CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, requesting that the City Council formally appropriate the CPA funds as follows:

1A. 80% of FY2006 CPA revenues ($4,200,000) allocated to Affordable Housing Trust.

1B. 10% of FY2006 CPA revenues ($525,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.

1. $210,000 appropriated to the Historic Preservation Grants program;

2. $140,000 appropriated to the Cambridge Common Renovation Project;

3. $50,000 appropriated to the Collins Library Accessibility Project;

4. $50,000 appropriated to the City Hall Floor Replacement Project;

5. $20,000 to the Fresh Pond Golf Course Club House Tower/Clock Renovation; and

6. $55,000 appropriated to the Brattle/Craigie Wall Repair Project.

1C. 10% of FY2006 CPA revenues ($525,000) allocated to Open Space.

1. $200,000 appropriated to Fresh Pond Master Plan Implementation-Little Fresh pond Shoreline restoration; and

2. $325,000 appropriated to Mahoney’s Site Restoration.

2A. 80% of FY2005 State Match revenues [received in FY06]($4,200,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

2B. 10% of FY2005 State Match revenues [received in FY06] ($525,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.

1. $210,000 appropriated to the Historic Preservation Grants program;

2. $140,000 appropriated to the Cambridge Common Renovation Project;

3. $50,000 appropriated to the Collins Library Accessibility Project;

4. $50,000 appropriated to the City Hall Floor Replacement Project;

5. $20,000 to the Fresh Pond Golf Course Club House Tower/Clock Renovation; and

6. $55,000 appropriated to the Brattle/Craigie Wall Repair Project.

2C. 10% of FY2005 State Match revenues [received in FY06] ($525,000) allocated to Open Space.

1. $80,000 appropriated to the Fresh Pond Master Plan Implementation- Black’s Nook;

2. $120,000 appropriated to the Fresh Pond Master Plan Implementation Old Field/Birch Grove including associated Little Fresh Pond Bio-Swales; and

3. $325,000 appropriated to Mahoney’s Site Restoration Project.

3A. 80% of the Fund Balance ($1,200,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust.

3B. 10% of the Fund Balance ($150,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.

1. $60,000 appropriated to the Preservation Grants Program;

2. $90,000 appropriated to the Brattle/Craigie Wall Repair Project.

3C. 10% of the Fund Balance ($150,000) allocated to Open Space.

1. $150,000 appropriated to the Mahoney’s Site Restoration Project.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Susan Spurlock as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term to expire July, 2009.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2005:  Kenneth Cyr, Jake J. Yang and Darrel Todman

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-153, regarding whether the safety of the Vassar Street bicycle path has been evaluated.

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-153, regarding a report on whether the safety of the Vassar Street bicycle path has been evaluated, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein reports the following:

The City of Cambridge worked extensively with MIT and a team of professional engineers, as well as with members of the bicycle community, to develop the current design for the sidewalk/bicycle path on Vassar Street. MIT proposed this design as an amenity for the users traveling to and around their campus and as a facility to serve the community at large. Members of the bicycling public who are familiar with the concept often request this type of design and, while it is not a standard approach in the United States, similar designs have been implemented with great success throughout Europe and to a more limited extent in this country.

Transportation planners and engineers recognize that no street design will entirely eliminate the potential for conflicts between cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians, and instead implement a variety of strategies to manage the interaction. The design of Vassar Street is based on well-established technical standards, with specific elements included to minimize potential conflicts. The paving material for pedestrians is a sidewalk material consisting of specialized concrete pavers, while the bicycle track – separated by a linear strip – is of traditional black asphalt street material with bicycle symbols installed along the length of the track. Specialized blue pavement material, along with bicycle symbols, has been incorporated into the cycle track at driveways and at transitions to the street.

Over the past year, MIT has conducted on-site evaluations of the street and has found that a significant majority of pedestrians and cyclists are using the facility as intended. No official reports of collisions or other events have been made to Cambridge or MIT Police.

Refinements to the original design are currently being implemented to address a limited number of issues identified during the observation periods. Changes include installation of additional pavement markings and signage, particularly where motorists are parking in the bicycle track/lane, where pedestrians are emerging from major building exits, and at the entry points to the street. Enforcement efforts will be made to ensure that motorists do not park in the cycle track and bike lane. MIT plans to conduct additional user surveys on Vassar Street this fall.

MIT is also committed to educating the MIT community and new students on the rules of the road and techniques for safe cycling.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-158, regarding communicating with MIT on the possibility of building affordable housing on the lot located at the corner of Cherry and School Streets.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-169, regarding communicating with DCR on the possibility of using a portion of the park land triangle between Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway as a dog park.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-143, regarding a report on the possibility of establishing a contingency funding source for roadway projects to include bicycle and pedestrian enhancements.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-159, regarding a report on asbestos at the King Open School resulting in no summer camp on the premises and how this will impact fall afterschool programs and whether any other schools are similarly affected.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-157, regarding a report on adding to the Cambridge E-Line notification the annual fire hydrant maintenance.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to approval a jitney license application amendment for Candiani Transportation. FAILED 3-5-0-1

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its fiscal year 2003-2004 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code on Refuse and Litter.

To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code on Refuse and Litter. Specifically, these amendments:

* Changes definition of authorized rubbish receptacle to not allow plastic bags to be placed on the curb.

* Change time restrictions for receptacle placement on sidewalk from 3:00 p.m. the day prior to rubbish and recycling collection to 6:00 p.m., and require that property owners be responsible for adhering to proper time restrictions.

* Make the change effective 90 days from the date of enactment, and require the City to contact property owners by mail on changes in responsibilities during this time period.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Number 05-145, relative to the rodent problem in Area IV with a view in mind of setting up a meeting with neighbors to resolve this problem, and Council Order Number 66 of 8/1/2005, regarding a request for the City Manager to hold a meeting in September to explain the City’s response to the rodent problem.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Friends and Advisors of the Cambridge Youth Programs in the amount of $1,500.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support ongoing programming for the Cambridge Youth Programs, including programmatic and educational supplies.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,000 as a result of the Harvard/City of Cambridge Golf Tournament to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support activities of the Multi-Service Center.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a private donation to the Cambridge Council on Aging for $1,003.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to provide additional food and nutrition services for seniors at the Cambridge Senior Centers.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance grant funded by the Department of Transition Assistance in the amount of $78,717.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to be used for costs related to the Carey Men’s Transitional Program operated by the Multi Service Center.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $2,256.62 funds within the Supportive Housing Grant from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to contract with homeless services providers and cover other costs related to serving homeless persons in Cambridge.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Employment Resource Inc. for $16,855.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($14,318.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,537.00) which will cover the majority of the cost of a six-hour per week evening GED preparation class at the Community Learning Center.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) Grant received from the Community Action Programs Inter-City Inc. for $253,000.00 to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($171,500.00), the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($81,150.00) and to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Department Travel & Training ($350.00) to be used to provide housing search and stabilization services by three staff members funded from the grant to families referred by the Department of Transitional Assistance.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $62,000.00 for the Center for Families Grant from the Department of Education through the Children’s Trust Fund to the Grant Fund of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($59,714.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,286.00) to fund family support and educational programs targeting parents of children up to six years old.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,500 from the General Fund Public Library Salary & Wages account to the General Fund Public Library Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.

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

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

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

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

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on June 22, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendment would require that any proposed development in the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District involving the addition of more than 2,000 square feet but less than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area be subject to a larger Project Review consultation pursuant to Section 19.43 of the Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. Planning Board Report received on August 1, 2005. Petition expires September 20, 2005. ORDAINED 9-0, Ordinance #1286

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 7, 2005 for the purpose of considering a City Council petition to amend the Municipal Code to exempt the municipal police and fire facilities from the Parking and Traffic Demand Management Ordinance. The questions comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. ORDAINED 9-0, Ordinance #1287

8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 7, 2005 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to exempt the construction or location of a municipal police or fire station. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. Planning Board Report received on August 1, 2005. Petition expires October 5, 2005. ORDAINED 9-0, Ordinance #1288

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 18, 2005 for the purpose of continuing to consider a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend the zoning in the Concord-Alewife area. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. Planning Report received on August 1, 2005. Petition expires September 20, 2005.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an ordinance amendment to Chapter 12.16 of the Cambridge Municipal Code increasing the fine for all properties from $25.00 to $35.00 per day which is also in response to Council Order No. 25, dated 1/10/05, regarding comparative information on ticketing for failure to remove snow from sidewalks; and Council Order No. 21, dated 10/18/04, regarding larger fines for failure to clear sidewalks. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. ORDAINED 9-0, Ordinance #1289

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the recommendation to accept the following amendment to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.36.010 (Private Fire Alarm Systems-Connection to Municipal System – fee) which would increase the fee for direct connection to the municipal system from $300 per installation and $300 per year (or part thereof) to $400 per installation and $400 per year. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after August 15, 2005. ORDAINED 9-0, Ordinance #1290

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Tommy Value Convenience Store, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 47 Mount Auburn Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

2. An application was received from Victoria Powers, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 11 Roberts Road; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works with the condition that the applicant is responsible for installation and construction of curb cut. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

3. An application was received from Marc Boyes-Watson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 431 Putnam Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works with the condition that curb cut installation will be the responsibility of developer/owner. No response has been received from the neighborhood associations.

4. An application was received from Francis S. Pierce, requesting permission for eight awnings at the premises numbered 1297-1311 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

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

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Ann B. Cowan, urging the City Council to reconsider plans to destroy the VFW hall.

2. A communication was received from Bob Childs, urging the City Council to reconsider plans to destroy the VFW hall.

3. A communication was received from Carol Ehrlich, urging the City Council to reconsider plans to destroy the VFW hall.

4. A communication was received from Ruben Barrales, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, transmitting thanks for forwarding the resolution regarding visitation to Cuba.

5. A communication was received from Bill Cavellini, transmitting support for using Community Preservation Act funds in order to purchase and preserve as a community garden the property located at 12-14 Watson Street.

6. A communication was received from Patricia Lotterman, urging the City Council to please reconsider maintaining the large hall in the renovations of the VFW hall on Huron Avenue.

7. A communication was received from Chris and Christine Wentz the parents of Sgt. Brad Wenta, transmitting thanks for your kind words that you sent regarding their son Sgt. Brad Wentz who was killed in Iraq.

8. A communication was received from Irene V. Fonseca, transmitting her sincere appreciation to the City Council for the resolution expressing sympathy on the death of her mother Senator Mary L.Fonseca.

9. A communication was received from Dolores LaPiana, transmitting deep appreciation for the resolution extending its sympathy to their family for the loss of their husband and father, Joseph C. LaPiana.

10. A communication was received from Rafal Dutkiewicz, Mayor of Wroclaw, expressing their appreciation of the initiative of the City of Cambridge supporting the Attorney General for Human Rights Ms. Beatrice Alamanni de Carillo.

11. A communication was received from John Blundo, P.E., Chief Engineer, Massachusetts Highway Department, regarding a public information meeting to provided the public with an overview of the proposed rehabilitation of the historic Longfellow Bridge that crosses over the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 7:00pm at the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston.

12. A communication was received from Reverend Joseph L. Curran, Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, transmitting his gratitude for the resolution of congratulations and best wishes to Sacred Heart parish community.

13. A communication was received from Steven J. Chilton, Senior Vice President, Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, notifying the city that they will be considering final approval to a revenue bond project to be financed on behalf of Ecole Bilingual.

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

15. A communication was received from Lynn Clark, County Clerk, Peterborough, Ontario, regarding Recreation Trails and the Occupiers Liability Act.

16. A communication was received from Kathryn Podgers, asking that a committee be formed to address the discrimination persons with disabilities face every day in Cambridge.

17. A communication was received from Jeffrey Keller, regarding the plans to turn the VFW at 688 Huron Avenue into a youth center.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Happy 75th Birthday Wishes to Arthur Mazer.   Councillor Davis

2. Resolution on the death of Robert T. Coffman.   Councillor Toomey

3. Resolution on the death of Jose de Sousa.   Councillor Toomey

4. Congratulations to Congressman Barney Frank, Dr. Bruce Walker, Dr. Eric Rosenberg and Dr. Rajesh Gandhi on receiving the 9th Annual Peter Medoff Award.   Mayor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of Jesse William Jones.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of James Simpson.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the death of Henry L. Leonard.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the death of Benita Antoine.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Regina Antoine.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the death of Jennifer H. Daley.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

11. Resolution on the death of Sister Ralph Goss.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Ethel Jenczyk.   Councillor Maher

13. Congratulations to Pat Pratt and Mary Kennedy for receiving the Fresh Pond Stewardship Award.   Councillor Davis

14. Resolution on the death of Helen R. Quinn.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Theophilus A. Knight.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of James T. McClennan.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Mary R. Walsh.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis

18. Resolution on the death of Wilfred S. Petitpas.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

19. Resolution on the death of Cornelia B. Wheeler.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis

20. Resolution on the death of Kenneth E. Poore, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Congratulations to Edward Kuh on being appointed Head of School at the Fayerweather Street School.   Mayor Sullivan

22. September 17, 2005 proclaimed as Area IV Pride Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Congratulations to Jack Dunn on being appointed as the new Chairman of the Boston College High School Board of Trustees.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Congratulations to Dennis Benzan and Tanya Brown on their upcoming wedding.   Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons

25. Recognition of Congressman Capuano for his advocacy for improvements to Lechmere Station and other transportation improvements in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

26. Resolution on the death of James Craig McBride.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth A. Farrell.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Happy Twentieth Anniversary to the Massachusetts Biotech Tech Council.   Mayor Sullivan

29. Happy 103rd Birthday wish to Louella McCloud.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Recognition to the Fire and Police Departments and the Auxiliary Red Cross for their efforts at the tragic incident in 17 Warren Street.   Councillor Toomey

31. Resolution on the death of Katherine Lawless.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

32. Congratulations to the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute of Race and Justice, and Harvard Law School on the Grand Opening Celebration of the Institute on September 15, 2005.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

33. Congratulations to Steve Buckley and the Lupus Foundation for the Old Time Baseball Game on August 17, 2005.   Councillor Galluccio

34. Resolution on the death of Mabel A. LaBossiere.   Councillor Galluccio

35. Resolution on the death of Lorraine Pritchard.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

36. Resolution on the death of Francis W. Keating, III.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

37. Best wishes to the Sonesta Hotel chain on its 60th Anniversary.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Happy 80th Birthday wish to Roger Sonnabend.   Mayor Sullivan

39. Resolution on the death of Francis Pilleri.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

40. Best wishes on the Anniversary of the Greek Churches Scholarship fund on Sunday, November 6, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

41. Congratulations to Sandra Albano and Maryellen Carvello on being named S.S. Cosmos e Damian Society’s "Women of the Year."   Mayor Sullivan

42. Congratulations to the CRLS Class of 1945 on their 60th High School reunion.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Congratulations to Richard Rossi on being named the S.S. Cosmos e Damian Society’s "Man of the Year."   Mayor Sullivan

44. Resolution on the death of Marianne Slaney.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

45. Resolution on the death of Mary A. Sciandra.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

46. Resolution on the death of Elsie Frank.   Mayor Sullivan

47. Resolution on the death of Patricia Kelly.   Councillor Galluccio

48. Congratulations to Paul Toner and Susan Connelly on the birth of their son.   Councillor Maher

49. Congratulations to Cambridge Economic Equal Opportunity (CEOC) on its 40th Anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

50. Wishes for continued strength and improved health to Robert Murrell.   Councillor Simmons

51. Resolution on the death of John E. Lynch.   Mayor Sullivan

52. Resolution on the death of William J. Eaton.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Resolution on the death of Charles F. Callanan.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

54. Congratulations to Allen Doyle on winning the 2005 U.S. Senior Open.   Mayor Sullivan

55. Resolution on the retirement of Thomas O’Connor.   Mayor Sullivan

56. Resolution on the retirement of Judith Nelson.   Mayor Sullivan

57. Resolution on the retirement of Linda Ann Gray.   Mayor Sullivan

58. Resolution on the retirement of Jill Burrows.   Mayor Sullivan

59. October 24, 2005 proclaimed as United Nations Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

60. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Mary Greenleaf.   Councillor Simmons

61. Resolution on the death of Peter Jennings.   Mayor Sullivan

62. Welcome to the 1958 Massachusetts State School Boys Hockey Champions back to Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

63. Resolution on the death of Ella M. Hardy.   Councillor Toomey

64. Resolution on the death of Michela M. Harriman   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis

65. Resolution on the death of Dominic A. Fulginiti.   Mayor Sullivan

66. Resolution on the death of Philip A. Leccese.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

67. Resolution on the death of Edna Marie Arcuri.   Mayor Sullivan

68. Support for the Third Annual "Cooking for a Cause" to benefit East End House and October 15, 2005 as East End House Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

69. Welcome to Sam Bass Warner and the presentation of ecological history in Cambridge as September 22, 2005 is proclaimed as Sam Bass Warner Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

70. Recognition of participating businesses in Cambridge for providing employment opportunities through the 2005 Summer Jobs Campaign.   Mayor Sullivan

71. Congratulations to Tano Holmes on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.   Councillor Reeves

72. Resolution on the death of Sister Teresa Bernard Daly.   Mayor Sullivan

73. Resolution on the death of Mary Thereas Hughes.   Mayor Sullivan

74. Resolution on the death of Joseph E. Donahue.   Mayor Sullivan

75. Congratulations to Pat Jehlen on her decisive victory in the Democratic Primary Special Election for the Second Middlesex Massachusetts Senate Seat.   Councillor Davis

76. Resolution on the death of Kinereth Gensler.   Councillor Davis

77. Sympathy to the families of the recent victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

78. Resolution on the death of Richard H. Lent.   Councillor Davis

79. Resolution on the death of Patrick A. O’Neil.   Mayor Sullivan

80. Resolution on the death of James R. Gallagher.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

81. Resolution on the death of Agnes M. Brisbane.   Councillor Toomey

82. Resolution on the death of Michael J. Coppola.   Councillor Toomey

83. Resolution on the death of David P. Finlay.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Resolution on the death of Marion R. Fay.   Mayor Sullivan

85. Resolution on the death of Robert Alleyne.   Mayor Sullivan

86. Joining the Cambridge NAACP in supporting Million Father March and calling for a million fathers to take their children to school on September 6, 2005.   Councillor Simmons

87. Congratulations to Lisa Birk and Joe Joseph on their recently adopted baby boy.   Vice Mayor Decker

88. Congratulations to the Longy School of Music on its recent renovation of the Rey-Waldstein Building.   Mayor Sullivan

89. September 28, 2005 proclaimed as Gerald J. Clark Day in honor of his thirty years of service the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

90. Happy 15th Anniversary wish to the Cambridgeside Galleria.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

91. Dinner for families event at Neville Place Assisted Living on September 14, 2005 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at 650 Concord Avenue and September 11-17 is proclaimed as National Assisted Living Week in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

92. Support for the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center’s Weaving Dreams Gala on November 11, 2005 at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston.   Mayor Sullivan

93. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nathaniel Detample.   Vice Mayor Decker

94. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Dingler.   Vice Mayor Decker

95. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Ramon Romero.   Vice Mayor Decker

96. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nils Thompson.   Vice Mayor Decker

97. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nicholas Bloem.   Vice Mayor Decker

98. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Seferino Reyna.   Vice Mayor Decker

99. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Timothy Seamans.   Vice Mayor Decker

100. Resolution on the death of Specialist Rusty Bell.   Vice Mayor Decker

101. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Chase Comley.   Vice Mayor Decker

102. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brian Derks.   Vice Mayor Decker

103. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Gibbs.   Vice Mayor Decker

104. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Aaron Reed.   Vice Mayor Decker

105. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Paul Saylor.   Vice Mayor Decker

106. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Elden Arcand.   Vice Mayor Decker

107. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Timothy Bell, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

108. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Daniel Deyarmin, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

109. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Grant Fraser.   Vice Mayor Decker

110. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Evenor Herrera.   Vice Mayor Decker

111. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joseph Nurre.   Vice Mayor Decker

112. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gary Reese, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

113. Resolution on the death of Corporal Timothy Shea.   Vice Mayor Decker

114. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Kevin Waruinge.   Vice Mayor Decker

115. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal William Wightman.   Vice Mayor Decker

116. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Eric Bernholtz.   Vice Mayor Decker

117. Resolution on the death of Specialist Toccara Green.   Vice Mayor Decker

118. Resolution on the death of Specialist Hatim Kathiria.   Vice Mayor Decker

119. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Edward Schroeder, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

120. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Stokely.   Vice Mayor Decker

121. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Nathan Bouchard.   Vice Mayor Decker

122. Resolution on the death of Second Lieutenant James Cathey.   Vice Mayor Decker

123. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jeremy Doyle.   Vice Mayor Decker

124. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant David Giaimo.   Vice Mayor Decker

125. Resolution on the death of Corporal David Stewart.   Vice Mayor Decker

126. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Francis Straub, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

127. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jeffrey Boskovitch.   Vice Mayor Decker

128. Resolution on the death of Specialist Miguel Carrasquillo.   Vice Mayor Decker

129. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Cifuentes.   Vice Mayor Decker

130. Resolution on the death of Sergeant James Graham, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

131. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bradley Harper.   Vice Mayor Decker

132. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Brahim Jeffcoat.   Vice Mayor Decker

133. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Roger Castleberry, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

134. Resolution on the death of Specialist Anthony Kalladeen.   Vice Mayor Decker

135. Resolution on the death of Corporal David Kreuter.   Vice Mayor Decker

136. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Brian Montgomery.   Vice Mayor Decker

137. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Nathaniel Rock.   Vice Mayor Decker

138. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Justin Hoffman.   Vice Mayor Decker

139. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Joseph Hunt.   Vice Mayor Decker

140. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant James McNaughton.   Vice Mayor Decker

141. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Thomas Strickland.   Vice Mayor Decker

142. Resolution on the death of Specialist Ray Fuhrmann, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

143. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jose Ruiz.   Vice Mayor Decker

144. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jerry Gany, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

145. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Ryan Ostrom.   Vice Mayor Decker

146. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Hernando Rios.   Vice Mayor Decker

147. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Trevor Diesing.   Vice Mayor Decker

148. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Ramon Gonzales-Cordova.   Vice Mayor Decker

149. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Shannon Taylor.   Vice Mayor Decker

150. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gennaro Pellegrini, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

151. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David Coullard.   Vice Mayor Decker

152. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Chad Simon.   Vice Mayor Decker

153. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Victoir Lieurance.   Vice Mayor Decker

154. Resolution on the death of Specialist John Kulick.   Vice Mayor Decker

155. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Asbury Hawn, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

156. Resolution on the death of Sergeant William Partridge.   Vice Mayor Decker

157. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant Terry Ball, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

158. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Charles Warren.   Vice Mayor Decker

159. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Brian Morris.   Vice Mayor Decker

160. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Chris Chapin.   Vice Mayor Decker

161. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Michael Benson.   Vice Mayor Decker

162. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Brett Walden.   Vice Mayor Decker

163. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Robert Derenda.   Vice Mayor Decker

164. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Ivica Jerak.   Vice Mayor Decker

165. Resolution on the death of Specialist Kurt Krout.   Vice Mayor Decker

166. Support for the SCM Transportation fundraising event at Orleans Restaurant, Somerville on September 15, 2005 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

167. Best wishes to Laborer’s Local 151 on their 100th Anniversary.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

168. Best wishes to the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology on its 35th Anniversary.   Mayor Sullivan

169. Support for the Third Annual Cambridge Community Center’s 1950’s event, Let the Good Times Roll, on Saturday, October 1, 2005.   Councillor Reeves

170. Resolution on the death of John J. Wilson.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

171. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. Rufo, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan

172. Resolution on the death of Keith A. Nunn.   Councillor Toomey

173. Resolution on the death of John S. Holland.   Mayor Sullivan

174. Resolution on the death of John Joseph Kiley, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

175. Resolution on the death of Thomas J. Kelleher.   Mayor Sullivan

176. Resolution on the death of Joseph Evans Greene.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Reeves

177. Resolution on the death of William J. Kelly.   Mayor Sullivan

178. Resolution on the death of Katherine L. Crafts.   Mayor Sullivan

179. Congratulations to Christopher and Dawn Wilson on the birth of their son.   Mayor Sullivan

180. Congratulations to Irene Soares and James Kasper on their upcoming wedding.   Councillor Maher

181. Congratulations to Lisa Correia and Blaine Wilson on their engagement.   Councillor Maher

182. Congratulations to the Peabody School on being ranked one of the best schools in Eastern Massachusetts by Boston Magazine.   Councillor Maher

183. Resolution on the death of Emmett L. Simmons.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

184. Congratulations to Stephen H. Burrington on his appointment as new Commissioner of State Department of Conservation and Recreation.   Councillor Davis

185. Congratulations to Luisa M. Paiewonsky on being appointed new Commissioner of the Massachusetts Highway Department.   Councillor Davis

186. Congratulations to Larry Aronson on his 65th Birthday.   Councillor Simmons

187. Resolution on the death of Steven C. Luongo.   Councillor Toomey

188. Resolution on the death of Richard Bongiorno, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

189. Happy 80th Birthday to a special Cantabrigian.   Councillor Toomey.

190. Congratulations to Rudy Russo on receiving the Dow Winslow Award.   Mayor Sullivan

191. Resolution on the death of Jose Reposa.   Councillor Toomey

192. Resolution on the death of Sarah Monagle.   Councillor Toomey

193. Saturday, September 17, 2005 proclaimed as National Federation of the Blind Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

194. Condolences to the family of Tatiana Carolina Rodriguez Santos.   Councillor Toomey

195. Congratulations to the United Nations Peace Messengers City on the 18th annual assembly of delegates.   Vice Mayor Decker

196. Resolution on the death of John C. Stryker.   Councillor Maher

197. Resolution on the death of Harriet Hoffman Miller.   Councillor Maher

198. Resolution on the death of Theodore O. Hesse.   Mayor Sullivan

199. Resolution on the death of Letitia W. Warnock.   Mayor Sullivan

200. Resolution on the death of Andrew M. Randolph.   Councillor Galluccio

201. Urging the public to attend a meeting by the Mass. Highway Department to discuss the Longfellow Bridge Restoration Project on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 7:00pm at the Shriners Burns Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston.   Councillor Toomey

202. Happy Birthday wishes to Mattie B. Hayes.   Mayor Sullivan

203. Condolences to the family of Earl Scantlebury.   Councillor Simmons

204. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Barry L. Hempel.   Mayor Sullivan

205. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Donald W. Mitchell.   Mayor Sullivan

206. Resolution on the death of Corporal Gerald E. King.   Mayor Sullivan

207. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Glenn E. Miller.   Mayor Sullivan

208. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal James R. Sargent.   Mayor Sullivan

209. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Joseph F. Cook.   Mayor Sullivan

210. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Paul S. Czerwonka.   Mayor Sullivan

211. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Raymond T. Heyne.   Mayor Sullivan

212. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Robert Lopez.   Mayor Sullivan

213. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Thomas J. Blackman.   Mayor Sullivan

214. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Thomas W. Fritsch.   Mayor Sullivan

215. Resolution on the death of Private First Class William D. McGonigle.   Mayor Sullivan

216. Resolution on the death of Anthony M. Grassia.   Mayor Sullivan

217. Congratulations to the Irish Immigration Center’s 2005 Solas Award Winners.   Mayor Sullivan

218. Resolution on the death of Dorothy R. Finnerty.   Mayor Sullivan

219. Happy 89th Birthday wishes to Carl Barron.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy

220. Happy Birthday greetings to a special Cantabrigian.   Councillor Galluccio

221. Congratulations to Steve Lacey, M.D. and his wife Ricki, for being on the scene overseeing the arrival of the first Hurricane Katrina victims at Otis Air Force Base.   Mayor Sullivan

222. Resolution on the death of Maria M. Figueiredo.   Councillor Maher

223. Best wishes to Reverend Bozzutti Jones on his move to St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.   Councillor Reeves

224. Recognition to the Cambridge African American Historical Trail Advisory Committee as they mark the grave of Clement Morgan, former Cambridge City Council member and founding member of the NAACP and the Cambridge Branch NAACP.   Councillor Reeves

225. Welcome to Professor Henry Lewis Gates back after his sabbatical.   Councillor Reeves

226. Welcome to Gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick.   Councillor Reeves

227. Best wishes to Andrew Spears for his courage and stamina while he faces health challenges.   Councillor Reeves

228. Congratulations to Alex Pena and Arawak Productions on the success of this year’s Salsa at Sunset concert featuring El Jeffrey, Le Cheval and Paquito Guzman.   Councillor Reeves

229. Congratulations to Nicola Williams and the Cambridge Carnival International on the success of this year’s carnival.   Councillor Reeves

230. Wish for a speedy recovery to Major Betzann Carroll.   Mayor Sullivan

231. Resolution on the death of Charles Micale.   Mayor Sullivan

232. Resolution on the death of Christine Thurston.   Mayor Sullivan

233. Congratulations to Andrea Boyer and Kristin Porter on their July nuptials.   Councillor Simmons

234. Resolution on the death of Anna C. Sutton.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio

235. Resolution on the death of Pearl Poirier.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

236. Resolution on the death of J. Raymond Garrey, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

237. Resolution on the death of Dr. Samuel Joshua Lowis.   Councillor Galluccio

238. Resolution on the death of Horace Breland.   Councillor Galluccio

239. Resolution on the death of William Walsh.   Mayor Sullivan

240. Resolution on the death of Leon A. Braithwaite.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

241. Resolution on the death of Christine C. Kornatowski.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

242. Congratulations to Ron Benham and Elaine O'Reilly on their 28th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

243. Congratulations to CASCAP, Inc. and Watertown Community Housing, Inc. on the completion of its newest affordable housing complex, Marshall Place Apartments on 120 Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown.   Mayor Sullivan

244. Recognition to Tutoring Plus, Paul Parravano, MIT and Ginny Williams for their continued dedication to the education of Cambridge youth and October 21, 2005 is proclaimed as Tutoring Plus Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

245. Well wishes to Phil Dussault, Instructor at the Rindge School of Technical Arts.   Mayor Sullivan

246. Good luck wishes to Julia Heredia as she competes in the Bermuda Half Marathon on January 15, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan

247. Congratulations to the 2005 Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers Award winners.   Mayor Sullivan

248. Support for a fundraiser for the Mount Auburn Hospital Hoffman Breast Center on Sunday, October 2, 2005, 5:00pm - 6:30pm at Club Passim in Harvard Square.   Mayor Sullivan

249. Best wishes to John Curry at a celebration in his honor as Executive Vice President of MIT.   Councillor Davis

250. Welcome to Mayor Bonifacio Momao and his delegation to Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

251. Recognition of Lynn Schreff and Bill McFarland of the Cambridge Health Alliance for their efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

252. Recognition of Larry Black and Rosemarie John of the Kennedy School of Government for their efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

253. Recognition of Lori Sutherland, Kenneth Bryant and John Harriman for their efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

254. Recognition of Charles Knight, Jennifer Dever, and Nicole Bukowski for their efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

255. Well wishes to the partner of David Scondras.   Mayor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. Dedication in the vicinity of Prospect Street and St. Mary Road in honor of George McCusker.   Councillor Toomey

2. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing Department to report back to the City Council with examples of impact fees and whether they are allowed in the Commonwealth.   Councillor Maher

3. The City Manager is requested to instruct the GIS to map WIFI hot spots in the City to determine where the gaps are in the City.   Councillor Davis

4. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works relative to the rodent situation on Warren Street and report back to the City Council.   Mayor Sullivan

5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation as it pertains to the dangerous intersection of Memorial Drive and River Street.   Mayor Sullivan

6. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to provide crossing guards where children are attending summer camps.   Councillor Simmons

7. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Department to enforce the crosswalk at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Day Street near St. John’s Church.   Mayor Sullivan

8. The City Manager is requested to contact the Cambridge Health Alliance to meet with the residents of 808 Memorial Drive and Winn Management regarding the rodent infestation.   Councillor Simmons

9. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer with a view of the City undertaking a "warm weather" event mailing informing residents of City-sponsored and other public celebrations which take place in the spring, summer and fall, and to direct the creation of an e-mail event notification list.   Councillor Galluccio

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate staff with a view of a successful celebration of the opening of the renovated Russell Field, and that the event include youth groups, CRLS athletes and the North Cambridge community.   Councillor Galluccio

11. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the skate park on New Street.   Councillor Galluccio

12. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council to clarify the City’s policies on brick sidewalks in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio

13. City Council opposition to MBTA use of a non-union general contractor in erecting bus shelters.   Councillor Galluccio

14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Director of the Recreation Division of Human Services to establish a citywide youth sports commission.   Councillor Galluccio

15. The City Manager is requested to arrange a meeting immediately with representatives of the private company that is awarded rights to manage the Gore Street Simone Rink to discuss rates and other relevant city issues.   Councillor Galluccio

16. Support for reform of the Criminal Offender Record Information Statute (CORI) system.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Murphy, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons CHARTER RIGHT - DECKER

17. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to develop a citywide coalition for afterschool programs and report back to the Human Services Committee.   Councillor Simmons

18. Dedication of the new Russell Field.   Councillor Galluccio

19. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report back to the City Council as to why there was no North Cambridge site for the Summer Food Service Program for children this past summer and what steps the City can take to ensure that there is a North Cambridge site next summer.   Councillor Galluccio

20. Dedication of a corner in the vicinity of 15 Holmes Street in honor of George Stanizzi, World War II veteran.   Councillor Galluccio

21. Dedication of the corner of Holworthy Street and Park Avenue in honor of Mortimer Sullivan, World War II Navy veteran.   Councillor Galluccio

22. The City Manager is requested to designate an appropriate individual to participate in planning for a possible influenza pandemic.   Councillor Davis

23. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority on the possibility of converting the rear yard at 114 Norfolk into a community garden.   Councillor Simmons

24. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate staff so that when the City has identified the type and availability about rodent-proof trash receptacles, the information is mailed to the residents of Area Four.   Councillor Simmons

25. Dedication of a memorial in honor of Mitsumari Kanai Shihan.   Councillor Davis

26. The City Manager is requested to provide the Cambridgeport community with an update on the Blessed Sacrament building.   Councillor Simmons

27. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer with the view of posting on the Cambridge website information for citizens wishing to contribute to relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

28. The City Manager is requested to convene and work with a committee, including representatives from the Cambridge Historical Commission and interested and informed citizens, to select a suitable site on or around the Cambridge Common to honor Prince Hall and his contribution to the City of Cambridge, and the country.   Councillor Simmons

29. Dedication of a site near Fulkerson Street in honor of Liberal Ferreira.   Councillor Toomey

30. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation regarding traffic calming measures on Pemberton Street.   Councillor Toomey

31. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate ways to stop motorists from making illegal left turns onto Church Street from Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Davis

32. The Mayor is requested to form a working committee on all matters relating to the Cambridge response to Hurricane Katrina and to schedule a meeting organized by the Mayor’s Office, and that the outcome of said meeting be referred to the Mayor’s Working Committee on Hurricane Katrina.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Reeves

33. The City Manager is requested to ask universities if housing is available for the hurricane victims, and devise a plan to poll private citizens on the availability of housing vacancies and whether they are willing to offer them to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

34. The City Manager is requested to devise a plan to encourage Cambridge residents and businesses to be as generous as possible to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, including the possibility of accepting contributions at the Danehy Park Family Fair on September 24, 2005.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

35. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on communications and transportation disaster plans that would assist all Cambridge residents, including all those that do not have cars.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

36. The City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of adopting a community or city in the Hurricane Katrina area to provide assistance.   Councillor Davis

37. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works relative to safety concerns in the area of Alden Park near the Baldwin School.   Mayor Sullivan

38. The City Manager is requested to look into the placement of a tree at Allston and Sidney Streets, and that no further action be taken until all issues relative to the placement of the tree is resolved with the neighbors.   Councillor Simmons

39. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Assessment to reexamine the assessment process that has occurred where there have been inconsistencies regarding assessments that differ for properties on the same street or block.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft a home rule petition that would create a base line foundation of an equal tax amount for every residential property.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

41. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement a real estate transfer fee to be assessed on all real estate transferred.   Councillor Toomey

42. City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement a real estate agent fee surcharge to be assessed at the rate of 3% on all fees received as a result of the sale of real estate in Cambridge.   Councillor Toomey

43. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement an endowment surcharge to be assessed at the rate of 1% of the annual interest in excess of $1-million earned on any endowment of any organization which has more than 5% of its total property in Cambridge listed as tax exempt   Councillor Toomey

44. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City’s MIS Director to provide for streaming audio and streaming video on the City’s website.   Councillor Toomey

45. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Cambridge Health Alliance to provide the City Council with an update of their relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims.   Vice Mayor Decker

46. The City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and the Cambridge Health Alliance to identify appropriate methods of spreading the word along to Cambridge residents who would like to contribute in some capacity to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Vice Mayor Decker

47. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take all steps to ban construction on Grant Street.   Vice Mayor Decker

48. Urging Shaw’s to hire contractors that have a history of community standards and honest subcontracting standards for their project in Porter Square.   Vice Mayor Decker

49. Calling on President Bush to meet with Cindy Sheehan and other grieving mothers and fathers who want answers concerning the deaths of their loved ones and questions regarding the circumstances that sent them to Iraq.   Vice Mayor Decker

50. The City Manager is requested to confer immediately with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and inform the City Council as soon as possible as to whether any changes have been made to the original design of the open space at the North Point Development.   Councillor Maher

51. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a status report regarding the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all relevant aspects of City work, policies and ordinances.   Councillor Maher

52. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine speeding and potential traffic calming measures along Fountain Terrace.   Councillor Galluccio

53. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on repaving and traffic calming along Cushing Street.   Councillor Galluccio

54. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Commissioner to repave St. Saveur Court as soon as possible because it is in deplorable condition.   Councillor Galluccio

55. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Massachusetts Highway Department and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to move the September 22, 2005 meeting of the restoration of the Longfellow Bridge from Boston to Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Decker

56. The City Manager is requested to obtain for the City Council an update from the License Commission as to whether State regulations have changed such as to allow beer and wine service on sidewalks.   Councillor Reeves

57. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to strongly consider the possibility of making significant plant beds on Cambridge Common to serve as a Common Focal Point.   Councillor Reeves

58. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine whether they could assist in a citywide yard sale benefiting the victims of Hurricane Katrina.   Councillor Reeves

59. The City Manager is requested to explain why during recent blackouts the only available information from the city was to call NSTAR, despite the City’s purchase of the street lights.   Councillor Reeves

60. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to adopt a policy banning the use of garbage bags without containers; and to explore and report back to the City Council whether the City should adopt a policy prohibiting putting out trash barrels any sooner than the morning of the day when the trash is scheduled for collection.   Councillor Reeves

61. Dedication of a site near Mt. Pleasant Street in honor of Leon A. Braithwaite.   Councillor Simmons

62. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate persons of the Historical Commission and the Cambridge Public Library, along with the Cambridge Senior Center to develop a mechanism to capture the stories of Cambridge's senior citizens and that the information be stored in the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch.   Councillor Simmons

63. City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to request the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to provide fencing for the Binney Street lot so that it can be used temporarily as a dog park.   Councillor Murphy

64. Dedication of a site near Tremont Street and Cambridge Street in memory of Gaetano Philip Sciandra.   Mayor Sullivan

65. The City Manager is requested to provide a draft response to Order Number 33 of June 20, 2005 City Council meeting, to be in the City Council Office no later than Wednesday, September 14, 2005.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Simmons

66. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to make recommendations to the City Council with regard to increasing fines for graffiti on public property.   Councillor Galluccio

67. The City Manager is requested to confer with the MBTA in an effort to remove graffiti on the bus shelters.   Councillor Galluccio

68. Support for House 4245 in the same form as reported out by the Joint Committee on Children and Families, and Senate Bill 2144 in the same form as report out by the Joint Committee on Children and Families.   Councillor Murphy

69. Support for a public hearing on Oxycontin Abuse on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 10:00am at Somerville City Hall in the Alderman's Chamber.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

70. Support for a public hearing regarding the Cambridge Housing Authority's "Rent Simplification" Proposal on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 6:00pm at the Manning Apartments, 237 Franklin Street.   Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on July 19, 2005 for the purpose of continuing to discuss the issue of dog parks in the City of Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on July 25, 2005 to discuss the issues relating to the property tax.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on July 26, 2005 to discuss the Cambridge Scholarship Program and to receive a revenue update.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on August 1, 2005 to continue discussing issues relating to the property tax.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, transmitting a letter from John Serwecinski regarding affordable housing.

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

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

Tues, Sept 20
6:00pm   The Public Safety Committee and the Finance Committee will conduct a joint public meeting to discuss the issue of running red lights with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Sept 21
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 12.18 entitled "Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of Newsracks."  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance, Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District, relative to ground floor retail.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Sept 22
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting with the Massachusetts Delegation to discuss issues and concerns regarding property taxes and municipal revenue.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 26
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)

Wed, Sept 28
5:30pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss dog parks in the city.  (Ackermann Room)

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

Thurs, Oct 20
6:00pm   Joint Meeting between the City Council and School Committee to discuss prescription drug abuse.  (Location TBA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the corner of Prospect Street and St. Mary’s Road in honor of George McCusker; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-2     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Assessing the Department to report back to the City Council with examples of impact fees and whether they are allowed in the Commonwealth.

O-3     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the GIS to map WIFI hot spots in the City for use by a new technology task force and by residents to determine where the gaps are in the City.

O-4     September 12, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works relative to the rodent situation on Warren Street and report back to the City Council.

O-5     September 12, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation as it pertains to the dangerous intersection of Memorial Drive and River Street; in particular, the lack of lane markings which has led to a number of accidents upon entering the City and report back to the City Council.

O-6     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to provide crossing guards where children are attending summer camps.

O-7     September 12, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Department to enforce the crosswalk at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Day Street near St. John’s Church.

O-8     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the Cambridge Health Alliance to meet with the residents of 808 Memorial Drive and Winn Management regarding the rodent infestation.

O-9     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer with a view in mind of the City undertaking a "warm weather" event mailing informing residents of City-sponsored and other public celebrations which take place in the spring, summer and fall, and to direct the creation of an e-mail event notification list.

O-10     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager is be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate staff with a view of a successful celebration of the opening of the renovated Russell Field, and that the event include youth groups, CRLS athletes and the North Cambridge community.

O-11     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the skate park on New Street.

O-12     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council to clarify the City’s policies on brick sidewalks in Cambridge.

O-13     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the MBTA is erecting bus shelters using a non-union general contractor; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in opposition to the use of nonunion workers by the MBTA, and urge the MBTA General Manager to use union workers; 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 MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-14     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Director of the Recreation Division of Human Services to establish a citywide youth sports commission, which includes representatives from youth sports leagues from across the city and city officials with the goal of strengthening youth sports throughout the City of Cambridge.

O-15     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately arrange a meeting with representatives of the private company that is awarded rights to manage the Gore Street Simone Rink to discuss rates and other relevant city issues.

O-16     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Criminal Offender Record Information Statute (CORI) was implemented in 1973 and included privacy safeguards in an effort to balance law enforcement requirements with personal privacy issues; and
RESOLVED: The balance, however, has changed over the program’s lifetime as (i) the number and category of organizations with CORI access has grown, (ii) the type of entries in a CORI has become more expansive, growing from conviction data to arrest data, sealed record data, juvenile data, and even data regarding final dispositions of Not Guilty, (iii) the Security and Privacy Council was abolished, (iv) state-level mandates to conduct CORI checks have displaced discretionary checks, and (v) certain state prohibitions against hiring regardless of the age of the criminal activity have arisen; and
WHEREAS: The CORI database contains records for over 2,800,000 people despite a Massachusetts population of only 6,400,000 people which indicates that the database is likely in need of maintenance to, among other things, remove records of persons that have deceased or relocated out of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Over 10,000 organizations have access to CORI and approximately 1,500,000 CORI reports are sent each year which is approximately 5,000 CORI reports each working day; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council joins the growing number of experts and organizations, including the Boston City Council, in recognizing the host of problems accompanying the CORI statute and acknowledges the seriousness of the efforts to reform the CORI program; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the Great and General Court and the Governor to reform the CORI system; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the Great and General Court and the Governor to reform the CORI system by preventing and correcting cross-identity CORI records through ensuring that the CORI database is supported by fingerprints, adopting more complete procedures for better identifying the correct CORI before the CORI report is released, and adopting regulations detailing procedures for promptly correcting identity-tangled CORI; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the Great and General Court and the Governor to reform the CORI system by addressing the over inclusiveness of CORI records through ensuring that only records of convictions and open cases are contained in a CORI or by ensuring that classes of organizations with CORI access are provided only with records of convictions and open cases; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the Great and General Court and the Governor to reform the CORI system by shortening the waiting period and simplifying /automating the process for the sealing of certain conviction (and non-conviction) records; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council urges the Great and General Court and the Governor to reform the CORI system by prohibiting employment or housing discrimination against a person with a CORI if there is no nexus between the CORI and the position or housing sought by the subject of the CORI; 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 delegation to the Massachusetts General Court and the Governor of Massachusetts on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-17     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Human Services to develop a citywide coalition for afterschool programs and report back to the Human Services Committee.

O-18     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating the new Russell Field to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Football and Cheerleading Teams of the 1980’s who played without a home football field and the young people of Cambridge who did not have a Pop Warner football program for so many years.

O-19     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to report back to the City Council as to why there was no North Cambridge site for the Summer Food Service Program for children this past summer (see attached flyer) and what steps the City can take to ensure that there is a North Cambridge site next summer.

O-20     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a site in the vicinity of 15 Holmes Street in honor of George Stanizzi, World War II veteran; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-21     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the corner of Holworthy and Park Avenue in honor of Mortimer Sullivan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-22     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is holding a planning meeting on September 17, 2005 to discuss preparations for what could well be a very dangerous flu season; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate an appropriate individual to participate in planning for a possible influenza pandemic.

O-23     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority on the possibility of converting the rear yard at 114 Norfolk into a community garden.

O-24     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It is the understanding of the City Council that the City is in the process of researching state of the art rodent-proof trash receptacles; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate staff so that when the City has identified the type and availability, the information is mailed to the residents of Area Four.

O-25     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating a suitable memorial, possibly a bench and tree in Franklin Street Park, in honor of Mitsumari Kani Shihan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council consult with the family and friends of Mitsumari Kanai Shihan to arrange for a suitable dedication ceremony and contact the Department of Public Works for a commemorative sign.

O-26     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the Cambridgeport community with an update on the Blessed Sacrament building.

O-27     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Information Officer with the view of posting on the Cambridge website information for citizens wishing to contribute to relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

O-28     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Generation after generation of Americans have looked at our founding fathers as role models that all children and our community can be proud of; and
WHEREAS: So many persons especially our children do not know who Prince Hall (1738-1807) was or properly consider him as one of our founding fathers; and
WHEREAS: Prince Hall met with Commander George Washington in Cambridge, July 2, 1775, to plead for blacks to be allowed to join the Revolutionary Army; and
WHEREAS: He was the first Black community and civil rights leader in America; and
WHEREAS: Prince Hall created the first school organized by Black citizens for Black children; and
WHEREAS: Prince Hall petitioned the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to end slavery and the slave trade; and
WHEREAS: Prince Hall is primarily known as the first Black man made a mason in America and as the organizer and founder of African Lodge in Boston on July 3, 1775, now known as the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts F&AM with many Cambridge citizens as members and a rich history of contributions to our city; and
WHEREAS: An address Prince Hall gave to African Lodge at Menotomy, (Cambridge) June 24, 1797 told of the relationships between blacks and whites at that time, and
WHEREAS: A cemetery for Black masons in Cambridge, now a part of Arlington, is the burial site of eight Black masons; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene and work with a committee, including representatives from the Cambridge Historical Commission and interested and informed citizens, to select a suitable site on or around the Cambridge Common to honor Prince Hall and his contribution to the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts and the country.

O-29     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Fulkerson Street in honor of Liberal Ferreira; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-30     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation regarding traffic calming measures on Pemberton Street.

O-31     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate ways to stop motorists from making illegal left turns onto Church Street from Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square.

O-32     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to form a working committee on all matters relating to the Cambridge response to Hurricane Katrina and to schedule a meeting organized by the Mayor’s Office; and be it further
ORDERED: That the outcome of said meeting be referred to the Mayor’s Working Committee on Hurricane Katrina.

O-33     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask universities if housing is available for the hurricane victims, and devise a plan to poll private citizens on the availability of housing vacancies and whether they are willing to offer them to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

O-34     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to devise a plan to encourage Cambridge residents and businesses to be as generous as possible to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, including the possibility of accepting contributions at the Danehy Park Family Fair on September 24, 2005.

O-35     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on communications and transportation disaster plans that would assist all Cambridge residents, including all those that do not have cars.

O-36     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of adopting a community or city in the hurricane area to provide assistance.

O-37     September 12, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Department Public Works regarding safety concerns specifically loose boards, planks, bolts, etc. at Alden Park near the Baldwin School and report back to the City Council. Additionally can we find out where this park is on the Capital Improvement Plan.

O-38     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the placement of a tree at Allston and Sidney Streets, and that no further action be taken until all issues relative to the placement of the tree is resolved with the neighbors.

O-39     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Assessment to reexamine the assessment process that has occurred where there have been inconsistencies regarding assessments that differ for properties on the same street or block; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Council be and hereby is requested to schedule a hearing with the Director of Assessment, his staff and an independent property tax specialist to explain current methods of assessment and explore more equitable and reasonable methods of assessment.

O-40     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Residents have become increasingly alarmed at the rising property tax value assessment of their homes; and
WHEREAS: It has become clear that a more equitable tax base is needed to provide owner occupied property owners with predictability and incentives for owner occupied properties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft a home rule petition that would create a base line foundation of an equal tax amount for every residential property and the additional tax rate would apply to the assessment of the house as determined over the next year by the Director of Assessment. Once the assessment is established, it would maintain the status assessment while the property is owner-occupied. When the property is sold, a new assessment of the current value shall be established. This is to provide a baseline of equity to all property owners to be determined by the City Council and City administration with additional tax rates based on the difference of the assessed value; and be it further
ORDERED: That an economic impact study be done to examine the impact of such changes on city revenue and corresponding services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the draft Home Rule Petition and the economic impact study be referred together to the Finance Committee for further review and that the City Manager report back to the City Council within two weeks as to when the items will be ready for Finance Committee review.

O-41     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates certain requirements that make the real estate tax less progressive than it should be; and
WHEREAS: Any modification of these requirements will take years to be approved, if at all; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge taxpayer needs immediate relief from real estate taxes; and
WHEREAS: Many Cambridge property owners have received significant profits from the sale of their properties; now therefore be
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement a real estate transfer fee to be assessed on all real estate transferred (as hereinafter defined) from one party to another; and be it further
ORDERED: That the transfer fee be progressively assessed as follows:
$ -0- to $999,999 in transfer consideration – exempt
$1,000,000 to 1,999,999 in transfer consideration – 1% of said consideration
$2,000,000 to 3,999,999 in transfer consideration – 2% of said consideration
$4,000,000 to 5,999,999 in transfer consideration – 3% of said consideration
$6,000,000 to 7,999,999 in transfer consideration – 4% of said consideration
$8,000,000+ – 5% of said consideration
and be it further
ORDERED: That the rules and regulations, including the definition of transfer and consideration be modeled on the real estate transfer imposed by the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and be it further
ORDERED: That the revenue generated by the real estate transfer fee be used to fund a program to reduce the annual real estate tax levy of low-to-moderate income owner-occupants of residential property and the annual real estate tax levy of non owner-occupants of residential property who rent to low-to-moderate income individuals at below market rate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to present said home rule petition to the City Council by October 31, 2005.

O-42     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates certain requirements that make the real estate tax less progressive than it should be; and
WHEREAS: Any modification of these requirements will take years to be approved, if at all; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge taxpayer needs immediate relief from real estate taxes; and
WHEREAS: Many real estate agents have received significant fees from the sale of properties in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement a real estate agent fee surcharge to be assessed at the rate of 3% on all fees received as a result of the sale of real estate in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the revenue generated by the real estate transfer fee be used to fund a program to reduce the annual real estate tax levy of low-to-moderate income owner-occupants of residential property and the annual real estate tax levy of non owner-occupants of residential property who rent to low-to-moderate income individuals at below market rate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to present said home rule petition to the City Council by October 31, 2005.

O-43     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates certain requirements that make the real estate tax less progressive than it should be; and
WHEREAS: Any modification of these requirements will take years to be approved, if at all; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge taxpayer needs immediate relief from real estate taxes; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a significant amount of tax exempt property within its boundaries with enormous endowments; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a home rule petition that would allow the City to implement an endowment surcharge to be assessed at the rate of 1% of the annual interest in excess of $1-million earned on any endowment of any organization which has more than 5% of its total property in Cambridge listed as tax exempt; and be it further
ORDERED: That the revenue generated by the real estate transfer fee be used to fund a program to reduce the annual real estate tax levy of low-to-moderate income owner-occupants of residential property and the annual real estate tax levy of non owner-occupants of residential property who rent to low-to-moderate income individuals at below market rate;
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to present said home rule petition to the City Council by October 31, 2005.

O-44     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Several years ago, the City Council approved an order requesting the City Manager to instruct the City’s MIS Director to provide for streaming video of City Council meetings on the City’s website; and
WHEREAS: This process has not occurred; and
WHEREAS: The technology to provide streaming video, as well as streaming audio has significantly improved; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge prides itself on its openness of the public process; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City’s MIS Director to provide for streaming audio and streaming video on the City’s website such that:
All meetings of the City Council are available on streaming audio by December 31, 2005;
All meetings of the City Council are available on streaming video by June 30, 2006;
All meetings of City Council committees are available on streaming audio by June 30, 2006;
All meetings of every Board and Commission in the City be available on streaming audio by December 31, 2006; and be it further
ORDERED: That provisions be made for the archival availability of these productions.

O-45     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record supporting the Cambridge Health Alliance’s relief efforts to the victims of Hurricane Katrina with additional resources as requested by the Cambridge Health Alliance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Cambridge Health Alliance to provide the City Council with an update of their relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims.

O-46     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Council and the Cambridge Health Alliance to identify appropriate methods of spreading the word along to Cambridge residents who would like to contribute in some capacity to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

O-47     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Safety officials have confirmed that there are no public safety reasons that would prohibit a ban on construction on Grant Street; and
WHEREAS: The ban would not prohibit emergency access to all public safety vehicles; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take all steps to ban construction on Grant Street; and be it further
ORDERED: If extraordinary circumstances require usage of Grant street for short term construction that the city council, manager and the neighborhood residents must be notified with significant notice; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Riverside Neighborhood Association, the Kerry Corner Neighborhood Association, and Harvard’s Real Estate and Development offices.

O-48     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that Shaw’s will be doing a construction project in Porter Square; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has always expected business to abide by community standards that include competitive/fair wages, health care, and other benefits that are provided by business’ who believe in community standards; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge sets these ideals in its own employment practices and subcontracting arrangements; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed as a community to the creation of good jobs, fair wages, and good working conditions; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Shaw’s to hire contractors that have a history of community standards and honest subcontracting standards for their project in Porter Square; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Shaw’s Corporation, Suffolk Construction, and all Cambridge based unions on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-49     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: On April 4, 2004, Specialist Casey Sheehan was killed in Iraq; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council extends its condolences and sorrow for his family’s loss; and
WHEREAS: Since her son has died, Cindy Sheehan has requested to meet with President George Bush; and
WHEREAS: Cindy has been in Crawford, Texas since August 5, 2005 waiting to speak with the President about the war in Iraq; and
WHEREAS: Cindy has been speaking out against the war in Iraq and never been included in any of the Army’s speaking tours-unlike other Gold Star mothers who support the war in Iraq; and
WHEREAS: Cindy Sheehan has visited the City of Cambridge and met with Cambridge residents and Vice Mayor Decker to affirm their opposition to the war and share her personal loss as well as informing people that the top military brass including the President have refused a meeting with her; and
WHEREAS: The right wing media and the current administration have tried to marginalize Cindy’s experience because she opposes the war; and
WHEREAS: On August 31st, the last day of the encampment, the Bring Them Home Now Tour will launch three buses from Crawford, TX, each carrying military and Gold Star families, veterans of the Iraq War and veterans of previous wars. These buses will travel different routes across the country, converging in Washington, D.C. on September 21st, for the United for Peace and Justice Mobilization September 24th-26th; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record supporting Cindy’s mission, Gold Star Families for Peace United for Peace and Justice Mobilization; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Council go on record thanking Cindy and her many supporters for her courage and determination to speak out against the war and publicly hold the President accountable particularly in a media and political climate that is not in line with the majority of Americans who oppose this war, oppose the glorification of this war, and oppose all current aggressive military recruitment efforts to increase the number of enlisted to send to Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this Council call on President Bush to meet with Cindy Sheehan and other grieving mothers and fathers who want answers concerning the deaths of their loved ones and questions regarding the circumstances that sent them to Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cindy Sheehan, Gold Star Families For Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Vets Against The War, Veterans For Peace, United for Justice and Peace, Cambridge American Friends Service Committee the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, Secretary Condoleezza Rice and President Bush.

O-50     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer immediately with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and inform the City Council as soon as possible as to whether any changes have been made to the original design of the open space at the North Point Development.

O-51     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a status report regarding the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all relevant aspects of City work, policies and ordinances.

O-52     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine speeding and potential traffic calming measures along Fountain Terrace.

O-53     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on repaving and traffic calming along Cushing Street.

O-54     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Commissioner to repave St. Saveur Court as soon as possible because it is in deplorable condition.

O-55     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: It has come to this City Council’s attention that a public information meeting will be held on September 22, 2005 in Boston to discuss the proposed transportation project for the restoration of the Longfellow Bridge across the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Massachusetts Highway Department and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to move the meeting to Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Highway Department and the Department of Conservation and Recreation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-56     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to obtain for the City Council an update from the License Commission as to whether State regulations have changed such as to allow beer and wine service on sidewalks.

O-57     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to strongly consider the possibility of making significant plant beds on Cambridge Common to serve as a Common Focal Point.

O-58     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine whether they could assist in a citywide yard sale benefiting the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

O-59     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explain why during recent blackouts the only available information from the city was to call NSTAR, despite the City’s purchase of the street lights.

O-60     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to adopt a policy banning the use of garbage bags without containers; and to explore and report back to the City Council whether the City should use a policy prohibiting putting out trash barrels any sooner than the morning of the day when the trash is scheduled for collection.

O-61     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant Street in honor of Leon A. Braithwaite; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-62     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate persons of the Historical Commission and the Cambridge Public Library, along with the Cambridge Senior Center to develop a mechanism to capture the stories of Cambridge's senior citizens and that the information be stored in the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch.

O-63     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to request the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to provide fencing for the Binney Street lot so that it can be used temporarily as a dog park.

O-64     September 12, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Tremont Street and Cambridge Street in memory of Gaetano Philip Sciandra; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-65     September 12, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a draft response to Order Number 33 of June 20, 2005 City Council meeting, to be in the City Council Office no later than Wednesday, September 14, 2005, particularly with respect to the free speech zone and whatever agreements were signed by the City and the Army; and be it further
ORDERED: When the full report has been completed the City Manager be and hereby is requested that said report to be transferred to the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, the Health and Environment Committee, the Human Services Committee, and the Public Safety Committee.
[Editorial Note: There is no justification for this resolution being referred to either the Health and Environment Committee or the Human Services Committee other than that these committees are chaired by the co-sponsors of the order. In a better world, each Council committee would address topics appropriate to the committee rather than be all-purpose soapboxes for the chairs of those committees.]

O-66     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to make recommendations to the City Council with regard to increasing fines for graffiti on public property.

O-67     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the MBTA in an effort to remove graffiti on the bus shelters.

O-68     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support for House 4245 in the same form as reported out by the Joint Committee on Children and Families, and Senate Bill 2144 in the same form as report out by the Joint Committee on Children and Families; 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 to the General Court of Massachusetts and the Governor on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-69     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging residents to be cognizant of a public hearing on Oxycontin Abuse to be held on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 10:00am at Somerville City Hall in the Alderman's Chamber.

O-70     September 12, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging residents to be cognizant of a public hearing on the Cambridge Housing Authority's "Rent Simplification" Proposal on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 6:00pm at the Manning Apartments, 237 Franklin Street.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on July 19, 2005, beginning at 5:30pm in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of continuing to discuss the issue of dog parks in the City of Cambridge.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present on behalf of the City Administrative staff were Paul Ryder, Director of Recreation, Department of Human Services (DHS), Greg Garber, Superintendent of Parks, Department of Public Works (DPW), Shawn Headley, Supervisor of Parks for Mid-Cambridge, DPW, Sarah Burkes, Historical Commission, Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Chip Norton, Water Department, and Alison Price, Animal Commission.

The following members of the public attended the meeting: Jim Condit, 164 Raymond Street, Rona Troderman King, 2143 Massachusetts Avenue, John B. Smith, 33 Fairmont Avenue, Michael Connelly, 33 Fairmont Avenue, Sophia Barney-Farrar, 3 Hammond Street, Heather Barney, 3 Hammond Street, Margret Wells, 9 C Russell Street, David Mitten, 230 Concord Avenue, Maggie Smith, 41 Line Street #3, Gale Halpern, 19 Agassiz, Street, Susan Isenstein, 4 Newport Road, Craig Kelley, 6 St. Gerard Terrace, Angela DeMillo, 100 Erie Street #6, David Levy, 9 Ellery Street,#41, Elisabeth Meurer, 9 Ellery Street, # 41, Lily Awad, 18 Williams Street, Gina Bilander, 123 Dudley Street #2, Lynn Carr, 30 Cambridgepark Drive #1115; Tim Halle, 260 Pearl Street, Leah Nickel, 109 Pearl Street # 2, Liz MacGillicuddy Lucas, 161 Hancock Street # 6, David Brackman, 16 Centre Street, Marjorie Otterson, 56 Reed Street, Debra Segal, 16 Centre Street, Barbara Stein, 6 Van Norden Street, Evan Olson, 11 Buena Vista Park, Kyle Nicholls, 321 Mt. Auburn Street, Kathy Marsh, 30 Chatham Street, Helen Fairman, 167 Cushing Street.

Councillor Murphy convened the meeting and invited all those present to introduce themselves. He stated that this has been one of the most challenging issues that he has worked on. He reported that in earlier meetings the group had decided to divide the City into quadrants, and look at what opportunities for dog parks and off leash dog exercise exist in each quadrant. Councillor Murphy then asked Paul Ryder to report on the possibilities for improving the existing dog park area at Danehy Park.

Mr. Ryder stated that he and other city staff have been working with a designer on the possibilities for redesigning and regarding the area to make it flatter and more useable. The working plan is for a 15,000 square foot fenced area with improved drainage and grading. The estimated cost for the improvements is $80 – 100,000. The improvements would be need to be presented to the Capital Improvement Committee to request recommendation for inclusion in the City’s capital improvement budget. No open space projects were funded this year in the FY 06 budget, but the plan is ready for presentation. He cautioned that the ground is the landfill cap. He noted that because the park is built on a landfill, there are a great many regulatory requirements that must be met and approvals that must be obtained, so the pre-construction approval process is not quick.

Councillor Murphy and Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the feasibility of including the plan for improvements to the dog park at Danehy Park in the capital budget for FY07.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection and the order was adopted by the City Council at its August 1, 2005 meeting.

Next, Greg Garber reported on research into the possibility of locating a dog park in the area near the tennis courts on Pemberton Avenue. He explained that between the tennis courts and the railroad tracks there is a narrow wooded area that measures approximately 75 feet wide and 400 feet long. There is natural shade. Water is available in the adjacent park. Right now the area is encumbered because of the construction work on the Yerxa Road pedestrian railroad underpass, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2006. After that, DPW wants to give serious thought to the availability of the site for a dog park.

At the request of Councillor Murphy, Chip Norton then described the progress at Fresh Pond. Mr. Norton said that right now, there is a focus on two restoration projects. Dogs are a priority issue in the Fresh Pond Master Plan. The existing city ordinance allows dogs off leash as long as the owner is a Cambridge resident. Out of town dogs are allowed in the reservation, but they must be on leashes. In the fall, the Fresh Pond Advisory Committee will be developing a plan for implementation of this ordinance. They are looking at a medallion plan that would allow easy identification of Cambridge dogs. The Fresh Pond Advisory Committee has monthly meetings. Councillor Murphy urged interested persons to attend the Advisory Committee meetings to voice their opinions about the best way to manage dogs at Fresh Pond Reservation.

At this time Stuart Dash reported on community discussions on dog parks in Cambridgeport and East Cambridge. Mr. Dash stated that at a community meeting in Cambridgeport six months ago, three parks were identified for further research and community discussion as potential sites for dog parks, Fort Washington Park, Hastings Square and 82 Pacific Street. With respect to the 82 Pacific Street Park, which is a soccer field, the City has a grant for trying out the use of part of the park for a dog run.

At Fort Washington, the major problem is that there is no gate for the fence that surrounds the park. Sarah Burke explained that the fence is an historically accurate reproduction of a nineteenth century fence, and the addition of a gate to the fence would not be historically appropriate. The Historical Commission does not want a fence that is not historically appropriate in this very historic park. Mr. Dash said that staff is now looking at the possibility of a temporary gate. Ms. Burke reported that the Historical Commission will consider the question of a temporary gate at its September 8, 2005 meeting.

Mr. Dash then reported on the East Cambridge planning process for the renovations to the Gold Star Park. He said that there was no community interest in using part of the park as a dog park, and in a public planning process, the plan that is developed is the plan that has public interest and support. Staff is now looking at the possibility of including a dog park in the Binney Street land owned by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. That site was recommended for open space use in the East Cambridge Planning Study report.

Councillor Murphy and Councillor Toomey made the following motion.
ORDERED: The City Council go on record urging the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to transfer the lot at the corner of Binney and Fulkerson Street, currently the subject of a petition for a zoning amendment, to the city of Cambridge for a park with the understanding that one of the uses to be accommodated in the park would be an off-leash dog park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection and was subsequently adopted by the City Council at its August 1. 2005 meeting.

At this time Councillor Murphy and Councillor Toomey submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to request the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to provide fencing for the Binney Street lot so that it can be used temporarily as a dog park.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Davis asked if there had been any outreach to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR, formerly MDC). Councillor Murphy stated that he believed that the City staff had attempted to raise the issue with the DCR, but it was at the time of the transition of leadership.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development with the view of contacting the Massachusetts Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation about the possibility of using a portion of the park land triangle between Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway as a dog park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection and was subsequently adopted by the City Council at its August 1. 2005 meeting.

Mr. Ryder cautioned that the DCR has a severe funding shortage. He also noted that the City of Cambridge transferred $1million to that agency five years ago for rehab of Magazine Park, and the work has still not been done.

Councillor Davis encouraged those present to contact their state legislators to express their interest in this issue. She thanked the staff for their hard work on this issue.

Councillor Murphy then moved to public comment. He began by stating that he had received several e-mail communications from people who could not be present. He requested that the City Clerk make them part of the record of the meeting.

Councillor Simmons added that a number of people who could not be present contacted her to tell her that they would like a place where their dogs could be off leash.

Gina Bilander, 123 Dudley Street #2, thanked the City Council and City staff for their work. She emphasized that dog parks are important for dogs and also provide an opportunity for people to come together in a community.

Lynne Carr, 30 Cambridgeport Drive #115, stated that she is very encouraged. She moved here in 1999 and she has a dog since last year.

Tim Halle, 260 Pearl Street, asked about Pacific Park and the Historical Commission. Ms. Burkes said that the Historical Commission has always taken the position that it does not want a historically inappropriate gate in an historical park. Mr. Halle said that dogs’ needs should take precedence.

Alison Price, Animal Commission, stated that the Animal Commission supports dog parks. Part of her job is to enforce the leash laws. A lot of residents get very upset when there are 15-20 dogs running around off leash. Dedicated dog parks would help a great deal.

Councillor Toomey thanked Councillor Murphy for the committee’s work on this issue. He suggested that dog owners be able to use certain parks for off leash dogs early in the morning, from 5:00am to 7:00am.

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

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote and was adopted by the City Council at its August 1, 2005 meeting.

Mr. Ryder stated that he would welcome suggestions from interested dog owners on criteria for sites and how to evaluate the success/failure of the pilot program.

Councillor Murphy stated that the community process will be very important in this matter. It will require people to really listen to each other. Mr. Ryder agreed. He noted that the possibility of a dog park was brought up in the Gold Street community park planning process and there was absolutely no support from any of the 50-60 people who were there.

Councillor Reeves asked about the dog park at the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge in Boston. What happened to it? It was reported that the park was not maintained and that homeless have taken it over.

Shawn Headley said that the problem is that if off leash use of the fields is legal, there will be lots more dogs, lots more waste, and lots more kids sliding into it.

Councillor Murphy noted the importance of documenting the actual experience: the condition of the field before the pilot program and what happens to the condition during the pilot program.

Councillor Reeves said that he believes that it is time for a dedicated dog park option. Right now he gets a lot of calls about dog waste that is not cleaned up right where children play.

Leah Nickel, 109 Pearl Street #2, stated that Washington Park just needs gates. She also said that she would like off peak hours for off leash dogs in some general use parks.

Marjorie Otterson, 56 Reed Street, said that she applauded everything that is going on and urged all dog owners to get involved. The Brookline Outreach experience has been a remarkable success. Dog parks happen where there are responsible owners. The Cambridge Dog Owners Association is committed to outreach. Mr. Ryder said that he concurs completely and this program will need the help of dog owners.

Liz McGillicuddy Lucas, 161 Hancock Street #6C, stated that she is new in Cambridge and she has met most of her new acquaintances through her dog ownership.

David Brackman, 16 Centre Street, stated that he understands that mixed use can be problematic but he is also concerned with doge parks being spots that are isolated from the rest of the community.

Evan Olson, 11 Buena Vista Park, said that the Danehy Park dog area is really just a drainage ditch. It is a joke. If there were a clean, well-lit dog park, it would be treated better by dog owners. His concern with off hours use is that there will be irresponsible owners. He also said that he would love to see the Fresh Pond "bowl" available again. He added that he owns Laundromutts and that he has an e-mail list of 300 dog owners that he will be happy to share for notification of future meetings.

Kathy Marsh, 30 Chatham Street, said that she lives in mid Cambridge and asked whether Harvard and MIT could be approached to see if they would be willing to allow use of some of their open space for off-leash dogs.

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

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection and was adopted by the City Council at its August 1, 2005 meeting

Helen Fairman, 161 Washington Street, stated that she lived in North Cambridge for four years and did not know anyone until she got a dog. She is at Fresh Pond everyday. She has concerns about limiting off leash permission to Cambridge dogs. She also has concerns about leashed and unleashed dogs together, which can lead to moe aggressive behavior.

Jim Condit spoke in support of allowing dogs off leash in the parks in the morning. People have to go to work and need to be able to take their dogs to their local parks. Dogs will defecate whether they are on leashes or off leashes.

Rona Trodeman King, 2143 Mass Avenue, said that 15 months ago she got a dog. She has a very friendly dog. In her local park, the dog owners pickup and remove the dog feces and remind owners who have not done so. Bergin Park would be a good place for a pilot program for off leash dogs in off hours.

Catherine Fabio, 24 Middlesex Street, stated that she would like to make two points. One is that people make messes too. Feces also come from children. When a daycare provider has a group of children at the park and one has to go, it happens in the park. She has never seen a daycare provider with a plastic bag. Homeless people also defecate in parks. People in the park at night drink and vomit. Dog owners spend a lot of time cleaning up that mess. Her other point is that she would like dog owners to earn more respect. Exercising a dog is legitimate recreation. At baseball parks, noise is accepted. Schools are accepted. Dogs are a legitimate part of the community.

Margret Wells, Russell Street, expressed appreciation to the City Council and City staff and also the Cambridge Dog Owners Association. She said that the tone of the public meeting is so different from two years ago. She said that on the other side of the track from the tennis courts, Wyeth Company owns a vacant area. Perhaps there could be a dog park there.

Heather Barney, 3 Hammond Street, said that many people did not know about the meeting. Many more people are interested. She noted that dog owners really need different places for big and small dogs. She would also like to see a water spray for dogs at parks.

Maggie Smith, 41 Line Street #3, stated that she lives in mid Cambridge and asked whether anyone has thought about forming a City sponsored dog owners committee, like the Bike Committee and Pedestrian Committee. There is expertise that dog owners can contribute. For example, many people have trained therapy dogs that could be helpful to kids who are afraid of dogs. Lots of kids also enjoy the opportunity to play with dogs.

Gail Halpern, 19 Agassiz Street, stated that she owns a therapy dog. Dogs have wide variety of temperaments. Her dog is a good will ambassador all the time and has helped kids and adults break through their fear of dogs. She favors a mixed society of dogs and dog owners at general use parks. With regard to Fresh Pond, she is a longtime Cambridge resident and she believes that Fresh Pond is becoming sterile. She does not see people there any more. It is harder for dog people now. There are no places for dogs to go. Fresh Pond used to be a place for people to enjoy, not a piece of art. Raymond Park is also a problem because of neighbors who call the police about off leash dogs even when there are almost no other people there.

Councillor Reeves said that he does not like to have huge dogs off leashes running towards him. He does not go to Fresh Pond for that reason. There are people who are terrified of all dogs. He is concerned about feces in the park but he is willing to learn from a controlled experiment. He is in favor of dedicated dog parks; he is concerned about mixed use. However, the area at the back of Boston Common does seem to work.

Susan Isenstein, 4 Newport Road, stated that she is a 20 year resident of Cambridge, and she just got a dog. She would like to know what dog owners can do to help this process move forward. Mr. Ryder said that he would welcome a representative from the dog owners group to work with the City staff in the next four to six weeks. Shawn Headley stated that it would be helpful if they would pitch in and say something to dog owners who are not cleaning up after their dogs. Ms. Isenstein said that dog owners can be as unaware of their dog’s behavior as parents are of their kid’s behavior. They need to watch their dogs carefully.

Councillor Davis said that in Hasting Square, a dog owner put up a sign saying "please pick up after your dog, you will make it better for the rest of us." Dog owners can adopt a park.

Craig Kelley, 6 St. Gerard Terrace, stated that he is running for City Council. Cambridge is a tiny place with lots of people struggling to use the same space. We all need to accommodate our neighbors, and dog owners need a place near their homes to bring their dogs.

Angela DeMillo, 100 Erie Street #6, stated that she appreciates everyone’s input. She lived in New York City and there was a dog park in Central Park.

David Levy, 9 Ellery St. #41, stated that he is a recent dog owner and said that Harvard tolerates dogs off leash, "don’t ask, don’t tell," he supposes.

Lily Awad, 18 Williams Street, stated that she takes her dog to Dana Park. When a critical mass of dog owners can use a park, it improves the area. When she started going there, she was alone. Over time a critical mass of dog owners started using the park. It was fenced in all around. The renovations are beautiful but they took away the gates. She said that they all picked up poop if they saw it left there.

Councillor Simmons stated that a lot of good things have been said. The City should look at the idea of establishing a dog owner committee like the Bike Committee. It will take acceptance, collaboration and education. This working group has come a long way. She suggested continuing to have conversations and establishing deadlines.

Councillor Toomey noted three items from the previous meeting:
1. The Pacific Street Park as an accessible park with a tie in to therapy dogs;
2. Utilizing the Pacific Street Park as a place specifically for small dogs;
3. Better lighting at Fort Washington Park.

Councillor Murphy thanked Councillor Toomey and made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Electrician to report back to the Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee on the quality of the lighting at Fort Washington Park and what changes are needed to make park users feel safer.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection and was subsequently adopted by the City Council at its August 1, 2005 meeting.

Councillor Davis emphasized the importance of education for dog owners. This group could play an important role. It is time that dog parks happen and election season is a good time to move forward.

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 5:30 P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber and that the meeting will focus solely on the progress of issues related to an off hours pilot programs.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, held a public meeting on Monday, July 25, 2005 at nine o’clock and forty minutes A. M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issues relating to the property tax.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Claire Spinner, Director of Financial Systems/Operations, James Monagle, City Auditor, David Kale, Assistant Finance Director/Budget Director, Robert Reardon, Director of Assessment, Faith MacDonald, Principal Assessor and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Aline and David Sullivan, 287 Huron Avenue, Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street and Ernest Ciampa, 33 Grozier Road. .

Councillor Murphy convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He asked Mr. Healy to provide the committee with an update.

Mr. Healy commented that the taxation rules are state wide, therefore it is difficult to impact or get approved new ideas from the City Council and the public to help taxpayers. The proposals will be presented as administrative measures and proposals that would require approval from the Legislature. The city has gone to 30% homeowner exemption to help residents. The telecom bill to require telecom companies to pay a fairer share of property taxes is in committee and it is late in the tax season to have any impact on next year’s taxes. This represents one-half million dollars in taxes commented Councillor Murphy. Mr. Healy stated that the City Council could be proud of the city’s control over expenditures via the budget as adopted.

At this time Ms. Spinner outlined the public information piece (ATTACHMENT A). The city home page is monitored daily. It contains updated information and enhanced forms. The statutory exemption forms are not on the web because the process is complicated. The prior year exemption recipients are sent a letter and the necessary applications. The biggest change is the annual Tax Facts Newsletter. The newsletter will go out the same time as the tax bills and will address questions concerning trends, comparisons and the abatement process. A new initiative is the tax booklet. The booklet would provide information about taxes and would be distributed citywide every 1 – 2 years and would also be sent to new property owners. After tax bills are mailed a new cable show is planned which will have a question and answer format to address questions to the City Treasurer.

Councillor Murphy asked if the question in the Tax Facts Newsletter were analyzed. Ms. Spinner responded that the format is frequently asked questions; input from the City Council would be helpful. Hot issues and top questions would be outlined and answered and e-mail addressed to the Treasurer would be used for any questions that have not been answered in the Tax Facts Newsletter stated Mr. DePasquale.

Councillor Maher stated that the language used to explain the statutory exemption and abatement forms needed to be simple. He suggested using examples so that the public could understand their options. Options should be broken down. A coordinated campaign should be used commented Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Davis suggested adding a new item number nine to public information piece; that being that the information should be reviewed to make sure it is presentable on the web. Mr. Rossi cautioned about the difference between providing information and giving advice. Councillor Davis also suggested that the target audience for the information is older residents and suggested that the representatives from the Human Services Department and the Senior Center be invited to these meetings. Ms. Spinner informed the committee that the tax forums are held at the Senior Center. The Treasurer’s Office also uses the Senior Newsletter.

Councillor Galluccio stated that clarification is also needed on the effects to the taxpayer of receiving abatement for the following year on their tax bill. Mr. Reardon stated that multiple databases were an issue but this has been eliminated. There is only one system.

Councillor Reeves spoke about long-term care and trusts for senior citizens and there effect on tax bills. He stated that the city should provide suitable language for trust filings. Mr. Rossi stated that generic information could be provided that states this option is available but that the city should not suggest to the public that properties be put into a trust. Mr. Reardon explained that lawyers are trying to protect their clients for Medicare and there is a conflict with the senior exemption and Medicare. Tax attorneys are working in another direction. Language to satisfy both options should be made available to lawyers commented Councillor Reeves.

Ms. Spinner suggested that a draft be prepared by mid August with comments returned by Labor Day for the Tax Facts Newsletter. She outlined the timeline; a Tax Facts Newsletter would be received first, then tax bills and then the exemption newsletter. The Tax Facts Newsletter and the tax bills would be back-to-back stated Mr. DePasquale.

Councillor Reeves informed the committee that a neighborhood meeting was held in Area Four. There was a discussion at this meeting about taxes, tax model and property values.

Councillor Murphy now proceeded to the proposals that would require Legislative action.

Mr. Reardon distributed four proposals (ATTACHMENT B). The committee discussed Proposal I. Under this proposal the taxpayer would pay a minimum of 10% of the assessed value of the property or the average residential value whichever is greater. The minimum tax bill for the entire city would be $552.77. Councillor Galluccio asked how many properties would be affected by this proposal. Not all communities have a residential exemption. Mr. Reardon responded that this needed to be analyzed. If this proposal has merit the Assessors would do the analysis. Mr. Healy stated that this would be best to be done by the Legislature for all communities rather than by home rule only for Cambridge. Councillor Davis stated that she would like to see an example with data. Councillor Reeves commented that services provided are not reflected in the minimum tax. The city should collect the cost of provided services.

Proposal II would calculate the residential exemption using class codes for one, two and three family homes and condos. Mr. Reardon cited 19,523 parcels with a residential value of $710,502 would equal a residential exemption of $213,151. The residential exemption would decline for condos under this proposal. Mr. Healy stated that only Boston, Cambridge and Somerville have residential exemptions. Reducing the residential exemption could be done by the City Council. Councillor Reeves stated that large homeowners in the city are condo owners. The city cannot double the taxes of the majority and expect it to go unnoticed. Councillor Davis stated that she felt this proposal was unfair. Proposal I is fairer.

Proposal III would value owner occupied two and three family homes using comparison sale and provide a tax discount to those taxpayers who agree to charge below market rents providing the requirements are met. In response to Councillor Murphy Ms. Rubenstein stated that 150-200 units would be affected. Mr. Reardon stated that there would be a benefit to the city not to have any restriction in this proposal. Councillor Reeves questioned how would the city know who is paying what rent. State tax forms could be used but monitoring this could be a problem. Ms. Rubenstein stated that W2 forms are reviewed for affordable units. Councillor Davis stated that she liked this proposal but wanted to see an economical analysis of the proposal. Property owners are reluctant to put a lien on their property and this proposal requires a lien and the roll back is a deterrent stated Mr. Reardon. The first five years have to be paid back. Mr. Healy stated that when there is tinkering with the market it causes problems.

Under Proposal IV Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A provides for real estate tax deferral based on certain requirements such as age. Mr. Reardon suggested reducing the age from 65 to 55, allowing the disabled to participate, increasing the median income and reducing the interest rate from 8% to 5%. Councillor Reeves asked what is included as income. Mr. Reardon responded rental income is income. Councillor Reeves asked if the house value is included in the assets. Mr. Reardon responded in the negative. Only 25 individuals take advantage of the deferral. Education around legitimacy is needed on this proposal stated Councillor Davis. Assessing staff would be trained so that they could provide options to the public commented Mr. Reardon.

Councillor Reeves spoke about additional options such as elimination of tax on the elderly, California and Washington, DC options. Councillor Murphy asked if the Legislature would be receptive to these proposals. Mr. Reardon stated that he felt the Legislature would be receptive to any of the four submitted proposals. There have been problems with the California option. This proposal would not be received well. The DC option is Washington’s answer to Proposition 2 1/2. Legislative support is needed for these proposals stated Mr. Healy. The Telecom legislation would have the best shot to be passed in the next term commented Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Reeves asked who is eligible when there is extreme hardship. Hardship abatements are granted to those who qualify stated Mr. Reardon. The city attempts to find another exemption options before hardship. Hardship help is short term. Councillor Simmons asked if hardship is a one-time option. Mr. Reardon responded in the negative. Councillor Reeves asked how many hardships were granted last year. Ms. McDonald replied eighteen were granted. Information verification is required each year to state that a person cannot hold onto their property.

Councillor Reeves suggested hiring a lobbyist. Councillor Murphy stated that the next step is to bring proposals to the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). Mr. Healy stated that the best way to get taxpayer relief is though the MMA and the Metro Mayor’s Association. Boston and Somerville will support Proposals I and II.

Councillor Simmons stated that people want tax relief now. The two biggest efforts to receive relief are to control expenditures and the Verizon issue stated Mr. Healy.

At eleven o’clock and twenty-one minutes a. m. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.

David Sullivan, 287 Huron Avenue, stated that Proposals I and II are good. Land values have inequities. When would assessments be posted on the web, he asked. Mr. Reardon responded that the web is changed once a year in October.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, stated that there is a gap between who pays what taxes. She received a hardship exemption and received a $600 tax relief this year. She was informed she could not apply for a hardship for a second year. If her property tax is reduced her SSI is reduced. She would like to see an exemption for the disabled. She would like the language for exemptions to read elderly and disabled.

Eli Yarden, 143 Pearl Street, stated that this proposal augments his income. None of the proposals cause him harm; they benefit him. He spoke about wages and the valuation of property.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, suggested reducing the city budget, exercising fiscal constraints and to stop bonding capital projects. He commended all the proposals but expected the Governor to veto the proposals. There is a huge amount of vacant space in the city. Condos are undervalued. He liked Proposal II.

Councillor Murphy stated that the homework for the next meeting of August 1, 2005 is to get frequently asked questions for the Tax Facts Newsletter to Ms. Spinner, review the proposals, get an update on Verizon and get actual sales data for the commercial property.

Councillor Reeves suggested discussing the option of the universities paying taxes. This effort has gone by the wayside at the General Court stated Mr. Healy.

Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their attendance.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Finance Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at nine o’clock and thirty-five minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Cambridge Scholarship Program and to receive a revenue update.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, City Manager Robert W. Healy, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Louis DePasquale, Director of Financial Systems/Operations Claire Spinner, Assistant Finance Director/Budget Director David Kale, City Auditor James Monagle, and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez. Also present was Scholarship Judge Kate Wilson.

Councillor Murphy convened the meeting and stated the purpose. He requested Ms. Spinner to give an overview of the Scholarship Program.

This year was the thirteenth year of the Scholarship Program. A provision in the Massachusetts General Laws allows solicitation of funds for the Scholarship Program. Request for funding is mailed with the property tax bills. A committee of five judges is appointed to consider the applicants based on criteria such as academic merit, financial need, character, and community involvement. Criteria are being refined. The judges do not know who are the applicants that they are reviewing as the process is anonymous. Each judge reviews the applications separately and scores the applicant. Ms. Spinner stated that this year 27 awards of $2,500 were given to 95 applicants. This year $104,000 was raised for the Scholarship Program. Information about the Scholarship Program is inserted in mailings, like the property tax bills, done by the city. The majority of donors contributed less than $100. There were 1,519 donors last year. The city receives slightly more money than it disburses. Councillor Maher asked if it is the hope to build an endowment for the Scholarship Fund. Ms. Spinner responded in the affirmative. There is $300,000 in the account now and could be used to consider a multi year or four year scholarship.

Councillor Maher asked if applicants are prohibited from applying for a scholarship for a second year. If an award is received the applicant is not eligible to apply for a scholarship the following year stated Ms. Spinner.

Councillor Murphy asked how many students graduated from CRLS. Mr. Healy responded 420 of which 360 attend college. Scholarships are given for accredited secondary programs and this should be identified to ensure that the students are aware of this fact commented Ms. Spinner. She wanted to encourage more students to apply for the scholarship program. The concerns of the city are the level of the award, multi year awards and to market the scholarship program to students and to businesses. The application and criteria have been rewritten. Research has been conducted to encourage Cambridge based business to make donations. The Public Information Officers is preparing a story about the program to be included in the Cambridge newsletter. Councillors Simmons and Maher suggested contacting the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club to hold a breakfast benefit to sponsor the scholarship fund. Councillor Davis suggested coordination should be done with the School Department in an effort to increase awareness and to increase applicants. Councillor Simmons suggested inviting the Guidance Counsellors to the meeting. If the School Department were engaged in the process the Scholarship Program would benefit. College Fairs held at CRLS should have the scholarship applications to distribute to students. There is a universal scholarship application at CRLS; this is a separate application and the students are more likely to fill out the universal application, commented Councillor Maher. The application required a letter of recommendation, but this was changed stated Ms. Spinner. The application is also on line. Applications are sent to the School Department on December 1st as well as to private schools. Councillor Maher inquired as to how many of the twenty-seven award recipients were CRLS graduates. Most award recipients were CRLS graduates responded Ms. Spinner.

The committee heard from Kate Wilson, a Scholarship Judge, who spoke about the limited resource pool and suggested targeting funds to first or second year students. Councillor Maher inquired as to how the applications were reviewed. Ms. Wilson stated that applications are reviewed for financial need, income, and number of family members in the household, number of children in college, number of working parents, academics, and community involvement. Councillor Davis suggested that the city should vigorously encourage applicants who did not receive a scholarship to reapply. Mayor Sullivan asked if the federal formula takes into account a second student in college. Ms. Wilson responded yes; the formula is divided in half. The interest rate is low she stated in responded to a question by Mayor Sullivan. Councillor Maher suggested providing postage paid return envelopes in an effort to receive a higher rate of return. Ms. Wilson stated that students use the Web more and she would discourage postage expense. Councillor Davis suggested having return envelopes in City Hall.

Councillor Murphy asked what fund balance does the administration want to the keep in the Scholarship Fund. Mr. DePasquale stated that the administration is currently reviewing the amount to be kept in the fund based on the possibility of a multi year scholarship program. The goal should be to build up the fund to support a multi year program stated Councillor Maher. He suggested using a web-based auction. Some business would be more willing to donate an object rather than money.

At this time Councillor Murphy proceeded to the revenue update portion of the meeting. He requested a revenue update.

Mr. DePasquale distributed information regarding the FY-04-06 Motor Vehicle Excise, Hotel/Motel, Sewer, Building, Water and Parking revenues (ATTACHMENT A). He stated that all the revenue is in good shape. There is an increase in the hotel/motel, building permits are strong and water consumption is down. All revenue reviewed has exceeded expectation.

Councillor Maher inquired if the construction at Harvard University was reflected in the revenue. Mr. Healy responded in the negative. The permit for Northpoint was filed before June 30th.

The water rate is bringing in assessment without a rate increase this year. Mr. Healy stated that generally during conversion to automatic meter reading (AMR) the revenue is down. There is $5.3 million still in the fund. Mayor Sullivan spoke about consumption bound and asked if Cambridge has marketed itself to sell water reserve. Mr. Healy stated that he has not reviewed marketing, bottling and selling water.

The Parking Fund has a surplus of $800,000. Capital projects would be funded from the Parking Fund because use of these funds is restricted. There would be $16 million in revenue used from the Parking Fund. Councillor Davis wanted to know how the Parking Fund is used and where would sidewalk repair be funded. Mayor Sullivan inquired about the parking garage revenue. The revenue is coming back stated Mr. DePasquale. Mayor Sullivan stated his concern about the increase in the zealousness of ticketing being done throughout the city. Councillor Maher suggested extending parking meters to 8 pm. Mr. Healy would review this suggestion.

Councillor Davis asked what is the Health Claims Trust Fund. Mr. Healy stated that Cambridge is self-insured. Cambridge pays the claims, however transplants or extensive cancer treatment can deplete the fund so credit agencies are interested in this fund.

Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at ten o’clock and forty-five minutes AM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Monday, August 1, 2005 at three o’clock and thirty minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussing issues relating to the property tax.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael Sullivan, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Henrietta Davis, City Manager Robert W. Healy, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, Assistant to the City Manager Nancy Schlater, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Louis DePasquale, Director of Financial Systems/Operations Claire Spinner, Budget Director David Kale , City Auditor James Monagle, Assessment Director Robert Reardon, Principal Assessor Faith McDonald and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He gave an overview from the last meeting.

Mr. DePasquale submitted a preliminary list of seventeen questions for the 2006 Tax Facts (Attachment A). The City Council can add to these questions and these questions would be sent out with the next tax bills. The Tax Facts would be made more specific for the next tax bill commented Councillor Murphy. The City Council would provide additional questions to the Treasurer.

Mr. DePasquale distributed an analysis on the four proposals that were discussed at the previous meeting (Attachment B). Mr. Reardon stated that additional information was added to this handout. Information on Proposal I contained an example without the additional exemption. Proposal II would calculate the residential exemption for each class of property. This proposal would change the exemption. This proposal treats each property class separately and would use the average residential value to create a residential factor. Condominiums are impacted because it is the largest class of property. The total exemption would decline for condominiums. One, two and three family homes would benefit because the residential exemption would increase and the tax rate would decrease by thirteen cents. Councillor Murphy asked if four to eight unit homes would be the same. These homes would also see a decrease. Councillor Murphy stated that the state law looks at the average residential value of all residential property; this proposal looks at the average residential value by class. The property tax is a regressive tax. The tax impacts people who want to stay in the City. This committee is attempting to figure out a fair, equitable solution.

Councillor Galluccio commented that a conversation is needed about what is a reasonable tax. This would make a better policy decision. The goal is not to hit the condo owners with an increase of $600 in their tax bill. The city needs to red flag that some tax bills are unfair. The residential exemption is antiquated.

Councillor Reeves commented that the theory of taxation needed to be discussed. Condo classes are reviewed differently because of co-ownership. He requested the Assessors to outline how they arrived at the tax.

Mr. Healy commented that the residential exemption was crafted by the Legislature be 20 percent. There is a 30 percent residential exemption in Cambridge. Mr. Winters suggested doing an analysis of the 20 percent residential exemption versus the 30 percent.

Councillor Simmons suggested floating options to provide relief to taxpayers now. What can be done for the current tax cycle she asked? Councillor Murphy responded that the best thing done by the City Council for the next tax cycle was passage of the City budget. The major problem was the shift from commercial to residential property. Mr. DePasquale stated that there was a $13.3 million increase in the budget; of this increase 87 percent came from residential taxpayers because of the commercial property shift. For every one million dollar cut the average residential taxpayer saves $23; commercial saves $66.

In response to an inquiry by Councillor Murphy Mr. Healy stated there is no news on Verizon. Mayor Sullivan stated that the Verizon loophole was a tax burden on Cambridge. The state would not redo all classes, but would do sub-classifications. Mr. Healy commented that it is logical to have a sub set in residential classes. Councillor Galluccio stated that Mr. Winters suggestion on analysis of the 20-30 percent residential exemption was a good idea. This should be reviewed annually. Proposal IV is getting to what is fair. The City should support seniors to stay in their homes and to defer taxes.

Councillor Davis questioned whether residential property that has rental income but is vacant could the tax on the value be adjusted. The City’s policy is to retain the housing stock. How is home ownership changing in the City? Mr. Reardon stated of the condos in the City, 2/3 are owner occupied. Proposal III looked at different units to give a property credit.

The committee next discussed commercial property.

Councillor Murphy questioned actual commercial sales data. Mr. Reardon stated his hope is that commercial property is turning around. Some commercial property is being converted to residential. The vacancy rate is down. The commercial companies created the glut in the market.

Councillor Maher stated that there is a $120 million difference in assessment versus sales in commercial property in the last six weeks. Would these properties be valued at $120 million more? Mr. Reardon responded in the negative. These sales would be captured in 2007. Councillor Maher inquired about whether commercial and residential property sales go up at the same level. Residential sales have leveled off, but commercial sales are increasing stated Mr. Reardon. Councillor Maher asked Mr. Reardon if the Assessors are aggressive in revaluating commercial property. Mr. Reardon responded in the affirmative.

Mr. Reeves spoke about the Necco and the Nevartis properties and questioned why does it take 18 months to get sales of property on the books. Mr. Reardon commented the state law established the January 1st date. Councillor Reeves stated that maybe the January 1st date is not a good date.

At four o’clock and forty-five minutes Councillor Murphy opened the meeting the public comment.

David Scondras, 17 Worcester Street, Area IV Coalition Coordinator, stated that since 1985 the property tax discussion has been the same. A meeting was held in Area IV. There were 173 attendees to discuss taxes and rats. The residents wanted something done to prevent anyone from losing their homes. They wanted the City to use its reserves to provide tax relief to taxpayers. Resentment is created when the City uses its reserve to create a savings account when taxpayers are having difficulty paying their tax bills. He wanted another conversation about the surplus funds.

Mayor Sullivan stated that land values are not consistent. District 19 land values should be reviewed. Commercial land values on Huron Avenue are low. These issues are being reviewed by the Assessors stated Mr. Reardon.

Peter B. Cook, 4 Humboldt Street, stated he applauded the work done by the City. This is a fairness issue.

Sarah S. Cook, 4 Humboldt Street, a three family owner occupied homeowner for twenty-eight years, stated that her tenants have been living in her house for 50 years. All are retired and must pay their bills. The issue is what will be the relief. It would be a shame if her tenants or she and her husband had to leave the City. The Cooks expressed their appreciation for Cambridge.

Councillor Murphy stated that the property tax is like a tax on unrealized capital gain.

Jesse Gordon, 1770 Massachusetts Avenue, #63D, stated that our elected officials are responsible and residents expect the City Council to go to the legislature and fight for this issue. The property tax is unfair and lower income people were affected. It sounds like nothing can be done this year with the tax bills that have doubled. He stated that he would have expected this process to have been started eight months ago. He suggested that the exemption forms and a letter of warning about tax increase should be sent to taxpayers. The city has a $35 million surplus and the tax increase could have been eliminated with the surplus funds. Councillor Galluccio stated a point of information. There has been proposed legislation to shift to a different tax system that looks at increased taxes, but every year this proposed legislation gets buried. He asked Mr. Gordon if he supported any of the proposals. Mr. Gordon replied he supported Proposals I and II. Mr. Healy explained that in using a surplus of $8 million for reducing property taxes, $5 million would come off the commercial property tax.

Will Hafer, 83 Amory Street #2, spoke of a similar situation in Connecticut. Mr. Reardon stated that the Greenwich, Connecticut valuation was flawed and was redone. Cambridge has looked at sales and values. Property in Cambridge is at market value.

Shava Nevad, 279 Pearl Street, stated her rent has increased by 10 percent but her wages have not increased at the same rate. She commented on appraisal and assessment. The revaluation assessment data is off base. Assessment should be at fair value. Assessors are using sale and appraisal value. She spoke about highest and best use as it applied to three family homes. She urged the City Council to rebate or repeal taxes on 400 homes. Cambridge is threatened to be the vanguard for the real estate bubble.

Mr. Rearden cited the state law: Assessment must be based on full and fair cash value on January 1st. The City needs to be certified by the state; then the tax rate is set.

Liz Seelman, 25 Richard Avenue, stated appraisals are haphazard. A lot of people can only afford a condo.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, spoke on Proposal IV. She urged reducing the age requirement to 55 and to include the disabled in the deferral. There is no exemption for the disabled. Other states have senior and disabled exemption, but Massachusetts has senior or disabled. She suggested adding an exemption for the blind or permanently disabled. Cambridge has no program to help the disabled to remain in their homes. Councillor Maher asked what does the City Council need to do to accomplish an exemption for the disabled. Mr. Reardon replied a home rule petition is required to add a clause to add a local option to the state law.

Mark Schneider, 276 Pearl Street, Unit K, stated that Proposal II makes the tax more regressive than it is currently. All of the proposals make the system more complex and creates more enforcement problems. The large increase is a one-time thing and it will pass. The surplus could have been used to ameliorate the problem. The residential exemption is given in perpetuity. The base system of 100 percent evaluation is full of inequities. He suggested improving the valuation system. Mr. Reardon stated that the residential exemption is done on an annual basis. Councillor Galluccio commented that if the City spent the $35 million surplus 2/3 of the funds would benefit the commercial taxpayer, not the residential taxpayer.

Councillor Davis added that the entire City Council is looking for fairness and predictability for all.

In conclusion, Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees. He scheduled the next meeting for Friday, September 9, 2005 at nine o’clock A. M.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair