Cambridge City Council meeting - June 20, 2011 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,000,000 from the General Fund School Salary and Wages account to the Public Investment School Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the costs associated with the operational phase of the Innovation Agenda. [This includes costs related to the relocation of students and staff, various facilities improvements such as science lab renovations, technology improvements and equipment and specialist space improvements, and other operational expenses.]
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $700,643.05 in unexpended School Public Investment balances from school capital projects that have been completed, the balances from which are now available for redistribution to other school projects. ["The completed school capital projects are related to the Replacement of Fire Alarms ($360,660.74), Baldwin School HVAC replacement ($50,000), Tobin School HVAC replacement (109,982.31) and Elementary Gym Door Replacement ($200,000)... I am requesting that these balances be transferred to the following school capital projects: CRLS phasing ($100,000) to support the costs of the move back to CRLS this summer and ($600,643.05) to elementary building repairs to support the estimated costs with the operational phase of the Innovation Agenda as described in Agenda Item 1 and other small projects."]
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $101,811 to the Grant Fund Community Development Salaries and Wages account which will be used to cover a portion of the salaries of existing housing planners and support staff related to the administration of the HOME Program.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $918,243.00 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to create new affordable housing ($745,309) and to provide funding to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), non-profits, ($172,934) for program delivery costs for affordable housing projects (required under HOME regulations).
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income of $14,818.65 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which is available to support the development of affordable housing activities.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer $85,113 within the Public Safety Answering Point Emergency Communications Center Support (PSAP Support) Grant from the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($28,113) and from the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Extraordinary Expenditures account ($57,000) to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($85,113) which will support overtime costs for backfills to allow for training classes for dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer $4,485.25 within the Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant from the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($4,485.25) to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account ($4,234) and to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other ordinary maintenance account ($251.25) which will support additional training classes for dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of various donations for $700 to the Grant Fund Human Rights Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will support the annual Fair Housing Month student poster and essay contest.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $135,000 from the General Fund Fire Salary and Wages account ($84,000), the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($25,000) and from the General Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account ($26,000) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training account ($135,000) to cover tuition reimbursements, medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-57, regarding a report on Harvard University's acquisition of three properties formerly owned by the Society of Jesus of New England/Weston School of Theology and affordable housing in Cambridge.
June 20, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-57, regarding a report on Harvard University's acquisition of three properties formerly owned by the Society of Jesus of New England/Weston School of Theology and affordable housing in Cambridge, Thomas Lucey, Director of Community Relations for Harvard University reports the following:
The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) purchased the properties because they are adjacent to its campus and offer a unique opportunity to support its academic program, thus continuing the properties' longstanding institutional use. The GSD had not expanded its footprint since 1979 and has no plans to purchase further properties in this neighborhood.
Harvard and Cambridge City Government have a long and successful record of working together to create affordable housing in the city. Examples include Harvard's 20/20/2000 program which is $20 million, 20-year, affordable housing low-interest loan fund through which the University provides assistance to help create and preserve affordable housing for low and middle-income residents. Started in 2000 and developed in consultation with local leaders, to date 20/20/2000 funds have been used to help build or renovate 465 units in Cambridge on 31 different development projects and to provide $17.3 million in financing; that accounts for approximately 25% of all affordable units built or renovated in the City during this period. It also provided local agencies with $1 million in direct grants to explore innovative approaches to affordable housing development.
In addition, Harvard worked closely with City leaders and neighbors to develop graduate student housing in Riverside that created 33 affordable home ownership units and 6 affordable rental units that were opened in 2007/2008. By developing housing for its graduate students, the University was able to address a goal of the City Council to house more students and relieve pressure on the local rental housing market. The Riverside project also included the creation of new publicly accessible open space on the Charles River which was recently opened by the City. Another highlight of the collaboration in this effort is Harvard's sale of 100 housing units for one-third of market rate to the City to be used as affordable housing units. Taken in conjunction, these combined efforts have created or preserved over 600 units of affordable housing in recent history.
We are proud of the many ways that Harvard has been an effective partner with Cambridge addressing affordable housing and other important issues in Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2011: Paul Beckford, Jr.; Joseph D. Bombino
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Richard Johnson as a member of the Cambridge Water Board for a five year term, effective June 30, 2016.
June 20, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Richard Johnson as a member of the Cambridge Water Board for a five year term, effective June 30, 2016.
Mr. Johnson is a retired Electrical Engineer who has designed electrical, instrumentation and control systems on many different water and wastewater plants. He has knowledge and experience in public service and has worked regularly with municipal agencies and staff. Mr. Johnson's knowledge, experience, and commitment to the operation of the Water Department make him a good fit with the current members of the Water Board.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 21 Proof Training donations in the amount of $30,093.69 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account which the Cambridge Prevention Coalition received from numerous alcohol-serving establishments in Cambridge for conducting 21 Proof server trainings and will be used to support staff salaries.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of funds to the Center for Families from the Cambridge Public Health Department in the amount of $3,564.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to provide support to Pathways for Success, facilitating one community playgroup, and support for the June 2011 Family Fun Day.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,400.00 for the Center for Families program funded by the Department of Education to the Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to purchase additional supplies.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of reimbursement revenues received from Cambridge Homeless Service Provider Agencies and surrounding communities to support the Cambridge Homeless Management Information System in the amount of $12,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Summer Food Program grant that is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Massachusetts Department of Education for $200,289.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($30,000.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($170,289.00) which will be used to provide nutritious meals to Cambridge youth at 26 confirmed sites throughout the City during the summer months when schools are closed.
18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $55,510 in excess Library Fine revenue to the General Fund Library Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of purchasing replacement outside book return containers for the main and branch libraries.
19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $750 donation from the Cambridge Rotary Club to the Grant Fund Police Travel and Training account which will support a Police Department program through the Youth and Family Services Unit (YFSU) in partnership with the Cambridge YMCA and the Cambridge/Somerville Boxing Club for a youth boxing program for youth 13-22 who are either currently or have previously been enrolled in the YFSU Diversion program.
20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,200 in donations to the Public Investment Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the purchase of hanging baskets and public plantings, primarily in Central Square.
21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $43,450 from the General Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account to purchase a vehicle to support tactical response activities.
22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a energy efficiency rebate revenues from NSTAR for $18,789 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account related to heating system boiler replacements at the Frazier and Moore Youth Center buildings and will be used for additional energy efficiency projects in other City buildings.
23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (Insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Employee Benefits Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties for various departments.
24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,500 from the General Fund Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Community Development Department Travel and Training account to provide funds for membership to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, Cities for Cycling program.
Approved 8-1, Kelley voted NO
25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to proposed zoning language to enable a regional bike share program.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
Public Bicycle-Sharing Stations Proposed Zoning Language (New Language is Underlined) - June 20, 2011
1. Create new definitions in Article 2.000:
Public Bicycle-Sharing Service: A system operated under the auspices of a program administered and/or approved by the City of Cambridge whose function is to provide the general public with opportunities to rent bicycles on a short-term basis for use within the city or region.
Public Bicycle-Sharing Station: A bicycle sharing facility placed or constructed by a Public Bicycle-Sharing Service on public or private property where bicycles are stored and from which members of the public may rent bicycles as part of a Public Bicycle-Sharing Service, including objects or equipment necessary for or appurtenant to its operation.
2. Modify the definition of Gross Floor Area in Article 2.000:
Floor Area Gross. …
Gross Floor Area shall include:
(a) … (h)
Gross Floor Area shall not include:
(1) … (13)
(14) Public Bicycle-Sharing Stations.
3. Amend the Table of Use Regulations by adding a new use category in Section 4.32:
4.32 Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses
Open Space Res A 1&2 Res B Res C, C-1, C-1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B Off 1 2A, 2, 3, 3A Bus A-1, A-2, A-3 Bus A Bus B, B-1, B-2 Bus C, C-1 Ind A-1, A-2 Ind A Ind B-1, B-2 Ind B Ind C a. Bus or railroad passenger station No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes SP Yes Yes Yes Yes b. Automobile parking lot or parking garage for private passenger cars No No No No Yes SP SP Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes c. Railroad freight terminal, railroad yard and shops No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes No d. Truck or bus terminal, yard or building for storage or servicing of trucks, trailers or buses, parking lot for trucks No No No No No No No No No No SP No Yes No … h. Helipad or Airport No No No No No No No No No No No No No No j. Wind Turbine Installation PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB PB k. Public Bicycle-Sharing Station Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 4. Amend Section 5.24:
5.24 Yards
5.24.1 Every part of a required yard shall be open to the sky and unobstructed. Awnings, arbors, fences, flagpoles, recreational and laundry drying equipment and similar objects shall not be considered obstructions when located within a required yard. In addition, objects or equipment located in a required yard that are necessary for or appurtenant to a Public Bicycle-Sharing Station shall not be considered obstructions. Open or lattice enclosed fire escapes for emergency use only are permitted to encroach on yard areas.
5. Amend Section 6.49:
6.49 Design of Bicycle Parking spaces. Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the amounts required by Section 6.37 and with the design regulations in this Section 6.49. Public Bicycle-Sharing Stations shall not be subject to the design regulations of this Section 6.49.
6. Amend Subsection 7.16.1:
7.16.1 Exempt, Temporary and Noncommercial Signs
The following signs shall be exempt from restrictions as to type, location, height, and size of signs or limitations as to the total area of signs permitted on a lot or business, as those limits are set forth in Section 7.16.2. Except as otherwise noted, such signs shall be naturally or externally illuminated only and shall be subject to all other provisions of this Article 7.000.
7.16.11 Exempt Signs
A. In all districts:
1. Signs not visible from a public way. (All illumination permitted.)
2. Official traffic and directional signs, including bus and shuttle schedules. (All illumination permitted.)
3. Other signs in the public way.
4. Signs necessary for public safety and convenience not exceeding six (6) square feet per sign face, provided such signs contain no advertising.
5. Flags of a city, state or country.
6. Memorials such as grave stones and corner stones.
7. Historical site plaques installed or approved by a public Agency or duly established historical society.
8. Window display of merchandise or signs incidental to such display.
9. Signage necessary or appurtenant to the placement or operation of a Public Bicycle-Sharing Station. (All illumination permitted.)
26. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-52, regarding a report on installing traffic calming measures at Russell Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
27. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-75, regarding a report on North Point special permit.
To: Robert W. Healy, City Manager
From: Brian P. Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: June 13,2011
Subject: Council Order # 11 dated June 6, 2011 regarding North Point special permitThe order requests review of the special permit issued by the Planning Board for the North Point master plan in the North Point Residence District PUD-this is Planning Board Special Permit #179, issued on Mar 11,2003. Although the submittal by the petitioner in 2003 envisioned the relocation of Lechmere Station to the northern side of Msgr. O'Brien Highway, that was not a requirement of the special permit.
Since the new station, as currently planned, will not be incorporated into one of the buildings in the North Point master plan as had been anticipated in the original submittal, that element of the plan does need to be updated by the petitioner and reviewed by the Planning Board. As is normal practice for PUDs that are, by their nature, likely to be modified over the many years required for implementation, an amendment may be approved by the Board for such changes.
The new ownership and implementation team is aware of the need to provide an update and is in the process of assembling materials to explain changes to the Lechmere Station project and any other revisions to the plan that they now envision. As the City has not yet received the update, it is too early to say what other changes may be proposed, but the petitioner expects to make a submittal in the near future that should clarify the relationship between the master plan and the new station, and describe any additional changes under consideration.
28. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-74, regarding a report on producing information for residents and neighborhood groups relative to the best way to seek technical support for zoning and development issues.
To: Robert W. Healy, City Manager
From: Brian P. Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: June 14,2011
Subject: Council Order # 8, dated June 6, 2011, requesting a report on best way for residents and neighborhoods groups to obtain information and technical support for zoning and development issues.The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance is a complex document that can, at times, be difficult to interpret. Community Development Department staff are always willing to help residents, business owners, property owners, and neighborhood groups to understand the principles and contents of the Zoning Ordinance, to provide information on the potential impact developments might have on their neighborhoods and, more importantly, to learn what questions to ask in meetings with developers.
The CDD Community Planning Division has assigned to each neighborhood a neighborhood planner who becomes familiar with the land use and physical details of the area, attends neighborhood meetings and leads the neighborhood planning study update process. These planners can be very helpful to the community in sorting out land use issues when they arise in a neighborhood. Working in this kind of advisory role with residents and other stakeholders is a customary and appropriate staff function.
If people want a quick reference to zoning information, another useful resource is the The Zoning Guide: A User Guide to the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, which is available on the CDD web site: http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cdd/cp/zng/zguide/index.html. The Zoning Guide provides an overview of the Zoning Ordinance and seeks to explain some of the more technical concepts in language accessible to the layperson.
As part of updating the CDD website, we will highlight the availability of staff resources to assist residents and neighborhood groups with zoning and other development-related information.
29. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation of the Section 5.28.2 Rezoning Petition.
Referred to Petition
Date: June 7, 2011
Subject: Section 5.28.2 Rezoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board RECOMMENDS adoption of the petition in part, with additional commentary on specific issues.To the Honorable, the City Council,
After reviewing the City Council Petition to modify the zoning regulations regarding conversion of non-residential structures to residential use (Section 5.28.2), the Planning Board makes the following recommendations.
1. The Board supports the following changes as proposed:
• Language that defines the types of residential uses that are allowed for projects seeking a 5.28.2 special permit, clarifying that the Planning Board may grant a special permit for conversion of an existing non-residential structure to multi-family residential use in all districts except Open Space.
• The definition of a "Parking Analysis" and the requirement that such analysis be provided as part of the special permit application for a 5.28.2 project with more than 10,000 gross square feet or more than 10 dwelling units.
• The added provision that allows the Planning Board to permit limited non-residential uses on the ground floor or basement of a proposed 5.28.2 project.
• The proposed revisions to the Criteria for Approval of a Special Permit.
• Other clarifying text changes proposed in the introduction to Section 5.28.2 and in Subsections 5.28.21, 5.28.25, 5.28.27, and 5.28.28.
These changes will encourage proponents to prepare special permit applications that better address the types of issues that the Planning Board should consider in granting a special permit, and will provide better guidance to the Planning Board in reaching decisions. The provision for permitting limited non-residential uses will provide some additional options that may allow for better projects in cases where such uses are appropriate.
2. With regard to the proposed changes to Subsection 5.28.22, concerning the maximum allowed number of dwelling units in a 5.28.2 project, the Board offers the following comments.
In the view of the Board, it is crucial that the provisions in 5.28.2 provide adequate flexibility for the Planning Board to review and approve projects based on their appropriateness given the existing conditions of the site and the surrounding context. The 5.28.2 zoning is meant to encourage the preservation of buildings in instances where the existing conditions do not conform to the normal zoning regulations, and so applying rigid standards might unnecessarily constrain some projects that otherwise meet the goals of the ordinance.
Based on information provided by Community Development Department staff (see Page 6 in the attached materials), the current 5.28.22 formula provides a generous maximum number of dwelling units, but the number of units approved by the Planning Board has often been well below this maximum. This is because the approved number of dwelling units has been determined with attention given to the specific, unique conditions of the building and site. In the Board’s opinion, the current zoning regulations have, in general, led to the approval of projects that are consistent with the City’s development goals and appropriate to their sites.
However, some Board members note that there are potential benefits to providing a more realistic expectation for the number of units that could be allowed in a 5.28.2 project. Such an expectation would be helpful to property owners and developers who are evaluating a project site, as well as to neighbors who are concerned about the potential impacts of a residential conversion. Based on the information cited above, there is often a wide divergence between the maximum number of units allowed and the number of units approved by the Planning Board, which might result in uncertain expectations for how an existing building may be developed.
The Board considered the dwelling unit formula proposed in the petition, as well as an alternative formula suggested by Community Development Department staff. Either of these formulas would effectively reduce the allowed units to a number that is closer to what the Planning Board has typically permitted, particularly in the case of larger projects. While either formula might more accurately predict the appropriate number of dwelling units, no formula will fit every project perfectly, because each project is constrained by the unique conditions of the site and the surrounding area. Although these formulas may provide clearer expectations, they may also limit the Board’s flexibility in dealing with unique cases. An alternate option might be to adopt such a formula as a guideline, but allow the Planning Board flexibility to approve a higher or lower number based on the specifics of the case.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell, Chair
30. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-60, regarding report the feasibility of creating a program for residents who are interested in starting a new business in Cambridge as Awaiting Report Item 11-67, regarding a report on ensuring that Cambridge participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011.
Referred to Economic Development, Training, & Employment Committee - Cheung
31. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 11-56 and 11-62, regarding how the City can support electric vehicles and the US Department of Energy grant for development of local/regional electric charging infrastructure.
32. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for approve of the alteration, layout and acceptance of the portion of Vassar Street that is between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street in the City of Cambridge.
June 20, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am writing to request that you approve the alteration, layout and acceptance of the portion of Vassar Street that is between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street in the City of Cambridge. In connection with this request, I am submitting for your information a proposed order that includes a written description of the revised roadway layout and a Street Acceptance Plan for Vassar Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street. As part of the alteration to this portion of Vassar Street, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ("MlT") will be returning to the City five small slivers of land that had previously been granted to MIT by the City in a lease and easement as part of an earlier project, as more fully set forth below.
The revised roadway layout and alteration of Vassar Street is an integral part of two significant projects for the overall improvement to Vassar Street that were planned and constructed by MIT with the approval and support of the City. After commencing the project in 2006, MIT completed the reconstruction of Vassar Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street in the fall of 2009. That project was known as the Vassar Street West project and followed a similar project, the Vassar Street East project, which was for the portion of Vassar Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Main Street. The Vassar Street East project was commenced in 2002 and was completed in 2004. The work in both the Vassar Street East and the Vassar Street West projects included upgrading the municipal utility infrastructure (sewer, drain and water), the natural gas, electrical and telecommunications infrastructure as well as the various MIT systems in the area. Once the utility work was completed the surface was reconstructed to include new sidewalks, lighting systems, raised bike lanes, landscaping and a new roadway surface.
By way of background, in 1993 MIT was granted a lease and easement by the City to construct and maintain streetscape improvements, including pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, and surface and subsurface utilities on two strips of land, on the north and south of Vassar Street adjacent to and behind the sidewalk curbs on the section of Vassar Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street (as part of the CASPAR Agreement). An order of discontinuance for portions of Vassar Street was approved by City Council at that time in connection with that project. As a result of the recently completed Vassar Street West construction project and the revised alignment of the roadway in the area, City staff have determined that the present accepted layout of Vassar Street should be revised to reflect the new roadway alignment, and that small slivers of those portions of Vassar Street that were the subject of the earlier easement and lease granted to MIT should be returned back to the City. I am thus submitting for your approval new street layout and acceptance plans reflecting the new roadway geometry of Vassar Street following construction of this project.
In total there are five small slivers of those portions of Vassar Street included in the easement and lease to MIT that are being returned back to the City, four at those locations where the raised bike facility returns onto the roadway (D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-5) and one on the northern side of the street (D1-4) adjacent to Massachusetts Avenue where a very slight realignment of the curb is reflected in the new roadway layout. The total area of the slivers of Vassar Street that are being returned to the City from the earlier easement and lease is 3,964 square feet.
In accordance with the Cambridge Municipal Code, the new street layout and acceptance plans have been reviewed by the Water, Community Development, Public Works, Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, Electrical and Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments and the City Engineer, all of whom have approved the new street layout and acceptance plans. I believe that the straightening of this portion of Vassar Street in the new roadway layout, together with the additional amenities that have been constructed as part of the Vassar Street project, including infrastructure upgrades, improved lighting, a new roadway surface, landscaping and bike lanes, are all significant improvements from which the City and its residents will benefit, and I therefore request that you approve the alteration, layout and acceptance of these portions of Vassar Street.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Agenda Item No. 32A June 20, 2011
WHEREAS: By instrument entitled "Easement" between the City of Cambridge, a municipal corporation with an address at 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (the "City") and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an educational corporation with a business address at 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 ("MIT") dated June 28, 1993 and recorded at Book 36307, Page 402 (the "Easement Agreement"), the City granted to MIT a perpetual easement over property owned by the City between Massachusetts Avenue and Audrey Street within the layout of Vassar Street referred to therein as the Vassar Street Parcels (the "Easement Premises") more fully described in said instrument and shown on a plan entitled "Plan of Discontinuance of a Portion of Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts" (3 sheets), and recorded with the Middlesex County South District Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 404 of 1993;
WHEREAS: By instrument entitled "Lease" between the City and MIT the City granted to MIT a lease of the Easement Premises dated June 28, 1993, notice of which is recorded at Book 36307, Page 23365, Page 8; and
WHEREAS: The Easement and Lease each reserved for the benefit of the public a right of pedestrian and bicycle access to the portions of the Easement Premises maintained by MIT as bicycle paths and walkways; and
WHEREAS: As part of MIT's project to make certain improvements to Vassar Street, consistent with the Easement (the "Vassar Streetscape Project") MIT has made certain improvements to Vassar Street including the construction of a public bicycle path over portions of the Easement Premises; and
WHEREAS: As part of the Vassar Streetscape Project, MIT desires to release to the City portions of the Easement Premises shown on a plan entitled, "Survey Plan of Bike Roadway Parcels D1-1 through D1-5, Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, prepared for Massachusetts Institute of Technology" dated Nov 2, 2006, most recently revised on June 2, 2011 by Nitsch Engineering, to be recorded with the Middlesex County South District Registry of Deeds herewith, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A (the Bike Roadway Parcels), and the City has agreed to accept a layout of the portion of Vassar Street between Audrey Street and Massachusetts Avenue to include the Bike Roadway Parcels within the street lines as shown on a plan entitled, "Acceptance Plan for a Portion of Vassar Street, Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, prepared for Massachusetts Institute of Technology", dated on Oct 2, 2009, most recently revised on June 2, 2011 by Nitsch Engineering, to be recorded herewith, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C, that alters the layout of Vassar Street to include the Bike Roadway Parcels within the limits of said street; and
WHEREAS: Pursuant to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge Section 12.16.010 et. seq. which regulate the acceptance and layout of public ways, reports having been received from the Police, Fire, Public Works, Electrical, Emergency Communications, Community Development, Water and Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments and the City Engineer regarding the layout and acceptance of the Bike Roadway Parcels to be located in the roadway at the intersections of Vassar Street with Massachusetts Avenue and with Audrey Street; now therefore, by virtue of and in pursuance of the authority conferred in the City Council by Section 12.16.010 of the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge, the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and by every other power and authority it thereto enabling; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council of the City of Cambridge hereby accept this layout of all of the rights and easements previously granted to MIT in the Bike Roadway Parcels, which are shown on a plan entitled, "Survey of Bike Roadway Parcels D1-1 through D1-5, Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, prepared for Massachusetts Institute of Technology" dated Nov 2, 2006, most recently revised on June 2, 2011 by Nitsch Engineering, to be recorded herewith, which plan and parcels are more fully described on Exhibit A and Exhibit B, hereto annexed, so as to alter the layout of Vassar Street to include the Bike Roadway Parcels within the limits of said street as shown on a plan entitled, "Acceptance Plan for a Portion of Vassar Street, Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, prepared for Massachusetts Institute of Technology", dated Oct 2, 2009, most recently revised on June 2, 2011 by Nitsch Engineering, attached hereto as Exhibit C, thereby removing the Bike Roadway Parcels from the previously described Easement Premises.
ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
3. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
5. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a complete and comprehensive list of all concessions made to the City and broader Cambridge community by developers and the universities in exchange for zoning relief, special permits, or Council approval. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Eleven of Apr 25, 2011. Tabled on Motion of Councillor Cheung on May 2, 2011.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing on Apr 6, 2011 and a follow-up public meeting on May 17, 2011 to consider a petition to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance filed by Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, joined by M.I.T. as land owner, to allow for the creation of a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street opposite the location of the Novartis main campus at the former Necco Building. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 6, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Mar 29, 2011. Petition expires July 5, 2011.
Ordained 9-0 as amended; Ordinance #1338
8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing on Apr 6, 2011 for the purpose of considering the re-filed Fox petition to rezone an area primarily along Cottage Park Avenue from Business A-2 to Residence B. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 20, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Mar 29, 2011. Petition expires July 5, 2011.
Ordained 9-0 as amended; Ordinance #1339
9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing on May 5, 2011 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments submitted in response to City Council Order No.11 of Jan 24, 2011, in which the Council requested that Community Development Department (CDD) staff engage in a comprehensive review of Section 5.28.2, including the history of the use of the section for special permit applications for conversion of commercial and institutional uses to residential building, and the recent public conversations on this section of the Zoning Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 20, 2011. Planning Board hearing held May 10, 2011. Petition expires Aug 3, 2011.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Rafiki bistro, requesting permission for four tables and eight chairs for restaurant seating in front of premises numbered 1682 Massachusetts Avenue.
2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing National Poetry Slam 2011.
3. An application was received from Oxford Street Realty, Inc., requesting permission for a sign to be placed in a flower box in front of premises numbered 1644 Massachusetts Avenue.
4. An application was received from Josh Newbury, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 21 Decatur Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Jimmy Tingle, transmitting thanks for the resolution of congratulations on his graduation from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
2. A communication was received from Cambridge Climate Emergency Action Group, transmitting a report on 2011 Climate Change Week and Findings and Recommendations from Activities since the 2009-2010 Climate Congress.
3. A communication was received from Terrence F. Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge of Commerce, transmitting support for the zoning proposal filed by Novartis.
4. A communication was received from Marshall Forstein M.D., Harvard Medical School, regarding the sale of Chapman Arms, Cambridge.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Francis J. "Franny" Hayes. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
2. Congratulations to Quinton Zondervan on his new position as President of Green Decade/Cambridge. Vice Mayor Davis
3. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Maria C. Barnes. Councillor Reeves
4. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Sousa. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
5. Resolution on the death of Richard J. "Dick" Silva. Mayor Maher
6. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Zelma Olivia Evelyn. Councillor Reeves
7. Retirement of Nancy Kendall from the School Department. Mayor Maher
8. Retirement of Hal Hedges from the School Department. Mayor Maher
9. Resolution on the death of Jean Keldysz. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey
10. Resolution on the death of Shirley F. (Feeney) McGrail. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael B. Cook Jr. Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Michael C. Olivieri. Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Emilio J. Campo Jr. Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher B. Fishbeck. Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert P. Hartwick. Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Matthew Joseph England. Councillor Decker
17. Congratulations to Emily and Matt Robison on the birth of their daughter Ruth Else Robison. Councillor Decker
18. Congratulations to Robin Lapidus on being named Executive Director of the Central Square Business Association. Mayor Maher
19. Thanks to Carl Barron for his longstanding support of the Hildebrand Family Self Help Center. Mayor Maher
20. Thanks to the Metabolix employees who will be hosting its annual Day of Service in partnership with Cambridge Department of Public Works on June 20, 2011. Mayor Maher
21. Congratulations to Brian Dandro on his appointment as Executive Chef at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge. Mayor Maher
22. Thanks to Joyce Trotman for her many years of of service as the Executive Director of the Hildebrand Family Self Help Center. Mayor Maher
23. Thanks to John Schall, owner of FiRE + Ice, for hosting a fundraiser for Brenna Bean on June 14, 2011. Mayor Maher
24. Welcome Matrix Partners to the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
25. Congratulations to Dr. James Roland Braithwaite for his many years of service as organist and choir master at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Maher
26. Congratulations to Una Barrett on being the recipient of the 2011 Irish Voice Influential Women Award. Mayor Maher
27. Resolution on the death of James P. Harkins. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey
28. Congratulations to Tom Benner on being hired as the new Editor-in-Chief of Spare Change. Councillor Seidel
29. Congratulations to Gladys Vega on her fellowship position with the Barr Foundation. Councillor Decker
30. Welcome Paperwork.Pro to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
31. Welcome Architex to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
32. Best wishes to Dana Goheen, Multi Service Center, as he pursues his law degree. Councillor Decker
33. Congratulations to the Boston Bruins on winning the 2011 Stanley Cup. Councillor Toomey
34. Congratulations to the Cambridge Massachusetts Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the dedication ceremony for the Longfellow Park Chapel. Councillor Decker
35. Death resolution. Councillor Decker (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
36. Congratulations resolution. Mayor Maher (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
37. Death resolution. Mayor Maher (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
38. Congratulations resolution. Councillor Toomey (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
39. Congratulations resolution. Councillor Toomey (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
40. Congratulations resolution. Councillor Simmons (missing in City Clerk's posted list)
41. Happy Birthday wishes to Jamie Townes. Councillor Simmons
42. Best wishes to Gerlinde Hossain-Endle in future endeavors. Councillor Decker
43. Congratulations to Greg Cronin on being named Assistant Coach of the NHL Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Team. Mayor Maher
44. That the City Council go on record recognizing and thanking the Prospect Street Whole Foods for accepting food scraps for composting. Vice Mayor Davis
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct all department heads to remind their staff to whenever possible and when it is economically feasible to buy local. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Cheung (amended on June 27, 2011 and referred to Econ. Dev. Committee)
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to develop a long term strategy that somehow mitigates the actions of the Boston cab companies Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to look into the feasibility of amending the Paine Park's fountain's schedule to allow for continued use through Labor Day. Councillor Cheung
4. That the City Manager is requested to submit an order allocating funds from the current budget so that the City Council can hire outside counsel to provide independent advice about the manager's employment contract and his request to amend it. Councillor Kelley
Order Fails of Adoption 1-7-0-1 (Kelley YES; Reeves PRESENT)
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to see if there are any means to address the staff parking issue at Tot Lot. Councillor Seidel
Order Fails of Adoption 3-6 (Seidel, Simmons, Maher YES)
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and to report back on where the police currently conduct foot patrols or park and walks in Cambridge and how these locations are decided. Councillor Toomey
7. That the City Council go on record asking Harvard University to work closely and cooperatively with the City Manager, the Affordable Housing Trust, Homeowner's Rehab, Inc., tenants and others to facilitate the sale of the property to Homeowner's Rehab, Inc to ensure the continued affordability at Craigie Arms for current and future tenants. Councillor Decker
8. That the Mayor appoint a special commission comprised of city officials, community members and members of the O'Neill Family for the purpose of planning events in 2012 to commemorate the Centennial of Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr.'s birth. Mayor Maher
9. That the City Clerk is directed to insert the language quoted in the Second Whereas clause of this Order into the record copy of both the 2006 and 2009 contracts after the existing heading Section 10 Indemnification, and further to add to both contracts the omitted heading Section 11 Provisions, all as appeared in the 2002 contract. Councillor Toomey
Approved 8-1; Councillor Kelley voted NO
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, for public meeting held on May 2, 2011 to discuss creating a program in Cambridge similar to Boston's Department of Urban Mechanics to improve city service delivery and to discuss creating a capital budget for the development of internet and mobile based tools.
Charter Right - Decker
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a public meeting held on May 9, 2011 for the purpose of receiving information regarding plans to sell Craigie Arms (also known as Chapman Arms) and the City's options to preserve affordability.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Environment Committee for a public meeting held on Apr 26, 2011 to discuss the future of curbside collection of organic waste and decreasing the use of plastic bags.
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee for a public meeting held on June 8, 2011 to discuss clarification/correction to the City Manager's contract.
Underlying Order adopted 8-1 with Kelley voting NO
5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on June 15, 2011 to continue to consider a petition to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance filed by Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, joined by M.I.T. as land owner, to allow for the creation of a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street opposite the location of the Novartis main campus at the former Necco Building. (amended)
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Report from Cambridge Climate Emergency Action Group on activities and findings along with any recommendations for future City efforts. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 28
3:00pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss creating the city's economic development goals. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 29
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss building green schools. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, June 30
6:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting with the Civic Unity Advisory Committee to receive and discuss information from the Police Commissioner regarding CPD training relative to recommendations from the Cambridge Review Committee. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, July 13
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition from MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to create a new section 13.80 to the Zoning Ordinances entitled PUD-5 District and amend the Zoning Map to create a new PUD-5 District in the Kendall Square area; petition rezones a 26-acre parcel in the Kendall Square area. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 1
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 3
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)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 20, 2011 [Charter Right - Cheung (amended on June 27, 2011 and referred to Econ. Dev. Committee)]
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge's wide range of innovative and customer conscious small businesses are ranked high in what residents cherish most about this city; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is fortunate to have hundreds of unique and popular locally owned and independent businesses that are critical components to a strong local economy; however, in these hard economic times owning a business has become even more difficult; and
WHEREAS: During this difficult time, it is critical that we continue to fight for every Cambridge job, every Cambridge small business and every chance to boost Cambridge's economy; and
WHEREAS: Nationally, small businesses employ over half of all private sector employees and have generated over 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years; and
WHEREAS: The most readily available action any city can take to diminish the effect of the national economic crisis on its residents it to help strengthen its local economy; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that several city employees ordered flowers from a national floral website in celebration of "Administrative Professionals Day" rather than submit the order to a locally owned business, and ultimately the order was eventually fulfilled by a local store; and
WHEREAS: The afore described scenario is literally taking money out of the hands of local business owners and sending it to a middleman in Virginia for the same services and flowers; and
WHEREAS: Money spent at locally-owned businesses contributes 57% more to the local economy than does money spent at non-locally owned businesses and keeps valuable services and jobs in the City; and
WHEREAS: The before mentioned example highlights the necessity for a more pro-active approach by the City of Cambridge to support local economic development, especially in these uncertain economic times. It is important to remind residents and employees alike that individual decisions collectively impact the fabric of the community around us; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby is requested to direct all department heads to remind their staff to whenever possible and when it is economically feasible to buy local. This can be accomplished by hanging posters in City buildings similar to those at the Harvard Book Store which say "See it here, buy it here, keep us here" and through regular department meetings stressing the importance of supporting the local economy and report back to the City Council.
O-2 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Boston cab companies occasionally attempt to appropriate business from Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: During this difficult time, it is critical that we continue to fight for every Cambridge job, every Cambridge small business and every chance to boost Cambridge's economy; and
WHEREAS: The most readily available action any city can take to diminish the effect of the national economic crisis on its residents it to help strengthen its local economy; and
WHEREAS: It is in the best interest of the City to ensure that our locally owned cab companies are given the best opportunity to succeed in an already tough market; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to develop a long term strategy that somehow mitigates the actions of the Boston cab companies and report back to the City Council with the course of action.
O-3 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the fountain in Paine Park is only turned on from May 15 through Aug 15; and
WHEREAS: Under the current provisions, the fountain is turned off for the last two weeks of August, historically one of the hottest periods of the summer; and
WHEREAS: Many school children like to play at Paine Park during summer vacation but are limited by the fountain's timeframe; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to look into the feasibility of amending the Paine Park's fountain's schedule to allow for continued use through Labor Day and report back to the City Council.
O-4 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The current contract between the City Manager and the City Council was voted on with little time for the Council or the general public to review the final contract; and
WHEREAS: The current contract does not, at this point, contain all the items the City Manager would like; and
WHEREAS: Possible changes to the current contract may open the contract to re-negotiation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to compile and provide to the City Council copies of the contracts of other Massachusetts City Managers for comparison by the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to submit an order allocating funds from the current budget so that the City Council can hire outside counsel to provide independent advice about the manager's employment contract and his request to amend it; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk is requested to provide the City Council with copies of the signed originals of the last four City Manager contracts.
O-5 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Cambridgeport Children's Center, also known as "Tot Lot," has been providing nurturing and caring educational and social programming for preschool-aged children and their families since 1971, with a founding mission of providing "a safe place to counter the many forms of persistent discrimination in our society;" and
WHEREAS: Tot Lot is comprised of ethnically, racially, culturally and socio-economically diverse children, families and staff; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge appreciates organizations like Tot Lot who provide valuable services and support to families with young children, recognizing the important impact good childcare and education has on the future development of a child; and
WHEREAS: Tot Lot has no off-street parking to provide staff, some of whom do not live in Cambridge but who do need to drive to work; and
WHEREAS: Staff who park on the street are ticketed because they are not able to obtain a City of Cambridge parking sticker; and
WHEREAS: These parking fines are becoming increasingly burdensome to Tot Lot staff; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to see if there are any means to address the staff parking issue at Tot Lot.
O-6 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and to report back on where the police currently conduct foot patrols or park and walks in Cambridge and how these locations are decided.
O-7 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the buildings at 120-122 Mt. Auburn, 2-4-6 University Road and 6 Bennett Street, also known as Craigie Arms Apartments, are being offered for sale; and
WHEREAS: The building is currently owned by a limited partnership which is controlled by the estate of the developer who purchased the building from Harvard University in 1985; and
WHEREAS: Under terms of the settlement of legal proceedings between the developer, Harvard University and the City in 1985, 25 of the 50 units must be rented to low-income residents for 30 years; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University sold the Craigie Arms building to the developer under a 55-year ground lease, retaining ownership of the underlying land, and will again assume ownership of the building at the expiration of the current ground lease in 2040; and
WHEREAS: Under the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 40T, the owner of Craigie Arms was required to notify the city, the state and tenants of its intention to offer the building for sale subject to expiring affordability restrictions; and
WHEREAS: Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. has been designated by the state under provisions of Chapter 40T to make efforts on its behalf to purchase the building so that the affordability of these units may be preserved; and
WHEREAS: The Affordable Housing Trust has committed funds necessary to fully assess the feasibility of preserving these units through a purchase by Homeowner's Rehab, Inc.; and
WHEREAS: In order to finance the purchase of the building with state and federal affordable housing funds, Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. will need Harvard University to agree to extend the term of its ground lease; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager has requested that Harvard University extend the term of its ground lease for Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. to assist in its purchase of the building; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has been presented the opportunity to work with the city and the state designee to explore partnerships in the sale of the building that will preserve the affordability of these units; and
WHEREAS: Current tenants living in the building would like to know whether their homes are secure for more than the remaining 5 years required by the 1985 settlement; and
WHEREAS: The developer and original controlling owner worked very closely with the City, strongly supported the affordable units in this building, and was a leader in the field of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: In the current economic climate, with more families needing affordable housing while resources for housing are being cut, preservation of existing affordable housing is of critical importance; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes that Craigie Arms is an important affordable resource in an area where there are few housing choices for low-income tenants and would therefore like to find a way to secure the affordability of at least these 25 units of affordable housing for the long-term; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking Harvard University to renew its commitment to preserving affordable housing in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking Harvard University to work closely and cooperatively with the City Manager, the Affordable Housing Trust, Homeowner's Rehab, Inc., tenants and others to facilitate the sale of the property to Homeowner's Rehab, Inc to ensure the continued affordability at Craigie Arms for current and future tenants; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking Harvard University to amend the term of its ground lease to assist in these preservation efforts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council ask Harvard University to communicate to the City Council what the University can do to assist in preserving the affordability of these units; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking that owners of and investors in the Craigie Arms building work closely with the city, Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. the Affordable Housing Trust, tenants and others to ensure that every effort is made to ensure that Craigie Arms remains the important affordable housing resource it has been for the long-term.
O-8 June 20, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. was born on Dec 12, 1912 in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip O'Neill Jr. acquired his nickname "Tip" during his childhood while attending Saint John's High School in North Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr.'s unsuccessful bid for the Cambridge City Council in 1932 inspired his famous quote "All Politics Is Local"; and
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1936, elected to the Cambridge School Committee in 1946 and elected as the first Democratic Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1949; and
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. began a thirty-four year career as a member of the United States House of Representatives in 1952 quickly rising to the leadership positions of Majority Whip and Majority Leader before becoming the fifty-fifth Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1977; and
WHEREAS: Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. was the second longest serving Speaker in the history of the United States Congress and had an enormous impact on Cambridge, the Commonwealth and the United States of America; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor appoint a special commission comprised of city officials, community members and members of the O'Neill Family for the purpose of planning events in 2012 to commemorate the Centennial of Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr.'s birth.
O-9 June 20, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: By a communication dated February 7, 2006 the co-chairs of the Government Operations Committee of the City Council directed a communication to all members of the City Council attaching the City Manager's then existing contract which was set to expire on August 30, 2006 along with the City Manager's Performance Appraisal Form; and
WHEREAS: That existing contract delivered to each City Councillor on February 7, 2006 for their review and use in performing their individual performance appraisal of the City Manager contained a provision entitled Section 10. Indemnification which contained the following language:
The City shall defend, save harmless, and indemnify the Manager against any tort, professional liability claim or demand or other legal action whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission in the Manager's performance of his duties as City Manager. Such provisions shall continue to be in effect after the expiration of employee's contract. Manager shall be paid the hourly rate in existence at the end of his service for testimony or consultation by or on behalf of the City for such claims or actions;
and
WHEREAS: Comparable indemnification language had appeared in prior contracts approved for the City Manager; and
WHEREAS: The Government Operations Committee held a public hearing on February 22, 2006 and transmitted a report to the full City Council on February 27, 2006 with an attachment of a proposed new contract and a recommendation for favorable action; and
WHEREAS: Through an apparent clerical error in the re-tying of the proposed contract the language from the provisions entitled Section 10 Indemnification contained in the earlier contracts was inadvertently dropped and the provisions of the former Section 11 Provisions were moved into the Section entitled Indemnification, and the former Section 11 heading was omitted; and
WHEREAS: The same clerical error was carried over from the 2006 contract into the contract approved by the City Council in 2009 with the City Manager; and
WHEREAS: The long-standing Indemnification clause was a material provision without which the City Manager would not have accepted the contracts; and
WHEREAS: The Committee Report from the February 22, 2006 hearing of the Government Operations Committee contains no reference to any discussion by any member of the public or the members of the City Council, or the City Manager, mentioning the Indemnification provision; and
WHEREAS: It was not the intent of the City Manager or the City Council to omit the substantive provision of the Indemnification provision from either the 2006 or the 2009 contract; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby acknowledges that by mutual mistake a clerical error lead to the inadvertent drop of the substantive language of Section 10 Indemnification of both the 2006 and 2009 contracts executed by the City Manager and the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to insert the language quoted in the Second Whereas clause of this Order into the record copy of both the 2006 and 2009 contracts after the existing heading Section 10 Indemnification, and further to add to both contracts the omitted heading Section 11 Provisions, all as appeared in the 2002 contract.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 9:21am in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss creating a program in Cambridge similar to Boston's Department of Urban Mechanics to improve city service delivery. Due to the interrelated nature of the topics the meeting scheduled to discuss creating a capital budget for the development of internet and mobile based tools which began at 10:36 AM is incorporated into this report.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Mayor David P. Maher; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; David Kale, Budget Director; Mary Hart, IT Director; Mike Dugas, Deputy IT Director; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Rebecca Fuentes, Deputy Director for Administration, Public Works Department; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present were Justin Holmes, Mayor's Office, Boston; Chris Osgood, Co-Chair, Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, Boston; Jeff Mooney, Seeclickfix; and Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, Cambridge.
Councillor Decker opened the meeting and explained the purpose. She stated that the Finance Committee meeting would be in two parts one about Boston's Urban Mechanics and the second part would discuss resources, including how the city could develop a capital budget. She outlined the agenda for the meeting: presentation by Saul Tannenbaum, a presentation about the Boston Urban Mechanics Program and a presentation from Jeff Mooney from Seeclickfix. Councillor Decker stated that meeting was called to look at innovative ways to use technology as a civic engagement tool. At this time Councillor Decker asked Saul Tannenbaum to give a brief presentation. Mr. Tannenbaum's presentation was entitled "Municipal Innovation". (ATTACHMENT A).
Mr. Tannenbaum stated that it matters to the public if they can engage with government. He became involved in this matter because of snow tickets. He analyzed snow tickets given for unshoveled sidewalks. He analyzed the time taken by Public Works to close out tickets. The response time was a little over a day. The City is not letting tickets pile up - the City is going out doing work. The City of Boston site shows all tickets issued. This shows tangibly that the City is working. He gave examples of municipal innovations around the country. The model used in Chinatown uses a video game technology. This could be used for innovation in Kendall Square. He Twittered the MBTA Customer Service about a litter situation. He was answered by the general manager that the situation would be corrected. In New York City goals and priorities are collected from citizens as another way to engage people in government. In New Orleans vinyl stickers are used that are easily removed with no damage to property. Philadelphia, PA launched an open data page. Data is available in Cambridge, but it is buried in the website. It is easier to get data from one spot. New York City is starting to put quick response codes to their city permits application information. San Francisco is providing real-time parking information. In San Francisco 33% of traffic is people looking for parking spaces. Mr. Tannenbaum further stated that Cambridge's crime data and police performance and management strategies are reviewed. However, the public does not know about this or that the Police Department has a Face book page and that the Police Department receives and responds to Twits.
Councillor Decker thanked Mr. Tannenbaum for his presentation.
Boston Urban Mechanics
Mr. Holmes stated that he would discuss accessibility, responsiveness and accountability as it relates to Boston's Department of Urban Mechanics. Requests from the public are taken and turned into meaningful responses.
On accessibility there is a 24-hour hot line opened 24/7 which has been in existence for thirty years. The use of the website and I Phone applications has increased users. A Twitter server engine was added.
The City needs to demonstrate to the public that a response is done. The CRM application was launched in 2008 in Boston. It is a Login Product used. All requests are entered into CRM system and given a number as well as an expected completion date. If a request comes via e-mail a response is generated. When completed the case is closed. The constituent receives a response.
On accountability Mr. Holmes stated that every two weeks the data is reviewed with departments. Volume is reviewed for completion. Uncompleted cases are reviewed. This data is published on the City's website. A data hub is available on the website to review city-wide and by neighborhoods the complaints received and responded to by the City. At this time Mr. Holmes introduced Mr. Chris Osgood, Co-Chair of the Boston New Urban Mechanic Department who explained his role.
Mr. Osgood stated that the City research and development group leverages new technology to engage the public. The tools for civic engagement were ramped up. The focus was on connecting citizens. Six months after CRM was launched the question was asked how we get more civic engagement and interaction. With the increased use of the Smart Phones the City did not have a platform in this area. A citizens' connection program was developed. Under this program a citizen reports an incident and sends it to the City where it receives a case number and a response to the incident is generated. The application was built with input from three parties: the connect venue, constituent recruitment group and city departments to develop functionality. This was launched in October 2009. An immense number of downloads were received. This became the channel of choice to report graffiti and potholes. The application covered all the neighborhoods and a lot of feedback was received. In October 2010 an upgrade to a 3.0 version was done. All requests can be publicly seen. Twitter functionality was included. Requests are received seasonably. There is a Blackberry and Android version. There have been 12,000 requests received which represents 14% of all requests received by Boston. The design of the application matters a lot. It needs to look exciting and compelling. Constituents were included to develop the application design. The critical piece of the application is the response to the request.
Councillor Decker asked City Manager Healy if he had any questions.
Mr. Healy asked what is done with the impossible requests. Mr. Holmes stated that a response is sent to the constituent explaining what was done on the request. Mr. Osgood added that the application is designed for things which can be responded to.
Mr. Healy stated that the CRM application is similar to Cambridge's Request System (CRS). The Boston application is more advanced. In Cambridge you can go to Public Works Department to report a pothole, but it cannot be reported with a camera or I Phone yet. Cambridge is smaller than Boston. The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will be on line soon at a cost of $300,000. ISD on line will use handheld devices. This involves training when a new system is put in place. The License Commission is on line and will be expanded. Cambridge has more on-going projects. Cambridge invests in technology. There is $2 million in the budget and IT is included. There is significant investment made to personnel and hardware. All major departments have dedicated IT personnel. The WIFI in the Youth Centers requires maintenance and upgrade. There is a Capital Budget for IT. There was a significant expense for PeopleSoft and Oracle and they now require an upgrade. Microsoft Office will need an upgrade. He understands the City Council's concern and he is trying to move quickly and reasonably as possible. There is never enough resources. The "Pay As You Go" software will increase $300,000 for the upgrades. Customer Service program can be developed quickly. Boston's application limits the complaint category. The Police Department has engaged in social media. The Arts Council and Library use it. He expressed his concern about the appropriate and inappropriate use of Face book. Technology moves fast. Technology prioritization is being reviewed and will look into citizen input system.
Councillor Decker stated that the point of this meeting was around utilizing technology. Potential partners, who they are, need to be looked at. She suggested looking into a piloting program for engaging constituents. Her priority is how to use technology for civic engagement. This must include constituents and the application design. Cambridge does not have to reinvent the wheel. Two more technical positions will be funded in the budget. She outlined her concerns:
what is timeline;
what is process to prioritize;
social mapping;
partnerships;
look at the budget and
how do we roll out the expectations.
Mr. Tannenbaum stated that he respects the IT challenge. The most important part of the citizens engagement is the end-to-end business process, tracking requests and response. Some complaints have no end-to-end tracking device. There is a problem with interactions of systems.
Councillor Cheung stated that he had three questions:
l. How many people work in the Urban Mechanics Department?
2. Can Cambridge copy Boston?
3. Has Boston gone bankrupt?
Mr. Osgood responded that there are two employees in the Urban Mechanics Department who work through partnerships. Boston is not bankrupt.
Seeclickfix
At this time Councillor Decker asked Jeff Mooney to explain Seeclickfix.
Mr. Mooney explained what Seeclickfix does. It was started by Ben Berkowtiz who wanted to communicate with his government. There are different ways to submit complaints to SeeclickFix. I Phone, Androids and Face book can be used to submit a complaint. Face book can be challenging. Seeclickfix Face book could be developed. The categories can be organized. The fix part is community centered. The government gets notified of a complaint. When complaint is fixed it is closed. Complaints can be captured in maps. There is a $100 a month fee, without Face book, to access the site and it includes maps. This does not connect to a work order system.
Mr. Rossi asked Mr. Osgood who sets the priorities in Boston. Mr. Osgood responded that Mayor Menino sets the priorities which are to keep the streets safe, to educate, to create a seamless network and job growth.
Councillor Decker asked Mr. Osgood if he works as a consultant for the city departments in Boston. Mr. Osgood explained that departments had input into the process but he and Justin are the resource to develop new technology. Mr. Tannenbaum added that many projects are grant funded. Mr. Osgood informed the committee that he is always looking for foundation grants; this is part of the job.
Councillor Decker asked Mr. Holmes if his focus is just on constituent services and how many were on staff.
Mr. Holmes responded that there is a staff of 13 who are supported by the IT department. Requests are tracked. There are 100 users on the back end of the system. Seven employees staff the hot line. There are 25 additional employees who staff the call center and 13 who staff the constituent services. Requests are checked from the web and I Phone. Trends are watched.
Councillor Decker explained that during the recent snow storms Public Works was able to be removed from the bombardment of complaints and calls. She asked how this was handled in Boston. Mr. Holmes stated that the Mayor's Storm Center was opened. Requests are recorded for storm issues in an effort to have a city-wide coordinated response. Councillor Decker asked what type of real time information is possible and was an alert sent out. Was technology used to manage this situation? Mr. Osgood added that the CRM system provided a single view of Boston. Requests come in and the city is able to view the location of the snow plow equipment. There has been a GPS trail of the equipment for the last three years. This provides management of the snow plows and allows the equipment being sent to "hot spot" where needed. This information can only be seen by the city. Boston is trying to provide this information to the public. Councillor Decker stated that Cambridge has a foundation, but accessing data is an issue.
Councillor Decker asked if the members of the Boston City Council use the CRM system. Mr. Holmes responded in the affirmative. Councillors enter requests into the system and the case is associated with the particular City Councillor, not the constituent. This enables the City Councillor to communicate back to the constituent.
Councillor Decker asked if the Seeclickfix application goes to Boston. Mr. Holmes explained that Seeclickfix can be opened at Boston.com, but it does not pass through the CRM system. Mr. Osgood informed the committee that work is ongoing with Seeclickfix to integrate this application into the CRM system. Mr. Mooney stated that Seeclickfix can draw a district map and when the city has a request in a district the city staff as well as the City Council is notified. There are systems in place but they need to connect to the work system. Councillor Decker expressed her concerns for a transparent system for data collected to ensure that it is accessible to all. If CRS was used by all in Cambridge there would be a more efficient way to collect data. Mr. Tannenbaum stated that there are some Seeclickfix watch areas set up in Cambridge. There is an impression that it is a service vehicle. Ms. Fuentes, Assistant City Manager for Administration for Public Works, told the committee that she was signed up to be a "watcher" on Seeclickfix. She did not sign up to Seeclickfix; someone else signed her up. These requests are entered into the CRS system. Mr. Rossi explained that requests are put into Cambridge's CRS system and then results are generated. The system is not centralized. Commissioner Peterson stated that Public Works Department has 12,000 open and closed requests each year and this amount does not included the quick responses. Pothole requests are entered into CRS system as well as the completion date.
Mary Hart, IT Director, stated that these issues are on the "IT to do list". The CICO is the new social media. The infrastructure is the building blocks. Her department is looking into ways to host resource. A quick response prototype was developed for potholes. The ideas come to the IT Department. Funds come from the capital budget. The greatest need and the best way to finance the ideas are reviewed.
Councillor Cheung commented that in Boston there are two people involved in the research and development of new technology and then they leverage partnerships. Cambridge has a back load system. The top layer needs to be put into place. Cambridge needs transparency and accessibility. He stated that there are no IT projects that are huge and costly. Mr. Rossi responded that Cambridge has a lot of talented people working in city departments. These individuals bring projects forward. The cost is building the system. Conversation is about the funding source.
Mr. Tannenbaum asked if there is an IT Plan; is the IT environment reviewed? Mr. Rossi responded that this is where Cambridge has to go to create a hierarchy of decision making for IT. Mr. Tannenbaum commented that Boston has a centralized help desk; Cambridge's system is decentralized. Ms. Hart noted that IT is not the bottleneck. Departments can integrate translations into the website; it is a matter of prioritization.
At this time Councillor Decker submitted the following motions:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council and the Finance Committee on the following:
l. Technology Plan for the city;
2. Identifying the use of social media tools such as Gov 2.0; and
3. Identifying projects that would benefit using Gov 2.0 Initiative.
The motion - Carried.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what would be the advantage of creating a research and development office for technology and to provide a timeline for creation of this office, similar to the Urban Mechanics Department in Boston.
The motion - Carried.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review Seeclickfix or any other innovative technology that would connect the City to social media and interactive technology that would engage the public in government.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Decker thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on May 9, 2011 beginning at 1:10pm in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of receiving information regarding plans to sell Craigie Arms (also known as Chapman Arms) and the City's options to preserve affordability.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair; Councillor Sam Seidel; and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk. Also present were Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Christopher Cotter, Housing Director, Community Development Department (CDD); Cassie Arnaud, Housing Planner, CDD; Gregory Russ, Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Michael Johnston, Deputy Director, CHA; Terry Dumas, Director of Planning (CHA); Michael Haran, Executive Director, CASCAP and member of the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT); Peter Daly, Executive Director, Homeowners' Rehab, Inc. (HRI), member of the AHT; Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director, CEOC; Ann Allosso, tenant, Craigie Arms; Sharra Connor, Senior Property Manager, Chapman Arms; Joseph Modica, Tenant, Craigie Arms; Susan Hegel, Attorney, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services (CASLS); Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Association of Cambridge Tenants (ACT); Brad Seawell, tenant, Craigie Arms; Victoria Hickey, tenant, Craigie Arms; and Lillian Greeley, tenant, Craigie Arms; Victoria Harris; and Leo Gayne, Mayor's Office.
Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She invited CDD to provide background information. Mr. Murphy said that Craigie Arms is very important to the City. The 50-unit building is located right in the middle of Harvard Square. In the late ‘70's and early 80's, Harvard University, the owner of the property, began leaving units vacant with the intention of having a vacant building to renovate. The tenants filed suit at the Rent Control Board alleging violation of the Removal Permit Ordinance, which required landlords to obtain a permit before removing rental units from the market.
The case was ultimately settled, and the 1985 settlement agreement included a requirement that 25 units would be affordable for 30 years. Harvard retained ownership of the land but sold the building to a partnership which included Robert Kuehn, the developer for the renovation project. Mr. Kuehn, who developed several mixed income and affordable housing projects during his career, died recently, and his estate holds one of larger interests in the partnership. Under the terms of the ground lease held by Harvard, which has 29 years remaining, Harvard also has an interest in the income from the property.
Mr. Cotter said that CDD has been watching this property for quite a while, particularly since there are not many affordable units in Harvard Square. Three weeks ago they found out that the property had been listed with a broker. This listing was determined to be in violation of MGL Chapter 40T, which requires that the owner of a property with certain expiring affordable housing restrictions provide the Commonwealth, the City, and tenants with notice of their intent to sell. In addition, under MGL 40T, to provide an opportunity to preserve affordability, the Commonwealth has the option to make the first offer during an 90-day period, before the owner can accept offers from other buyers, as well as the right to match offers submitted by other buyers after the 90-period ends. The law also requires notice to tenants, which was not received prior to the listing.
The Commonwealth may also designate a delegate to act in its stead. The City requested that the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) exercise its rights under MGL 40T and designate HRI so that efforts to effect a sale to HRI which would preserve affordability might be undertaken before other buyers might purchase the property. At its last meeting, the Affordable Housing Trust committed the funds necessary for the due diligence necessary to assess preservation financing and costs. It is expected that HRI will be designated by DHCD shortly, and will then have the remainder of the 90-day period from the time of the 40T notice to make an offer. HRI could also decide to wait until another offer is accepted and then elect to match that offer.
Councillor Decker said that the City Council will want the affordability of this building protected. Mr. Cotter stated that CDD will be working with HRI on preservation options. He noted that the sale offer is for the building itself with a lease that expires in another 29 years. All funding sources would require a longer term of affordability. The City would ideally like to have 50 years of affordability starting at of the time of closing and other funding sources will require longer affordability periods. Harvard's position will be key. Mr. Murphy added that there would also be a big difference as to whether Harvard offers the same terms to all potential buyers or makes special provisions in case of a preservation sale supported by the City.
Mr. Daly said that thanks are due to all of those involved in drafting MGL Chapter 40T and getting it passed. Cambridge State Representative Alice Wolf worked very hard on this. The State has asked HRI to be its designee. HRI has agreed in principle, but this is the first one, so they need to work out the legal documents of designation, which will involve DHCD and CEDAC. HRI's involvement gives a local presence, but ultimately HRI will be working on behalf of DHCD. Any offer HRI would make would be for all 50 units.
Ms. Greeley said that the tenants were very shocked by the notice from the management. It listed all of the tenants' units and the amount of rent that they paid. Management told them that nothing would change and their rents would not increase because of the sale. Everything would be the same except the owner.
Councillor Decker explained that the affordability agreements that protect the rents for the 25 affordable units will expire in 5 years, and at that time the rents could be raised.
Ms. Hickey asked whether the tenants with Section 8 vouchers could rely on the CHA to find them a new place to live in 5 years. Mr. Russ responded that the CHA would find a way to maintain the subsidies. Mr. Johnston said that right now the subsidies are project-based and are attached to the building. These would be converted to tenant-based subsidies. Mr. Cotter said that it is not clear that the CHA would be in a position to pay the difference between the tenant-based subsidy and the market rent. Thus, even though the tenants may receive tenant-based subsidies, they may have to find another home.
Mr. Murphy stated that the tenants acting together have more power than they now, as individuals, see themselves as having in this situation.
Councillor Decker said that she is concerned about what channels the tenants will have for communicating and strategizing. Mr. Cotter has told her that things will be moving very quickly. She wants to be sure that the tenants are getting the information they need. Ms. DeRosa said that CEOC is available to help the tenants. Councillor Decker asked the tenants whether they were interested in working with CEOC, and the tenants present appeared to be in agreement that they would like CEOC to assist them. Ms. DeRosa offered to arrange a meeting of the tenants.
Ms. Greeley asked whether they could envision things becoming adversarial and uncomfortable for the tenants. Councillor Decker said that there are presently several dozen investors which comprise the current ownership partnership. There has been a mixed message about affordability, but they all want full market rates in a sale. From the City Council's point of view, it is best to assume that everyone is going to act in good faith. She noted the presence at the meeting of Attorney Susan Hegel, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services, who worked on drafting the 40 T legislation.
Councillor Decker urged the tenants present to be sure to get contact information for Elaine DeRosa, CEOC and Peter Daly, HRI. She said that they should also feel free to contact her. She stated that she will be following this issue and that she would be happy to hold another meeting of the Housing Committee.
Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Environment Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Apr 26, 2011 at 5:42pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of curbside collection of organic waste and decreasing the use of plastic bags.
Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Denise Simmons; Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi; Commissioner of Public Works Lisa Peterson; Assistant Public Works Commissioner for Operations John Nardone; Recycling Director Randi Mail; Environmental Services Manager Public Works (PWD) John D. Fitzgerald; Penny Peters; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Judith Nathans, 511 Putnam Avenue; Helen Snively, 1 Fayette Park; Debby Gale, 93 Hammond Street; James Venter, 90 Wareham Street; Matt Nespoli, 460 Green Street # 8; Minka vanBeuzekom, 20 Essex Street; Catherine Cartor, 8 Jay Street; Steven Sloan and Erin Rowland, 127 Trowbridge Street; Elena Saporta, 102 Ellery Street; Jesse Gorden, Cambridge Energy Alliance; Molly Rothlisberger; Janneke House, Executive Director, Cambridge Local First.
Vice Mayor Davis convened the meeting and explained the purpose. These topics were referred to the Environment Committee by the City Council. At this time Recycling Director Randi Mail gave a presentation on the future of curbside collection of organic waste.
Ms. Mail reported that 3,000 tons per year would be removed from the waste stream if composting was utilized. There are now 70 businesses composting. The haulers are at capacity. MassDEP has recognized that processing capacity is a major barrier. The city processor is working collaboratively to build an organic recycling facility. Many residents bring buckets with food scraps to the Recycling Center. At the beginning of the program, 500 residents signed up but the DPW isn't tracking the number since then. There are three schools doing expanded recycling, including composting: King Open, Graham & Parks, and the 9th Grade at the Longfellow. A compost workshop was held for apartment buildings. Whole Foods at Prospect Street is taking food scraps from customers and are paying for the compost collection.
Vice Mayor Davis asked how long it would be before a facility is available to take food scraps. Commissioner Peterson responded that it would be two years at the earliest. No location has been cited. The goal is commercial food scraps. The residential stream is very different from large-scale collection. Ms. Mail commented that the state has resources for food donations. If food is set out to be served it cannot be donated.
Ms. Nathans spoke about a program "Rock and Wrap It Up" which deals with sports venues at rock concerts. She also spoke about the EPA guidelines for food donation and waste.
Vice Mayor Davis asked what the budgeting impact of composting is. Commissioner Peterson responded that the budget impact will not be known until a facility is permitted. Mr. Rossi added that the impact of food waste recycling would result in a budgetary decrease; it would also be good for the environment. This needs planning.
Matt Nespoli stated that he is waiting for a facility to come on-line. He suggested incentives to encourage composting. Commissioner Peterson commented that rubbish collection and single-stream recycling is free. The city provides incentives by issuing toters. Composting, however, is a different question. Separate toters are needed when collecting compost with yard waste to reduce rodent infestation. Mr. Nespoli asked if "pay as you throw" was discussed. Commissioner Peterson responded that the city discussed it many times in the 80s and 90s. There are a lot of benefits to "pay as you throw". However there are also a lot of challenges such as cost and implementation at multi-family dwellings. Ms. Nathans stated that "pay as you throw" is handled differently throughout the state.
Commissioner Peterson stated that 30,000 total tons of solid waste is collected with 13,000 tons recycled. Collection of solid waste this year is projected at 15 tons. Mr. Rossi informed the committee that the city only handles 1/3 of the total trash. Ms. Mail added that private handlers pick up the trash at multi-family and large residential dwellings, institutions, and commercial businesses.
Minka vanBeuzekom asked if commercial and large residential trash pick-up was separate from the numbers given. Commissioner Peterson stated that the 30,000 total tons includes commercial and residential trash pick-up but does not include private trash pick-up. Vice Mayor Davis stated that commercial recycling is not enforced; is this true? Commissioner Peterson responded in the affirmative due to finite resources. The License Commission has enacted that haulers must offer recycling. Conversations were held this week by Ms. Mail with the haulers on the barriers to recycling.
Minka vanBeuzekom asked about restaurant compost waste pick up. Ms. Mail stated that there are several ways services are measured for commercial organic waste pickup: weight, frequency, dumpster size. Metro Pedal Power is looking into pickup of food scraps by bicycle.
Steven Sloan stated that he uses the Whole Foods and the transfer station for composting. He did composting in his yard and had rats. He only has one bag of trash per month. He suggested getting help from the city on what bins to use and where to store it. He also suggested making
compost bins available to residents as well as other sites to collect compost other than Whole Foods. Vice Mayor Davis commented that 5 gallon galvanized cans are a good vessel. She spoke about having more publicity about the sites for compost collection.
Ms. Mail informed the committee that she spoke with Whole Foods about their Fresh Pond and River Street locations. Composting cannot be handled at the Fresh Pond or River Street locations. She is trying hard to get another location, but cost, maintenance, accessibility and responsibility are all issues. Mr. Nespoli suggested that Whole Foods should advertise this service.
At this time Vice Mayor Davis submitted the following motion:
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record recognizing and thanking the Prospect Street Whole Foods for accepting food scraps for composting.
The motion - Carried.
At 6:18pm Vice Mayor Davis opened the meeting to discuss decreasing the use of plastic bags.
Commissioner Peterson stated that retailers were encouraged to take back plastic bags.
Ms. Mail spoke about San Francisco and their plastic bag reduction ordinance. San Francisco banned plastic bags. Only compostable bags can be used. San Francisco has curbside composting in place. Compost bins must be used with compostable bags. This is a good model for rodent control. Whole Foods sells compostable bags.
Penny Peters asked if small retailers are exempt from the ban in San Francisco. Ms. Mail responded that the San Francisco ordinance only applies to large chain stores. The Mass DEP and the Massachusetts Food Association have a memorandum of understanding to set a goal to reduce plastic bags by 25% by 2013. Whole Foods banned plastic bags three years ago. Trader Joes, CVS and Walgreens encourage the use of reusable bags. At the Harvest Coop 40% of its customers use reusable bags.
Vice Mayor Davis asked about reducing the use of plastic trash bags. Commissioner Peterson commented that the city encourages the use of barrels with lids and thicker plastic bags that are rodent resistant. The best practice is to have plastic bags in the barrels. Residential compliance is good. Mr. Nardone added that it is a learning curve to put the lid on the barrel. Vice Mayor Davis asked if the Commissioner wished that plastic bags were not used. There is a request that on private property that trash is in a plastic bag in a barrel with a lid responded Commissioner Peterson.
In response to a question as to where plastic bags are taken Ms. Mail informed the committee that plastic bags get stuck and cause equipment damage at the Casella Recycling Center. The DPW drop-off center accepts plastic bags. It takes 5-6 weeks to make a bale of plastic bags. Ms. Nathan also noted that dry cleaner bags are not accepted. Bubble wrap is also not accepted stated Ms. Mail. Ms. Nathans informed the committee that potato chip bags and frozen food bags are not recyclable. Whole Foods also accepts plastic bags
Vice Mayor Davis stated that Terracycle is undertaking a promotional opportunity to recycle a variety of products not currently recycled and using it as a fund raiser. At dog parks in other communities people bring bags and recycle them for the pick-up of dog waste. Commissioner Peterson stated that Public Works will try this in a park.
Vice Mayor Davis announced that May 14th is "Give Your Stuff Away Day." Commissioner Peterson stated that Public Works will accept the stuff it usually accepts. Public Works does not want large equipment and computers. The DPW encourages donations.
Catherine Cartor suggested a multi-yard sale. She stated that she spent a lot of time to find out who takes what. Ms. Mail informed Ms. Cartor that on the Public Works website is a link to outlets where donations are accepted. See "Get Rid Of It Right".
Vice Mayor Davis read into the record an e-mail received from Julie Wormser in favor of the mixed recycling bin. She supported continued curbside compost pickup (ATTACHMENT A).
Vice Mayor Davis thanked all those present for their attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 6:54pm.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Committee Report #4
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on Wed, June 8, 2011 at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss clarification/correction to the City Manager's contract.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; City Manager Robert W. Healy; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Priscilla McMillan, 12 Hilliard Street; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Charlie Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street; and Marc Levy, Cambridge Day.
Councillor Toomey convened the meeting and explained the purpose. In 2006 and 2009 there was a clerical error made in the City Manager's contract. Language in Section 10 entitled Indemnification contained in the earlier contracts (2000 and 2002) was inadvertently dropped and the text contained in Section 11 entitled Provisions was listed under the Section 10 Indemnification. This meeting is to fix a clerical error and there is no change in the contract.
Councillor Toomey announced that the meeting is being recorded with audio and/or visual devices.
Councillor Toomey opened the meeting to public comment at 5:31pm.
Priscilla McMillan, 12 Hilliard Street, questioned the constitutionality of amending the previous contracts.
Mr. Healy stated that the City Solicitor had reviewed this issue and concluded that the proposal passed constitutional muster.
No one else appeared for public comment and Councillor Toomey closed public comment.
Councillor Toomey submitted the following motion:
WHEREAS: By a communication dated Feb 7, 2006 the co-chairs of the Government Operations Committee of the City Council directed a communication to all members of the City Council attaching the City Manager's then existing contract which was set to expire on Aug 30, 2006 along with the City Manager's Performance Appraisal Form; and
WHEREAS: That existing contract delivered to each City Councillor on Feb 7, 2006 for their review and use in performing their individual performance appraisal of the City Manager contained a provision entitled Section 10. Indemnification which contained the following language:
The City shall defend, save harmless, and indemnify the Manager against any tort, professional liability claim or demand or other legal action whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission in the Manager's performance of his duties as City Manager. Such provisions shall continue to be in effect after the expiration of employee's contract. Manager shall be paid the hourly rate in existence at the end of his service for testimony or consultation by or on behalf of the City for such claims or actions.
and,
WHEREAS: Comparable indemnification language had appeared in prior contracts approved for the City Manager; and
WHEREAS: The Government Operations Committee held a public hearing on Feb 22, 2006 and transmitted a report to the full City Council on Feb 27, 2006 with an attachment of a proposed new contract and a recommendation for favorable action; and
WHEREAS: Through an apparent clerical error in the re-tying of the proposed contract the language from the provisions entitled Section 10 Indemnification contained in the earlier contracts was inadvertently dropped and the provisions of the former Section 11 Provisions were moved into the Section entitled Indemnification, and the former Section 11 heading was omitted; and
WHEREAS: The same clerical error was carried over from the 2006 contract into the contract approved by the City Council in 2009 with the City Manager; and
WHEREAS: The long-standing Indemnification clause was a material provision without which the City Manager would not have accepted the contracts; and
WHEREAS: The Committee Report from the Feb 22, 2006 hearing of the Government Operations Committee contains no reference to any discussion by any member of the public or the members of the City Council, or the City Manager, mentioning the Indemnification provision; and
WHEREAS: It was not the intent of the City Manager or the City Council to omit the substantive provision of the Indemnification provision from either the 2006 or the 2009 contract; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby acknowledges that by mutual mistake a clerical error lead to the inadvertent drop of the substantive language of Section 10 Indemnification of both the 2006 and 2009 contracts executed by the City Manager and the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to insert the language quoted in the Second Whereas clause of this Order into the record copy of both the 2006 and 2009 contracts after the existing heading Section 10 Indemnification, and further to add to both contracts the omitted heading Section 11 Provisions, all as appeared in the 2002 contract.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Toomey announced that this will be forwarded to the full City Council for action.
Councillor Toomey thanked those present for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at 5:33pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chair
Committee Report #5 (amended)
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on June 15, 2011 beginning at 5:45pm in the Sullivan Chamber to continue to consider a petition to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance filed by Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, joined by M.I.T. as land owner, to allow for the creation of a new Special District 15 along a portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Albany Street and Windsor Street opposite the location of the Novartis main campus at the former Necco Building (Attachment A).
Present at the meeting were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present from the city administrative staff were Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Susan Glazer, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD; Iram Farooq and Jeffrey Roberts, CDD. Novartis was represented by Jeffrey Lockwood, Vice President of Novartis; Robert Wiggins, Project Coordinator, Novartis; Tom Sieniewicz, Cambridge, architect; and James Rafferty, Adams and Rafferty, Cambridge, attorney representing Novartis.
Councillor Seidel convened the meeting and requested that Mr. Murphy review the status of the petition and update the committee on any recent developments with regard to the petition. Mr. Murphy noted that the Planning Board Report was received by the City Council and forwarded to the Ordinance Committee at the May 16, 2011 City Council meeting. In the report the Planning Board suggested some changes to the proposed amendment and recommended ordination of the proposed amendment with the suggested changes. He outlined the suggested changes and noted that the Planning Board Report contains language to implement the changes (Attachment A).
The additions include a statement of purpose to explain the intent of creating the new Special District; criteria to provide guidance to the Planning Board in approving building heights greater than 120 feet specifying that heights up to 140 feet will only occur over less than one third of the site, heights will be reduced along Mass Ave to be consistent with allowed heights on nearby sections of the avenue, and additional height will be complemented by open space, landscaping, and pathways at the ground level. A maximum off-street parking ratio of 0.9 spaces per 1,000 Gross Square Feet is proposed for non-residential uses. The Planning Board can approve a lesser amount of off-street parking through the special permit review process, after considering Traffic Impact Studies and other required materials. The Planning Board also recommends a set of design guidelines to provide additional direction to the Planning Board when hearing a Project Review Special Permit Application for the new district. These guidelines address issues specific to the site and to the City's goals for the area and include underground parking, open space that benefits the general public as well as building users, active uses on the ground floor with a particular emphasis on retail along Mass Avenue, site massing that includes a variety of heights.
Councillor Seidel invited comments and questions from committee members.
Councillor Simmons emphasized her concern about the overall amount of development that is going on in and around Area 4 and stated that she would like to see a development timeline.
Mayor Maher asked Mr. Lockwood when the city would see the new building. Mr. Lockwood stated that Novartis hopes for design review in the fall, a groundbreaking in November and completion of the project in four to five years. He anticipates that the whole project will be a labor-friendly job site. Mr. Wiggins added that this is a three-building project, the two new buildings will share a foundation, and demolition and foundation work on all parts of the site will be done at the same time. There are extensive plans for neighborhood outreach to actively address neighborhood concerns throughout the project.
Mayor Maher stated that Novartis is an outstanding corporate citizen in Cambridge. He is very pleased to see this development. It has been a very rocky road for construction in Cambridge over the past four years. This project will provide much-needed jobs. He invited Mr. Lockwood to come to the graduation of Cambridge Works. This is a wonderful project that both he and Councillor Reeves believe would be of great interest to Novartis as part of its community activities. Mr. Lockwood said that his human resources department has been in conversation with the Cambridge Works program.
Councillor Seidel moved the discussion to what community benefits Novartis would provide in connection with the new development.
Councillor Reeves said that the last time the issue of community benefits in connection with zoning amendments came up, the Council referred the issue to the Government Operations and Rules Committee to explore the issues of what principles should govern the negotiations for community benefits and to develop a formula based on these issues. That has not been done. He does not believe there should be a distinction between the benefits non-profit or for profit petitioners are requested to provide for the community. There should be a community benefit fund and the City Councillors should decide what community agencies should benefit. He himself would tend to favor the settlement houses because they benefit some of the most disadvantaged residents.
Mayor Maher stated that the council order in question was sent to the City Manager by the City Council for staff background work on a concept or framework for the Council to use in deciding on a policy. He understands that staff have been working on the matter. However this petition should not be held up until such time as the City Council has a completely articulated policy.
Councillor Seidel invited the petitioners to speak on the issue of community benefits. Attorney Rafferty stated that Novartis has been very mindful of the past practice in petitions for zoning amendments in which the final zoning amendment includes a reference to a letter of commitment signed by the petitioner providing for specific amounts of benefits. That letter is typically provided to the City Council prior to adoption of the zoning amendments and is conditioned upon said adoption.
Mr. Rafferty said that Novartis is prepared to offer $1 million to go to the City of Cambridge for allocation of such benefits to the community as the City Council determines. Novartis has full confidence in light of the City's track record of financial management and community support that these funds will be wisely used for the benefit of the Cambridge community. Novartis is prepared to deliver a letter of commitment to the City Council to be incorporated into the proposed zoning amendment by an amendment referring to the commitment letter in the language for final adoption.
The commitments in that letter would be as follow:
1. Within 90 days after adoption of the zoning amendment, Novartis would contribute $250,000 to the City of Cambridge.
2. Within 90 days of the approval of Novartis's application for a special permit, Novartis would contribute $250,000 to the City of Cambridge.
3. Upon the issuance of a building permit authorizing construction, Novartis would contribute $250,000 to the City of Cambridge.
4. Upon the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, Novartis would contribute $250,000 to the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons stated that community benefits are very important. She is extremely vexed that there is no formula in place. This is a matter for the City Council to decide, not the City Manager. The blame lies squarely at the feet of the City Council.
Councillor Cheung stated that it is important to keep in mind what is going on in most communities. We certainly need to have fair formula, and that formula should recognize a difference when the petitioner is a company that intends to stay and occupy the building that it is seeking to build. He would like to see the benefits go to something that is currently not funded by the City budget, for example, to provide a source of exterior funding that could encourage innovation.
Councillor Seidel said that throughout the community there has been a great deal of positive feeling expressed about Novartis and Novartis's desire to grow in Cambridge. He noted that this is the first petition that has come before the City Council after the first discussion on developing a more comprehensive policy regarding community benefits. He believes that the community benefits package offered by Novartis, along with the urban design and local area improvement that the project would bring, and Novartis's record as a responsible and generous corporate citizen and community partner warrant adoption of this proposed amendment.
Mayor Maher moved that the Ordinance Committee recommend ordination of the petition at the next City Council meeting, June 20th as amended by the Planning Board recommendations and an amendment to reference a letter of commitment to the terms described by Novartis at this meeting, which letter must be delivered to the City Council prior to ordination. The motion passed without objection.
Councillor Seidel invited public comment.
Greg Moree, Fairfield Street, stated that he was very pleased to hear that the construction would be a labor-friendly project.
Councillor Seidel thanked all those present for their participation. On motion of Councillor Simmons, the meeting was adjourned at 6:42pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-57. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)
10-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-3)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes and the possibility such revenues generated by a formula for distribution to community based non-profits.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-12)
10-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-13)
10-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the state of the law relating to community benefits as mitigation in zoning amendment petitions.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-1)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)
11-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel and on the City's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities. View final order.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/28/11 (O-20)
11-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/07/11 (O-1)
11-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on submitting a proposal for the Mass Cultural Council's Cultural Districts Initiative which establishes criteria and guidelines for cities and towns to apply for state-designated cultural districts.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/25/11 (O-3)
11-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current state of the Pacific Street dog park and devise a strategy to make it more accessible and enjoyable for both dog owners and their pets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/02/11 (O-2)
11-52. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #26
RE: report on installing traffic calming measures at Russell Street and Mass Avenue.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/16/11 (O-2)
11-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Referred back by Councillor Cheung on 5/23/2011 for further information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-3)
11-56. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #31
RE: report on applying for the US Dept. of Energy grant or to coordinate the City's efforts with the MAPC proposal.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-10)
11-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a projector presentation screen in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-12)
11-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan to keep the sidewalk crossings accessible for the fall/winter 2011 at major pedestrian thoroughfares.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-15)
11-60. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #30
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a program for residents who are interested in starting a new business in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-20)
11-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the percentage of tree canopy coverage.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-22)
11-62. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #31
RE: report on how the City can support electric vehicles.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-23)
11-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the impact that the Batelle Study recommendations could have on Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Davis 05/16/11 (O-24)
11-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing paying for city services on-line.
Councillor Cheung 05/16/11 (O-29)
11-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of emulating the San Francisco Yellow Pages ban in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-1)
11-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of allowing a one hour off-leash window at Longfellow Park.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-3)
11-67. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #30
RE: report on ensuring that Cambridge participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-4)
11-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on future plans for the East Cambridge Post Office.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-6)
11-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with utility companies to ensure that all pole wire transfers and removal of unsightly older poles are completed in a quick and efficient manner.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-9)
11-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Attorney General investigation of NBC violations.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 06/06/11 (O-1)
11-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on total of donations raised during the 2011 resident sticker renewals for environmental initiatives, identify a project that the funds can be used for and publicly display that the funds were possible from resident donations.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 06/06/11 (O-2)
11-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining if the Silver Maple Forest could be purchased for preservation.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/06/11 (O-5)
11-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for disposing of medical waste such as syringes.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/06/11 (O-6)
11-74. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #28
RE: report on producing information for residents and neighborhood groups regarding the best way to seek technical support for zoning and development issues.
Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/06/11 (O-8)
11-75. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #27
RE: report on a review of the special permit issued to North Point, in particular the requirement that North Point build the T station or any other special requirements that have been altered to property changes or deals.
Councillor Kelley 06/06/11 (O-11)