Special Cambridge City Council meeting - August 6, 2012 - AGENDA

CALL OF THE MEETING:
Special City Council Meeting
Monday, August 6, 2012
7:30pm   Special City Council Meeting to take action on the pending zoning petition filed by Forest City.
No action was taken. The petition will be allowed to expire.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Council hereby submits the following change to the City's Zoning Ordinance for consideration, referral to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee and ordination- to add a footnote #15 to Table 6.36.1(a) column III (Open Space, Res A-1, A-2, Res B) stating: "Where a single dwelling unit is located on a private way and where said private way would provide adequate parking for at least one car, with the written notice from the Fire Department that emergency access would not be impaired, the requirement for off street parking is waived." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Nineteen of July 30, 2012.]

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to expand enforcement of the prohibition on Cambridge pick-ups by non-Cambridge cabs not specifically called to Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Thirty-three of July 30, 2012.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]

4. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 15, 2012 to discuss the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinances by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 25, 2012. Planning Board hearing held May 1, 2012. Petition expires Aug 13, 2012. Referred to Special City Council Meeting of Aug 6, 2012 at 7:30pm together with Committee Report #2 and 5 of July 30, 2012.
No action was taken. The petition will be allowed to expire.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $81,500,000 to provide funds for architectural design, construction and other associated costs of the King School project. The question comes on adoption on or after Aug 13, 2012.

12. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office, transmitting an amended report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on June 27, 2012 to continue discussion on the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinances by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. Referred to Special City Council Meeting of Aug 6, 2012 at 7:30pm together with Committee Report #2 and 5 of July 30, 2012.
No action was taken. The petition will be allowed to expire.

13. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on July 25, 2012 to continue discussion on the petition of Forest City/MIT to amend the Zoning Ordinances by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street and further to provide for the potential development of a residential building on Sidney Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Green Street. Referred to Special City Council Meeting of Aug 6, 2012 at 7:30pm together with Committee Report #2 and 5 of July 30, 2012.
No action was taken. The petition will be allowed to expire.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Minga Claggett-Borne in opposition to Forest City biolab proposal.

2. A communication was received from Joyce Singer, 524A Franklin Street regarding Forest City.

3. A communication was received from Joan Abrams regarding Forest City.

4. A communication was received from Paul Steven Stone regarding a one-year moratorium on up-zoning.

5. Two communications were received from Margaret Myers, 31 Chalk Street requesting the City Council to vote no on Forest City.

6. A communication was received from Nita Sembrowich 209 Putnam Avenue in opposition to the Forest City zoning petition.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting the following documents:
   • Communication from Assistant City Manager Brian Murphy transmitting the original Forest City housing commitment letter from 1988;
   • The Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District (CRDD) Affordable Housing FAQ; and
   • The Cambridge Revitalization Development District Affordability Requirements.
Full text of these documents (HTML)    Original (scanned PDF)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Aug 6
3:00pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an overview from Community Development Department of the Grand Junction Rail with the Trail Feasibility Study of 2006 and to discuss the actions the city can make towards its construction.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on the MIT nuclear reactor.  (Sullivan Chamber)
7:30pm   Special City Council Meeting to take action on the pending zoning petition filed by Forest City.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Aug 8
5:00pm   The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss implementation of a plan for separate trash or recycling curbside pickup for small businesses along existing curbside routes.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 13
5:30pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss security cameras.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)

12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)

12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)

12-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass and on the abilities of universities and other organizations to close off property owned by them but enjoyed by the public.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-6)

12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)

12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)

12-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what additional measures could be taken to improve the amount of municipal green purchasing by city government, including at the school department.
Mayor Davis, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/19/12 (O-4)

12-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the proposal by Global Oil LLC will impact Cambridge. Referred back by Councillor Cheung for a report on 5/21/12.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-10)

12-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on legal requirements for public notices and meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/02/12 (O-2)

12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)

12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)

12-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a city-wide department answering service.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/14/12 (O-4)

12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)

12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)

12-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a ban on trucks transporting hazardous materials through the City.
Councillor Cheung 05/21/12 (O-5)

12-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the condition of Avon Street and Shepard Street between Walker and Garden Streets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-7)

12-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accepting payment at parking meters via credit card.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-9)

12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)

12-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how increases in student loans might impact Cambridge students.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-11)

12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)

12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)

12-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Willow Street shooting.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-18)

12-77. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on organizing a youth-focused community forum to discuss issues related to the shooting on Willow Street.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-1)

12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)

12-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the construction of the Cambridge Street Overpass.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)

12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)

12-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing an initiative similar to the Boston Meter Program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-11)

12-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adopting the local option set forth in "The Valor Act."
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-12)

12-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process that insures the public way is maintained when sidewalk obstruction permits are renewed each year.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-13)

12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)

12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)

12-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City plans to maintain grade separated bikeways and keep them free from sand, branches and other debris.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)

12-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing speed-control measures at the corner of Tremont Street and Gardner Road.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-2)

12-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-5)

12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)

12-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on final full cost to attend the BIO2012 Conference and promote Cambridge and the contacts and possible new endeavors and city partnerships identified through this event.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-7)

12-93. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of supporting the concept of human-powered bicycle cabs operating within the city limits.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-8)

12-94. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on sponsoring and promoting International PARK(ing) Day on Sept 21, 2012.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-9)

12-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a Pavement to Parklet program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-10)

12-96. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of the effectiveness of the Back of the Sidewalk Tree Planting Program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-11)

12-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the incident at the Cambridge Gateway Inn on July 5, 2012.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-12)

12-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing an appropriate sign indicating entrance into the City of Cambridge from the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-13)

12-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on statistical information regarding enforcement citations for loud motorcycle mufflers, car radios and the City's plan to address these issues.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-16)

12-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether emails to Councillors either through the City email or to their personal accounts may be shared with the general public.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher & Councillor Reeves 07/30/12 (O-18)

12-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the goals formed by the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee last term have been translated into practice in the City administration.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-29)

12-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how sequestration would effect municipal finances and the finances of human services organizations that partner with the City.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-30)

12-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a short summary on how CDBG grants have been used over the past few years in the City, with a list of completed projects, jobs created and the overall impact on the community.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-31)

12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)

12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)