CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, regarding to the votes necessary to seek the Massachusetts Department of Revenue approval for the tax rate for FY2010:

A. Authorize the use of Free Cash of $9,000,000 to reduce the FY2010 tax rate; (Kelley voted NO)

B. Authorize $2,000,000 in overly surplus/reserve be used for reducing the FY2010 tax rate;

C. Authorize $8,000,000 from the Debt Stabilization Fund to be used as a revenue source to the General Fund Budget;

D. Authorize $2,795,770 from the School Debt Stabilization Fund to be used as a revenue source to the General Fund Budget;

E. Classify property into five classes;

F. Adopt a minimum residential factor of 56.3213%;

G. Approve the maximum residential exemption factor of 30% for owner-occupied homes;

H. Double the normal value of the statutory exemptions;

I. Increase the FY2010 exemption allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17D from $271.00 to $280.00;

J. Increase the FY2010 asset limits allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17E from $53,889 to $55,775;

K. Increase the FY2010 income and assets limits allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D, as follows: Income limits from $22,281 TO $23,061 for single and $33,422 to $34,592 for married; and asset limits from $44,562 to $46,122 for single and $61,273 to $63,418 for married;

L. Increase the income limit for deferral of real estate taxes by elderly persons from $40,000 to the amount determined by the Commissioner of Revenue for the purposes of subsection (k) of section 6 of Chapter 62, for a single person who is not head of household ($51,000); and

M. Vote to adopt MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause Fifth C, which increases the exemption for real and personal property held for the benefit of incorporated organizations of veterans of any war in which the US has been engaged, to the extend of $1,500,000 if used and occupied by such associations.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of design services related to the repair of the underpass/tunnel located in Harvard Square.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 donation by Harvard University to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the cost of design services related to the repair of the underpass/tunnel located in Harvard Square in conjunction with the City.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of design services related to the street and sidewalk reconstruction of the upper portion of JFK Street between Eliot Street and Brattle Street.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to the to the General Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($55,000) and to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($45,000). Funding will support a pilot parenting education program modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone's Baby College for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Sept 21, 2009

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to the to the General Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($55,000) and to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($45,000). Funding will support a pilot parenting education program modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone's Baby College for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Cambridge model builds on the services of many existing programs and connects families to those services as part of the overall program. The core of the Cambridge model are cohorts of 15 families with children 0-3 years who move together through a series of 10 workshops followed by 8 weeks of play groups. Each cohort of families would have a part time care worker who would be responsible for weekly home visits, for keeping families engaged in the program and for helping to connect families to other existing services. A Program Coordinator would supervise the care workers and coordinate the workshops delivered by the different community and city agencies. The families will be recruited through the array of community partners, including the Housing Authority, the Community Learning Center, the Men's Health League, the Center for Families, the Agenda for Children Literacy Ambassadors, the School Department's Early Childhood Programs among others. Individual workshops will be facilitated by the Agenda for Children, Center for Families, the Guidance Center, the Health Department, and Families First. The Cambridge Model borrows much from the Harlem Children's Zone including its heavy reliance on incentives to bring families in and to keep them engaged.

The funding for the program will cover the part time coordinator and two care workers, workshop facilitators, children's programming and care during the workshop sessions, playgroup leaders, food and educational supplies for workshops and playgroups, incentives for each workshop, a rent bonus lottery, and evaluation.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to correspondence from the Historical Commission regarding the wind turbine zoning proposal.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for the William Dean Howells House at 41 Sacramento Street.

City Manager Order

Agenda Item No. 7A     Sept 21, 2009

ORDERED: That the William Dean Howells house, 41 Sacramento Street, be designated as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge, as recommended by vote of the Cambridge Historical Commission on July 2, 2009. The premises so designated is the land defined as parcel 134 on assessor's map 150 and the building thereon and the premises described in a mortgage recorded in deed book 50946, page 434 of the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds; and be it further

ORDERED: This designation is justified by the important historical and architectural associations the property has with the American author and literary critic William Dean Howells, and as a rare example of the vernacular Italianate style of architecture associated with Cambridge housewrights Joseph Littlefield and Ivory Estes; and be it further

ORDERED: The effect of this designation shall be that review by the Cambridge Historical Commission and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Non-Applicability shall be required before any construction activity can take place within the designated premises or any action can be taken affecting the appearance of the premises, that would in either case be visible from a public way. In making determinations, the Commission shall be guided by the terms of the final landmark designation report, dated Sept 8, 2009, with respect to the designated premises, by Section VII, Standards and Criteria of said report, and by the applicable sections of Chapter 2.78, Article III, of the Cambridge Municipal Code.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-103, regarding a report on outreach to stakeholders and holding informational meetings about the State's new Stretch Energy Building Code.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of design services related to the replacement of the HVAC System at the Central Square Branch Library based on a recently completed study.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the Connor et al. zoning petition to amend the Zoning Map from its current designation as a Residence C-1 to a Residence B District encompassing all or portions of lots on Assessors Plats #205, #206 and #228 including but not limited to those abutting Garden, Winslow, Fenno, Stearns, Esten, Sherman Streets and Upland Road, be re-filed with the City Council upon the expiration of the current petition on Sept 30, 2009, that said re-filed petition be referred to the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee; and that upon adoption of this order, the Ordinance Committee public hearing be advertised and scheduled promptly, with a report back to the City Council as soon as possible. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Two of Sept 14, 2009.]
Placed on File under Rule 19 - No Action Taken

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop "next steps" and an action plan for the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Middle School Youth report. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Fifteen of Sept 14, 2009.
Placed on File under Rule 19 - No Action Taken

3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a justification of the traffic calming installation on Appian Way and to include the amount of meters being removed and the cost of the project to the City. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Maher on Order Number Twenty-three of Sept 14, 2009.
Adopted

ON THE TABLE
4. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.

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

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.]

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on June 30, 2009 for the purpose of considering a proposal to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow wind turbines to be placed in the City of Cambridge. The petition was passed to a Second Reading on July 27, 2009. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Aug 10, 2009. Planning Board hearing held on June 2, 2009. Petition expires Sept 28, 2009.
Ordained 9-0, Ordinance #1330

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A zoning petition was received from Richard D. Fanning, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance Section 5.25.3 Exemption for Existing Parking Facilities and delete Section 20.40 Eastern Cambridge Housing Overlay District and the Zoning Map describing it, the area defined in Section 20.44.3, also known as the Kendall Cinema site.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Lourdes Barros from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

2. Retirement of Linda Borodkin from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

3. Retirement of Fidel Parra from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

4. Retirement of George Riccio from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

5. Retirement of Trudy Thompson from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

6. Retirement of Caroline Turner from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Simmons

7. Congratulations to Florence Grant on receiving the 2009 TB Hero Award from the New England Tuberculosis Consortium.   Councillor Davis

8. Urge residents to participate and show support for the Suitcases4Kids organization which is a non-profit organization that collects new and gently used suitcases for children in foster care who will conducting a suitcase drive on Oct 10, 2009.   Mayor Simmons

9. Resolution on the death of Jean Elizabeth (Douglass) Clarke.   Councillor Maher

10. Retirement of Edna DaSilva from the School Department.   Mayor Simmons

11. Thanks to the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) for their commitment to community service and encourage residents to support and be cognizant of the Harvard Square Stroll on Sept 30, 2009 at 5:30pm to celebrate the wrap-up of the HSBA's breast cancer awareness campaign that has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research.   Mayor Simmons

12. Resolution on the death of Ashley R. Lafontant.   Councillor Reeves

13. Congratulations to Sheila Doyle Russell on the dedication of the Sheila Doyle Russell Youth and Community Center on Sept 25, 2009.   Councillor Maher

14. Resolution on the death of Kathleen M. "Kay" (Kelly) Watson.   Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Marie (Barry) Thompson.   Councillor Toomey

16. Retirement of Pallas Lombardi, former Executive Director of the Arts Council.   Mayor Simmons

17. Congratulations to Elissa Spelman on being appointed Interim Executive Director of Breakthrough Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

18. Best wishes to Hi-N-Dry and the organizers of the Mark Sandman Music Project on the occasion of the second Mark Sandman Memorial Concert on Sept 27, 2009 in Pacific Park.   Councillor Davis

19. Thanks to the Community Development Department for installing the signs in the Porter Square are which gives information about estimated walking times to various destinations.   Councillor Davis

20. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Duane A. Thornsbury.   Councillor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Thomas F. Lyons.   Councillor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Zachary T. Myers.   Councillor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Shannon Smith.   Councillor Decker

24. Thanks to the people of ARAMARK for their dedication to making a difference in the Cambridge community.   Councillor Toomey

25. Happy New Year wishes to the Ethiopian community.   Councillor Toomey

26. Resolution on the death of William Tapply.   Councillor Toomey

27. Resolution on the death of Reverend James M. Larner.   Councillor Toomey

28. Resolution on the death of Kathleen M. (Stickels) Lussier.   Councillor Toomey

29. Resolution on the death of Michael A. Edwards.   Councillor Maher

30. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Ray Amaru.   Councillor Toomey

31. Resolution on the death of John Dietrich.   Councillor Davis

32. Congratulations to Charlie and Connie Christo on their 65th wedding anniversary.   Councillor Toomey

33. Congratulations to the Faith Lutheran Church on their 100th anniversary.   Councillor Toomey

34. Urge residents to be cognizant of the Walk for the Blind on October 4, 2009.   Councillor Toomey

35. Thanks to two special people for their years of service to the Cambridge community.   Councillor Toomey

36. Congratulations to Shirley and Steven Rothman on their 11th wedding anniversary.   Mayor Simmons

37. Thanks to Deacon Swinton for his 35 years of service as Chairperson of the Deacon Board at the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church.   Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Putnam Avenue and Newton Street in honor of Mary and Joseph Correia.   Councillor Toomey
Kelley voted NO

2. That the Cambridge City Council go on record as favoring a ballot initiative during the next local municipal election that shall allow Cambridge voters to have their voices heard on ridding the world of nuclear weapons.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis and Vice Mayor Seidel
Tabled 6-3 (motion of Decker)

3. That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing the importance of the US 2010 Census and the efforts of the Cambridge Complete Count Committee.   Mayor Simmons

4. Declare the week of Sept 26-Oct 3, 2009, Dollar Wi$e Week in the City of Cambridge and urge all citizens in our community and throughout the country to join together in a national movement to help our youth become financially literate.   Mayor Simmons

5. Encouraging the local branch of the Hyatt Regency Hotel chain to reconsider this new policy of laying off its loyal workers en masse in favor of hiring replacement workers for significantly lower hourly wages.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Decker and Councillor Davis
Amended

6. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the City Council the policy and practices in city contracts pertaining to invasive species.   Councillor Davis

7. That the City Manager is requested to designate the appropriate party to investigate the possibility of a year-round farmers market.   Councillor Davis
Amended

8. That the City Manager is requested to convene a group including the Conservation Commission, members of the Public Planting Committee, the Community Development Department and the Department of Public Works to recommend policies regarding planting of fruit trees and berry bushes including appropriate species and locations.   Councillor Davis

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Postmaster on a strategy to prevent the closing of the MIT Post Office.   Mayor Simmons and Vice Mayor Seidel

10. That the City Manager is requested to develop a program to offer EarthBoxes (planters on wheels) to Cambridge residents at cost, in a program similar to the distribution of rain barrels through the Department of Public Works.   Councillor Davis

11. That the City Council go on record asking the management team of the old John Hancock building to explore all avenues of collective bargaining and work in good faith with SEIU Local 615 to find a solution to union/non-union security guard issue other than blanket layoff.   Councillor Decker

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to find a way to allow the community continued access to the tennis courts at Cambridge Rindge and Latin.   Councillor Toomey and Councillor Decker

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure that residents of Cambridge are periodically advised to wear protective gear and to learn and follow the rules of the road.   Councillor Maher

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to report back to the City Council on whether there is a legal requirement to do a city-wide mailing to place a non-binding question on the ballot and what the associated cost would be and further to report back on whether the nuclear weapons question could be placed on the ballot for the Special December Senate election.   Vice Mayor Seidel

15. That the Cambridge City Council go on record as fully supporting the efforts of President Obama and Massachusetts Peace Action to rid the world of nuclear weapons.   Mayor Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on June 25, 2009 for the purpose of considering the Historical Committee's recommendation with regard to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Report and Revised Recommendations.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on July 16, 2009 for the purpose of continuing the discussion on whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Zone Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all low income students in Cambridge.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on June 24, 2009 for the purpose of continuing the discussion on how Cambridge can adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College Program and/or principles to provide parent education for low income families that will provide the tools they need to help their children to succeed.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 21
5:00pm   Special Presentation - U.S. Census 2010 Kick-off Event  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 22
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Sept 24
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting on the climate emergency. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 29
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss clarification of the city's policy of parking motorcycles and motor scooters on city sidewalks.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Sept 30
6:00pm   The Human Services Committee will sponsor a public forum on the issue of how Cambridge could adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Office of College Success program to help Cambridge college students complete their college education with a degree. Microsoft Center Conference Room  (One Memorial Drive)

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

Tues, Oct 6
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 13
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss pedestrian safety, dangerous intersections and any possible lessons learned that could prevent future collisions.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 19
5:15pm   Special Presentation for the new program being launched by the Women's Commission "Cut it Out Cambridge," to train hair salon staff in recognizing domestic violence and acting as a resource for their patrons.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 20
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Nov 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 10
3:00pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the possibility of holding a folk festival in the city in 2010.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 17
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Dec 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Dec 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of Putnam Avenue and Newton Street in honor of Mary and Joseph Correia; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
Kelley voted NO

O-2     Sept 21, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: It is in the interests of every single person on this planet to work towards the abolition of weapons that have the capacity to sweep away tens of millions of lives within a matter of moments; and
WHEREAS: So long as weapons of this nature exist, they will contribute towards an environment of fear and brinkmanship between the nations of the world. Furthermore, these highly destructive weapons may be misused, they may malfunction, or they may fall into the hands of those who would purposely use them for sinister purposes; and
WHEREAS: In ratifying the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1970 and in signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty Extension in 1995, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China committed themselves to reducing nuclear weapons globally, and ultimately to eliminating them. Nevertheless, nuclear weapons continue to threaten all life on earth, and developing and maintaining nuclear arsenals is costly and diverts resources from human needs such as health care, education, and protecting the environment; and
WHEREAS: In 2008, the U. S. Conference of Mayors voted unanimously to urge the President to negotiate a verifiable treaty to abolish nuclear weapons, inspired in part by the realization amongst the mayors that there is no adequate municipal response in the event of a nuclear attack; and
WHEREAS: President Barack Obama has asked for our support in his effort to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and the more vocal civic leaders are in expressing that support, the more likely it is that these efforts will ultimately be successful; and
WHEREAS: M.G.L. c. 53, §18A authorizes the City Council to place a Nonbinding Public Opinion Advisory Question on the ballot for a regular municipal election so long as a vote to place such question on the ballot occurs no later than the thirty-fifth day preceding such election; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record as fully supporting the efforts of President Obama and Massachusetts Peace Action to rid the world of nuclear weapons; and be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in favor of placing on the ballot for the upcoming election the following Nonbinding Public Opinion Advisory Question:- "Shall the City Council be instructed to contact the President of the United States and ask him to initiate negotiations for a treaty calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons, on a specific timetable with effective verification and enforcement measures?"

O-3     Sept 21, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Manager has appointed a Cambridge Complete Count Committee to support the US 2010 Census effort to see that everyone living in Cambridge is counted; and
WHEREAS: Complete Count Committees are partnerships between state and local governments, community based organizations, faith-based groups, schools, businesses, the media and others that will work together to promote the 2010 Federal Census using their unique knowledge, influence, and resources to reach out and educate residents of the importance of getting a complete count in the 2010 Federal Census; and
WHEREAS: A Complete Count Committee is a team of community leaders appointed by the City Manager to develop and implement a locally-based outreach and awareness campaign, ensuring that every resident of the city is counted including immigrants and those for whom English may not be the primary language; and
WHEREAS: The US 2010 Census data will be used in numerous important ways, including: determining amounts of federal funding for Massachusetts; assisting families and low-income populations; assisting the elderly, the disabled, and veterans; determining federal funds for schools and education; funding and developing programs for women, infants, children and the elderly; planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and the location of other critical health services; forecasting housing needs for all segments of the population; identifying road rehabilitation and construction needs; and determining where jobs and job programming are needed; and
WHEREAS: The US 2010 Census data will affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation, and more - more than $4 Trillion over a ten year period which can only be fairly distributed when communities are completely counted; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Complete Count Committee declares Sept 21, 2009 the official Kick Off of "Complete Count Cambridge" and will work in a variety of traditional and creative ways to reach as many groups and individuals as possible to engage everyone in this exciting opportunity to Completely Count Cambridge in the US 2010 Census; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing the importance of the US 2010 Census and the efforts of the Cambridge Complete Count Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to all of the members of the Complete Count Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4     Sept 21, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In the year 2009, The U.S. Conference of Mayors' National Dollar Wi$e Campaign has declared Sept 26-Oct 3 Dollar Wi$e Week; and
WHEREAS: The theme of Dollar Wi$e Week 2009, "Preparing Youth for a Dollar Wi$e Future", invites city leaders to interact with students in local schools to emphasize the importance of instilling in our youth healthy attitudes and skills relating to wise personal financial management; and
WHEREAS: Financial illiteracy threatens to stunt economic recovery and delay the nation's exit from recession; and
WHEREAS: The average score among the more than 46,000 high-school students who took the first-ever National Financial Literacy Challenge, conducted by the Office of Financial Education of the United States Department of the Treasury and endorsed by the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, was 56%-a failing grade; and
WHEREAS: Only 51% of teenagers know how to write a check, 34% can balance a checkbook, 26% understand credit-card fees, and 24% know the consequences of using check cashers; and
WHEREAS: The National Council on Economic Education reports that only 28 states require that their personal-finance curriculum standards be implemented; only 9 require that a personal-finance course be offered, and of those only 7 require that the course be taken; and only 17 states mandate an economics course as a graduation requirement; and
WHEREAS: Our youth are at a teachable moment in their lives; the habits they form and the decisions they make now will help determine a lifelong attitude toward personal finances; and as parents, teachers, and leaders we are in a trusted position to teach these youth the skills they need to make wise financial decisions now and in the future; and
WHEREAS: Our nation's cities and municipal governments, with the support of federal and state governments and national and local organizations, are uniquely qualified to help young Americans become more financially literate and thereby build a solid foundation for their future; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record declaring the week of Sept 26-Oct 3, 2009, Dollar Wi$e Week in the City of Cambridge and urge all citizens in our community and throughout the country to join together in a national movement to help our youth become financially literate; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Dollar Wi$e organizers on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5     Sept 21, 2009  Amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: It has recently come to light that the Hyatt Regency Hotel chain has instituted a practice whereby its longstanding housekeeping staffers are being laid off and replaced with workers who are paid significantly lower hourly wages; and
WHEREAS: This new practice is apparently being done as part of a calculated effort by the Hyatt Regency corporation to reduce operating costs in response to these difficult economic times; and
WHEREAS: It is particularly unconscionable that the Hyatt Regency Hotel corporation should systematically lay off untold numbers of faithful employees - many of whom depended upon their modest Hyatt salaries to support their families - in order to hire replacement workers for significantly less money in these times of widespread economic hardships. This move is going to greatly and needlessly increase the suffering of many hardworking people; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has always prided itself on being hospitable to businesses large and small, and to the legions of workers who are the life's blood of those businesses. The City of Cambridge further recognizes that all workers deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and their loyalty to their employers, and not laid off at the first sign of economic distress or the first opportunity to hire others for even less money. Such moves devalue the working man and woman, and further destabilize the local economy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record as strongly encouraging the local branch of the Hyatt Regency Hotel chain to reconsider this new policy of laying off its loyal workers en masse in favor of hiring replacement workers for significantly lower hourly wages; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council is willing to help facilitate negotiations with the Hyatt executives in order to restore recently laid-off workers to their former positions; this would demonstrate that the Hyatt Regency Hotel company is willing to serve as a responsible employer and as a responsible, honorable member of the Cambridge community; and be it further
RESOLVED: That Cambridge residents and business organizations be encouraged not to do business with the Hyatt until they rehire these employees; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Patrick and urge him to take a strong leadership role on this matter.

O-6     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council the policy and practices in city contracts pertaining to invasive species.

O-7     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate the appropriate party to investigate the possibility of a year-round farmers market.

Amended O-7     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate the appropriate party to investigate two possible year-round markets as follows:
  * A year-round farmer's market
  * A year-round covered market in the Lechmere area.

O-8     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a group including the Conservation Commission, members of the Public Planting Committee, the Community Development Department and the Department of Public Works to recommend policies regarding planting of fruit trees and berry bushes including appropriate species and locations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a process for implementation of these recommendations.

O-9     Sept 21, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The US Postal Service is closing hundreds of Post Offices nationwide, including the MIT Post Office; and
WHEREAS: According to the American Postal Workers Union, Boston Metro Area Local 100, the MIT Post Office brings a $201,000+ annual profit; and
WHEREAS: Closing the MIT Post Office would mean a loss of jobs and services to Cambridge residents and students; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Postmaster on a strategy to prevent the closing of the MIT Post Office.

O-10     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop a program to offer EarthBoxes (planters on wheels) to Cambridge residents at cost, in a program similar to the distribution of rain barrels through the Department of Public Works.

O-11     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that on Oct 3, 2009, 32 security officers will lose their jobs because management of the old John Hancock building at 601 Congress Street will be changing to non-union security services; and
WHEREAS: For the workers, union contracts represent the hope for a better life for them and their families, steady raises, vacation without worrying about loss of pay, and dignity and respect on the job; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record asking the management team of the old John Hancock building to explore all avenues of collective bargaining and work in good faith with SEIU Local 615 to find a solution to this issue other than blanket layoffs.

O-12     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that the Rindge and Latin tennis courts have been closed for public use because of the misuse by a small group of people; and
WHEREAS: These are heavily used courts and are a benefit to the community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to find a way to allow the community continued access to these tennis courts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-13     Sept 21, 2009
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge welcomes and encourages bicycling and recognizes that it is an environmentally-friendly form of transportation; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge wants all of its residents to follow the rules of the road when bicycling, driving and pedestrian crossing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure that residents of Cambridge are periodically advised to wear protective gear and to learn and follow the rules of the road.

O-14     Sept 21, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to report back to the City Council on whether there is a legal requirement to do a city-wide mailing to place a non-binding question on the ballot and what the associated cost would be and further to report back on whether the nuclear weapons question could be placed on the ballot for the Special December Senate election.

O-15     Sept 21, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It is in the interests of every single person on this planet to work towards the abolition of weapons that have the capacity to sweep away tens of millions of lives within a matter of moments; and
WHEREAS: So long as weapons of this nature exist, they will contribute towards an environment of fear and brinkmanship between the nations of the world. Furthermore, these highly destructive weapons may be misused, they may malfunction, or they may fall into the hands of those who would purposely use them for sinister purposes; and
WHEREAS: In ratifying the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1970 and in signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty Extension in 1995, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China committed themselves to reducing nuclear weapons globally, and ultimately to eliminating them. Nevertheless, nuclear weapons continue to threaten all life on earth, and developing and maintaining nuclear arsenals is costly and diverts resources from human needs such as health care, education, and protecting the environment; and
WHEREAS: In 2008, the U.S. Conference of Mayors voted unanimously to urge the President to negotiate a verifiable treaty to abolish nuclear weapons, inspired in part by the realization amongst the mayors that there is no adequate municipal response in the event of a nuclear attack; and
WHEREAS: President Barack Obama has asked for our support in his effort to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and the more vocal civic leaders are in expressing that support, the more likely it is that these efforts will ultimately be successful; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record as fully supporting the efforts of President Obama and Massachusetts Peace Action to rid the world of nuclear weapons; and be it further
RESOLVED: That Her Honor, the Mayor, forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to President Obama in support of ridding the world of nuclear weapons on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2009 beginning at five o'clock and eight minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering the Historical Committee's recommendation with regard to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District (hereinafter "the NCDC") Boundary Report and Revised Recommendations (Attachment A).

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Also present were Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of Cambridge Historical Commission; William King, Chair of the Historical Commission and member of the Avon Hill NCDC Boundary Study Committee; Sarah Burks, Preservation Planner, Cambridge Historical Commission; Arthur Bardige and Theresa Hamacher, Co-Chairs of the Avon Hill NCDC.

Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Mr. King and Mr. Sullivan to begin the presentation of the proposal. Mr. Sullivan drew the attention of the committee to the Addendum Report of the Boundary Study Committee, which was transmitted to the City Council and referred to this committee and provides an executive summary of the process and recommendations (Attachment A). Mr. King stated that the NCDC Boundary Study Committee Addendum Report was reviewed by the Cambridge Historical Commission at a public hearing on Mar 5, 2009. The recommendations of the Boundary Study Committee made in the Addendum Report were approved and endorsed by the Commission with the exception of recommendations #12 and #17, which are no longer considered necessary in view of intervening circumstances.

Mr. Sullivan then introduced Mr. Bardige and, later, Ms. Hamacher (who missed the beginning of the presentation due to a conflicting obligation). They provided a brief report of the history, summarizing the material below, which is part of the Addendum Report:
"In response to petitions from 18 property owners in the district, the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Committee was appointed and met thirteen times between November 2005 and July 2006. The Boundary Committee's Original Report and recommendations were adopted by the CHC on Nov 2, 2006 and were forwarded to the City Council. At the request of the City Council a second survey of neighborhood residents was completed in February/March of 2007, the results of which indicated strong agreement with the Original Study's findings and recommendations, strong support for the overall goals of the District, and little support for reducing the size of the District.

On July 30, 2007, the City Council ordered that the Committee be reconvened to consider and make a report on the following:
* the possibility of a sunset provision in the District Order,
* the removal of the three Gray Gardens East properties from the District,
* the definition, clarification, and objective measurement of "open vista,"
* issues raised in letters forwarded to the Executive Director of the CHC by the Chairs of the Ordinance Committee,
* further consideration and explication of the pros and cons of binding review vs. nonbinding review, and
* any information about other issues raised in the committee reports that the Committee or the CHC believes could benefit the City Council's consideration.

The Committee was reconvened and met eight times between September 2007 and October 2008. The resulting subsequent Addendum Report of the Committee was then transmitted to the Cambridge Historical Commission for review at the Mar 5, 2009 public hearing."

Ms. Hamacher emphasized that the Boundary Study Committee went through an extensive process to revise the recommendations with the goal of consensus. The committee was very careful not to increase the level of regulation. The goal was to clarify the procedures, increase predictability and keep the burden of regulation no greater than currently existed.

Mr. Sullivan then briefly described the proposed recommendations, which are set out in the attached Addendum Report. He noted that the Historical Commission recommendation no longer includes #12 regarding the appointment of new members and alternates to the NCDC, because that has already been accomplished. Additionally, the Historical Commission does not see any present need for amending the ordinance to enable future consolidation of smaller NCDCs under a citywide neighborhood conservation commission and thus is not recommending such an amendment. He noted that the Boundary Study Committee in Recommendation # 1"recommends that Raymond Street (and including the three Gray Gardens East properties) should remain in the District and that the problems that the Raymond Street area petitioners and others have encountered are better dealt with through the recommended jurisdiction and governance changes outlined in the 11/3/06 Original Report and updated in this Addendum Report." Recommendation # 3 suggests elimination of a provision of the NCDC order that requires automatic binding review by the NCDC when a special permit or zoning variance is required. Recommendation # 6 replaces nonbinding review by the NCDC with nonbinding administrative reviews by the CHC staff for properties located outside the Avon Hill National Register District. Mr. Sullivan also noted that the several governance changes contained in these recommendations have been made and have improved the NCDC's effectiveness.

The proposed amendments to the ordinance are as follow:

2.78.160.A, Replace the third sentence with the following two sentences:

"One member and/or one alternate of a neighborhood conservation district commission, in addition to the mandated member of the Cambridge Historical Commission, may be a Cambridge resident who lives outside the district. The remaining alternates shall be neighborhood property owners."

2.78.180, insert new paragraph J:

J. Notwithstanding the prior provisions of this section 2.78.180, a neighborhood conservation district previously established by order of the City Council, in accordance with this section, which order instructs that there be a review of the activities of the neighborhood conservation district commission established pursuant to that order, following one or more public hearings by such neighborhood conservation district commission and by the Historical Commission, and a report to the City Council by such commissions containing a summary of testimony at such hearings and recommendations by such commissions for amendments to the powers, responsibilities and procedures of such neighborhood conservation district commission (including amendments to the boundaries of the affected neighborhood conservation district), may be amended by the City Council, in a manner consistent with the recommendations of such report, or be rescinded without the necessity of the appointment of a new study committee or of a de novo study process.

Mr. Sullivan explained that the proposed amendment to Section 2.78.160.A is a technical amendment to implement the Study Commission Recommendation # 9 to allow up to two additional members of the NCDC (one member and/or one alternate) to be Cambridge residents who live outside to the NCD.

The other proposed amendment would allow the City Council to provide in the original order of designation of any particular NCD commission for a process for future review of the activities of the commission. The ordinance would require public hearing by the NCD Commission and the Historical Commission and a report to the City Council with a summary of testimony recommendations of whether amendments to the power, responsibilities and procedures (including boundary amendments) or rescission of the NCDC should be recommended. The City Council could then amend or rescind the original order designating the NCDC. A new study committee and de novo process would not be required. This amendment would enable the City Council to provide a sunset provision in the orders that designate NCDCs if it so desires.

Councillor Davis asked whether the Historical Commission is recommending that a sunset provision be included in the original designation order for the Avon Hill NCDC. Mr. Sullivan said that the City Council directed the Historical Commission to consider the possibility of a sunset provision in the district order. There is a concern. One of the proposed amendments for the Avon Hill designation order would provide for a review and possible termination by the City Council four years and then again eight years from the date of the amended designation order as follows:

"X. Reports to City Council

The Commission and the Cambridge Historical Commission shall submit a report, not later than the fourth and eighth anniversaries of the date of this amended order, to the City Manager, Planning Board and City Council summarizing the activities of the Commission during the preceding period. In preparing the report, the commissions shall hold a joint public hearing to solicit the views of residents and property owners within the District with respect to the desirability and effectiveness of the District and to formulate a recommendation to the City Council, based upon their respective findings following such public hearing as to whether this or a further-amended order should continue in effect, continue in effect with amendments, or be rescinded; a summary of the testimony at such hearing shall accompany the report to the City Council. To the extent then permissible under Section 2.78.180 of the City Code, the City Council may then further amend this order with respect to the powers, responsibilities and/or procedures of the Commission in a manner consistent with the recommendations in such report, or may rescind this order, without the necessity of the appointment of a new study committee or de novo study process".

In response to a question from Vice Mayor Seidel, Ms. Burks said that the proposed amendment does not call for further review after the eighth anniversary. Unless the order were changed again during the eight years to include additional review after the eighth year review the district carry on with no further need for report and review.

Vice Mayor Seidel asked Mr. King and Mr. Sullivan whether the Historical Commission and staff believe that the sunset provision and the other recommendations adequately address the type of concerns raised by the Raymond Street neighbors. Mr. Sullivan answered in the affirmative. He stated that the sunset clause and process are intended to make it easier to make changes when necessary.

Vice Mayor Seidel asked why they have proposed that the review process end after eight years. Mr. King explained that there is a precedent for this provision. Because of concern by some members of the neighborhood, the designation order for the Mid Cambridge NCD had a provision for a five-year review. When that review took place, there was consensus that it need not be extended. The proposed amendments for the order provide the flexibility to enable the City Council to further amend the order after the eighth year if the Council believes that further review is warranted.

Councillor Kelley asked if the Council would have the power under this process to make amendments that had not been recommended by the Historical Commission without sending it back to the Commission for further proceedings. Councillor Maher said that the Co-Chairs would seek clarification from the City Solicitor on this issue.

Mr. Sullivan also briefly outlined the proposed amendment of the City Council Order establishing the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District (See attached Addendum Report), which would be required by the City Council, in addition to approval of the Historical Commission recommendations and adoption of the amendments to the ordinance, to fully implement the recommendations.

Councillor Kelley said that he is troubled by the proposal to remove the reference to "little automobile traffic" as one of the characteristics of the Avon Hill neighborhood in the preamble to the designation order. He said that cars define a neighborhood. Mr. Sullivan said that the Historical Commission has decided that automobile presence and absence has very little to do with the historical and architectural character of a neighborhood. He gave the example of Brattle Street. Councillor Kelley also expressed a concern about fences.

At this time Councillor Maher invited public comment.

Martha Stashka, 30 Bellevue Avenue, stated that she does not agree that the large Raymond Street renovation project should have been allowed. There have been problems with construction noise and dust. She is disappointed in the NCPD. They make a big fuss about windows and then allow a huge inappropriate project.

Andrea Wilder, Cambridge, expressed a concern relative to the relationship between the NCDC process changes to buildings in order to achieve greater energy efficiency.

In response to Ms. Stashka's testimony, Councillor Maher agreed that all need to be more aware of the effect that these construction projects have on all of the residents. There is a need to find ways to address these concerns, but the NCDC is only one small way to do this.

At this time Councillor Maher moved to refer the proposed amendments to the ordinance and order to the full City Council without recommendation and to retain subject matter jurisdiction of the issue. The motion passed without objection.

Vice Mayor Seidel and Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at 6:10pm.

For the Committee
Vice Mayor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair
Councillor David P. Maher, Co-Chair

QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING RECOMMENDATIONS, PASSING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SEC 2.78.180 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO A SECOND READING AND PLACING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AVON HILL NCD ORIGINAL DESIGNATION ORDER ON UNFINISHED BUSINESS on Sept 21, 2009

Committee Report #2
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Thurs, July 16, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing the discussion on whether a program similar to the Harlem Children's Zone Office of College Success could advance the goal of college graduation for all low income students in Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the committee; Vice Mayor Seidel; Councillor Craig Kelley; Margaret Drury, City Clerk; and John Clifford.

Present from the city and schools administrative staff were Dr. Carolyn Turk, Deputy Superintendent of the Cambridge Public School Department; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob, Cambridge Public Health Department,(CPHD); Lei Anne Ellis, Division Head of the Childcare and Family Support Division, Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP); Lauren Leikin, Agenda for Children Literacy Coordinator; Mary Wong, Director of the Kids' Council, DHSP; Mina Reddy, Director of the Community Learning Center, DHSP; Michelle Godfrey, Director of the Center for Families, DHSP; Jasmine Palmer, Coordinator, Pathways to Family Success, Agenda for Children; Greta Hardina, Agenda for Children; Daryl Mark, Cambridge Public Library.

In addition, the following persons also participated in the meeting: Ellen Wolpert, Cambridge Community Partnerships for Children; Randi Walsh, Families First Parenting Program; Steven Swanger, Director, the Workforce Program, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Randi Epstein, Child Care Resource Center; Betty Bardige, President of the Cambridge Community Foundation; Sheli Wortis, 106 Berkshire Street; Seble W. Argau, 151 Massachusetts Avenue; Yingwen Wang, UMass Boston; Christopher Pierre; and Bashir Farah.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He distributed two handouts on the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College (on file at the Cambridge City Clerk's Office), one of which included a description of the curriculum at the Baby College, and invited Ms. Semonoff to begin the discussion. Ms. Semonoff said that the group charged with putting together a draft proposal had looked closely at the curriculum of the Baby College in designing the curriculum for the proposal. She invited Ms. Leikin to describe the proposal.

Ms. Leikin distributed copies of the draft proposal entitled "Baby College Workshop Series" (Attachment A). The material contains a proposed curriculum for a 10-week Cambridge workshop program along with a side-by-side comparison of the existing HCZ Baby College curriculum in the areas of workshop overview, learning objectives for parents, facilitator, homework assignment and resources. Ms. Leikin said that work on cultural differences is included throughout all of the workshops, as is encouragement of parents supporting each other - peer support. In the Cambridge version each session has a different facilitator, and all ten facilitators will be at the first workshop. After Ms. Leikin's introduction, the workshops were described in detail by Ms. Leikin and Ms. Godfrey.

Councillor Reeves thanked the group for the amount of work that has been put into this proposal. He expressed his sorrow that the project will go forward without Ms. Leikin, who is moving to Washington D.C. He agreed with Ms. Semonoff's acknowledgement of Ms. Leikin's contribution and her observation that the rest of the group at the table, with their depth of experience and talent, will continue to progress.

Councillor Reeves asked about the budget. Ms. Semonoff said that the budget that was presented at the last meeting shows a program cost of $99,000 and includes a lot of in-kind services. The $100,000 cut in the budget of the Center for Families makes it impossible to reallocate any of those resources. Ms. Semonoff said that she has no current ability to that this project can be funded.

Mr. Jacob pointed out that the funding crisis makes evaluation of the pilot even more important.

Councillor Kelley said that they would need to know where that $100,000 would be coming from, what would have to be cut to fund this program. He asked what the projected budget would cover. Ms. Semonoff said that the $100,000 would go for a half-time coordinator position and two part time care workers. Space is not a big issue.

Councillor Reeves again thanked all those present for their participation, with special thanks to the group that has prepared the draft. The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Wed, June 24, 2009 at 2:08pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing the discussion on how Cambridge can adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College Program and/or principles to provide parent education for low income families that will provide the tools they need to help their children to succeed.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the committee; Vice Mayor Seidel; Councillor Larry Ward; Councillor Craig Kelley; Margaret Drury, City Clerk; and John Clifford.

Present from the city and schools administrative staff were Dr. Carolyn Turk, Interim Superintendent of the Cambridge Public School Department; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Susan Flannery, Director of Libraries; Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob, Cambridge Public Health Department(CPHD); Marsha Lazar, Stacey King, CPHD; Caitlin Westfall, CPHD; Lei Anne Ellis, Division Head of the Childcare and Family Support Division, Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP); Lauren Leikin, Agenda for Children Literacy Coordinator; Albert Pless, Agenda for Children; Mary Wong, Director of the Kids' Council, DHSP; Jasmine Palmer, Coordinator, Pathways to Family Success, Agenda for Children; Daryl Mark, Cambridge Public Library.

In addition, the following persons also participated in the meeting: Lynn Hall, Project Leader, Early Childhood, Cambridge Public Schools/Community Partnership; Yele Adjognon, Institute for Community Health; Cornelia Heise-Baigorria, Home Based Early Childhood Education Program; Ellen Wolpert, Cambridge Community Partnerships for Children; Madeleine Otari Oldman, Families First Parenting Program; Randi Walsh, Families First Parenting Program; Gloria Franqui, Child Care Resource Center (CCRC); Mitzi Fennel, CCRC; Beza Ayaleu, ADBAR EthiopianWomen's Alliance; Ronn Crichlow, Director of Education Opportunity Programs at M.I.T.; Barbara Kibler, Director, Margaret Fuller House; Michael Delia, Director, East End House; Camille Platt, East End House; Sheli Wortis, 106 Berkeley Street; Roz Springer, 23 Newtowne Court; and Andrea Collymore, 812 Memorial Drive.

Councillor Reeves convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He stated that before the committee took up the issue scheduled for discussion he wanted to note that two topics have come up in the City Council recently which he would like his committee to look more closely at: services provided for homeless families living at the Gateway and whether there is a decline in childcare availability in Cambridge that the City should be addressing.

Councillor Reeves then stated that he understands from Ms. Semonoff that a smaller group has been working on what a Cambridge program based on the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) might look like. He invited Ms. Semonoff to begin the discussion.

Ms. Semonoff said that a smaller subgroup of those who attend these meetings have been meeting to design a program that uses the principles and processes of the HCZ baby college to knit together the many existing elements of parent education, group support and home visits into a cohesive and comprehensive net that ensures that our most vulnerable families get the service "dosage" they need for their children to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten. She invited Ms. Leikin to describe the program.

Ms. Leikin distributed a two page preliminary draft proposal entitled "Parenting Education in Cambridge" (Attachment A) along with a draft budget for the program (Attachment B) and summarized the proposed pilot program. Ms. Leikin said that they have had a very enriching experience in coming back from their visit to the HCZ and thinking together about how to incorporate their learning about HCZ to achieve something similar but tailored to the specifics of the Cambridge environment and population. The Cambridge early childhood community has a strong collaborative culture. Potential key partners include the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative, Cambridge Department of Public Health, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Public Schools (Home-Based Program, Title I and Special Start), Cambridge Public Library, Center for Families, Child Care Resource Center, Community Engagement Team, Guidance Center Inc. (Early Intervention and Healthy Families) and Families First.

Ms. Leikin said that they have envisioned starting with two cohorts of approximately 30 families per cohort, one geographically located in North Cambridge and one in Area 4, with one beginning in the fall and then the other in the spring, for 10 week sessions. The families in each cohort would be divided into two groups, probably based on language and age of the children. This grouping is important because an important program goal is for the families to bond as supportive peer groups who can help each other long after the parent education workshops have been completed. To facilitate this continued connection, there will be eight-week facilitated playgroups after the workshops have ended.

Ms. Leikin said that the HCZ Baby College provided an excellent illustration of the importance of significant incentives for regular participation. The proposed Cambridge program would provide similar incentives including food, gift certificates, educational supplies and a rent bonus lottery.

Ms. Semonoff began cautioned that the magnitude of the cut in local aid contained in the state budget will add challenges to starting a new program. The Cambridge Center for Families has lost $100,000 in state funding. The draft program that will be discussed today is based on the current level of resources and would already require finding additional grant or foundation resources of $100,000. The strong recommendation of the group working on this proposal is that there needs to be a dedicated person action as a coordinator. Dr. Turk said that the triage model used in the medical field is also applicable in this situation. Ms. Semonoff said that a portion of the triage methodology is incorporated in the program design, because the partners who would be working together are connected to families getting services and families in need of services. She added that the series of workshops and the play group that follows the workshops are designed to create a peer group of parents that will go on can provide mutual support. Thus it is important that the program should not start with an entire group of parents in crisis. There needs to be a range of needs and skills so that the group members can help each other.

Councillor Kelley said that he is very disappointed that no one from the Housing Authority is present. Councillor Reeves agreed that CHA participation is essential to the success of the program and said that he would speak to CHA officials about how important they are to this discussion. Councillor Kelley also said that it is important to get volunteers. He gave the example of Special Start as a program that has the right mix.

Ms. Springer said that she would feel better about this discussion if parents were included in it. Ms. Kibler agreed that parents who are among the group who might find this program helpful should be included during the planning phase. Ms. Lazar urged the planners to make every effort to involve fathers.

Councillor Reeves then asked about the current state of childcare in Cambridge and whether there is sufficient supply to meet the demand. Ms. Ellis said that the Child Care Resource Center can do further analysis of the numbers. DHSP is getting calls from childcare centers that have vacancies. Parents lose their jobs and then lose their childcare vouchers, which means that classrooms have to close. Ms. Wolpert said that the Cambridge Partnership has seen that some parents are dropping out. The Agassiz Preschool which used to be located in the North Church at Porter Square has purchased a new location in Somerville. The Children's Village has been closed. She estimated that they are looking at a potential loss of 100-150 childcare slots in Cambridge. Ms. Semonoff said that DHSP has started to work on gathering the statistics on the number of available slots and the need. They still need to collect more information about the supply and demand with regard to Cambridge children. There are many children in childcare centers and family daycare in Cambridge who do not live in Cambridge. Councillor Reeves said that he has had discussions with the current head of the Radcliffe Institute about his ideal of a partnership of the City, the universities and other institutions to be able to provide childcare for the children of all Cambridge residents and employees.

Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 4pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)

09-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the removal of the Homeland Security Surveillance cameras and infrastructure and who is responsible for the removal.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/09/09 (O-7)

09-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on survey of surrounding cities and towns on the hours of operation of their libraries and a survey of patrons as to their needs and desires with respect to library hours.
Councillor Davis 03/09/09 (O-14)

09-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to implement the recommendations made in A Look at Women in Cambridge Now.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-7)

09-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of doubling the number of solar panels to be installed on the high school using stimulus funds.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-8)

09-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to bring city lighting more in line with dark sky principles and address problems of enforcement of existing regulations.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-16)

09-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on planting trees in parking lot #8 and surveying all city parking lots and library branches with a plan for tree maintenance.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-2)

09-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing changing tables in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms in all city-owned buildings.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-7)

09-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the warranty on city street trees.
Councillor Davis 05/11/09 (O-25)

09-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Black MSM issues in Cambridge.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 05/18/09 (O-12)

09-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on keeping the Magazine Beach pool opened.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-2)

09-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on clarification of the policy on posting "no parking" signs.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-7)

09-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to prohibit smoking in parks.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/08/09 (O-8)

09-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether city streetlights are configured to prevent "disability glare."
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-11)

09-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on discussions between the developer of 303 Third Street and the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/22/09 (O-1)

09-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on addressing traffic concerns at the corner of Gore and Fifth Streets.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/22/09 (O-2)

09-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on inspecting rooftop mechanicals on commercial buildings to ensure they are functioning properly and within the noise ordinance.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/22/09 (O-5)

09-77. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on painting pedestrian lines on the raised crosswalk on Oxford Street and on all raised crosswalks near schools, playgrounds or other areas with high pedestrian use.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/22/09 (O-7)

09-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of the City's policies on sidewalk cafes.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/29/09 (O-1)

09-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that DCR and city pools have adequate security.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/29/09 (O-4)

09-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on activity of persons in and around the Larz Anderson Memorial Bridge.
Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/29/09 (O-6)

09-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on providing a weekly summary update of all the coordinated city efforts to reduce crime across the City.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/29/09 (O-9)

09-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with DCR on the possibility of keeping the McCrehan Pool opened until Labor Day.
Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/29/09 (O-11)

09-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of changing after hours metered parking on streets adjacent and in the vicinity of the Court House and Registry of Deeds.
Councillor Ward, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 07/27/09 (O-1)

09-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether employees at the Harvard University project at 160 Concord Avenue have health care, workman's comp., a pension funds and do not meet the 10 hours OSHA safety certification.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-8)

09-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on proposing a 2% PILOT increase.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-9)

09-93. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on policy surrounding smoking in outdoor seating areas.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-10)

09-96. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the pedestrian signals at the super crosswalk in Harvard Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-13)

09-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on proposed plans for the old police headquarters at 5 Western Avenue.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-16)

09-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assigning one stationary police officers in a prominent location in Central Square.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-17)

09-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the City regulates mobile billboard use in the City.
Vice Mayor Seidel, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 07/27/09 (O-22)

09-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the plans and timetable for resurfacing the Kendall Square sidewalk area by the Marriott Hotel.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/27/09 (O-26)

09-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of initiating curbside pickup of food waste.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Ward 09/14/09 (O-4)

09-103. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #8
RE: report on the state's proposed stretch energy code.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-5)

09-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on methods for protection of homeless shelter residents from scabies and similar diseases.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-9)

09-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the technical problems that prevented the broadcast of the City Council meeting on July 27th and what steps will be taken to ensure that Comcast personnel will be more responsive to CITY TV-8.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-10)

09-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting language to curb motorcycle noise in the City.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 09/14/09 (O-11)

09-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing a pedestrian crossing sign in the crosswalk at Norfolk Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-14)

09-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps can be taken to implement a 311 system.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-18)

09-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on protocols followed by City agencies and large-scale housing providers with reference to bedbugs and other similar infestations.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-20)

09-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of street crimes in No. Cambridge and under what circumstances an Electronic Alert should be issued.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-21)

09-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on more regular cleaning of litter in the gutters and tree wells around the Galleria Mall.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-22)

09-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the schedule for general upkeep of the playground at the Cambridge Common.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-24)

09-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's ability to begin curbside pick up of plastic bags with recycling.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/14/09 (O-25)