Cambridge City Council meeting - Sept 9, 2013 - AGENDA
RECONSIDERATION
1. A communication was received from Susan Carter, 41 Holden Street transmitting two petitions requesting that the curb cut for 93 Kirkland Street be denied.
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a three year term effective Aug 12, 2013:
Kerry Ranjilian Gough
Kim T. Nghiem, PsyD
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following persons as member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a three year term effective Aug 12, 2013:Kerry Ranjilian Gough
Ms. Gough, who has lived in Cambridge for 7 years, has a range of experience in mental health counseling, having worked with children and families, and with HIV/AIDS adult clientele, while also working as a business systems analyst at Harvard. She has experience facilitating difficult conversations and mediating disputes and has broad experience in working with diverse populations around challenging issues.Kim T. Nghiem, PsyD
Ms. Nghiem, a first generation immigrant who came to the US with her parents from Vietnam, has lived in Cambridge for 8 years and works part-time as a Staff Psychologist at the Cambridge Health Alliance as well as in private practice as a clinical consultant, working primarily with clients from various Asian communities. Her resume and experience reflect an interest in immigrant human rights issues.Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-07, regarding a report on the feasibility of making videos of City Council general and committee meetings downloadable by the public.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-07, regarding a report on the feasibility of making videos of City Council general and committee meetings downloadable by the public, IT Director Mary Hart reports the following:The IT Department has implemented the feature which allows streamed video to be downloaded. The meetings held in the Sullivan Chamber in July that were filmed, streamed and archived are available for download. Meetings held in the Sullivan Chamber that are filmed by 22 CityView and streamed will have this feature going forward. All archived streamed video promoted on the Cambridge Live City Webcast page are in the process of being updated to incorporate this feature and should be available by the first Council meeting in September.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-10, regarding a report on the progress of the Eastern Cambridge Kendall Square Open Space Study.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-10, regarding a report on the progress of the Eastern Cambridge Kendall Square Open Space Study, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy reports the following:
A study committee appointed by the City Manager in spring 2013 has begun working with the Community Development Department to create a comprehensive plan for the network of open spaces and public spaces in the vicinity of Kendall Square and Eastern Cambridge.
There have been two study committee meetings in May and July of 2013 as well as a walking tour of the area in June. The next study committee meeting is anticipated to take place in September 2013. The study committee will continue to meet regularly for about a year, in addition to larger community meetings throughout the process.
The City is also in the process of retaining a consultant to work with the study committee, staff and community to coordinate a planning and design competition for the open space network plan. The final plan will be used to guide the design of new public open spaces in the area, as well as make recommendations on connections, operations, wayfinding and programming for the entire open space network.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-05, regarding a report on the City enrolling in the Earth Hour Challenge for 2013.
Referred to Environment Committee - vanBeuzekom
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-14, regarding sink holes at Land Boulevard at McGrath Highway and at Cambridge Street and Oak Street.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-15, regarding creating a short term task force that will consider drafting a municipal ordinance related to outdoor lighting.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-15, regarding creating a short term task force that will consider drafting a municipal ordinance related to outdoor lighting, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy reports the following:
Exterior lighting is customarily allowed in Cambridge, and helps to promote safety and appropriate use of outdoor spaces after dark. However, excessive lighting can have negative impacts on abutters, in terms of light trespass and glare, and on the environment, in terms of light pollution and energy usage. In their discussions related to the Teague petition, the City Council, Planning Board and Community Development Department supported the need to assess the customary characteristics of light fixtures and ensure the negative impacts are mitigated.
The City Manager will appoint a task force to work with City staff and a lighting consultant to evaluate existing standards, offer guidance for the creation of a new ordinance, propose new regulatory approaches if needed, and develop enforcement mechanisms. The proposed task force will comprise representatives from City departments, including Community Development, City Solicitor’s office, Electrical Department, Inspectional Services, License Commission, and Police, along with Cambridge residents, property owners, and business representatives.
The task force will consider existing Cambridge lighting standards, as well as concerns raised in the Teague Zoning Petition. In connection with the consultant’s efforts, the task force will review industry standards and technology innovations that can address environmental, safety, and economic concerns. Finally, proposed enhancements to Cambridge lighting standards will be evaluated from a legislative and compliance perspective to recommend best practices for implementation in both existing and future fixtures and developments.
It is our goal that the task force and consultant will begin work in October 2013 and endeavor to finalize recommendations at the beginning of 2014.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-01, regarding a report on exploring measures that could enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and enforcement of traffic laws in the area surrounding the Cambridge Common, including dangerous crossings at the intersections of Garden at Waterhouse Streets and Massachusetts Avenue and Wendell Street.
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to relative to the appropriation of a Public Safety Answering Point Emergency Communications Leadership Scholarship Grant funded from the State 911 Department for $10,000 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Salaries and Wages account ($2,743) and to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account ($7,257) and will support the participation of the Emergency Communications Department supervisor at a communications center manager course in Kansas City, Missouri.
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $75,000 from General Fund Cable Television Salary and Wages account to the General Fund School Salary and Wages account to cover the costs of an Educational Access Program Manager position.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $18,650 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide mini-grants to artists, arts organizations and community groups in Cambridge. Mini-grants awarded through the Arts Council are made through a competitive grant application and review process established by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $234,888 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ Green Communities grant program to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used for design and replacement of air handling units at the Senior Center and connection of these units to the buildings energy management system.
12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the First Literacy grant in the amount of $14,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($13,782) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($218) which will provide an ESOL class with a focus on civic education and participation for Community Learning Center students as well as to cover program salaries and educational supplies.
13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Civic Education Grant for $115,753 funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult and Community Learning Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary & Wages account ($110,027), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,426), and Travel and Training account ($300) which supports ESOL/Civic Education classes provided by the Community Learning Center and will cover a portion of the staff salaries, the purchase of related educational and office supplies, as well as conference expenses for staff to attend in state conferences.
14. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Agenda for Children’s Talk and Read grant in the amount of $4,209 received from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($3,709) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500) and will provide funds for the Agenda for Children’s Talk and Read program.
15. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Senior Men’s Support Group grant for the Council on Aging in the amount of $500 received from the Cambridge Public Health Commission to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account and will used to provide support to men in the form of speakers/facilitators skilled in meditation with a goal of reducing stress in their life and approach difficult situations with calm.
16. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of $20,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($19,665) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($335) from the Herb and Maxine Jacobs Foundation which will provide support for Bridge Program advising and coaching, advising for the ESOL/Certified Nursing Assistant Program, and education and career advising for other CLC students.
17. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of $3,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($2,963) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($537) which will support the Bridge to College Program.
18. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $47,974 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Election Salary and Wages account to cover the cost of salaries for special election primary to be held on Oct 15, 2013 and a special general election to be held on Dec 10, 2013 to fill the vacancy of Representative Edward J. Markey.
19. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $37,485 to the Grant Fund Election Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to special elections to cover non-salary related costs of a special election primary to be held on Oct 15, 2013 and a special general election to be held on Dec 10, 2013 to fill the vacancy of Representative Edward J. Markey.
20. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Public Safety Answering Point Emergency Communications Center Support (PSAP Support) Grant funded from the State 911 Department for $301,330 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Salaries and Wages account ($209,830) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($91,500) which will support certain Emergency Communications dispatch personnel costs, the overtime costs of quality control review services by EC Supervisors, to fund additional development costs for the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and the purchase of replacement headsets and other dispatch equipment.
21. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant funded from the State 911 Department for $65,774 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($28,426.75), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($12,347.25) and the Travel and Training account ($25,000) which will support training to dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department by covering the cost of attending training courses, fees for conferences and training courses, as well as software maintenance costs.
22. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Popper-Keizer, et al Zoning Petition.
Referred to the Petition - Maher
23. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Craig Kelley Petition as proposed (Flat Roofs/Rainwater Separation).
Referred to the Petition - Maher
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Urge all dispatch businesses operating via mobile phone application, website or SMS text messages that are now eligible to obtain a dispatch association permit, including Uber Technologies, to complete the Dispatch Association Permit Application. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Eleven of July 29, 2013.]
Place on file under Rule 19 - no action taken
2. That the City Manager is requested to set up a $20,000 one-year Build Neighborhoods Fund from Community Benefits funds. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Sixteen of July 29, 2013.]
Order withdrawn by unanimous consent
3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and the Finance Department to explore the feasibility of the establishment of a City of Cambridge Storm Water Utility. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor vanBeuzekom on Order Number Eighteen of July 29, 2013.]
Place on file under Rule 19 - no action taken
4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the rationale and thought process of the License Commission on the proposed increase of liquor license fees prior to the change taking effect. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Twenty of July 29, 2013.]
Adopted
ON THE TABLE
5. 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.]
6. 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.]
7. 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.]
8. 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.]
9. 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.]
10. 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.]
11. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible. [Order Number Two of Mar 18, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 18, 2013.]
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-29, regarding a report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers. [City Manager Agenda Number Two of Apr 1, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 1, 2013.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from David Sullivan requesting permission to widen an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 287 Huron Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.
2. An application was received from Ian Jackson requesting permission to widen and existing curb cut at the premises numbered 138-140 Jackson Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
3. An application was received from Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the 17th Annual Family Literacy Fun Day at City Hall on Sat, Nov 2nd from 10:30 am-2:30 pm.
4. An application was received from Josh Newbury requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 349 Mount Auburn Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Sandra Gizzi transmitting thanks for acknowledging her mother Carol Scurini.
2. A communication was received from Patricia Hart and family transmitting thanks for honoring John.
3. Sundry communications were received regarding public toilets on the Cambridge Common.
4. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding restaurants.
5. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding applying for work in the government of Cambridge.
6. A communication was received from Department of Public Utilities transmitting notice of a hearing taking place on Sept 17, 2013, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at One South Station, 5th Floor, Boston regarding proposed regulations pertaining to Notification of Vegetation Maintenance Activities for Transmission Rights-of-Way.
7. A communication was received from Jennifer Lee regarding the Connolly Net Zero zoning petition.
8. A communication was received from Emily Fletcher regarding the Connolly Net Zero zoning petition.
9. A petition was received from Peter Parise, et al. requesting the City to investigate and remove the noise nuisance generated by the EZ Ride buses operating in the Brookline Street area.
Referred to City Manager
10. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street transmitting an article from the "Boston Globe" regarding unnecessary lighting becoming a form of home invasion.
11. A communication was received from John Sanzonee, 540 Memorial Drive transmitting a map of the Grand Junction Path.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Anna Mary (Rodrigues) Arabia. Councillor Toomey
2. Recognizing and thanking Mimi Huntington for the many contributions she has made to Cambridge and the theater scene in the Boston area in her role as founding Artistic Director of the Nora Theatre Company. Mayor Davis
3. Congratulating Jameela Pedicini, who will serve as Harvard Management Company’s first vice president for sustainable investing. Mayor Davis
4. Resolution on the death of Professor David Honick. Councillor Cheung
5. Congratulating Avery Rimer on the showing of "Halfway Somewhere Else" at the 22nd Annual Woods Hole Film Festival. Councillor Cheung
6. Congratulating Nara Logics for being recognized for its state-of-the-art cloud-based neural network by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
7. Congratulating Maria Agui Carter on the showing of "Rebel" at the 22nd Annual Woods Hole Film Festival. Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulating The Possible Project on the occasion of the opening of their second site and thanking them for the invaluable services they provide to Cambridge high school students. Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulating Dr. Paul Allen on being named chief quality officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance and wishing him continued success in his new position. Councillor Cheung
10. Welcoming Greg Dracon as the newest partner of .406 Ventures. Councillor Cheung
11. Resolution on the death of Virginia Gross. Councillor Cheung
12. Resolution on the death of Pat (Donovan) Bondelevitch. Councillor Cheung
13. Congratulating Jebbit for being recognized for its state-of-the-art advertising model by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
14. Supporting "An Act relative to double poles". Councillor Cheung
14. Happy 100th Birthday wishes to Edna M. Egan. Mayor Davis
15. Get well wishes to Marvin Albin. Councillor Cheung
16. Resolution on the death of Frederick Williams Jr. Councillor Toomey
17. That the City Council support a letter urging legislature to stop fracking in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Barbara (Ward) Armstrong. Vice Mayor Simmons
18. Resolution on the death of Robert "Bobby" P. Coleman. Councillor Maher
19. Resolution on the death of Madeline Royster. Councillor Maher
20. Encourage all Cambridge residents to participate by buying local during Local Economy Week on Sept 23-29, 2013 and throughout the year. Councillor Cheung
21. Congratulating CrashPad for their successes in the Greater Boston area thus far and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
22. Congratulating Chairwoman Dorothy Hudson and the Syria Court Temple #10 Daughters of Isis on recently hosting their very successful 41st Annual Senior Luncheon. Vice Mayor Simmons
23. Congratulating 1369 Coffee House for winning the title of Best Coffee House in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
24. Congratulating Belly Wine Bar for being recognized in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
25. Congratulating Cafe Sushi for winning the title of Best Sushi in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
26. Congratulating Craigie on Main for winning the title of Best Brunch in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
27. Congratulating America Dural for winning the title of Best Antiques in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
28. Congratulating Bon Me for winning the title of Best Food Truck in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
29. Congratulating Cambridge Common for winning the title of Best Restaurant in Porter Square in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
30. Congratulating Area Four for winning the title of Best Restaurant in Kendall Square in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
31. Congratulating the Brattle Theatre for winning the title of Best Independent Movie Theatre in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
32. Congratulating The Comedy Studio for winning the title of Best Comedy Club in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
33. Congratulating The Curious George Store for winning the title of Best Toy Store in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
34. Congratulating East by Northeast for winning the title of Best Prix Fixe in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
35. Congratulating Formaggio Kitchen for winning the title of Best Cheese Shop in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
36. Congratulating Harvard Book Store for winning the title of Best Reading Series in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
37. Congratulating Chef Jason Bond of Bondir for winning the title of Best Chef in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
38. Congratulating Lizzy’s for winning the title of Best Frappe in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
39. Congratulating Dickson Brothers True Value for winning the title of Best Hardware in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
40. Congratulating Evelyn and Angel’s for winning the title of Best Chocolate in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
41. Congratulating Forty Winks for being recognized in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
42. Congratulating Helmand for winning the title of Best Middle Eastern /Central Asian Restaurant in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
43. Congratulating Lanes & Games for winning the title of Best Bowling Alley in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
44. Congratulating Didriks for winning the title of Best Home Accessories, Tabletop in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
45. Congratulating Flat Top Johnny’s for winning the title of Best Pool Hall in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
46. Congratulating Green Street for winning the title of Best Restaurant in Central Square in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
47. Congratulating Hungry Mother for winning the title of Best Restaurant in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
48. Congratulating Leather World for winning the title of Best Luggage in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
49. Congratulating Local Root for winning the title of Best Kitchen Supplies in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
50. Congratulating Oleana for being recognized in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
51. Congratulating The Sinclair for winning the title of Best Music Venue, Small in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
52. Congratulating Wet Paint Nail Spa for winning the title of Best Manicure in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
53. Congratulating Michael Pearl for winning the title of Best Author in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
54. Congratulating Park Restaurant & Bar for winning the title of Best Restaurant in Harvard Square in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
55. Congratulating Toscanini’s for winning the title of Best Ice Cream in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
56. Congratulating New Deal Fish Market for winning the title of Best Fish Market in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
57. Congratulating Punjabi Dhaba for winning the title of Best Indian Restaurant in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
58. Congratulating T.W. Foods for winning the title of Best Romantic Restaurant in Boston Magazine’s 2013 Best of Boston awards. Councillor Cheung
59. Congratulating Acceleron Pharma for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
60. Congratulating Nicole Wright and the entire Dishcrawl team on their first Harvard Square Dishcrawl. Councillor Cheung
61. Welcoming Veebop’s Ice Cream as a new vendor to the City of Cambridge’s Riverfront Mobile Food Program and wishing them continued success for the future. Councillor Cheung
62. Welcoming Bon Me as a new vendor to the City of Cambridge’s Riverfront Mobile Food Program and wishing them continued success for the future. Councillor Cheung
63. Welcoming Pennypackers as a new vendor to the City of Cambridge’s Riverfront Mobile Food Program and wishing them continued success for the future. Councillor Cheung
64. Welcoming Baja Taco Truck as a new vendor to the City of Cambridge’s Riverfront Mobile Food Program and wishing them continued success for the future. Councillor Cheung
65. Welcoming Life Force Juice as a new vendor to the City of Cambridge’s Riverfront Mobile Food Program and wishing them continued success for the future. Councillor Cheung
66. Congratulating ImpulseSave for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
67. Resolution on the death of James L. Toschi. Councillor Maher
68. Resolution on the death of Thomas Allen Wagner Jr. Councillor Maher
69. Retirement of Donna Daniels from the School Department. Mayor Davis
70. Retirement of Janice Henry from the School Department. Mayor Davis
71. Retirement of Kathleen Pilarski from the School Department. Mayor Davis
72. Retirement of Carlo Spinosa from the School Department. Mayor Davis
73. Congratulating Constellation for being featured for their efforts to fight skin cancer and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
74. Congratulating Gregory Matthews on being named a board member of On The Rise and wishing him continued success in his new position. Councillor Cheung
75. Congratulating Dashbell for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
76. Thanking President Obama for recognizing the lasting contributions and achievements of Bayard Rustin by posthumously awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice Mayor Simmons
77. Observing National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Vice Mayor Simmons
78. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth J. "Betty" Buono. Councillor Toomey
79. Wishing Rebekah Gewirtz and Andrew Kuller best wishes and congratulations on their marriage. Councillor Decker
80. Congratulating Kelly Bates for her past accomplishments with Access Strategies Fund and best wishes in her new role as founding Executive Director of the Elma Lewis Center for Civic Engagement, Learning and Research at Emerson College. Councillor Decker
81. Congratulating Reverend Leslie K. Sterling for being installed as permanent Priest-in-Charge at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Vice Mayor Simmons
82. Resolution on the death of Donna A. (Parris) Johnson. Councillor Maher
83. Resolution on the death of Kevin P. Hogan. Councillor Toomey
84. Resolution on the death of Dolores (Mello) Solano. Councillor Toomey
85. Congratulating Dave and Jan Lewis on their recent marriage. Councillor Cheung
86. Congratulating Reverend Brenda Ann Brown for being installed as permanent minister at Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church. Vice Mayor Simmons
87. Wishing all Cambridge grandparents, in the hopes that they all enjoyed a national Grandparents Day. Vice Mayor Simmons
88. Condolences to the family of Reverend Charles Ernest Harvey. Vice Mayor Simmons
89. Congratulating Jane Kenworthy Lewis on being appointed Acting Clerk of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Vice Mayor Simmons
90. Retirement of George Fosque from the Emergency Communications Department. Mayor Davis
91. Congratulating Jennifer Miles and Ned Deny for organizing the 6th Annual Hydrocephalus Walk. Councillor Maher
92. Congratulating the participants of Divest Harvard for their efforts to encourage sustainable and socially responsible business practices at Harvard University. Councillor Cheung
93. Declaring Sept 28, 2013 as the 20th Anniversary of National Public Lands Day. Mayor Davis
94. Congratulating Mount Auburn Cemetery for its upcoming dedication of the Katherine "Kittie" Knox Monument upon the African American Heritage Trail. Vice Mayor Simmons
95. Resolution on the death of Florence V. (Clinton) Kotowski. Councillor Maher
96. Resolution on the death of Gertrude E. (Robinson) Kenney. Councillor Maher
97. Resolution on the death of Jean Marie "Jeannie" Griffin. Councillor Maher
98. Congratulating the late Leslie "Les" Kimbrough for being named as Special/Distinguished Contributor at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
99. Congratulating coaches Frank McCarthy and Maria DiClemente, who are being recognized for their outstanding work in 1982, to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
100. Congratulating Bishop Wendy Rose Toons on her 10th Anniversary as Bishop. Vice Mayor Simmons
101. Thanking DJ ON&ON for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
102. Thanking DJ Ill Neil for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
103. Thanking DJ Nomadik for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
104. Thanking DJ Val Beatz for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
105. Thanking DJ LeahV for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
106. Thanking DJ Bruno for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
107. Thanking DJ MOE DEE for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
108. Thanking DJ Frank White for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by playing at the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
109. Thanking DJ Claude Money for supporting our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
110. Thanking Leaf for their support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
111. Thanking Denise Jillson for her support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
112. Thanking Josh Bhatti for his support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
113. Thanking David Day for his support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
114. Thanking Tina Stanton for her support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
115. Thanking Tito Jackson for his support of our region’s LGBT youth population by coordinating the Hometown DJ Throwdown event. Councillor Cheung
116. Resolution on the death of Derrick Steven O’Neill. Councillor Cheung
117. Congratulating Ruth M. Aaron on being named Interim Executive Director of CASPAR, Inc. Vice Mayor Simmons
118. Resolution on the death of John J. Riley, Jr. Councillor Maher
119. Resolution on the death of Elliott P. Koerber. Councillor Maher
120. Congratulating Dr. Mildred B. Hines on becoming the President of the leading body of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Vice Mayor Simmons
121. Congratulating StarStreet for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal and wishing them continued success in all future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
122. Congratulating the 1973 Rindge Tech Boys Basketball Team for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
123. Resolution on the death of Marlene A. Adams. Vice Mayor Simmons
124. Resolution on the death of Joanne D. (Deluise) Cloran. Councillor Maher
125. Thanking Alexandria Real Estate Equities for the new parcel of open space in Cambridge and thanking them for celebrating the transfer of the park with neighbors. Councillor Toomey
126. Retirement of Richard Lauziere from the Police Department. Mayor Davis
127. Resolution on the death of Mary E. (Hall) Favreau. Councillor Maher
128. Resolution on the death of Salvatore J. "Sal" Rana. Councillor Toomey
129. Resolution on the death of Louise A. (Portentoso) Dwyer. Councillor Toomey
130. Congratulations to Cambridge Art & Frame on the occasion of their 5th anniversary and thanks to Andrew Montone for his commitment to the Cambridge community. Councillor Toomey
131. Congratulations to Paula Snow on being appointed Acting Director of Emergency Communications. Mayor Davis
132. Congratulations to Iram Farooq on being appointed Acting Deputy Director of the Community Development Department. Mayor Davis
133. Congratulations to Patty Chen’s Dumpling Room on the occasion of being featured on the cover of the Aug/Sept issue of Scout Cambridge. Vice Mayor Simmons
134. Congratulations to Moska Restaurant on the occasion of being featured in the most recent issue of Scout Cambridge. Vice Mayor Simmons
135. Congratulations to Plexx for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Mass High Tech Company to follow. Councillor Cheung
136. Congratulations to Reverend Roxie Coicou on being appointed Pastor of the Rush Memorial AME Zion Church. Councillor Cheung
137. Congratulations to Sand 9 for being recognized by the Boston Business Journal and best wishes for continued success. Councillor Cheung
138. Resolution on the death of Margaret (Coleman) Haas. Councillor Maher
139. Urge residents to participate in the "Strength, Science, and Stories of Inspiration" event on Sept 14, 2013 which benefits the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Councillor Cheung
140. Congratulations to Dina Mardell and David Sandberg on their purchase of the Porter Square Book Store. Mayor Davis
141. Thanks to the Masse family and the FX Masse Hardware Co. staff for their many years of exemplary service and assistance to Cambridge residents. Mayor Davis
142. Thanks to Corey Pilz of the Cambridge Consumer’s Council and the License Commission for his exemplary service to the Cambridge community and best wishes in his new position at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Mayor Davis
143. Congratulations to Molly Rothenberg and Clint Richardson on their recent marriage. Mayor Davis
144. Thanks to the Friends of the Grand Junction Path for their advocacy and determination to see the Grand Junction Multiuse Path become a reality. Councillor Toomey
145. Happy 94th Birthday wishes to Sheila Gamble Cook and thanks for her contributions to the Cambridge community. Councillor vanBeuzekom
146. Congratulations to the organizers of the Sixth Annual Hydrocephalus Awareness Walk and declare Sept 22, 2013 as Hydrocephalus Awareness Day in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Maher
147. Resolution on the death of Robert Snyder. Mayor Davis
148. Thanks to Sergeant Kathleen Murphy, Cambridge Police Department, for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and best wishes in her retirement. Mayor Davis
149. Congratulations to City Councillor Leland Cheung and his wife Yin Zhou on the birth of their daughter Lela Marie Zhou. Councillor vanBeuzekom
150. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Jimmy Parise. Councillor Toomey
151. Congratulations to Anthony Messuri for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
152. Congratulations to Dick Ragazio for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
153. Congratulations to Larry Stead for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
154. Congratulations to Karim Ben Saunders for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
155. Congratulations to Scott Cody for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
156. Congratulations to Michael Stiller for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
157. Congratulations to Che Santos for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
158. Congratulations to Thayer Plante for being named to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School’s Cambridge Athletic Hall Of Fame. Vice Mayor Simmons
167. Happy Birthday wishes to a special woman. Vice Mayor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the City Clerk, and other relevant departments as to meaningful and feasible ways that the City of Cambridge can improve effective communications with members of our community, including the use of closed captioning. Councillor Cheung
2. That the City Clerk schedule a roundtable/working meeting on Oct 28, 2013 between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss the coordination and administration of after school programs and activities. Mayor Davis
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner as to whether the City of Cambridge currently reports crime gun information to the E-Trace system and, if not, explore the feasibility of doing so. Councillor Cheung
4. That the City Council go on record urging the United States Department of Health and Human Services to hasten its efforts to reassess blood donation criteria to develop policy guidelines that best protect the health and civil rights of all American citizens. Councillor Cheung
5. The Dedication Committee has approved the application of the Downey Family for a street dedication. Councillor Maher
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Charles River Transportation Management Association to determine whether there is any way to lessen the noise pollution created by the EZRide Shuttle buses currently operating in Cambridge. Vice Mayor Simmons
Amended
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant staff about the language on bicycle signs at construction projects throughout Cambridge and have them replaced with signage that more accurately reflects cyclists rights to the road. Councillor Kelley
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant staff and report back to the City Council with a plan to review and adjust news box placement to ensure the general public’s access to the sidewalk is not unreasonably hindered. Councillor Kelley
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review the possible applicability of a platform program for outdoor cafe seating in Cambridge. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Reeves
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff about the possibilities of starting street cleaning at a later time in the morning. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Simmons
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on how the City plans to manage tree grates so that they are appropriately located and sized to provide protection to trees without choking them or creating pedestrian hazards as trees grow. Councillor Kelley
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council with the traffic accident statistics for the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Warren Street, and Cambridge Street. Councillor Toomey
13. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel on the feasibility of establishing an emergency City telephone hotline that residents can contact in times of emergency for timely and accurate information. Vice Mayor Simmons
14. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City Departments to review the safety issues associated with the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Cedar Street. Councillor Kelley
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff on the reasons the trees on Scott Street were damaged, what post-damage actions were taken and what procedures are in place to keep such unplanned damage from happening again on future projects. Councillor Kelley
16. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and MBTA officials about the possibility of installing temporary or permanent MBTA-bus bike racks in the City so that cyclists can practice using them in a safe and comfortable environment and will thus feel more confident in using them on operational buses. Councillor Kelley
17. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City Staff and MBTA officials to investigate the possibility of having buses or other large public vehicles available at large scale cycling events, such as Cambridge’s Bow-Tie ride, where drivers and safety professionals could help cyclists better understand the limitations of these vehicles and how best to safely share streets with them. Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Reeves
18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City and CPS staff about the usefulness of an "Open Right" campaign to prevent "dooring" to cyclists and how such a public awareness campaign might be implemented. Councillor Kelley
19. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Megan Johnson for a dedication sign in honor of Donna Johnson. Mayor Davis
20. That the City Council go on record urging the President of Cambridge College to assent to a meeting with representatives of the Cambridge College security officers and with members of SEIU Local 615 to discuss labor issues and that the City Council refuse to attend any events at Cambridge College until such time that a meeting has been scheduled. Vice Mayor Simmons
Withdrawn - Simmons
21. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Superintendent Jeff Young, the design team for the King School and the City of Somerville to arrange a tour of the newly opened East Somerville Community School. Councillor Toomey
22. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of Home Rule Petition entitled AN ACT PROVIDING THE RETIREMENT BOARD OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO GRANT CREDITABLE SERVICE TO KENNETH T. MUI, ANDREW TOPOUZOGLOU, STEVEN DEMARCO AND ANTHONY CACCIOLA. Councillor Toomey
23. That the City Council formally go on record urging Paul Ognibene of Urban Spaces LLC to meet with Shawn Nehiley, President of Iron Workers Local 7, to address labor concerns. Vice Mayor Simmons
Amended
24. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate the use of green colored pavement within bike lanes along major roadways and at key intersections, especially considering Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, Broadway, Huron Avenue, and Concord Avenue. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Amended
25. That the Cambridge City Council go on record as urging the members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Service to report favorably on Bill S. 1225, An Act Relative to Public Investment in Fossil Fuels. Councillor vanBeuzekom
26. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council and the Recreation Director is requested to consult with the family of Eitan Stern-Robbins regarding the memorial and further request that the family provide the City with information about Eitan Stern-Robbins to be included on the City's Dedication Map on the website. Councillor Maher
27. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the effects of the City policy relating to the sale of goods within the public and report back to the City Council with a liberalized policy for the sale of goods. Councillor Cheung
28. That the City Manager is requested to establish a committee to monitor the progress of the C2 Committee that will meet on a regular basis. Councillor Cheung
29. That the Government Operations and Rules Committee review "City sensitive resolutions" with a view in mind of devising a process whereby City sensitive resolutions shall be unanimously sponsored by the City Council and be sponsored by the Mayor, with the Mayor's name and title listed first. Councillor Maher
30. That the Government Operations and Rules Committee recommends that the City Council adopt the following policy: That congratulatory type resolutions received by the City Clerk's Office shall list the original sponsor prior to the City Council meeting and that at the City Council meeting the resolution be made unanimously sponsored on the floor. Councillor Maher
31. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee on whether the City Council can adopt a policy that resolutions be unanimously sponsored unless a City Councillor requests not to be listed as a sponsor. Councillor Maher
32. That the City Clerk pilot a program for thirty days, with the approval of the City Manager, for the services of a stenographer to record City Council meetings and that prior to the expiration of the pilot program the City Clerk report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee. Vice Mayor Simmons
33. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to describe the steps needed to do a Nexus Study and whether there is a way to expand who and what is covered by linkage, whether there is potential for additional revenue for community benefits from linkage, specifically if linkage was increased and the amount changed for housing could the difference be used for community benefits and whether there are any other sources of revenue that can be used for community benefits and the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter. Councillor Maher
34. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a working group, including members of the City staff, representatives of the nonprofit community and representatives of the community, to draft a framework of how community benefit funds could be distributed. Councillor Maher
35. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft home rule legislation on "rounding up for change." Councillor Cheung
36. That the recommendations of the Dedication Committee dated September 4, 2013 for the Lelio"Les" Marino, Eitan Stern-Robbins and Joseph and Mary Carceo dedications be approved. Mayor Davis
37. City Council support of "AN ACT RELATIVE TO DOUBLE POLES." Councillor Cheung
38. City Council support of the letter by Environmental Massachusetts urging legislators to stop fracking. Councillor Decker
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on July 23, 2013 to review recommendations for the best practices in supporting neighborhood groups and to determine best strategies going forward.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public meeting held on Aug 7, 2013 to discuss a public naming in honor of Eitan Stern-Robbins.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a public meeting held on July 30, 2013 to discuss assessing the current status of Central Square following the Central Square Advisory Committee’s non-zoning recommendations and exploring potential options to make the neighborhood a safer and more family-friendly area.
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on July 31, 2013 to examine the finances of various proposals for the future of the Foundry Building.
5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public meeting held on Aug 21, 2013 to discuss new meeting protocols as they relate to resolutions and policy orders and record keeping of the City Council Minutes.
6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public meeting held on Aug 7, 2013 to receive a brief update on community benefits from the nonprofit summit.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager, Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk and Alessandra Albano, Executive Assistant/City Council, The Dedication Committee transmitting their recommendations for dedications to the full City Council for approval.
2. A communication was received from Councillor Craig Kelley notifying the City Council he will not be in attendance at the City Council Meeting of Sept 9, 2013.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 23
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Sept 24
6:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on lessons learned as it pertains to the Monteiro case and to discuss how to ensure that the City effectively addresses employee grievances and concerns. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 30
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)
Tues, Oct 1
2:30pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to examine the finances of various proposals for the future of the Foundry Building. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss safety associated with tour bus parking, traveling and touring through Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Oct 10
3:00pm Roundtable/Working Meeting for the City Council to discuss the Mike Connolly, et al. net zero zoning petition. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 28
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss the coordination and administration of after school programs and activities. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 2
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, City Council, and Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities have a strong history of working to reduce and eliminate the barriers that people with disabilities experience in our community; and
WHEREAS: According to the United States Department of Justice’s Americans with Disabilities Act Guide for Small Towns, "Towns must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with members of the public, job applicants, and participants with disabilities are as effective as communications with others"; and
WHEREAS: Many Cambridge residents have expressed their desire to have more effective communications during full City Council meetings, including through the use of auxiliary aids such as closed captioning; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the City Clerk, and other relevant departments as to meaningful and feasible ways that the City of Cambridge can improve effective communications with members of our community, including the use of closed captioning, and report back to the City Council.
O-2 Sept 9, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Clerk schedule a roundtable/working meeting on Oct 28, 2013 between the City Council and the School Committee to discuss the coordination and administration of after school programs and activities.
O-3 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has repeatedly described crime gun tracing as a crucial component of its efforts to combat gun crime and illegal gun trafficking; and
WHEREAS: In an effort to ease the process by which law enforcement agencies can aid ATF in its effort to trace crime guns, the Bureau created "E-Trace", a free online gun tracing program that provides a convenient and easy way for law enforcement agencies to submit a crime gun’s make, model and serial number to an online database, allowing ATF to trace the gun from its manufacturer to its first retail purchaser; and
WHEREAS: ATF only traces guns that are a part of criminal investigations by law enforcement; and
WHEREAS: On July 23, 2013, Senator Dick Durbin introduced the Crime Gun Tracing Act of 2013 (S.1337) to promote the tracing of firearms used in crimes; and
WHEREAS: This bill will create a strong incentive for police departments to trace crime guns that are recovered through the use of the E-Trace system, and will ultimately lead to the apprehension of many more criminals as well as enhanced knowledge about broader crime gun trends and trafficking patterns; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner as to whether the City of Cambridge currently reports crime gun information to the E-Trace system and, if not, explore the feasibility of doing so; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting the Crime Gun Tracing Act of 2013 (S. 1337); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge’s legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City Council has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice and equality; and
WHEREAS: Since 1977, the United States Food and Drug Administration has enforced a harsh lifetime ban on blood donations from homosexual and bisexual men; and
WHEREAS: An estimated 50,000 healthy, willing male donors are restricted from donating blood because of their sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS: Such outdated and scientifically unwarranted policies have severe implications for the American people, both reducing critical blood supply that is necessary in periods of blood shortages and perpetuating inaccurate and offensive stereotypes against the gay and bisexual community; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren joined Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Mike Enzi, Representative Barbara Lee, and Representative Mike Quigley in writing a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to express concern with the progress of the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability evaluations of the current blood donation criteria for men, signed by eighteen senators and 64 House members; and
WHEREAS: The American Red Cross, American Medical Association, American Association of Blood Banks, and American’s Blood Centers have also expressed their support for a policy change; and
WHEREAS: By urging the United States Department of Health and Human Services to hasten its efforts to reassess blood donation criteria, the City of Cambridge will send a strong message that Cambridge will not support inequality, discrimination and prejudice against the LGBQT community from the federal government; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the United States Department of Health and Human Services to hasten its efforts to reassess blood donation criteria to develop policy guidelines that best protect the health and civil rights of all American citizens; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
O-5 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The Dedication Committee has approved the application of the Downey Family for a street dedication; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the corner of Huron Avenue and Vassal Lane be dedicated as Downey Square.
O-6 Sept 9, 2013 Amended
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Charles River Transportation Management Association to determine whether there is any way to lessen the noise pollution created by the EZRide Shuttle buses currently operating in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee.
O-7 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Bike signs at construction projects throughout Cambridge read "Bikes May Use Full Lane;" and
WHEREAS: Such signs incorrectly give many people the impression that bikes may only use the full lane in those locations where the sign stands; and
WHEREAS: Bikes may use the full traffic lane on most streets in Cambridge; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant staff about the language on these signs and have them replaced with signage that more accurately reflects cyclists rights to the road; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-8 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: News boxes have a right to be in various locations under our Country’s freedom of speech beliefs; and
WHEREAS: The placement and management of these boxes has led to sidewalks frequently being obstructed for pedestrian and bike rack access hindered for cyclists attempting to lock their bikes; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant staff and report back to the City Council with a plan to review and adjust news box placement to ensure the general public’s access to the sidewalk is not unreasonably hindered by them.
O-9 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Café seating on sidewalks can result in extended narrow stretches of sidewalks that can make it challenging for other users to enjoy the sidewalk as they walk or jog through Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Café outdoor seating does much to enliven Cambridge’s streets and make the City more vibrant; and
WHEREAS: Other cities, such as Montreal, have kept their sidewalks clear by having café outdoor seating take place on wooden platforms built adjacent to the sidewalk curb on parking spots; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review the possible applicability of such a platform program for Cambridge’s outdoor seating and report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-10 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Street cleaning starts at 8am, which requires people to move their cars beforehand, which is often before they would generally start driving in the morning; and
WHEREAS: It’s not clear why street cleaning could not start at 9am, by which point most people who are going to drive somewhere in the morning have already left; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff about the possibilities of starting street cleaning at a later time in the morning, such as 9am, and to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-11 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Tree grates protect the dirt around trees from getting overly compacted to the detriment of a tree’s health; and
WHEREAS: Tree grates can also start to choke a tree or get bumped up off the ground as the tree grows, with negative impacts on both the tree and pedestrian safety; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on how the City plans to manage tree grates so that they are appropriately located and sized to provide protection to trees without choking them or creating pedestrian hazards as trees grow.
O-12 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council with the traffic accident statistics for the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Warren Street, and Cambridge Street.
O-13 Sept 9, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In the days immediately following the Boston Marathon bombing, and in the wake of a violent weekend in Cambridge last June, it became apparent that the City needs to improve upon its existing outlets for broadcasting and distributing timely and accurate information to its residents, in order to keep people safe, well-informed, and to ensure that false information does not have an opportunity to take hold and spread; and
WHEREAS: Over the past several years, the City has made great strides in creating systems for distributing information and broadcasting emergency alerts. This includes the establishment of an official City Facebook page, Twitter feeds for various City departments, alerts posted on the City’s webpage, and the Cambridge Alert Network, which allows residents to sign-up for emergency alerts; and
WHEREAS: The individual city councilors also each have their own Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and email lists to broadcast important information to their constituents in times of emergency; and
WHEREAS: Despite these many informational outlets, there is still room for improvement, and residents have recently reported some confusion as to which outlet to turn to when an emergency strikes and time is of the essence; and
WHEREAS: Communities such as New Palz, NY and Fairfax, VA, as well as several university campuses across the country, have established emergency telephone hotlines that residents can call at any hour of the day to hear recorded announcements about breaking events, citywide emergencies, road closings, inclement weather warnings, and so forth; and
WHEREAS: These emergency hotlines, when properly advertised to the community, have the advantage of providing all residents with an easy way of obtaining timely, accurate information, bypassing the need to search through various departmental Twitter feeds and Facebook posts, as well as the stress of figuring out which outlet is most likely to have the information being sought; and
WHEREAS: Such an emergency hotline would be equally friendly to tech-savvy individuals and to those who do not own or have access to a computer; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel and to then report back to the City Council on the feasibility of establishing an emergency City telephone hotline that residents can contact in times of emergency for timely and accurate information.
O-14 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cars entering and exiting Cedar Street from Massachusetts Avenue turn across pedestrian walk signals; and
WHEREAS: The site lines between Linear Park and Southbound Massachusetts Avenue on the West Side of this intersection are very poor; and
WHEREAS: Vehicular turning movements at this intersection create situations where pedestrians, runners and cyclists, often coming at fairly high speeds from Linear Park, think they can cross safely while drivers think they can turn without being aware of the potential conflicts; and
WHEREAS: These conflicts are especially pronounces with the right hand turn from Massachusetts Avenue onto Cedar Street because it is a very gentle right turn that does not require drivers to slow very much prior to turning; and
WHEREAS: It is important that all people moving through an intersection, regardless of what transportation mode they represent, understand what other travelers are likely to do and that traffic signals and intersection design work to minimize confusion and conflicts; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City Departments to review the safety issues associated with the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Cedar Street and report back to the City Council on them and, if relevant, plans to alleviate noted safety concerns.
O-15 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: A number of trees on Scott Street were damaged by contractors doing sidewalk work to the point where the trees had to be removed; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City Staff and report back to the City Council on the reasons these trees got damaged, what post-damage actions were taken and what procedures are in place to keep such unplanned damage from happening again on future projects.
O-16 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: MBTA buses frequently have front-mounted bicycle racks; and
WHEREAS: It’s often intimidating for cyclists to put a bike on a MBTA bus-rack for the first time when the bus is operational and carrying passengers; and
WHEREAS: Practicing using these bike racks helps cyclists understand how to use them on operational buses; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and MBTA officials about the possibility of installing temporary or permanent MBTA-bus bike racks in the City so that cyclists can practice using them in a safe and comfortable environment and will thus feel more confident in using them on operational buses.
O-17 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There is often conflict between cyclists and buses, garbage trucks and other large vehicles; and
WHEREAS: This conflict may be minimized by allowing cyclists a hands-on opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of these vehicles and see how limited the driver’s fields of vision are, to include the views using the rear view mirrors and also how cyclists may not be as visible as they think even if they are in the driver’s field of vision; now be it therefore;
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City Staff and MBTA officials to investigate the possibility of having buses or other large public vehicles available at large scale cycling events, such as Cambridge’s Bow-Tie ride, where drivers and safety professionals could help cyclists better understand the limitations of these vehicles and how best to safely share streets with them; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-18 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There is evidence that drivers who open their door with their right hand rather than their left hand are less likely to door cyclists (http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2013/08/one-simple-tip-could-save-cyclists-life/6683/); and
WHEREAS: "Dooring" is a major hazard to cyclists in Cambridge where many bike routes and bike lanes have cyclists traveling alongside and within the ‘door zone’ of parked cars; and
WHEREAS: A public education campaign, both City-wide and aimed at Driver Education programs (to include those offered through CRLS), emphasizing a message such as "Open Right, Save a Life" could help drivers change their door opening habits and lead to less danger from dooring; and
WHEREAS: Such a campaign might include public service notices on City signs outside of City Hall, fliers passed out with parking stickers, videos on City TV or the City’s website and signage such as the ones the motorcycle safety "Look Twice, Safe a Life" program offers; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City and CPS staff about the usefulness of an "Open Right" campaign and how such a public awareness campaign might be implemented and to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-19 Sept 9, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Megan Johnson for a dedication sign in honor of Donna Johnson; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review and approval.
O-20 Sept 9, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has an excellent reputation as a community that values all of its workers, and that promotes the notion that every worker should be treated with dignity and fairness, and that every worker should be paid prevailing wages and given access to affordable health care coverage and safe working conditions; and
WHEREAS: It has recently come to the City Council’s attention that Cambridge College has not been receptive to the requests of its security officers and their allies within SEIU Local 615, who have sought a meeting to discuss better working conditions, prevailing wages, and the right to bargain collectively; and
WHEREAS: Representatives for the security officers of Cambridge College have been seeking a meeting with the President of Cambridge College to discuss these issues, and have thus far been unable to establish an open line of communication with the President’s Office; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record urging the President of Cambridge College to assent to a meeting with representatives of the Cambridge College security officers and with members of SEIU Local 615 to discuss these labor issues; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council shall refuse to attend any events at Cambridge College or patronize this institution until such time as it has been confirmed that this meeting has been scheduled or has taken place; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Deborah C. Jackson, President of Cambridge College, and Jeb Mayes, Acting Political Director of SEIU Local 615, on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-21 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Superintendent Jeff Young, the design team for the King School and the City of Somerville to arrange a tour of the newly opened East Somerville Community School.
O-22 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled:
AN ACT PROVIDING THE RETIREMENT BOARD OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO GRANT CREDITABLE SERVICE TO KENNETH T. MUI, ANDREW TOPOUZOGLOU, STEVEN DEMARCO AND ANTHONY CACCIOLA ; WHICH READS AS FOLLOWS:
Be in enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the Retirement Board of the City of Cambridge shall credit Kenneth T. Mui with creditable service for the period of July, 1997 to May, 2005, Andrew Topouzoglou with creditable service for the period of May, 1999 to May, 2005, Steven DeMarco with creditable service for the period of July, 1990 to April, 1993 and Anthony Cacciola with creditable service for the period of May, 1999 to June, 2000, inclusive for the purpose of determining their superannuation retirement allowance pursuant to paragraph (a) of subdivision (2) of Section 5 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws. Before the date that any retirement allowance become affective in the case of Kenneth T. Mui, Andrew Topouzoglou, Steven DeMarco and Anthony Cacciola, each shall pay into the annuity savings fund of the retirement system of the city in 1 sum or installments, upon such terms and conditions as the board may prescribe, an amount equal to that which would have been withheld as regular deductions from their regular compensation for such previous service, plus interest.
O-23 Sept 9, 2013 Amended
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council’s attention that there is an ongoing labor dispute focused upon Urban Spaces LLC. Representatives of Iron Workers Local 7 have charged Urban Spaces LLC with hiring out-of-state contractors to work on construction projects in Cambridge, rather than hiring Cambridge residents who are members of the skilled building trades, in order to reduce costs maintain costs while ensuring safe and productive jobs and a highly trained local workforce; and the reinvestment of earned income in local businesses, a natural result of such a practice; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a long and proud tradition of affirming that all who are willing to work hard to support themselves and their families should be adequately compensated and treated fairly and respectfully, and this community has also long-affirmed that a business should never attempt to cut costs on the backs of its employees; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has repeatedly gone on record urging that developers doing business in Cambridge hire from among our local pool of skilled contractors, as this ensures that the project will be conducted by highly-trained professionals, it ensures a high standard of safety protocols for the workers and for the surrounding neighborhood, it ensures a quality end-product, and it helps fuel the local economy; and
WHEREAS: Given the tenure and length of this labor dispute, it is hoped that Urban Spaces LLC is willing to meet with representatives of Iron Workers Local 7 to air any grievances and concerns, in the hopes that this matter can be amicably resolved in a manner consistent with the City’s principles and traditions around fair employment practices; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in urging Paul Ognibene of Urban Spaces LLC to meet with Paul Lynch, Business Manager of Iron Workers Local 7, and Shawn Nehiley, President of Iron Workers Local 7, to address the concerns that have been raised; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Paul Ognibene, Paul Lynch and Shawn Nehiley on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-24 Sept 9, 2013 Amended
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The bicycling infrastructure for the City of Cambridge is critical in that it allows individuals to travel and commute throughout the city in a sustainable and healthy way while reducing motorized vehicle traffic; and
WHEREAS: A growing list of cities are using bright green colored pavement that is slip-resistant and long lasting to make on-street bike lanes more visible; and
WHEREAS: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has given approval for the use of this paint as a way to regulate, warn, and guide traffic in areas where bicyclists and traffic have conflicting movements on the roadway, especially through congested areas and across intersections; and
WHEREAS: The Federal Highway Administration experiments with the use of green colored pavement showed that bicyclists and motorists both have a positive impression of the effect of the green colored pavement, with bicyclists saying that they feel safer when the green colored pavement is present, and motorists saying that the green colored pavement gives them an increased awareness that bicyclists might be present and where those bicyclists are likely to be positioned within the traveled way; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to evaluate the use and maintenance issues of green colored pavement within bike lanes along major roadways and at key intersections, especially considering Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, Broadway, Huron Avenue, and Concord Avenue; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this topic.
O-25 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: One of the expressed goals of the Cambridge City Council is to "promote a healthy community and environment to advance Cambridge as a leader in public health and environmental sustainability"; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts now has the chance to be the first state in the union to divest from fossil fuels by supporting favorable reporting of Bill S. 1225, An Act Relative to Public Investment in Fossil Fuels; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council supports the principle of fossil fuel divestment; and
WHEREAS: A special Joint Committee on Public Service hearing of this bill will occur on Sept 10, 2013; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Service to report favorably on Bill S. 1225, An Act Relative to Public Investment in Fossil Fuels; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this order to members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Service and the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.
O-26 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That a suitable memorial to honor Eitan Stern-Robbins be installed at the Franklin Street Park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council and the Recreation Director be and hereby is requested to consult with the family of Eitan Stern-Robbins regarding the memorial and further request that the family provide the City with information about Eitan Stern-Robbins to be included on the City's Dedication Map on the website.
O-27 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the effects of the City policy relating to the sale of goods within the public way; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a liberalized policy for the sale of goods.
O-28 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish a committee to monitor the progress of the C2 Committee that will meet on a regular basis.
O-29 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee review "City sensitive resolutions" with a view in mind of devising a process whereby City sensitive resolutions shall be unanimously sponsored by the City Council and be sponsored by the Mayor, with the Mayor's name and title listed first.
O-30 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee recommends that the City Council adopt the following policy:
That congratulatory type resolutions received by the City Clerk's Office shall list the original sponsor prior to the City Council meeting and that at the City Council meeting the resolution be made unanimously sponsored on the floor.
O-31 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee on whether the City Council can adopt a policy that resolutions be unanimously sponsored unless a City Councillor requests not to be listed as a sponsor.
O-32 Sept 9, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Clerk pilot a program for thirty days, with the approval of the City Manager, for the services of a stenographer to record City Council meetings; and be it further
ORDERED: That prior to the expiration of the pilot program the City Clerk report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee.
O-33 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to describe the steps needed to do a Nexus Study and whether there is a way to expand who and what is covered by linkage, whether there is potential for additional revenue for community benefits from linkage, specifically if linkage was increased and the amount changed for housing could the difference be used for community benefits and whether there are any other sources of revenue that can be used for community benefits; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-34 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a working group, including members of the City staff, representatives of the nonprofit community and representatives of the community, to draft a frame work of how community benefit funds could be distributed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the framework contain proposed criteria, including, but not limited to:
Cambridge servicing nonprofits
Serving low income residents
Local versus city-wide needs be defined
Debt reduction or capacity building grant criteria.
O-35 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft home rule legislation on "rounding up for change."
O-36 Sept 9, 2013
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the recommendations of the Dedication Committee dated Sept 4, 2013 for the Lelio"Les" Marino, Eitan Stern-Robbins and Joseph and Mary Carceo dedications be approved.
O-37 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: According to the Massachusetts State Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, there are an estimated 30,000 doubled-up utility poles throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Double poles are created when utility companies attach a new pole to a portion of an existing utility pole when it is damaged or no longer usable; and
WHEREAS: Because double poles often pose safety hazards and are unsightly, state law (Ch. 164, Sec. 34B) requires utility companies to remove double poles within 90 days, but the law lacks an enforcement mechanism; and
WHEREAS: H. 2952, "An Act relative to double poles", would give cities and towns the authority to enact a local ordinance or bylaw that would prohibit double poles beyond 90 days and subject a fine of not more than $1,000; and
WHEREAS: On April 22, 2013, the City Council passed a policy order from the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee that provided the Electrical Department with comprehensive access to the database that utilities and telecommunications companies use to coordinate pole transitions; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record publicly supporting "AN ACT RELATIVE TO DOUBLE POLES"; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-38 Sept 9, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Environmental Massachusetts, a statewide, citizen support environmental advocacy organization, is calling for local leaders to sign onto a letter urging legislatures to ban hydraulic fracturing (otherwise known as "fracking") from coming to Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: One of the major consequences of fracking is toxic wastewater which contaminates the surrounding area, endangering nearby residents and releasing pollution in the landscape; and
WHEREAS: Toxic fracking wastewater has been shown to be laced with cancer-causing and radioactive materials; and
WHEREAS: Local communities who allow this drilling practice to take place will inevitably be faced with its harmful impacts which include ruined roads, added health care costs, damage to farms and other property, and strains on local services; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the letter by Environmental Massachusetts urging legislators to stop fracking; and be it further
RESOLVED: Legislators in Vermont took this step in 2012 - and Cambridge has a chance to be an example in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and herby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Anna Vanderspek (Environment Massachusetts) on behalf of the entire City Council.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To review recommendations for the best practices in supporting neighborhood groups and to determine best strategies going forward.
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: July 23, 2013 at 4:09 PM
Location: Sullivan Chamber
ATTENDEES
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Richard Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
John Ferrante; Gary Dmitry, 2440 Mass. Avenue; Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place; Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street; Julian Cassa, 109 Windsor Street; Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street; Dan Schwartz, 41 Tremont Street; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place; Marge Amster, Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association; Cathie Zusy, Cambridge Neighborhood Association; Liz Layton, Area Four Coalition; Nadeem Mazen, 73A Magazine Street; Lee Farris, Area Four Coalition; and Jonathan King.
MINUTES
Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He stated that there will be a presentation by John Ferrante from Northeastern. The purpose of the meeting is to explore how the City can best support recognized official neighborhood associations (NAs) in the city. There are several NAs in the City that have many useful organizing and planning techniques. He explained that the City lacks current information about some NAs. It is his desire for all NAs to function productively and to find out what the City can do to better support NAs.
John Ferrante gave the presentation entitled Co-cre@tive C@mbridge (ATTACHMENT A). He explained the goal was to determine how Cambridge can increase civic engagement and develop collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. He explained that the group had lengthy discussions with representatives from the Community Development Department and the Police Department. Furthermore, the group explored the practices of other cities to determine best practices from across the nation. Lastly, the group reviewed the City’s list of organized neighborhood associations, which revealed that the NA contact information was not kept up to date. There are a lot of opportunities that exist. The NAs throughout the City have different goals and means of communicating. It is clear that different stakeholders need to be brought together. There is a need for a two-way conversation between the City and NAs. Lines of communication have been severed. He defined co-creation as tools, strategies and
partnerships that enhance the two-way flow of government information and the participatory experience of its citizens. He stated that NAs and community based organizations (CBO) should be evaluated for their best practices for their organization and activities, establish a framework for official NA recognition, develop partnership with the City Council, City departments, City Council and then co-create new tools. There are six guidelines for collaborative partnerships between NAs and the City and the City Council. They are:
Be clear on the goals
Internal leadership is critical
Utilize local talent and resources
Foster coordination and cooperation
Develop and document clear plans
Monitor and celebrate success.
It is important to publicize we are working together to get more people involved in the process. He highlighted potential ideas. He spoke about the possibility of a local app, volunteer exchange, local events being posted on a local calendar and sharing ideas about the best practices. Going forward the city is moving forward with an open data ordinance. Strong NAs are needed and future conversation needs to begin on this.
Councillor Cheung spoke about what apps could be used across the City, as NAs are in different spots. He has been more successful in communicating with some NAs than with others. It is important to have an active NA; a step back is being taken to look at the framework in place.
Mr. Cassa asked what the definition of CBO is. Mr. Ferrante answered a CBO is any organization that did not designate a specific location.
Councillor Cheung turned to his agenda (ATTACHMENT B). How does Cambridge support NAs and how do NAs organize themselves? When Northpoint was an idea, the East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) discussed it, prepared a plan in advance, and was sure to be available when the developer was ready. Councillor Cheung read the three topics for discussion.
Ms. Ryan spoke about it being important to develop relationships with City departments and sometimes the NA has different interest with the City departments. She liked the concept of co-creation. Mr. Rossi commented how does the City respect the differences and move forward. Councillor Cheung responded that this can happen if a basic framework is in place.
Ms. Farris suggested that it is useful to have a unified calendar when all NAs meet. This would be helpful to City staff. How can NAs help each other? She wanted the NAs to be connected.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that what is powerful is how the NAs are different from each other. The NA members are all volunteers and there is fluidity. All NAs are different and having them standard is not a good idea. Councillor Cheung stated that differences should be respected.
Ms. Amster stated that there is an active listserv and that she is concerned about misinformation that can be distributed through this means. She suggested better communication from City Hall with the list serve.
Councillor Cheung stated that there should be standards. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that we need to start somewhere; there may be one percent representation in neighborhoods. Mr. Cassa stated that there are NAs that represent no group. Moving forward we do not want this to happen. He recommended subgroups in neighborhoods.
Mr. Williamson stated that the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee became important because if a developer was developing something in neighborhood the developer was sent by the Community Development Department to the NA. He spoke about an organized group concerned with zoning on Massachusetts Avenue. He urged caution about what recognition should be. No one should be excluded. Why does it matter to have a more organized NA? This is worth thinking about.
Mr. Yarden stated that one of the important pieces of data is historical data. The North Cambridge Stabilization Committee and ECPT have a historical significance. It is important to study the history of a NA over a period of 30 years. Specific groups have organized themselves that already had a NA around a certain issue. Some of these groups were successful organizations for a specific cause. The history of neighborhood groups and their actions with businesses and developers and City departments is important. Other data that is useful and not available is the availability of housing and family housing. Councillor Cheung stated that NAs have had positive impact but how do we encourage more NAs to become active participants? How can Cambridge support NAs? What are the challenges for interaction, meeting space, etc? What support do NAs need to be successful?
Ms. Farris suggested that the City publicize a neighborhood meeting a couple of times a year. A newsletter would be helpful. She does not want City staff help to tell NAs how they should do things. She suggested an annual feedback where the City has helped an NA. Mr. Rossi stated that he has no interest in City departments telling NAs how to do things. The City gets negative pushback when names are put out to the public. The City will work on a better communication system, which will include who the liaison will be, but not be a part of the NA governance. Councillor Cheung commented that the goal is to try to build on the success of NA. Common factors of success need to be figure out.
Mr. Kaiser stated that item IA, website hosted by the City, needs to be avoided. He stated that NA need technical assistance, but do not get involved in the political issues. Mr. Cassa stated that the NAs lack technical expertise. The City could buy a platform that allows NAs to have their own website. Any liaison or web product could be owned by a NA and be put on the City side. Councillor Cheung stated that the intent is for the City to have a platform and add names or logos for NA. Mr. Rossi would need to know the cost. An alternative is to work with CCTV because of the level of confidence. He does not want the City to be the host. Councillor Cheung stated that he likes the City being the destination builder.
Ms. Zusy stated that NAs see themselves as a neighborhood conduit. Our key function is to inform the citizenry on what is important to the neighborhood. She suggested that the City make a presentation on topics important to the neighborhood.
Councillor Cheung asked Mr. Murphy if the NAs invite the City in. Mr. Murphy replied that this is done. Mr. Rossi suggested that somewhere down the line the City could be broken up into N-E-S-W and bringing City staff in to find out what are the issues. Ms. Zusy spoke about the creation of a community bulletin board that lists meetings. This would be helpful and be informative. Councillor Cheung spoke about a unified calendar.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked Mr. Rossi if there is there a way to integrate NA meetings into the City calendar. Mr. Rossi replied that this information is only as good as the input. If it is simple, there may be a product to add meetings to the City calendar. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that Area 4 meets every Thursday and they are on the calendar. Mr. Rossi stated that time is needed to process this request. Councillor vanBeuzekom meetings are listed but you need to click the meeting to see the agenda.
Mr. Williamson spoke about levels, specifically identifying liaisons for the neighborhoods of the City and allocates resources to certain neighborhoods. The CHA has a tenant liaison; they are independent, but get support from paid staff. The next level is planning. He asked if NA could have staff where a planner is designated to the NA. This could be used to help to plan the vision.
Councillor Cheung asked Mr. Murphy about neighborhood planners. Mr. Murphy responded that he wants to explore if there is different way to do planning. Neighborhood planning is being invigorated.
Mr. Cassa spoke about a calendar. He wants to have a calendar that is accessible. This is easy and low cost. He commented that the Planning Board meeting space at 344 Broadway is inadequate. He spoke about the need for meeting space for residents.
Ms. Amster spoke about difficulty her NA is having with the City calendar. Can there be a way to highlight when there is an issue that may be of interest of certain NA? Mr. Cassa spoke about communication from the City to NAs. He stated that NAs would like to know about upcoming events that may be of importance. Ms. Farris suggested making the calendar helpful for NAs and to make the NA color-coded. The NAs have to look up City streets that are in that particular neighborhood. She wanted the streets identified in a NA on particular items. Mr. Rossi suggested having a list for signatures if people want to be notified for meetings in their neighborhood.
Mr. Yarden spoke about climate change and the citizenry of a well-governed City. Cambridge is known for the high-level of knowledge of its residents. We as residents can offer expertise to the city. He cautioned about over-organization.
Mr. Kaiser questioned the word "recognized" by City. Why should the City recognize any group? Then you have recognized and unrecognized groups. Councillor Cheung commented that NAs are listed and recognized by the City. Mr. Ferrante stated that recognition creates conflict. The process must be inclusive. If there is a problem in this neighborhood the City could reach out to communicate to that neighborhood.
Mr. Mazen stated that there have been good ideas for calendars mentioned. How can these ideas be implemented and tested? What systems are in place that follows a meeting like this? Mr. Rossi stated that he wants to move this along. As this committee report comes out, City staff will identify issues. There is a tradition of independence with these organizations; he wants to respect this. If it is possible to use CCTV he will look into this. Mr. Mazen spoke about how nimble technology can be. Mr. Rossi stated that he would welcome a conversation and listen to ideas. Mr. Murphy stated that he would be happy to be part of the conversation.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated her support for NAs and recognized the need for meeting space. She would like to think about space as part of the community benefits. She would like to bring back the police grants for the block parties. Councillor Cheung stated that money from the state was eliminated for block parties. Mr. Rossi stated that this would be a good use of mitigation money.
Councillor Cheung wanted to identify space in neighborhoods that can be used for meeting space. Ms. Ryan stated that finding space is time consuming. It would be great to have space identified in the neighborhood. Ms. Ryan stated that should and could need to be changed to can. She would work to develop an online guide for NAs. She would like to foster this in other NAs. Councillor Cheung asked what some of the best practices are that would go into the guide. Ms. Ryan responded constantly building relationships, communication mechanism, e-list, and regular sergeant meetings. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that a best practice is having regular meetings and very few NA have them. Ms. Farris added providing food at meetings, meeting notes, rules, facilitator, agendas, note takers, clear rules about communication, easy way for new resident to find the NA, where they are located and a clear definition of leadership requirements of NAs. The City could reach out to the NA when there is an issue.
Mr. Rossi spoke about Danehy Park Day and setting up tables for NAs such as signup sheets to promote the organization and ask for suggestions for the NA. The City will be glad to help.
Mr. Kaiser commented on item IIA regarding internal conflicts - get negotiated agreement so that there is no face-to-face conflict. He felt the other conflict is the City departments, especially the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Planning Board. He wanted to make sure that the City departments know that there are problems and open up the conversation for resolution.
Mr. Cassa stated that best practices helps transition to the recognition of a NA. Councillor Cheung suggested including in best practices is there a minimum set you have to elect for leadership and the NA must meet at least two times a year.
Mr. Cassa stated that NAs need meeting space. This is important. The bare minimum should be accessible space. He spoke about using libraries for meeting space. If there is a new library there should be meeting space and there should be a history of NAs. Mr. Cassa regarding item IIF he suggested a poll, survey or open questions on the types of projects that NAs should undertake. He further stated that NAs need access to a projector, free wireless, and a tablet. There should be a minimum needs package for NAs. There is a need for two-way communication - technology makes this available. There is no dialogue between businesses and NAs. He likes the idea of a Welcome Package. He spoke about Alerts; some are not appropriate and go out to the neighborhoods. An understanding to what it takes to get something done and how long it takes. When you use best practices, things get done.
Ms. Farris stated that best practices are minimum meetings per year, requiring NAs to post meetings and get in touch with leadership, notify CCTV, put a notice in Chronicle, print flyers and leave at businesses and organization locations, help with cost and labor.
Ms. Amster stated that the Cambridgeport Association struggles with item IIG, NA being representative of the entire neighborhood on an issue. A small subset of NG comes to the meetings. Mr. Cassa spoke about 6-12 for board members. Money needs to be dedicated for a minimum set for NA as well as outreach and awareness. He stated that the City did not do a good job with Central Square. He requested additional bullet board space.
Mr. Dmytryk spoke about the issue if it is an organization or not an organization. What is the issue - should there be more coordination.
Ms. Layton noted that although Area 4 Coalition is well organized, better outreach could be done about the locations were the meetings are held. She wants more facilitated conversation that has nothing to do with the political campaign seasons.
Councillor Cheung questioned what the minimum level of organization is.
Mr. King spoke about the problem of citizens participating and having their positions ignored. Citizens mobilize themselves and the City agencies do not respect the citizens.
Mr. Kaiser sees us in a new age; the City has a new City Manager. He likes Mr. Rossi’s constructive attitude. There are neighborhoods with more than one NA and there is no conflict. Mr. Cassa stated that he is in favor of multiple groups, but they must be under one umbrella.
Councillor vanBeuzekom commented that it is a new day and time for a fresh start. She spoke about City View - this is a way to highlight two NAs in each issue.
Councillor Cheung thanked those present for their attendance. He will organize the issues. He thanked Mr. Ferrante and the team at Northeastern University.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councillor Cheung the meeting adjourned at 6:05pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee
Committee Report #2
Government Operations and Rules Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To discuss a public naming in honor of Eitan Stern-Robbins
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: Aug 7, 2013 at 9:32am
Location: Ackermann Room
ATTENDEES
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Richard Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Paul Ryder, Recreation Director; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
Jeffrey Robbins, father of Eitan Stern-Robbins
MINUTES
Councillor Maher opened the meeting and explained the purpose. A communications was received from Lise Stern and Mayor Davis submitted an order to the City Council on Apr 8, 2013 to look at the life of this young man and his impact on the Cambridge community. Eitan, a lifelong resident graduated from CRLS in 2012. At CRLS Eitan worked on the Youth Involvement Committee of the Kids’ Council. Eitan attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida and passed away unexpectedly at school on Feb 14, 2013 from epilepsy. Eitan loved the community and was active in youth issues. It is fitting to find a way to honor his memory. Mayor Davis has known family for many years. Councillor Maher invited Eitan’s father to address the committee. Mr. Robbins read a memorial about Eitan which addressed his work with the youth involvement committee. Eitan was also involved with the home rule to change the voting age. His dad stated that although Eitan wasn’t a big supporter of the cause,
he took his leadership role seriously and advocated for the proposal. He loved Cambridge and warm weather, which is why he attended school in FLA.
Mr. Jeffrey Robbins read a statement from a Co-Chair of the Youth Involvement Subcommittee about Eitan’s influence in the Youth Involvement Subcommittee and the impact on the subcommittee with the loss of Eitan (ATTACHMENT A). Mr. Robbins stated that he would appreciate anything that would memorialize Eitan.
Mayor Davis stated that the Franklin Street Park is the proposed site that is being looked at. Mr. Ryder stated that the Franklin Street Park, a passive park, was redone five years ago and it has a climbing structure.
Councillor Cheung stated that he wanted to do more than simply place a name in the park. He suggested using Codes or a website so that friends can post stories about Eitan.
Ms. Albano informed the committee that with the new dedication process she keeps the backup information so that it is available. Mr. Rossi suggested creating a memorial in the park so that the information could be available to the public. Vice Mayor Simmons stated there are only so many parks in the city and was fearful that this could be the start of a trend. Mayor Davis commented that the way the signage is done is important. Mr. Ryder explained that in another park location a park bench was recently dedicated and a memorial plaque was installed. Mayor Davis stated that in Marblehead many benches have memorial plaques. The Mayor went on to say that it may be appropriate in this location to have a bench or some other park feature named in memory of Eitan.
Ms. Peterson stated that there is now a dedication map and this information is on the website. Mr. Rossi added that in the past parks were reserved for dedication to members of the military.
Vice Mayor Simmons suggested that going forward maybe a policy could be instituted to dedicate other articles and list the criteria for the dedication process. Councillor Maher stated that in passing the current new policy the Dedication Committee will only do street corners and any other request would be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Government Operation Committee. There is a high threshold for this process. Ms. Peterson stated that in some instances the dedication of benches has been paid for by the family. She also cited that Louise Weed donated $50,000 for a park upgrade on Raymond Street in memory of her parents.
Ms. Albano stated that Eitan’s mother had specifically referred to the Franklin Street Park as a possible site to honor her son.
Councillor Maher made the following motion:
ORDERED: That a suitable memorial to honor Eitan Stern-Robbins be installed at the Franklin Street Park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council and the Recreation Director be and hereby is requested to consult with the family of Eitan Stern-Robbins regarding the memorial and further request that the family provide the City with information about Eitan Stern-Robbins to be included on the City’s Dedication Map on the website.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councillor Maher the meeting adjourned at 10am.
For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair
Government Operations and Rules Committee
Committee Report #3
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To discuss assessing the current status of Central Square following the Central Square Advisory Committee’s non-zoning recommendations and exploring potential options to make the neighborhood a safer and more family-friendly area.
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: July 30, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Location: Sullivan Chamber
ATTENDEES
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor Craig Kelley; Richard Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Steve Williams, Superintendent of Police; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Iram Farooq, Zoning and Land Use Project Planner, CDD; Lisa Hemmerle, Director, Economic Development, CDD; Chris Basler, Project Planner, Economic Development Division, CDD; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; Penny Peters, Assistant to Mayor Davis; Rebecca Rutenberg; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
Mairi Staples, Neighborhood Nine; Carol Weinhaus, Neighborhood Nine; Eli Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association; Gary Dmytryk, 2440 Mass. Avenue; Kathleen Knisely, Cambridge YMCA; Stephen Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street; Kristen Lynch, Central Square resident; Susan Fleischmann, CCTV, 5 St. Mary’s Street; Nick Iselin, Twining Properties; Heather Nelson, Neighborhood 12 Committee; Rachel Gurthes, Central Square; Seth Tanner, Central Square; John Hawkinson; Robin Lapidus, Central Square Business Association (CSBA); Beth Benas; Nadeem Mazen; Lori Jobe, Central Square resident; Esther Hanig, Central Square Advisory Committee; Loryn Sheffner, C2 Advisory Committee; Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Terry Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Charlotte Hopkins, St. Paul’s AME Church; Kathryn Brown, Forest City; Saul Tannenbaum; Don Summerfield, 237 Franklin Street; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson
Place; Gavin Kleespies, Cambridge Historical Society; Lee Farris; Patrick Vabeke, KW Cambridge; Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street; Ethan Seiderman; Kate G.; Sam Seidel; and George Metzger.
MINUTES
Councillor Cheung opened the meeting and stated the purpose. Brian Murphy directed the attention of the attendees to the June 19, 2013 report from CDD on the progress of the Central Square non-zoning recommendations submitted by the Central Square Advisory Committee (ATTACHMENT A) and asked Ms. Farooq to give an overview of the contents.
Ms. Farooq stated that the recommendations have two parts: the zoning recommendations and the non-zoning element which includes public space, retail, cultural and non-profit diversity, connecting people to the square, environmental issues, municipal parking lots, monitoring public benefits and traffic and transportation issues. The recommendations are designed to achieve the vision and the goals set forth by the C2 Committee and the preceding Red Ribbon Commission. Ms. Farooq first addressed the goal of improving existing public spaces through enhanced programming, improved adjacent uses and physical improvements. She spoke about the recommendation that the Post Office sidewalk could be utilized as an extension of the City Hall Square. Because this area is currently being used as a Hubway station, it may not be the best public space. The Pickpocket landscapers are looking at this space. Regarding Carl Barron Plaza, CDD is working with CSBA and the adjacent property owners and brokers to educate all on how best to use the public space by introducing more event programming. A public meeting is being planned by CDD to discuss this. She stated that long term redesign is a big investment. The improvements may not justify the capital cost. The CSBA has been actively engaged in programming. Permission to sell merchandise requires approval from Public Works and the City Council. There has been an effort to put carts in Carl Barron Plaza which is a hurdle.
Ms. Farooq reported that at Jill Brown-Rhone Park, the Arts Council has been attempting to get interactive art in this area later in the year. Proposals have been received from the artists. This art is moveable and can be relocated to elsewhere in the City. There is a move to connect University Park Commons better to Massachusetts Avenue. This space has had events in this area, and will continue to host public and neighborhood events. The Taste of Cambridge was held in this area. Massachusetts Avenue is being targeted as a major public space with the introduction of public art and performances to support the Central Square Cultural District.
Creating new outdoor public space is a long term goal. Novartis’ open space and 300 Massachusetts Avenue is going through its permitting process and will have a pocket park. Blanche Street will be a connector. Cronin Park on Western Ave is a conceptual design.
CDD has also explored the potential for new connections in the Osborn Triangle by incorporating new green elements into any new street connection between Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue as well as considering incorporating ground floor retail, visible from Massachusetts Avenue and Main Street as part of the connection. Ms. Farooq noted that restaurants have outdoor seating which is located on the sidewalk between two rows of trees, and these areas can be used as parklets. Parklets offer short to medium term opportunities for high-impact, low investment public space.
Indoor public space will happen with property redevelopment. The Central Square Branch library location is being considered to be moved closer to Central Square with a focus on technology, arts and culture. In the event of the redevelopment of the parking lot that is currently used for the Farmer’s Market, it will be accommodated at or near its current site. CDD will work with any interested business or organization to enable their assistance in programming appropriate use of public spaces.
Ms. Farooq then addressed priority streetscape and active edge improvement, noting that the uses adjacent to the public realm are a long-term goal. CDD hopes to develop and adapt buildings to include active ground floor uses and install green biowalls or public art where parking structure walls abut the sidewalks. Dead trees in front of FLOUR will be addressed in the fall. She noted that there are several challenges with the use of technology-based ideas for signage in bus shelters to provide transit information to the public.
Ms. Farooq then addressed the goal of fostering retail, cultural and non-profit diversity. Central Square was one of the first cultural districts in the Commonwealth and this should be promoted. Public art installation is a way to enhance this. Central Square is a the home to many events including Central Swing, Worlds Fair, Together Festival, Dance Complex, and Halloween festival. The concept of a Business Improvement District (BID) came up in the committee’s work, which would be a mechanism to enable sharing of resources and to expand management and funding capacity for initiatives such as marketing, cultural/community events, communications and tenating support, fielding "ambassadors" in the Square, etc.
The committee also expressed the need to consider expanding free public WiFi in Central Square and whether this is feasible. Some feel that public WiFi may be passé. If there was public WiFi it might be difficult for cafés to manage their public WiFi capability. Central Square has less vacant store fronts than other areas. The CSBA has worked hard to provide opportunities for pop-up stores or public art. The CSBA and the Arts Council are great partners to fill vacant store fronts.
Ms. Farooq addressed the need to support local businesses with retail space. The Economic Development division of CDD works hard to make this connection. Tour buses have stopped in Central Square. Walking, biking and non-mobile transit modes are used. A Transit Advisory Committee has been established and will be the City’s think tank on transportation and will help the city to enhance bus service. LED conversion is being embarked upon by the City for all street lights. Cobra heads will be first converted. Temple Street/Bishop Allen drive will be a test area for enhanced lighting. The lighting of the Green Street Garage has been changed.
The enforcement of traffic ordinances is a big issue and is ongoing. It was recommended that the City work with MBTA on bus operation. The Millennium Forest City mitigation will fund the study ($50,000). Parking meter payment by credit card has occurred. The Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department is analyzing the feasibility of implementing a service to allow people to pay their parking meter by phone.
Ms. Farooq addressed the recommendations surrounding municipal parking lots, noting that it is a medium- to long-term goal. It is important to look at parking lots as significant assets and there are a series of priority uses including public space, mixed income housing, public art, and affordable retail space. Ms. Farooq also addressed the monitoring of public benefits. All zoning letters of agreement are on the CDD website and special permits are available on the special permit page.
Councillor Cheung thanked all the members of the Central Square Advisory Committee. Mr. Murphy stated that CDD looks forwarding to engaging in the improvement of Central Square. The City will put money for funding programming for Central Square.
Councillor Cheung questioned what the prioritization will be. What is the governance structure and who will make sure that these ideas are continuously being worked on. When will we say that we accomplished the short term goals? Mr. Murphy stated that CDD works with other departments to set time horizons and provides the City Council with periodic updates. Councillor Cheung stated that he is interested in the public being informed. He wanted goals and the status of goals on the website to keep the public informed.
Councillor Reeves suggested an ongoing group to make sure that goals are being carried out. These groups must contain members of the public as well as the City departments. An official should be on the committee. He spoke about his recent trip to New York to tour how public space is programmed. Bryant Park had a yoga class, orchestras, restaurant, bocce, kids and adult board games, public bathrooms and fresh flowers. The process must be kept lively. This does not come for free, but must be creative. Councillor Cheung asked if CSAC devised a structure to monitor this process. There is a need for an ongoing committee. The C2 committee coalesced as a committee. The executive summary was organic and done by the C2 committee members.
Councillor Kelley asked about benches in Central Square. This needs to be addressed. Bike parking was not mentioned only bike corrals. The City needs to manage abandoned bikes. Tree wells should be filled in if they cannot be planted. Sidewalks are tight for some of these uses. He would like to see the parking spaces pulled versus the sidewalk.
Councillor vanBeuzekom commented that there needs to be a plan with a check list in place or this will not work. Rather than remove tree wells she suggested creating raised beds for the trees. The condition of trash cans was not mentioned. Rodents have eaten through liners and the cleaning schedule needs to be more frequent. Restrooms and competing use on the sidewalk needs to be addressed also.
Councillor Reeves summarized the benches committee to enhance Central Square. There was a citizens committee to improve the square and there was a budget for this work and the public wanted benches positioned as couches. It was acceptable for people to lie down on the benches. Over the years the benches have become controversial. It is unfortunate to be part of the planning without being involved in the execution. The true elephant in the room is that Central Square will never improve unless there is a BID (Business Improvement District). More management of the sidewalk life is needed. The business community and the property owners have an obligation to work with the City. MIT must be asked to take a significant role in Central Square, because it has the financial help needed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At 6:10pm Councillor Cheung opened public comment.
Heather Nelson, C2 Committee, spoke about public intoxication in Central Square. Steve Williams stated that homeless outreach officers are focused in Central Square and in Harvard Square. The officers are aware of the areas where public drinking occurs and the police are concentrating on these areas.
Lori Jobe, 23 Essex Street, stated that she cannot believe that public intoxication has not been addressed more. The wet shelter is one of three in the state. This is one of the main issues for the public and local businesses.
Don Sutherland, 237 Franklin Street, walks through Carl Barron Plaza and people try to sell him drugs. He stated that the City cannot limit who uses Carl Barron Plaza, but he does not feel safe in Central Square.
Elizabeth Bennett expressed that she does not feel safe in Central Square. She stated she has seen drug deals in broad daylight. This is an issue that must be handled.
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, expressed the need to specifically address heroin use, wet shelters and the problems associated with the use of heroin.
Kate G stated that Cambridge families are concerned with bringing children into Central Square because of the drinking. People need to be out of the wet shelters at 6:30 AM. The answer is not to criminalize those who use the wet shelter, but to help them.
Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, commented that there have been eight or nine studies similar to C2 in the last 30 years that have explored the same issue because the wet shelter has been here for 50 years. This problem is not new and the solution being presented is not new. This will not be solved until there is funding to address drug addiction. She suggested looking at Alvin Thompson Plaza, which also has benches. Debris is thrown on Church property. If the indoor meeting space is not controlled and locked up, it will become an indoor shelter. The physical design of Carl Barron Plaza has changed three times, but we will still have Alvin Thompson Park. She has seen domestic violence issues in this plaza.
Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, stated that the problem of drug addiction is an issue of lost souls who are self medicating. She does not like this. There is a Supreme Court decision about anti loitering law. Shutting down the wet shelter will only move the problem to a different area or community.
Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, spoke about public drunkenness. She feels Central Square is safer now. Drunkenness does not impact you the same way that getting robbed does. There are no wet shelters in Boston, but there are still drunkards in Boston. Programming will dilute the problem. The City should do what it can do. She favors increasing programming in Central Square, but she does not think that a BID is what is needed. She wants control of the programming to remain in the hands of City staff. She favored larger land owners contributing to the upkeep of Central Square.
Seth Tanner, Norfolk Street, stated that he has found urine on his outdoor walls. He feels that the garbage pails should be increased in Central Square. Drug use will increase in the future. He suggested that to corral the drinking, the City should provide a funded and supervised place to drink. There is a market for selling drugs that attracts low income individuals.
Terry Smith, 21 Manassas Avenue, stated that although Central Square has physically changed, it is safer and less risky than it previously was. There are a lot of trash cans in Central Square. People walking through the Square seem to avoid using trash cans, instead choosing to throw trash on the sidewalk. This can only be changed by changing the frame.
Councillor Cheung stated that people do not feel safe walking through Central Square. The City wants to provide safety and have an inviting place. He spoke about alcoholics and drug users and how easily they are released if incarcerated.
Councillor Reeves stated that the situation in the Central Square can be addressed. Time Square had a worse situation and it has been remedied. Change can happen. He suggested visiting the Workbar in Central Square. This investment of large property owners is done through the BID. New York has 60 BIDs; DC has 9 or10 BIDs. What we do have can be fixed.
Ms. Nelson asked if there is any way to curtail the sale of nips. Councillor Reeves responded that this has been discussed over the years. As long as nips are sold anywhere, they will be purchased.
Eli Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, stated that the oral presentation by Ms. Farooq is being ignored in this meeting. He noted that the discussion and much of the leaves out the reality of the people who live there. He stated that Central Square has always been an exciting place. If the present is treated in a certain way it may affect the future. The bricks are hard to walk on and they are filthy. In civilized places, streets are clean. Central Square is a transportation hub. There should be someone with a broom making sure the area is clean. He spoke about public toilets. The problem is poverty. Deal with poverty. There is no vision.
Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that the issues presented are non-zoning and this is risky. He addressed transportation and environment. You cannot look at transportation without zoning. The City has taken the initiative with the Transit Advisory Committee. Central Square has traffic, pedestrian and transit problems. Safety data is not discussed and there is no solution. There are several abandoned bikes in Central Square - MIT has this problem with the students. He suggested that the City ask MIT to study this and report back. The City should go to the universities about the alcohol problem and ask them to address this issue. Storm water storage cannot be addressed without zoning. A missed piece is architecture which is a zoning issue. Discussing non-zoning when there are zoning proposals floating around is backwards.
Gavin Kleespies, Cambridge Historical Society, enjoyed being a part of the C2 committee. The recommendations came from the larger consensus from members who wore multiple hats. Central Square is in an interesting point in history and Kendall Square has changed the dynamics. We can embrace the chance and what do we want from this development or not, but development will come without a positive outcome. Central Square was the downtown of Cambridge. This new development pressure is a good opportunity. He urged having a concrete idea. There is a potential to do something great in Central Square.
Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, stated that Central Square is much safer today. Problematic people in Central Square are there because they feel safe in Central Square. It is a problem that needs to be managed. A long term recommendation of installing a bike track down Massachusetts Avenue is a bad idea. The cycle track limits mobility for bikes. He hopes that the 300 foot limitation for food trucks from a brick and mortar regulation will be changed.
Saul Tannenbaum stated that he is member of C2 and now the Transit Advisory Committee. He spoke in favor of the items, timeline and a person responsible to place information on the web site. He suggested relamping Central Square. He resents this going to a long term goal which was not in the recommendations of the committee. Carl Barron Plaza should be well lit as well as park at City Hall annex. These could be fixed tomorrow. The City can afford to light Carl Barron Plaza.
Seth Tanner spoke about selling air rights to allow larger heights and would develop much nicer parks. He favors taller buildings with a public space. A motion activated spot light keeps his property clear.
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, noted that enlivening and animate mean different things to different people. He was not aware of the new cultural district. What is the cultural district and what does it mean? Is the 300 foot regulation for food trucks a City-wide regulation? Is this the same in Kendall Square? He wanted to move the bus shelter in Central Square, but there are constraints with the MBTA. He wanted more information about a BID and the transit advisory committee, tour buses and Cobra lighting. He stated that the recommendation on the Osborn Triangle may be in conflict with what MIT would like to do. He stated that the Planning Board continuation hearing is on Aug 6 regarding Blanche Street and 300 Massachusetts Avenue. Discussion will include a public promenade.
Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, suggested having bamboo in containers rather than tree wells. She is concerned about public spaces and parks. If there is a problem in a public space you dilute it, but light and noise must be addressed.
Kate G., Harvard Street, addressed bicycles and transportation. This is a zoning and non-zoning issue. The City is looking into Cambridge being turned into a bicycling city which will not happen. Most of the people in Cambridge are families with children. Children cannot ride their bikes here. Traffic has increased and will continue to increase with development. Massachusetts Avenue is unsafe. The majority of people who live in the City will not be bike riders. She does not understand why there is an emphasis on limiting cars. Why are parking spaces being taken away for bike parking?
On motion of Councillor Cheung public comment was closed.
At this time Councillor Cheung submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to review the effects of the City policy relating to the sale of goods within the public way; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a liberalized policy for the sale of goods.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Ms. Farooq stated that Community Development needs to review this policy.
Councillor Reeves stated that he wanted examples. He further stated that there was no representative vision at this meeting.
Councillor Cheung submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish a committee to monitor the progress of the C2 Committee that will meet on a regular basis.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Councillor vanBeuzekom commented that she wanted an official record of this request. The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) has installed WiFi. She wanted to know what the cost was to the HSBA.
Mr. Tannenbaum stated that public WiFi is a utility and an amenity.
The following e-mails were received and made part of the record.
Communication from Martha Hoffman regarding the need to look more closely at the outdoor dining policy (ATTACHMENT B).
Communication from Jacqui Fahey Sandell, 8 Clinton Street, commenting on the impact on traffic due to the sidewalks being widened on Prospect Street (ATTACHMENT C).
Communication from Jeff Keating, 3 Percy Place, in opposition to the goal to discourage automobile use and the fact that the C2 recommendations do not address the large number of habitual alcoholics in Central Square (ATTACHMENT D).
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councillor Cheung the meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee
Committee Report #4
Finance Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To examine the finances of various proposals for the future of the Foundry Building
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: July 31, 2013 at 4:35pm
Location: Sullivan Chamber
ATTENDEES
Councillor Marjorie Decker, Chair; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Councillor Leland Cheung; Richard C. Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Robert Reardon, Director of Assessing; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Lisa Hemmerle, Director, Economic Development, CDD; Jeff Roberts, Project Planner, CDD; Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Arts Council; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
Trudi Goodman, 1221 Cambridge Street; Joy Liu; Mark Jaquith, 213 Hurley Street; Caroline Jones, 22 Meadow Way; Rozann Kraus, 91 Chilton Street; Ilan Levy, 148 Spring Street; Nadeem Mazen, 73A Magazine Street; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place; Michael Devney, 502 Green Street; and Carole Bellew, 257 Charles Street.
MINUTES
Councillor Decker opened the meeting and explained the purpose. She acknowledged that this was the first Finance Committee meeting with the new City Manager Richard Rossi and the new Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson. Ms. Peterson is the first female Deputy City Manager. She will be having an additional meeting on this topic in September. She asked city staff to walk through the acquisition of this building, why this building is the topic of conversation, what is the City’s relation to this building, what are the financial obstacle, challenges and opportunities the facility faces if the City decides to keep the building, to look at creative opportunities for partnerships, the legal and financial challenges for this building and the Dover amendment in relation to this building. What are the next steps? There is a joint meeting scheduled between the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Economic Development, Training and Employment and the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations
Committees scheduled for Aug 5, 2013 to look at more cultural perspectives. The mission tonight is the challenges of this building and where does the City go from here.
City Manager Rossi explained that the building came to the City through the zoning process. He asked Mr. Murphy to give an overview.
Mr. Murphy stated that In February of 2009 with the Alexandria zoning this was one of the community benefits pieces. It was to be used for open space. It was anticipated that funding be provided for the study of open space at Triangle and Rogers Street Parks through a contribution to open space in general and the Foundry building would be transferred to the City and would be used for municipal or community uses. Ten thousand square feet (10,000) would be used for community purposes.
City Manager Rossi stated that there was an order in the spring that asked the administration to take a look at what the cost would be to bring the building up to a condition where it could be utilized. An architectural consultant firm was hired for this purpose. HMFH Architects did an analysis of the building to tell us what they believed the cost would be to bring the building up to code focusing on issues of the envelope of the building, the windows, the systems in the building and other code compliance issues. There is a difficult situation with the elevator. HMFH did their study. The study had a range of $9.5-$11.2 million depending on the type of use that would be contemplated being allowed in the building. The lower range would be for office and research and development space might be one cost. If a day care is provided the cost requirements would be more. This is why the range is $9-11 million. He stated that the Administration makes no assumption that the City sell or lease the building. This process is about getting a reading from the City Council about what they want to do with the building. He asked Mr. Reardon to go through a series of scenarios for the building, including sale or lease. This information may cause more questions or clear up some issues. This is a publicly owned building and if the City leased the building any alterations or repairs to the building would need to be done under the public statutes. There is an increased cost when there is a public project. There is a process that must be followed and this is another reason why costs could rise. The Anti-Aid amendment has restrictions and cautions that the City has to adhere to. The Anti-Aid amendment talks about taking a building such as the Foundry and providing free space to non-profits. The Inspector General has regulation as to what municipalities can and cannot do as it relates to the lease or renting space to public interests. You cannot create a "sweetheart deal" to help someone out at the expense of the public interest. These are the types of considerations in the process. The building is funky. It is a relatively solid building; all the systems need to be dealt with before permanent occupancy of the building. The handicapped accessibility is an issue, particularly if there is community and public use of the building.
Deputy City Manager Peterson stated that after the HMFH study, the City was surprised that all the systems in the building were at the end of their useful life. Everything will need to be replaced in the building in the future including the envelope structure, the roof, the mechanical systems and the handicapped accessibility issue. Mr. Rossi stated that the consultant will be at the Aug 5th meeting and there can be more in depth discussions at that time. He asked Mr. Reardon to review all the scenarios he has looked at to date to create use for this building.
Mr. Reardon stated that the economic evaluation of the building was done. In assuming if the building were brought up to code and leased at a market rate and subtracting the cost of the renovations the cost to complete the building is $12.3 million. He is trying to come up with realistic numbers. This information is contained in (ATTACHMENT A).
There are six scenarios; these are the options:
Option 1
Sell the Foundry Building with no contingencies to a potential developer. If a developer purchased the building the estimated current value to the City is $5.5 - 6.5 million for the building as it is today.
Option 2
Sell the Foundry to private entity but require 10,000 square feet for community space. The private owner would be required to do all the renovation. The community space used or leased by the City or a non-profit would pay operating expenses of $12.50 per square foot which is $125,000 per year with the remaining space to be leased at market value. The developer would pay between $2.5-3.5 million. There will no rent from the 10,000 square feet which is about 20% of the entire building.
Option 3
Sell the Foundry to a private entity requiring 10,000 square feet for community space. The private owner would be required to do all the renovations. The community space would pay nothing toward the operating expenses with the remaining area to be leased at market value. The value estimate in this option is $1.5 - $2.1 million.
Mr. Reardon explained that retention and leasing of the building was evaluated. Options 4 and 5 are evaluations based on a ground lease for fifty years. At the end of the fifty years the City would get the land back.
Option 4
Lease the Foundry site with no contingencies to a private entity to be leased at market value. The private party would be required to do all the renovations and the City would retain a 50 year ground lease and at the end of the ground lease the City would retain all rights to the land and the building. The annual rental estimate in this option would be $300,000 - $450,000.
Option 5
Lease the Foundry to a private entity and require 10,000 square feet for community space. The private party would be required to do all the renovations and the City would retain a 50 year ground lease. At the conclusion of the ground lease the City would retain all rights to the land and the building. The community space would pay operating expenses of $12.50 per square foot for a total of $125,000 per year with the remaining area to be leased at market value. The annual rental estimate in this option would be $150,000 - $200,000.
Option 6
Lease the Foundry to a private entity requiring 10,000 square feet for community space. The private party would be required to do all renovations and the City would retain a 50 year ground lease. The City would retain all rights to the land and the building at the conclusion of the ground lease. The community space would pay nothing toward the operating expenses with the remaining area to be leased at market value. The annual rental estimate would be $75,000-$125,000.
Mr. Reardon stated that typically at the end of the ground lease there is an escalator and could be tied to the rate of inflation.
These assumptions are preliminary at this time. This building is not suitable for lab space. An estimate market rent of $42.50 per square foot is being used. There is not a lot of space coming on line now. A project like this estimating out into the future the rents could be higher or lower. This is being estimated on current fixed economic conditions. Outright sale without the 10,000 square feet or lease will be higher than projected because of contingency without the community space.
Mr. Rossi stated that anything done to the building is subject to state law in terms of leasing the building. There is a significant amount of work for whoever purchases the building. These are rough estimation for discussion and it is unknown what the real numbers would be.
Mr. Murphy stated that one of the options given by Mr. Reardon about the 10,000 square feet for community space is in conflict with the zoning ordinance in section 13.59.10. This section states that the community space shall be used for educational, cultural or institutional use.
Mr. Rossi commented that nowhere in the City financial plans does the renovation of this building exist. If the City contemplates this project the City may have to revisit the financial plan. There is always a way to work things out, but this will take a lot of maneuvering to figure this out. This information has not been provided to the financial institutions. Councillor Decker added that this is a financial commitment to the City and it is a matter of priority where this building fits in with other capital projects such as the schools.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Councillor Decker opened public comment at 5pm.
Trudi Goodman, 1221 Cambridge Street, stated that she is a professional activist. There are places in the City were the arts are being done. People of East Cambridge are put upon and need more resources which they never get. This can be done, but requires a lot of money. She urged taking a look at people who really want to use this building for the arts. There are no needs for this in the City. There is a lot of need for child care in this area. The Foundry has been in the City since 1870.
Mark Jaquith, 213 Hurley Street, stated that noise from development has escalated. Cambridge has gotten money for development, but this is a way to give back to the citizens. What is the Dover amendment and the restriction for this type of building? This was considered as part of the mitigation from the Alexandria zoning.
Carolyn Jones, 22 Meadow Way, works at MIT faculty and she wants to keep an edge for community space. She is an art historian. It would be good to have development punctuated with community space. She spoke about town/gown synergy. It would be great if MIT’s capital could be partnered with the City for this space. She wanted to have more architects estimates.
Rozann Kraus, 91 Chilton Street, stated that she would love to have MIT do anything in the City. She felt the best use of this space was for the use of the arts. Daytime use could be an art magnet school. The fact that Cambridge does not have an arts center is an oxymoron. We need walls and an elevator.
Ilan Levy, 148 Spring Street, read a letter dated Nov 8, 2010 from the City Manager about the renovations to the former Police Stated and suggested substituting language that would apply to the Foundry. He suggested that MIT provide architectural services funding. He also submitted a communication supporting the Foundry being used for arts, community and non-profits for children (ATTACHMENT B).
Nadeem Mazen, 73A Magazine Street, stated that he is the owner of art facilities. Looking at this building from an arts, education space, and town/gown synergy are ways for this being a multi-use space. The City is strong on development. If you gave the space to the arts community you may get a different range of outcomes for the building that will counterbalance the selling and lease options. There is conformation bias by looking for a certain kind of study and gearing up to sell this space. It would be good to put funding and energy to arts. He submitted a communication stating that the Foundry should be financially sustainable and stand as a special landmark in Cambridge as the home to Artists and the arts, community space for seniors and youth and the home of non-profit organizations serving Cambridge children (ATTACHMENT C).
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that the Foundry is worthy of renovation and restoration. He wondered what the Historical Commission’s position is on the Foundry. What would be the uses and activities for the building? He is not in favor of selling the building, but is concerned about the costs. CRA could be involved in managing the development of the building. It is good to think about this space in relation to East Cambridge and consider their needs. This was mitigation for the East Cambridge area.
Public comment closed at 5:18pm.
At this time Councillor Decker asked the members of the City Council for their comments.
Councillor Decker responded to public comment by stating no one is panicking about this matter. For a variety of reasons the public thinks that the City is going to sell this building. If the City has decided to sell the Foundry this is unknown to the City Council. Individual City Councillors thought they could decide about this building. This was not a building that would be sold or overused based on relationships cultivated with City Councillors. The decision was that the City should have a thoughtful conversation about this building. The finances of this building are significant and a relative concern that this is out of the reach or that the obstacles are so great that they cannot be reached or achieved. The options available are an important conversation and all the information is important. She stated that there are a lot of things that residents want to see invested in, including the arts. The arts may not be in the Foundry building; it may be arts in the schools or arts in the neighborhood groups. There are many ways to support arts in the community. This is a City that is thoughtful in how money is invested. This is the first step in this process. All understand that it is an incredible opportunity but this does not need to be decided tomorrow. She encouraged the continuation of being thoughtful, methodical and bringing in new ideas.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that the building came to the City through mitigation and community benefit process. She felt that this was a community benefit that the City would find a way for the community to use. Cambridge has an embarrassment of riches. She sees this building as a way to get something really good in the community. She appreciated the number of options provided and would not make a judgment statement on them. The community at large is looking at this as an opportunity and she hopes the City will benefit from it. At this point she would not vote to sell the building when it could be used in some way. The City should work on making it a community use. She spoke of the building at 5 Western Avenue that is a public/private relationship between the Cambridge Housing Authority, the Multi-Service Center and the Community Learning Center. Here are two entities that serve the community. She spoke about the uses of the building and not wanting to take on the responsibility of outfitting the building. Previously there has been talk about an arts building, but there was never any building - now there is a building that could house an arts center. She questioned whether the City had offices in rented space other than the School Department. City Manager Rossi stated that it is just the School Department in rented space. He added that what made the former police station viable was that the money spent for rented space was transferred and added to this amount was the rent the CHA is paying the City. This made the debt service on this building affordable for the City. There are creative ways and that is what this discussion is about. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she wants to see how this building can be used by the City.
Councillor Decker stated that she has been contacted by various organizations, some for profits, not for profit and non-profits. She stated whether the City maintains ownership or goes into creative partnership, under the Dover amendment, municipalities cannot give financial assistance to non-profits. She is looking at in the future how to have larger constructive conversations that welcomes dialogue on this matter. A big question is what organizations you choose. Worthy organizations that deserve support will be left out of the conversation. She stated that her position is neutral on what to do with the building. There would be a vacuum of arts programs if the arts curriculum that now exists and serves the community were to be absent. She mentioned the Margaret Fuller House, the Dance Complex, the Multicultural Arts Center and the Maude Morgan organizations that have struggled to sustain themselves. What does it mean for the City to pour money and resources into a new organization that none of the existing organizations have access to. If resources were added to the current organization more sustainability could be provided.
Vice Mayor Simmons mentioned a meeting held at Cambridge College that discussed community mitigation benefit and the need to allow artistic and social service organizations into this process. She encouraged reaching out to this group to have their voices heard to discuss their thoughts about the Foundry building which came up a lot in this discussion. Councillor Decker stated that the Foundry building is about community benefits and the need for a better process for all the groups that provide services. It would be good to bring this conversation to the table. The parallel conversation is about the finances, the uses and who gets to use the building are important questions.
Mayor Davis stated that she submitted a policy order at the July 29, 2013 Special City Council meeting asking for a cost benefit analysis on a variety of options. Money is not the only reason that a decision is made but sometimes it is good to have a reality about what the money is. In looking at the options proposed tonight at least one of the options proposed by her was not included that being using the entire building for community space. She inquired why the full benefit of leasing or selling is discounted the way that it is in the options. Leasing the building to a private entity with no contingencies and the annual rent of $300,000-$450,000 how many square feet were estimated in this option. Mr. Reardon responded that these assumptions were based on the 53,000 square feet of the building with 10,000 square feet being retained for community space with the remainder of the building being leased at market rate. He added that option four is to lease the entire building with no community space. Mayor Davis questioned if one-fifth of the building was not included as rental because you are not charging anything would not this be twenty percent less of the total. Mr. Reardon explained that in this option the cost of the renovation is being spread over eighty percent of the building instead of one hundred percent of the building. It is not just the loss of rental. Now the cost of renovation has to be spread over the eighty percent instead of one hundred percent. Mayor Davis commented that all the lease options are net of the renovations. Mr. Reardon responded in the affirmative. Mayor Davis questioned the outcome in the sell options. Selling the building with no contingencies for $5.5 to $6.5 million with the assumption that $12 million is being invested by the owner. The 10,000 square feet is discounted and the value to the new owner is half as much. Mr. Reardon explained that this is because the new owner would have to provide the renovation for the 10,000 square feet of community space plus the owner would not be getting rent for this space. Mr. Rossi added that in the numbers from HMFH it does not included any outfit costs. Those numbers are to bring the building up to code and make sure that it has legal access and that the systems are done and the envelope of the building is secure as well as the energy systems meet the City’s standards. Mayor Davis asked if the building were sold outright the City would end up with $5.5 million and could the City do this based on the agreement on this property and provide the 10,000 square feet of community space. Mr. Reardon stated that the options are hypotheticals, not including the requirements of the Dover amendment or the zoning. The options were to give a baseline. Mr. Rossi stated that if the building was sold with the community space restriction the sale price would be lowered. Mayor Davis commented that the most that the City could get for the building would be $2.5-$3.5 million. She commented on if the $2.5-$3.5 were used to generate support for non-profits. Mr. Rossi urged caution about this as this is another big discussion that the City needs to have on mitigation money and community benefits and what might be the legal restrictions. He did not want the public to think that if the City has this money it can be given away. Mayor Davis stated that if the City had this money something could be done to benefit non-profits. She asked how much income the City could generate from the $2.5 million over twenty years. Mr. Reardon responded $50,000-$60,000 per year. Mayor Davis stated that if the principal were spent over twenty years what this would be. Mr. Reardon responded in the low $300,000 range annually. Mayor Davis stated that it is important to understand that there are models of these art centers, such as the Maude Morgan and the Arsenal Arts in Watertown. She urged contacting these art centers and learning what funding they had to raise and what their income is. The Arsenal Art Center is 30,000 square feet. This space was acquired from the federal government for $1. Funding for outfitting and operational costs was raised. The head of this facility is known to Mayor Davis and would be willing to discuss what it took to get the center up and running. The only way to get to the reality of this is to figure out how much it costs and if there is the wherewithal and the interest in raising the money. With commitment and a lot of work anything is possible. If the City were to give the building to an Arts Authority for $1 and the Arts Authority had to raise the funding what would be looked at and what is this reality. This is possible and has been done and there would need to be $4-10 million raised to make this happen. It would be good to continue on the options as they relate to the money and whether the City has the capacity to give the building away and how this could be done. If the building were sold it appears that it would be worth only $2.5-$3.5 million. She does not see the City coming up with the annual operating costs for the building. She stated that making the entire space an early childhood center is a great idea, but who would come up with the money and would there be any rental income offset. More work is needed on this matter. At some level this matter has to be about financing.
Councillor Decker stated that the meeting is being filmed for a class project. It is protocol to inform the Chair before filming. This meeting is being recorded by audio as well.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked what the previous rental income from the building was because it was fully leased out before the City tool ownership. Mr. Reardon stated that the rents were in the $20’s to the low $30’s depending on the time, which was a different time, place and era based on the economics of what was going on. The entire building was rented out. The City being the owner of the building comes under different regulations including ADA compliance and accessibility. Once renovation begins the costs increase exponentially. The City does not have the alternative to do nothing to the building and lease it. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that she wanted it understood that before the City took ownership of the building that it was fully rented. She asked what the full value of the building was and the taxes collected on the building before the City took ownership. Mr. Reardon stated he was not sure about the assessed value and could have been leased out for $10 - 12 million before the City took ownership. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that on taxing commercial property the City looks at the annual income of the property. Mr. Reardon stated that the taxes collected were about $200,000-$225,000 collected per year. Councillor vanBeuzekom commented that the renovation would be spread out over 8-10 years and that is factored in the options and the rental estimate cost to the City is a net. If this were spread out over the period of renovation then in year nine the rent would go up to potentially $2 million dollars a year. In option five the 10,000 square feet going to a non-profit at a cost of $12.50 per square foot and then the full market value of $42.50 would for example remain for the remainder of 43 years of the ground lease. This is $1.1 million after the renovations have been paid. Mr. Reardon responded in the negative. The $12 million renovation cost would be paid up front and would be spread over a 20 year period. It is not $2 million at the end of nine years. It will increase some, but not that dramatic. Over a five year period the rent may go up ten percent and up again over the next period depending on inflation and how the contract is structured. The assumptions are all based on paying off a mortgage over the life of the project. In the ground lease it is for fifty years because the renovation costs must be paid off and then the owner needs to recapture the value. Then at the end of the fifty years the building will be given back to the city and the owner will have nothing. He further stated that the private owner would do all the renovations and would have to discount this in their model. Mr. Reardon stated that the $12.50 is expenses, not rent. The $42.50 is in addition to the $12.50 that a typical tenant would pay for the expenses. A triple net rent is being used. The non-profit would be paying an expense of $12.50 to utilize the community space and no rent per se. The private tenant would be paying the $42.50 and the expenses of the $12.50 so in reality they are paying $55 per square foot. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that it would be helpful to have more detail on this to make a financial decision on this building. She stated that in relation to the Dover amendment there is no scenario that rent would not be charged or that the 10,000 square feet would be completely free of rent and this is compatible with the Dover amendment. Mr. Reardon stated that in order to get the options before the City Council he made some assumptions to look at without getting into statutes. He did not think the City would be allowed to give the space to a non-profit, but that the City could use the space ourselves. This type of analysis is difficult because it is based on hypotheticals. He was trying to give the City Council ranges, but did not want to make this so complex.
Councillor Decker commented that the Assessor did not fall short on what was asked of him. She encouraged Councillor vanBeuzekom to submit her specific questions in writing to the Chair prior to the meeting so that more information would be provided. She requested that the questions be submitted to the Clerk before the next meeting in September. Councillor vanBeuzekom responded that she did not know the scope of the meeting today. She also agreed with the suggestion made by Mayor Davis that other models for art centers be examined. She added the Cyclorama in Boston to the list previously provided. This is a public/private entity similar to The Natick Center for the Arts and any others. Councillor Decker stated that this is a preliminary conversation. There is a joint meeting on Mon, Aug 5th with three City Council committees. The meeting on Monday will hear from many organizations on what could be done with this space. She understands that the City Manager has a process where a number of organizations will come and talk to the City Council about the various paths they have taken to look at this matter. The Brewery in Jamaica Plain has also created a community arts space.
Councillor vanBeuzekom asked in any of the options do you envision, is there a way to estimate what the taxes would be if the building were sold. In the lease options do you envision in the ground lease scenarios whoever leases the building would they be responsible for taxes on the building. Mr. Reardon responded that taxes were considered and taxes were included on the non-profit portion because if it were owned by a private entity renting to another party that would not make it exempt. Taxes have all been included in the options, but can be refined over time when it is known what the City Council’s direction is.
In conclusion Councillor Decker stated that this is a preliminary meeting to discuss some of the options to determine what the paths will look like financially. On Mon, Aug 5th there will be a joint meeting of three committees to look at matter. There is a lot of interest by the City Council on this building. It is important that we take our time and that we are thoughtful and methodical on this. The financial path has a direct relationship to the usage, the partnerships, the collaborations and we are having multiple conversations as we do this. There will be discussions to hear from art organizations that have traversed this area and to hear about the challenges they have faced. She is interested in the collaborations made and the decisions made from the collaboration. The Arts Council faces this all the time. She wants to keep the parallel conversations ongoing to understand the financial implications of this process. There are other uses such as early childhood center and the family resource center at the high school which does not have the space it needs. This decision may be made by the next City Council. She did not want to see a superficial rush on this over the next few months. She sees the City Manager working with a professional group of people who have done this all over the country as well as with the City Council. She thanked all attendees for their attendance.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councillor Decker the meeting adjourned at 6:04pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Decker, Chair
Finance Committee
Committee Report #5
Government Operations and Rules Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To discuss new meeting protocols as they relate to resolutions and policy orders and record keeping of the City Council Minutes
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 2:35pm
Location: Ackermann Room
ATTENDEES
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; John Clifford; Rebecca Rutenberg; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
John Hawkinson, Elie Yarden, Tom Stohlman and Valerie Livingston.
MINUTES
Councillor Maher opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He asked the City Clerk to provide insight as to why we are here. Since the change to the Open Meeting Law (OML) there have been steps taken to try to adapt to the changes in the law. This is a break from the way that business has been previously done. The Clerk has brought to the attention of the committee the minutes and the level of detail and steps that should be taken to alleviate new burdens on the Clerk’s office.
RESOLUTIONS
The City Clerk informed the committee that on Sept 10, 2001 the City Council adopted a standing order related to the sponsorship on congratulatory type resolutions (ATTACHMENT A).
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she felt that it is too rigid between the City Councillors. She stated that this order is moot.
Mayor Davis asked about the legality of this matter. City Solicitor Glowa stated that the procedure in the City Council order could be used, but needs clarification for administration convenience. The City Clerk could do this without interaction between the City Clerk and multiple City Councillors, and without interaction between the City Councillors. It would be acceptable to add sponsors up to the 3:00pm deadline for congratulatory type resolutions.
Councillor Maher stated that this was the way it was previously done and that this process could continue. At the City Council meeting all sponsors could be added to the congratulatory resolutions.
Mayor Davis brought up the fact that resolutions representing the City should be sponsored and transmitted by the Mayor. The first concern should be about representing the dignity of the City rather than who is the original sponsor. This is a disservice to the City and the City could look more dignified. Councillor Maher stated that this could be looked at as a City resolution.
At this time Councillor Maher made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee review "City sensitive resolutions" with a view in mind of devising a process whereby City sensitive resolutions shall be unanimously sponsored by the City Council and be sponsored by the Mayor, with the Mayor’s name and title listed first.
The motion carried on a voice vote of four members.
Vice Mayor Simmons suggested language that when resolutions are brought forward and adoption moved that they be unanimously sponsored.
Mayor Davis asked why two City Councillors cannot sponsor a resolution?
Ms. Glowa responded that it is not permissible for a quorum of the City Council to discuss matters on a publicized agenda outside of a public meeting. Seriatim communications are not permissible. If it is less than five members of the City Council they can talk amongst themselves. If rules do not state a quorum requirement the quorum is a simple majority, including as to committees. This applies to any business that is discussed in public, including any e-mails. The Attorney General has determined in response to a complaint concerning the Open Meeting Law that the request for cosponsors via the City Clerk in that case was not permissible. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that this is important to have this listed for the City Council.
Councillor Maher summarized as follows: the City Clerk can take multiple sponsors on congratulatory resolutions if each sponsor approaches the Clerk on his/her own initiative, without having been invited by other Councillors or the Clerk to do so. The sponsors are listed as the names received in the City Clerk’s Office. Ms. Glowa stated that the body is governed by the Open Meeting Law. Each City Councillor may communicate separately with the Clerk and then all nine names would be listed on the resolution. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she felt that if the public saw nine sponsors on a resolution it would be construed as a violation of the OML. Ms. Glowa agreed that this could be a concern. The decision from the Attorney General as to the OML complaint was that the City Clerk impermissibly solicited sponsorship on the order. Vice Mayor Simmons asked how the public gets the perception that the Clerk has not been used to solicit sponsorships. Ms. Glowa suggested that it could be adopted as a policy.
Councillor Maher submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee recommends that the City Council adopt the following policy:
That congratulatory type resolutions received by the City Clerk’s Office shall list the original sponsor prior to the City Council meeting and that at the City Council meeting the resolution be made unanimously sponsored on the floor.
The motion carried on a voice vote of three members with Councillor vanBeuzekom recorded in the negative. (Note Councillor vanBeuzekom was recorded in the affirmative on this matter but later changed her vote).
Councillor Maher submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee on whether the City Council can adopt a policy that resolutions be unanimously sponsored unless a City Councillor requests not to be listed as a sponsor.
The motion carried on a voice vote of four members.
ORDERS
Councillor Maher stated that policy orders are not ceremonial and may not be unanimously sponsored. If multiple City Councillors request an order without it being discussed in a quorum there could be four City Councillors listed as sponsors. This is permissible.
Councillor Maher spoke about the City Council order that was the issue of the OML complaint. The order when submitted to the Clerk had four sponsors. The Clerk was requested to see if there were any additional co-sponsors. Ms. Glowa stated that five or more City Councillors should not discuss any order amongst themselves. Up to four City Councillors can discuss. A discussion among any more than five City Councillors should be done at the public meeting. Ms. Glowa further stated that at duly advertised public meeting things can be discussed. Councillor Kelley stated that there are a limited number of ways that the City Council can react without violating the OML.
Councillor Maher stated that the committee will recommend to the City Council that it is the will of the committee to have up to four sponsors on an order. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that this looks like collusion. She is concerned about perception. It is easier and neater at the end of the day if there is only one sponsor on orders. This City Council has been about the spirit and the letter of the law.
Mayor Davis explained that these issues came about in 2000 when there was collaboration for the elected officials to work together. The OML has made things harder. This situation came about with the City Council working together.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that orders are complex; it is beneficial to have a discussion. She liked having more than one person sponsoring a complex order.
Councillor Maher asked if the committee wanted to recommend multiple sponsors or one sponsor on orders and then make a motion that the order be sponsored unanimously. If an order is submitted to the clerk with four sponsors, and a fifth City Councillor is told that the order already exists and that City Councillor discusses this with another member would this be a violation? Ms. Glowa responded that there could be a seriatim violation and there should not be communication among four City Councillors, the clerk and other City Councillors. She suggested that a policy could be established.
Vice Mayor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee recommends that the policy for orders submitted to the City Council: prior to the meeting is to list as the only sponsor the City Councillor who first submitted the order to the City Clerk’s Office.
The motion failed with Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Simmons recorded in the affirmative and Councillors Cheung and vanBeuzekom recorded in the negative.
Councillor vanBeuzekom submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee recommends that the policy for orders submitted to the City Council: prior to the meeting is to list up to four sponsors of the order as submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.
The motion failed with Councillors Cheung and vanBeuzekom recorded in the affirmative and Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Simmons recorded in the negative.
Councillor Maher stated that current practice remains in effect and that the subject be taken up at a future meeting of the committee. Vice Mayor Simmons again spoke about transparency and perception.
Councillor Maher stated that the City Clerk’s Office is accepting multiple orders on the same subject if substantially different.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Councillor Maher spoke about the level of detail of the City Council minutes that the Clerk has to prepare. There used to be about thirty speakers in public comment and now a summary is required on debate which is the dialogue between the City Council. A communication was received from the former City Clerk, D. Margaret Drury on this matter and made part of the record (ATTACHMENT B).
Ms. Glowa explained that under the OML the minutes must be written minutes. The minutes do not have to be verbatim.
Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the rationale for this. The Clerk is the parliamentarian. She stated that capturing the debate may need to be changed. This is an unfunded mandate. She stated that the auditor should be asked about this mandate.
Mayor Davis stated that this is a misuse of the Clerk’s time. She suggested figuring out the additional time needed for this effort. She favored looking into getting a stenographer for City Council meetings.
Councillor Kelley stated that it is a good idea to have a stenographer. It is not easy to record votes and record what is being said in debate.
Vice Mayor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Clerk pilot a program for thirty days, with the approval of the City Manager, for the services of a stenographer to record City Council meetings; and be it further
ORDERED: That prior to the expiration of the pilot program the City Clerk report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Councillor Maher opened the meeting to public comment at 3:50pm.
Elie Yarden, disclosed that he is a candidate for City Council. He stated that he is grateful for the change of mood for inclusionary democracy. He stated that he would have done a study of the City Council orders for three years and then decided.
John Hawkinson stated that he disagreed with Ms. Drury. A video is not a substitute for minutes. Transcripts are not the same as minutes. He stated that the video recording could be given to a stenographer to transcribe. He stated that discussion by the City Council requires a summary; public comment does not. He mentioned the vacancy of the Deputy City Clerk position.
Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street stated that he cares less about sponsorship and more about debate, discussions and the vote. He spoke about why the Minutes were tacked onto the complaint. He felt that the Attorney General had a hard time following what went on at the meeting. He suggested asking the Attorney General how to act collaboratively before the meeting. He stated list questions and ask Attorney General. When submission of the record occurs in the meeting this is the time when they can be amended or changed.
Valerie Livingston asked the committee to consider filing paperwork and list who is sponsor. Have conversations in the public and allow public comment.
Councillor Cheung suggested considering real versus stenographic time.
Vice Mayor Simmons suggested taking a closer look at what the City Council does.
Ron Peden stated that he is surprised that there is no full-time position in City Clerk’s office that is responsible for minutes.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Vice Mayor Simmons the meeting adjourned at 4:02pm.
For the Committee,
David P. Maher, Chair
Government Operations and Rules Committee
Committee Report #6
Government Operations and Rules Committee
MEETING PURPOSE: To receive a brief update on community benefits from the nonprofit summit.
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: Aug 7, 2013 at 10:07am
Location: Ackermann Room
ATTENDEES
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Matt Nelson, Chief of Staff to Mayor Davis; Richard Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
Gail Packer, Executive Director, Community Dispute Settlement Center; Selena Schmidt, Optimized Ventures; Barbara Mitchell, Executive Director, Community Legal Services and Counseling Center; Kelly Kainey, Homeowners Rehab, Inc.; Dennis Carlone; Michael Delia, East End Housing; Ellen McLaughlin, Tutoring Plus; Eryn Johnson, Community Art Center; Bob Hurlbut, Executive Director, Cambridge Community Foundation; Risa Mednick, Executive Director, Transition House; and Erin Baldassari, Assistant Editor, Cambridge Chronicle.
MINUTES
Councillor Maher opened the meeting and explained the purpose meeting. He gave an overview of where we are and where we are going. This matter has been before us. The former city manager and he have met to achieve this within the bounds of the laws. Mr. Rossi is now the City Manager. The issue is still in forefront. The non-profits held a summit. Councillor Maher asked Mr. Rossi to give a perspective of the City’s difficulty in that the City has to be careful that the law is not violated and find a way to direct money to nonprofits.
Mr. Rossi stated there is new case law that the City Solicitor is looking into. The anti-aid amendment law cannot be violated. Money cannot be given without a contractual concern, such as an investment in day care or counseling. The city getting back services would pass the test. There is a need to tie into the services provided to the City. This is the analysis the City will be looking into.
Councillor Maher explained the entity by which money comes in and can go to an independent silo. Affordable housing trust is being looked at as a model to be used. A goal is to have the community benefit fund grow and become self sustaining. Mr. Rossi cautioned using the word "gift". Councillor Maher stated that the funds to community benefits, up to this point which is not as high as some think, is in its infancy stage and are protected. Collected funds have been made payable to City of Cambridge and this is an issue because of the anti-aid amendment. To satisfy anti-aid amendment requirement there may be a need to refund the money to an entity and then redirect the money back to the independent non-profit entity.
Mayor Davis met with nonprofits about the condition of their buildings. Investments in nonprofits should be to build capacity and that there be a preference to building long term capacity. She has research to help non-profit make their building more efficient and decrease operating costs.
Councillor Cheung stated that this will get complicated when talking about percentages. There may be a preference for geographic targeting. Nonprofits provide services to Cambridge resident and if the nonprofit were not here the City would have to provide the service. Nonprofit are already providing service which has value. The City Council should not be deciding zoning development based on community benefits from these projects and whether the money from these projects can be used for nonprofits. He wants development decided on merits. He spoke about how more revenue can be put into the fund. In Tampa, Florida residents can round up their tax bills and this money can be used for issues such as this. He stated that a home rule petition could be drafted that would allow residents to round up their sewer and water bill with the money going to nonprofits.
Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the anti-aid amendment. She stated that she is not ready to set up an independent fund and that she believes giving money back and have money redirected is skirting the issue. The money is protected. She spoke about UDAG money had a contract on what it is being spent on. Mr. Rossi stated that the UDAG money was controversial with the City Manager, the Community Development Department and the community because of the use of the money. A contractual obligation and an annual audit is not a bad thing. Councillor vanBeuzekom favored the ability to audit the fund and report to the City Council annually as to how money is spent. She likes money used for nonprofit capital project to make their buildings more energy efficient. Mr. Rossi this is subject to a legal analysis. He liked Councillor Maher model of an independent board with staff, community people and nonprofits with criteria. Councillor vanBeuzekom added going forward money could be redirected.
Vice Mayor Simmons spoke about how important it is that the City Council come to a method of disbursement of money; with a panel and a formula or method. What will be the formula used. The community benefits/mitigation was done because an area of the City had to endure the development project. More meetings are needed on this to develop what the City Council can agree upon. She spoke about the particular neighborhood that should be considered for the disbursement of the community benefit funds. She stated that on one mitigation agreements she felt that the developer got out cheap. The developer followed previous agreements and the City Council was not part of the preparation of agreement. She wanted the panel to be balanced and wanted term limits. This provides transparency and clarity. She agreed with Mr. Rossi on the UDAG money that started with Area 4 and then ended up elsewhere; this was contentious. She wanted money put into a fund where it can grow. She used the Scholarship program as an example. She submitted ideas previously and will resubmit them.
Councillor Maher strongly believes that this fund should not be administered by the City of Cambridge. City representatives, non-profits and citizens should be involved. Leaving the money in City coffers he does not want the money being used to enlarge City programs. He would rather see grants verses contractual agreements. He believes that the intent of City Council has been that this is to be administered independently. There is a way to resolve the current financial situation without violation of anti-aid amendment. We need to do what is right to get on the legal track. If this fund grew to $20 million and 5% were given out as grants on an annual basis this could result in $1 million in annual grants. This is significant to nonprofits.
The proper administration of the fund and development the guidelines need to be done. The current economic condition will not continue forever. Development will not continue forever. It is important to continue to have a revenue stream into the fund. Vice Mayor Simmons stated her agreement with Councillor Maher. The panel and the grant making/lending guidelines must be reviewed to ensure there is no duplication. In response to a question about linkage Mr. Murphy stated that the linkage fee is on some projects and money is paid to the affordable housing trust to meet the needs of housing. City is looking into increasing the linkage fee. A nexus study needs to be done to request that if the fee was increased and the housing fee changed could the difference go to the community benefits fund to grow fund. The impact to the community goes beyond housing.
Councillor Maher made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to describe the steps needed to do a Nexus Study and whether there is a way to expand who and what is covered by linkage, whether there is potential for additional revenue for community benefits from linkage, specifically if linkage was increased and the amount changed for housing could the difference be used for community benefits and whether there are any other sources of revenue that can be used for community benefits; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Councillor Maher made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a working group, including members of the City staff, representatives of the nonprofit community and representatives of the community, to draft a framework of how community benefit funds could be distributed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the framework contain proposed criteria, including, but not limited to:
Cambridge servicing nonprofits
Serving low income residents
Local versus city-wide needs be defined
Debt reduction or capacity building grant criteria.
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Councillor Cheung made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft home rule legislation on "rounding up for change."
The motion carried on a voice vote.
Mr. Rossi noted that the Community Preservation Act and the Affordable Housing Trust is handled as separate funds.
Councillor Cheung who is coming up with the framework? Criteria would be a wide range of people. He wants flexibility added in. Mayor Davis stated that CPA had criteria and review for effectiveness and then they were changed. Mr. Rossi suggested that annually or every two years the City Council could have a public meeting to review and alter the criteria. Mr. Rossi stated that this may require special legislation and the City Solicitor needs to be involved. Councillor Maher questioned whether this could be done as an offshoot to current home rule legislation to meet the requirement.
Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that she does not think that this fund should be set up in perpetuity. She wanted more than 5% disbursed. Cambridge Community Foundation is set up in perpetuity. Councillor Maher stated that it is unwise to spend all the money. The five percent (5%) is governed by law. The fiduciary responsibility is the responsibility of the group to make sure that this fund can be used by the community. He wanted a legacy fund which may have a greater impact on the community. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that she wanted the money spent and used in the community and is not in favor of the fund being in perpetuity. Councillor Cheung agreed with Councillor Maher on creating a fund that grows and being an asset. Mr. Rossi stated that nonprofits face cuts every day.
Councillor Maher suggested at a certain point bringing in a professional grant maker help on how to set up a financial plan. Mayor Davis questioned does the City Council wish to set up an endowment fund or disbursement fund. The City Council needs to vote on this.
At this time Councillor Maher asked members of the nonprofit organizations to come forward and discuss The Cambridge Nonprofit Summit held on June 11, 2013.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Johnson stated that this is the type of dialogue that the nonprofits have in mind. They do not want to feel in competition with each other.
The summit was to work in collaboration by the nonprofit who wanted to speak with a unified voice about the needs. They want to contribute to the quality of life and work with the City for unfilled need. The City has resources and community benefits are a resource. There is a desire to continue the work. The nonprofits will continue to meet and committees have been established. There will be another summit that speaks to the needs of the City. Other models will be looked at. One of the biggest pressing issues is how to have a transparent process around community benefits.
Ellen McLaughlin spoke about the interest in community benefits that the nonprofits have. Nonprofits rely on grants. Governing criteria requires data and without data a good decision cannot be made. All decisions are based on data. She highlighted all the interested areas for community benefits. Compiling data, developing criteria and developing a process are important. The nonprofits would like to have an active involvement in this process and that the process is transparent.
Risa Mednick spoke about what the core issues of the City are. How do we work together to look at a strategic core needs of the City, identify and use community benefits funding to make an impact. This is what brought the nonprofits together. How do we assess the nonprofit impact to the City.
Ellen McLaughlin asked that a transparent timeline be laid out. The other request is that the City Council come to the Coalition and the meetings. Nonprofits provide services to residents and are also employers who employ Cambridge residents.
Councillor Maher stated that he envisioned the working group established in September and that group report back to develop the timeline, develop a framework and then develop the criteria. It will take time to develop the criteria. Ms. McLaughlin requested that Mr. Rossi reach out to coalition and have members involved in the working group. Nonprofit will help to collect the data. The cyclical process needs to be developed.
Michael Delia stated that the September summit will focus on action planning.
Mayor Davis suggested including the School Department and the Cambridge Housing Authority. She stated that the nonprofits may know who should be in the room for the dialogue. Councillor Maher stated that with the Affordable Housing Trust legislation the City Manager appointed a committee and it outlined the representatives on the committee.
Ms. Johnson stated that the nonprofits have been pushing time and transparency of the process. The recommendation is to have diversity on the committee and the data collection. A criterion is based on data. The nonprofits want to participate in planning how this will work. Mayor Davis asked what the data points are. Ms. McLaughlin responded it is a needs assessment. Neighborhoods and needs are changing and whether there are more neighborhoods more impacted than others. Mayor Davis stated that the School Department collects this data by area.
Mr. Rossi stated that he welcomes and wants nonprofits to participate from day one. The City needs to establish how this will work. Ms. McLaughlin stated that nonprofits want to be involved in how this will work.
Councillor Cheung questioned how the nonprofits coalition scope of membership will be expanded. Ms. McLaughlin stated all are involved and there is a list of all nonprofits and they were communicated with.
Mr. Rossi as milestones are made, by the City and by nonprofits, public meetings can be held. Mr. Rossi stated that he is aware of the importance of transparency.
Councillor Maher stated that this summit was the first time all nonprofits leaders came together. Cambridge is so lucky to have all the great organizations that are doing great work in the City. There may be holes and they may be filled. A concentrated coalition will help to bring all people to the table. It is astounding what the non-profits built and from a public policy perspective.
Councillor Maher stated that there are so many good ideas in the room. The goal all shared is to make nonprofits stronger tomorrow than today and to provide resources to accomplish this. As Cambridge has changed finding ways to integrate the changes with the youth and the community is important.
Mr. Hurlbut, Cambridge Community Foundation has "Tuesday Talks." He stated that Mayor Davis has brought all together around STEM. The conversation is open. This is a productive gesture being made. Cambridge Community Foundation has been around 100 years and is an endowment. Cambridge Community Foundation board constantly argues about the needs.
Ms. Semonoff stated that it is exciting that the City has convened sessions with nonprofits, but the nonprofits convened themselves to be partners.
Councillor Maher thanked all attendees.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion of Councillor Cheung the meeting adjourned at 11:40am.
For the Committee
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair
Government Operations and Rules Committee
AWAITING REPORT LIST
13-01. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on exploring measures that could enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and enforcement of traffic laws in the area surrounding the Cambridge Common, including dangerous crossings at the intersections of Garden at Waterhouse Streets and Mass Ave and Wendell Street.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-3)
13-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: explore the potential for a community local composing initiative.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-4)
13-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on including a participatory budgeting portion in the 2015 budget.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-5)
13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of utilizing pylons as a means through which to separate cyclists from motor vehicles.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-6)
13-05. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on the potential for the City to enroll in the Earth Hour City Challenge for 2013.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-7)
13-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all City-sponsored committee meeting minutes are available online.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-8)
13-07. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on the feasibility of making videos of City Council general and committee meetings downloadable by the public.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-10)
13-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety at the intersection of Mass Ave and Upland Rd and the number of tickets issued for "blocking the box".
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-12)
13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic, licensing and zoning violation concerns of the residents of Bowdoin Street.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-13)
13-10. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on the progress of the Eastern Cambridge Kendall Square Open Space Study.
Councillor Toomey 07/29/13 (O-14)
13-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of current detours and traffic plans during significant construction projects that are impacting traffic through out the City.
Councillor Toomey 07/29/13 (O-15)
13-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a cost benefit analysis for at least five scenarios related to the Foundry Building.
Mayor Davis 07/29/13 (O-17)
13-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of establishing a open door while air conditioning prohibition.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 07/29/13 (O-19)
13-14. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on the causes of the 2 sinkholes at Edwin Land Boulevard & McGrath Highway and at Cambridge & Oak Streets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 07/29/13 (O-24)
13-15. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on creating a short term task force that will consider drafting a municipal ordinance related to outdoor lighting.
Mayor Davis 07/29/13 (O-29)