CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-80, regarding a report on issuing expired meter tickets to individuals with displayed disabled placards.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to approve the application of A-Ace Shuttle to operate a Shuttle Service to the airport.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request from the Brazilian Cultural Center for two (2) permanent aerial easements for the construction of nine (9) balconies to be installed, repaired, replaced and maintained over portions of the public sidewalk.

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of Feb 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 27, 2006.]

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table City Manager Agenda Number Six of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the Historical Commission’s recommendation for the consolidation of the Half Crown and Marsh Neighborhood Conservation Districts. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Two of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Mayor Reeves on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Dec 13, 2006 for the purpose of considering the recommendations for changes to the Neighborhood Conservation District Ordinance and the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Order, submitted by the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee and endorsed by the Historical Commission. [Placed on Table Committee Report Number Three of Jan 22, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Sullivan on Jan 22, 2007. On Feb 12, 2007 Agenda Item Number Eight was referred to the Ordinance Committee and Calendar Item Number Seven and Eight.]

5. Opposition to the Urban Ring Phase II bus system unless the whole route is grade separated to ensure that the buses would not have to compete with general traffic. [Placed on Table Order Number Nineteen of Apr 9, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 9, 2007. Councillor Kelley’s motion to take from Table Failed 3-6-0 on Apr 23, 2007.]

6. An application was received from Singh Raghbin, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 66 Dudley Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Response has been received from neighborhood association. [Placed on Table Applications and Petitions Number Four of Apr 23, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 23, 2007.]

7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant Department heads to have the West Cambridge painted "rotary" removed. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Toomey on Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007. Placed on Table Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on May 7, 2007.]

8. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with the accident statistics for Massachusetts Avenue from Upland Road to the Arlington line from January 2005 through June of 2007, broken down by the type of accident, severity of any injuries, date of accident and location of accident. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Order Number Ten of June 4, 2007. Placed on table by Councillor Davis on June 11, 2007. Motion to take from the table failed 4-5-0 on June 18, 2007.]  ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED (8-1 with Davis voting NO)

AMENDED ORDER     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There have been several accidents and reports of accidents on North Mass Avenue in the past several months; and
WHEREAS: Recent and pending new construction will have, and have had, impacts on traffic patterns in the area; and
WHEREAS: Without data it is impossible to determine what, if any, City policies and programs need to be changed to address traffic safety issues; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with the accident statistics for Massachusetts Avenue from Upland Road to the Arlington line from January 2005 through June of 2007, broken down by the type of accident, severity of any injuries, date of accident and location of accident; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide this data in digital form in an access database, an Excel spreadsheet or a similar type of data management program.
ORDERED: That if the City Manager determines that the expenditure of staff time and resources for provision of the requested material would unduly burden staff, he shall so report to the City Council.

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

10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillors Michael A. Sullivan and Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on June 6, 2007 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by Felicia Cott et al. to amend the zoning map for the area bordered by the centerlines of Broadway and Harvard, Hancock and Lee Streets from the existing Residence C-1 district designation to Residence B. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after July 2, 2007. Petition expires Sept 4, 2007.

11. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillors Michael A. Sullivan and Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on June 6, 2007 for the purpose of considering a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Craig H. Appel et al. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after July 2, 2007. Petition expires Sept 4, 2007.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for authorization to amend the loan order approved by the City Council on May 23, 2005 for $2,000,000 for renovations and improvements to several City buildings. The question comes on adoption on or after July 2, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Marma Massage, Inc., requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 1798-A Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Lesley University, requesting permission for nine signs and eight banners at the premises numbered 1815 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Jack Hamilton, Executive Director and Donna Cabral, Head Start Director of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., transmitting information on the agency and the Head Start services in Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding various issues.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Diane M. (Holly) Chute.   Councillor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of John W. "Jackie" Taylor.   Councillor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Kathleen M. "Kath" Kirk.   Councillor Sullivan

4. Commend the Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Recycle for Gold Program and declare month of June as "Recycle for Gold Month."   Mayor Reeves

5. Resolution on the death of Richard F. Kent.   Councillor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. Kent.   Councillor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the death of Jeanne M. (Harney) McCormick.   Councillor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the death of Michael J. Clancy.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Maureen Petkus.   Councillor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the death of William E. "Bo" Holland Jr.   Councillor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of Paul Lubin St. Fleur.   Councillor Sullivan

12. Condolences to the family of the firefighters in North Carolina who lost their lives.   Councillor Sullivan

13. Welcome wishes to the Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc.   Councillor Galluccio

14. Best wishes to the Plumbers Local #12 on their 20th Annual Golf Tournament Scholarship Fund Drive.   Councillor Galluccio

15. Resolution on the death of Barbara Ann (Masterson) Sciola.   Vice Mayor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Dr. Arthur J. Pallotta.   Councillor Sullivan

17. Retirement of Jean Perry from the School Department.   Mayor Reeves

18. Welcome Microsoft to the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Sullivan

19. Congratulations to the 2007 North Cambridge Cubs on winning the Mayor's Cup for the Major League Division.   Councillor Sullivan

20. Congratulations to the West Cambridge Rockies on their Mayor's cup victory.   Councillor Murphy

21. Happy 65th Birthday wishes to Ann Moore.   Councillor Decker

22. Retirement of Larry Aaronsen from the Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School.   Councillor Decker

23. Congratulations to Kevin Bandar on his winning baseball season.   Councillor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Richard S. "Richie" Mulloy III.   Councillor Galluccio

25. Speedy recovery wishes to Father Kevin O'Leary.   Councillor Sullivan

26. Speedy recovery wishes to Edward J. Sullivan.   Councillor Sullivan

27. Resolution on the death of Regina (Pimentel) Healey.   Vice Mayor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of reaching out to the owner of the currently closed Kentucky Fried Chicken store at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street and the owner of the vacant storefront on Massachusetts Avenue where the Cambridge Naturals store was formerly located to make those business locations more attractive as soon as possible.   Councillor Decker

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner about the feasibility of instituting a "Text a Tip" program in Cambridge, similar to that which has been recently implemented in Boston, and report back to the City Council on his findings.   Councillor Murphy

3. That the Mayor is requested to convene a special meeting during the month of July with both the School Committee and the City Council to review the Cambridge Public Schools Parent Attitudes Study to determine what lessons both the City and the Cambridge Public Schools can learn from it and what actions may be taken to address the study’s findings.   Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Toomey

4. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on City mosquito control efforts as soon as possible.   Councillor Kelley

5. That the City Council requests that meals for the City Council meetings starting in September be catered by the School Department, either through the Rindge School of Technical Arts Culinary program or simply through the elementary school lunch program.   Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Toomey

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the Council with a plan and timetable for implementing an Ordinance in Cambridge regarding its CORI policy as requested in October, 2005, and report back to the Council with this plan no later than the July 30 meeting.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Galluccio

7. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on boundary lines and safety changes for Blanchard Road and to hold a community meeting.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

8. That this City Council go on record urging Governor Patrick to restore Chapter 70 funding to previous levels through the inclusion of a $31 million line item in his FY07 supplemental budget request to the legislature.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Galluccio and Councillor Sullivan

9. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of the Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse in honor of Edward P. Dever.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Galluccio

10. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to replace the broken backboard on the basketball hoop at Dana Park.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Senator Steven Tolman and Representative Alice Wolf to receive an update on state plans regarding budget amendments to help Henry Nguyen, owner of the Thistle & Shamrock, during the closure of the Walden Street bridge.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to receive a status update on the tree planting schedule for the Grant and Cowperthwaite construction projects.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

13. That the City Manager is requested to provide a report on the feasibility of allotting a stipend to the neighborhood associations for the purpose of outreach as it pertains to meetings and community events.   Councillor Simmons  [adopted 8-1, Decker voted NO]

14. That the City Manager is requested to dispatch the appropriate staff to work with the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to plan and execute a citywide neighborhood yard sale.   Councillor Simmons

15. That the City Manager is requested to assign the appropriate staff to host an annual or bi-annual meeting of neighborhood committees including, but not limited to, neighborhood boards and commissions run and/or financed by the city as well as boards and commissions run and/or financed by citizens.   Councillor Simmons

16. That the City Manager is requested to order that the citizen neighborhood groups be able to list the time and place of neighborhood meetings on the web site or municipal cable.   Councillor Simmons

17. That the City Manager is requested to make the necessary arrangements to have the neighborhood association list updated annually, to be posted on the web site and to provide an electronic list of names and addresses to be forwarded to the City Clerk's Office and any other entity who requests a copy.   Councillor Simmons

18. That the City Manager is requested to refer to the matter of a "green" cab program to the Taxicab Subcommittee of the License Commission for a report back in six months.   Councillor Kelley

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 8, 2007 for the purpose of continuing discussion of the recommendations of the Historical Commission to accept the recommendations of the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on June 5, 2007 to conduct a discussion of city-wide neighborhood issues and to receive a presentation on community participation by Dr. Marian Darlington-Hope.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a public meeting held on May 10, 2007 for the purpose of discussing a "clean" hybrid taxicab program as implemented by the City of Boston.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 26
2:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update from the Cambridge Health Alliance on current projects.  (Sullivan Chamber) -- MEETING CANCELLED.

Thurs, June 28
4:15pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the City.  (Anastos Room)
5:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with the Police commissioner his action plan for violence prevention during the summer in the city.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, July 9
4:45pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of changes to the City Council travel policy and to discuss standing committees and a proposal that the Mayor review the City Council research assistant program as well as any other business that may properly come before the committee.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, July 12
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to add Section 5.60 entitled "Regulation of Fences." This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code entitled "Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulation, Chapter 5.52 Hotel Worker Retention Ordinance."  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:15pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the proposed amendment to Chapter 8.16 of the Municipal Code entitled The Noise Ordinance to add Section 8.16.081 entitled "Leaf Blowers" to further regulate the use of leaf blowers in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Sept 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of reaching out to the owner of the currently closed Kentucky Fried Chicken store at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street and the owner of the vacant storefront on Massachusetts Avenue where the Cambridge Naturals store was formerly located to make those business locations more attractive as soon as possible.

O-2     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Incidents of violent crime during recent summers in Cambridge have highlighted the need to find new ways of fighting and preventing similar occurrences in the future; and
WHEREAS: Crime prevention relies largely upon aid and cooperation from the public at large; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston Police Department has recently implemented its new "Text a Tip" program, a first-in-the-nation crime prevention strategy that combines cell phone text messaging with an anonymous police tip line, thus allowing users to text tips about crimes anonymously with their caller identification blocked; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner about the feasibility of instituting a similar "Text a Tip" program in Cambridge and report back to the City Council on his findings.

O-3     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools recently conducted a survey through Opinion Dynamics Corporation titled "Cambridge Public Schools Parent Attitudes Study," dated May 2007; and
WHEREAS: The study’s findings indicated that CPS enjoys a tremendous amount of good will among current, future and even past CPS families; and
WHEREAS: The study indicated that parents of CPS students feel that the positives of a CPS education far outweigh the negatives; and
WHEREAS: The study’s findings indicated that there are significant concerns among current CPS families and among families that have withdrawn from CPS about the quality of a CPS education; and
WHEREAS: Forty-eight percent of study respondents with children in CPS see a time when they might feel "compelled" to withdraw from CPS; and
WHEREAS: By a ratio of 3.5 to 1, withdrawn families surveyed said they disagreed with the statement that high housing costs drove them from CPS; and
WHEREAS: The study specifically talks about respondents’ desire for more direct communication between CPS and the parents/students; and
WHEREAS: The City and the School Department both have important parts to play in ensuring a quality education is available to all school-aged Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to convene a special meeting during the month of July with both the School Committee and the City Council to review the Cambridge Public Schools Parent Attitudes Study to determine what lessons both the City and CPS can learn from it and what actions may be taken to address the study’s findings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to ensure that this special meeting is televised on City TV and allows for public comment as is the case for typical City Council and School Committee meetings.

O-4     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on City mosquito control efforts as soon as possible.

O-5     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council requests that meals for the City Council meetings starting in September be catered by the School Department, either through the Rindge School of Technical Arts Culinary program or simply through the elementary school lunch program.

O-6     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: This Council has repeatedly expressed a desire to reform the City of Cambridge’s policy with regard to the use of the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system by the city and its vendors; and
WHEREAS: In response to this policy goal, the council passed an order in March asking that the City Manager report back to the City Council with respect to Policy Order #9 from October 24, 2005; and
WHEREAS: Last November, this Council confirmed an order asking the special taskforce on Neighborhood Safety to analyze the impact of the current CORI policy on employment and safety within Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Other cities have moved forward on this issue by passing legislation that requires vendors of goods and/or services to the city to have CORI policies which are consistent with city standards; and
WHEREAS: These standards most significantly require that: no CORI checks are performed unless required by law or a good faith determination of necessity, that the CORI report is accurate, that a copy is provided to the applicant, that a chance for rebuttal of a CORI’s accuracy is provided if a decision to deny employment is made; and
WHEREAS: More than twenty months have passed since the Council requested that the City Manager confer with the City Solicitor to draft an amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Code to require that City vendors have fair policies relating to the CORI screening and identification of persons with criminal backgrounds, and to establish CORI-related standards for the city of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a responsibility to provide fair policies for screening applicants for employment both for itself and its vendors of goods and/or services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council with a plan and timetable for implementing an Ordinance in Cambridge regarding its CORI policy as requested in October, 2005, and report back to the Council with this plan no later than the July 30 meeting.

O-7     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on boundary lines and safety changes for Blanchard Road and to hold a community meeting.

O-8     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Chapter 70 program is the major source for state aid to public elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and 150 other communities in Massachusetts have seen the amount of Chapter 70 funding they receive markedly decline in the last decade, most recently in 2004 when the legislature cut Chapter 70 funding by twenty percent; and
WHEREAS: Since 2004, the only increases in Chapter 70 funding have been to those cities and towns which needed more funds to reach foundation levels, a prescribed criteria set by the state for the minimum amount of educational spending for each community; and
WHEREAS: The restoration by Governor Patrick of a relatively modest $31 million line item in his FY07 supplemental budget request would return Chapter 70 funding levels to their previous highs of fiscal years 2002 and 2003; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record urging Governor Patrick to restore Chapter 70 funding to previous levels through the inclusion of a $31 million line item in his FY07 supplemental budget request to the legislature; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Governor and the city’s legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of the Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse in honor of Edward P. Dever; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-10     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to replace the broken backboard on the basketball hoop at Dana Park.

O-11     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Senator Steven Tolman and Representative Alice Wolf to receive an update on state plans regarding budget amendments to help Henry Nguyen, owner of the Thistle & Shamrock, during the closure of the Walden Street bridge.

O-12     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to receive a status update on the tree planting schedule for the Grant and Cowperthwaite construction projects; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to respond to this request within 7 days.

O-13 AMENDED ORDER     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a report on the feasibility of allotting a stipend to the neighborhood associations for the purpose of outreach as it pertains to meetings and community events.

O-14     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to dispatch the appropriate staff to work with the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to plan and execute a citywide neighborhood yard sale.

O-15     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to assign the appropriate staff to host an annual or bi-annual meeting of neighborhood committees including, but not limited to, neighborhood boards and commissions run and/or financed by the city as well as boards and commissions run and/or financed by citizens.

O-16     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to order that the citizen neighborhood groups be able to list the time and place of neighborhood meetings on the web site or municipal cable.

O-17     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make the necessary arrangements to have the neighborhood association list updated annually, to be posted on the web site and to provide an electronic list of names and addresses to be forwarded to the City Clerk's Office and any other entity who requests a copy.

O-18     June 25, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to refer to the matter of a "green" cab program to the Taxicab Subcommittee of the License Commission for a report back in six months; and be it further
ORDERED: That the report include the point of view and input from environmental proponents, the hotel and tourism sectors and owners and drivers from the Cambridge taxi industry.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on, Tues, May 8, 2007 at beginning at six o’clock and thirty-five minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing discussion of the recommendations of the Historical Commission to accept the recommendations of the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Michael A. Sullivan and Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of the Historical Commission; and Donald Drisdell, City Solicitor.

Councillor Sullivan convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited Charles Sullivan to provide an update on this matter. Mr. Sullivan gave a brief history. He described the recommendation of the Study Committee that the Avon Hill NCDC boundary stay as originally drawn and that several changes and improvements be made to the governance of the neighborhood conservation district. Mr. Sullivan said that in response to the City Council’s request, the Historical Commission did a second survey in February 2007. A report of that survey is attached (Attachment A). Mr. Sullivan reported that the survey was sent to all 295 property owners in the district. Eighty-five responded, which represented a 28.8 percent response rate, more than the 19 percent return for the original survey. He said that 81 percent supported the goals of the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District and 78.1 percent opposed redoing the size by allowing the petitioners to leave the district.

Councillor Davis asked if the survey was representative. Mr. Sullivan said that they sent it to every property owner in the district.

Councillor Sullivan invited public comment.

Sarah Alvard, 16 Bellevue Avenue, spoke in support of the boundary study and its recommendations. Fair processes are very important. She said that she believes these issues have been addressed in the Study Committee’s recommendations.

Judy Bagalay, 15 Raymond Street, stated that she is one of the original petitioners. The original petitioners have reaffirmed their desire to leave the district. They have had eight years experience with imposed tastes and unelected arbiters. They live in the second most restrictive zoning district in the City but there is no objective because the zoning rules are objective. She said that Raymond Street is different from the rest of the district. The Raymond Street petitioners would be willing to stay in the district if the review were made nonbinding for all properties except National Historical Registered and Massachusetts Avenue. properties. Ms. Bagalay said that if that is too drastic, they would request that the boundary streets (Linnaean, Raymond and Upland Streets and Massachusetts Avenue) have non-binding review. She said that the NCD Commission failed to understand that on a street with 11 garages, one more should be allowed.

Eric Wodlinger, Craigie Street, suggested that the Cambridge Historical Commission should have jurisdiction over the neighborhood conservation districts. He also suggested a mechanism like the demolition delay provision. Homeowners who have bought historic houses should not be treated like children; there should be a negotiation process. The very complexity of the recommendations shows that t he Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District is fatally flawed.

Rob Adelberg, 18 Bellevue Avenue, stated that his property is located three houses from Raymond Street; he is an abutter to 79 Raymond Street. The petition served a good purpose. It catalyzed a serious and thorough report. He has just participated for the first time and he was struck by the courtesy and professionalism of the commission. He supports giving them a chance to demonstrate how much improvement has taken place. He is not sure of accuracy of the statement that all but one of the original petitioners re-signed. Some have moved and he knows of a couple of others who no longer want Raymond Street out of the Neighborhood Conservation District. He hopes that the person who has requested approval to build a garage could apply again and succeed.

Steven Fitzsimmons, 3 Wyman Street, said that good points were made about mistakes in the process is in the past. He said that he believes that it is part of what makes the Study Committee’s recommendation sound. He urged the Ordinance Committee to forward the report to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. He noted a recent good discussion by the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission with regard to the 79 Raymond Street property. He also discussed the concept of the street. For example, 79 Raymond Street has ten abutters and only one is on Raymond Street.

Alan Harwood, 77 Avon Hill Street, read from a letter from his wife, Margot Welch. She said that the NCDC provides a structure that can help neighbors to problem-solve. Everyone needs to think bigger. There may well be more traffic on Raymond Street since the district boundaries were established. So the challenge is to see if the community can be strengthened as circumstances change. Through public discussion and strong governance structures that facilitate discussion and learning, differences can be explored in ways that strengthen and enrich the whole.

Brian Hutte, 147 Brattle Street, spoke in support of the Neighborhood Conservation District. He emphasized the importance of objective standards. The Historical Commission has the expertise to train the commissioners. Traffic does not undermine the historical significance of the street, but it does make difference to the needs of the residents. Nonbinding review does not mean really work in a hot real estate market. He urged adoption of the Study Commission Report.

Nelson Gore, 80 Raymond Street, said that he is in favor of the design that has been proposed for 79 Raymond Street. He noted that a sun porch was inappropriately allowed for the former owners because of cronyism, while the new owners’ plan would tear it down and replace it with something more architecturally appropriate. With regard to the Gray Gardens houses, the Historical Commission ignored the staff recommendations. The Study Commission came in with a particular bias. Traffic on Raymond Street and Upland Road creates different demands and makes a garage more necessary.

Councillor Sullivan asked Mr. Drisdell about what process would be required if the City Council believes the boundary should be changed. Mr. Drisdell said that if the Council wants to make changes to the boundary the matter should be referred back to the Study Committee, as is detailed in his legal memorandum (Attachment B). Councillor Sullivan stated his appreciation for the work of the Study Committee and said that he is supportive of it. He suggests that the City Council place a sunset clause in the ordinance that would require reauthorization by the City Council. Councillor Sullivan added that he has been reluctant to go along with the order of remodeling some of the houses; although he has noted that some properties were removed at the onset. He asked whether a homeowner could re-file after a negative decision. Mr. Sullivan answered in the affirmative.

Councillor Davis said that she is not sure that the sunset clause solves the problem. This issue has been so contentious that finality may be important. She asked Mr. Sullivan whether a sunset clause would be a problem.

Mr. Sullivan said that the Study Commission does recommend review after a period of time.

Councillor Sullivan said that he wants some way to ensure that the promises, such as the education piece, are kept.

Councillor Davis noted that the Council can always decide to change the ordinance, whether there is a sunset clause or not. She agrees that there should be monitoring.

Councillor Kelley asked Mr. Drisdell about his recommendations that if the City Council wants to change the boundary the City Council should refer the matter back to the Historical Commission and Study Committee. He stated that his conclusion is that the substantive discussion on how the City Council will resolve the issue will take place at the City Council.

Councillor Sullivan stated that he would like to have some of the substantive discussion in the committee. Councillor Kelley said his suggestion is that the City Council recognizes that traffic entirely defines Cambridge. He recommends that everyone on the border streets be let out or be made subject only to nonbinding review.

Councillor Murphy expressed his appreciation for the work of the Study Committee. He does not agree that traffic is the entire focus of an historical district. The essence is the history. He noted an increase in the number of responses to the second survey and the overwhelming support of those who responded. He does not have a problem with a sunset provision. Councillor Murphy said that the piece he would still like to hear more about is that of the Gray Garden buildings.

Mr. Sullivan said that there are arguments on both sides. He remarked that Raymond Street dates from the seventeenth century. The part of Raymond Street that is now Gray Gardens was a farm until the 1920’s, and then it all was developed in a piece.

Councillor Murphy asked about the progress of consideration of a broader based NCDC. Mr. Sullivan said that is part of a longer process. There are complexities that the Historical Commission wants to look into. In response to Councillor Murphy’s question, Mr. Sullivan said that he believes that a sunset clause would be doable. A review every year would be too much, but three years would be manageable.

Councillor Kelley said he is not surprised that most people in the district are supportive because they live on quiet streets and do not have to deal with traffic. He added that he would keep fences subject to binding review.

Mr. Sullivan said that the nonbinding concept came up in 1980. It has not worked. It is not taken seriously and it is not an educational opportunity, as was originally contemplated. If there is going to be a review, it should be a binding review. Mr. Sullivan said that traffic was not disregarded, but traffic was not an issue in establishing the district. Compared with Brattle Street, the traffic on Raymond Street is much lighter.

Mr. Drisdell stated that he believes that the City Council would need to refer the issue of a sunset clause back to the Study Committee for its consideration and report back.

Councillor Kelley stated that he would like to vote for the Study Committee recommendations be amended to remove Raymond Street.

The matter was referred to the City Council without recommendation on a voice vote. Councillors Murphy and Sullivan thanked all those present for their participation. On a motion from Councillor Kelley the meeting was adjourned at eight o’clock and ten minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair
Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chair
QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING COMMITTEE REPORT AND ADOPTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND BOUNDARY COMMITTEE INCLUDING ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO CURRENT AVON HILL NCDC ORDER on June 25, 2007

Committee Report #2
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, June 5, 2007, at six o’clock and fourteen minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting considering was to conduct a discussion of city-wide neighborhood issues and to receive a presentation on community participation by Dr. Marian Darlington-Hope.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Michael Sullivan; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Department (CDD); Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation; John Nardone, Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Public Works Department; Eileen Keegan, Division Head, Community Schools, Department of Human Services, (DHSP); and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Dr. Marian Darlington Hope and neighborhood residents.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The notice of the meeting was sent to neighborhood associations and the meeting was for neighborhoods to discuss neighborhood issues. Dr. Hope has spoken on community participation issues. Councillor Simmons invited Dr. Hope to make a presentation.

Dr. Hope spoke about community participation trends. A population study was done at Rutgers. It was broken down as:
Mature population (before WW II)
Baby Boomers
Generation X-ers (born after 1964)
Student (college age and younger; born after 1979).

Questions were focused on voting patterns. The survey was given to 1,000 participants. The material has a sense of why you participate and your civic duty. Volunteering was done through connection with a Church.

The baby boomers had the most activism. Seventy percent of this population had written letters to their congressman. There were more introductions in international issues. There was more participation, broader understanding and more evaluation on particular issues.

The generation X-ers lacked knowledge of world events, focused on individual need, give back after they reach a certain place in their life and volunteer in an individual sense. Councillor Sullivan asked Dr. Hope if this means instead of volunteering generation X-ers are more apt to write a check. Dr. Hope responded in the affirmative. This group views the world as if I do not like what is going on in the community I will move. This population is more apt to focus on home schooling.

The population born in 1979 or later revealed that instead of college students becoming active adults they are angry and dismayed. Why would you expect that serving in a soup kitchen would make better citizens? Dr. Hope stated that she wanted to get more generations to become more involved. Councillor Sullivan stated that community service has been a requirement to graduate. He asked what impact did the "Rock the Boat" have. Dr. Hope responded that there was a surge with the focus on young voters for a short period of time. This movement did not focus on community service. Service to the homeless population does not teach anything about the democratic process, she commented. In the experience the message is being missed. The focus for young people should be involvement in civic engagement. She cited the example of social justice. A problem is no funding can be used for voting. There is less focus on interaction on local issues. She used New Orleans as an example: there is still attention being given to the area, but there is less change. Civic participation has become volunteerism; it is self-interest. My self-interest is making life better for someone else is the mindset. People feel that there is nothing they can do to impact a concern they have about their community. She spoke about the interaction between residents and city government to make sure that necessary services are provided. The perception is elected officials should know what I need because I pay taxes.

Councillor Sullivan commented that there is no cost to volunteer. Dr. Hope responded there is also no change. The struggle is how to move away from volunteering. People volunteer in areas that they perceive to be worse off; not in their own community.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment.

Ms. Rubenstein asked about democratic education.

Donna Barry asked how electronic media is important to involvement in the community. Dr. Hope responded that electronic media does not get you involved with each other. Power rests with the elected official. Volunteers and civic participation need to be encouraged. There is a need to figure out how to use volunteerism to get people involved in civic participation.

Judy Bibbins stated that her involvement as a parent in the schools led to activism. Activism does not cut across race and class and happens at the expense of self interest stated Dr. Hope. She further stated her activism was around her children.

Ms. Clippinger stated that it is difficult to get people involved. It is difficult to get people to come to a meeting on an issue. How do we get people to become involved? Dr. Hope responded that we want people participating in items that we think are an issue. People act out of their own self interest. There is no relationship between being involved in the community and making a decision.

Gerald Bergman stated that people believe that there is no belief in civic responsibility. He spoke about community process that turns people off. There is no administrative need for change. He spoke about diversity of language, income and class differences and the challenge they present to building a community.

Eileen Keegan, DHSP, stated that in the 1960’s many agencies had someone on their staff who got the residents riled up over an issue in the community. The funding streams for activists have since dried up. People feel that they cannot impact an issue. She suggested restoration of civic class in the schools. She sees neighborhoods reaching out and doing good things, but it is more reactive than proactive.

Liz Leighton spoke about activism being dangerous especially in the work place.

Stuart Dash spoke about his son’s experience and who felt that people like to hear themselves talk. The age group from 1979 and after is trying to be engaged.

Councillor Simmons spoke about children who grew up in an activist household. This group is more apt to get involved in community. But there is not enough of this type of household. She thanked Dr. Hope for her presentation and attendance at this meeting. When people become galvanized they come out on issues of concern, but when the issue is resolved they wither. She asked if there was something in a neighborhood that a member of the community wanted to lay on the table for discussion.

Liz Leighton spoke about it being beneficial for the city to let the community know what safeguards are in place for hazardous waste.

Jean Jeune asked if a meeting could be brought to the neighborhood, church or private group. Councillor Simmons responded in the affirmative. There is no one way to notify the neighborhood of a meeting. Mr. Jeune suggested a public service announcement on CCTV. Mr. Nardone stated that area sergeant meetings are well attended. He suggested finding out how notification of the meetings is done.

At this time Councillor Simmons submitted the following four motions:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to allot a stipend to the neighborhood associations for the purpose of out reach as it pertains to meetings and community events.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to dispatch the appropriate staff to work with the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to plan and execute a citywide neighborhood yard sale.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to assign the appropriate staff to host an annual or biannual meeting of neighborhood committees including, but not limited to, citizen run, city financed and citizen run, boards and commissions.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to order that the citizen neighborhood groups be able to list the time and place of neighborhood meetings on the web site or municipal cable.

The four motions – Carried.

A discussion ensued about if there is a directory of neighborhood associations. Mr. Dash stated that they are listed on the CDD web site. Councillor Simmons wanted an annual update of the neighborhood associations. At this time Councillor Simmons submitted the following additional motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to make the necessary arrangements to have the neighborhood association list updated annually, to be posted on the web site and to provide an electronic list of names and addresses to be forwarded to the City Clerk’s office and any other entity who requests a copy.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and thirty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING REPORT, PLACING ON FILE AND ADOPTING FIVE ORDERS on June 25, 2007

Committee Report #3
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, May 10, 2007 beginning at five o’clock and thirty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing a "clean" hybrid taxicab program as implemented by the City of Boston.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Anthony G. Galluccio; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. The following Cambridge officials and administrative staff were also present: Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission; Police Officer Benny Szeto; and Robyn Bell, Executive Director of the Office of Tourism. Also present were Abraham Lom, 14 Lopez Avenue; Joseph Stein, 3 Langdon Square Apt. 3; Amanda Patrick, 3 Langdon Square Apt. 3; John Moore, 2 Shady Hill Square; Joseph W. Silva, 76 Hampshire Street; Ash Dyer, 504 Beacon Street, Boston; Tibor Hangyal, 207 Magazine Street.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited discussion of the issue.

Amanda Patrick, 3 Langdon Square, stated that she is very interested in hybrid cabs and has done research about other cities. She might take hybrid cabs more often. San Francisco was the first city to have a hybrid cab program. It started in 2005 with five cabs and now there are 40 cabs on the road. Anecdotally, they are very popular with the drivers, who save about thirty dollars a shift, get bigger tips and have more interested customers. The oldest cabs are up to 190,000 miles and are still going strong. San Francisco officials are thinking of requiring that any cab that is replaced must be replaced by a hybrid cab. Ms. Patrick said that in New York City there are 300 hybrid cabs in service, mostly Ford Escapes. Chicago also has a "green" cab program. In Chicago owners of "green" cabs are allowed to put more advertising on their cabs to recoup the higher cost of purchasing hybrid vehicles. San Diego is requiring fleets of fifty or more to have one hybrid.

John Moore, 2 Shady Hill Square, said that he has been working on this issue for over two years. He is interested in global warming. He approached the Boston Public Health Commission with the idea of providing an incentive to cab drivers to convert to cleaner vehicles. He persuaded Ford Motor Company to lend him a standard hybrid to follow a Boston cab for an entire 10-hour shift. He followed the cab everywhere including to cab stands where they waited while the taxi driver’s Crown Victoria idled in order to keep the heater running and his hybrid sat silently automatically using the battery to keep the car warm. During the shift the Crown Victoria used over 10 gallons of gas, and the hybrid used only 3.25 gallons, to include idling for heater use.

Thereafter in Boston, a partnership, which included the City’s environmental department, the hackney division and local cab companies, was established to create a program to help owners convert to hybrids while at the same time benefiting drivers, customers and the public at large. The program was officially announced last September and has already experienced success. There are currently approximately 15 Boston hybrid cabs, with more on order. Massport has recently announced that it will give hybrid cabs front-of-line privileges, which may lead to more hybrids.

Mr. Moore stated that Boston’s hybrid cab owners report much lower maintenance costs and fuel savings of $20.00 to $30.00 per shift. The challenge with these vehicles is the initial cost of the vehicle and insurance. Incentive programs in Boston and other cities have allowed cab drivers to make the shift. There is a 100% lease rate.

Councillor Davis said that Mr. Moore has persuaded her that although there are hurdles, a hybrid taxi program is worth pursuing. As the owner of the hybrid car she is very happy to hear that hybrids last 190,000 miles. As the greenest city on the planet, we need to get out taxis sorted out. She challenged, half in jest, the License Commission, to be our greenest department. This effort must be cooperative, taxi cab drivers and owners will realize that people like to drive, and drive in, hybrids.

Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission said that the License Commission has been thinking about this for a long time. Boston’s program provides a good push. The Cambridge Taxicab Subcommittee would like to see a program flourish. The cost of the vehicles is the biggest problem. That is where London’s program floundered on this issue. A medallion costs $380,000 with another $4,000 to put a vehicle on the road. There are various possible incentives. Mr. Scali said that what would most likely attract people would be a program that offered a free medallion or a reduced value medallion, similar to the accessible taxi program. There would need to be some value for collateral.

Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, (CDD), said that from environmental standpoint, a hybrid taxi program would be a major step forward. A big priority would be not to harm the livelihoods of cab drivers.

Abraham Lom, 14 Lopez Avenue, said that taxi owners usually purchase used police cars to use as taxis. He noted the competition that taxicab owners face from owners of livery vehicles, which do not need to have medallions. Mr. Lom said that if there is going to be a leg up of free medallions for hybrid vehicles, the current medallion owners should get the opportunity before brand new applicants.

Robyn Bell, Director of the Office of Tourism, said that the Hotel Association is very interested in a hybrid taxi program. Green initiatives are hot issues in general.

Councillor Davis said that there are 60,000 cars registered in Cambridge. Most of them spend much less time driving around than cabs do. Here there would be an opportunity to remove a high-energy user and carbon dioxide producer. Each cab replaced by a hybrid vehicle would probably equal replacement of 30 private passenger vehicles.

Ms. Rasmussen said that lots of cars in Cambridge are rarely used. The City has a "green" vehicle policy. Every new vehicle purchased must be a "green" vehicle, unless the requester can prove that it is not possible for that particular vehicle usage need. It is tough to get a hybrid vehicle for a police cruiser, which must accommodate two officers and a console in the front. The City Manager signs off on all purchases.

Mr. Moore said that passenger cars fill up their tanks every seven to ten days while a cab fills up every day, so it is a seven to one ratio. He also said that there is one livery owner in Cambridge who runs all hybrid vehicles and has been very successful. Green conversions of cabs are often compressed natural gas. The police want a Crown Victoria’s power. He added that New York City changed its regulations to require newer cabs and that has turned out to be very good for the industry. He stated that he agreed with Mr. Lom about using existing medallions, that is where real change must come from. He said it is a great idea to start by seeding the industry with "green" medallions.

Councillor Galluccio agreed that a "green" program should be looking first at conversion of existing medallions. The City must consider the fairness issue. He would like to see incentives for conversion. He emphasized the cost of doing business in Cambridge. He believes the taxi business is far more profitable Boston because there is more going on in general. Taxi owners face high insurance costs, financing costs, and leasing costs. He really would like to see some of the pressure taken off the drivers. He does not want more regulatory burdens.

Councillor Davis asked what the next steps should be. Mr. Scali recommended referral of the issue to the Taxi Committee.

Councillor Kelley said that in the winter most cabs idle because of the cold and in the summer, they idle because of the heat. If cabs didn’t idle, their impact on air quality would not be so bad. He submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to refer to the matter of a "green" cab program to the Taxicab Subcommittee of the License Commission for a report back in six months; and be it further
ORDERED: That the report include the point of view and input from environmental proponents, the hotel and tourism sectors and owners and drivers from the Cambridge taxi industry.

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Mr. Scali said that they would push, with Commissioner Haas, on idling. They are launching a new award program, CBC – "Cambridge’s Best Cab" –to help focus on the newest, cleanest cabs in the fleet.

Councillor Kelley thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

Attachments:
Boston Clean Air Cabs Fact Sheet
Why? Boston Clean Air Cabs
QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING REPORT, PLACING ON FILE AND ADOPTING ORDER on June 25, 2007

AWAITING REPORT
03-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on progress of open space acquisition in East Cambridge.
Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/02/03 (O-14)

03-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing a proposed ordinance creating a Department of Public Safety. Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Mayor Sullivan and Full Membership 08/04/03 (O-4)

03-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to coordinate with Harvard for the development of a shuttle service from the new Harvard/Pleasant Street housing area to Harvard Square. Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 10/20/03 (O-16)

05-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on NSTARS’s investment and infrastructure and its relation to the blackouts and power outages in Cambridge. Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan
Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/20/05 (O-5)

05-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact that energy conservation measures could have in preventing blackouts and power outages. Remains on per Councillor Kelley
Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/20/05 (O-6)

05-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an update on negotiations to implement a nighttime truck ban. Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan
Councillor Murphy and Full Membership 08/01/05 (O-58)

05-207. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for sidewalks that are more practical than brick and more attractive than plain concrete.
Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker and Full Membership 11/14/05 (O-6)

06-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a database that details how many residential parking stickers are associated with residential units broken down by number of bedrooms, affordability class, location and proximity to a Mass Transit nexus.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/30/06 (O-3)

06-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on financial support to Homeowners Rehab, Inc to subsidize the creation and fitting out of retail and community space at Trolley Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 05/15/06 (O-5)

06-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on putting the City’s self-evaluation under the ADA on the website.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/05/06 (O-10)

06-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a one-year long visioning plan for the City’s youth centers.
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 06/12/06 (O-7)

06-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the formation of a committee to study the impact to Cambridge of the proposal to develop Allston by Harvard.
Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-1)

06-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on monitoring the impact of the new Harvard Shaler Lane parking policy.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-37)

06-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a pilot program which utilizes a public/private partnership to employ residents.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-54)

06-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a policy that will result in road and sidewalk hazards being promptly and consistently marked by either City employees or private citizens.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/25/06 (O-19)

06-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on standards angles for curb cuts, appropriate installation of curb cuts and oversight review of specifications for curb cuts.
Councillor Kelley 09/25/06 (O-37)

06-200. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current outreach and programs being offered to those who have recently been released from prison.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/04/06 (O-14)

06-201. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on highlighting the need to allow new municipal electric utilities on Massachusetts.
Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 12/04/06 (O-17)

07-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of using an acoustic gunshot detection system.
Councillor Sullivan 01/08/07 (O-18)

07-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on posting minutes of boards and commissions with names and addresses of members on the City’s website.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/22/07 (O-6)

07-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of appointing a special committee to study the impact of the Harvard-Allston campus.
Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 01/22/07 (O-7)

07-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan to provide all members of boards and commissions with more in-depth training/orientation.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 01/22/07 (O-8)

07-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City collects personal data, how it is used and how staff is trained on protecting it from improper use.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 02/05/07 (O-23)

07-25. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the problem of the discharge of air pollutants from buildings and water heating systems at a level that is noticeable to the human nose at the property line.
Councillor Kelley 02/26/07 (O-9)

07-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a Cambridge-based program similar to ONEin3Boston.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/05/07 (O-5)

07-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: update on amendments to the Code to require vendors to have fair policies relating to CORI screening and establish CORI-related standards for the City similar to those adopted in Boston.
Mayor Reeves & Councillor Sullivan 03/19/07 (O-19)

07-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how claims of damages incurred as a result of an outflow break to homes in the Vassal Lane area are being handled.
Councillor Galluccio & Councillor Sullivan 03/19/07 (O-26)

07-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on evaluating the recent traffic and parking burden created by housing developmnet in Cambridge in close proximity to mass transit.
Councillor Galluccio and Full Membership 04/09/07 (O-4)

07-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what resources CRLS offers to post-graduates for post high school educational programs, placement and transfers.
Councillor Galluccio and Full Membership 04/09/07 (O-5)

07-55. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issues with Clear Channel billboards.
Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Reeves & Councillor Simmons 04/09/07 (O-35)

07-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on wireless network atop Cambridge light poles - system known as CitySense.
Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 04/23/07 (O-7)

07-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on "timebanking" for the delivery of services.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 04/23/07 (O-17)

07-60. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on research and development of a potential green zone policy for Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Galluccio 04/09/07 (O-31)

07-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of putting utility lines under streets.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/30/07 (O-4)

07-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on banning disposable plastic bags at large retail stores and other measures to reduce use and increase recycling of plastic bags.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 04/30/07 (O-7)

07-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on estimated timeline with financial impacts of development delays with the North Point Project over the next five to ten years.
Councillor Galluccio & Councillor Sullivan 05/07/07 (O-8)

07-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Graham & Parks School building.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 05/21/07 (O-7)

07-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the concerns of delivering and storing chemicals in the City.
Vice Mayor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/07 (O-8)

07-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make Tyler court clearly defined as it crosses the Massachusetts Avenue sidewalk.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/21/07 (O-15)

07-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of traffic calming measures on Tremont Street.
Councillor Murphy and Full Membership 06/11/07 (O-1)

07-77. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of infill development.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/11/07 (O-4)

07-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issuing expired meter tickets to individuals with displayed disabled placards.
Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 06/18/07 (O-3)

07-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the level of policing and patrols on the Grand Junction Railroad.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/18/07 (O-15)

07-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what the effects of a Residence C district for the area, delineated in the Cott Petition would be compared to Residence B or Residence C-1.
Councillor Davis 06/18/07 (O-23)

07-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of putting the City’s Self-Evaluation Plan on the website.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/18/07 (O-17)

07-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on requesting MIT and Harvard to share any data or results about the potential for local wind energy.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/18/07 (O-12)

07-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether units at 128 Pine Street and 400 Franklin Street will no longer be eligible for rental as Section 8 housing and ensuring that the tenants are provide with safe affordable housing and do not lose their homes and their Cambridge residency.
Councillor Simmons 06/18/07 (O-14)

07-86. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on listing all special programs, exemptions and services offered by the City on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities website.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/18/07 (O-18)