly distributing donated food to Food For Free instead of Food For Free having to pick up Shaw’s donated food from The Boston Food Bank.

O-41     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with CEOC to increase the appropriation for food funding and to develop a formula for regular annual increases.

O-42     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance to provide the services of a nutritionist to work on a regular basis with the food pantries to provide assistance with customers who need special diets.

O-43     June 20, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate appropriate staff to facilitate a collaboration of CCTV and food pantries for TV cooking shows, perhaps also featuring famous chefs.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, beginning at ten o’clock and thirty-two minutes A. M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the establishment of the Cambridge Charles River Challenge, a new run-bike-kayak triathlon along the Charles River and through Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Bob Goodwin, Department of Human Services (DHS), Stephen LaRosa, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, John Nardone, Department of Public Works, Marsha Lazar, Cambridge Department of Health (DPH), Susan Smith, Cambridge YWCA, Keith Bishop, Cambridge Trust Company, Mitch Zeisler, Bread and Jams, and K. C. Commons, Payrolls Plus, Inc.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She introduced Mitch Zeisler, as the person who brought the idea for the triathlon to her. Mr. Zeisler that after living in the Cambridge area for five years he recognized that Cambridge needs a fun athletic event that would appeal to Cambridge’s diverse population. Then he talked to the manager of Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). EMS wants to make Harvard Square one of its biggest locations. Mr. Zeisler noted Vice Mayor Decker’s idea to bring in health awareness and promotion as a major component. They agreed that they could see a triathlon with a huge sports health expo as attracting a minimum of 2,000 participants.

Mike Zeisler, Bread and Jams, said that the Office of Tourism and Whole Foods, Inc. are also very interested in participating. He said that he sees this as an opportunity to “bring fun to Cambridge.”

Vice Mayor Decker said that the purpose of this meeting is to look at how the City would need to be involved. She said that Betsy Harshbarger is also very interested in assisting with this event.

Vice Mayor Decker invited Mr. Goodwin to comment. Mr. Goodwin , Recreation Division, DHS, said that the Department of Human Services just concluded its Road Race. He said that actually, when the plans are for locating the event at the Charles River, the majority of the permitting would be done by the state.

Marsha Lazar, Director of Community Health, DPH, said that she is excited to see all of the efforts in the area of health and fitness that are going on in Cambridge.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she sees the role of the Cambridge Health Department as involving clinical and educational staff in the event. She said she would hope to see Richard Harding being involved. Perhaps the Cambridge Health Alliance could do some sort of health evaluation. Vice Mayor Decker stated that the Kids’ Council would also be involved. She envisions a whole youth and families component to a Cambridge triathalon.

Mr. Zeisler said that he hopes to help to grow sports into the culture of health and wellness. He added that this event is being planned for the fall of 2006.

Vice Mayor Decker said that she is chairing a whole campaign named “Healthy Living Cambridge.” She is trying to create a calendar of fitness and health events. She foresees a whole training program. If the City decides to really adopt the triathlon, there can be a whole training program for people who have never thought of doing something like this.

Mr. Zeisler said that this would be a family friendly event, the more serious competitions would start at 8:00 a.m., and everyone else would start at 9:00am.

Ms. Lazar said the “Charles River Challenge” is a very nice name. She said that Philadelphia is doing something very interesting, it was found to be the fattest city, and now has a citywide health campaign.

Sue Smith, Director of the Cambridge YWCA, said that recently the Cambridge YWCA had 600 children and parents show up for a program done in partnership with the Museum of Science. She said that this September the Y would be involved organizing a walk. She would like to see the YWCA involved in the underlying health piece. Ms. Smith said that there is money available for funding for such activities, for example, Blue Cross.

Mr. Goodwin asked about the distance. Vice Mayor Decker said that there has been discussion of a five-kilometer run and a 10-15 mile bike event.

Vice Mayor Decker said that Jeff Seifert, President of the YMCA, has offered the YMCA for training for the event. She could see the YWCA focusing on kids and healthy eating in preparation for the event.

Vice Mayor Decker asked those present to comment on any issues they see particularly those relating to the City’s involvement. The event will not all be on the Charles River. They have discussed the run going through the City.

Keith Bishop, Cambridge Trust Company, said that they needed to look at having medical facilities there for people who get hurt and need medical attention.

Vice Mayor Decker said that obviously the Fire Department and Police Department will be involved. She said that she expects that they will have to go out of Cambridge for the bike ride. Mr. Bishop said that is not necessarily the case; the rider could go around the same route two or three times.

Mr. Goodwin cautioned that it is difficult to run an event through Cambridge traffic. He would rather keep it on the river. Stephen LaRosa, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, agreed. Mr. LaRosa added that it is important to get rid of the intimidation factors. If the organizers promote family involvement, schools and teams, that will increase participation.

Vice Mayor Decker said the next step will be a Steering Committee meeting. The Steering Committee will maintain contract with the City administrative staff.

Vice Mayor Decker thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and fifty-five minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on April 13, 2005, beginning at one o’clock and twenty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the challenges faced by Cambridge residents in accessing affordable and healthy food.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor E. Denise Simmons Rachel Weil, Department of Human Services (DHSP), Lena Bell, Senior Center (DHSP) and Cathy Decker, Senior Center (DHSP). Also present were David Leslie, Director of Food For Free, Sue Smith, Director, Cambridge YWCA, Alex Ferdinand, Enmotion, Cambridge YWCA, Elaine DeRosa, Director, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), Graciela Pari, CEOC, Laura Booth, CEOC, Chicoue Raymonds, CEOC, Adan Nasroo, CEOC, Yoko Heshiki, CEOC, Mario Quijano, CEOC, Celso Barros, CEOC, Diane Dickenson, Project Bread, Michele Holmes, Helping Hands, St. James Church, Mario Quijano, 801 Cambridge Street, Margaret Fuller House Food Pantry, Patricia Casola, President of the Tenants’ Association, 364 Rindge Avenue, Chris Durkin, Harvest Coop Market,, representative from Harvard Market, 1627 Cambridge Street, Ken Peschir, Acting Manager of Shaw’s Market, 20 Sidney Street, and Andrew Martin, 243 Broadway.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She described the many health activities and campaigns in which she is actively involved. She emphasized that health is not just about what you weigh. She stated that she is very interested in the question of where residents who do not have lots of time and resources can access fresh foods. Vice Mayor Decker requested that in this discussion the participants provide information about the gaps and shortfalls in the efforts to fight hunger and to provide fresh food. She requested that Elaine DeRosa, Director of CEOC begin the discussion.

Ms. DeRosa submitted a packet of information (attached) and began with a description of the origin of the Cambridge Food Pantry in 1985 with four pantries. Today they are feeding 10,000 people – 3500 households. In 1991 CEOC and the Cambridge Food Pantry organized the successful citywide ballot referendum, which established that it is the policy of the City of Cambridge that every citizen have access to affordable food.

Ms. DeRosa stated that the nutrition gap is fresh food and vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables do not supply the same amount of vitamins and minerals. Ms. DeRosa also noted the connection between poverty and obesity. It is not what they are eating; it is what they are not getting access to.

Vice Mayor Decker asked if the Food Pantry has meetings that focus on nutrition. Celso Barros, CEOC, said that they do have a good Nutrition Advisory Group. He noted that the food pantries also need to deal with what food is culturally suitable.

Ms. DeRosa noted the emphasis on rinsing canned vegetables to reduce the amount of sodium. They are also very concerned about the sodium level in the canned soups. She said that the lack of fresh green vegetables is the biggest problem with the types of food not sufficiently supplied.

Mario Quijano, Margaret Fuller House Food Pantry, stated that the food pantry provides three square meals for three days. CEOC is very helpful but they would like to branch out more so things do not fall through the cracks. He said that he would like to establish a connection with Shaw’s Market. He added that their Haitian clients really reject all the canned vegetables because they grew up eating fresh produce. Mr. Quijano said that the Margaret Fuller House is now implementing workshops to discuss food preparation and to develop basic networks. However, this means additional costs to pay a nutritionist and the travel expenses associated with providing classes.

David Leslie, Executive Director of Food For Free, described that organization’s activities. Food For Free emphasizes fresh produce. He noted the costs in procuring food are not just the costs of the food purchases. There are also costs for the gas for their trucks. Last year Food For Free delivered 640,000 pounds of fresh produce, seventy-five percent of it within Cambridge. Food For Free serves forty agencies, 32 of these in Cambridge. Food For Free also supplies food to the food pantries and shelters. For fresh food they rely on support from the Harvest, Shaw’s, Trader Joes, Pemberton Gardens (which includes prepared foods like soup). He would like to be able to pick up directly from the Cambridge Shaw’s for Cambridge locations instead of going through the Boston Food Bank, which is the agency Shaw’s deals with exclusively. Mr. Leslie said that Food For Free receives funds from CDBG, and those funds mostly pay for home deliveries to income-qualified residents.

Vice Mayor Decker asked how many clients they feed by home delivery. Mr. Leslie replied that they serve 35 – 40 homes and individuals each month in Cambridge. Mr. Leslie stated that Food For Free has the use of 10-12 organic food beds from organic farms during the summer. Twelve beds equal 5500 pounds of organic produce. Also, CSA farms allow Food For Free to glean, and the big produce markets sell to Food For Free at a reduced price. He said that New England Organics allows Food For Free to glean every day. Food For Free gets a lot of support, but is capable of doing more.

Michele Holmes, Director of Helping Hand Food Pantry, said that it has not been her experience that she has to persuade clients to take fresh vegetables. They are enthusiastic. The pantry runs out of fresh food every week. The clients really want fresh food.

Ms. DeRosa said volunteers are the food pantries’ invaluable resources. There is still a strong and wonderful community.

Vice Mayor Decker asked Diane Dickenson, Project Bread, to talk about state policies. Ms. Dickenson said that the Walk for Hunger is the biggest fundraiser for Project Bread, which is the leading statewide anti-hunger organization. She said that her main focus is in the food stamp process and working on getting more individuals who qualify for food stamps enrolled. A recent issue is the limited ability of Farmers Markets to take food stamps. The problem is that they need a particular machine to process the food stamps. However, the Farmers Markets are expensive for food stamp customers. From her personal point of view she would like to see the farmers be able to offer coupons.

Laura Booth, CEOC, said because of Ms. Dickenson and Project Bread Massachusetts has come up from being 44th in the country in terms of utilization of food stamp resources. Ms. Dickenson said that the community needs to take a holistic view that encompasses food stamps, school lunch programs and food pantries in a more seamless network.

Lena Bell, Cambridge Senior Center Food Pantry, began by expressing her thanks to Food For Free and Project Bread. At the Senior Center, they are trying to work on eliminating the stigma of accepting food assistance. They have a teaching kitchen at the Senior Center. They want to make it easier for seniors to eat more nutritious food that a bowl of cereal. She noted the challenge of working with whatever food they have. She has a huge supply of kidney beans that people will not take.

Ms. Dickenson said that it is very difficult to get seniors to apply for food stamps. The EBT food stamp card is a problem. The store clerks need to be better trained in how to read the EBT card. The markets could be very helpful in removing the stigma and showing people how to use the card.

Pat Casola, President of the Tenant Association, 364 Rindge Avenue, said she was on food stamps and she got discouraged because she would not get her medical deductions. In her development there are 500 families, 300 with project based Section 8 housing assistance and 40 with Section 8 voucher housing assistance. There are lines at the food pantries. The needs are getting greater.

Vice Mayor Decker invited comments from market owners and managers.

Chris Durkin, Harvest Coop, stated that the entire community, including grocery stores, needs to get better at providing education about healthy food. Buying in bulk can help people make their money go further. Fresher is better. Vegetables form California can loose fifty percent of their nutritional value by the time they are bought from Cambridge stores.

Ken Peschir stated that he is currently the manager of the MIT Shaw’s store, on temporary assignment until June. He stated that he will look into whether Shaw’s can arrange for pickup by Food For Free from the local Shaw’s store in Cambridge instead of from the Boston Food Bank.

Vice Mayor submitted the following order:
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to direct appropriate City staff to look into the possibility of Shaw’s Cambridge stores directly distributing donated food to Food For Free instead of Food For Free having to pick up Shaw’s donated food from The Boston Food Bank.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Mr. Peschir pointed to two current campaigns that could be helpful to low income customers, the “10 for $10.00” campaign and the “Check the Price” program. Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Peschir whether Shaw’s sends flyers to senior buildings. Mr. Peschir said that the University Store does not. Their market research showed that the flyers did not get into the customer hands. Mr. Peschir described some of Shaw’s programs. He scheduled a field trip program for youth focused on healthy eating. Vice Mayor Decker requested that he send information to her office.

Alex Ferdinand, YWCA, described the Enmotion program. She said that the program provides physical fitness through dance for youth. The organization is looking for funding and currently serves 65.youth.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested that Ms. Ferdinand participate in the Healthy Living Program of the City.

Rachel Weil, DHS, said that the DHS has been funding food pantries but they have received the same amount for years. The funds are CDBG funds and the CDBG grant is very small, especially since it has been recently cut by the federal government.

Vice Mayor Decker asked how much Food For Free will get. Mr. Leslie said that they do not know yet. He predicts an overall cut of eight to ten percent.

Graciela Pari, CEOC, noted the population change among those coming to food pantries. There are more younger people and families and, many who have recently lost jobs. They are also seeing an increase in the population. She emphasizes that food pantry customers really want fresh produce and do not want canned foods. They are also seeing people paying more attention to the lists of ingredients, for example, salt.

Yoko Heshiki, CEOC, also stressed the increase in the number of people coming to the food pantries and stated that their attitude is more desperate.

Vice Mayor Decker asked how the City Council could help leverage funding. She said that she would rather see City funds go into food pantries than entertainment. In Cuba there is a farmers market in every neighborhood. She asked the food pantry staff to think about what would be the greatest need for additional funds.

Mr. Leslie emphasized that none of the money that comes to the food pantry system from the City goes to overhead; it all goes to purchase the food. He said that all Food For Free is asking for is more money for food – a one hundred percent return on investment.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested that perhaps the City should look at a indexed approach to increasing the funding to at least keep up with inflation. Ms. DeRosa said that she would put together information on costs.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Simmons made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with CEOC to increase the appropriation for food funding and to develop a formula for regular annual increases.

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Vice Mayor Decker asked if it would be helpful to get businesses together for a briefing on hunger in Cambridge. Mr. Leslie answered in the affirmative. He said that Food For Free is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Several of the Chamber Members do provide assistance. He suggested some sort of resolution or expression of appreciation for volunteers and for the volunteers’ businesses.

Vice Mayor Decker said that she would be happy to plan a “State of Hunger in Cambridge” program with resolutions to active businesses.

Vice Mayor Decker also asked whether it would be helpful to have someone at the Health Alliance work with food pantries for example, a nutritionist to help the food pantries assist clients with chronic illnesses who need special diets. Ms. DeRosa answered in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Decker made the following motion:
ORDERED: The City Manger be is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Health Alliance to provide the services of a nutritionist to work on a regular basis with the food pantries to provide assistance with customers who need special diets.

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Ms. Dickenson suggested that any City entertainment program have nutrition information. Vice Mayor Decker agreed and stated that the Healthy Living Campaign is working on this.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested partnering CCTV and food pantries and former chefs. She submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager designate appropriate staff to facilitate a collaboration of CCTV and food pantries for TV cooking shows, perhaps also featuring famous chefs.

The order passed on a voice vote without objection.

Vice Mayor Decker thanked the all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at three o’clock and fifteen minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, beginning at one o’clock and forty-five P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of evaluating the needs of the Cambridge homeless, in particular the Harvard Square homeless population.

Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer for the City of Cambridge, Len Thomas, Director of the Multi Service Center, Department of Human Services (DHS), Kim McCraw, Director of the day drop in center, Bread & Jams, Gabriel Paci, President, Bread & Jams, Arthur Shurtcliff, Tri-City Mental Health/CASPAR, Gordie Calkins, First Step, CASPAR, Gail Enman, Executive Director, CASPAR, and Katya Fels, On the Rise.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She explained that the meeting originated from conversations with Bread and Jams and then discussions with business people. She said the major question is how do we look at homelessness in Harvard Square. There were some questions about whether additional outreach is needed in Harvard Square. Vice Mayor Decker requested that those present introduce themselves and say something about the work that they are doing as it relates to Harvard Square homelessness.

Gail Enman, Director of CASPAR, stated that CASPAR is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary. CASPAR stated out as a response to the issues and needs of alcoholic homeless men. The homeless population in each neighborhood and community is different from those of other communities.

Katya Fels, On the Rise, started that On the Rise is 10 years old this year. It started out as a response to the needs of women in Cambridge and the Boston area who are were falling through the cracks. They started with street outreach services mainly in Harvard, Porter, Davis and Central Squares. They moved quite quickly to establishing a safe haven for women.

Ms. Fels said that today On the Rise is seeing a much more difficult population with much greater and more acute mental illness. When they began they could always find a shelter bed; now that is not always the case. On the Rise serves 250-300 women per year. Half consider themselves from Cambridge, the other half from Boston, Somerville and nearby Greater Boston communities. She said that there are a lot of women whom they consider homeless but who do not meet the federal definition of homelessness, for example, sleeping on a different couch every night. She noted that there has also been a dramatic increase in women coming out of prison.

Fred Berman, Department of Human Services, stated that he does not work as a direct provider; he works with the providers. He convenes a monthly meeting of homeless service and is engaged in several other coordinating activities including co-coordination of the annual homeless census.

Kim McCraw, Director of the Bread & Jams day drop-in center, stated that the center provides a place to go during the day. One of the biggest issues for Bread & Jams is their clients’ fear of the system. They are afraid to go to hospitals and mental health providers, so they try to provide the services there. Bread & Jams also has an emergency shelter in the winter.

Gabriel Paci, President of Bread & Jams, stated that Bread & Jams has been in existence for 16 years. Bread & Jams deals with a chronic homeless population. He does believe that there needs to be more outreach in Harvard Square. The biggest challenge for Bread & Jams is mental health issues. They could use better training for shelter staff in this area.

Vice Mayor Decker noted the need for a permanent home for Bread & Jam’s Sunday meals program.

Gordie Calkins, First Step, noted that their mission is to find shelter for those who do not have it. They go out in small teams, approach people and talk about what they do. He said that in Cambridge the programs and agencies do a good job of talking to each other.

Arthur Shurtcliff, Tri-City Mental Health, stated that he is “on loan” to CASPAR in preparation of this meeting, he talked to homeless people in Harvard Square about what Harvard Square homeless people need most. He stated that eight to twelve people sleep at the Harvard Square Coop and Tannery entrances. They need rest rooms at night; there are five restrooms that homeless people can use during the day. This is a major problem for the women especially. He reported speaking with a woman whose life possessions were two sleeping bags. Recently one was stolen; her request is a safe place to put her sleeping bags.

Vice Mayor Decker described a recent meeting with Harvard Square business owners in which the need for restrooms was discussed.

Len Thomas, Director of the Multi Service Center, DHS, said that some of the business owners do not understand why the homeless people are sleeping on the streets. He also said that there exists an incredible degree of cooperation among the service agencies in Cambridge. At the Multi Service Center, they see clients who are able to come to their more traditional settings. Some other clients feel better understood at Bread & Jams and On the Rise. He reported on another woman whose major issue is also possessions. She has two large suitcases and two plastic bags. He emphasized the need to meet the challenges to keep vulnerable clients who have been placed in permanent housing in their placements.

Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, said that DHS is seeing the issue of increasing mental health problems across the board. She emphasized the critical need for the federal government to stop taking steps that make things more difficult, especially to stop cutting housing and using a definition of services that leaves out many of the people the providers serve.

Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer, reviewed the studies he has taken part in and noted how difficult it has been to try to get public toilets installed in Cambridge.

Vice Mayor Decker thanked all the people at the meeting who work so hard on this issue. She returned to the question of whether more outreach is needed in Harvard Square. She said that she would like to take part in a smaller conversation with business owners to increase their understanding and get new support. She agreed that restrooms and storage are big issues.

Vice Mayor Decker asked the representatives from Bread & Jams to say more about their need for clinical people on the premises. Ms. McCraw said that Arthur comes once a week and is swamped. Everyone comes Tuesday because they know Arthur is there. When Arthur first started, no one came to see him; now he is overwhelmed. Also they would love to have a doctor come in.

Mr. Berman said at one time Health Care for the Homeless tried to site in an office at Old Cambridge Baptist Church. They needed an examination room but could not work out the space.

Harold Cox said that more issues than just space were involved in the ultimate decision to not site a clinic office in that space.

Mr. Calkins stated that there are good reasons why people on the streets do not trust the system. He also emphasized that Cambridge has placed hundreds of homeless people in homes.

Ms. Fels emphasized the issue of trust. The frustration of service providers is not lost on the most visible homeless. Providers and policymakers need to emphasize to businesses how complicated the issue is. For many homeless women, the street is a lot safer than any other place they have been. On the Rise is launching a new outreach street program this year.

Ms. Enman said that the question of more outreach must be accompanied by the question of “toward what end?” We cannot just move people on. That is neither ethical nor legal. But resources are shrinking, not growing.

Vice Mayor Decker described her initiative with businesses to have a summit, “The State of Hunger” in Cambridge. She has had many conversations with John DiGiovanni, Harvard Square businessman, and is wondering whether some sort of meeting with businesses might be helpful to increase awareness of the complexities, to raise awareness, to gain new supporters and to do some brainstorming.

Mr. Calkins asked if the Harvard Square business community feels that they can access providers’ services. Vice Mayor Decker stated that for many, the answer would be “no”.

Dr. Shurtcliff said that the clientele in Harvard Square have enormous mental health issues, especially paranoid schizophrenia. The way to begin is by offering them something concrete.

Vice Mayor Decker stated that she believes that the next step should be smaller informal meetings with members of the Harvard Square Business Association. She will be happy to speak with individuals about this issue.

Vice Mayor Decker thanked those present for their attendance and for the hard work they do to make life better for very vulnerable people.

The meeting was adjourned at two o’clock and forty-five minutes

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Chair