CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2005:
  Lucien P. Goguen, 72 Beach Street, Haverhill, MA 01832
  Karas Billy, 159 Bittersweet Lane, Randolph, MA 02368
  Sherry Belanger, 136 Eustis Street, Revere, MA 02151
  Hector Polanco, 82 Portland Street, 1st Floor, Haverhill, MA 01830

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-144, regarding a report on the completion plans of Lafayette Square and the direction of the traffic.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number Number 05-142, regarding a report on the progress of an anti-bullying program.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-141, regarding a report on the number of households that take advantage of the Fuel Assistance Program and its energy efficiency services.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-150, regarding a report on the daytime use of parking spaces at and around 884 Main Street.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-140, regarding a report on the status of the Harvard Square and Central Square MBTA elevators.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-136, regarding a report on an inspection of the fence at Rindge Field baseball diamond with emphasis on the placement of netting to prevent errant balls from entering Bergin Park.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-148, regarding a report on the London Plane trees and whether Cambridge has a winter moth infestation, and if so, whether there is a plan to treat it.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an ordinance amendment to Chapter 12.16 of the Cambridge Municipal Code increasing the fine for all properties from $25.00 to $35.00 per day which is also in response to Council Order No. 25, dated 1/10/05, regarding comparative information on ticketing for failure to remove snow from sidewalks; and Council Order No. 21, dated 10/18/04, regarding larger fines for failure to clear sidewalks.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $75,000 from General Fund Cable Television Salary and Wages account to the General Fund School Salary and Wages account ($73,410) and to the General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,590) to cover the costs of an Educational Access Program Manager and related office and instructional materials.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $800,000 in projected FY06 surplus traffic and parking revenues in the Parking Fund to the Public Investment Fund Traffic and Parking Extraordinary Expenditures account. This appropriation will be used to fund equipment, renovations and repairs at the East Cambridge and Green Street Garages.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Adult Basic Education grant (ABE) received from the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult Community Learning Services for $657,621.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($562,424.00), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($94,522.00), and to the Grand Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($675.00) to provide funds to support the Community Learning Center (CLC).

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Boston Adult Literacy Fund for $9,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($3,927.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,073.00) to be used to hire and train student leaders who will direct workshops on family literacy at the Community Learning Center.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of private donations to the Recreation Division for $750 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to enhance the overall recreation experience of Cambridge individuals with special needs.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) for $46,500 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account to support the Cambridge Employment Program (CEP).

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Cambridge Housing Authority/Bridge Program Grant for $8,400.00 received from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($7,892.00) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($508.00) to be used to provide educational resources to CHA residents enrolled in the Community Learning Center’s Bridge Transition to College Program, which assists residents in making the transition to post secondary education.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Computer Grant for $75,490.00 received through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($73,367.00) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,123.00) to provide computer classes for CHA residents through the Community Learning Center (CLC).

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Civic Education Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education for $143,169.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($124,498.00), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($17,671.00), and Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($1,000.00) to support the Community Learning Center’s Adult Civic Education program.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant received from the Friends of the Community Learning Center for ($16,000.00) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account in support of the Cambridge Even Start Program and CLC’s core programs.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Massachusetts Family Network (MFN) Grant through the Department of Education for $139,761.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($138,318.00) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,443.00) to provide a variety of family support and parent education resources to families in the Cambridge community through the Center for Families.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a private donation to the Work Force Development for $1,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support efforts to place teens in summer and school year jobs, with particular focus on teens with barriers to employment.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Workplace Education grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education Adult and Community Learning Services for $40,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($37,836.00) and Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,164.00) to provide funds to support the Community Learning Center (CLC).

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $96,720 from the General Fund Police Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of purchasing 120 replacement bullet proof vests for police officers.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the recommendation to accept the following amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.36.010 (Private Fire Alarm Systems-Connection to Municipal System – fee) which would increase the fee for direct connection to the municipal system from $300 per installation and $300 per year (or part thereof) to $400 per installation and $400 per year.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation to accept the amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 12.18 entitled Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of Newsracks.

26. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $153,654.02 from the CPA Open Space Reserve to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to acquire 12-14 Watson Street which will be permanently preserved as a public open space.

27. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order of taking in order to acquire a parcel of land located at 12-14 Watson Street in accordance with a recommendation of the Community Preservation Act ("CPA") Committee, for the purpose of permanently preserving it as public open space, including but not limited to maintaining its use as a community garden.

28. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the discontinuance of a portion of Clark Street, in order to create new public open space at the 238 Broadway site, consistent with the goal of providing additional large outdoor play area for students at the Fletcher/Maynard Academy and the Area IV residents.

29. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a draft home rule petition to allow the nurse midwives of the Cambridge Health Alliance to obtain credit in the retirement system for the time that they were paid on the payroll of the Cambridge Hospital Professional Services Corporation and the Somerville Hospital as a result of their being transferred to the payroll of those two entities for several years before returning to the Cambridge Health Alliance.

30. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the zoning petition related to certain zoning exemptions for Police and Fire Stations.

31. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Concord-Alewife Rezoning Petition.

32. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Planning Board Petition to lower the threshold at which development in the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District must be reviewed at a public meeting.

33. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board request for the City Council to consider a set of proposed amendments to the text of the Massachusetts Overly District, Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance.

34. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for the Riverside Bindery Complex, 237 Putnam Avenue and 19-23 Blackstone Street.

35. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Historical Commission for a term of three years to expire June 26, 2008:
  Jacob Albert (full member)
  Chandra Harrington (alternate member)
  Michael Bonislawski (alternate member)

36. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-149, relative to a report on break-ins at or around 884 Main Street.

37. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-128, regarding a report on the impact that the federal budget may have on City Programs.

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

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

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

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

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

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance submitted by Joanne Wilbert Weed et al. to change from Residence C-1 to Residence A the area bordered by Willard Street, Foster Street, Sparks Street and the C-2 district along Mount Auburn Street. Petition expired July 5, 2005. Placed on file July 6, 2005 due to expiration of time pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 40A.

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on May 18, 2005 for the purpose of continuing the consideration of a petition by Joan O’Connor et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance to make the Mount Auburn Hospital subject to the Institutional Use Zoning provisions. Petition expired July 5, 2005. Placed on file July 6, 2005 due to expiration of time pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 40A.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street announcing Arts Central on September 18, 2005 from 12-6.

2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall announcing Arts Central on September 18, 2005 from 12-6.

3. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue between Pearl and Norfolk Streets announcing Arts Central on September 18, 2005 from 12-6.

4. An application was received from Dana Hill Liquors, requesting permission to repair a pre-existing sign at the premises numbered 910 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

5. An application was received from Creative Quality Images Inc., requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 105 First Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

6. An application was received from Margaret Flanagan, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 21 Fayerweather Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

7. An application was received from Jerald Kayden, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 11 Clement Circle (access from Manassas Avenue); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

8. An application was received from Quiznos Sub, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 600 Technology Square. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

9. An application was received from the Greek Orthodox Church, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Temple Street.

10. An application was received from Daedalus, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 45½ Mount Auburn Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

11. An application was received from Spice & Rice Thai Cuisine, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1172 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

12. An application was received from the Alexis Pena, Salsa at Sunset (Destination Cambridge), requesting permission for temporary banners across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets and JFK at Mount Auburn Street.

13. An application was received from Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College, Center For Government and International Studies, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 471-473-475 Broadway (Garage); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services subject to Special Permit Amendment if required by Planning Board, Traffic, Parking and Transportation contingent upon closure of existing Prescott Street curb cut and compliance with existing Special Permit, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Joseph Saint Germain, regarding reinstating rent control in the City of Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from Jared E. Hughes, regarding the Council's decision to criminalize the act of skateboarding in the City of Cambridge.

3. A communication was received from Philip R. Fenstermacher, regarding pictures from a previous communication.

4. A communication was received from Peter, Charles and Peter Papagni, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on behalf of Rosalie M. Papagni.

5. A communication was received from Louis DePasquale and family, transmitting thanks to the City Council for all their support on the death of his father Louis DePasquale Sr.

6. A communication was received from Ruben Barrales, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, transmitting thanks for the resolution regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

7. A communication was received from the family of Manuel Cabral, transmitting thanks for your thoughtfulness.

8. A communication was received from Ila Watson, transmitting heartfelt thanks for her birthday wishes from the City Council.

9. A communication was received from Frances Travers and the Voto family, transmitting thanks for your expression of sympathy on the loss of their sister, Elizabeth Voto.

10. A communication was received from Sheila G. Cook, regarding the Concord-Alewife rezoning proposal.

11. A communication was received from Theodore E. Daiber, Attorney for Concord/Wheeler Street Limited Partnership, 563 Concord Avenue, 19 Wheeler Street and 579 Concord Avenue Limited Partnership, 579 Concord Avenue, transmitting opposition to the Concord-Alewife Rezoning Petition.

12. A communication was received from Representative Michael E. Capuano, acknowledging receipt of the City Council resolution of May 18, 2005 endorsing the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement.

13. A communication was received from Representative Michael E. Capuano, acknowledging receipt of the resolution expressing the City Council's opposition to the privatization of Social Security.

14. A communication was received from Jerry Callen, Katy Petersen and RuthAnne Callen, asking the Council reconsider renovation plans for the VFW hall on Huron Avenue.

15. A communication was received from Julie Durrell, urging the City Council to reconsider plans to destroy the VFW hall.

16. A communication was received from Christina Holt, M.D., urging the City Council to reconsider plans to destroy the VFW hall.

17. A communication was received from Nell Wright et al., regarding the VFW Hall on Huron Avenue being sold and the loss of their Thursday Night contra dance at the VFW hall.

18. A communication was received from Regis de Silva, regarding the escalating real estate values and concomitant increase in real estate taxes.

19. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding city policies.

20. A communication was received from Helen M. Clark, regarding the Broadway curb cut.

21. A communication was received from T. Langdon Allen, supporting the application of Harvard University for a curb cut at 471-475 Broadway.

22. A communication was received from Betty K. Collins, supporting Harvard's request for a curb cut on Broadway between Felton and Prescott Streets.

23. A communication was received from Samuel E. DeMerit, regarding the proposed Broadway curb cut.

24. A communication was received from Christopher T. Quincy, Trustee, Bromley Realty Trust, supporting Harvard University's Application for a curb cut off Broadway.

25. A communication was received from T. Langdon Allen, supporting Harvard University's application for a curb cut on Broadway between Felton and Prescott Streets.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Paul and Tracy Nowicki on the birth of their son.   Councillor Galluccio

2. Congratulations and best wishes to the Sacred Heart parish community of Cambridge on their church remaining open.   Councillor Galluccio

3. Resolution on the death of George T. Tracey.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

4. Resolution on the death of Andre Moniz Serpa.   Councillor Toomey

5. Resolution on the death of Richard Graham, Jr.   Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Robert Keezer.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Announcement that Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has been awarded full accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges   Mayor Sullivan

8. Congratulations to Bruce S. Gordon on being elected as the new president of the NAACP.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Linda Dieguez.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the death of Walter C. DeGuglielmo, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

11. Resolution on the death of Emily R. Hoffman.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

12. Recognition of Food for Free for their continued efforts and good luck wishes on their fundraising event on October 6, 2005 at the MIT Museum from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Welcome to Cambridge to Dr. David Suzuki, scientist and Canadian Television broadcaster.   Mayor Sullivan

14. Monday, September 12, 2005 proclaimed as Lt. John P. Connors Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Congratulations to Jack C. Hobbs of R.F. Walsh Co., Inc. on his election to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of Olive Lee Benson.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Reeves

17. Resolution on the death of Bridget Finn.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Resolution on the death of Benjamin Thomas Huxtable.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Congratulations to MIT President Susan Hockfield on receiving the 22nd Amelia Earhart Award.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Congratulations to the 2005 History Makers Awards winners.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Wishes for a speedy recovery to George Lopes.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Athelston Alleyne.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Resolution on the retirement of Susan Pilleri.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Resolution on the death of Laura E. Sweatt.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Resolution on the death of James P. Sweatt.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the death of Marcia Lieberman.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Keefe.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth Lee Milliken.   Mayor Sullivan

29. Best wishes to Mark Levin on his future endeavors.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Welcome to Deborah Dunsire on her new role as Chief Executive of Millennium Pharmaceuticals.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Welcome to Kenneth E. Weg in his new role as Chairman of Millennium Pharmaceuticals.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Congratulations to the Alley Cats on winning the Cambridge Girls Softball Minor League.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

33. Congratulations to the West Cambridge Little Baseball League, Athletics, on winning the Major League Mayor's Cup.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

34. Congratulations to the Bobcats on winning the Cambridge Girls Softball Major League Championship.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

35. Congratulations to the North Cambridge Little Baseball League, Giants, on winning the Minor League Mayor's Cup.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

36. Resolution on the death of David Masse.   Mayor Sullivan

37. Resolution on the death of Michael W. Frangos.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Resolution on the retirement of Joseph F. Thorp.   Mayor Sullivan

39. Congratulations to Kip Tiernan, Betty Burkes, Elise Boulding and Swanee Hunt on being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the retirement of Donna Foley-Hodges.   Mayor Sullivan

41. September 16, 2005 proclaimed as Stepfamily Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

42. Resolution on the death of Sister Alice Roberta Kelleher.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Resolution on the death of Jennie Censullo.   Mayor Sullivan

44. Resolution on the death of Delia Kidston.   Mayor Sullivan

45. Resolution on the death of Margaret A. O'Hearn.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

46. Resolution on the death of Muriel Leona Small.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

47. Resolution on the death of Admiral James Bond Stockdale.   Mayor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of Nellie Owen.   Councillor Reeves

49. Resolution on the death of Theodore Kirkjian.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Dorothy I. Parker.   Mayor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Ellen V. "Sissy" (Desmond) Furtado.   Councillor Galluccio

52. Resolution on the death of Norma M. (DeWolfe) Wolfe.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher

53. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan R. Flores.   Vice Mayor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher R. Kilpatrick.   Vice Mayor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Adam J. Crumpler.   Vice Mayor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Chad B. Maynard.   Vice Mayor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Mario A. Castillo.   Vice Mayor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nathan B. Clemons.   Vice Mayor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Specialist Charles A. Kaufman.   Vice Mayor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Veashna Muy.   Vice Mayor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Corporal Ramona M. Valdez.   Vice Mayor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Specialist Rafael A. Carrillo, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Holly A. Charette.   Vice Mayor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher L. Hoskins.   Vice Mayor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Specialist Anthony D. Kinslow.   Vice Mayor Decker

66. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Joshua P. Klinger.   Vice Mayor Decker

67. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Dion M. Whitley.   Vice Mayor Decker

68. Resolution on the death of Specialist Casey Byers.   Vice Mayor Decker

69. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jesse Jaime.   Vice Mayor Decker

70. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Andrew J. Kilpela.   Vice Mayor Decker

71. Resolution on the death of Corporal Chad W. Powell.   Vice Mayor Decker

72. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Joseph M. Tackett.   Vice Mayor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Second Lieutenant Matthew S. Coutu.   Vice Mayor Decker

74. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Noah Harris.   Vice Mayor Decker

75. Resolution on the death of Specialist Nicholas R. Idalski.   Vice Mayor Decker

76. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David J. Murray.   Vice Mayor Decker

77. Resolution on the death of Corporal Carlos Pineda.   Vice Mayor Decker

78. Resolution on the death of Corporal Tyler S. Trovillion.   Vice Mayor Decker

79. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brian A. Vaughn.   Vice Mayor Decker

80. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Larry R. Kuhns, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

81. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal John J. Mattek, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

82. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Anthony G. Jones.   Vice Mayor Decker

83. Resolution on the death of Specialist Terrance D. Lee, Sr.   Vice Mayor Decker

84. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Chad Mercer.   Vice Mayor Decker

85. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Arnold Duplantier, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

86. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Erik R. Heldt.   Vice Mayor Decker

87. Resolution on the death of Corporal William A. Long.   Vice Mayor Decker

88. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Manny Hornedo.   Vice Mayor Decker

89. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Michael R. Hayes.   Vice Mayor Decker

90. Resolution on the death of Sergeant James D. Stewart.   Vice Mayor Decker

91. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert E. Hall, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

92. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Steven E. Shepard.   Vice Mayor Decker

93. Resolution on the death of Corporal Stanley J. Lapinski.   Vice Mayor Decker

94. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Neil A. Prince.   Vice Mayor Decker

95. Resolution on the death of Captain John W. Maloney.   Vice Mayor Decker

96. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Michael L. McNulty.   Vice Mayor Decker

97. Resolution on the death of Hospital Corpsman Second Class Cesar O. Baez.   Vice Mayor Decker

98. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Christopher W. Phelps.   Vice Mayor Decker

99. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Keith R. Mariotti.   Vice Mayor Decker

100. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Robert M. Horrigan.   Vice Mayor Decker

101. Resolution on the death of Linda J. Villar.   Vice Mayor Decker

102. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer First Class Regina R. Clark.   Vice Mayor Decker

103. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Larry R. Arnold, Sr.   Vice Mayor Decker

104. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jeremy Brown.   Vice Mayor Decker

105. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Eric Woods.   Vice Mayor Decker

106. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Goodrich.   Vice Mayor Decker

107. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Tricia Jameson.   Vice Mayor Decker

108. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Scottie Bright.   Vice Mayor Decker

109. Resolution on the death of Specialist Christopher Dickison.   Vice Mayor Decker

110. Resolution on the death of Specialist Benyahmin Yahudah.   Vice Mayor Decker

111. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Travis Cooper.   Vice Mayor Decker

112. Resolution on the death of Corporal Lyle Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Decker

113. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Timothy Sutton.   Vice Mayor Decker

114. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ryan Montgomery.   Vice Mayor Decker

115. Resolution on the death of Private Anthony Mazzarella.   Vice Mayor Decker

116. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Ryan Kovacicek.   Vice Mayor Decker

117. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jared Hartley.   Vice Mayor Decker

118. Resolution on the death of Specialist Hoby Bradfield, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

119. Resolution on the death of Private Timothy Hines, Jr.   Councillor Davis

120. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Deyson Cariaga.   Vice Mayor Decker

121. Resolution on the death of Nicholas J. Iannacci.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

122. Resolution on the death of Angela M. Mangone.   Councillor Toomey

123. Resolution on the death of Mary Menize.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

124. Resolution on the death of Leonard Lampkin.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

125. Happy Birthday wishes to Catherine Walsh.   Councillor Reeves

126. Resolution on the death of James S. Harrington, Sr.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

127. Resolution on the death of Antonio Cabral, Jr.   Councillor Toomey

128. Resolution on the death of Shirley M. Toney.   Councillor Galluccio

129. Resolution on the death of Zachai Tuyo.   Mayor Sullivan

130. Resolution on the death of Eva T. Murray.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

131. Congratulations to Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck on their marriage.   Vice Mayor Decker

132. Resolution on the death of Claire Magner.   Mayor Sullivan

133. Best wishes to Alberta King as she turns the page to the next chapter in her life.   Councillor Simmons

134. Resolution on the death of Raymon A. Medina, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

135. Congratulations to Tano Holmes on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and September 24, 2005 is proclaimed as Tano Holmes Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

136. Resolution on the death of Dr. Mildred Jean McIntyre.   Mayor Sullivan

137. Resolution on the death of Michael Gil.   Councillor Toomey

138. September 2005 proclaimed as Save A Life Month in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

139. Well wishes to Jeannie Arsenault.   Mayor Sullivan

140. Resolution on the death of General William Westmoreland.   Mayor Sullivan

141. Support for Inman Square Movie Night's showing of King Kong on August 11, 2005 at 8:00pm at the East Cambridge Savings Bank.   Mayor Sullivan

142. Support for the 2005 Cambridge Carnival on Sunday, August 8, 2005 at 12:30pm at Sydney Street.   Mayor Sullivan

143. Resolution on the death of Mary I. Murphy.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

144. Congratulations to Todd and Betzi Bodell on the birth of their son.   Vice Mayor Decker

145. Resolution on the death of Joseph G. Pallotta, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan

146. Resolution on the death of John E. Bunevich.   Mayor Sullivan

147. Resolution on the death of Florence A. Fulginiti.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

148. Resolution on the death of Vincent Cila.   Mayor Sullivan

149. Resolution on the death of Carmela Pittella.   Mayor Sullivan

150. Resolution on the death of Eileen M. Shanahan.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

151. Resolution on the retirement of Dorothy A. Brown.   Councillor Simmons

152. Resolution on the death of Catherine C. Dunn.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

153. Resolution on the death of Anne R. Kelly.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

154. Resolution on the retirement of Margaret Gallagher.   Mayor Sullivan

155. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Mrs. Ruby Sutherland.   Councillor Simmons

156. Support for the 9th Annual Family Fun Day at City Hall on November 5, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

157. Resolution on the death of Private Lavena Johnson.   Vice Mayor Decker

158. Resolution on the death of Corporal Steven Gill.   Vice Mayor Decker

159. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Arthur McGill.   Vice Mayor Decker

160. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Efrain Sanchez, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

161. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ronnie Williams.   Vice Mayor Decker

162. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer Third Class Travis Youngblood.   Vice Mayor Decker

163. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Ronald Wood.   Vice Mayor Decker

164. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jorge Pena-Romero.   Vice Mayor Decker

165. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bryan Opskar.   Vice Mayor Decker

166. Congratulations to Cambridge residents Matt Muffleman, Rob Zechman and Heather Moon on the occasion of advancing to the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Japan.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

167. Congratulations and best wishes to the Cambridgeport Children's Center on its upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony.   Councillor Davis

168. Congratulations to the West Cambridge Summer League A Team on winning Round One of the Bay State Baseball Tournament of Champions.   Mayor Sullivan

169. Resolution on the death of Dana Gardinier.   Mayor Sullivan

170. Resolution on the death of Goldburn N. Goodridge.   Mayor Sullivan

171. Resolution on the retirement of Martin Barberian.   Mayor Sullivan

172. Resolution on the death of Ricardo Goncalves.   Councillor Toomey

173. Congratulations to Greg Ruckman on representing the United States at the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Japan.   Vice Mayor Decker

174. Congratulations to Marika Page on representing the United States at the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Japan.   Vice Mayor Decker

175. Congratulations to Sean Wolf on representing the United States at the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Japan.   Vice Mayor Decker

176. Congratulations to Bob Neer and Xuan Phan on their engagement.   Vice Mayor Decker

177. Support for the 79th Annual Feast in honor of Saints Cosmas and Damian on September 10 and 11, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

178. Congratulations to the New England School of Acupuncture Class of 2005 and Friday, August 5, 2005 is proclaimed as New England School of Acupuncture Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

179. Resolution on the death of Mary Munro.   Mayor Sullivan

180. Congratulations to Debra Wise, Mimi Huntington, the Nora Theatre Company, and the Underground Railway Theater on their fundraiser, Breaking New Ground, to raise money for the Central Square Theater.   Vice Mayor Decker

181. Congratulations to Dylan Black on acquiring the Green Street Grill.   Vice Mayor Decker

182. Thanks to Matt Damon for his commitment to the performing arts and the Cambridge community and as a special guest at the fundraiser Breaking New Ground.   Vice Mayor Decker

183. Resolution on the death of Marcel G. Lachance.   Mayor Sullivan

184. Best wishes to Garrett Simonsen on accepting his position at the Cambridge Health Alliance.   Mayor Sullivan

185. Wishes for a speedy recovery to John J. Devaney.   Mayor Sullivan

186. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Joyce Powers.   Mayor Sullivan

187. Recognition of William Lloyd Garrison, one of the nation's first protestors against slavery and author/editor of the Liberator, as August 6, 2005 is proclaimed as William Lloyd Garrison Day.   Mayor Sullivan

188. Resolution on the death of Vincenza Favaloro.  Councillor Toomey

189. Support for Red Sox Outfielder Manny Ramirez.   Councillor Galluccio

190. Welcome to El Jeffery, featured performer in the Second Annual Salsa at Sunset in Cambridge on August 21, 2005.   Councillor Reeves

191. Welcome to the Cambridge Carnival International on Sunday, August 28, 2005 in Kendall Square.   Councillor Reeves

192. Congratulations to Jose Masso on his 30th Anniversary of TV broadcasting.   Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Cambridge Public Health Department to provide necessary resources to initiate and support emergency preparedness efforts in the event of an influenza pandemic.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Dedication near Fulkerson Street and Thorndike Street as Magliozzi Square honor of Cosmo (Simie) Magliozzi.   Councillor Galluccio

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report on whether the safety of the Vassar Street bicycle path has been evaluated and if so, the results of the evaluation.   Councillor Simmons

4. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Community Development Department to report back to the City Council on home foreclosures in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

5. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Public Health Department, Human Services, and the Public Information Officer to collect information on all existing prescription discount programs offered directly by pharmaceutical companies to consumers who lack prescription drug coverage.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Support of House Bill 1684, a re-filed 2003 bill to fund the re-grant program for historic records.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Support for legislation that provides for the formation of municipal electric utilities known as an "Act Relative to the Establishment of Municipal Lighting Authorities."   Mayor Sullivan

8. The City Council urges the Central Artery Project/Big Dig officials to not take any action that will violate the 1993 agreement that included the pedestrian bridges to link the open spaces in the Charles River Basin, and the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to provide a report to the City Council on a recourse in the event that the pedestrian bridges are cut.   Mayor Sullivan

9. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to report to the City Council on the recent Supreme Court ruling that provides municipalities with greater latitude around eminent domain.   Mayor Sullivan

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority on their policy of removing homeless Cambridge seniors from the list of "waiting for housing" when the seniors leave the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons

11. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Public Information Officer and MIS to add to the Cambridge E-Line notification of the annual fire hydrant maintenance and report back to the City Council on this matter.   Mayor Sullivan

12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to contact the appropriate persons at MIT regarding the lot located at the corner of Cherry Street and School Street with a view in mind of development of affordable housing, particularly affordable housing utilizing green technology such as solar energy, and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Simmons

13. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on how the issue of asbestos at the King Open School which resulted in there being no summer camp on the premises will impact fall afterschool programs and whether any other schools are similarly affected.   Councillor Simmons

14. The City Manager is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look into establishing crosswalks at the Churchill and Massachusetts Avenue intersection.   Councillor Simmons

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City staff with the view of looking into traffic calming measures at Erie and Brookline Streets.   Councillor Simmons

16. The City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to look into developing a program through the Office of Workforce Development for stipend training programs.   Councillor Simmons

17. Dedication of an appropriate space in the City Council Office as the Sheila Russell Workspace in recognition of her many years of dedication to the City Council and the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

18. The matter of the City Council work space be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee for a review and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis and Councillor Toomey

19. Dedication of a site in honor of Arthur E. Manasian.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. The City Manager is requested to contact the appropriate departments with a view of whether Section 8 residents will have water meters installed and will be responsible for paying for water directly.   Councillor Simmons

21. The City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Department to investigate ways the sidewalk on Norfolk Street from Worcester Street to Bishop Allen Drive can be repaired.   Councillor Simmons

22. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of MIS and other appropriate staff to devise a plan to close the digital divide by making wireless internet access (wi fi) available throughout the city, for example, in schools, public housing, public libraries, public squares and parks.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

23. The City Manager is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council with a plan for establishing a working group on telecommunications and a community technology plan to explore, evaluate and recommend new technological initiatives, and respond to legislative issues.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

24. The City Manager is requested to report on the status of gating off Fort Washington Park to allow for dog runs and look into the possibility of gating off Dana Park on the Magazine Street side.   Councillor Simmons

25. The City Manager is requested to direct the Inspectional Services Department and other appropriate City departments to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Charles River Conservation Group to develop a plan to prevent unintended consequences of the cleanup of the Charles River, particularly displacement of river rats into nearby neighborhoods and to implement the plan as soon as work on the Charles River begins.   Councillor Simmons

26. Support of the City Council for efforts of MassVOTE in support of the election reform bill to allow residents to register to vote, and vote on Election Day.   Councillor Galluccio
[Note: Councillor Toomey voted NO.]

27. The Housing Committee is requested to review the point system used in determining the allocation of affordable housing units and report back to the Council on this matter.   Councillor Maher

28. The City Manager is requested to work with the School Department and the Department of Human Services to help find suitable space to relocate dance events that now take place at the Huron Avenue V.F.W. and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Davis

29. Urging Lesley University to undertake a project labor agreement for construction work that may occur on air rights in Porter Square and begin a conversation with the Boston Building Trades to reach agreement.   Councillor Galluccio

30. Dedication of a site in honor of John T. Collins.   Mayor Sullivan

31. The City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works in the future to post temporary changes of the bus stop at least one week in advance of the change and distribute notices to nearby residents.   Councillor Simmons

32. Dedication of a site in honor of Mario DiPierro.   Councillor Galluccio

33. Dedication of a site in honor of Babe Ciccolo.   Councillor Galluccio

34. The City Manager is immediately requested to work with Harvard University to ensure that graduate dormitory construction begins at 8:00am Monday through Friday and if there is a need for a 7:00am start time that residents be notified 5 days prior, and permission is sought from the City, and to meet the requests of the neighborhood regarding construction management.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

35. The City Manager is requested to immediately instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that all construction related trucks and materials be directed to Cowperthwaite Street and that the City work with Harvard University to ensure that full access to all public safety vehicles is given on Cowperthwaite Street.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

36. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to respond to neighborhood requests to utilize a flag worker for truck back ups to eliminate constant truck alarms throughout the day related to the graduate dormitory construction at Harvard University.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

37. Urging the City Manager to keep Crossing Guard staffing levels at its present number and report back to the City Council if any changes.   Mayor Sullivan

38. The City Manager is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to keep SCM Community Transportation, Inc. open for transportation services to seniors.   Councillor Simmons

39. City Council communicate its concern to Wight and Company for the need for them to hire a responsible contractor, and urging paying tenants of 675 Massachusetts Avenue to consider a rent strike based on the firing of the janitors   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

40. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other appropriate departments to consider preparing a brief written history of baseball in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

41. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to install a new trash receptacle near the Youville Hospital on Cambridge Street.   Councillor Galluccio

42. The City Manager is requested to take steps to ensure that renovations to the Tobin School tot lot located on Concord Avenue include new equipment, and to arrange a community meeting to involve the neighborhood and include them in the equipment selection process.   Councillor Galluccio

43. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the City Solicitor to clarify the legal issues that may arise when police patrols ask for identification in an attempt to keep the peace and maintain order in public housing developments across the City.   Councillor Galluccio

44. The City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate staff to secure certified appraisals for facility use consideration.   Councillor Galluccio

45. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to meet with the Boston Police Commissioner to review and consider utilizing the Boston model of tactical information for quick availability and response to increase in crime across the City.   Councillor Galluccio

46. The City Manager is requested to confer with Harvard University officials to discuss a possible partnership of Harvard University, the City of Cambridge and state agencies to undertake repairs to the Weeks foot bridge.   Councillor Galluccio

47. The City Manager is requested to confer with Harvard University officials to create a partnership to establish a frog pond skating rink at the Cambridge Common.   Councillor Galluccio

48. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the members of the City Council with any material from the Boston Society of Architects forum on the Alewife-Concord areas that Community Development staff believe would be helpful to the zoning decision-making process.   Councillor Reeves

49. Request from the City Council to Harvard University to maximize their effort to use brick paving to the greatest extent possible.   Councillor Galluccio

50. The City Manager is requested to report to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the feasibility of including the plan for improvements to the dog park at Danehy Park in the capital budget for FY07.   Councillor Murphy

51. The City Council urges the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to transfer the lot at the corner of Binney and Fulkerson Street, currently the subject of a petition for a zoning amendment, to the City of Cambridge for a park with the understanding that one of the uses would be as an off-leash dog park and the City Manager is requested to report back on this matter.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Toomey

52. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Electrician to report back to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the quality of the lighting at Fort Washington Park and what changes are needed to make park users feel safer.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons

53. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate staff to report back to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee within six weeks on a potential plan for a pilot program for off-hours use of selected park space for off-leash dogs.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Toomey

54. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development about contacting the Massachusetts Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation about the possibility of using a portion of the park land triangle between Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway as a dog park and report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

55. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development about asking Harvard University and MIT whether they would be willing to allow the use of any portion of their property for off-leash dogs.   Councillor Murphy

56. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding the increase of graffiti in North Cambridge in the area of Norris and Cedar Streets and Father Thomas Williams Park, with the view of increasing police patrols in the area and increasing efforts to make residents aware of the graffiti hotline.   Councillor Maher

57. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Department of Public Works to improve the lighting system over the basketball court at the Area IV Youth Center and to consider using the same lighting system as Hoyt Field.   Vice Mayor Decker

58. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council by the September 12, 2005 meeting with an update on negotiations to implement a nighttime truck ban.   Councillor Murphy

59. The City Manager is requested to look into installing traffic calming on Irving Street, as well as repaving Irving Street.   Councillor Murphy

60. Harvard University is asked by the City Council to strongly consider maintaining all facets of the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

61. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic Department to investigate the state’s Hazardous Cargo rule and what is classified as Hazardous Cargo and to notify residents of what hazardous cargo is allowed to pass through the streets of Cambridge and to instruct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion of whether the designation of the entirety River Street in Section 6.96 of the Zoning Ordinance can be changed from allowing Hazardous Cargo at all times to banning all trucks during overnight hours.   Vice Mayor Decker

62. The City Manager is requested to consult with the City Solicitor to examine recent Supreme Court decisions regarding banning certain types of displays of the Ten Commandments to determine if the City is in violation of the law and report the Solicitor's findings to the Public Facilities Committee of the City Council by September 12, 2005.   Councillor Murphy

63. Support of the City Council for the Department of Human Services Programs at its meeting of August 2, 2005 to discuss how Cambridge might best serve its teenagers and young adults with future youth programs, and the City Council is requested to actively participate.   Councillor Reeves

64. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Chief Public Health Officer, and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to devise a new plan to address street climate and use issues in Central Square, particularly in the Massachusetts Avenue/Pearl area.   Councillor Reeves

65. The Administration and the City Council are requested to actively offer their ideas as the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee undertakes the process of considering the issue of how to keep Cambridge competitive with other US and foreign centers of emerging technologies.   Councillor Reeves

66. The City Manager is requested to hold meetings in September and be present to explain to the citizens the City's rat response program.   Councillor Reeves

67. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing and the City Council to determine if the current assessment model can be revised to provide for relief for owner-occupied homes which are not for sale.   Councillor Davis

68. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission to determine if the Commission has a process by which it records the life and eventual death of various popular city destinations/institutions and to report back to the City Council on how best to record these places.   Councillor Reeves

69. The City Manager is requested to contact Clear Channel and ask them to explain why they removed a gay-oriented billboard from Massachusetts Avenue before it was scheduled to be removed.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan

70. Dedication of a site near Green Street to honor the life of Mrs. Mildred Ilene Howard, 101 years old.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

71. The City Manager is requested to confer immediately with Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. and consider a new bid process for any work in which at least two union bids were not received on the Trolley Square project and send a copy of this order to Local 537 and the Boston Building Trades.   Councillor Galluccio

72. Support for legislation sponsored by Representatives Toomey and Wolf seeking conveyance of the Simoni Memorial Rink to the City of Cambridge for the conveyance of $1.   Mayor Sullivan

73. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to report back to the City Council on the recent Supreme Court ruling that provides municipalities with greater latitude around eminent domain, including under what conditions such action is allowed, said report also to analyze a hypothetical eminent domain based on the need for a pedestrian bridge across the train tracks in the neighborhood of Jefferson Park and Rindge Towers.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan

74. The City Manager is requested to insure that the City take all possible steps to offer burdened taxpayers relief in the current tax cycle.   Councillor Simmons

75. City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a working group that includes participation of City Staff, NSTAR and the energy conservation community for further discussion of the issues relating to moving forward to increase the use of renewable energy.   Councillor Davis

76. City Manager confer with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion as to whether and under what circumstances the City could take back the parcel under consideration in the MXD zoning amendment proposed by the Cambridge Redevelopment Amendment.   Mayor Sullivan

77. City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and other appropriate staff with the view of contacting the owner of Fresh Pond Mall to request construction of a safe stairway from Route 16 down the embankment to the shopping center, which is the route that pedestrians from the north regularly use to access the shopping center.   Councillor Galluccio

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on May 3, 2005 for the purpose of continuing discussion of NSTAR's role with regard to the requirements for renewable energy set forth in the state laws governing the deregulation of electricity.

2. 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 June 22, 2005 for the purpose of considering proposed changes to the zoning in the Concord/Alewife area in a petition submitted by the Planning Board.

3. 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 June 22, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendment would require that any proposed development in the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District involving the addition of more than 2,000 square feet but less than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area be subject to a larger Project Review consultation pursuant to Section 19.43 of the Ordinance.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, and Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on June 27, 2005 for the purpose of discussing the concerns of Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) tenants and tenants of private affordable housing developments regarding crime in the vicinity of their housing and how CHA Security, the Police Department, building managers and tenants can work together to address their concerns.

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 7, 2005 for the purpose of considering a City Council petition to amend the Municipal Code to exempt the municipal police and fire facilities from the Parking and Traffic Demand Management Ordinance.

6. 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 July 7, 2005 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to exempt the construction or location of a municipal police or fire station.

7. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on June 14, 2005 for the purpose to discuss issues relating to the relocation of the Police Station.

8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 7, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to amend the zoning in the Kendall Square MXD Zoning District to allow additional aggregate gross floor area of 75,000 square feet to be used for multi-family housing.

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 18, 2005 for the purpose of continuing to consider a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend the zoning in the Concord-Alewife area.

10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on July 13, 2005 for the purpose of receiving an update on Destination Cambridge Events for FY05-06 and to discuss any other business that might properly come before the committee.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a letter from Carol A. Fabbri transmitting thanks for your kind letter and condolences from the City Council, and for honoring her son PFC Daniel Guastaferro.

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

Wed, Sept 7
5:30pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss dog parks in the city.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The two prior influenza seasons presented challenges for local communities throughout the country in the delivery of vaccinations to those at risk; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Health Department developed a thoughtful and practical response to the vaccine shortage based upon providing the public with credible and reasoned information and well organized vaccination clinics; and
WHEREAS: The possibility of an influenza pandemic in this country is a real concern for local health officials and a proactive approach to preparing for such a pandemic is needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Cambridge Public Health Department to provide all necessary resources to initiate and support emergency preparedness efforts in the event of an influenza pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the Cambridge Public Health Department’s effort to prepare for such an event, to what degree inter-agency and/or inter-municipal partnerships are occurring, and the degree to which Cambridge is involved in our region’s Emergency Preparedness Coalition.

O-2     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a location in the vicinity of Fulkerson Street and Thorndike Street as Magliozzi Square in honor of Cosmo (Simie) Magliozzi; 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-3     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Vassar Street MIT is currently utilizing a bicycle path design that installed a bicycle path situated beside the parked cars and next to the pedestrian sidewalk without a physical barrier between the sidewalk and bicycle path; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report on whether the safety of the Vassar Street bicycle path has been evaluated and if so, the results of the evaluation.

O-4     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: A recent study commissioned by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation and conducted by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that home foreclosures generate significant costs to local governments; and
WHEREAS: The costs to cities and towns are not merely monetary, but also come in the loss of homes for vulnerable families and costly and complicated legal and financial difficulties for the individuals who have been foreclosed on; and
WHEREAS: These costs may be avoided through foreclosure prevention counseling; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Community Development Department to report back to the City Council on home foreclosures in Cambridge, including but not limited to the number of home foreclosures in recent years, a break down of potential financial costs to the City associated with these foreclosures, and existing resources that are available to aid residents in avoiding foreclosure; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Community Development Department, the Public Information Officer, and the Cable Office to publicize resources specific to foreclosure prevention counseling.

O-5     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Public Health Department, Human Services, and the Public Information Officer to collect information on all existing prescription discount programs offered directly by pharmaceutical companies to consumers who lack prescription drug coverage; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with recommendations for publicizing these discount programs to our underinsured and uninsured residents.

O-6     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in support of House Bill 1684, the same being "AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE A GRANT PROGRAM FOR HISTORIC RECORDS" which is a re-filed 2003 bill to fund the re-grant program
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to he Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: This City Council voiced support for H1468 relative to the formation of municipal electric utilities during the 2002 legislative session; and
WHEREAS: This matter will be re-filed for the 2005-2006 legislative session as H3294, an Act Relative to the Establishment of Municipal Lighting Authorities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting legislation that provides for the formation of municipal electric utilities; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation and the Co-Chairs of the Joint Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: An integral component of the Big Dig project was the agreed upon connectivity provided by pedestrian bridges to link the open spaces in the Charles River Basin; and
WHEREAS: These bridges will not only provide the public with better access to these parks, but also encourage alternate modes of transportation (walking, biking) between Cambridge and Boston; and
RESOLVED: This connectivity will be of particular significance to the future of North Point Park, its future residents, and future workers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Central Artery Project/Big Dig officials to not take any action that will violate the 1993 agreement that included these bridges as a mitigation component for the project; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to provide a report to the City Council on what recourse the City would have in the event that the pedestrian bridges are cut; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Big Dig on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to report back to the City Council on the recent Supreme Court ruling that provides municipalities with greater latitude around eminent domain, including under what conditions such action is allowed; and be it further
ORDERED: That said report also analyze a hypothetical eminent domain based upon the long-standing dereliction for care and maintenance of a property, for example the Faces property.

O-10     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority on their policy of removing homeless Cambridge seniors from the list of "waiting for housing" when the seniors leave the City of Cambridge.

O-11     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge E-Line is an effective communication tool for the City to deliver important news and notifications to our residents who have signed up to receive email notifications from the City; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge E-Line includes important notifications, such as school closings, street cleaning reminders, and the like; and
WHEREAS: Concerns have been raised by residents about rusty water during annual hydrant maintenance by the Fire Department - particularly as it pertains to damaging clothing in the wash; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Public Information Officer and the MIS division to add to the Cambridge E-Line notification of the annual fire hydrant maintenance; 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-12     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to contact the appropriate persons at MIT regarding the lot located at the corner of Cherry Street and School Street with a view in mind of development of affordable housing, in particular, affordable housing utilizing green technology such as solar energy, and report back to the City Council.

O-13     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Asbestos at the King Open School resulted in there being no summer camp on the premises; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Superintendent of Schools to report to the City Council on how this issue will impact fall afterschool programs and whether any other schools are similarly affected.

O-14     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look into establishing crosswalks at the Churchill and Massachusetts Avenue intersection.

O-15     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, the Assistant City Manager of Community Development, and the Commissioner of Public Works with the view of looking into traffic calming measures at Erie and Brookline Streets.

O-16     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to look into developing a program through the Office of Workforce Development for stipend training programs.

O-17     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate location in the City Council Office as the Sheila Russell Workspace in recognition of her many years of dedication to the City Council and the City of Cambridge; 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-18     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the matter of the City Council work space be referred to the Government Operations and Rules Committee for a review and report back to the City Council.

O-19     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the corner of Concord Avenue and Parker Street to be as named Arthur E. Manasian Square; 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-20     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the appropriate departments with a view of whether Section 8 residents will have water meters installed and will be responsible for paying for water directly.

O-21     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Department to investigate ways the sidewalk on Norfolk Street from Worcester Street to Bishop Allen Drive can be repaired.

O-22     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The internet is almost as essential to modern life as the telephone; and
WHEREAS: The cost of internet access has produced a digital divide; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of MIS and other appropriate staff to devise a plan to close the digital divide by making wireless internet access (wi fi) available throughout the city, for example, in schools, public housing, public libraries, public squares and parks; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-23     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate and report back to the City Council with a plan for establishing a working group, which will include residents, local business people and city staff, on telecommunications and a community technology plan. The goal of the work group would be to explore, evaluate and recommend new technological initiatives, and to respond to legislative issues regarding telecommunications and new technology such as wireless internet access (wi fi) and cable access.

O-24     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the status of gating off Fort Washington Park to allow for dog runs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the possibility of gating off Dana Park on the Magazine Street side for the same purpose and to report back to the City Council.

O-25     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Inspectional Services Department and other appropriate City departments to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Charles River Conservation Group to develop a plan to prevent the unintended consequences of the cleanup of the Charles River, in particular, displacement of river rats into nearby neighborhoods, and to ensure that the plan is implemented as soon as work on the Charles River begins.

O-26     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging support of the efforts of MassVOTE in support of the election reform bill to allow residents to register to vote, and vote on Election Day; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Legislature to adopt the legislation.

O-27     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The Housing Committee be and hereby is requested to review the point system used in determining the allocation of affordable housing units and to report back to the Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That in said review, the Housing Committee is requested to reach out to the community to obtain a variety of views on the current system and ways it could be improved, including consideration of whether the current preference for families with children under the age of six is the best policy, even for applicants whose children were under six at the time they first applied.

O-28     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the School Department and the Department of Human Services to help find suitable space to relocate dance events that now take place at the Huron Avenue V.F.W. and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-29     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Lesley University to undertake a project labor agreement for construction work that may occur on air rights in Porter Square and begin a conversation with the Boston Building Trades to reach such an agreement; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Leslie University President Margaret McKenna, the Boston Building Trades, the Massachusetts AFL CIO, and the Greater Boston Labor Council on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-30     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Merrill Street and Chatham Street in memory of John T. Collins; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor 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-31     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Department of Public Works took the much appreciated step of sending notification of the temporary bus stop change of the Number 47 bus to nearby residents; and
WHEREAS: Many residents at 808 Massachusetts Avenue use that bus, and notice was not sent to 808 Massachusetts Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council express its appreciation to the Department of Public Works for the notifications; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Works in the future to post a change to the bus stop at least one week in advance of the change and to widen the geographic area within which notices of the change are sent to residents.

O-32     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the corner of Cambridge Street and Willow Street to be as named Mario DiPierro Square and be it further
ORDERED: That 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-33     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Oxford Street in honor of Babe Ciccolo; and be it further
ORDERED: That 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-34     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is immediately requested to work with Harvard University to ensure that graduate dormitory construction begins at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and if there is a need for a 7:00 a.m. start time that residents be notified 5 days prior, and permission is sought from the City, and in general, to work to meet the requests of the neighborhood regarding construction management.

O-35     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that all construction related trucks and materials be directed to Cowperthwaite Street and that the City work with Harvard University to explore necessary arrangements to ensure that full access to all public safety vehicles is given on Cowperthwaite Street.

O-36     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to determine whether it is legally possible for the City to require utilization of a flag worker for truck backups in order to eliminate constant truck alarms throughout the day related to the graduate dormitory construction at Harvard University in accord with neighborhood requests; and be it further
ORDERED: That if such a solution is legally possible, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Harvard University to implement it.

O-37     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That this City Council urge the City Manager to keep Crossing Guard staffing levels at its present number and report back to the City Council if any changes are planned to be made.

O-38     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: SCM Community Transportation, Inc. provides 70% of transportation services to seniors; and
WHEREAS: The Executive Director of SCM took a 30% cut in pay to keep services in operation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to keep SCM Community Transportation, Inc. open for transportation services to seniors.

O-39     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Cambridge has high standards for workplace practices as they apply to workers; and
WHEREAS: SEIU Local 615 has informed members of the City Council that recently all the janitors employed at 675 Massachusetts Avenue were fired by Wight and Company, which is owned by Oasis Development Enterprise Inc., and replaced by Eagle Cleaning Company; and
WHEREAS: Eagle Cleaning Company pays wages and benefits below the area standard; and
WHEREAS: Most of the janitors at this site had worked there for many years and were given no advanced notice and none who applied with Eagle Cleaning Company was granted a courtesy interview; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record expressing its concerns to Wight and Company for the need for them to hire a responsible contractor; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record asking the paying tenants of 675 Massachusetts Avenue to consider a rent strike based on the firing of the janitors; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Oasis Development Enterprise Inc., Cambridge Housing Authority, and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

O-40     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other appropriate departments to consider preparing a brief written history of baseball in Cambridge.

O-41     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to install a new trash receptacle near the Youville Hospital on Cambridge Street.

O-42     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take steps to ensure that renovations to the Tobin School tot lot located on Concord Avenue include new equipment; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange a community meeting to involve the neighborhood and to include the neighborhood in the equipment selection process.

O-43     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the City Solicitor to clarify the legal issues that may arise when police patrols ask for identification in an attempt to keep the peace and maintain order in public housing developments across the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the City Solicitor be and hereby are requested to serve as liaisons between the Police Department and the Cambridge Housing Authority to clarify legal issues so that police patrols understand their rights and authorities.

O-44     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate staff to secure certified appraisals the following locations for possible facility use consideration by the City Council and the School Committee:
- 5 Western Avenue,
- Graham and Parks School; and
- Longfellow School.

O-45     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to meet with the Boston Police Commissioner to review and consider utilizing the Boston model of tactical information for quick availability and response to increase in crime across the City.

O-46     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Harvard University officials to discuss a possible partnership of Harvard University, the City of Cambridge and state agencies to undertake repairs to the Weeks foot bridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk forward a copy of this order the University Relations Committee to schedule a meeting with the City Council and Harvard University.

O-47     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Harvard University officials to create a partnership to establish a frog pond skating rink at the Cambridge Common; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk forward a copy of this order to the University Relations Committee to schedule a meeting with City officials and Harvard University.

O-48     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the members of the City Council with any material from the Boston Society of Architects forum on the Alewife-Concord areas that Community Development staff believe would be helpful to the zoning decision-making process.

O-49     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record requesting that Harvard maximize effort to use brick paving to the greatest extent possible; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to President and Fellows of Harvard University, Alan Stone, Vice President of Government Community and Public Affairs.

O-50     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the feasibility of including the plan for improvements to the dog park at Danehy Park in the capital budget for FY 07.

O-51     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Council go on urging the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to transfer the lot at the corner of Binney and Fulkerson Street, currently the subject of a petition for a zoning amendment, to the City of Cambridge for a park with the understanding that one of the uses to be accommodated in the park would be an off-leash dog park; 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-52     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to report back to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the quality of the lighting at Fort Washington Park and what changes are needed to make park users feel safer.

O-53     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate staff to report back to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee within six weeks on a potential plan for a pilot program for off hours use of selected park space for off-leash dogs; and be it
ORDERED: That the report include recommended site selection criteria and sites, rules and recommendations for a community process.

O-54     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of contacting the Massachusetts Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation about the possibility of using a portion of the park land triangle between Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway as a dog park; 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-55     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of asking Harvard University and MIT whether they would be willing to allow the use of any portion of their property for off-leash dogs.

O-56     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding the increase of graffiti in North Cambridge in the area of Norris and Cedar Streets and Father Thomas Williams Park, with the view of increasing police patrols in the area and increasing efforts to make residents aware of the graffiti hotline.

O-57     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Department of Public Works to improve the lighting system over the basketball court at the Area IV Youth Center and to consider using the same lighting system as Hoyt Field.

O-58     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by the September 12, 2005 meeting with an update on negotiations to implement a nighttime truck ban.

O-59     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into installing traffic calming on Irving Street, as well as repaving Irving Street.

O-60     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Harvard's Fogg Art Museum has been an historic and cultural centerpiece to the City of Cambridge for many decades and is Harvard's oldest art museum; and
WHEREAS: The Fogg Art Museum holds 200,000 objects; and
WHEREAS: The Harvard Art Museums are currently looking for additional space for exhibition, restoration and administration; and
WHEREAS: It would be a significant loss to Cambridge to lose any part of the historic Fogg Art Museum; and
WHEREAS: It is understood that the Harvard Art Museums have considered a number of sites within the City of Cambridge for this use; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record communicating to Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers and Thomas Lentz, Director of Harvard Art Museums, a warm welcome for this additional space in Cambridge and asking Harvard University to strongly consider maintaining all facets of the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge.

O-61     August 1, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic Department to investigate the state’s Hazardous Cargo rule and what is classified as Hazardous Cargo and to notify residents of what hazardous cargo is allowed to pass through the streets of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion of whether the designation of the entirety of River Street in Section 6.96 of the Zoning Ordinance can be changed from allowing Hazardous Cargo at all times to banning all trucks during overnight hours.

O-62     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Main Library contains a prominent public display of tablets bearing a denominational version the Ten Commandments; and
WHEREAS: This display of the Ten Commandments contains the following statements: "Built in Gratitude to God, His Son Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Ghost. Men, Women, Children if You Obey These Commandments You Will Be Happy. If You Disobey, Then Sorrow Will Come Upon You. It is Noble to Be Pure; It is Right to be Honest; It is Necessary to Be Temperate; It is Wise to be Industrious; But to Know God is Best of All. Paul, the Apostle, besought men to present their bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God. The body must not be dishonored with impure acts. Wise are they who protect the purity of their blood and preserve their strength by living pure lives;"
WHEREAS: The Library has notified the public that their new building will continue to prominently display this version; and
WHEREAS: The US Supreme Court’s recent rulings in Van Orden v. Perry, and McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky , banned certain types of displays of the Ten Commandments; and whereas the doctrine of cy pres holds that a donation for charitable purposes that becomes frustrated or illegal can be modified; and
WHEREAS: The original deed transferring ownership of the library to the City of Cambridge by Frederick Rindge does NOT legally require the city to maintain the aforementioned display; and
WHEREAS: The extensive renovation of the Main Library places the Ten Commandments display in a new context as the city determines what elements to retain of the original library and what elements to change; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult the City Solicitor to examine the Van Orden and McCreary County and other court decisions to determine if the City is in violation of the law; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report the City Solicitor's findings to the Public Facilities Committee of the City Council by September 12, 2005.

O-63     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: On August 2, 2005 the Department of Human Services will host a special meeting to discuss how Cambridge might best serve its teenagers and young adults; and
WHEREAS: There is now an opportunity to have input from many stakeholders as future youth programs are being conceived and implemented; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Department of Human Services is to be encouraged in these efforts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council is requested to actively participate in this dialogue.

O-64     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Chief Public Health Officer and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to devise a new plan to address street climate and use issues in Central Square, particularly in the Massachusetts Avenue/Pearl area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take particular notice of the ongoing problem. At least one former resident sold their house due to the extreme nature of this continuing problem.

O-65     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee has been considering the issue of how to keep Cambridge competitive with other US and foreign centers of emerging technology which have perceived high quality of life; and
WHEREAS: It is clear that Cambridge is a very interesting place to be, but that it should pay attention in the current competitive environment. Some US cities like Austin, Texas, have benefited from initiatives to enhance the City's image; and
WHEREAS: In Cambridge, we have the opportunity to heighten the quality of life to our residents and to attract visitors and new residents; and
WHEREAS: The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee is considering the idea of the City to launch an "Excitement Lab;"
WHEREAS: The "Excitement Lab" would be a collaborative effort between the City, the Chamber of Commerce and the universities to collaborate on promoting events and activities for the public. Funding would be shared; and
WHEREAS: The "Excitement Lab" would invite local promoters to propose events and activities for consideration. A panel like the Board of Directors of the Office of Tourism would review proposals and determine the scope of annual offerings. A year long series of events would be determined and widely publicized; and
WHEREAS: The Committee welcomes the input of Councillors and the citizens
WHEREAS: In September the Committee expects to invite a group of experienced event specialists to discuss how Cambridge might best enhance its profile as a center of cultural excitement; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Administration and the City Council are requested to actively offer their ideas as the Committee undertakes this process.

O-66     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: This summer rats appear to be more numerous and have been sighted across the City. West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Area IV and Mid Cambridge appear to have the most frequent sightings; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors do not accept the City's response that the rat problem is due to their failure to properly put away trash. They believe that while their trash-keeping efforts could improve, they would like to see the City embark upon a pilot program which is a stepped up effort and precise initiative; and
WHEREAS: Some of the things the neighbors would like to see are as follows:
- All residents be required to use approved trash receptacles. Plastic bags to be discontinued.
- Trash to be put out on the morning of trash day only.
- City to bulk purchase trash receptacles and provide to citizens either at cost or free, like the current blue recycling bins; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a citywide meeting regarding rats in Cambridge and how the City administration and citizens might work best together to eradicate the current rat problems.

O-67     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The taxpayers of Cambridge are deeply concerned about this year's tax bills and how current assessments are achieved; and
WHEREAS: People understand the Commonwealth's 100% evaluation requirement, but do not agree with the values attributed to owner-occupied one, two, three and four family homes where there is no present intent to sell; and
WHEREAS: These owners believe they are the victims of the incorrect assumption that their home will be sold in the current market; and
WHEREAS: Currently, the tax code in Massachusetts understands that the current use of land can be considered determining its tax value. For example, the tax value of 40 acres of land would differ if it were used for commercial purposes, farmland or residential development; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing and the City Council to determine if the current assessment model can be revised to provide for relief for owner-occupied homes which are not for sale.

O-68     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Recently a number of Cambridge "institutions" have indicated that they will no longer continue to exist. These include: the Globe Bookstore, Man Ray, the Plough and Stars and Green Street Grill; and
WHEREAS: These establishments have been integral parts of the fabric of the City for sometime; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission to determine if the Commission has a process by which it records the life and eventual death of various popular city destinations/institutions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Historical Commission to report back to the City Council on how best to record the existence and contributions of these Cambridge places.

O-69     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact Clear Channel and ask them to explain why they removed a gay-oriented billboard from Massachusetts Avenue before it was scheduled to be removed.

O-70     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the area of Green Street to honor the life of Mrs. Mildred Ilene Howard; 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-71     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer immediately with Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. and consider a new bid process for any work in which at least two union bids were not received on the Trolley Square project, and send a copy of this order to Local 537 and the Boston Building Trades.

O-72     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of legislation sponsored by Representatives Toomey and Wolf seeking conveyance of the Simoni Memorial Rink to the City of Cambridge for the conveyance of $1; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-73     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Law Department to report back to the City Council on the recent Supreme Court ruling that provides municipalities with greater latitude around eminent domain, including under what conditions such action is allowed; and be it further
ORDERED: That said report also analyze a hypothetical eminent domain based on the need for a pedestrian bridge across the train tracks in the neighborhood of Jefferson Park and Rindge Towers.

O-74     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to insure that that the City take all possible steps to offer burdened taxpayers relief in the current tax cycle.

O-75     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a working group that includes participation of City Staff, NSTAR and the energy conservation community for further discussion of the issues relating to moving forward to increase the use of renewable energy.

O-76     August 1, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion as to whether and under what circumstances the City could take back the parcel under consideration in the MXD zoning amendment proposed by the Cambridge Redevelopment Amendment.

O-77     August 1, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and other appropriate staff with the view of contacting the owner of Fresh Pond Mall to request construction of a safe stairway from Route 16 down the embankment to the shopping center, which is the route that pedestrians from the north regularly use to access the shopping center.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on May 3, 2005, beginning at ten o’clock and five minutes in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing discussion of NSTAR’s role with regard to the requirements for renewable energy set forth in the state laws governing the deregulation of electricity.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were George Fernandes, City Electrician, John Bolduc and Rosalie Anders, Environmental and Transportation Planners, Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD), Frank Gundal, Manager of Products and Services for NSTAR, Alison Field-Juma, Green Decade/and member of the Cambridge Climate Protection Action Committee (CCPAC), Marc Breslow, Mass Climate Action Network, Chad Laurent, Mass Energy, Michele Sprengnether, Green Decade, CCPAC, Elizabeth Kline, 15 Kirkland Rd. and Leith Sharp, Director of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She invited Frank Gundal to begin the discussion. He stated with an explanation of why the NSTAR electric bill insert shows zero percent renewable energy. NSTAR is meeting the renewable portfolio standards (RPS) by the purchase of renewable energy certificates, a category of renewable energy that is not one of the categories that is noted on the bill insert.

Chad Laurent, Mass Energy, stated that NSTAR could show their renewable energy portfolio on the label if they were meeting the requirements through their purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), but if NSTAR is meeting the standard through the Alternative Compliance Procedure (ACP), it would not show on the bill inserts.

Mr. Gundal disagreed with that statement.

Councillor Davis said that she believes that the goal is for NSTAR to show its participation in renewables for the purposes of public education. Mr. Gundal said that the label issue needs to be taken up with the regulators because it is all done in compliance with the market rules. He added that with regard to the question about whether NSTAR could supply more renewable energy than the two percent requirement, the major problem is that the market needs to become more firmly entrenched. NSTAR feels that what is needed is more of a push for construction of renewable energy sources. He has met several times with Mass Technology Collaborative.

Councillor Davis said that Mass Electric does put the renewable energy acquired as RECs on the bill. Mr. Gundal stated that NSTAR is not looking to do a REC program. It just removes RECs from the overall market. They have not worked the way that was intended.

Ms. Anders asked what would work if not RECs and what is standing in the way if there is plenty of money. Mr. Gundal said that his suggestion is to focus on ways that the City of Cambridge can increase its renewable energy, for example, by putting solar panels on a city building. Ms. Sprengnether said that if NSTAR purchases RECs, they go to ACPs that could come back to Cambridge to put a solar panel on a building.

Marc Breslow said that Cambridge and other cities have very little opportunity to create renewable energy especially since wind is a major focus. He asked what NSTAR is doing to increase supply. For example, why doesn’t NSTAR agree to buy renewable energy? Mr. Gundal said that before restructuring, NSTAR was required to and did sign long-term contracts. After restructuring, the idea was that suppliers would be dealing with this piece. NSTAR does supply basic services but this was designed to be service of last resort. Marc Breslow said that buying for more than one year is not the same as owning. Long-term contracting is the only way that renewable energy is going to happen; otherwise banks will not give loans to companies seeking to supply renewable energy.

Mr. Gundal said that he does not understand why MTC is not enough of a guarantee. He added that NSTAR is discussing long-term energy contracts. However, there is a lot of feeling that it is contrary to the idea that the market will supply the lowest prices.

George Fernandes said that trend is not there for residential purchases but as the market develops the rates are expected to go down.

Mr. Bolduc said that the City has been looking at the purchase of RECs because that is a way for the City to demonstrate support for renewable energy. The City has a number of solar energy systems around for public education, but given the price of solar energy, it is not going to make a dent. Purchasing RECs seems like the one thing that the City can continue to do at this point.

Leith Sharpe, Director of Harvard Green Campus Initiative, said that their purpose is to engage the entire university in sustainable energy. One major focus is climate change. When we look at the scientific basis of climate change, the scientific evidence of the need for a 60-70 percent reduction within one generation, we have to think bigger and bolder. From organizations like NSTAR the Green Campus Initiative would like to hear that NSTAR understands and articulates the science of climate change. Without that, the discussion will continue to be about smooth marketing.

Ms. Sharpe added that in Harvard’s case, the need is to become a climate-neutral organization, which is a real change of focus. The connection between conservation of energy and using renewable energy sources must be unbreakable.

Ms. Sharpe said that Harvard is currently a part of the REC market, as a transitional strategy, as an effective beginning with a middle goal of research and development towards an end of massive use of alternative energy. The check-off box is a way to get consumers engaged, especially when linked with conservation.

Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR is committed. The question is still how. NSTAR agrees that energy conservation is always the first emphasis.

Mr. Laurent said he would like to see NSTAR support the City of Cambridge in putting up solar panels. But every individual cannot do that and everyone can purchase RECs. NSTAR should provide that option. The Mass Energy non-profit would like to work with NSTAR. MTC is entering into long-term contracts and has successfully done that with Massachusetts renewable energy suppliers. They have alternative energy to supply through Clean Energy Choice.

Councillor Simmons said that she feels like there is a logjam. Is there a middle ground?

Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR has one boundary: they are not doing a REC grid program, that is, a Greenup Program. One supplier already left the Greenup Program because it is not working. That program is aimed at increasing demand. Demand is already there. The program is not creating the growth in supply that is needed. There are a lot of ways to directly address the issues.

Councillor Simmons asked whether NSTAR has the "fire in the belly" to solve this problem. Mr. Gundal said that CEO Tom May does, but with restructuring, NSTAR cannot own power plants and is not supposed to be a supplier. He said that his suggestion is to create a working group with a focus that is not just solar power and is not just renewable energy.

Councillor Simmons stated that a group has to be purpose-driven to be successful.

At eleven o’clock and fifteen minutes A. M., Councillor Davis assumed the Chair. She queried whether they should consider a Cambridge-based working group with NSTAR. Mr. Bolduc said perhaps they should work on a strategic energy plan on a community-wide basis, to address the question of where are we going and what can we do.

Ms. Sharp said that such a group could just end up talking and talking and talking. Her favorite model is to form a group and work on an immediate strategy. She said that she favors offering a check-off on the NSTAR bill to encourage decentralized choices of alternative energy.

Mr. Gundal said that he can go back to NSTAR to discuss the suggestions from this meeting, but the bottom line is that NSTAR does not want to just throw something at the REC market.

Ms. Anders stated her agreement with Ms. Sharp. If NSTAR is committed and RECs are not good, what is NSTAR’s thinking about how to move forward? NSTAR needs to put something on the table. Mr. Gundal stated that this extends NSTAR’s role too far.

Councillor Davis asked who is supposed to come up with the plan. Ms. Field-Juma asked what could be proposed that NSTAR could support and that would get to generation of more renewable energy. Mr. Gundal said that there is no easy answer. Elizabeth Kline said perhaps it is up to the community to decide what it believes NSTAR must bring to the table and to push for that. She said maybe that should be the one meeting follow-up.

Councillor Davis asked whether there are practical possibilities. She added that she liked what Ms. Sharp said. She would like to structure two or three meetings where a partnership with NSTAR could make progress.

Mark Breslow said that NSTAR has to come to the table with willingness to either work on the supply side or the demand side. He hears NSTAR saying they do not want to do the demand side, and they do not want to take the risk of the supply side because of the possibility of shifting prices.

Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR has had some discussion of signing long-term contracts. It is a very contentious discussion, not just within NSTAR.

Mr. Laurent said that by this summer Mass Energy expects to be offering a bundled product. Dominium offers an option in Mass Electric, mostly nuclear power. They are a registered supplier.

Ms. Hertzog asked why NSTAR does not include requirements for renewables in its bid. Mr. Gundal said that NSTAR does not have a lot of flexibility or latitude.

Councillor Davis stated that she is interested in the Worcester goal, in which the purchase of renewable energy should amount to 20 percent of the city’s total energy purchased by 2010.

Ms. Sharp said that looking at the issue from an entrepreneurial viewpoint, people are willing to pay more for renewable energy but it has to be easy. Their experience has been that people understand that the renewable energy industry has to grow over time. She added that the easiest way for people to part with their money is as a part of filling out a form. She asked what if money went into other projects, for example, building a fund that a partnership between the City and NSTAR could utilize for renewable energy.

Mr. Gundal said that is the kind of innovation that could be very interesting.

Councillor Davis noted that there are four potential follow-up topics:

1. NSTAR’s participation with the City via a checkbox on the bill: a discussion of a preliminary study, costs, possible markets and a business plan. [Ms. Sharp noted that the President of Harvard has agreed to fund the Green Campus Initiative in the amount of $100,000 for three years. She said that some of the funds will go to the purchase of RECs, but most will go to research on long-term studies for large-scale access to renewable energy.]

2. How to achieve a bill check-off for customers.

3. Meeting with potential suppliers.

4. Meeting with Department of Energy Resource about the energy labels.

Councillor Davis stated that, with regard to the bill check-off, the focus is on not the REC so much as the check-off on the bill as a tool for public education.

Ms. Sharp said that perhaps the focus of the check-off box could be climate change rather than renewable energy.

John Bolduc sated that there is still need for a working group.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a working group that includes participation of City Staff, NSTAR and the energy conservation community for further discussion of the issues relating to moving forward to increase the use of renewable energy.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and one minute P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and forty minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering proposed changes to the zoning in the Concord/Alewife area in a petition submitted by the Planning Board.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Susan Glazer, Deputy of Community Development (CDD), Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, CDD, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD, Iram Farooq, Project Planner, CDD, and Tara Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Brian Murphy convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the Community Development Department to make a presentation.

Susan Glazer began the presentation. She stated that the Concord/Alewife Study began in 2002 with the aim of creating a long-range vision and plan for the area through a participatory process. The City Manager appointed a thirteen-member study committee of neighborhood residents, representatives of study area businesses and property owners.

The committee met 14 times, with the assistance of a consultant. They also had larger area-wide public meetings and they met twice with members of the business community. The vision was for a vibrant mixed-use area.

Ms. Glazer discussed the considerations that went into the plan. The challenge was how to create connections in an area with some significant physical barriers. She noted that the traffic study focused on dealing with traffic that the development could produce, not solving the regional traffic problem. Ms. Glazer also described the flood storage and storm water considerations. The FEMA maps are being revised and may be expanded to cover the entire triangle, which means that developers will have significant flood storage replacement responsibilities.

Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, then described the development of the concept plan. From there the committee moved to recommendations. Similar to the East Cambridge Planning study, a two-stage zoning was proposed, including base zoning with reduced as-of-right density and overlay districts, which allow the zoning to come back up to approximately the current zoning through the special permit process. He drew the committee’s attention to a chart summarizing the differences in the present and proposed zoning (Attachment A).

Mr. Dash then described the infrastructure treatment in the proposal. He noted that the entire study area, which consists of 180 areas, is made up of four sub areas: (1) the Cambridge Highlands, (2) the Quadrangle (bordered by the Highlands and Shopping Center, Concord Avenue and the railroad tracks), (3) the Triangle (the area adjacent to Cambridgeport Drive bordered by the Alewife Reservation, Alewife Brook Parkway and the railroad tracks, and (4) the shopping center on both sides of the highway. Infrastructure connections are thus a major consideration. The proposal recommends the following key infrastructure elements, each of which serves a different purpose:

1. East-west main roadway
2. Pedestrian bicycle bridge to improve connections between the Quadrangle and the Alewife T station
3. Storm water park to be located at the low point in the Quadrangle

For storm water storage and key connectors, bonuses are proposed for developers, so that they can devote space to these items without losing development rights. Mr. Dash concluded his presentation with a description of the proposed design guidelines.

Councillor Davis expressed concern about ensuring that street design and address designation be rational so that people can find addresses. She also noted the issue of who will pay for the infrastructure. Mr. Dash explained the possibility of an FAR bonus.

Councillor Davis said that she has not heard anything in this presentation that would ensure that the key infrastructure elements will happen. It appears to be a matter of developer choice.

Councillor Murphy asked when the new flood maps will be available. Ms. Glazer stated that her latest information is early next year.

Councillor Toomey then moved to public comment.

Rober LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, Griswald Street residence, stated that the Community Development Department has gone through 20 minutes of presentation without ever mentioning building size. He agrees that the current zoning in the area does not work, except for Cambridge Highlands, and that is the zoning that makes sense here. The entire area should be rezoned as Residence B.

Attorney Norman Sherman stated that he was representing Kevin McQuaid, long time property owner at 170 Fawcett Street, in the Quadrangle area. He stated that this area has not been a zoning failure, as claimed by the previous speaker. His client has had a successful business in the area for many years. His client wants what they have built to be protected from the up zoning proposed in this petition.

William O’Brien, attorney for Fresh Pond Shopping Center, stated that they have been working for a year on a well thought out master plan for the shopping center. They call it Fresh Pond Village. They intend to open viewing corridors to Danehy Park. They include plans for residences. Parking would be underground. They intend to construct an elevated access. They believe they have addressed the City’s goals. They urge that three minor elements in the proposed zoning be reconsidered:

1. The height restriction of 85 feet is a problem
2. The concept of 10,000 square feet over 55 feet is problematic.
3. The shopping center should be treated exactly the same as the triangle and should have the benefit of PUD protections.

Attorney O’Brien submitted a letter for the record (Attachment B).

Carolyn Meith, Brookford Street, introduced Robert Simha, 6 Blanchard Road, former Director of Planning for MIT, and Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, and stated that they represent about ten people in Neighborhood Eleven who have submitted proposed amendments (Attachment C). She stated that this is a very complex matter. The zoning plan is still not completed and is not available for the public. Several essential additional pieces have not been included:

1. Flood plan maps and adequate flood planning
2. Sewer mitigation
3. Proper traffic and transit study

The consultant did a critical lane analysis. It is just not believable that in 2024 with full buildout there will be 20-30 percent less traffic than there is now.

Ms. Mieth stated that with regard to the compensating water storage, the proposal is for one to one. That is not sufficient. There should be a ten to one ration within the flood plan and five to one ratio just outside the flood plan.

Ms. Mieth said that the biggest problem with the proposed zoning is the transfer of development rights, especially the shopping centers, which could result in 6.5 million square feet of development right across Concord Avenue from the water supply. The criteria for special permits must be strengthened.

Robert Simha, 6 Blanchard Road, stated that there are several issues that people residing just outside the study area have experienced; these problems could be exacerbated by the development. One is the traffic situation. CDD addressed only traffic internal to the development, but any additional traffic will be detrimental to the surrounding neighborhoods. Another issue is the flood storage issue. It is quite possible for flooding to impact the water supply, as well as adjacent neighborhoods. He emphasized the importance of using transfer of development rights carefully and specifically to achieve particular results. Here, to date, there is no guarantee that what the City wants will happen.

Steve Kaiser, Hamilton Street, recommended keeping the dialogue going as long as possible. He said that this is a very complicated situation. He noted that there are several proposed sections that deal with other areas of the City and should not be there. He noted that the shopping center proposes putting its parking underground and all parking should be underground; regardless of the flood plan issues, it can be done. Since the CDD plan is not available, he has developed and submitted a plan (Attachment D).

Sue Bass, representing Belmont Citizens Association, expressed concern about the flooding issues. Sewage overflows go right into Alewife Brook and the ocean. She stated that the improvements are hypothetical. The storm water and traffic issues must be dealt with first.

Pedda Kostic, Iggy’s Bread, 130 Fawcet Street, expressed agreement with Mr. Quaid’s attorney with regard to his concern for businesses in the area.

Ralph Yoder, Rindge Avenue, stated that his primary concern is the Alewife wilderness area. The transfer of development rights includes the shopping center and the triangle. The Wyeth Building in the triangle is too close to the reservation. The Wyeth Building and the new Bullfinch Building shine lights that are destructive and intrusive to the wildlife. The storm water outlets must also be considered.

David Bass, 23 Norris Street, stated that this area is really big. It is somewhat naive to think that it can be made into a single neighborhood. It might be worthwhile to ensure the infrastructure connectors between the four areas rather than leaving it up to developers’ choices. Mr. Bass also said that the shopping center is fundamentally different from other areas.

Sheila Cook, 34 Follen Street, stated that she does not think that the advisory committee has really represented the public. This is a very large area. It is three times the size of North Point. It is ridiculous to disregard regional traffic when the traffic situation is chaos. The shopping mall is built on a pond where people used to skate. Ms. Cook also submitted written testimony (Attachment E).

Mary Hammond, stated that she is Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association, which includes this area. The Alewife area is severely degraded in its current condition. Redevelopment offers a chance to restore the area but it must be done very carefully. The watershed and wildlife do not care about time lines; planning should not either. Planning must be regional. There are some very attractive features to the plan. Major concerns are whether the mechanism in the zoning would achieve the objectives with any degree of certainty. It is not a good idea to rely on special permits and transfer of development rights to achieve major objectives. The City of Cambridge must make sure that these objectives are achieved. She noted that transfer of development rights (TDR) also has a potential to result in excessive development. She urged a careful look at what the outcome could be if all possible TDR were exercised, and to consider a cap. She also noted that the floodwaters in the area are frequently contaminated and this represents a health risk. Ms. Hammond said that there must be requirements that cannot be negotiated away. There should be wastewater requirements as well as storm water requirements. She urged tracking the cumulative effects of the development in the area on a regular basis. Ms. Hammond also submitted written testimony (Attachment F).

John Moot, 44 Coolidge Hill Road, stated that traffic is the biggest problem. A traffic study must be done. Flooding is a major problem in an area that has always been a swamp. Pedestrian bridges are very rarely used and will not result in a unified area. The TDR impact must be looked at very carefully. This area should be downzoned not up-zoned.

Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Road, stated that the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee strongly opposes the current proposal. The recommendations are severely flawed, and will negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods, which were not represented in the planning process. Regional issues of traffic and flooding are major concerns.

John DiGiovanni, 19 Hilliard Street, stated that his issue is primarily with the Triangle. He suggested that the special permit guidelines process allows property owners and developers an opportunity to reach the currently existing zoning in the Triangle. He praised the Community Development Department staff work and submitted a letter for the record (Attachment G).

Joe Joseph, 20 Kassul Park, noted that the listing of goals includes moving density away from Cambridge Highlands closer to the T station. But the effect is to mover it closer to Neighborhood Eleven. The City Council must look at the bigger picture. He recommended that the City Council consider informing CDD that there will be no more dialogue until there is a credible traffic analysis and a hydrology study. He noted that throughout the entire area, the residential allowances have been lowered to something that approximates Residence B.

Mitchell Goldstein, 17 Normandy Terrace, stated that he lives in the Cambridge Highlands and was on the committee. He stated that he understands the concerns of residents of other neighborhoods. Overall, he believes that this is a good proposal to develop the area in a more restrictive and rational way.

Councillor Murphy and Councillor Maher moved that the petition remain in committee. The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and thirty minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 22, 2005, beginning at four o’clock and forty-eight minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendment would require that any proposed development in the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District involving the addition of more than 2,000 square feet but less than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area be subject to a larger Project Review consultation pursuant to Section 19.43 of the Ordinance.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, CDD, and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Murphy chaired the hearing because Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey were unable to attend the hearing due to unavoidable schedule conflicts. Councillor Murphy invited Lester Barber, CDD, to provide an overview of the proposal. Mr. Barber stated that this proposal came out of a series of meetings of the Planning Board with neighbors in the Agassiz Neighborhood and Neighborhood 9. The Planning Board considers this area of Massachusetts Avenue to be an area of special planning concern. In general, areas of special planning concern are subject to ordinance provisions that require Large Project Review pursuant to Section 19.43 of the Zoning Ordinance for proposed projects involving the addition of over 2,000 square feet of gross floor area but less than 25,000 square feet. Large Project review entails an advisory public meeting held by CDD to allow community members the opportunity to review a development proposal. This consultation is purely advisory and no formal project approval is required.

Mr. Barber explained that under current zoning, the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District only provides for Large Project Consultation for developments that would add more than 6,000 but less than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area. He also noted that Long Funeral Home re-use construction project on the corner of Beech Street added less than 6,000 additional square feet of gross floor area, and thus, there was not public review before a building permit was issued for the development. That project caused considerable public controversy.

Councillor Murphy then invited public comment.

Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, expressed concern that the Planning Board intended to propose additional amendments to this proposal that would be very detrimental. Councillor Murphy noted that there are no additional amendments under consideration at this hearing. If there are additional proposals, there will be an additional opportunity for public comment.

Vi Ugali, 69 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she is more interested in discussing what is going to happen at the Porter Square Shopping Center. Councillor Murphy noted that the shopping center is not on the agenda of this meeting.

Councillor Maher moved that the proposed amendment be referred to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Murphy thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at four o’clock and fifty-seven minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #4
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on Monday, June 27, 2005 beginning at three o’clock and twenty-five minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the concerns of Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) tenants and tenants of private affordable housing developments regarding crime in the vicinity of their housing and how CHA Security, the Police Department, building managers and tenants can work together to address their concerns.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Ronnie Watson, Cambridge Police Commissioner, David Degou, Cambridge Police Superintendent, Michael Giacoppo, Cambridge Police Superintendent, Greg Russ, Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), Jack Geary, Director of Operations, CHA, Gloria Leipzig, Deputy Director of Operations, CHA, Sharon Cowan, Planning Administrator, CHA, Faith Walker, Senior Manager of Millers’ River Apartments, 15 Lambert Street, Belkis Roome, Manager of Manning Apartments, Fred Reese, President of the Tenant Council, Woodrow Wilson Apartments, Pam Harnett, President of the Tenant Council, Putnam School Apartments, Bea Harvey, President, Tenant Council, Manning Apartments, Michael Haran, Executive Director of CASCAP and member of Affordable Housing Trust, Alice Savage, Intern, Just-A-Start, Barbara Shaw, Housing Director, Just-A-Start, Zoe Weinrobe, Housing Planner, Community Development Department, Beverly Dorsey, Manager, L. E. Smith Management Company, Cambridge, John Serwicinski, Coordinator, North Cambridge Crime Task Force and Bob Costa, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He stated that he is interested in talking with management and tenants and the Police Department to hear whether current strategies are working.

Jack Geary, CHA Director of Operations, stated that the CHA has a close working relationship with the Cambridge Police Department. He distributed a document entitled "Cambridge Housing Authority Strategic Public Safety Initiative" (Attachment A), and summarized the content. He noted an over over-arching goal of controlling the incidents of criminal activity in CHA properties through coordinated public safety activities, to be achieved by the four strategies of seamless coordination between the CHA and Cambridge Police Department (CPD), improving communication between CHA residents and CPD, a focus on physical facilities safety, and augmenting CPD patrols with a strategic deployment plan for property-focused patrols.

Mr. Geary stated that the CHA is planning to hire a Public Safety Manager. That person will be responsible for coordinating this initiative. He added that the physical facilities focus is very important. They have been doing a lot of work at Jefferson Park on locks and fencing. The CHA will also spend some funds to augment the police patrols.

Councillor Galluccio invited comments from CHA residents and Tenant Council Presidents.

Fred Reese, Tenant Council President for Woodrow Wilson Apartments, asked how many security people work for CHA. Mr. Geary said right now there is only one person. He is leaving and will be replaced by someone with more police experience as the Public Safety Manager. Rather than having another security guard, the CHA wants to use its available funds for augmenting Cambridge police patrols when and where necessary.

Mr. Russ, Executive Director of the CHA, said that since the federal Drug Elimination funding was terminated, there has been only one security person, along with monitors at senior buildings. Councillor Galluccio asked if the private developments have any security personnel.

Commissioner Watson said that the CPD also supplements with park and walk assignments ("86’s") when necessary. The most important ingredient to effective patrolling is communication between residents and police so that the police know when to be there. As long as CPD knows what the issues are and where they are needed they have the ability to address the problem.

Mr. Reece said that other tenants have threatened some tenants if they call the police.

Superintendent Giacoppo said that for over 15 years senior officers of the CPD and CHA building managers have had a monthly meeting. Before that, there was a serious crime problem at CHA property, but it has decreased enormously. For example, at last month’s meeting the manager of Jefferson Park provided information on drug sales and the next week the issue was resolved.

Superintendent Giacoppo reported that the biggest issue they have is trespassing. The people causing the problems are not the residents. The last three big drug arrests were non-residents. The issue cannot be solved without help from the tenants and managers. The managers are doing a good job of bringing the information to the police.

Councillor Galluccio said that the message of Jefferson Park manager is putting up "No Trespassing" signs.

Superintendent Giacoppo said that while these signs can be helpful, residents have the right to invite people onto the premises, so enforcement of trespass laws can be challenging.

Councillor Galluccio said drug dealing has become more sophisticated and less visible. The problems he hears the most about are more those of harassment by groups hanging around.

Mr. Geary said that the CHA just added several "No Trespassing" signs. There was an area of Jefferson Park that had become a new hangout. Police expressed concern about stopping people when there were no signs prohibiting trespassing.

Superintendent Giacoppo described the restricted access list by which tenants and managers can limit access of specific people, such as, drug dealers, etc. and police can require people on that list to leave the premises.

Councillor Galluccio asked how a call about loud noise at three a. m. gets handled. Superintendent Degou said that these are routine calls and are handled the same way throughout the City. The CPD sends a patrol car by and gives them one chance. Commissioner Watson said that if there is drinking on the street, the police take the required enforcement action.

Superintendent Giacoppo said that the CHA security coordinator regularly reviews the police reports about activity on and near CHA property.

Councillor Galluccio noted the importance of the CHA security liaison.

Councillor Murphy urged the CHA to work with the police in terms of the job description for the new security patrol in light of the decreased federal funding.

Superintendent Degou said he would like to hear from residents about their concerns.

Bea Harvey, Tenant Council President, Manning Apartments said that when Central Square bar patrons leave the bars, they continue their party at the Green Street Garage, mostly on the weekends. The Green Street Garage is open all night.

Superintendent Giacoppo said that the majority of the calls from the CHA senior buildings are medical calls.

Arvilla Saracen, Miller River Apartments, said that the emergency switch in the bathrooms and bedrooms of the units only flashes outside in the hall. It does not ring anywhere. Tenants do not know that.

Mr. Russ said that this system was not designed as a substitute for a 911 call. It lights the light outside the unit and unlocks the door. If the tenant has an ongoing medical condition that may require emergency assistance something like Lifeline is more appropriate.

Commission Watson said that since the majority of calls are medical, perhaps it would be good to look at what procedures are in place for medical emergencies and to meet to develop some new coordinated procedures.

Councillor Galluccio asked when there will be a new CHA security liaison. Mr. Geary said that he is hoping to have the new person hired by the end of July.

Councillor Galluccio asked Commissioner Watson about undercover operations. Commissioner Watson said that these operations are ongoing and effective and often utilize police from other cities and towns. Superintendent Giacoppo described a recent use of undercover police from another city for a drug arrest. It works very well.

Commissioner Watson said that CPD also pursues evictions of the perpetrators whenever there is a drug arrest.

Faith Walker, Senior Manager of Miller River Apartments said that she had great experience with the police at Washington Elms and New Town Courts. She would love to see a police officer walk through the building during the day. There have been some recent issues, some thefts, and she believes that the presence of the police walking through would make the residents feel more comfortable and send a message.

Commissioner Watson said that could be arranged. He also said that the CPD is getting ready to schedule crime seminars at each of the CHA senior buildings.

Councillor Murphy said that the neighborhood sergeant meetings have been excellent. In addition, early evening crime walks involving the police and City departments have been very effective in neighborhoods, because safety issues can be pointed out to the departments that can resolve them. Councillor Galluccio said that in the case of CHA walks, it would be the police and CHA staff. Councillor Galluccio stressed the importance community building, it builds trust between police and residents. Ms. Harvey said that the police come to the residents’ meeting at Manning Apartments once a month.

Ms. Saracen said the lights are off at ten p. m. at night at Millers’ River. The intercoms do not work after that time so if the tenant has a late visitor, he or she has to go down the elevators to let the person in. Mr. Geary said that in a building where the intercoms are turned off at night, it is because residents have so requested. Mr. Saracen added that there should be mirrors on corners of the corridors, so that tenants can be sure no one is lurking in a dark corridor.

Commissioner Watson suggested setting up meetings of police and residents during the month of July.

Councillor Galluccio asked Commissioner Watson if it would be possible to have patrol officers get out to the developments during the summer. Commissioner Watson answered in the affirmative. He noted that the police would like to know from the residents and the managers the best times for the walk throughs. The CPD would be happy to schedule them.

Councillor Galluccio said that his sense is that after dinner, 6-8 p.m. would be the best times. Superintendent Giacoppo said that CPD is doing that now, park and walks for police visibility even without telephone calls.

Ms. Walker said that in the family housing, it is very helpful to the building managers for the police doing the overtime patrols, to ask "do your live here?" What is your name? Commissioner Watson said that the police take the get written instructions from the managers, and if they want the police to ask specific questions, they can just include the requests in the written instructions.

Councillor Galluccio asked Mr. Russ if the CHA would let the City Council know when the new security coordinator is hired and asked Commissioner Watson to inform the City Council as to the schedule for the upcoming senior seminar meetings. It was agreed that Commissioner Watson and Mr. Russ will notify the City Council as requested.

Ms. Saracen said that with construction going on, there are a lot of people in and out of the Millers’ River Apartment building. Mr. Geary said there have been a lot of contractors in and out, but that situation is temporary. Ms. Walker said that when a contractor comes into an apartment there is always a tenant coordinator there as well.

Commissioner Watson said that the CPD would like to be involved in the interview process of the new CHA coordinator if that would be acceptable to the CHA. Mr. Russ and Mr. Geary said that they would welcome police input.

Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at four o’clock and twenty-six minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair

Committee Report #5
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, July 7, 2005, beginning at five o’clock P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a City Council petition to amend the Municipal Code to exempt the municipal police and fire facilities from the Parking and Traffic Demand Management Ordinance.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor David P. Maher and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, City Solicitor Donald Drisdell, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the City Manager to explain the proposed amendment. Mr. Healy stated that the reason for the proposal is to allow for flexibility in the maintenance and operations of the police station. The primary problem is still the three p.m. shift change, as well as the fleet of specialty vehicles. The shift change problem is that for an overlapping time at the shift change, vehicles of police on both shifts must be parked. In addition, there must be space to maintain very expensive specialty vehicles.

Mr. Healy stated that the City will do a traffic study. The City is committed to the use of best management practices for reduction of single occupant vehicle trips. The City will also manage the issue of intrusion of parking into the neighborhood.

Councillor Toomey invited questions from members of the City Council.

Councillor Simmons asked for further information about the reasons for the amendment. Mr. Healy stated that the PTDM Ordinance requirements do not fit well with an entity that operates 168 hours a week and needs to have overlapping personnel at shift changes in addition to a fleet of vehicles to be housed on the premises.

Councillor Simmons asked how this amendment would impact the neighborhood. Mr. Healy stated that he does not believe that there will be any adverse impact. He said that the City will do a traffic study and a traffic plan that will utilize best management practices. Mr. Healy said that there has already been a meeting with East Cambridge neighborhood and there will be many more neighborhood meetings.

Councillor Simmons asked what about other fire stations. Mr. Healy stated that they will not be impacted because they were built before the PTDM Ordinance was enacted.

Councillor Maher stated that he is glad to hear that the City will set high expectations for traffic and parking demand management.

Councillor Maher asked if the parking across the street from Bent and Sixth could be used. Mr. Healy said that he did not think it could but that staff would look at all possibilities.

Councillor Maher moved that the proposed amendment be forwarded to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at five o’clock and twelve minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #6
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, July 7, 2005, beginning at four o’clock and thirty minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to exempt the construction or location of a municipal police or fire station.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Committee, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD, Donald Drisdell, City Solicitor, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He requested that the petitioners present the proposal.

Robert W. Healy began the presentation. He noted that most municipalities have such a provision in their zoning law. Mr. Healy explained that the main reason for the proposal is to allow the flexibility to include relocation of the Emergency Communication Department into the new police station building at 125 Sixth Street. Siting the Emergency Communication Department on the top floor would require a variance under the current ordinance. The current ordinance allows the fifth floor to be used for the building’s mechanical systems but not as workspace. Mr. Healy stated that the City is fully committed to following the best design practices and in utilizing the design review procedures in the Zoning Ordinance regardless of passage of the amendment.

At this time, Councillor Toomey invited public comment.

David Clem, principal of Lyme Properties, stated that Lyme Properties is the owner of adjacent property on Bent Street. He said that he is delighted that the City plans to build a police station at that site. He added that it is important to understand that Rogers Street is not a public way; it is a private way. Lyme Properties would like to work with the City to ensure that access issues can be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Healy stated that the City is willing to work with all of the abutters and neighbors.

Councillor Toomey moved that the petition be referred to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed without objection.

Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at four o’clock and thirty-nine minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #7
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at nine o’clock and seven minutes A. M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues relating to the relocation of the Police Station.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner, Michael Giacoppo, Superintendent of Police, Timothy McCusker, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mike Walsh, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street and John Moot, 44 Coolidge Hill Road, Cambridge.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting and stated the purpose. She asked City Manager for an overview.

Mr. Healy stated that the build out process for the Police Station has begun. State law requires that the project have a project manager. The city has advertised the project manager position and a Request for Proposal for a design selection committee has been started and due in the Purchasing Department by June 23, 2005. The design selection committee will review, interview and make recommendations to the City Manager for a contract. Mr. Healy spoke about the proposed zoning amendment. The city has possession of the police station building.

Councillor Davis asked the City Manager to give the City Council a projected timeline. He stated that he anticipated the project to take two years, ten months for the design and fifteen months for construction. By August an architect should be selected and then the contract negotiated. Subsequent to this meeting a timetable for the new police station designer selection was submitted ATTACHMENT A.

Councillor Davis inquired as to the criteria. Mr. Healy replied that an architect would bring a sub-contractor, but there may be an existing architect that specializes in police station construction. The project manager would oversee the architect. Ms. Schlacter informed the committee that the state statute contains required criteria. Police Department personnel would have input stated Mr. Healy.

Councillor Davis asked if the green building policy would be employed for the police station. She stated that she wanted the police station to perform environmentally for the users as well. Architects must be interviewed for environmentally experience.

At nine o’clock and twenty minutes a. m. Councillor Davis opened the meeting to the public.

Elie Yarden questioned the purchase price of the property, the construction permit and the zoning issue. He cited the cost of the building to be $7.5 million. Mr. Healy stated that this amount was incorrect. Mr. Yarden asked what happened to the four units of affordable housing that was required under the zoning ordinance and was this requirement eliminated because of eminent domain. He also asked the length of employment of Mr. Laverty, a former member of the Assessors Department. Mr. Healy commented that Mr. Laverty retired from the City of Cambridge in 1980.

John Moot stated that his questions were contained in a letter previously submitted by him to the City Council. Mr. Healy commented that he has not received a copy of this letter.

Councillor Simmons inquired if abutters of the police station were notified. She was informed that an East Cambridge Planning Team meeting was held. Councillor Simmons stated that she wanted the abutters to be kept apprised of the architect selection process. Mr. Healy stated that there would be various community meetings and that the community would be kept apprised of the process.

Councillor Davis asked what is the prognosis for Bent Street. Bent Street would be repaved after construction of the police station stated Mr. Healy.

Councillor Davis commented on the reuse of the current police station building. How do you begin the process of the reuse of the current building, she asked. Mr. Healy responded that the process has begun. Possible users are the Central Square library, Graham and Parks School, Community Learning Center, School Administration and the High School Extension program. There is enough room in the police station building for the School Administration function. Councillor Davis asked if negotiations were on going between the City and the School Department in this process. There is a potential of options with residual space and sharing of the building stated Mr. Healy. Councillor Davis stated that she wanted a report on the possible reuse of the existing building. This report was received as Agenda Item Number Twenty-Two of June 20, 2005 ATTACHMENT B.

Commissioner Watson informed the committee that the Election Commission has a vault located at 5 Western Avenue. This fact needs to be addressed. When asked how many vaults are located in the building Superintendent Giacoppo stated that there are three vaults in the building.

Councillor Davis stated that discussions of reuse of the building must contain public input. Mr. Healy stated that the public would be included in the reuse of the building with a menu of options for discussion.

Mr. Healy stated that by August a menu of options and analysis would be available. The process would start with the City Council, the School Committee and the public to integrate all parties. He stated that in his opinion there is enough space and the possibly an option to sell two buildings. Factual space data is needed for the City Council to have a discussion on the allocation of space. The process should include all relevant parties with the goal of arriving at making the best options, commented Councillor Davis.

Councillor Simmons inquired about the School Committee’s position on the Graham and Parks School. Mr. Healy stated that the Superintendent of Schools would like to move into the police station building now. The Graham and Parks School building is in play and has dropped off the radar screen of the School Committee. Councillor Simmons spoke about centrally located school administration offices. The Longfellow School or the current police station building is on the timeline to house the school administration offices stated Councillor Davis. Money for renovations has to come before the City Council with a recommendation made by the City Manager stated Councillor Davis. Sharing of the building will offset renovation cost and parking is an issue at all three buildings stated Mr. Healy.

Councillor Davis asked about the timeline for the renovation of the police station building. It would take more than two years because of the need for a shell reconstruction responded Mr. Healy. A reuse decision needed to be made in a timely fashion in order to proceed to follow the same process used in the new police station.

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and forty-five minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #8
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, July 7, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and thirty minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to amend the zoning in the Kendall Square MXD Zoning District to allow additional aggregate gross floor area of 75,000 square feet to be used for multi-family housing.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury and Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use for the Community Development Department.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Joseph Tulimieri, Executive Director of Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) to present the petition. Mr. Tulimieri stated that both the CRA Board and Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community have approved the change, which would convert 75,000 square feet of gross floor area from commercial to residential to increase the overall district residential square footage to 2,877,100 square feet. The CRA has advertised a request for proposals, received and reviewed proposals and selected a proposal for developing a nine story residential building, of which 40 percent would be affordable units. The project is contingent upon the zoning change being allowed. Part of the site would be used for a public park, and there would be additional green space as a linear park along Binney Street.

Councillor Toomey stated that his understanding is that the East Cambridge Planning Study (ECAPS)) recommended that the area under consideration be open space. He asked Mr. Tulimieri to comment. Mr. Tulimieri stated that there are two maps in the ECAP study. One shows the area as open space, the other as a transition zone. Housing is a preferred use in the transition zones.

Councillor Toomey asked Mr. Barber to comment. Mr. Barber stated that he believes that the ECAPS recommendation for this specific site would be open space. The general suggestion of housing as a preferred use in a transition zone is overcome by the specific recommendation for this parcel.

Mayor Sullivan said that he agrees with Councillor Toomey that he has always had the impression that the ECAPS suggestions are that the area be used as open space.

Councillor Galluccio stated that he believes the City Council should have a better idea of what is proposed. This is a valuable green space location. He also has concerns about parking.

Councillor Maher suggested that the Ordinance Committee keep the petition in committee until after Mr. Tuilimieri’s meeting with the East Cambridge Planning Team next week (July 14th) for the opportunity for more citizen input.

Councillor Simmons asked how many units of additional housing affordable to low and moderate-income tenants would be created, and Mr. Tuilimieri responded that there would be approximately 38 units, with all underground parking.

Councillor Simmons stated that she has a concern about building family housing so close to the railroad tracks. She noted the deaths on the North Cambridge railroad tracks in the past few years. Mr. Tuilimieri said that although it is an active railroad, it is not very active and really should not be compared with the North Cambridge trains.

Councillor Toomey stated that he gets a lot of telephone calls from residents complaining about that trains.

Councillor Simmons said if this is where the housing is being build, there should be extra precautions to keep young children safe.

Mr. Tulimieri said that he agrees with Councillor Simmon’s concerns, but if there is no other land available, the land represents an opportunity for new housing. The goal for this site would be for forty percent of the units to be affordable to persons with incomes of less than 80 percent of median income.

Councillor Toomey then invited public comment.

David Clem, Lyme Properties, stated that Lyme Properties owns the parcel on the corner of Binney Street and Fulkerson Street. He believes there might be an alternative to the CRA’s proposal. In exchange for restoration of 53,000 square feet of FAR in the 350 Third Street building, by amendment to a settlement agreement for a case involving appeals to the Planning Board decisions, by neighborhood groups, and an additional 9,000 square feet of FAR for affordable units, housing could go on that Lyme Properties site.

Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that she can hear the train whistles very clearly from Hurley Street. She stated that she is mostly concerned with the huge and beautiful cottonwood tree that would be destroyed by this project. Cottonwood trees are not very common in this area.

Risa Medrick, Treasurer of the East Cambridge Planning Team, stated that although the Planning Team will meet with CRA next week, they do not see this site as a good place for housing.

Thomas Joyce, 250 Spring Street, stated that he is a member of the East Cambridge Planning Team, but his comments represent his own point of view. He urged the City Council to leave the space as it is. It is a beautiful piece of land that should remain as open space.

Craig Kelley, 6 St. Gerard Terrace, stated that the City does not have a definable affordable housing policy. Affordable housing is put on the least desirable sites. He urged the City Council to forward the petition to the City Council with a negative recommendation. The East Cambridge neighborhood wants open space.

Catherine Fabio, 24 Middlesex Street, member of the Cambridge Dog Owners Group, stated that the Dog Owners Group had understood that the City was looking at this site as open space that could be a dog park. Another possibility is community gardens.

Ronda Massi, 211 Charles Street, stated that in the past 20 years East Cambridge has been flooded with housing. Affordable housing is commendable, but East Cambridge is being overbuilt and needs more open space.

Gina Balander, 122 Dudley Street, member of Cambridge Dog Owner Group, stated that she grew up in New York City housing. Affordable housing should be surrounded by open space.

Councillor Galluccio requested clarification of the transaction itself, how value is established and what the money is used for.

Mr. Tulimieri stated that the CRA advertised the availability of this site and received a proposal. The land price will be set by appraisal. The CRA’s intent is to use the proceeds in the construction of the proposed linear park along Binney Street. In response to a question from Councillor Galluccio, Mr. Tulimieri said that the parking requirement is one space per unit.

Mayor Sullivan submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion as to whether and under what circumstances the City could take back the parcel under consideration in the MXD zoning amendment proposed by the Cambridge Redevelopment Amendment.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Toomey asked Councillor Murphy to comment on the upcoming hearing about a dog park. Councillor Murphy said that East Cambridge has a combination of the most dogs and the least open space suitable for dogs. He urged all those concerned to attend the July 19, 2005 meeting of the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee.

Mayor Sullivan moved that the proposed amendment be referred back to the full City Council. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #9
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Monday, July 18, 2005, beginning at four o’clock and thirteen minutes P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of continuing to consider a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend the zoning in the Concord-Alewife area.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD, Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD, Iram Farooq, Project Planner, CDD and Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that it had been suggested to Councillor Toomey and himself that they should consider dividing the proposal into three geographic areas for discussion and perhaps for voting. The petition establishes the three areas of the Quadrangle, the Triangle and the shopping area.

Councillor Maher suggested that the Ordinance Committee both discuss and go forward on the three parts separately, which means that some or all parts would have to be re-filed. He stated that the area that was the most shocking to him, and he believes to others as well, is the shopping area, so he suggests doing the Quadrangle or the Triangle first.

Councillor Davis said that in the study group, the Quadrangle itself was further divided into four parts.

Councillor Reeves stated that the Quadrangle has had the most neighborhood participation. He requested Mr. Barber and Mr. Dash to briefly review the land use proposal for the Quadrangle. Mr. Dash began by recommending that the Committee consider the entire Quadrangle together. One of the most important reasons for dividing it into four parts was the mechanics of the transfer of development rights (TDR), to establish two pairs of complementary donor/donee areas.

Councillor Reeves asked why they choose four areas. Mr. Dash said that the four areas have different characteristics. The northeast and southeast areas are closest to the residential area, Cambridge Highlands ("the Highlands"). The northeast area is within walking distance of the Alewife T station. The southeast area is farther from the Highlands and the T station, but could be better connected to the T station in the future depending on infrastructure development.

Councillor Davis asked whether Community Development is recommending density differences in the different areas. Mr. Dash answered in the affirmative. There are proposed differences in density, height, and special permit criteria. He drew attention to page 15, a map showing the four areas (Attachment A) and page 11, a comparison of existing and proposed zoning in the different areas (Attachment B).

Councillor Toomey stated that the Committee would move to public comment on the Quadrangle. He then invited public comment.

Robert LaTremouille, 30 Griswold Street, stated that it is an excellent idea to rewrite the petition and to take it in parts. He added that it is a good idea to take the Quadrangle first. He said that what Somerville has done next to the East Cambridge border is a good model, although it is too dense. He recommends Residence B zoning for the entire Quadrangle.

Sheila Cook, 34 Follen Street, stated that she understands what CDD has tried to do: more residential to the west and more and more commercial and more density to the east. This is a chance for intelligent zoning, but the transfer of development rights provision defeats the purpose. She also criticized the CDD’s decision to ignore the regional traffic.

Mitchell Goldstein, 17 Normandy Terrace, member of the Alewife-Concord Study Committee, commented on Steve Kaiser’s proposal. On page 5 Mr. Kaiser proposes the elimination of the distinction between residential and commercial, but the distinction between residential and commercial provides more incentive for residential development. There are some current commercial uses that are unpleasant to the residents.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Goldstein for further explanation with regard to "unpleasant uses." Mr. Goldstein said that C. J. Marbardy has been able to expand to a debris storage operation, which is noisy and unpleasant. Although this particular use was begun after a zoning change that prohibited such uses, the company was able to prevail on some "grand fathering" theory. Councillor Reeves asked about any other nuisance uses. Mr. Goldstein said that his does not know of any other current uses that would not be allowed under the proposed zoning changes; however, the amount of paving in the area is problematic with regard to flooding.

Councillor Maher asked for an overview of citizen participation on the study committee. Mr. Goldstein stated that the committee included residents of Cambridge Highlands, property owners and people who rent business space in the area. Other citizens who were not on the committee came to the meetings. The process was a two-year process with consultants. They held meetings at the Tobin School.

Councillor Maher asked if it was a consensus-building process. Mr. Goldstein said yes, except that he learned afterward that residents of other neighborhoods who would be impacted felt that they should have had the opportunity for input.

In response to a question from Councillor Maher, Mr. Goldstein stated that there was not much disagreement about the importance of lessening the impact on the Cambridge Highlands. Mr. Goldstein said that he is not sure what the effect of breaking up the proposal would have on the transfer of development rights because there is some interconnection with the other two areas.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that the division by geography is not perfect because of the TDR provisions. He recommended having that discussion with the discussion of the shopping center. He recommended that the City Council require CDD to produce the plan that should accompany the proposed zoning. He stated that he borrowed a great deal from the "Fishbook" (earlier planning study of the Alewife area) in the plan that he submitted.

Mr. Kaiser emphasized the need for a focus on traffic and flooding in all three areas. Those issues were not adequately considered. He recommended starting with photos of how backed up the highway gets at rush hour now. He stated that a better architectural vision is also required.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, stated that unless housing-only zones are established, even with a bonus for residential development, developers will choose commercial development. He said that CDD and the consultant did a good job, but the zoning was dumped on the table by the consultants. Zoning is based on planning and until there is a planning study, the zoning should not be finalized.

Ralph Yoder, Rindge Avenue, stated that he agrees with using transfer of development rights to draw commercial uses away from the Highlands to the shopping center, but transferring development rights to the Triangle area is problematic. The lights, noise and other disturbances are very harmful to the sensitive ecology of the abutting conservation area.

Kenneth Knee, 8 Blanchard Road, stated that he is pleased to see the tendency to shift development away from industrial to residential near the Highlands. He stated that Cambridge did a very good job in the development of East Cambridge through a good mix of uses. He sees this zoning as heading in the right direction.

John Chung, 48 Loomis Street, said that he has lived in the last house abutting the industrial area since 1997. Last year the neighboring warehouse was sold to a new owner and since then he has suffered with a great deal of noise. He proposed a clear demarcation between the Highland and the industrial area. He said that he likes the part of the proposal for a green buffer between the Highlands and the industrial area.

Hang Liu, 1673 Cambridge Street, said that she has lived in Cambridge for 20 years and owns property in North Cambridge. To her, this area is the last frontier. She took her children to the shopping center and they always jumped over the fence instead of walking down the sidewalk another ten minutes. She said that the physical planning should follow real people’s footprints. She noted the dilemma of increasing energy use and urged consideration of energy conservation in land use planning.

Subsequent to the hearing, written testimony in the form of a letter was received from John Dieckmann on behalf of the Belmont Citizens Forum (Attachment C).

Councillor Reeves requested more information about how transfer of development rights (TDR) will work and how it would be affected by separation of consideration of the proposed zoning areas into three separate parts.

Mr. Dash said that a transfer of development rights take fairly extensive negotiations between two different property owners, so CDD staff did not and does not expect it to be used frequently. Any square foot transferred is a transfer away from the Highlands and closer to public transportation.

Councillor Reeves asked if TDR takes place in other places in Cambridge. Mr. Dash answered in the affirmative; the mechanism exists in the zoning of East Cambridge and Cambridgeport, which is why the petition has provisions relating to those other areas, although it does not make any substantive changes to the zoning in those areas, rather, it puts all the TDR provisions together.

Councillor Davis asked whether the amendments would provide for transfer of development rights across the boundaries of the three areas. Mr. Dash said yes, the TDR does tie all the areas together. The City Council could work on area at a time, but the Council would have to recognize that TDR will affect areas outside the individual area the Council is considering.

Mr. Dash defined TDR as a zoning tool to move density from one place to another. An owner with development rights that cannot be used in the zone where the property is located would sell development rights to another owner who has property in a zone where purchase of development rights is allowed. The owners make an agreement and then bring it to the Planning Board. The Planning Board must approve the agreement.

Councillor Davis asked if there is any limit. Mr. Dash said that a property owner could sell all and be left at .75 FAR.

Councillor Davis asked what would happen if every property owner sold the maximum allowed. She also asked if there is any other example of what happens when TDR is used a situation where so much TDR is available. Mr. Barber said that the process is not much different from the process included in the Cambridgeport zoning, but the limitation there was that a park had to be created as part of the TDR. Mr. Barber said in East Cambridge TDR was created in the area of Charles and Binney Streets with the goal of converting commercial to housing over time and moving commercial development more to the south.

Councillor Davis asked how many property owners could utilize TDR in that East Cambridge location. Mr. Barber said there are 15 to 20. Councillor Davis asked if there are many more in the Alewife area. Mr. Barber answered in the affirmative. Councillor Davis said that means a TDR market could be created in the Alewife/Concord area. Councillor Davis asked what is the increase in FAR that could result. Mr. Barber said that in general there is not an increase in development, just a shifting of development to a more logical location. But usually the scheme gives a little bonus for housing. He emphasized that the Planning Board looks at each transfer and can deny transfers that are not promoting the goals for development.

Councillor Davis asked about height. Mr. Barber said there can be some additional height but in general, the heights are specifically limited by the zoning that pertains to the particular sites.

Councillor Davis that it is important to understand what the potential is. Perhaps a cap would be helpful. Mr. Barber said if one property owner acquired the entire Quadrangle, that kind of shift would not involve TDR. TDR is only relevant with smaller ownership.

Councillor Reeves whether there could be a visual presentation of what the results could be. He also suggested that the members of the City Council be offered a site visit to the area during the summer.

Councillor Davis said that this is one of four areas studied by the Boston Society of Architects. Councillor Reeves stated that he would like copies of that material for the members of City Council.

Councillor Davis asked about the portions of the proposed zoning that affect areas other than the Alewife/Concord area. Mr. Barber stated that the proposed amendments contain a proposed new section, Article 21, entitled "Transfer of Development Rights Regulations" which includes the Transfer of Development (TDA) provisions proposed for the Alewife Concord area. The article also transfers the existing sections on TDA in Cambridgeport and East Cambridge to Article 21. The general procedural elements of the existing Eastern Cambridge Development Rights Transfer Districts have been separated out and used to establish the general procedural requirements for all transfer mechanisms created in the Ordinance. According to Mr. Barber, no significant policy changes result with this repositioning of the provisions.

Mr. Barber also noted that the proposed amendments establish an overlay district along the Watertown Branch railroad right of way, entitled the "Pathway Overlay District." Mr. Barber explained that the purpose of the overlay district is to prevent building on the railroad right of way if it is sold, and to assist the possibility of a bike path in the future.

Councillor Davis expressed her approval of the Pathway Overlay District and her concern with noisy industrial uses located next to residential areas.

Councillor Galluccio stated that the big question is how to use the tools available in the proposed zoning to work with proposed owners. He urged good communication between City staff and property owners, which will be essential to effective TDR and infrastructure development. There is a balance of creating an incentive for residential use and also allowing heavy industrial use to go to light commercial use, because making the area all Residential B zoning is not going to make any change happen.

Councillor Galluccio further stated that the Council may need to look at more restrictive zoning that requires a certain percentages of residential development. He believes the most attractive area for residential development is the area along Concord Avenue, across from Fresh Pond with views of Fresh Pond Reservation. He noted that if the zoning does not keep the height low along Concord Avenue, it will detract from the desirability of the next line of housing back.

Councillor Galluccio also recommended trying to create a balance of one, two and three bedroom units. He said would like to see that as part of special permit criteria and/or zoning. Another 2,000 units of one-bedroom units will not create a stable neighborhood that connects with the Highlands.

Councillor Galluccio submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistance City Manager of Community Development and other appropriate staff with the view of contacting the owner of Fresh Pond Mall to request construction of a safe stairway from Route 16 down the embankment to the shopping center, which is the route that pedestrians from the north regularly use to access the shopping center.

Councillor Maher said that the reality is that unless there are incentives in place the area will stay just as it is. One idea is a time sensitive approach such as was used in the Alewife rezoning.

Councillor Maher moved that the petition be referred to the full City Council and that the issue remain in committee for purposes of discussion. The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Councillor Davis stated that she would support the motion but that she has some concern about whether any of the petition can be adopted by the second meeting in September. The petition deserves careful consideration and can be refilled to allow such consideration.

Councillor Reeves thanked Councillor Galluccio for his suggestion about making the plan more coherent plan with regard to how the neighborhood could fill out into an attractive and diverse residential and commercial area. Councillor Reeves asked how many acres comprise the quadrangle. Mr. Dash replied that there are between 70 and 80 acres. Councillor Reeves said that North Point encompasses 50 acres, of which 10 acres are green. He recently observed the green area, and it is not Central Park. In response to a further question, Mr. Dash stated that the entire Concord/Alewife area is approximately 120 acres.

Councillor Reeves requested that City Clerk work with CDD to provide a tour of the area for members of the City Council. He also requested more information about what the effect of more residential zoning would be in terms of traffic. Councillor Reeves also suggested that Councillor Davis confer with Mr. Barber to get a more in-depth understanding of the potential of both use and overuse of TDR in the Concord/Alewife area under the proposed zoning, so that she could add to the City Council’s understanding of this complex issue.

Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation and the hard work that has gone into preparing this proposal. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #10
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, July 13, 2005, beginning at ten o’clock and ten minutes A M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving an update on Destination Cambridge Events for FY05-06 and to discuss any other business that might properly come before the committee.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager; Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent; Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Director; Estella Johnson, Director of Economic Development, Community Development Department (CDD); Richard Scali, Chairman of the License Commission; Jason Weeks, Director of the Arts Council; Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Mary Hart, Director of MIS; Sarah Rahman, Associate Planner, CDD; Issie Shait, Vice President, Cambridgeside Galleria; Jennifer Nelson, Senior Marketing Director, Cambridgeside Galleria; Melissa LaVita, Marketing Director, Cambridgeside Galleria; Susan Fleischmann, Executive Director, CCTV; John Clifford, owner of Green Street Grill; Robin Bell, Executive Director, Cambridge Office for Tourism.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He began by inviting all of the attendees to introduce themselves and distributed copies of the agenda (Attachment A). Councillor Reeves then reviewed the work of the Economic Development and Employment Committee to promote the economic development value of Cambridge as an interesting and exciting place to visit and live. He started with the work done to make Cambridge a destination last July when the Democratic National Convention (DNC) took place in Boston.

Councillor Reeves continued with a description of the efforts of the Committee last fall and winter. At that time the Committee assessed the work done on Cambridge as a Destination in 2004 and decided to recommend that the City do no less than that to support Cambridge as a Destination in 2005. This recommendation was forwarded to the full City Council and accepted by the Council. With regard to the issue of doing no less this year, Councillor Reeves asked the auditor to report on the 2004 Destination Cambridge expenditures. Mr. Monagle reported that $100,000 of City funding was spent along with $145,000 from private fund-raising. There was a deficit of $20,000 that ultimately came from City funds.

In the Spring, the Committee held some smaller group meetings to look at institutionalizing the use of arts and cultural programming to further the goal of making sure the City keeps it economic edge as a destination city. He noted Richard Florida’s book, The Creative Class, and its the thesis that people move to cities based on their interest in the city rather than for a particular job.

Councillor Reeves emphasized that although Cambridge has all the elements that Florida says are needed for an attractive city, there is a great deal of competition from other cities that are spending money to make themselves attractive, for example, Austin, Texas and Philadelphia. He also quoted from an article that appeared in Architecture Boston Magazine about destination, economic development, and city branding (Attachment B). "If it works for the people who live there, then it becomes an attractive place for other people, who will want to visit, or move and work there."

Councillor Reeves said that it is clear that ultimately a City Council Committee should not be the entity deciding upon and producing the events. The entity should be an "excitement lab," a collaboration in which major stakeholders get involved. He said that $1.5 million would not be an unreasonable amount to expect the collaborators to raise to make this vision a sustainable realty.

Councillor Reeves then moved the discussion to the specifics of the upcoming Destination Cambridge events. He introduced Alexis Peña to make a presentation. Mr. Peña described last year’s successful Salsa event and then distributed a proposal for a second annual "Salsa at Sunset" event (Attachment C) with a date of Sunday, August 24th, from 3:00pm to 10:30pm. Mr. Peña said that he believes that the event will attract 20,000-25,000 people. He listed sponsors who are already committed and stated that he has projected the same budget as last year. He outlined the following three objectives: to make the event more family oriented, to add more cultural components to the concert and to promote diversity and education. Mr. Peña said that he welcomes ideas and further discussion of the event.

Councillor Reeves said that Dewar’s Scotch is a potential sponsor. Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission, asked whether there is a City policy regarding alcohol producers as sponsors. Mr. Rossi reminded the group of the controversy at the time when the World Cup took place in Massachusetts. The City allowed World Cup banners supplied by Budweiser that said "Budweiser" on the banners. At that time the City Council took a position that they did not want to have alcohol producers as sponsors.

Councillor Reeves noted that there were no objections to the Corona Beer sponsorship at last year’s Salsa event. Mr. Scali suggested that if there were alcohol sponsors, he suggested that perhaps they should be Cambridge-based sponsors.

John Clifford said that the major jazz festivals all have alcohol sponsors. Mayor Sullivan said that even Salt Lake City had alcohol sponsors at its jazz festival.

Mr. Rossi said that if this is a family event, the schedule should be compressed so that the event ends at 10:00pm. Nancy Schlacter suggested expanding the food offerings to other Hispanic and Caribbean cultures.

Councillor Reeves said he and Mr. Rossi have had conversations about having a food court area. He also said that some person or entity needs to organize the vendors.

Mayor Sullivan asked Jason Weeks how the Arts Council organized food at the River Festival. Mr. Weeks said that they hire a coordinator who organizes food and arts and crafts at this type of events. He said that he has the names of coordinators. Mr. Clifford stated that he also has lists of coordinators.

Mr. Rossi stated that the food should be on the modest side. Councillor Reeves agreed.

Councillor Reeves said that if the City pays for this program, there would only be around $30,000 left for other Cambridge as a Destination of activities. If there is a sponsor there will be more left. He said that Mr. Peña is getting $60,000 of front money with the idea that the City will recoup money from the vendors and other event sponsors.

Jeff Seifert asked if there is a rain date. Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Clifford what the World’s Fair does. Mr. Clifford said that there is a rain date. If it rains on the rain date they refund 75 percent of the fees to the vendors. Mr. Weeks said that the River Festival did not have a rain date this year; it was scheduled to go forward rain or shine.

Councillor Reeves thanked Mr. Peña for the presentation and introduced Robin Franz, Executive Director of the Central Square Business Association. Ms. Franz announced that the Association will sponsor an event on arts and business in Central Square on September 18, 2005. She distributed a flyer (Attachment D) and described the plans for the event. There will be food demonstrations inside restaurants, including a "Dumpling Crawl" with demonstrations at a variety of ethnic restaurants on how to make the dumplings of their culture. Samples will be served.

Susan Fleischman asked how to request funds from the City for this event. Mr. Rossi said that what the City has adopted as a policy is that unless the City actually does the event, it does not fund the event. The City tries to offer as much as possible in supportive services to help keep costs down.

Ms. Fleischman said that they would like to ask the city to waive fees. Mr. Rossi said that the City will try to make the costs as reasonable as possible but the City has to treat all these events the same.

Mr. Weeks stated that the activities that have been discussed sound great, but there has not yet been a real discussion of the branding aspect of Destination Cambridge. Perhaps the $100,000 is better spent in that manner, with publicity and that type of support.

The Committee then moved to a discussion of the World’s Fair. Mr. Clifford said that the cost is $10,000 per stage, and the total cost is more than $100,000.

Mayor Sullivan that perhaps maybe one person should coordinate vendors for all of the events. Robin Bell asked how the World’s Fair is different from the other festivals, why it received City funds. Councillor Reeves said that last year, the City did run the World’s Fair as one of the Destination Cambridge events. Mr. Rossi said that unless money is raised there are not sufficient funds for the World’s Fair. It is important to do the fundraising that has been discussed.

Mayor Sullivan stated that he believes that it should be possible to raise $100,000. He said that the reason he likes the World’s Fair is the timing. It is the first opportunity for college students to experience the community.

Ms. Johnson asked what Councillor Reeves means by an "excitement lab". Would that be an entity? She would like to see some sort of business plan including a plan for fundraising because she does not want to have this discussion every year.

Mayor Sullivan said that an important question is how the City can help reduce the cost of these events. Councillor Reeves said that the money should drive the events. The programs cannot succeed without the involvement of the universities, the hotels, the restaurants, etc. Is this of economic value to them or not? Mr. Weeks said that he believes what is needed is larger exposure. Mr. Scali suggested picking certain events as City events and marketing those events together as "Destination Cambridge." Councillor Reeves said that the City should promote the events. Ms. Tomeu said that it is very challenging to do a promotion without knowing what to promote as Destination Cambridge. Councillor Reeves said that there is material from last year. Mr. Scali asked why not take the $100,000 and hire someone to coordinate this concept. Mayor Sullivan said that running events by committee is not the best way to run events. If this is something that the City wants to do, someone should be hired.

Councillor Reeves said that this committee has done great work but it is not going to go on forever. He added that he would like a think tank on the issue of signature events with national attention. He listed possible members:
Joe Trippi
Don Law
Rosabeth Moss Canter
Morey Aaronson
Jeremy Allinger
Lily Denison
Patrick Lyons
Fenton Holland
Fred Taylor (Scullers)
Susan Flannery
Rosann Krauss
Izzy Shait.

Councillor Reeves said that it is essential for the universities to be involved. He noted that a recent study of Harvard student quality of life found that students were unhappy with their quality of life. He added that when he went to Harvard he never came to Central Square. Mayor Sullivan said that in a recent meeting with the new MIT president, she said that she walks around Cambridge. He believes she would be receptive to the possibility of arts and culture programming that could connect her students to the larger community. Councillor Reeves suggested having material to distribute at freshman orientation.

Councillor Reeves said that a next step would be to convene a small meeting at which MIT, Harvard, the Hotel Association and the Chamber of Commerce are present, perhaps with prospective corporate partners. Another next step could be to convene the think tank. He would like their thoughts on whether there should be a Cambridge jazz festival. He noted with interest that the Boston Globe and Lyme Properties are sponsoring an ideas symposium in September.

Mr. Clifford said that Mark Golding was quite clear that building this type of structure takes time. Denise Jillson said that this meeting sounds like the same conversation that the Committee had at its last meeting. Mr. Rossi said yes, but the conversation has expanded. That is how things happen in city government.

Councillor Reeves thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and fifty-three minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair