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, 2004:
Paul J. Hartford, 3 Derek Circle, Georgetown, MA 01833
Raymond Baril, 8 Webb Street, Methuen, MA
Danny L. Faria, 99 Canton Street, Stoughton, MA 02076

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for the calendar year 2004 to operate scales at Boston Sand & Gravel Co., 500 Front Street, Cambridge:
Paul Chamberlain, Tim Roy, Steve Cahline, Rick Anderer, Artie Dulong, and Alan Carbone

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the status of the response to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-42, regarding parking passes and permits issued by the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Ellen Semonoff as Assistant City Manager for Human Services effective July 26, 2004.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Adult Basic Education grant (ABE) Grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult and Community Learning Services for $703,474.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($602,738.00), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($99,561.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($1,175.00) to provide funds to support the Community Learning Center (CLC).

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) Grant for $173,250 received from the Department of Transitional Assistance through the Community Action Programs Inter-City Inc. to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($168,480), Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4,470) and the Grant Fund of Human Service Travel & Training ($300) to be used to provide housing search and stabilization services to families referred by the Department of Transitional Assistance.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Massachusetts Family Network grant (MFN) through the Department of Education for $139,761 to the Grant fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($130,121) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($9,640.) to provide a variety of family support and parent education resources to families in the Cambridge community through the Center for Families.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Harvard University for $12,000 to the Grant Fund Electrical Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the installation of new Cambridge Police emergency call boxes in the Cambridge Common that link to the Cambridge Police Department.

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, 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.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. 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 5, 2004 for the purpose of continuing to consider the proposed Tree Protection Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 7, 2004.

3. 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 5, 2004 for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Municipal Ordinances to prohibit skateboarding on City property. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 28, 2004.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
[#1-#4 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

1. An application was received from John Cinlinski, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 1-55 White Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Approval has been received from the Neighborhood Association. A letter of support has been received from City Manager Robert W. Healy.

2. An application was received from Central Parking Systems, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 124 Mount Auburn Street.

3. An application was received from Jonathan Wadleigh for JJJ Partnership, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 90-92 Gore Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical. Public Works has approved the petition subject to the condition that any disturbance to sidewalk caused by tree or hydrant removal a replacement will be the responsibility of applicant. Neighborhood Association disapproved curb cut.

4. An application was received from Natasha and Kenneth Rogoff, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 11 Hillside Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical. Public Works has approved the petition subject to the condition that any tree or hydrant removal or relocation will be the responsibility applicant. Neighborhood Association approved curb cut.

5. Constable bond surety received from Daniel J. Saccoccio.

6. An application was received from Fawaz Mahimit, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 144-150 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response was received from the neighborhood association.

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

8. An application was received from the Cambridge Carnival International, requesting permission for three temporary banners across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall, Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Streets and JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street.

9. An application was received from the Dog-House/Boston Chowda Company, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 81 Mount Auburn Street/Garage Building.

10. An application was received from Pugliese's Bar & Grill, requesting permission for two tables and eight chairs for restaurant seating at the premises numbered 635 Cambridge Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
[#1-#4 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding the Police Review Board.

2. A communication was received from Carol Rose, Executive Director, ACLU of Massachusetts, regarding a response to USA Attorney Michael J. Sullivan's letter on the USA PATRIOT Act.

3. A communication was received from Kathryn S. Podgers, regarding the required number of HP spaces needed at the Cambridge Common.

4. A communication was received from Bill Cavellini, For the Eviction Free Zone, regarding the eviction of Jean Keldysz from 14 Allen Street.

5. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding the Charles River White Geese.

6. A communication was received from Ginny Delaney, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on behalf of her late husband Joseph H. Delaney.

7. A communication was received from James Temple, regarding his concern with the state of fire codes in Cambridge.

8. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Cambridge Government.

9. A communication was received from Michael Turk, transmitting an update on the closing of 22-24 Prescott Street.

10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police power.

RESOLUTIONS
[#1-#10 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

1. Congratulations to Maria Vetrano and Helen Privett on their wedding as August 21, 2004 is proclaimed as Maria Vetrano and Helen Privett Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Congratulations to Richard Bentubo on the opening of his variety store on Cambridge Street.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Congratulations to the proud parents of Carlo Anthony Fantasia on the birth of their son.   Councillor Toomey

4. Congratulations to Nadia Chamblin and Kevin Foster on their recent wedding engagement.   Vice Mayor Decker

5. Get well wishes extended to Marion Sullivan for a speedy recovery.   Vice Mayor Decker

6. Best wishes to Marty Pierce as he leaves his post as hockey coach for Matignon High School.   Councillor Toomey

7. Best wishes to Donn Hockman as he participates in the 2004 MS Challenge Walk.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Congratulations to the Red Sox Minor League of the West Cambridge Little Baseball League on winning the playoffs and thanks to Fresh Pond Market for their continued support of Cambridge Little League Baseball.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Get well wishes extended to Diane Paparo.   Mayor Sullivan

10. October 2004 proclaimed as Italian-American Heritage Month in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Congratulations to Carole Wedge on being appointed as President of Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson and Abbott.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Brandon A. Bonilla.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

13. Resolution on the death of James Comerford, Jr.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of John Moran.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Jane Dragun.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Frances Ingersol.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the death of Clara C. Vecchirella.   Councillor Toomey

18. Resolution on the death of Robert Johnson.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

19. Resolution on the death of Margaret Ryan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

20. Congratulations to Gladys Aquino on being the first Latino to be appointed Deputy to the Boston Police Department.   Councillor Simmons

21. Congratulations to the Cambridge Yankees All Star Team Players on playing at Fenway Park on June 30, 2004.   Councillor Galluccio

22. Congratulations to the champions and the runners up of the Mayor's Cup.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy

23. Resolution on the death of I.B. Magee, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Thursday, September 16, 2004 proclaimed as Stepfamily Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Congratulations to Dr. Robert Blacklow on his 70th Birthday.   Councillor Murphy

26. Congratulations to the Cambridge Community Television on receiving the Overall Excellence for Public Access Programming Award from the Alliance for Community Media.   Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan

27. Congratulations to Margaret McKenna on her support and leadership with the Young Women's Leadership Conference.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Congratulations to Carl Rosenstein, the Curator for Shocked and Awed drawings from the Al Assail Primary School of Baghdad.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Eurico Baptista Barbosa Vicente.   Councillor Toomey

30. Resolution on the death of Father James Bernard Nagle.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School on winning the 2004 National Competition for Underwater Robotics.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Resolution on the death of Francis J. Yarasitis.   Councillor Toomey

33. Resolution on the death of Joseph Broughton.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Timothy J. Facey.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

35. Resolution on the death of Major General George S. Patton, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

36. Resolution on the death of Alfonso Jacome.   Councillor Toomey

37. Resolution on the death of Maria S. Cabral.   Councillor Toomey

38. Congratulations to Elaine Marchant of the Election Commission on her twenty years of service to the City.   Councillor Toomey

39. Thanks to Alice Hoffman for her continued efforts to help battle and find a cure for breast cancer and Monday, October 4, 2004 is proclaimed as Alice Hoffman Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

40. Congratulations to Harvard Alum and former Boston Bruin, Ted Donato, on being named as Head Coach of the Harvard University Men's Hockey Team.   Mayor Sullivan

41. Resolution on the death of Ryan Henry Andrew Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

42. Resolution on the death of Joseph H. Lavoie.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

43. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. Maher, Jr.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

44. Resolution on the death of Joseph Valente.   Councillor Toomey

45. Resolution on the death of Anna G. Bakey.   Councillor Toomey

46. Resolution on the death of Manuel J. Costa.   Councillor Toomey

47. Resolution on the death of Lillian Whalen.   Councillor Toomey

48. Resolution on the death of Lisa M. Victoria.   Councillor Toomey

49. Resolution on the death of George W. Thorn.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. Flynn, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Edward J. Kenney.   Mayor Sullivan

52. Happy 100th Anniversary wishes to the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of Manuel A. Ramos.   Councillor Toomey

54. Resolution on the death of Paraskeve Giosmas.   Councillor Galluccio

55. Resolution on the death of Edward F. Santamaria.   Mayor Sullivan

56. Congratulations to State Representative Tom Golden and his wife Joanne on the birth of their daughter, Abigail Mary Golden.   Councillor Toomey

57. Resolution on the death of Panayeota Sarantakis.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

58. Best wishes to Sara Fass of the Youthbuild Just-A-Start Program for a future success in a new teaching position with the Boston School system.   Mayor Sullivan

59. Congratulations to Kathleen Granchelli and George Warner on receiving the Leading Role Award presented by the Cambridge Community Television.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Resolution on the death of William F. Lane, Sr.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

61. Resolution on the death of Constance Roffo.   Mayor Sullivan

62. Resolution on the death of Josephine Roulusonis.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Resolution on the death of Laurance S. Rockefeller.   Councillor Maher

64. Resolution on the death of Josephine L. Horrigan.   Councillor Toomey

65. Resolution on the death of Josephine A. Buonopane.   Councillor Galluccio

66. Resolution on the death of Joan Crossen.   Councillor Toomey

67. Resolution on the death of Antonio M. Alves.   Councillor Toomey

68. Resolution on the death of Joseph F. Rocca.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

69. Good luck wishes to the Olympic Rowers of Boston and their teammates in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.   Mayor Sullivan

70. Happy 95th Birthday wishes to Mary Agnes MacIsaac Fay and Monday, September 20, 2004 is proclaimed as Mary Agnes MacIsaac Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

71. Resolution on the death of Joseph Reigh Pollander.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

72. Congratulations to Lance Armstrong on winning his sixth consecutive Tour de France.   Mayor Sullivan

73. Resolution on the death of Philomon Bard.   Councillor Maher

74. Resolution on the death of Michael A. Ciccarelli.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

75. Resolution on the death of Lawrence Olsen.   Mayor Sullivan

76. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Joseph Arthur Desrosiers and Cambridge proclaims Sunday, August 22, 2004 as Arthur Leo Desrosiers Day.   Mayor Sullivan

77. Resolution on the retirement of Lynn Browning.   Mayor Sullivan

78. Resolution on the retirement of Bruce Lavalee.   Mayor Sullivan

79. Resolution on the retirement of Ralph Garner.   Mayor Sullivan

80. Congratulations to the volunteers and staff of Cambridge Community Television on their unprecedented live broadcasting of the Democratic National Convention and to Amy Goodman of Democracy Now for broadcasting her alternative program from Cambridge's public access studios.   Councillor Davis

81. Recognition of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi and all of the City of Cambridge employees and volunteers for their hard work on all the events offered leading up to and during the Democratic National Convention.   Councillor Davis

82. Resolution on the death of John F. Cremens.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

83. Condolences extended to the family of Robert Wolf.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Support to the Cambridge Public Library and the Melani School Cluster in their joint efforts to promote libraries and a culture of reading in South Africa.   Councillor Simmons

85. Congratulations to Michael Hickey on being named the new General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

86. Resolution on the death of Thomas R. O'Connor, Sr.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

89. Congratulations to Ellen Semonoff, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services, on being appointed as Assistant City Manager for Human Services.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

92. Thanks to Kristen Franks for her service to the people of the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

93. Best wishes to the Area IV residents and organizations in celebrating its second Annual Area IV Pride Day on September 11, 2004 from 12:00pm to 6:30pm.   Councillor Toomey

94. Congratulations to Leslie Klein on being named co-chairwoman of the Boston Bar Association, Delivery of Legal Services section.   Vice Mayor Decker

96. Best wishes to Benjamin Barnes as he undertakes his endeavor as a Judge Magistrate in Gardner, Massachusetts.   Councillor Reeves

97. Congratulations to Scott Farmelant on the establishment of the communications consulting firm of Mills and Company, Inc. in Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Decker

98. Happy Birthday wishes to Cathy Decker.   Vice Mayor Decker

99. Happy Birthday wishes to Mrs. Maureen Bleyer.   Vice Mayor Decker

100. Thanks to all the contributors who helped make the "Destination Cambridge the Unconventional City" a success.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Reeves

101. Happy Birthday wishes to Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker.   Councillor Toomey

102. Thanks to the leaders and youth for helping to create "The Power of One" Youth Symposium at the Charles Hotel on July 25, 2004 in what could be a national model for including voices of youth in lively national, state and local dialogue on voting and elections.  Vice Mayor Decker

ORDERS
[#1-#15 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

1. Dedication of a tree in memory of Elizabeth "Betty" Schmidt.   Councillor Toomey

2. The City Manager is requested to report on how the Patriot Act is affecting wire tap policies.   Councillor Simmons

3. The City Manager is requested to report on the guidelines on the police use of service revolvers.   Councillor Simmons

4. Dedication of a tree in the memory of Mai Cramer, the former WGBH-FM Host of Blues After Hours.   Mayor Sullivan

5. The City Manager is requested to immediately release full funding to the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center in order that the 2004 summer and fall programming can continue to move forward.   Vice Mayor Decker

6. The City Manager is requested to review all permits for the month of July and decide in a timely manner to accommodate those who wish to sponsor events during the week of the Democratic National Convention.   Vice Mayor Decker

7. The City Manager is requested to consider increasing the number of nine-week employment opportunities in the City during the upcoming summer months.   Councillor Davis [This was attributed to Councillor Galluccio at the June 28 meeting]

8. The corner of Huron and Royal Avenues to be named as Sullivan/Tierney Square in honor of Patrick Sullivan and Paul Tierney.   Councillor Toomey [This was attributed to Councillor Galluccio at the June 28 meeting]

9. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to investigate the depression in the street near 60 Gore Street.   Councillor Toomey

10. The City Manager is requested to report on the actions taken by Boston in enacting an ordinance relating to dangerous animals in the city.   Councillor Toomey

11. The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to confer with the Police Commissioner to determine what provisions of the Noise Ordinance currently allow regulation of the excessive noise from motorized scooters.   Councillor Davis

12. Support for the Massachusetts Legislature to adopt legislation regulating motorized scooters and making them subject to all traffic laws as soon as possible.   Councillor Davis

13. Dedication in the vicinity of Harvard Street and Ellery Street as Casey Square.   Mayor Sullivan

14. The Government Operations and Rules Committee is requested to hold a hearing on the purview of council committees relative to the subject matter, and the role of council committees in developing policy, creating programs and micromanaging city government and to report back to the City Council.   Mayor Sullivan

15. The City Manager is requested to investigate the possible assistance to Jean Keldysz who is currently facing eviction.   Councillor Simmons

16. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide the City Council with the ramifications for seniors of the closing for renovations of Shaw's Supermarket in the Twin City Mall and steps taken to provide access to groceries, specifically what shuttle service can be provided.   Councillor Toomey and Mayor Sullivan

17. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to consider reduced fees, or not to charge fees for the summer at the Gold Star Mother's Pool.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey and Mayor Sullivan

18. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to increase police patrols in the vicinity of the Frisoli Youth Center in the early evening hours through to the early morning hours.   Councillor Toomey and Mayor Sullivan

19. The City Manager is requested to take steps to ensure that City offices have voice mail which states the summer pilot program hours that City Hall will be open.   Councillor Galluccio and Mayor Sullivan

20. The City Manager is requested to explain the rationale for the summer pilot program hours and whether skeletal coverage (or reduced staffing in offices) was considered rather than the complete shut down of the offices in City Hall.   Councillor Galluccio

21. Support for the Legislature to override Governor Romney's veto of offering in-state tuition rates to immigrant students who are not legal residents.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey and Mayor Sullivan

22. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to examine traffic calming for West Place.   Councillor Toomey

23. Support for a request to increase Kenneth Eisenberg's Section 8 voucher to enable him to continue negotiations with his landlord.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

24. The City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Baseball and Softball programs to construct a batting cage at St. Peter's field.   Councillor Galluccio and Mayor Sullivan

25. The City Manager is requested to work to release this year's allocation to Cambridge Pop Warner as soon as possible as they are in the process of raising money for new equipment and uniforms.   Councillor Galluccio and Mayor Sullivan

26. Continued support of Ken Eisenberg to be able to stay in his home at 361 Prospect Street and for his landlord to rescind the eviction notice and unreasonable rent increases.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. The City Manager is requested to report on recent housebreaks in the West Cambridge area and to have increased police patrols in the area.   Councillor Maher and Mayor Sullivan

28. Support for the efforts of Councilor Yancey and Councilor Turner, Boston City Council, to preserve the affirmative action laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis and Mayor Sullivan

29. The City Manager is requested to report on how to improve salary levels and compensation of municipal human service workers to encourage worker retention and attract top candidates for open positions.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Oppose taking any action that will allow for the delay, postponement, rescheduling, or cancellation of the presidential election scheduled for November 2, 2004 or any future election.   Mayor Sullivan

31. The City Manager is requested to ascertain that Cambridge nuclear reactors and power plants are maintaining adequate security to ensure the safety of citizens, particularly the security arrangements at 138 Albany Street.   Councillor Simmons

32. The Zoning amendments to accompany the proposed Tree Protection Ordinance be re-filed and referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for a hearing and report.   Councillor Davis

33. The City Manager is requested to report on "smart growth zoning districts, a FY 2005 state funded budget program to encourage development of affordable housing, and to report on the required zoning changes to participate and the benefits and feasibility participation in the program.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Proposed amendment to the Kids' Council Ordinance to add youth members.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. The City Manager and the Mayor are requested to confer with the view in mind of commissioning and locating a statue of Tip O'Neill in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

36. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with recommendations on how to strengthen Cambridge's regulation of cell phone towers to prohibit their siting in locations in nonresidential districts close to low density residential districts.   Councillor Davis

37. Dedication of the executive boardroom at the Cambridge Hospital in honor of Richard deFelippi, Ph.D.   Councillor Davis

38. The City Manager is requested to contact the Health Department regarding the rodent problem in the vicinity of Willow and Palermo Streets.   Councillor Toomey

39. City Manager is requested to designate the Community Development Department to hold a community meeting in Cambridgeport about future possibilities for development at the Blessed Sacrament site. The meeting should present a zoning analysis of the site.   Councillor Davis

40. The City Manager is requested to order all relevant city departments to help to make the Cambridge Carnival of August 29, 2004 a model green and clean event in particular emphasizing recycling.   Councillor Davis

41. Support for the allocation of $200,000 now included in the Transportation Bond Bill to construct a sidewalk and crosswalk between the Alewife Station and the Minuteman Trail and that the City Clerk transmit this message on behalf of the Council to the Governor and Secretary Grabauskas.   Councillor Davis

42. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Department to utilize undercover officers in Harvard Square, specifically the Pit and Au Bon Pain to eliminate harassment and illegal activities.   Councillor Galluccio

43. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Department to pay particular attention to the St. Paul A.M.E. area in the future.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

44. Awaiting Report Item Number 04-37 be submitted through the City Manager's Agenda at the next City Council meeting.   Councillor Galluccio

45. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services with a view in mind of making all youth programs and summer camps aware of the 7th Annual Citizens Bank and Boston Celtics Summer Caravan on Thursday, August 12, 2004.   Councillor Galluccio

46. City Manager to provide the City Council with Status of waivers, formal status of the Living Wage Community Advisory Board (CAB) and its full complement and copies of any written testimony provided to the CAB regarding the living wage ordinance.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

47. City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to review building plans to make sure that the buildings are safe in relation to hazardous cargo.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
[#1-#2 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on June 15, 2004 to discuss the living wage as it relates to childcare workers.

2. 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 16, 2004 to discuss community meetings on summer safety in Cambridge Neighborhoods.

3. 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 April 13, 2004 for the purpose of continuing to discuss how to enhance the community benefits of cable television, CCTV's loss of funding, e-neighborhoods and any other business that might come before the committee.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on May 24, 2004 for the purpose of discussing how to support and strengthen the relationship between the Cambridge Public Schools and the educational institutions located in Cambridge.

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on June 23, 2004 for the purpose of discussing the condition of the Cambridge Housing Authority's (CHA) state-funded units and whether the City can assist the CHA in any way to obtain the funds necessary for repair.

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on June 30, 2004 for the purpose of receiving a report from court justices and personnel on the Drug Court and to discuss how community leaders can work with the court to reduce drug-related crimes in the community.

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 15, 2004 for the purpose of informing those present that the Ordinance Committee would be unable to go forward with the public hearing schedule on the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a Special District 15 because of a defect in the notice procedure.

8. 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 and the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a joint meeting held on April 27, 2004 for the purpose of discussing coordination of media coverage issues related to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

9. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on June 24, 2004 for the purpose of discussing the regulation of motorized scooters.

10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee and the Public Safety Committee, for a joint meeting held on June 24, 2004 to discuss a hazardous cargo transport route.

11. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on June 24, 2004 for the purpose of continuing to discuss the criteria for a new police station, with an emphasis on discussion of the parking needs and potential parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square.

12. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Special Committee to Review the Method of Election of the Mayor, for a meeting held on June 26, 2004  (corrected) for the purpose of receiving information from Worcester Mayor Timothy P. Murray and City Clerk David Rushford on the change in the Worcester City Charter from a Plan E government like that of Cambridge to a Plan E government with a popularly elected mayor.

13. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on July 6, 2004 to continue discussion on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a letter from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves requesting that the attached language be transmitted to the City Council for consideration as an amendment to the Tree Protection Ordinance, Unfinished Business #2.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a letter from the National League of Cities, reporting Cambridge's inclusion in the National League Of Cities' Examples of Programs for Cities database.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Aug 2
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 14
1:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss benches, bus stops, snow removal plan, policies and procedures to clear snow and maintenance of public handicapped parking spaces.  (Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Ballroom)

Mon, Sept 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Nov 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
[#1-#15 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

O-16     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that Shaw's Supermarket in the Twin City Mall is closing for renovations; and
WHEREAS: This closing may last six months and will have an effect on services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide the City Council with the ramifications of the store closing to the seniors and to further outline what steps can be taken to provide access to the seniors to grocery stores, specifically what shuttle service can be provided to the seniors to continue access for shopping for food.

O-17     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to consider reduced fees, or not to charge fees for the summer at the Gold Star Mother's Pool.

O-18     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to increase police patrols in the vicinity of the Frisoli Youth Center in the early evening hours to through the early morning hours.

O-19     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to take steps to ensure that City offices have voice mail which states the summer pilot program hours that City Hall will be open.

O-20     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to explain the rationale for the summer pilot program hours and whether skeletal coverage (or reduced staffing in offices) was considered rather than the complete shut down of the offices in City Hall.

O-21     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging the Legislature to override Governor Romney's veto of offering in-state tuition rates to immigrant students who are not legal residents.

O-22     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to examine traffic calming for West Place.

O-23     August 2, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of the attached request to the Cambridge Housing Authority to increase Kenneth Eisenberg's Section 8 voucher to enable Mr. Eisenberg to continue negotiations with his landlord.

O-24     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Baseball and Softball programs to contruct a batting cage at St. Peter's field.

O-25     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work to release this year's allocation to Cambridge Pop Warner as soon as possible as they are in the process of raising money for new equipment and uniforms.

O-26     August 2, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Members of the Cambridge City Council and the Cambridge State Delegation wrote this past September in support of Ken Eisenberg's residency at 361 Prospect Street to his landlord, Alex Steinberg, to rescind the eviction notice and skyrocketing rent increases; and
WHEREAS: The letter went unanswered by Mr. Steinberg; and now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record expressing its continued support of Ken Eisenberg's ability to stay in his home at 361 Prospect Street and renewing its request that the landlord rescind the eviction notice and unreasonable rent increases.

O-27     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the recent rash of housebreaks in the West Cambridge area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Police Commissioner to increase police patrols in that area.

O-28     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record supporting the efforts of Councilor Yancey and Councilor Turner, Boston City Council, to preserve the affirmative action laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Councilor Yancey and Councilor Turner of the Boston City Council on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-29     August 2, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: During difficult budgetary times human service programs and human service workers experience the harshest of cuts in program funding, positions, and increases in salary; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has strived to ensure that its human service workers are supported and respected for the high quality of care and service that they provide to their clients; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the salary levels and compensation of all municipal human service workers and report back to the City Council with an analysis of how Cambridge compares to other communities (both in state and around the country), as well as with recommendations about how to improve upon our current salary and benefits package to encourage worker retention and attract top candidates for open positions.

O-30     August 2, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that consideration has been given to the provision for altering the schedule for a federal election in the event of a disruption, such as a terrorist attack; and
WHEREAS: In the history of this country, no event—Civil War, major or minor wars and conflicts, natural disasters, or other tragic events—have halted or altered a federal election; and
WHEREAS: Americans have voted on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November every four years continuously since 1788 for candidates for the office of the President of the United States of America; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging the Federal Elections Assistance Commission, President George W. Bush, Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry, Congressman Michael E. Capuano, Governor Mitt Romney, Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin, and the Cambridge Legislative Delegation to take no action that will allow for the delay, postponement, rescheduling, or cancellation of the Presidential election scheduled for November 2, 2004 or any future election; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the above authorities and elected officials on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-31     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The threat of terror has required increased security in many aspects of our lives; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is home to nuclear reactors and power plants; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ascertain that these facilities are maintaining adequate security to ensure the safety of our citizens, and to pay particular attention to the security arrangements at 138 Albany Street.

O-32     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the zoning amendments to accompany the proposed Tree Protection Ordinance be re-filed and referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for a hearing and report.

O-33     August 2, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on "smart growth zoning districts," a new program funded through the fiscal year 2005 state budget to encourage development of more affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with detail the programs, what zoning changes would be required for Cambridge to participate in the program to receive funding, and the overall benefits and feasibility of our city’s participation in the program.

O-34     August 2, 2004
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That Sections 2.84.030 of Chapter 2.84, COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES, also known as "THE KIDS’ COUNCIL" be amended as follows:

Proposed Amendment to Chapter 2.84:
1. Under Section 2.84.030 entitled Membership – Appointment – Term
That Sub Section A be added:
"Three youth members shall be identified to serve two-year terms. These members shall be young people who are residents of the City and within the ages of fourteen to eighteen."
After amendment, Sub Section A will read as follows:
A. Council members shall be comprised of the following offices, disciplines and interests:
The Mayor;
A member of the City Council;
A member of the School Committee;
The City Manager or a designee of the City Manager;
The Superintendent of Schools;
The Assistant City Manager for Human Services;
The Commissioner of Health and Hospitals;
The Police Commissioner;
The Director of the Cambridge Public Library;
In the absence of a permanent appointment for any of the above five positions, i.e. the Superintendent of Schools; the Assistant City Manager for Human Services; the Commissioner of Health and Hospitals; the Police Commissioner; or the Director of the Cambridge Public Library, the City Manager shall appoint an interim, temporary designee in his or her place until the position is filled.
A member of the philanthropic community;
A representative from a State agency serving children, youth and families;
A representative of the corporate/business community;
A representative of the university community;
A representative from the early childhood community;
Five members shall represent the community-at-large and/or represent active parents’ groups or other groups involved with children and their families. These members shall be residents of the City.
Three members shall be identified to serve one-year terms. These members shall represent specific areas to be addressed by the Council’s agenda or other identified interests relating to children (for example, a person involved with children’s issues nationally).
Three youth members shall be identified to serve two-year terms. These members shall be young people who are residents of the City and within the ages of fourteen to eighteen.
That Sub Section F be modified to read (underline text be added):
"The other members shall be appointed initially for terms of one, two and three years. After the initial term, all Council Members shall be appointed for a term of three years, except for the three, one-year term members and the three, two-year term youth members."
After amendment, Sub Section F will read as follows:
F. The other members shall be appointed initially for terms of one, two and three years. After the initial term, all Council Members shall be appointed for a term of three years, except for the three, one-year term members and the three, two-year term youth members.

O-35     August 2, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager and the Mayor be and hereby are requested to confer with the view in mind of commissioning and locating a statue of Tip O'Neill in Cambridge.

O-36     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with recommendations on how to strengthen Cambridge's regulation of cell phone towers to prohibit their siting in locations in nonresidential areas, which locations are close to low density residential areas, particularly residential areas abutting nonresidential areas with much higher height allowances.

O-37     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Richard "Rick" de Filipi, Ph.D, has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Board of the Cambridge Health Alliance; and
WHEREAS: When Richard began his service in the 1980's to what has now become the Cambridge Health Alliance, he served on the board of Cambridge City Hospital, which employed 800 staff and served patients in some 100,000 ambulatory visits. Today the hospital is The Cambridge Hospital, and is a part of the Cambridge Health Alliance, a $400 million organization which employs 4,000 and sees 500,000 ambulatory visits at its three acute care hospitals in Cambridge, Somerville and Everett; and
WHEREAS: During his tenure as a long-term trustee of The Cambridge Hospital, Chairman of the Board of the Cambridge Alliance and Chairman of the new Alliance Foundation for Community Health, Richard has been a major contributor to the Alliance's evolution into one of the leading public health care systems in the nation; and
WHEREAS: The Alliance has recognized and honored Richard's invaluable contributions by dedicating the executive boardroom at the Cambridge in his honor; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its appreciation to Richard de Felippi, Ph.D. for his invaluable contribution to the health of the citizens of Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Richard de Felippi, Ph.D. on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-38     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the Health Department regarding the rodent problem in the vicinity of Willow and Palermo Streets.

O-39     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate the Community Development Department to hold a community meeting in Cambridgeport about future possibilities for development at the Blessed Sacrament site. The meeting should present a zoning analysis of the site.

O-40     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to order all relevant city departments to help to make the Cambridge Carnival of August 29, 2004 a model green and clean event in particular emphasizing recycling.

O-41     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: An appropriate sidewalk does not now exist at the Alewife T station; and
WHEREAS: This is a matter that the state must rectify; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the allocation of $200,000 now included in the Transportation Bond Bill to construct a sidewalk and crosswalk between the Alewife Station and the Minuteman Trail; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit a copy of this resolution on behalf of the City Council to the Governor and Secretary Grabauskas.

O-42     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Department to utilize undercover officers in Harvard Square, specifically the Pit and Au Bon Pain to eliminate harassment and illegal activities.

O-43     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Recently, flowers were vandalized at St. Paul A.M.E.; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Department to pay particular attention to the St. Paul A.M.E. area in the future.

O-44     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That Awaiting Report Item Number 04-37 be submitted through the City Manager's Agenda at the next City Council meeting.

O-45     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services with a view in mind of making all youth programs and summer camps aware of the 7th Annual Citizens Bank and and Boston Celtics Summer Caravan on Thursday, August 12, 2004.

O-46     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with the following information regarding the living wage ordinance:
    * Status of waivers 
    * Formal status of the Living Wage Community Advisory Board (CAB) and its full complement 
    * Copies of any written testimony provided to the CAB

O-47     August 2, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to review building plans to make sure that the buildings are safe in relation to hazardous cargo.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
[#1-#2 are carried over from the June 28 meeting]

Committee Report #3
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on April 13, 2004, beginning at eight o’clock and forty-five minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing to discuss how to enhance the community benefits of cable television, CCTV’s loss of funding, e-neighborhoods and any other business that might come before the committee.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Calvin Lindsay, Director of the Cambridge Municipal Cable TV Office, Dhonyale Jones, Municipal TV Office, Susan Fleischman, Director of CCTV and Peggy Sullivan, Manager of Community and Government Affairs, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.

Councillor Murphy convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He began the discussion with the issue of with the issue of CCTV’s loss of funding and the question of whether Comcast might be willing to contribute other benefits that would be important to public cable T.V and not a big burden to Comcast. Mr. Lindsay said that he would rather discuss the issue in the context of the buildout of the media arts studio, when there is a better sense of what is needed. He said that the buildout planning is going well.

Councillor Simmons asked about the Twenty First Century Black Massachusetts tape. Mr. Lindsay said that he had made arrangements to get the tape. Councillor Murphy said that some publicity would be useful. Councillor Simmons submitted the following orders:

Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Information

Officer to provide publicity for the upcoming broadcast of the Twenty First Century Black Massachusetts tape.

Ordered: That the Cable TV Committee and the Committee have a joint meeting to discuss cooperative issues regarding the Democratic National Convention.

The orders were passed on a voice vote without objection.

The discussion moved to the issue of how to use cable T.V. to promote Cambridge during the Democratic National Convention. Ms. Sullivan said that the hotels in Cambridge do not have converter boxes and that Comcast cannot use the same method it is using in Boston hotels for a special delegates’ channel for information.

Ms. Fleischman suggested that the delegates’ channel information could go on the municipal channel. That means that it would go to the entire City. Ms. Sullivan said she would arrange for Comcast to talk to the hotels about the technical aspects. Mr. Lindsay said that this could work for his office. He suggested thinking about a way to ensure that hotels will inform their guests. Ms. Sullivan suggested contact with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Simmons suggested meeting next Tuesday with the Economic Development Committee at 9:00am before the scheduled 10:00am meeting of that committee.

Councillor Simmons raised the issue of the survey from the last term. Ms. Fleischman said it was aimed at better defining the roles of the various public access broadcastings in Cambridge, the City channel, and the CCTV channels, and the education channels. Ms. Fleischman said that it would be helpful to have a telecommunication officer in the City to pay more attention to the resources that we already have, which are significant. This issue is coming up a little bit in the move to the Solomons building.

Ms. Sullivan said that the current contract does not require Comcast to support the old INET co-axial cable so when the move takes place, there will need to be a way to get the signal to the head station.

Ms. Fleischman said that the City has an extensive fiber optic network that connects all city buildings. It provides Internet access, and can support telephones. So the City does not have to rely on a cable company. Perhaps it would be possible for the signal from Solomons to jump there. In response to a question, Ms. Fleischman said that in the past CCTV asked for access to the City’s fiber optic network and was told no, for security reasons.

Ms. Sullivan asked when they asked and Ms. Fleischman said it was ten years ago. Ms. Sullivan said that security protections have become much less expensive because of the development of multiplexing. Comcast is working on the same issue with Boston and has just priced out the cost for Boston’s much bigger network, and the cost is only $325,000.

Councillor Murphy asked about when the decision must be made regarding the method for transferring the signal from the Solomons building. Mr. Lindsay said that the cable office would have to relocate from the library to the Solomons building before the start of the construction of the new library.

Councillor Murphy suggested a meeting of the City Manager, the appropriate Public Safety officials, MIS and the City Electrician to discuss the matter. He said that now that the technical tools for protecting security while sharing networks have become more sophisticated and less expensive, it may the time to reopen the conversation.

Councillor Simmons suggested calling this meeting by the end of May. Ms. Sullivan said that the other possibility is, depending on how big the bundle is, to light up additional strands of fiber.

Councillor Simmons reported on the plan for a Senior Town Meeting. There have been some initial conversations about how to make sure that seniors will be able to see the event on TV. She expects the major planning for the event to take place during August and September.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and thirty minutes A.M.

For the Committee,

Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #4
The University Relations Committee held a public meeting on May 26, 2004 (corrected date), beginning at 3:20pm in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing how to support and strengthen the relationship between the Cambridge Public Schools and the educational institutions located in Cambridge.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker and Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Alfred Fantini, Member of the Cambridge School Committee, Thomas Fowler-Finn, Superintendent of Schools, and James Maloney, Chief Operations Officer for the Cambridge Public Schools.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She requested that the superintendent provide an overview of his vision for the relationship between the Cambridge Public Schools and the universities, colleges and other Cambridge institutions. Superintendent Fowler-Finn distributed two documents, a draft chart entitled "Cambridge Network of Science Education Programs" (Attachment A), and a document prepared by Harvard University entitled "Education Programs Sponsored by Harvard University" (Attachment B). He stated that he wants to focus on one effort, the Science Initiative. His working group has had two meetings of a series of four to flesh out a definition. They are looking at potential for partnerships with universities and companies and at having scientists actually in the classrooms and having students and faculty actually in the labs.

Superintendent Fowler-Finn added that the School Department is already working in partnership with the Museum of Science and with corporations involved in the biosciences and engineering. He is looking to see where these efforts lead over the next three months. Then he will be in a better position to assess what help the City Council could provide. He said that overall his major concern is in service training in general with the goal of providing assistance for teachers to become better trained.

In further discussion of particular initiatives with individual institutions, he noted that Lesley University is working with the schools on literacy. They have done excellent work with the younger grades. He is interested in engaging them in working with middle grades and high school students.

Mr. Maloney described a cooperative effort with Harvard, M.I.T. and the Fire Department that has improved science lab safety and provided training for custodians in building hygiene. This program has been described as a national model. Vice Mayor Decker asked the superintendent about his "pipe dreams." Superintendent Fowler-Finn said right now they are definitely in the science area. He would like to have more state of the art labs on the same level as the Biogen labs, both at the high school and the middle school level. He said that would also like to see exceptional, unique science opportunities at every grade level. He envisions mentoring opportunities and opportunities for special science projects. He would like to see the same opportunities for teachers.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested hosting a reception for science teachers.

Councillor Davis asked Superintendent Fowler-Finn if he knows of any other universities that have comprehensive science programs for the public schools. Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that he was not aware of any other places that do this.

Councillor Davis asked about the science curriculum. Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that it is coming along, and is in reasonably good shape. Councillor Simmons noted with approval the Girls Science Clubs at three elementary schools. She urged engagement of women and people of color from the planning stages. Superintendent Fowler-Finn noted that Project Seed at MIT has been a successful program.

Councillor Galluccio asked whether the plan is to get all the players together to start the initiative. Superintendent Fowler-Finn answered in the affirmative. Councillor Galluccio noted the need for a point person. He added that the summer academy has been very successful and has worked well with high-risk kids. He said that he would like to see this energy captured for the alternative high school.

Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that the Harvard Summer Academy is coming up for renewal and if the City wants it renewed the City leaders will have to make this desire known. He added that he would like a commitment for another five-year cycle.

Councillor Galluccio asked Superintendent Fowler-Finn whether, with regard to Harvard’s new Crimson Summer Academy, the Cambridge public school kids would get any priority for admission. Superintendent Fowler-Finn answered in the affirmative. CRLS got 8 out of 20 slots.

Vice Mayor Decker asked Superintendent Fowler-Finn how he is utilizing university resources to work on closing the achievement gaps in the Cambridge public schools. Superintendent Fowler-Finn responded that the School Department has a lot of work to do in house just to really understand the nature of the gap that currently exists. He noted that closing achievement gaps has been the focus of his professional career, his experience and his research and writing. The universities are very interested in working with the School Department. He meets monthly or bimonthly with academic experts including Gil Noam, Howard Gardner and Gary Orfeld. His major work at the moment in this area revolves around collecting and analyzing data. He stated that at the moment AVID is the best-known national program to close the achievement gap; followed by the Springboard Program which as also been used successfully in several public school systems. However, ultimately, most of the work comes down to changing the relationship between teachers and students and making decisions based on the data.

Councillor Galluccio asked about teacher recruitment and urged the Superintendent to look at what the School Personnel Department is doing to improve recruitment.

Vice Mayor Decker asked how to keep outstanding teachers and people, especially in the face of Boston’s vigorous recruitment. She gave the example of a CRLS teacher who is going to Boston to be trained as a principal under a program that will thereafter require her to spend three years working there. Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that Boston has done this with a huge grant. He will get the name of the grant funder. He has successfully competed for similar grants in the past and will do so in Cambridge. He emphasized that the best leadership programs are the ones that school systems develop in house.

Councillor Galluccio urged more work with Lesley University to hire their best graduates and an aggressive personnel retention plan. Superintendent Fowler-Finn stated that he agrees. He also believes in principals identifying teachers who would make good principals and keeping them and developing their leadership potential to keep it in the system.

School Committee Member Fred Fantini said that students at Lesley and Harvard are already living in Cambridge and want to continue to live here, but graduating students get 7-10 offers before Cambridge has contacted them. Superintendent Fowler-Finn agreed but noted that there is a limited ability to hire right now. Enrollment is going down. Vice Mayor Decker asked what the School Department is going to do to be able to make hiring decisions faster. Superintendent Fowler-Finn noted that with enrollment-driven staffing, there is a legal obligation to place the teachers elsewhere if their current assignments end because of a drop in enrollment at their school.

School Committee Member Fred Fantini said that dinners that bring together teachers, policy makers, university faculty and administrators are very helpful. They can set a time and deadline for collaborative work to take place so that there can be announcements of successful outcomes of the work at the dinner. He added that it is also a good idea to invite universities located outside of Cambridge to participate in similar events. He gave the example of a previous dinner with Wheelock College people.

Councillor Galluccio said that he would like to get dates for dinners and plans for key topics for discussions at the dinners.

Councillor Murphy asked about data regarding kids have that has gone through the summer academy. Superintendent Fowler-Finn stated that the School Department has a lot of data that demonstrates that it has been very beneficial.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio then invited public comment.

Robert Winters, Broadway, stated that Harvard’s Extension School has also been beneficial to Cambridge Public School students. He teaches at the Extension School and last year he had thirteen CRLS kids in his math class.

Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that the new non-traditional school is going to be called the Cambridge Extension School to capitalize on the good reputation that the Harvard Extension School has as an alternative path for education. Mr. Winters stated that more CRLS kids should have know about the Extension School. He added that the superintendent should know about the math enrichment program for math teachers at the Extension School. It is packed with Boston teachers.

Superintendent Fowler-Finn said that when CRLS goes to the 4x4 schedule, he wants to see an opportunity for students to take day courses at Harvard.

It was agreed that planning for the dinners discussed at the meeting could take place over the summer.

Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Co-Chair
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair

Committee Report #5
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on June 23, 2004 beginning at three o’clock and fifty minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of discussing the condition of the Cambridge Housing Authority’s (CHA) state-funded units and whether the City can assist the CHA in any way to obtain the funds necessary for repair.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, D. Margaret Drury, City Manager Robert W. Healy, Acting Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Terry Lurie, and Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein. Also present were Chris Cotter, Housing Director, CDD, Cassandra Armand, Housing Division, CDD, Robert Vining, Housing Division, CDD, Michael Johnston, CHA, James Stockard, CHA Board and Affordable Housing Trust, Michael Haran, Affordable Housing Trust, Gwen Rono, Affordable Housing Trust, John Graham, CHA Tenant, 1000 Jackson Place, Cheryl Pizza-Zeoli, 1221 Cambridge Street, CEOC Board, Francis Leo Killin, Co-President of Tenant Council, 1000 Jackson Place, Jefferson Park, Marie Denise Joseph, 6 Jefferson Park, Lee Pedro, Co-President, Tenants Council, 103 Jackson Circle, Jefferson Park, Paulette Tippitt, 10 Jefferson Park, Kettely Civil, 12 Jefferson Park, Laura Booth, CEOC, Joan Marie Coughlin, 1 Jefferson Park.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He described the ongoing issue of state disinvestment in state-funded units at the Cambridge Housing Authority. He acknowledged that there is no simple solution, and urged those present to engage in problem solving.

Councillor Galluccio invited Ms. Lurie to begin with a presentation. Ms. Lurie said that early on, federal and state programs were very similar. Over the last 10-15 years, there has been a huge disparity. State modernization money is less than one-half the amount allocated to federal units. The federal units receive twice as much in operating funds per unit as the state-funded units. Ms. Lurie said the family housing units regulated under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 200 are the oldest units. Cambridge has 359 Chapter 200 units, which came on line from 1949-1951, 69 at Woodrow Wilson, 109 at Jefferson Park, 60 at Lincoln Way, 46 at Jackson Gardens, 75 in an eight story mid-rise building at Roosevelt Towers. She added that the Roosevelt Tower building was redeveloped and is not in bad condition. It does have Section 8 subsidies, which help keep up with operating expenses. Woodrow Wilson Court is now under construction and will be for the next two years through specific awards of Modernization Funds from the State. Federal funds for capital improvement are awarded according to a formula that usually results in the CHA receiving about $3.5 million per year. On the state side, there is no predictable award. Applications must be submitted. In 2001, Lincoln Way was approved to get construction funds for kitchens and bathrooms but the amount awarded, $1.8 million, is not enough for the kitchens and bathrooms and Lincoln Way needs much more work, which would cost approximately $6.5 million in all.

Ms. Lurie then summarized the rehabilitation needs of the buildings.

Councillor Galluccio noted that the state units are small, with low ceilings, Ms. Lurie agreed. She said that at Jefferson Park, the average size of the state units is 800 square feet, and tenants pay 32 percent of their income for rent. The average size of the federal units is 900-1100 square feet, and the tenants pay 30 percent of their income for rent. Ms Lurie said that Lincoln Way is probably in the worst shape of all. It has been at the top of CHA list for rehabilitation since 1984. In addition the units are very small.

Councillor Galluccio asked what amount of money would be needed for rehabilitation of all of the state-funded units. Ms. Lurie said that for Jefferson Park, $8.2 million construction plus soft costs is needed, for a total of $10 million for 109 units. At Jefferson Park, on the federal side, the CHA is on the second round of kitchen replacement while the state funded units at Jefferson Park have never had replacements of the original kitchens and baths. Ms. Lurie said that at Lincoln Way rehabilitation would cost $110,000/unit because of underground construction issues. The Jackson Gardens units need all systems replaced and new kitchens and baths. The CHA estimates the cost at about $100,000/unit.

Councillor Galluccio asked where the most complaints come from. Ms. Lurie responded that they come from Jefferson Park and Lincoln Way, the projects with the most active tenant councils. She added that Manning Apartments is right on the heels of these units and will need serious work in the next 3-8 years.

Ms. Lurie then discussed the CHA strategy at the state. Cambridge has 2,000 federal and 700 state units, so in many ways, Cambridge is in better shape than other cities, such as Winchester and Fall River, where there is a higher ration of state units. Mr. Stockard added that of the 250 housing authorities in the state, only 50 have any federally funded units.

Councillor Galluccio asked if the state is willing to give more control to the cities. Ms. Lurie said that under Don Wuenschel’s leadership, the CHA has worked to make more public information on this issue available and to increase understanding that $1.47 billion is the value of the asset in which the state is refusing to invest sufficiently to preserve. Statewide the need is close to $1 billion over the next five years to fix the problem. The states should double or triple capital funding and award it on a predictable schedule, so that the housing authorities would have the flexibility to be able to plan to use the funds over time for rehabilitation. This is what CHA did for the Kennedy Building which has tax credit investors.

For the last three years the CHA has been working with CHAPA and other housing authorities to persuade DHCD to allow mixed funding. The idea would be to allow tax credit funding with assurance that full ownership comes back to the housing authority after fifteen years. Ms. Lurie discussed two kinds of tax credits - 9 percent and 4 percent. DHC is opposed to a change in the law but is now willing to work on regulations that would allow funding through the same kind of ownership by tax credit investors but with some additional controls.

Since 1998 the CHA has made four different submissions of scenarios on how to use tax credit funding and 20 percent Section 8 funding. All have been rejected. The state is very enthusiastic about income targeting and allowing the CHA to keep the additional funds. DHCD has suggested allocating 50-60 percent of units for people with 50-80 percent of revenue levels. However, that allocation does not match the demographics of the tenants, whose income are much lower.

Councillor Galluccio asked what is the best way to persuade the state. Ms. Lurie said that a proposal would have the best chance if it were packaged as necessary to address issues that are unique to the Cambridge situation. Ms. Lurie noted that there is another complication in the state-bonding cap. The federal program, with the predictable annual income stream, allows CHA to borrow and repay loans with the income stream.

Councillor Galluccio asked whether having another, separate source of loan funds would make a difference. Mr. Stockard said that the problem is really bigger that that. A recent study of the revenue and operating costs for the federally funded units shows that their operating cost are under funded by 3 percent. The state provides $100 per unit less to the state funded units than the federally funded units receive. The drastic underfunding of the state units is what leads to the extensive capital needs. To solve the problem, it is necessary to get the operating side right, get the capital side right and look at other ways to handle the need for predictable, flexible financing. A very fundamental problem is that the funding sources do not understand the real estate business.

Councillor Galluccio said that the CHA cannot count on a change in administration. It is important to try to determine what values of this administration could be used to persuade the state to support spending the funds required to preserve the asset. Ms. Rubenstein asked Ms. Lurie whether the DHCD staff is willing to talk to HUD staff about the Hope 6 federal program and other more flexible funding that the federal government has used successfully. Ms. Lurie said that this has not happened thus far.

Councillor Galluccio said that Boston must have been facing very similar problems. Perhaps a joint meeting would be useful.

At this time Councillor Galluccio invited comments from the tenants present.

Lee Pedro, Co-president of the Tenants Council, 103 Jackson Circle, Jefferson Park, stated that she lives on the federal side of the development. The units are so different from the state units. She asked whether the state officials have been to the developments.

Ms. Lurie replied that they come every two years, they do not look at the federal units, which are in much better shape, and they tell the CHA that they are lucky that the units are still online. She distributed a copy of a booklet that the CHA created with pictures of the difference in the condition of the state and federal units (Attachments A).

Councillor Galluccio agreed that state officials needed to see the units. He suggested that the Tenant Council invite their state legislators to a meeting. He noted that Representative Anne Paulsen has just become the state representative for the ward in which Jefferson Park is located.

John Graham, 1000 Jackson Place, suggested that the City sell some property to get the $1 million for rehabilitation. Councillor Galluccio said that the state does not want to put the money back into the units.

Joan Marie Coughlin, Vice President of the Tenant Council for the state side of Jefferson Park, said that the only time the CHA renovates is when a tenant moves out. The management does not care. The units have skunks, raccoons, and mice.

Ms. Lurie said that the start of construction next door has increased the rodent problem.

Leo Killin, Co-President of the Tenant Council, 1000 Jackson Place, said that residents have suggested fixing up existing units first before creating new units.

Marie Denise Joseph, 1000 Jackson Street, asked about rent increases and transfer policy. Ms. Lurie said that DCHD has been thinking about increasing the rent this year, but decided not to. Ms. Lurie then discussed transfer policy. The federal regulations on who has priority for the subsidized housing are not the same as the state regulations, so there are significant barriers to tenants from the state units moving into vacant federal units. Councillor Galluccio said he understands the point, although this does not solve the problem.

Mike Johnston explained the different preferences in the state and federal waiting lists. The state list is a straight chronological waiting list.

Councillor Galluccio urged all those present think about possible solutions. He also suggested that the tenants contact the state legislators. He thanked all those present for their attendance. Ms. Pedro thanked Councillor Galluccio for holding the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at five o’clock and eight minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair

Committee Report #6
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on June 30,2004, beginning at four o’clock P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of receiving a report from court justices and personnel on the Drug Court and to discuss how community leaders can work with the court to reduce drug-related crimes in the community.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury and Kristen Franks, Mayor’s Office. City administrative staff present were Ellen Semonoff, Acting City Manager for Human Resources, Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer, Selvin L. Chambers III, Director of Youth Programs, Department of Human Services, Sergeant Steven J. DeMarco, Cambridge Police Department and Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer. Also present were Judge Robert Zieman, Judge Patricia G. Curtin, Chris Doherty, Prosecutor, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Mark Albanese, M.D., Cambridge Health Alliance, Sonya L. Pence, attorney, Cambridge Drug Court, Kerry L. Rap, Cambridge District Court, Carol Nickerson, Director of Women’s Services, CASPAR Inc., Carol Rosenweig, attorney, Tara Driscoll, Cambridge Probation, Mary Ellen Donovan, attorney, Damien Gillietti, Attorney, Judi Evers, Cambridge District Court Officer, Lawrence Adkins, President, Riverside Neighborhood Association, Ron Layne, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Cambridge District Court, Marie Burke, Probation Officer, Cambridge District Court, Walter Bailey, Salvation Army, Jack MacEachern, Salvation Army, M. Leona Bennet, CASPAR Inc., 11 Russell Street, Karen Meehan, Salvation Army.

Vice Mayor Decker convened the meeting.

Judge Curtin described the operation of the Cambridge Drug Court. A written description is attached to this report. Attachment A. The court offers substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration for high-risk felony and misdemeanor drug offenders arrested in Middlesex County. The drug court serves primarily residents of Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington and Belmont.

Court status hearings with the Drug Court Team are held weekly. The team includes a judge, a prosecutor representing the District Attorney (DA) office, defense attorneys, representatives from the Probation Department, case managers and treatment providers and a community advocate. The team meets prior to each session to discuss each individual’s accomplishments, challenges and setbacks, and makes recommendations for modification of the treatment plan as needed. Participants appear before the judge weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and/or as often as required, depending on what phase of the treatment plan they are in. The first phase of the 18-month program begins with a placement in a residential treatment setting, where the participants receive drug education, attend Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous and are subject to random urinalysis at least twice a week.

Judge Zieman provided information on the theory and history of drug courts. The drug court program emerged out of the realization that criminal behavior among drug-addicted offenders often results from having to support a drug addiction. Of all crimes at the state and local level, 80-85 percent are drug-related, committed by individuals who test positive for drug use at the time of arrest. Drug court programs bring the full weight of all collaborators to bear, working together rather than as adversaries, forcing the offender to death with his or her substance abuse problem, and allowing the individual to feel responsible to all interveners.

Judge Zieman stated that research shows that drug courts offer the best "bang for buck" for high-risk offenders. Incarceration of drug-using offenders in House of Correction costs $32,000 per prisoner per year, while the cost of housing a prisoner in a state facility is $40,000 and upward. The drug court approach, with treatment and community-based residence is much less expensive.

Judge Zieman discussed the health issues that the program faces. The participants need to be on the Mass Health insurance program. Medicaid does not pay for monitoring urine tests. There are also hepatitis and HIV issues. In addition, due to state funding cuts in health services, the lab that used to come to court to do urine screens does not come to the court any more, so the program is not doing urine screens for graduates of the program at present. The court would very much like to have collaboration with a health center.

Mr. Cox said that he would be happy to have future conversations about possible collaborations.

Vice Mayor Decker asked whether any participants live in residential facilities in Cambridge. Ms. Burke said that the CASPAR residence, A Women’s Place, and the Salvation Army facility house participants. The CASPAR men’s shelter on Albany Street does not have enough program structure to meet the Drug Court’s requirements. She said that Walter Bailey at the Salvation Army facility provides exceptional and invaluable support for program participants. In response to a question from Vice Mayor Decker, Ms. Burke said that the hardest offenders to place are violent offenders, sexual offenders and arsonists.

At this time Jack MacEachern described his experiences as a graduate of the Drug Court. He graduated three years ago, and he now works at the Salvation Army to help others. Before he came to the Drug Court, he had been in and out of jail and probation but had never had any treatment for his addiction. What the Drug Court does is extraordinary, especially the positive reinforcement and incentive it provides.

Judge Curtin extended an invitation to interested persons to visit the Drug Court, which is held every Tuesday afternoon at the Cambridge District Court. The team meeting starts at 12:15 p.m. and the formal session begins at 1:30 p.m.

Vice Mayor Decker then invited those present to ask any questions they had for the Drug Court personnel.

Ms. Semonoff asked about possible sources of funding. Judge Zieman said that the program has some small grants but he does not know of sources of enough funds to cover the cost of residential beds. He said that another major need is for services for after graduation from the program. Ms. Semonoff suggested contacting the Margaret Fuller House with regard to the services needed. They provide some services through their Streetwork Group for ages 18-30.

Mr. Cox asked whether the Drug Court had made any connection with Cambridge Cares About AIDS. Judge Zieman said that several of the program participants who have been unable to find jobs do volunteer work for Cambridge Cares About AIDS.

Vice Mayor Decker suggested making contact with the Zinberg Clinic. She asked how the idea of collaboration between the City and Drug Court could move forward. Mr. Cox suggested that he and other city staff go back and look at specific needs and potential collaboration and that there be a meeting of city staff and members of the Drug Court team.

Mr. Cox said that the Massachusetts Public Health Department is often interested in looking at model programs. Ms. Burke said that the high-risk offender aspect is unique.

Dr. Albanese said that he believes that there could be a very strong case for a grant that involves the coordination of municipal services, health services and community services in collaboration with the drug court.

Vice Mayor Decker thanked all those present for their participation and stated that she would look forward to reconvening in the fall. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Marjorie Decker, Chair

Committee Report #7
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on July 15, 2004, beginning at four o’clock and forty-eight minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of informing those present that the Ordinance Committee would be unable to go forward with the public hearing scheduled on the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a Special District 15 because of a defect in the notice procedure.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the defect in the notice procedure; which is outlined in the memorandum of the city clerk to the Ordinance Committee (Attachment A). He stated that unfortunately the petitioners would have to re-file the petition because of the Chronicle’s mistake.

Councillor Reeves then invited public comment.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, noted that the purpose of the notice requirement is to protect the general public as well as abutting property owners.

Sarah Smith, 267 Putnam Avenue, stated that no map was included in the advertisement the week that the hearing was advertised.

Councillor Reeves inquired of the city clerk as to whether a map was required, and the clerk replied in the negative.

James Rafferty, Huron Avenue, attorney for the petitioners, stated that the petitioners would include a map when the petition is re-filed. He asked the city clerk whether the failure of the city council to hold a public hearing would have any effect on the petitioners’ ability to re-file. The city clerk said that the petition could be re-filed.

Councillor Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked those present for their attendance. On a motion from Councillor Murphy, the meeting was adjourned at four o’clock and fifty-seven minutes p.m.

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

Committee Report #8
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee and the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a joint public meeting on April 27, 2004 beginning at nine o’clock and ten minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing coordination of media coverage issues related to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Calvin Lindsay, Director of the Cambridge Municipal Cable TV Office, Dhonyale-Jones, Cambridge Municipal Cable Office, Susan Fleischman, Director of CCTV, Ginny Berkowitz, CCTV and Terry Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose.

Councillor Reeves requested that Ms. Fleischman discuss CCTV’s plans for the Democratic National Convention. Ms. Fleischman said that CCTV is trying to get funding to broadcast The Amy Goodman Show. Amy Goodman will be in town this weekend. CCTV asked Comcast if they would pay for the satellite time and they said no.

Councillor Reeves asked about the expense. Ms. Fleischman said that the expense is for satellite truck at eight a.m., Monday through Thursday. Ms. Fleischman added that the Manhattan channel has put out a call to everyone who is doing programming at the DNC.

Councillor Reeves stated that the Middle East Restaurant is going to be the host of an alternative convention at the same time that the DNC is taking place. CCTV might want to consider some program related to the alternative convention. He also said that Jesse Jackson and Action Push are here now. Jesse Jackson is planning to do a lot around the convention. Councillor Reeves said that he has also talked to Professor Charles Ogletree who has just written a book about "Brown vs. The Board of Education" as has Professor Bell, who will be here this weekend. Ms. Fleischman stated that CCTV can do some pre-production material and can do live commentary every day at a certain time.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Lindsay about the Cambridge Cable TV Office’s plans for the DNC. Mr. Lindsay described the four public service spots that the Cable Office is developing. He said that Comcast is willing to bring Channel 8 into hotels to carry these spots and other delegate information but he is not sure this is the best idea because the delegates will not be interested in the rest of the municipal programming. Ms. Fleischman said that CCTV would be happy to provide one of its channels. Mr. Smith noted that hotels tend to have their own local information channel, which may be the best place for the delegate information.

Councillor Reeves asked Mr. Lindsay if they are doing the public service announcements (PSAs) in conjunction with the Office for Tourism. Mr. Lindsay said that he would be talking with the Office for Tourism. Councillor Reeves suggested making sure that the Office for Tourism information appears on the information channels for delegates as well. Ms. Fleischman suggested that information about the universities be there as well.

It was agreed that Ms. Fleischman and Mr. Lindsay will work together to find out what information about Cambridge and the universities and any other appropriate program material already exists.

Councillor Reeves said it would be good to use the time to help people learn more about the democratic process.

Councillor Reeves said that Ms. Sullivan and Comcast are working on financing the Affleck program, which is one of the DNC events that the Economic Development Committee is planning. Ms. Berkowitz suggested that the CCTV summer program kids be involved. Councillor Reeves agreed that as many of the kids involved in the City supported summer job program as possible should be involved.

Councillor Reeves asked whether CCTV and the Municipal Cable Office work collaboratively. Mr. Lindsay said there is some collaboration and that he expects that there will be more especially with the Media Art Center educational collaborative that is being developed. Ms. Berkowitz said that the designs for the facility have been drawn up. Mr. Lindsay described the space. It will encompass half of the Solomon Building.

Councillor Reeves said that the actual convention will take place Sunday night through Thursday. He suggested that the committee meet again to see a written description of the programming plan for that time period.

Councillor Reeves asked about CCTV’s plan to call for program material.

Ms. Berkowitz said that it would be an invitation to submit previously completed material and also an invitation to producers from all over the country to create relevant material.

Councillor Reeves suggested the "Where is Boston" idea applied to Cambridge, to interview some of our prominent citizens about what makes Cambridge the special city that it is. Mr. Lindsay said his staff could develop a template and do interviews similar to "Man on the Street" interviews.

Councillor Reeves agreed. He noted that Andrew Jones did some very interesting documentary material set in different environments. He asked Mr. Lindsay whether Cable TV’s archives would have useful material. Mr. Lindsay said that much of the archived material is very dated. He would need to talk to someone who has been there longer than he to find out more about the content. The material is not really cataloged and is on old tape.

Councillor Reeves asked whether the budget would accommodate an independent project on Tip O’Neill. Several members of the City Council are interested in making sure that Tip O’Neill and his connection to Cambridge are highlighted. Mr. Smith suggested calling the Boston College Archives. It was agreed that the City Clerk would contact the Boston College Archivist on Tip O’Neill to find out if there is a traveling exhibit. Ms. Berkowitz said that CCTV may have some information and she will research it.

Ms. Berkowitz noted that there is the issue of public access to the Internet all over the City. CCTV has two computers. There are no Internet cafes in Central Square. In addition, there is no public information booth about Cambridge in Central Square.

Councillor Reeves said that the hope is to have information tables in Central Square, Porter Square and Harvard Square during the convention days.

Ms. Berkowitz said that it is interesting to think of what can get started during the convention and continue on afterwards. Councillor Reeves agreed. He thanked those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and fifty-eight minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #9
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on June 24, 2004 beginning at nine o’clock A.M. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of discussing the regulation of motorized scooters.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Policy Deputy Superintendent Timothy McCusker and Susan Clippinger, Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and City Solicitor Donald Drisdell.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She announced that Councillor Toomey has provided a copy of H.1544, motorized scooter legislation that has been adopted by the House and is currently before the senate Committee on Steering and Policy (Attachment A).

Councillor Davis then invited Ms. Clippinger to discuss the City’s plans to regulate motorized scooters. Ms. Clippinger distributed a copy of a draft regulation for motorized scooters (Attachment B). She said that the regulations cover all types of scooters not currently regulated by the state. She summarized the provisions beginning with the equipment required and the definition. Lights are required for night operation. Commissioner Watson said most of the motorized scooters currently being sold have no lights. Ms. Clippinger said that in that case the regulations would prohibit night operation of almost all of the motorized scooters currently sold.

Councillor Davis said that she would rather that the regulation directly prohibited operation at night. It was agreed that the regulations would be changed to prohibit night operation of these scooters.

The draft regulations define motorized scooters as two-wheeled devices with handlebars powered by motors and not defined as "Motor Vehicles" or Motorized Bicycles" under M.G. L. Chapter 90. There was discussion of what is currently regulated by state motor vehicle law. Ms. Clippinger said that state law regulates motorized bicycles. They are often called "mopeds." They are defined as having engines of 50ccs or less. Currently the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not regulate Vespa scooters.

Councillor Davis suggested broadening the definition from "handlebars" to "handlebars or other steering device". It was so agreed. It was also agreed that Ms. Clippinger would promulgate the regulation without waiting to see whether the proposed state law is enacted.

In response to a question from Councillor Davis, Ms. Clippinger said that Segways are excluded from the regulations under the exemption for "electronic personal assistant mobility devices."

Commissioner Watson noted that the proposed state law would require drivers’ licenses to operate motorized scooters and asked whether this requirement should go into the Cambridge regulations. Mr. Drisdell explained that only the state could determine what types of vehicles require driver’s licenses to operate.

Commissioner Watson also pointed out that the proposed state law would allow the operations of motorized scooters in bicycle lanes. Ms. Clippinger said that only the state could make this change because state law currently prohibits the operation of motorized bicycles in bicycle lanes. Nor can the City give them the right to pass on the right, but the City can prohibit scooters from passing other scooters. She noted that Section 23.2 of the proposed regulations would ban riding on sidewalks, riding anywhere that bicycles are banned, riding on any streets with a posted speed limit greater than 30 M.P.H., riding on and off-street recreational bicycle paths.

Councillor Davis suggested that Ms. Clippinger send a copy of the Cambridge regulations to the Cambridge delegation to the State Legislation and to the committee considering the proposed state law.

Ms. Clippinger said that Somerville has already passed a very similar regulation.

Councillor Davis announced that instead of submitting an order on the need to look at the Noise Ordinance with respect to this issue, she would submit a policy order for the next City Council meeting to request that the City Solicitor review what provisions of the Noise Ordinance can be used to regulate excessive noise from these scooters, and to recommend to the Ordinance Committee any amendments necessary to improve the ability to regulate such noise.

Commissioner Watson asked where motorized scooters would be allowed to park. He would like to prohibit the parking of motorized scooters on sidewalks except at authorized bicycle racks. Ms. Clippinger said that she will look at the existing bicycle parking regulation and either add to those regulations or add to the motorized scooter draft regulation a provision to restrict sidewalk parking for motorized scooters to authorized bicycle racks. Ms. Clippinger said that she would like to make all of the agreed changes, advertise the regulation on Friday and make them effective July 15, 2005.

Commissioner Watson asked whether the regulations require riders to obey the rules of the road. He asked whether the proposed state law covers this issue. Mr. Drisdell said that the proposed law would include motorized scooters under the regulations for mopeds and thus would require riders to obey all traffic laws. However, he noted that until state law is modified, the City has no power to require these vehicles to obey state rules of the road.

Councillor Davis suggested that Ms. Clippinger talk with the Development of Human Services (DHS) to be sure that youth are informed of the new regulations.

Commissioner Watson suggested sending a copy of the new regulations to the School Department for distribution to students and parents.

Vice Mayor Davis thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and ten minutes A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #10
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee and the Public Safety Committee held a joint public meeting on Thursday, June 24, 2004, beginning at ten o’clock and seventeen minutes A.M. in the Ackerman Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a hazardous cargo transport route.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committees, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Jason Schrieber, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner, Timothy McCusker, Deputy Superintendent, Police Department, Sam Lipson, Cambridge Public Health Department, David B. O’Connor, Director, Emergency Management, James Burns, Deputy Fire Chief, Terrence F. Smith, Chamber of Commerce and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Rae and Nancy Stiening, 75 Cambridge Parkway, Samuel Dame, 75 Cambridge Parkway and Robert C. Elder, 75 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She opened the meeting to the public to present the problem.

Mr. Rae Steining, 75 Cambridge Parkway, distributed a document (Attachment A). The document contained a picture of the corner of Binney Street and Land Boulevard that showed two loaded tankers coming from the Chelsea terminals. He is concerned with the large number of hazardous cargo traveling through Cambridge. Hazardous cargo is usually fuel that originates in Chelsea. One hundred pound tanker trucks deliver hazardous cargo. Trucks are required to carry one million dollars in federal liability insurance. There is more tanker traffic on Saturdays and Sundays during daylight hours. The average yearly hazardous cargo traveling through the city is 40,000. Insurance is low so tankers do not choose to consider traveling a safe route. The tankers travel within twenty feet of a day care facility. The Building Code does not adequately address the fire safety issues related to tanker trucks. If a person could get to an emergency exit the person could escape a fire. But in this area the emergency exits lead the public right into the fire. The second problem is the danger to the firefighters, because the firefighter would try to locate the people trapped in the building. He asked why are tankers allowed to travel in front of the Marlowe Hotel. If an accident occurs it is because tanker trucks are traveling in a heavily populated area. He discussed the route used versus a safe hazardous cargo route. Companies saved ten minutes and money by traveling a route that is heavily populated. He commented was the savings worth the loss of life that would occur if an accident occurred.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting to the public to comment. There was none.

Councillor Toomey stated that Mr. Stiening requested this hearing so he submitted an order to schedule the meeting (Attachment B). What is the hazardous cargo route in the city, asked Councillor Toomey. The Binney Street connector was to be used to take trucks off of city streets. Ms. Clippinger stated that Cambridge does have a hazardous cargo truck route. The hazardous cargo route is attached (Attachment C). This route has always remained open. The Regional Truck Committee meetings advocated to have this route open to trucks for access to gas stations. The trucks cannot be made to take a specific route.

Councillor Davis questioned Mr. Stiening about the volume of the trucks. Volume is seasonal stated Mr. Stiening. The cargo is home-heating oil. He has seen truck traveling this route with a destination of Cape Cod.

Mr. O’Connor commented on a wide mix of chemicals transported through the city by companies. Mr. Lipson spoke of the explosiveness of the materials. There is a high risk of fire with chemicals. Home heating fuel is not dangerous. Home heating fuel must be deliverable commented Councillor Davis. Mr. Elder stated that the recent serious accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut brought this situation to the forefront.

Councillor Toomey questioned police patrol data on trucks stopped because of speed or weight. Commissioner Watson responded that trucks have been stopped for being overweight. Mr. Stiening asked if this was a deterrent to save ten minutes. Commissioner Watson responded in the affirmative. The truck drivers also want the trucks to be safe and contain no violations. Deputy Superintendent McCusker added that a truck driver asked the police to inspect the truck he was driving because violations are issued to the truck owner, not the driver.

Councillor Davis asked if tankers are over weight. Commissioner Watson responded that all trucks could be weighed. Mr. Stiening commented that it is possible for trucks to carry more than the weight limit. Expansion must be taken into consideration stated Mr. Lipson. Councillor Davis commented that the Truck Enforcement Unit should give more attention to this problem. Commissioner Watson would provide information to the City Council on truck violations.

Mr. Schrieber spoke to a representative of the petroleum council about Cambridge not being an open door for trucks during the construction of the Central Artery. He commented that there is no truck restriction on the North Washington Bridge. Ms. Clippinger stated that there will always be a route on the surface. There is an obligation to provide an alternate route. The final construction plan will include a truck route. Mr. Stiening asked about legislation for 128. Councillor Toomey stated that this is a territory issue. This issue has been discussed since 1967 commented Councillor Davis. The truck lobbyists are strong and if the state tries to provide restrictions they go to the federal law stated Ms. Clippinger.

Mr. Stiening stated that he could not find documentation on the decision made not to fire proof the turnpike tunnels. This is a Boston Fire Department Ordinance stated Ms. Clippinger. Cities that have attempted hazardous cargo routes have had difficulty because exclusions of routes are more likely to occur.

Councillor Davis asked where is the nighttime truck route. The Mass Highway Department (MHD) responded on the 24-hour restriction for Putnam Avenue, Cardinal Medeiros Avenue and Warren Street. MHD would like a letter from DCR in support of the restrictions.

Mr. O’Connor spoke of a dumpster accident that occurred on Brattle Street where a traffic calming curb was hit. The dumpster almost tipped over. The dumpster came off the truck. Traffic calming curbs are dangerous for trucks driving this route.

Commissioner Watson suggested to Mr. Stiening that a meeting be held with the residents to outline what actions should be taken in case of a fire. Deputy Fire Chief Burns stated that the building should have an evacuation plan. Periodic fire drills are done at the building stated Mr. Elder. Mr. O’Connor would work with the residents in the building to develop a safety plan. Mrs. Stiening commented on new development plans around the route of Binney Street and North Point. At this time Councillors Davis and Toomey submitted the following motion:

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to review building plans to make sure that the buildings are safe in relation to hazardous cargo.

The motion-Carried.

Commissioner Watson commented that as buildings are built and people move in safety information should be provided.

Mrs. Stiening commented that at Land Boulevard trucks do not stop. Speed needs to be controlled in this area. The trucks also block the intersections. Commissioner Watson would notify the state about the violations occurring at Land Boulevard and the Police Department will monitor this intersection.

Mr. Stiening asked is the City going to wait until something happens. Councillor Davis outlined steps the City would take:

1. Use of the truck team;
2. Enforcement of truck weight;
3. Enforcement of traffic laws; and
4. Alert city department to review laws relating to safety of new developments in relation to hazardous cargo.

It is because of these issues that Cambridge has a truck team. Cambridge is the only city other than the state that has a truck team stated Commissioner Watson. Cambridge is doing everything it can to prevent a tragedy. Mr. Elder asked if the municipality or the state has the power to close this truck route. Ms. Clippinger responded that the petroleum industry has provided opposition to this and the MHD has sided with the petroleum industry. Could the state close this route to hazardous cargo if it choose to do so questioned Mr. Elder. There is no administrative process to allow a ban on the hazardous cargo route responded Ms. Clippinger.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and ten minutes A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #11
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on June 24, 2004 beginning at eleven o’clock and twenty minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of continuing to discuss the criteria for a new police station, with an emphasis on discussion of the parking needs and potential parking options for a renovated police station in Central Square.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, City Manager Robert W. Healy and Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson. Also present were Police Superintendent Michael Giacoppo, Susan Clippinger, Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Stephanie Anderberg, Environmental and Transportation Planner, CDD, Police Sergeant John Fulkerson.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She explained that in discussions of siting a new police station, parking has emerged as an important issue. She requested that Mr. Healy begin the discussion. Mr. Healy said that one of the possibilities for a new station is a complete rehab of the existing Central Square police station. The biggest complication is the issue of the capacity for parking. He explained that one big issue is the 3:00 p.m. shift change. At 3:00 p.m., day shift officers are still parked, as are the civilian personnel. Looking at one day’s roster, that means that 99 personnel are working during the day and 50 night shift personnel arrive at 3:00 p.m. Using the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) calculations, that number of personnel would call for 67 personnel spaces. Adding to the personnel spaces 75 spaces for department vehicles, 12 visitor spaces and five spaces for disabled persons, the optimum parking space need is 159 spaces.

Ms. Clippinger noted that the City does not need to accommodate visitors if there is adjacent metered parking.

Councillor Davis asked about the existing parking arrangement. Mr. Healy said that there are many complaints from nearby businesses. The City has tried to encourage the use of the Green Street Garage for $6.00 per month. There are 87 personnel signed up for payroll deduction for the monthly parking fee. On an average day there are 22-31 personal vehicles of police officers parked at the Green Street garage. In addition 22 civilian Police Department employees park there and they pay $2.00 per exit; there are also 14 undercover vehicles parked there.

Councillor Davis asked Mr. Healy to describe the problems with the existing arrangement. Mr. Healy said that the City currently pays rent to the YMCA for parking for departmental vehicles. That lot is really too far from the station and not secure enough and it cannot be counted on to be there in the future. Mr. Healy noted that other departmental vehicles and materials are being stored at the armory. Mr. Healy added that there are 14 parking spaces under the current police department building, but that space would have to be used for program space in a rehabilitated building.

Councillor Davis asked about the existing parking in Central Square. Ms. Clippinger distributed material on the current inventory of on-street and off-street parking. There are 10 spaces for police use only in front of the police station, and six more ten-minute meters for visitor parking on Western Avenue.

Ms. Clippinger said that she does not believe that it is wise to attempt to accommodate the building’s long term parking needs through on-street parking. She also said although the Green Street was full every day at 10:00 a.m. when the economy was stronger, for the last few years it has not been filled.

Councillor Davis asked about the possibility of creating structured parking in Lot 5 on Bishop Allen Drive and using more space in the Green Street garage for police parking. She said that by her calculation there is a shortfall of 60 spaces. Including the 14 spaces under the building right now, there are about 100 spaces currently available. Mr. Healy said that the 14 spaces below the building would not be available in a rebuilt station, so the shortfall is actually more like 75 spaces. He said that the potential for parking in Central Square is limited to the following possibilities:

1. The YMCA lot
2. Lot 5 on Bishop Allen Drive
3. Prospect Street lot

Councillor Davis asked about what the Parking and Traffic Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance would require. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the ordinance requires creation of a reduction in single occupancy vehicle trips. She would be concerned that a shuttle would not be a very good solution in this case. The ordinance requires implementation of vehicle trips reduction measures and commitment to reduction of a percentage of drive-alone trips. Typically staff look at the census tract average and seek a reduction from that number. The ordinance focuses on employee and visitor arrival and departure, not the fleet vehicles. In addition the recent conversion of some patrols from car patrols to bicycle patrols would constitute fleet reduction.

In response to a question from Councillor Davis, Ms. Rasmussen and Ms. Clippinger said that there is no PTDM advantage in the police station moving to a new location. The ordinance would still require a reduction of the number of drive-alone trips from the current number.

Councillor Davis asked whether there are some spaces in Central Square that are not used during the day, for example, residential parking for the Holmes building. She said that it appears to her that the shortfall is 75 spaces minus what the PTDM reductions would amount to.

Mr. Healy said that finding 75 additional parking spaces would most likely require buying one lot and putting structured parking there or building a 3-4 level structured parking facility on lot 5.

Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their participation and said that the next meeting would focus on more discussion of criteria for a new or rebuilt police station.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and forty minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #12
The Special Committee to Review the Method of Election of the Mayor held a public hearing on June 24, 2004, beginning at 2:43pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of receiving information from Worcester Mayor Timothy P. Murray and City Clerk David Rushford on the change in the Worcester City Charter from a Plan E government like that of Cambridge to a Plan E government with a popularly elected mayor.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis and Councillor David P. Maher. Also present were City Clerk D. Margaret Drury and City Solicitor Donald Drisdell.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting an explained the purpose. He welcomed Mayor Murray and City Clerk Rushford and invited them to begin by reviewing the changes that the City of Worcester made in its governance structure. Mayor Murray informed the committee that a charter commission was elected in the fall of 1983. The election of the charter commission was fueled to a large extent by public discontent with the failure of the elections to produce a city council that included any councillors who were members of the minority groups that made up a substantial portion of the population.

The Charter recommended by the Charter Commission was approved by the voters in the fall of 1985 and took effect in January 1988 subsequent to the municipal election held in the fall of 1987. Under the new charter, the nine member at-large city council was expanded to eleven members, with six members elected at large and five elected from districts, and the selection of mayor was changed from a caucus decision of the city council to a popular election. In order to become mayor the successful candidate must win one of the six at large city council seats as well as the mayoral election.

City Clerk Rushford distributed a summary of the Worcester Charter Change, Attachment A, high school dropout data and college bound date, Attachment B, and a printed copy of the City Clerk’s web page, Attachment C. He also submitted a booklet entitled "Manual for the City Council for the City of Worcester," which is on file at the Cambridge City Clerk’s Office, and which includes a copy of the Worcester Home Rule Charter. Mr. Rushford provided some additional information about the charter change. Worcester adopted the Plan E charter in 1950, and at that time it included the proportional representation (PR) elections that Cambridge utilizes. Worcester abandoned PR elections in 1958, largely because of the lengthy counting process entailed and perceptions of the method as complicated. The original push in 1983 was for a strong mayor form of government. The final product, which retained a strong city manager, was seen as a compromise.

Mr. Rushford noted that there are some similarities between Worcester and Cambridge, including age, significant proportion of non-taxable nonprofit institutions, and large immigrant populations. He said that Worcester’s modified Plan E system works well in Worcester. Councillor Reeves requested more details about the demographics of Worcester. Mr. Rushford said that Worcester is a predominantly working class city, with a population of 175,000. The local elections are non-partisan. Worcester has a very good school system. Ninety percent of families send their children to the public schools. The overall Worcester population is 25% minority, and 51% of the public school students are members of a minority.

Councillor Reeves asked to what extent the mayor’s race is determined by who might best lead the schools. Mayor Murray said that the schools are a very important issue in the race. A candidate for mayor in Worcester is invited to and expected to attend all of the school committee candidates’ nights as well as the mayor and councillor at-large events.

Councillor Galluccio asked Mayor Murray how his time is divided as between city issues and school issues. Mayor Murray said that he spends about half of his time on each.

Councillor Galluccio asked how many mayors have been elected since the change and requested more details about how the elections work. Mayor Murray said that there have been three mayors. The first election was in 1987. Jordan Levy was elected mayor and served three terms, after which he did not seek re-election. Ray Marino was elected in 1993 and served from 1994 to 2001, and did not run for re-election in 2001. Mayor Murray began serving in 2002 and is now in his second term.

Mr. Rushford explained that the Worcester municipal election consists of four separate selections: district councillors, at-large councillors, school committee members and mayor. Voters can vote for up to six at-large candidates. There is a preliminary election that reduces the number of at-large candidates to 12. All those who are successful in the preliminary at-large election are automatically placed on the ballot for mayor in the final election unless they indicate in writing that they do not want to run for mayor. The person who wins the election for mayor must also win one of the six at-large council seats.

In response to a question from Councillor Reeves, he said that the City of Worcester does a significant amount of public education to make sure that the public understands that they must vote for the mayor in two elections, the mayoral election and the at-large city council election. Both he and Mayor Murray said that there does not seem to be evidence of a lack of voter understanding of this requirement. Mr. Rushford noted that in every election so far, the highest vote getter for mayor has been the highest vote getter for the at-large city council race.

Councillor Maher asked whether there has been a correlation between winning at-large city council candidates who were also candidates for mayor and winning at-large candidates who were not candidates for mayor with regard to the order of finish of the field. Is there an advantage for candidates who are running for mayor? Mayor Murray said that has not been the case.

Councillor Maher asked what the cost of a typical city council campaign would be. Mayor Murray said that in 1993, the cost of the two top candidates for mayor was $75,000 and $64,000. In his last campaign he spent almost $100,000. The typical cost for a city council at-large seat in which the candidate is not also running for mayor would be $30-40,000.

Councillor Reeves asked about the salaries for the elected officials. Mayor Murray reported that the salary of the mayor is $18,500 per year, the salary of a city councillor is $15,000 and the salary of a member of the school committee is $7,500.

Councillor Davis asked about the relationship between the mayor and the city manager. Mayor Murray said that the city manager is in charge of the day-to-day affairs of the city including all hiring and appointments. The mayor is only as effective as his or her ability to build consensus with colleagues. The mayor does get the advantage of a bully pulpit.

Councillor Reeves requested more information about how the relationship between the mayor and the city manager works. Mr. Rushford said that the popularly elected mayor does have a certain additional status because he or she has been chosen by the electorate, and is perceived as speaking for the electorate. The city manager tends to take the mayor’s agenda as a template. Mayor Murray said that fundamentally, in terms of moving any issue forward, it goes back to majority rule.

Councillor Reeves asked whether the dynamics of City Council personalities influence who runs for mayor, and Mayor Murray answered in the negative. He said that to some extent, personality dynamics were more of a factor in the previous system, in which caucus of the city council chose the mayor. There was one time when the mayoral term was divided among three individuals who each served as mayor for 1/3 of a term. Councillor Reeves asked what happens to mayors after their terms as mayor end. Mr. Rushford said that to date, no mayor has decided to not run for mayor but to run again for City Council.

Councillor Davis asked how the decision to utilize the charter commission process to make the changes came about. Mayor Murray said that it was part of the compromise among those who were pushing for a change to a strong mayor and those who did not want a strong mayor form of government. He said that there have been two subsequent moves to change the charter to implement a strong mayor government, one time by a home rule petition to the legislature, the other by the local amendment process in which the City Council holds a hearing and places the proposed amendment on the ballot. He said that he found these processes to be better than the ongoing charter commission because the charter commission process was all consuming and detracted from consideration of other important issues during the long time that it went on. In response to a question from Councillor Davis, Mayor Murray said that there was a great deal of public discussion and debate about the ramifications of the change in both of these processes.

At this time, Councillor Reeves invited public comment.

Robert Winters, Broadway, submitted a copy of his comments in writing. Attachment D. He stated that Cambridge has had a pure Plan E government since 1941, a 63-year history of stable government. The only problem is the current inability of nine individual city councillors to collegially act to elect a mayor. What is needed is a change in the culture of the City Council with a clearer focus on who would be the best person for the job for a particular two-year period. The confounding practice of assigning personal staff to the vice chair should be eliminated because it is a corrupting influence that has only amplified the contentiousness of the election of mayor. A mayoral election involving candidates who are also city council candidates is not compatible with at-large proportional representation elections where proportional representation of constituencies is the primary goal. If the real issue is leadership of the school committee, the answer is recruitment of school committee candidates. There is no groundswell of support for popular election of mayor, and none of the proponents have suggested an election method. It is likely that there would be an expectation that the mayor should have power that the charter does not grant and inevitable erosion of the city manager system. A directly elected mayor could become a mayor-for-life position. Cambridge has done well with a variety of personal styles. It was good to experience " the humanity and entertainment of Al Vellucci, the steady hand of Walter Sullivan, the reforms of Alice Wolf, the intellect and initiative of Ken Reeves, the expertise and experience of Frank Duehay, the wit and wisdom of Sheila Russell, the populist appeal of Anthony Galluccio and the fairness and professionalism of Michael Sullivan."

Laura Booth, CEOC, 11 Inman Street, asked what the impetus was for the demand for charter change in Worcester. Mr. Rushford responded that before the charter change, the City Council in Worcester was quite homogenous, and that was the major impetus. Significant parts of the city felt that they had no representation.

Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, said that in his opinion the important question is what caused Worcester to discard proportional representation elections, because in PR elections a city does not end up with significant parts of the population not having representation. Mr. Rushford said that, although the change took place before he was employed in the Worcester municipal government, his understanding is that there was always misunderstanding about how PR worked among the electorate, and there was also dissatisfaction with the lengthy process of counting the PR ballots.

Councillor Maher asked how many of the councillors at large are minorities. Mayor Murray said that there is one Latino male councillor and one-woman councillor.

Mayor Sullivan requested a description of how the previous choice of mayor by caucus worked. Mr. Rushford said that the City Council-elect met behind closed doors in the mayor’s office in November or December after the election. The selection was made by secret ballot. Then at the organizational meeting in January there would be an open roll call, essentially confirming the caucus choice. This method was used prior to adoption by the state legislature of the open meeting law.

Councillor Reeves asked whether the role of the city councillors has been diminished by the popular election of the mayor. Both Mayor Murray and City Clerk Rushford responded that they do not believe that the councillors’ role has been diminished.

Councillor Galluccio stated that he would be pleased to see any other data that Worcester has regarding assessments of the achievements of the public schools and any information about correlation or lack of correlation with the change in the method of mayoral selection. He thanked Mayor Murray and City Clerk Rushford for taking the time to come to Cambridge and provide this valuable information to the Committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm.

For the Committee
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair

Committee Report #13
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, beginning at ten o’clock and fifteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion on planning events in Cambridge for the month of July.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louie DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Julia Bowdoin, Assistant to the City Manager, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Mary Hart, MIS Director, James Monagle, City Auditor, Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Officer, Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner, Estella Johnson, Director, Economic Development, Community Development Department (CDD), David Kale, Budget Director, Jubi Headley, Assistant to the Mayor, Paul Pace, Intern, Mayor’s Office, Michael C. Maffei, Police Department, Robyn Thieringer and Maura Cooney, Cambridge Office of Tourism, Jane Beal and MaryAnn Cicala, Arts Council, Dhonyal Jones, Municipal Cable and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Paul Parravano, Co-Director, Office of Government and Community Relations, MIT, Ken Ng, Hotel at MIT, Paul Lee, Hong Kong Restaurant, John Clifford and Scott Grant, Green Street Grille, Wendy Thompson, Taste of Cambridge, Issi Shait, Cambridgeside Galleria, Linda Rogers, Cambridge Savings Bank; Terry Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Kelly Courtney, 3 Linnaean Street, and Roger O’Sullivan, 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and stated the purpose. An agenda was distributed (Attachment A). He spoke about the Destination Cambridge advertisement that appeared in the Summer In the City Brochure. He applauded the efforts of Ms. Thieringer, Ms. Cooney and Mr.Parravano. Ms. Thieringer stated that the deadline for Summer In the City was missed, but that most events did make the Tourism Calendar. He asked for feedback on the kickoff event with Alice Huffman that occurred on Tuesday, June 29, 2004.

Mr. Parravano felt that the kickoff received good media coverage. Councillor Reeves stated his disappointment with the coverage the event did not receive. The Chronicle did not cover the kick off, only the traffic issues were reported. A media sub-committee meeting was scheduled.

Mr. Rossi reported that the number of artists who wish to display their wares in the Arts Festival is growing. More tents are needed. The increased revenue from the artists will cover the cost of the increased number of tents. Ms. Beal reported that there is a good distribution of artists for the Arts Festival. There are between 84 and 100 artists. Councillor Reeves expressed concern that the much of the public still does not know about many of the events. Ms. Beal reported that flyers had been distributed, volunteers would be leafleting Harvard Square and a press release would be distributed this week.

Councillor Reeves stated that a mailing would be sent to 49,000 households in the City highlighting the schedule of events occurring in the City in July. He added that each event should be advertised and each event coordinator would be responsible for advertising his or her event.

Mr. Rossi reported that the Dance Party is all set. A logistics meeting would be held on July 7, 2004.

Mr. Clifford distributed information on the Music Festival (Attachment B). There will be nine stages at various locations. Councillor Reeves suggested that the music that is in town should be tracked.

Mr. Pena distributed a flyer advertising the Salsa Concert (Attachment C). There is an issue with the Verizon sponsor. There is a Verizon Festival being held in New York two days before the Cambridge event. He suggested Corona as a sponsor.

Mr. Headley spoke about the tours and symposia. An affordable housing and a health topic as it relates to the war’s impact on the youth are being planned. Councillor Reeves stated that the Harvard Square Business Association and the Restaurant Association conducted a Concierge Tour last week. Ms. Thieringer reported that Billy Costa publicized the Taste of Cambridge on the tour and was a great advocate of the city. Councillor Reeves requested that the concierge mailing list be sent to Mr. Headley to follow-up on this event. Mr. Lee stated that forty concierges took the tour.

Councillor Reeves requested that Ms. Johnson provide the Black Caucus with the Women and Minority Business Directory.

Mr. Headley informed the committee that the Cambridgeside Galleria designer designed banners for the City (Attachment D and E). There are different messages on each side of the banners. The banners will go up at various locations in the City. Councillor Reeves commented that in Summer In the City the Cambridgeside Galleria is advertised next to the Boston Mall. Mr. Headley stated that the cross-street banners would advertise the events. He noted that the citywide mailing, posters and gift tags for the gift baskets still needed to be done. An insert in the Phoenix would be done the week of July 16th. There would be 20,000 overruns done and would be delivered to Cambridge residents. Time is of the essence with 20 days left to the DNC Convention. Promoting Cambridge needs to be done. Councillor Reeves asked about advertisements in the Globe and Herald. An advertisement would appear in the Herald before the convention. The cost for a full-page ad for two days in the Herald is $3,000. The cost for a 1/4-page ad in the Globe is $12,000. It is too expensive to advertise in the Globe. Councillor Reeves stated that it is imperative to get information about Cambridge events into Boston-based organizations. When the delegates arrive it will be a free for all.

Councillor Reeves stated that a "Welcome to Cambridge" sign is needed at the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Banner wording and locations need to be determined.

Councillor Reeves instructed Mr. Headley to invite Bill Cosby and Danny Glover to be in the Cambridge parade.

Councillor Reeves announced that the volunteer coordinators are Sandra Albano and Maryellen Carvello. Hats, T-shirts and table coverings have been ordered. He asked members of the committee to staff the "Welcome to Cambridge" tables. The Bean Town Buddies, a Boston volunteer organization, would give the delegates a telephone number to contact the volunteers if the delegates require assistance.

Ms. Courtney announced that there would be a rally for John Kerry on Monday, July 12, 2004 at the Fleet Boston Pavilion at 6pm. Councillor Reeves stated that Senator Wilkerson is organizing a Stevie Wonder concert at the Fleet Pavilion. Tickets are required for this event.

A discussion about the media ensued. Mr. Clifford stated that reporters needed to be contacted to do stories about Cambridge. Ms. Courtney suggested outreach to major networks.

Ms. Thompson reported that the Taste of Cambridge is going well. Fifty restaurants are participating in the event. Councillor Reeves inquired about the plans to get tickets to the Media. Ms. Thieringer suggested invitations rather than tickets. Cambridge should be competitive with Boston on the hours of operations for bars.

Councillor Reeves asked about the plans of the Municipal Cable Office. Ms. Jones stated that Municipal Cable is doing promotions for the Taste of Cambridge, the Dance Party, Arts Festival and public service announcements on restaurants and theaters. Mayor Sullivan, Representative Alice Wolf and Congressman Capuano have done welcome messages. She added that the Municipal Cable Office would try to cover as many events as possible. Interviews will be done with Jim Roosevelt and the delegates. She outlined some of the programs: Choose to Lead, Democrats/Republicans and the Latin vote. Hotel interviews are still being worked on. Mr. Rossi suggested the Tourism promo be run on Channel 8.

Democracy Now being filmed at CCTV is a huge event. The technical requirements are high and a scene designer is needed.

Councillor Reeves scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, July 15th at 10:00am.

Councillor Reeves thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at eleven o’clock and ten minutes A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair