Cambridge City Council meeing - June 24, 2013 - AGENDA
RECONSIDERATION
1. Councillor vanBeuzekom has notified the City Clerk of her intention to move reconsideration on the vote taken on June 17, 2013 adopting a curb cut order for 93 Kirkland Street with conditions contained in a document dated June 13, 2013 and signed by Mark Boyes-Watson and Muireann Glenmullen. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of May 6, 2013. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on May 20, 2013.
Reconsideration Fails 3-6 (Kelley, Simmons, vanBeuzekom - YES)
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $11,325 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($8,325), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) and Travel and Training account ($1,000) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Ambulance Mobilization Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $4,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) and Fire Salaries and Wages account ($2,000) which will allow the department to participate in the Massachusetts Ambulance Task Force Mobilization Plan.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant in the amount of $42,465 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will allow the Department of Human Service Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-40, regarding a report on ways in which the Cambridge Works Program might be affiliated with Buildings Pathways; and Awaiting Report Item Number 13-59, regarding a report on how the capacity of the Cambridge Works program can be increased.
Charter Right - Toomey
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-63, regarding a report on the progress on the non-zoning recommendations submitted by the Central Square Advisory Committee.
Charter Right - Toomey
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-71, regarding a report on how the structure of boards and commissions can be adjusted.
Charter Right - Toomey
June 24, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-71, regarding a report on how the structure of boards and commissions can be adjusted, I will state, as the City Council is aware, that it is my long held belief that there is significant overlap and duplication of effort and expense in the current structure.
However, this structure has been created by a series of City Council Ordinances and such a restructuring would require a major effort of rescinding existing Ordinances and then adopting one "Master Ordinance" to consolidate these functions.
Such an effort would require significant consensus amongst the City Council before a full scale reorganization would be developed by the City Administration.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-77, regarding making the Foundry Building available for a community gathering on June 22, 2013.
Charter Right - Toomey
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Foundry Building "Reuse Study" prepared by HFMH Architects.
Charter Right - Toomey
June 24, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:With reference to the Foundry Building, I herewith transmit the "Reuse Study" prepared by HFMH Architects.
This report contains significant detail, but the most important item is the cost estimate on page 29. The cost estimate of bringing this building "up to code," including an elevator for ADA accessibility, and meeting Silver LEEDS status is over $11,250,000. Funds for such a project are nowhere included in the Five Year Capital Investment Plan.
It is my strong recommendation that the City Council authorize the sale of this building in accordance with all applicable laws and subject to all the existing zoning conditions. The requirement for 10,000 square feet of community use would be protected in the proposal.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the current Awaiting Report list.
Recommendation Accepted - All Awaiting Report items to be Placed On File.
June 24, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby recommending that, as one means of allowing the City Manager, effective July 1, 2013, to commence his successful efforts, that all items on the current Awaiting Report list be "placed on file."
As the City Council is aware, I have held weekly staff meetings for the past 20 years. The Awaiting Report list has always been on the agenda of these meetings, encouraging Department Heads to make their best efforts to provide responses. However, despite all good intentions, many of those items are either not feasible, or would require significant investment of staff time to respond to what may be futile efforts.
I strongly urge you to allow City Manager Richard C. Rossi to commence his work without the current Awaiting Report list.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from the Harvard Lampoon Trust ("HLT") for one (1) aerial license for one (1) metal fire escape to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over portions of the public sidewalk. The fire escape will overhang portions of the City-owned sidewalk along Plympton Street located along HLT's property located at 44 Bow Street.
Adopted
June 24, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:The City of Cambridge has received a request from the Harvard Lampoon Trust ("HLT") for one (1) aerial license for one (1) metal fire escape to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over portions of the public sidewalk. The fire escape will overhang portions of the City-owned sidewalk along Plympton Street located along HLT's property located at 44 Bow Street (the "Property").
HLT has communicated to me that after an inspection by the City's Inspectional Services Department, HLT was informed that a safety issue exists. The safety issue is that "there is only one exit from the second floor and installing a fire escape on the exterior of the building is the only practical way to create a second exit." Therefore, HLT is requesting a License from the City in order to install, repair, replace and maintain a fire escape over portions of Plympton Street in order to address this safety issue. The Cambridge Fire Department has also approved this installation with the conditions that HLT fully sprinkle the building and install a code compliant alarm system in the building.
The dimensions of the proposed fire escape that will overhang the City-owned sidewalk running along the Plympton Street side of the building will be approximately 3' by 23'. The top of the fire escape will be approximately 14'and 7.5" above the sidewalk. The bottom of the fire escape will be approximately 9' and 7.5" above the sidewalk. The total requested license area is three hundred eleven cubic feet (311 cu. ft.). The requested license area is depicted in the "License Plan Plympton Street" attached hereto. The Director of Assessing has determined the annual fee for Fiscal Year 2014 shall be $500.00.
I deemed it appropriate to transmit this license request to the City Council for its consideration because this is a request for a structure to overhang the public way. I believe that the information furnished in this letter is sufficient to enable the City Council to make a determination on this matter.
I recommend that the City Council vote to authorize me to grant a license, in such form and substance as I deem appropriate, for the installation of a fire escape at this location.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Agenda Item No. 10A June 24, 2013
WHEREAS: The Harvard Lampoon Trust ("HLT") is the owner of the property at 44 Bow Street Cambridge, Massachusetts (the "Property"); and
WHEREAS: HLT has requested one (1) aerial license for one (1) metal fire escape to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over portions of the public sidewalk. The fire escape will overhang portions of the City-owned sidewalk along Plympton Street located along HLT's Property; and
WHEREAS: The dimensions of the fire escape running along the Plympton Street side of the building will be approximately 3' by 23'. The top of the fire escape will be approximately 14' and 7.5" above the sidewalk. The bottom of the fire escape will be approximately 9' and 7.5" above the sidewalk; and
WHEREAS: The total requested license area is three hundred eleven cubic feet (311 cu. ft.); and
WHEREAS: The City Council has determined that the granting of the aerial license overhanging portions of the City-owned sidewalk along Plympton Street for the purpose of installing a fire escape attached to the Property would not derogate from the public interest or the public purposes for the area now in question; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager, to grant, on behalf of the City of Cambridge, one aerial license for the purpose of allowing HLT to install, repair, replace and maintain a fire escape on the Property that will overhang portions of the City-owned sidewalk along the abutting section of Plympton Street and to execute and deliver such license in such form and substance as the City Manager determines is necessary or advisable.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department as to the feasibility of using standard pedestrian warning signs in lieu of large barrels on Western Avenue and report back to the City Council on this matter. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Two of June 17, 2013.]
Adopted as amended
AMENDED ORDER June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that many residents have expressed concern about current pedestrian safety measures on Western Avenue; and
WHEREAS: At present, barrels with signs affixed to them are used to alert drivers about pedestrian crossing points that are commonly knocked over and damaged; and
WHEREAS: Furthermore, throughout construction, the barrels are often moved between locations and are not replaced; and
WHEREAS: Many residents have advocated for the use of standard regulation pedestrian warning signs that are similar to those used in Harvard Square and East Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding the feasibility of using standard pedestrian warning signs in lieu of large barrels.
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Superintendent of Schools and all other appropriate City staff to determine how to best distribute all information about proposed changes to the length of the school day to all parents, out-of-school-time administrators, and any other invested stakeholders who will be impacted by said changes. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of June 17, 2013.]
Referred to Oct 28 Roundtable/Working Meeting - Davis
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and, as appropriate, Cambridge Public School staff, and report back to the City Council on the potential impacts on City Out-Of-School efforts, including financial, staffing and the range of activities offered, should the Cambridge Public School district implement a longer school day. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Maher on Order Number Seventeen of June 17, 2013.]
Order Adopted as amended
AMENDED ORDER June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public School District, pending a vote by the CEA, may add an additional hour to the school day; and
WHEREAS: The additional time may fall on either end of the school day, with no school starting before 7:25am or lasting beyond 3:30pm; and
WHEREAS: The City has a variety of existing afterschool programs that serve Cambridge youth at numerous locations; and
WHEREAS: Changes to the school day, both in overall length and starting and ending times, may have an impact on existing or proposed City efforts and the ability of staff to provide quality programs because children may be overly tired from the longer day, have less time in the program or encounter new transportation challenges that impact participation; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department and the Cambridge Health Alliance provide direct support to CPS facilities and any impact in when those facilities are operational may have an impact on City or CHA employees besides those employed in city affiliated programs, now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and, as appropriate, CPS staff, and report back to the City Council on the potential impacts on City efforts, including financial, staffing and the range of activities offered, should CPSD implement a longer school day; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and, as appropriate, CPS staff, and report back to the City Council on the potential impacts on CPD, CHA and any other City or City-affiliate employees should CPSD implement a longer school day.
ON THE TABLE
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
5. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
10. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible. [Order Number Two of Mar 18, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 18, 2013.]
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-29, regarding a report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers. [City Manager Agenda Number Two of Apr 1, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 1, 2013.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 16, 2013 to discuss a zoning petition from Charles D. Teague, et al, requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinances to clarify the existing law so that said law can be enforced by inserting text after Section 7.20 Illumination, with the existing test to be retained and labeled as Section 7.23 Lighting Restrictions for Residential Districts. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 17, 2013. Planning Board hearing held May 21, 2013. Petition expires Aug 19, 2013.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Huron Properties, Inc. requesting permission for three blade signs at the premises numbered 221, 223 and 225 Concord Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
2. An application was received from 2 B Design Home LLC requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 185 Mount Auburn Street.
3. An application was received from Super Roll-Up Cafe requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 726 Cambridge Street.
4. An application was received from Beantown Taqueria requesting permission for three tables and six chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 245 Massachusetts Avenue.
5. A zoning petition has been received from Mike Connolly, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to ensure that all new construction or changes in use requiring Project Review Special Permits are built to avoid emission of greenhouse gases in daily operation and thereby mitigate the risks of extremely dangerous climate changes. A clear and enforceable definition of "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions is proposed. [HTML version of petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Sidney Grove LLC transmitting written protest to the Jenny Popper-Keizer, et al. Zoning Petition.
2. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street regarding standard yield to pedestrian signs for Western Avenue and River Street.
3. A communication was received from Macky Buck, 20 Gold Star Road regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
4. A communication was received from Mike Phillips, Madison Avenue transmitting support of the Teague Petition.
5. A communication was received from Michael Rome regarding passing the Teague Petition.
6. A communication was received from Cathy Korsgren, 10 Hollis Street regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
7. A communication was received from Roy Kring, 2440 Massachusetts Avenue regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
8. A communication was received from Torgun Austin, 28 Bristol Street regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
9. A communication was received from Brooksany Coe, 35 Wood Street regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
10. Sundry communications were received regarding public toilets on the Cambridge Common.
11. A communication was received from Christopher Robinson, 20 Ware Street regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
12. A communication was received from Paul Stone, 219 Harvard Street requesting support for the Teague Petition.
13. A communication was received from Vivek Sikri regarding passing the Teague Petition as written.
14. A communication was received from Adam Brod transmitting support of the Teague Petition.
15. A communication was received from Carol Lynn Alpert regarding passing the Teague Petition.
16. A communication was received from Brooksany Coe, 35 Wood Street and Marianne Koole, 27 Wood Street regarding passing the Teague Petition.
17. A communication was received from Virginia Brooks, 33 Wood Street regarding passing the Teague Petition.
18. A communication was received from Ashley Adler, 29 Madison Avenue regarding passing the Teague Petition.
19. A communication was received from Paula Cortes, 25 Newell Street regarding the Teague Petition.
20. A communication was received from Mary Carolyn Shipley regarding pedestrian safety on Riverside and Cambridgeport Streets.
21. A communication was received from Jonathan King, 40 Essex Street regarding passing the Teague Petition.
22. A communication was received from Dexter Eames favoring the Teague Petition.
23. A communication was received from Robert Hurlbut transmitting information on the Cambridge Creativity Commons.
24. A communication was received from Ilan Levy, 148 Spring Street transmitting a petition signed by residents and interested persons requesting the Foundry Building be used for the arts and the community as well as being a special landmark in Cambridge.
25. A communication was received from Susan Carter, 41 Holden Street transmitting two petitions requesting that the curb cut for 93 Kirkland Street be denied.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Teddy Darling on his retirement from the Middlesex Superior Court. Councillor Toomey
2. Congratulations to Tim Snyder and Kate Johnson on their recent marriage. Councillor Toomey
3. Congratulations to Peter and Diane Kougianos on the birth of their son Peter Dominic. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Sharon Marie (Codi) Turcotte. Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of Jose E. Silva. Councillor Toomey
6. Congratulations to Ellis Hall on being chosen to perform at the Esplanade as part of the July 4, 2013 celebration. Vice Mayor Simmons
7. Happy Birthday wishes to Regina Caines. Vice Mayor Simmons
8. Congratulations to the Charles River Conservancy on the occasion of the first Charles River community swim in over fifty years. Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulations to SyncStrength for being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to Follow by the Boston Business Journal. Councillor Cheung
10. Retirement of Glenn Marshall from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Davis
11. Thanks and congratulations to Lucille Capraro as she retires from her position as Executive Director of the Windsor House Adult Day Health Program. Councillor Toomey
12. Congratulations to Deborah Ruhe on the being named the Executive Director of Just-A-Start Corporation. Councillor Toomey
13. Retirement of Yvonne Blackman from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Vice Mayor Simmons
14. Retirement of Donna Sousa from the Cambridge Public Schools. Vice Mayor Simmons
15. Acknowledge the generous contribution of Paraskeve Kantges to the office of Cambridge ophthalmologist Dr. Charles Barsum. Councillor Maher
16. Congratulations to Brad and Jenn Macomber on the birth of their daughter Mia. Vice Mayor Simmons
17. Congratulations to Owen O'Riordan on being named Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works. Mayor Davis
18. Thanks to City Manager Robert W. Healy, Jr. for over three decades of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and best wishes on his transition to the Kennedy School of Government. Mayor Davis
19. Condolences to the family of Vernon G. Morris, Jr. Vice Mayor Simmons
20. Resolution on the death of Donald J. Warren. Councillor Maher
21. Congratulations to the Cambridgeside Galleria Staff on their successful Run N'Ride event on June 23, 2013. Councillor Toomey
22. Congratulations to the participants and organizers of the Foundry Equation on their successful event on June 22, 2013. Councillor Toomey
23. Congratulations to Mayor Henrietta Davis, the city and other signatories on the historic signing of the Cambridge Community Compact for a Sustainable Future and thanking her for her vision and leadership. Councillor Cheung
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with large property managers and other organizations and agencies to consider what might be done on a voluntary basis to coordinate and systematize a plan to alert people in large professionally-managed residential buildings in the event of a public emergency. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Kelley
2. That Her Honor, the Mayor be and hereby is requested to convene a roundtable working meeting with the School Committee on the issue of the coordination and administration of after-school programs and activities. Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Dog Park Working Group, once it is created, to explore the potential of developing off-leash hours at Sacramento Field. Councillor Cheung
Order Failed 4-5 (Cheung, Decker, Simmons, Toomey - YES)
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Dog Park Working Group, once it is created, to explore the potential of designating the Lowell School Park as a shared-use park. Councillor Cheung
Order Failed 4-5 (Cheung, Decker, Simmons, Toomey - YES)
5. That the City Clerk is instructed to amend Order #5 of April 8, 2013 to reflect that the matter of a park dedication in honor of Eitan Stern be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee. Mayor Davis
6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a person within the Community Development Department as a centralized case manager and record-keeper of all Inclusionary Unit residents and issues, for the purposes of ensuring stability and continuity for any Inclusionary Unit issues that arise. Vice Mayor Simmons
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that there are police details on Western Avenue at the corner of Putnam, Western Avenue at Memorial Drive, River Street and Putnam Avenue and River Street and Memorial Drive; these details should also include Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Councillor Reeves
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to commission a portrait of Robert W. Healy, Jr. to be hung in the newly named Robert W. Healy, Jr. Executive Suite. Councillor Cheung
9. That the City Manager is requested to urge the Cambridge Retirement Board of Trustees to review Cambridge's investment portfolio to consider divestment from fossil fuel companies. Councillor Cheung
10. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances on urban agriculture with the aforementioned task force and report back on a timeline and process for developing a proposal for an urban agriculture ordinance in Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
11. That Her Honor the Mayor and the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange a community meeting with other stakeholders to discuss the proposed Security Camera Policy submitted by the Police Department for implementation (attached). Councillor Decker
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on June 4, 2013 to explore the potential and long-term impact of developing urban agriculture initiatives throughout the neighborhoods in the City of Cambridge.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on June 5, 2013 to exchange long term planning best practices with the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig Kelley regarding the proposed Security Camera Policy submitted by the Police Department for implementation.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 24
5:00pm Special Presentation to celebrate the launch of the Cambridge Community Compact for a Sustainable Future. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 26
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance relating to rainwater separation in residential buildings. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, July 23
4:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to review recommendations for best practices in support neighborhood groups and to determine best strategies going forward. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 29
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, July 30
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss assessing the current status of Central Square following the Central Square Advisory Committee's non-zoning recommendations and exploring potential options to make the neighborhood a safer and more family-friendly area. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Aug 15
3:00pm Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee (Cambridge Innovation Center, 1 Broadway)
Mon, Sept 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: In general public emergencies there should be a plan to alerting people in large professionally managed residential buildings, including public and non-profit housing, private non-profit and for-profit apartment and condominium buildings; and
WHEREAS: Such a plan is particularly needed for people with limited English proficiency and Persons With Disabilities. The lack of such a plan became clear during the recent "lockdown" following the Marathon bombing; and
WHEREAS: Fire and other emergency personnel need to know where persons with limited mobility live so that they can so that they can assist in the evacuation of such persons; and
WHEREAS: Managers of large residential buildings, particularly those owned by the CHA and other nonprofits, may provide this information but there is no plan to update this information on a regular basis; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with large property managers and other organizations and agencies to consider what might be done on a voluntary basis to coordinate and systematize our response to these above-mentioned issues; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider appointing a representative commission to develop a plan to address these issues, inviting concerned parties including:
• Cambridge Housing Authority
• Property managers of large affordable, market, apartment, condo buildings
• Chamber of commerce and local business associations
• Universities and large employers
• The City's Community Development Department, Police and Fire Departments, and the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities
• Community groups and agencies representing language minorities including ACT and CEOC
• Boston Metropolitan Building Trades Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-2 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That Her Honor, the Mayor be and hereby is requested to convene a roundtable working meeting with the School Committee on the issue of the coordination and administration of after-school programs and activities.
O-3 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is presently in the process of establishing a Dog Park Working Group, a group that will work collaboratively with City staff to make recommendations to the City Manager on improvements that can be made in certain parks to ensure fair use for dogs and people alike; and
WHEREAS: Many neighborhood dog owners have expressed their interest in developing off-leash hours at Sacramento Field; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Dog Park Working Group, once it is created, to explore the potential of developing off-leash hours at Sacramento Field and report back to the City Council.
O-4 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is presently in the process of establishing a Dog Park Working Group, a group that will work collaboratively with City staff to make recommendations to the City Manager on improvements that can be made in certain parks to ensure fair use for dogs and people alike; and
WHEREAS: Many neighborhood dog owners have expressed their interest in designated the Lowell School Park as a shared-use park; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Dog Park Working Group, once it is created, to explore the potential of designating the Lowell School Park as a shared-use park and report back to the City Council.
O-5 June 24, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: On Apr 8, 2013 the City Council adopted an order to refer to the Dedication Committee a request from Lise Stern for a park in honor of Eitan Stern; and
WHEREAS: In the Dedication Committee Procedures the dedication under their jurisdiction are signs and benches; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Order adopted on Apr 8, 2013 referring the request of Lise Stern for a park in memory of Eitan Stern to the Dedication Committee be amended to refer the Order to the Government Operations and Rules Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is instructed to amend Order #5 of Apr 8, 2013 to reflect that the matter be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee.
O-6 June 24, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a person within the Community Development Department as a centralized case manager and record-keeper of all Inclusionary Unit residents and issues, for the purposes of ensuring stability and continuity for any Inclusionary Unit issues that arise.
O-7 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The city has many construction projecting ongoing, especially on Western Avenue and the Riverside neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: The Western Avenue intersection on Putnam Avenue and Memorial Drive are heavily congested areas; and
WHEREAS: The corner of Putnam Avenue and Memorial Drive is also very congested; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that there are police details on Western Avenue at the corner of Putnam, Western Avenue at Memorial Drive, River Street and Putnam Avenue and River Street and Memorial Drive; and further that these details should also include Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-8 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to commission a portrait of Robert W. Healy, Jr. in the same tradition as portraits are commissioned of former mayors; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record renaming the Executive Office as the Robert W. Healy, Jr. Executive Suite; and be it further
ORDERED: That the completed portrait be hung in a suitable location in the newly named Executive Suite.
O-9 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: One of the expressed goals of the Cambridge City Council is to "promote a healthy community and environment to advance Cambridge as a leader in public health and environmental sustainability"; and
WHEREAS: For years, the City of Cambridge has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting growth of local businesses that implement business practices built around social and environmental considerations; and
WHEREAS: In May, the City of Cambridge joined with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University as a signatory of the Cambridge Community Compact for a Sustainable Future, the first compact of its kind that will allow for a coordinated community effort in addressing global environmental challenges, including climate change; and
WHEREAS: Furthermore, the City of Cambridge strives to lead by example by engaging in a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of municipal operations, including improvements to energy performance of municipal buildings, emphasis on a fuel efficient vehicle fleet, expanded use of renewable energy, and the development of new city initiatives to assist residents in leading more sustainable and healthful lives; and
WHEREAS: A further effort that the City of Cambridge can make to combat pollution and climate change is to divest its retirement pension fund from fossil fuel companies; and
WHEREAS: A recent report by Aperio Group suggested that over the past ten years a carbon divested fund would have yielded higher returns than a non-divested portfolio; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: The City Council go on record supporting the principle of fossil fuel divestment; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge the Cambridge Retirement Board of Trustees to review Cambridge's investment portfolio to consider divestment from fossil fuel companies and report back to the City Council.
O-10 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council subcommittee most relevant to addressing questions related to urban agriculture on creating an urban agriculture task force that includes members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council as well as persons currently engaged in urban agriculture initiatives; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances on urban agriculture with the aforementioned task force and report back on a timeline and process for developing a proposal for an urban agriculture ordinance in Cambridge.
O-11 June 24, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That Her Honor the Mayor and the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange a community meeting with other stakeholders to discuss the proposed Security Camera Policy submitted by the Police Department for implementation (attached).
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on June 4, 2013 at 4:38pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore the potential and long-term impact of developing urban agriculture initiatives throughout the neighborhoods in the City of Cambridge.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor vanBeuzekom; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner, Public Works; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Chris Basler, Project Planner, Economic Division, CDD; Penny Peters, Mayor Davis' Office; Rebecca Rutenberg; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present at the meeting were Elias D, Kolsun, Founding Bloombrick partner; Ross Cardio, Founding Bloombrick partner; Julian Lewis, Bloombrick partner; Isaac Dupree; Kathryn Christman; Carolyn Mathews; Eliza Cohen; Ana Vaisenstein; Helen Snively; Emily Rosen; Fiona Seabell; Dave Lewis, 58 Regent Street; Adam Jankauskas; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Luisa Oliveira, 33 Warren Street; Kim Motylewski, 39 Magazine Street; Robert Kellogg, 195 Binney Street; Jose Wendell, 1480 Cambridge Street; and George Mokray.
Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The public has expressed interest to the City Council about the parameters currently in place around urban gardening in the City of Cambridge. There has been much confusion about what is currently legally permitted and what is not allowed. This meeting will explore this matter and craft guidelines on urban gardening. Somerville has recently completed a large urban agriculture initiative and the City of Boston is currently in the process of restructuring their zoning laws.
Councillor Cheung thanked those present for their attendance. He stated that the meeting is being recorded by audio devices.
Luisa Oliveira stated that last year Somerville passed the first Urban Agriculture Ordinance No. 2012-06 (ATTACHMENT A). This was a mayoral initiative that allowed local businesses and the public to grow and promote local, sustainable, and healthy food options. In an effort to promote this while minimizing the potential for conflict and litigation, a multidisciplinary team was formed including legal, zoning, ISD, DPW and the Animal Commission. A great deal of time was spent looking at important issues such as reducing the potential for soil contamination to allow for safe growing, appropriately located bee-keeping, and chickens. The team put a large emphasis on community outreach and actively sought input from those who were already undertaking these projects, allowing for the development of guidelines and rules to eliminate conflict (ATTACHMENT B).
Ms. Oliveira noted that the team was especially conscious of issues surrounding chickens and rats, making changes to both the zoning ordinance and procedures put forth by the Board of Health. Residents can own a maximum of 6 chickens, but never roosters. Food for chickens must be kept in the primary residence and the coop must be kept cleaned. Henhouses were considered accessory structures and must have indoor and outdoor areas for chickens. Odors from the henhouse must not be present at the property line. Above all, the plan emphasized the importance of good chicken husbandry. Chickens are producing a product: food. To make the regulations as easy to understand as possible, the City established the ABC's of Urban Agriculture. (ATTACHMENT C). (The ABCs stand for Agriculture, Bees and Chickens). To own a hive or chicken, residents must apply for a permit and watch a video about safe owning practices including "C is for Chickens" or the forthcoming "B is for Bees".
Ms. Oliveira stated that in Somerville, a City farm has been placed in the South Street parking lot and vegetables are sold at mobile markets. To ensure that all produce is safe, the City allows all residents to sell the food that they grow as long as they post the results of their soil tests at their stands. Best practices are encouraged including using raised beds and clean soil. Doing this allows for a network of food sources and the promotion of smaller scale economic development, There is a center for urban agriculture in Union Square called "Relish", and an Urban Ambassador program. The Zoning Ordinance and the Health Code were passed unanimously by the Board of Alderman in Somerville.
Councillor Cheung commented that Cambridge is one of the densest Cities; but Somerville is the densest City.
Mr. Dash gave an overview of Cambridge's programs including community gardens and making sure that there is access to community gardens. He spoke about the food policy and presence of Farmers Markets. Cambridge has looked at Somerville and Boston's regulations. The Zoning Ordinance will be reviewed to address topics such as chickens, medical marijuana, rooftop gardening, and large-scale operations.
Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the City Sprouts Program that allows each elementary school to have a garden on site. She noted that fruit and nut trees were looked at for street trees. Commissioner Peterson stated that Cambridge does not feel comfortable with fruit and nut trees for street trees.
Councillor Kelley stated that the City of Cambridge has incredibly valuable and expensive land. He said it will be more difficult for people to find land to use for farming.
Ms. Vaisenstein asked if in Somerville was there exploration in developing gardens in housing complexes, including public housing. Ms. Oliveira stated although this had not been explored, the City would be amenable if there was a maintenance plan. She noted that to obtain a permits for chicken and bees, an individual must live at the residence so that they can find the inspectors. She emphasized the importance of encouraging the most responsible kind of urban agriculture and discouraging improper use. This can be achieved by open communication and education about best practices. Somerville has a group called SLUG (Somerville Loves Urban Gardening), an urban agriculture blog via Tumblr, a Twitter, and Facebook to enhance communication. She also noted that there are several lots that can be temporary gardening lots. There was a garden at Somerville City Hall, and the City encourages people to grow food in small containers. The City emphasizes the philosophy of informing people of the parameters and then working collaboratively with them to find a project that works.
Kim Motylewski asked if Somerville has worked with business models such as Farmers to You that have drop off stops throughout the City. Ms. Oliveira stated that Somerville has nine community gardens. Health codes must be met to drop off food. This is not an urban agriculture process; this is someone selling his or her product. Kim Motylewski spoke about locally grown food and getting close to the source.
Mr. Dash stated that there are a number of CSA pickups in Cambridge. Kim Motylewski spoke about CSA in residential sites. Mr. Dash commented that residential zones and commercial vehicles need to be reviewed in the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Oliveira stated that Somerville does provide guidelines for selling their products.
Fiona Seabell asked if Somerville made accommodation for homeowners to have a rooftop garden in the Zoning Ordinance. She expressed her concern about the weight of a roof top garden. Ms. Oliveira stated there is a green roof garden company based in Somerville. She said that although it was certainly possible, there are stringent guidelines and it is not a simple process. It is not a good idea unless your roof can accommodate the load. This is a building project and must meet the appropriate codes. Special permits are required for a huge project. The Somerville Ordinance addresses smaller garden projects. Ms. Seabell stated that Cambridge does not have a special permit; it is a variance process. Mr. Dash added that a variance is needed because of calculations to gross floor area.
Penny Peters asked if people already have chickens were they required to get a permit and was the coop inspected. Ms. Oliveira responded that if you had chickens they were grandfathered in, and would be allowed to own over the limit of six chickens until the additional chickens expired. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked how many bee permits were issued in Somerville. Ms. Oliveira responded that she did not know the number.
Julia Shanks asked if the Somerville Ordinance distinguishes between commercial and residential farms. Ms. Oliveira responded that the ordinance was created on scale. You are not allowed to sell produce that you grow in a community garden. If a developer wanted to develop an urban garden, Somerville would work with them, but there are regulations.
Carolyn Matthews stated that the Somerville garden on South Street is a parking lot. She asked how the City got access to the lot and what procedures were taken to ensure that the produce was safe. Ms. Oliveira stated that the parking lot is owned by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority and that they gave temporary permission to use the lot. There are raised beds, and flowers are grown there. Ms. Matthews asked how long the urban agriculture initiative took to develop. Ms. Oliveira responded not long - around eight months. Ms. Matthews noted the need for the unification of urban agriculture organizations. She questioned how the development of such an initiative in Cambridge would be staffed, if it would be affiliated in the City. She remarked that employees in Cambridge are overworked, so there should be someone else. Ms. Peterson noted that she would need to know what the goals of the group would be to determine its structure. Mr. Dash commented that the Food and Fitness Subcommittee has been working on this issue and has reviewed Somerville and Boston Ordinances. Ms. Oliveira commented that the City of Somerville did not hire an additional staff member to accomplish these goals, nor is there one person with the sole responsibility of exploring these initiatives. Many people at City Hall facilitate the development of this program, but it is nobody's primary job. Ms. Matthews stated that there needs to be a central organizing committee on urban agriculture. She stated that rooftop gardens are eccentric. Is DCR land available for gardens? Ms. Oliveira stated that North Massachusetts Avenue DCR land is being used for flower gardening. Ms. Matthews stated that there is no City land for community gardens. She suggested getting a grant for farmable land.
Elias D. Kolsun stated that he came from Vermont where farming is done. He moved to Cambridge and realized he missed gardening. He is folding acreage into indoor spaces for agriculture. He noted that as he and his partners developed Bloombrick Urban Agriculture, they questioned how to do is sustainability and work collaboratively with the City. His company grows micro greens and wheat grass and sells it to individuals and restaurants. The plants allow restaurants to cut the greens when they need it. He emphasized the need for permitting for innovate products, stating that it was essential to allow people to get local produce.
Ross Cardio emphasized the importance of looking at hydroponics as the "new wave" of agriculture. Hydroponics used to be very expensive, but systems are getting cheaper and easier to use to grow produce. These innovations have allowed for the development of small companies who are creating different kinds of agricultural models. Because of the unique New England climate, growing indoors via "vertical farms" has become popular Mr. Kolsun noted that through these developments, individuals can continue to grow local produce in the winter. Ms. Oliveira spoke about wanting this type of economic development in Somerville.
Mr. Lewis asked Ms. Oliveira about changes in the Ordinance and the Health Regulations in Somerville. Ms. Oliveira stated that the ordinance is an amendment to the zoning code, and that the changes update the code.
George Mokray spoke about what it would be like if Cambridge could grow all its own food. In Sweden, vertical gardens are being built. If we want to be sustainable we need to think about growing our own food. He distributed material (ATTACHMENT D).
Carolyn Matthews asked what Councillor Cheung thinks about urban agriculture. Councillor Cheung stated that the need to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle has become more and more evident. Consuming food that was grown close to you is more healthful and makes produce easily accessible. He feels there is a way to have a framework in place for people to grow their own food and is interested in putting guidelines in place to help achieve this goal. Somerville's Mayor has tackled the problem.
Ross Cardio spoke about growing loops. He said that developing the framework is also about developing a mindset. Good growers create closed loop systems where as you grow food, the waste and byproduct are recycled. He noted that it is hard to find real estate. Mr. Dash stated that in zoning urban agriculture is allowed in business and industrial districts. It is not commercially allowed in residential areas. The Planning Board will look at the key problem with the code and figure what the goals should be. Working with developers about roof top gardens, Mr. Dash stated that Somerville's code could be copied. Councillor Cheung asked what the timeline to develop a draft is. Mr. Dash stated that key goals need to be identified and discussed with a variety of boards, the Council, etc. Ms. Matthews inquired how other community members can get involved. Mr. Dash emphasized that the group is currently in the planning and thinking stage.
Councillor Cheung asked if the Somerville Ordinances can work for Cambridge. Mr. Dash replied that the Somerville work helps build a framework. Ms. Oliveira urged caution and to establish multi-disciplinary teams that work to establish procedures to work with the needs of the community. She encouraged Cambridge to work thoughtfully and to collaborate with community members to avoid needing to back pedal in the future.
Mr. Kolsun also urged moving slowly and to bring in the voice of experience. Mr. Cardio agreed that slower is better from a marketing and business standpoint. Having regular meetings to discuss and talk about agriculture will broaden the marketing aspect. He would like more Cambridge residents to know about the process.
Ms. Seabell questioned why she would have to pay an annual permitting fee to keep bees in her yard. It is not necessary to pay a yearly fee; it is an invasion of her privacy. Ms. Oliveira stated that, in Somerville, you must if you want to keep bees. She noted that having a permit protects residents if a complaint is lodged against them.
Eliza Cohen spoke about the community process. She spoke about the roles the institutions can play. Where is the vacant land that could be used for agriculture? She urged partnering with the universities and collaborating. What land use survey has been done in Cambridge? Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that the Conservation Director is responsible for 14 community gardens. A letter is sent to owners of large parcels asking if they want to use their land for community gardens, but there are no takers. Mr. Dash stated that Harvard University started the fields of green garden and Squirrel Brand has a community gardens. A statement was made that 25 homeowners have opened their yard for gardening. Mr. Cardio asked about vacant parking lots that can be used as greenhouses. If soil is brought in, people can grow fresh produce throughout the winter. Mr. Kolsun explained that if there was a vacant room in this building hundreds of pounds of tomatoes could be grown. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that the DCR is the biggest property owner to go after for land for gardens.
Ms. Snively spoke about the establishment of an ordinance. There is a need to keep this dialogue going. Mr. Kolsun stated that there has been talk about establishing an urban agricultural organization. Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the importance of harvesting and pruning. The League of Urban Canners pruned two tons of fruits last year. Ms. Oliveira explained the work of the League of Urban Canners.
Councillor Cheung asked what can be done to move this along. Mr. Dash stated that CDD needs to be made aware of what people want to do that they cannot currently do. It is great to have informal discussions but we need to focus on what needs to be done. The Food and Fitness Policy Council works with food access, and obesity. Mr. Dash agreed that someone from this group would be helpful.
Councillor Cheung stated that the group formed to develop urban agriculture could work with the Food and Fitness Policy Council Councillor Cheung suggested asking this group to coordinate with an urban agriculture committee, have the proponents review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances and report back with an urban agriculture ordinance.
Councillor Cheung made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council subcommittee most relevant to addressing questions related to urban agriculture on creating an urban agriculture task force that includes members of the Food and Fitness Policy Council as well as persons currently engaged in urban agriculture initiatives; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the Somerville and Boston Ordinances on urban agriculture with the aforementioned task force and report back on a timeline and process for developing a proposal for an urban agriculture ordinance in Cambridge.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Councillor Cheung thanked all attendees.
The meeting adjourned at 6:31pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on June 5, 2013 at 10:35am at swissnexboston, 420 Broadway, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The purpose of the meeting was to exchange long term planning best practices with the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Lisa Hemmerle, Economic Development Director, CDD; Chris Basler, Project Planner, Economic Development Division, CDD; Pardis Saffari, Associate Planner, Economic Development Division, CDD; Susanne Rasmussen, Environment and Transportation Planning Director, CDD; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present at the meeting, via video conferencing, from Basel-Stadt were Florian Eggli, Head of Marketing Corporations at External Affairs and Marketing Department, University of Basel; Nina Ryser, Head of Economic Development at the Office of Labor and Economic Affairs at the Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt; and Christian Klopper, Head of Technology, Swiss Canton of Basel-Stadt. Ms. Elizabeth Galvin from swissnexboston was present at the site at 420 Broadway.
Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. Mr. Eggli stated that Basel-Stadt has three sister city partnerships, including China, Miami Beach, Florida and Cambridge, Massachusetts. He stressed the importance of sharing visions between cities. Ms. Ryser is the head of technology and economic topics, and works primarily on fostering innovation and start-ups. She worked in Cambridge in 2010 and 2011. Christian Klopper stated that he lived in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2009 and has worked on start-ups.
Mr. Rossi stated that he helped swissnex locate to their current 420 Broadway location. He would like to discuss foreign countries coming to Cambridge to locate here.
Councillor Cheung stated that the impetus for this meeting was based on his visit to Basel where he saw that Novartis was building a campus in Basel. Access was given to the waterway from the campus. He explained that Novartis/MIT in Cambridge have given the public access to a park, but only during business hours. He spoke about the sister-state relationship in Basel. When he met with Mr. Eggli, it was to strengthen the connection between Cambridge and Basel. There are similarities in size and innovation. He thought that a video conference was the best way to discuss the best practices of housing, employment, sustainable development, the economic system, attracting companies via economic development and entrepreneurships.
Mr. Eggli stated that there are no good examples of housing in Basel, and that there is no good leadership in this area. Ms. Ryser commented that those who work in Basel are responsible for their own housing. Councillor Cheung stated that with the development of Kendall Square, many biotech companies have been developed, but no housing has been built to for the employees of new firms to live in. Mr. Rossi stated that the City of Cambridge is trying to cut down on commuting while increasing housing through zoning incentives. Councillor Cheung spoke about micro apartments, which are compact living spaces that have been popular in many entrepreneurial communities. Kendall Square has a lot of graduate students living in the area who have expressed that housing cost is an important issue. Mr. Murphy spoke about the desire for smaller housing spaces. Mr. Rossi noted that access to jobs is important. More public and recreational spaces have been created in Kendall Square, and the City is now trying to create more housing. Mr. Eggli stated that housing is an issue in Basel. Basel has a huge number of jobs, but employees live outside Basel. Programs have been developed to foster housing and more people are moving back to Basel, but housing prices continue to rise. Discussions are ongoing on developing a cheaper housing market and funds for sustainable housing. Ms. Ryser stated that the economic development perspective on zoning issues in Basel is small. When companies move away, there is competition on how the space will be utilized, either by housing or business. Mr. Eggli explained that there are four to five political cantons that work on the housing and business situation. People are crossing the border from the European Union and this creates issues. Mr. Rossi asked how big Basel is. Mr. Klopper responded it is 23 kilometers. It is smaller than Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung questioned how Basel attracts businesses and enhances economic development. Ms. Ryser responded that the focus is on all facets of economic development. Basel works with other cantons on acquisition of new companies. They promote diversity with business. Like Cambridge, Basel has a strong biotechnology and life sciences industry. Ms. Ryser asked about Cambridge's acquisition of new business and how this is organized. Mr. Murphy responded that this is done in the Economic Development Division of CDD where extensive community outreach is completed. With the nexus of Harvard and MIT, the Community Development Department meets with businesses that are looking to locate their businesses in Cambridge. All aspects of Cambridge are explained to the prospective businesses. Ms. Hemmerle explained that Cambridge has a robust retail and restaurant environment. She talked about the workshops that are offered by CDD and regional efforts are done for the life sciences and the biotechnology industries. Mr. Rossi added that Cambridge has learned that the permitting process was decentralized. Now all departments meet and work together to make the process more user friendly. Companies meet with City departments and coordinated efforts are made to get developers and businesses through the process. The City Council realizes that economic development is important to Cambridge. Cambridge has a great tax base. The City has faced difficulty making sure local neighborhoods and members of the community are comfortable with the businesses that are located within the City.
Ms. Hemmerle spoke about startups, incubator and co-working spaces. Ms. Saffari stated that there are twelve incubator spaces located in Harvard and Kendall Squares. Most are office space. Some incubators are one floor. There are three lab incubators. Lab Central is the newest; the space was given by MIT. The City helps to support the incubators. The Community Development Department provides programs to encourage incubators. Lab Central received a grant from the state. Councillor Cheung spoke about public incubators not competing with private incubator spaces. Ms. Ryser stated that there is not enough private initiative for incubator space in Basel. The Basel system is different from Cambridge. Ms. Saffari stated that lab space is planned for 700 Main Street with the goal to be up and running by September. The Kendall Square initiative will incentivize additional incubator space in new development. Mr. Murphy stated that the Kendall Square rezoning was reviewed and there is competition for companies to locate in Kendall Square. Cambridge is an innovator for startup spaces. The Zoning Ordinance requires that new development provide incubator space. Developers were offered incentive to build higher and denser and this created an environment for incubators to survive. Mr. Basler asked if Basel offers incentives for new start ups. Mr. Klopper stated that tax breaks are offered. Research grants are also offered which can be used by companies to pay the university to do research. There is an effort to help companies with paying for the high cost for the space.
Councillor Cheung asked if Basel has the problem of startups finding space to grow. Ms. Saffari stated that larger companies are addressing the demand to reshape space for small and mid-sized companies.
Mr. Eggli stated that he would like the conversation and interaction between Cambridge and Basle to continue. He suggested that another meeting be scheduled. Mr. Rossi suggested sending questions and topics in advance for the discussion by both parties.
Councillor Cheung thanked all present for their attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30am.
For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)
12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)
12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)
12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)
12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)
12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)
12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)
12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)
12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day. Referred back for more information by Councillor Decker on 12/17/2012.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)
12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of re-filing a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)
12-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a reduced small business parking rate for local business owners at city garages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-1)
12-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to ban tandem tractor-trailers from entering the city with a view in mind of requiring large freight vehicles of a certain size to transfer freight to a smaller vehicle before entering the city.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-4)
12-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse including what zoning changes will be needed and reasons for Leggat McCall being chosen as the developer.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-9)
12-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to create a Pathway Overlay District.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-12)
12-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the cost, user price, and payback period if Cambridge were to build its own broadband network
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-8)
13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's plans for the property located at 205 Western Avenue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-6)
13-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on refining procedures to uphold existing ordinances that prohibit the reservation of cleared on-street parking spaces by placing objects in the spots.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-4)
13-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what flooding, drainage, sightline, maintenance and traffic flow issues exist at Linear Park and who is responsible for addressing them.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-7)
13-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current investigate of the murder of Charlene Holmes.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/18/13 (O-1)
13-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans to publicize the upcoming special election.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-5)
13-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing fiber-optic conduits when doing sewer reconstruction.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 03/18/13 (O-7)
13-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of implementing a "Don't Block The Box" policy for Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-4)
13-40. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on ways in which the Cambridge Works Program might affiliate itself with Building Pathways, an intensive program sponsored by the Boston Building Trades Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-5)
13-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how Cambridge can include a participatory budgeting portion in the 2014 budget.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 04/01/13 (O-12)
13-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the taxi and livery industry can modernize its services, provide heightened customer service, and protect drivers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/08/13 (O-9)
13-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of updating the Library's room usage policy to allow for an online calendar and request system.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/22/13 (O-2)
13-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on formally applying to the Federal Rail Administration for establishing Quiet Zones.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 04/29/13 (O-3)
13-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on clarifying the expiration date for zoning petitions filed in the City.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 04/29/13 (O-4)
13-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reason for multiple outages over the last year in the East Cambridge area and what steps are being taken to prevent future outages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/06/13 (O-3)
13-59. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on how the capacity of the Cambridge Works program can be increased.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 05/06/13 (O-4)
13-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a program to collect and rehabilitate abandoned bikes to distribute to low-income residents, similar to Boston's Roll it Forward program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/06/13 (O-7)
13-63. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on a progress report on all of the non-zoning recommendations submitted by the Central Square Advisory Committee.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-2)
13-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the maintenance program to ensure that the handles for the chutes of the BigBelly trash receptacles remain clean.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-3)
13-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on address the concerns of the utility pole on Fainwood Circle.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-4)
13-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on removing the 2 hour time limits for all elementary, middle, and high school students using computers at the Library for academic purposes.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-5)
13-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of completing the Alewife entrance to the Minuteman Bikeway.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-6)
13-71. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on how the structure of boards and commissions can be adjusted to make them project-based and have the appropriate levels of funding for projects.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-13)
13-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of City Library policies to determine how the libraries may best support CRLS students.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-14)
13-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on providing a list of "major" road projects, including those that are not Cambridge projects such as the Longfellow Bridge project, that is available to the general public on a regular basis.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/20/13 (O-16)
13-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of pedicabs transferring passengers from the general MGH/Charles Street area of Boston to the general Kendall Square area of Cambridge and back again during the Longfellow Bridge construction project.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/03/13 (O-2)
13-77. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on making the Foundry building available for a community gathering on June 22, 2013.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Vice Mayor Simmons 06/03/13 (O-3)
13-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repeated sewer gas smell in the vicinity of 135 Inman Street as well as the one near the fire station.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/03/13 (O-4)
13-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of extending the 15 percent discount to condo account where a meter serves one or more units and where all owners are seniors who pay their own water bills.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-3)
13-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of using City funds to subsidize the cost of installing and removing air conditioning units from CHA owned apartments.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-4)
13-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways for residents to be involved throughout the development of the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway and publicize a means to members of the community.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-5)
13-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of installing a sign on Peabody Street that indicates that bicyclists use of the roadway is always permitted.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-6)
13-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a response to the DOT proposal to site digital billboards in municipalities without local oversight.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-7)
13-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that no license plate readers become operational for any reason until the Police Department has formulated and publicly posted a policy on their use and management of relevant data.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-8)
13-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an update on the Constellation Center.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-9)
13-86. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how continued sewer separation and storm water management efforts will address flooding in the Homer Avenue area.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-12)
13-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on limiting truck traffic and/or banning it on Roberts Road.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-13)
13-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing an additional catch-basin in front of 98-100 Erie Street so that water doesn't pool in front of the building.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 06/17/13 (O-15)