Cambridge City Council meeting - September 22, 2014

Cambridge City Council meeting - September 22, 2014 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services in the amount of $15,965 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($15,665), and to the Travel and Training account ($300) and will be used by the Community Learning Center for core instructional services.

2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a transfer of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services in the amount of $286 from the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account which is a clerical correction that reflects actual spending and falls within grant guidelines.

3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Civic Education Grant for $115,753 funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult and Community Learning Services to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($110,370), to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,133), and to the Travel and Training account ($250) and grant supports ESOL/Civic Education classes provided by the Community Learning Center.

4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Agenda for Children's Talk and Read grant in the amount of $3,631 received from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($3,091) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($540) and will fund staff salary costs and workshop supplies for outreach worker parenting workshops.

5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Cambridge Highlands Overlay District Petition.
Referred to the Petition

To the Honorable, the City Council,

The Planning Board has discussed the subject matter of this petition at several past public hearings. The City Council, Planning Board, neighbors and staff have put significant effort into discussing and developing zoning options that would best address the community’s concerns. The Board believes that the petition in its current form reflects the good thinking that has been done on this issue, and therefore supports adoption of the proposed change to the Zoning Ordinance.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Hugh Russell, Chair

ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center. (Order Amended by Substitution.) [Order Number Ten of Jan 27, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Mayor Maher on Jan 27, 2014.]

2. An application was received from Ting-hsu Chen requesting permission to widen the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 14 Soden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Six of Feb 24, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Feb 24, 2014.]

3. That the City Council go on the record in opposition to any type of casino project in the Greater Boston area whether constructed and managed by Mohegan Sun or Wynn Resorts. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Simmons on Order Number Five of June 16, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Cheung on June 30, 2014.]

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on June 18, 2014 to discuss revisions to the Cambridge Municipal Code Section 9.04.050 (A) Defacing public property of Chapter 9.04 entitled "Offenses Against Property". [Committee Report Number Five of June 30, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan on June 30, 2014.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.

6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014.

7. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on July 2, 2014 to discuss the Timothy R. Flaherty, et al. zoning petition requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge to expand the Medical Marijuana Overlay District, MMD-1 to encompass 61 Mooney Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Aug 11, 2014. Planning Board Hearing held June 17, 2014. Petition expires Sept 15, 2014.
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee (refiled)

8. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Chair of the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee for a public hearing held on Aug 14, 2014 to review expenditures/allotments in reference to the City Council Travel and City Council Resolutions with possible amendments, the position of Deputy City Clerk and any other items that may properly come before the Committee. Report Accepted and Placed on File two orders adopted 8-0-1 see order #13 and #14. Committee Report Number Two of Sept 8, 2014 Rule 38 - Travel Policy - Placed on Unfinished Business for one week.
Placed on File

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Starbucks Coffee requesting permission for three benches in front of the premises numbered 1662 Massachusetts Avenue.
Referred to City Manager w/Power to review in more depth for ADA compliance

2. An application was received from Viale requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 502 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development. Sign is pre-existing.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Elizabeth Stern, 20 Cambridge Terrace, regarding the Planning Board.

2. A communication was received from George Lloyd, 18 Royal Avenue, regarding no left turns on Royal Avenue.

3. A communication was received from Abraham Bonhomme, 7 Ashburton Place, regarding a Council Order on Apex Billing Solutions.

4. A communication was received from Quinton Y. Zondervan, 235 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, transmitting support of Council Order #11 of Sept 15th regarding side rails on city trucks.

5. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, relative to Policy Order #6 and public engagement to include the Zoning Board and the Inspectional Services Department.

6. A communication was received from Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place, regarding Policy Order #6 and community engagement in project review.

7. A communication was received from Catherine Dupont relative to Resolution #5 on October proclaimed as National Dwarfism Awareness Month.

8. A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman regarding Policy Order #6 on processes that ask CDD and other city agencies to find ways to reach out and solicit community feedback for development does not address urgent concerns of climate, affordability, demographics and gentrification.

9. A communication was received from Susan Ringler, 604 Green Street, regarding Policy Order #6 and a climate march held in NY and urging action to stop carbon pollution.

10. A communication was received from Patrick Barrett, 41A Pleasant Street, regarding the special permit review and Article Nineteen of the Zoning Ordinances.

11. A communication was received from Patrick Barrett, 41A Pleasant Street, regarding the last time the Zoning Ordinances was reviewed relative to use.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Speedy recovery wishes to Ashanti Sturgis. Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to the band Chucklehead on their long and distinguished career and their influence on Boston music. Councillor McGovern

3. Speedy recovery wishes to the father of School Committee Member Fran Cronin. Councillor Simmons

4. Honoring Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and those efforts made by the Longfellow Memorial Association, the Longfellow family and various artists who have contributed to the Longfellow Memorial in Longfellow Park. Mayor Maher

5. Congratulation to C.J. Dupont and family for advocating for The Little People of America, Inc. (LPA) and declare the month of October as Dwarfism Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Benzan

6. Congratulations to Mary Bonauto on being named to the Class of 2014 MacArthur Fellows Program. Mayor Maher

7. Continued health and recovery wishes for Sandi Bagley. Councillor Simmons

8. Happy 101st Birthday wishes to Anna Isabell Del la Cruz. Councillor Simmons

9. Congratulations to Selvin Chambers on joining The Trustees of Reservations as Director for the organization's newly formed Boston Region. Vice Mayor Benzan

10. Happy Birthday wishes to a special person. Councillor McGovern

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate personnel in the Community Development Department, the Water Department, and the Consumers' Council, as well as with representatives of Just A Start, Inc., Butler Property Management, and Apex Billing Solutions, to determine why Just A Start has contracted with Apex Billing Solutions to serve as its water-billing vendor, to ensure that Cambridge customers of Apex Billing Solutions have a reasonable means of investigating, understanding, and resolving their disputed bills, and to determine whether residents who would prefer to be directly billed by the City of Cambridge for their water usage might have the opportunity to arrange for this Councillor Simmons

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City officials as well as referral to the Information Technology Integration Group to determine ~~if there is a quicker and more dependable way of notifying bill payers of water leaks such as multiple emails or texts with a reply requested and determine~~ if the City may legally reimburse bill payers for extras sewerage costs due to water leaks and, if possible, develop a plan to do so. Councillor Kelley
Amended

3. That the Government Operations, Rules & Claims committee is requested to hold a meeting to discuss changing the terms used in Council "Orders" to more accurately reflect their message. Councillor Kelley
Referred to Gov't Operations, Rules, & Claims Committee

4. That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to amend the previously adopted Policy Order #12 from Apr 28, 2014 to include the name of Jeff Murray. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Simmons

5. That as we undertake the Cambridge Conversations and the Master Planning Process, the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to study emerging business types in Cambridge and how they are affected by the use regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, and to recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance that will help classify such businesses in a clear, rational way that supports the long-term interests of the community and instruct the Community Development Department to evaluate appropriate ways to facilitate home-based businesses above and beyond what is currently allowed. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Benzan
Charter Right - McGovern

6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input and to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Benzan
Charter Right - McGovern

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of conducting a series of walks through Alewife for the purpose of better knowing the area in preparation for the Dec 1, 2014 roundtable discussion about city-wide planning Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Mazen and Councillor Carlone

8. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Finance Department to determine the possible structure, size, and plans for a discretionary budget. Councillor Mazen and Councillor Carlone
Referred to Finance Committee - McGovern (5-3-1; Carlone, Mazen, McGovern, Simmons, Maher - YES; Cheung, Kelley, Toomey - NO; Benzan ABSENT)

9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council prior to the citywide Career Fair on Oct 8, 2014 about outreach efforts to Cambridge companies and residents, more specifically, the names of Cambridge companies that were asked to participate; those that declined participation; and the type of outreach that was employed to help ensure awareness of the Career Fair by Cambridge residents. Vice Mayor Benzan

10. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for Christian Nikkis for a Street dedication at the Corner of Magazine and Green, in honor of Chrest Nikkis. Councillor Mazen

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant state-level authorities regarding the potential for enhanced pedestrian safety measures along Memorial Drive in the vicinity of the MIT Sailing Pavilion. Councillor Carlone

12. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status and the progress of the organization of a cultural exhibit in City Hall that celebrates the life and accomplishments of the Hispanic community. Vice Mayor Benzan

13. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and the Fab 11 planning committee in order to make the Foundry available for a major installation of the 2015 Fab Lab Conference, by passing inspection prior to August 2015. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Toomey

14. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of installing "no smoking marijuana" signs in city playgrounds and that signs further provide that persons found to be doing so could be fined in accordance to Massachusetts General Laws: CHAPTER 94C, Section 32L. Vice Mayor Benzan
Charter Right - McGovern

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee for a public hearing held on June 19, 2014 to address the traffic, transportation and access to transit issues in the Fresh Pond / Concord Avenue / Alewife area with a view toward understanding the impact of recent development trends in the area.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 3, 2014 to discuss a zoning petition filed by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by creating the Cambridge Highlands Overlay District to be coterminous with the district currently zoned Residence B located in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood, situated north of Concord Avenue, south of and adjacent to the Blair Pond Reservation, and east of and adjacent to the municipal boundary with the Town of Belmont; and to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating Section 20.800 - Cambridge Highlands Overlay District.
Passed to 2nd Reading

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting information on the Timothy R. Flaherty, et al. zoning petition recommending referring to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for further hearings and reports.
Referred to the Petition

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Sept 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Tues, Sept 30
3:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing with the Community Development Department to provide updates on inclusionary zoning, linkage, the Nexus Study, the three expiring use buildings (Briston Arms, the Close Building and Fresh Pond Apartments) that the City is working to preserve and preferences for affordable housing waitlists. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)

Wed, Oct 1
4:00pm Human Services and Veterans Committee (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)

Mon, Oct 6
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Affordable Housing Trust. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (344 Broadway, 2nd Fl Conference)

Thurs, Oct 9
4:30pm The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the City Council's most recent goals and to make recommendations for FY16 Goals; said Goals to include a goal relating to City-wide Planning. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)

Wed, Oct 15
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend certain provision of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance that govern the Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District to allow limited amounts of off-street retail parking. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Oct 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Oct 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Thurs, Oct 30
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 entitled Restrictions on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Nov 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Nov 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Wed, Nov 12
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 6.04 of the Municipal Code entitled "Animal Control Regulations" to establish fines for failure to remove dog waste, failing to license a dog, violations to dogs off leash, changing the required time a dog can be kept in a kennel to be consistent with state law and park rangers be given authority to enforce animal regulations at Fresh Pond Reservoir. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)

Mon, Nov 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

Mon, Dec 1
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)

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

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

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

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

Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: When Just A Start, Inc. began accepting residents at its brand new mixed-income condominiums at 424 - 430 Windsor Street in the Fall of 2012, it issued a letter to all incoming homeowners notifying them that Apex Billing Solutions was being designated as the vendor in charge of monitoring and charging for water usage; and
WHEREAS: This letter stated that by contracting with Apex Billing Solutions, the building's occupants would pay only for their individual water usage, rather than being forced to divide and pay the one collective water bill that is issued to the entire building from the City every quarter; and
WHEREAS: Apex Billing Solutions has stated that they formulate their bills by incorporating the City's water usage rates, the Apex Billing water usage meter readings, the expanding of the four quarterly City water bills into twelve monthly bills, and the cost of providing their services; and
WHEREAS: Some residents at the Windsor Street condo have raised concerns that they have no say in whether or not they wish to participate in this billing method, as Just A Start mandates that they sign on to this service when they purchase their condos, and these residents have also raised concerns that they have little recourse in the event that their water bill comes into dispute; and
WHEREAS: The Windsor Street condos are designated as affordable housing, and the building's residents are therefore unlikely to have the means to hire outside plumbers, contractors, or attorneys to determine whether or not their bills accurately reflect their actual water consumption, and whether or not they are actually saving money by using this vendor rather than being billed directly by the City; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council's attention that, when questions about the accuracy and proper function of their water meters are questioned, Apex Billing Solutions charges an arguably prohibitively high fee to investigate the matter, thus creating a situation where the building residents face a difficult choice of trying to raise the funds to investigate the matter, or of struggling to pay a bill they fear may be artificially inflated; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate personnel in the Community Development Department, the Water Department, and the Consumers' Council, as well as with representatives of Just A Start, Inc., Butler Property Management, and Apex Billing Solutions, to determine why Just A Start has contracted with Apex Billing Solutions to serve as its water-billing vendor, to ensure that Cambridge customers of Apex Billing Solutions have a reasonable means of investigating, understanding, and resolving their disputed bills, and to determine whether residents who would prefer to be directly billed by the City of Cambridge for their water usage might have the opportunity to arrange for this; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this Council Order to Deborah Ruhe, Executive Director of Just A Start, Inc., James Butler at Butler Management Company, Karen Brabston, Vice President of Operations at Apex Billing Solutions, and to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 Sept 22, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge's automated water meter readings send water use messages to the Water Department multiple times a day; and
WHEREAS: These readings allow quick detection of unusually high water use that might indicated a leak; and
WHEREAS: Water and, by extension, sewer bills from housing that have leaks can run into the many hundreds of dollars if the leak is not quickly stopped; and
WHEREAS: The Water Department currently notifies the bill payer of a leak by mail and those letters may be easily overlooked and the leak not corrected; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City officials to determine if there is a quicker and more dependable way of notifying bill payers of water leaks such as multiple emails or texts with a reply requested; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City officials as well as referral to the Information Technology Integration Group to determine if the City may legally reimburse bill payers for extras sewerage costs due to water leaks and, if possible, develop a plan to do so; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on these matters.

O-3 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The term "Ordered" in the City Council "Policy Orders and Resolutions" does not accurately define the nature of the communication because, by law, the City Council may not "order" the City Manager to do anything; and
WHEREAS: The term "Ordered" helps create unreasonable expectations of exactly what the City Manager is being asked to do; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Government Operations, Rules & Claims committee be and hereby is requested to hold a meeting to discuss changing the terms used in Council "Orders" to more accurately reflect their message.

O-4 Sept 22, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Apr 28, 2014, the City Council voted in favor of Policy Order #23 requesting that the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request to dedicate a street corner in honor of Janet Murray; and
WHEREAS: Janet and her husband Jeff have both worked tremendously hard over many, many years to better their community, and it is only fitting that they share this honor so that their legacy will be appreciated for generations to come; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to amend the previously adopted Policy Order #12 from Apr 28, 2014 to include the name of Jeff Murray; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this amended order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-5 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: The landscape of business is changing in Cambridge and around the world, with new technologies and market demands resulting in greater variety and innovation in business types, including small-scale production, internet-based operations and "sharing economy" businesses promoting creative economic concepts for sharing of space and resources; and
WHEREAS: Commercial space in Cambridge is at a premium, and more creative ways of thinking will be key to ensuring that new businesses can continue to operate, grow and thrive in a way that is flexible, adaptable and efficient while remaining consistent with the community's goals; and
WHEREAS: Technology has allowed for more types of home-based businesses, and the relationship between residential and commercial land use is evolving to be different, in some ways, than how it has been conventionally viewed in the past; and
WHEREAS: The Zoning Ordinance attempts to balance home-based businesses with impacts on residential neighbors; and
WHEREAS: The system of classifying and regulating commercial land use types in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance has been substantially unchanged since 1961, and describes uses in a way that is outdated and does not adequately account for these new business types; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That as we undertake the Cambridge Conversations and the Master Planning Process, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to study emerging business types in Cambridge and how they are affected by the use regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, and to recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance that will help classify such businesses in a clear, rational way that supports the long-term interests of the community; and
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to evaluate appropriate ways to facilitate home-based businesses above and beyond what is currently allowed.

O-6 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Members of the community have voiced numerous concerns about the adequacy and quality of neighborhood involvement in the City's review of development proposals, particularly large projects requiring review and approval by the Planning Board; and
WHEREAS: Constructive community engagement in project review does occur in some instances, but the quality has varied depending on the neighborhood, the developer and the specifics of the project; and
WHEREAS: Decision-making bodies such as the Planning Board welcome such community involvement and feedback, but there is no prescribed process by which it should occur; and
WHEREAS: The state Zoning Act (M.G.L. Chapter 40A) establishes limitations on the special permit review process, particularly with regard to a property owner's right to a hearing and decision within a specified timeframe; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager is working with residents, business leaders and planning professionals to advise the City Manager and staff on ways to improve the Planning Board process; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Planning Board and City Solicitor on practices that will result in greater interaction between project applicants and community members prior to the Planning Board hearing on a project; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input; and be it further
ORDERED: That based on these efforts the City Manager, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department, Planning Board and City Solicitor to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies.

O-7 Sept 22, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The Carlone petition raised many important issues about the Alewife area, namely: traffic, flooding, safety, affordable housing, connections to transit, local retail, sense of place and building community; and
WHEREAS: On Dec 1, 2014, there will be a roundtable meeting between the City Council, City administrators and members of the Planning Board to discuss city-wide planning; and
WHEREAS: In order for members of the City Council, state delegation, city administration and Planning Board to be better informed and coherently understand how best to address these issues, it would be of great benefit to tour the Alewife area to see, firsthand, the problems that most afflict our City; and
ORDERED: For decision-makers to emerge with innovative, logical solutions, it is important that they work together and have an in-depth understanding of the City's challenging development issues in the Alewife area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of conducting a series of walks through Alewife for the purpose of better knowing the area in preparation for the Dec 1, 2014 roundtable discussion about city-wide planning and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-8 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: In order to serve residents in a more efficient, direct, and collaborative fashion, a discretionary budget would prove a worthwhile addition to the current budgeting process; and
WHEREAS: Implementing discretionary budgeting processes would create a streamlined process for allocating funds "in the moment" around one-time priorities that enjoy consensus from the council, yet were not known during the original budgeting process; and
WHEREAS: Cities such as New York, NY, Providence, Rhode Island, and Buffalo, NY, have successfully implemented Discretionary Budgeting processes to better serve their constituents, and catalyze a more diverse range of community initiatives and municipal projects; and
WHEREAS: A yearly recurring discretionary budgeting process separate from free cash would allow for the funding of research, one time implementation, urgent technology initiatives, emergency safety measures, more comprehensive community responses to tragedy, and infrastructure improvements; and
WHEREAS: "Free Cash" is misnomer and this body of cash ought to be maintained at an appropriate level since it helps support the City's credit rating and financial best practices; and
WHEREAS: With detailed criteria and procedures - and with an agreed upon culture that emphasizes city efficiency and emergent needs, and not personal projects - a Discretionary Budgeting process can make the city even more responsive and innovative; and
WHEREAS: Discretionary budgeting processes can provide funding for innovative and cutting edge projects that are normally outside the scope of a yearlong budgeting process but are nonetheless urgently needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Finance Department to determine the possible structure, size, and plans for a discretionary budget; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-9 Sept 22, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council prior to the citywide Career Fair on Oct 8, 2014 about outreach efforts to Cambridge companies and residents, more specifically, the names of Cambridge companies that were asked to participate; those that declined participation; and the type of outreach that was employed to help ensure awareness of the Career Fair by Cambridge residents.

O-10 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for Christian Nikkis for a Street dedication at the Corner of Magazine and Green, in honor of Chrest Nikkis; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-11 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: In recent weeks, there have been at least two accidents involving pedestrians who were struck by automobiles traveling along Memorial Drive in the vicinity of the MIT Sailing Pavilion; tragically, one of these incidents resulted in a fatality, and the other incident resulted in very serious injuries; and
WHEREAS: Residents are now calling on officials to take action to mitigate the hazards to pedestrians along Memorial Drive in the vicinity of the MIT Sailing Pavilion; and
WHEREAS: Many potential solutions exist to enhance pedestrian safety in this area, including embedded flashers at ground level, above-ground strobe flashers which are triggered by pedestrians, a traffic light triggered by pedestrians, and enclosure of parts of the grassy median to reduce pedestrian deviation from crosswalks; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant state-level authorities regarding the potential for enhanced pedestrian safety measures along Memorial Drive in the vicinity of the MIT Sailing Pavilion.

O-12 Sept 22, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept 15 to Oct 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America; and
WHEREAS: The richness of Hispanic culture is the product of many cultures, including: Indigenous, European, African, Chinese, Indian, Filipino and Japanese; and
WHEREAS: The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept 15 and ending on Oct 15. It was enacted into law on Aug 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402; and
WHEREAS: The day of Sept 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept 16 and Sept 18, respectively; and
WHEREAS: During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the nation recognizes the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States; and
WHEREAS: Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our nation and our city through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record declaring Sept 15 to Oct 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status and the progress of the organization of a cultural exhibit in City Hall that celebrates the life and accomplishments of the Hispanic community.

O-13 Sept 22, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Fab 10 conference in Barcelona was a forum featuring 250 Fab Labs (Fabrication Labs)- small-scale educational spaces, combining design thinking, hands-on STEAM curricula, manufacturing skills, and innovative technologies-from 40 countries around the world; and
WHEREAS: One of the main attractions of the Fab 10 conference was the transformation of a space nearly 10,000 square feet in size into the world’s largest Fab Lab within the span of two weeks; and
WHEREAS: The next Fab conference, Fab 11 will be hosted in The Boston Metropolitan Area in 2015, with the potential for Cambridge to be the lead host; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is home to numerous maker spaces and Fab Labs and is a world-renowned center for innovation, technological development, and creative industry; and
WHEREAS: The Foundry Building at 101 Rogers Street with a total area of more than 53,000 square feet presently lies vacant awaiting capital improvements, which have not been initiated; and
WHEREAS: The Foundry Building would be an ideal space for a major installation of the Fab 11 conference in 2015; and
WHEREAS: Including the Foundry Building in the Fab 11 conference gives the city an aggressive, but reasonable goal for applying a portion of the capital improvement budget so as to pass code for occupancy in the most basic sense, excluding any kind of build out; and
WHEREAS: Corporate sponsors of Fab 11 are understood to be willing to donate expensive equipment used for Fab 10/11 to the City of Cambridge that could be used for future educational and community projects in the Foundry; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and the Fab 11 planning committee in order to make the Foundry available for a major installation of the 2015 Fab Lab Conference, by passing inspection prior to August 2015; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-14 Sept 22, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: According to a recent study published in the reputable British journal The Lancet Psychiatry, teenagers who smoke marijuana on a daily basis are 60 percent less likely than nonusers to finish high school. Furthermore, the studies of adolescent cannabis use also show that daily users under age 17 were 60 percent less likely to finish college than teens who did not smoke at all, seven times more likely to attempt suicide and eight times more likely to use illegal drugs at some point in their lives; and
WHEREAS: Legislation like the Tobacco Ordinance is aimed at strategically reducing the rate of teenage tobacco and drug use in our City; and
WHEREAS: Installing "no smoking marijuana" signs in our parks to discourage young people from doing so and reminding them that Massachusetts General Laws: CHAPTER 94C, Section 32L provides for civil penalties could serve as an effective deterrent for persons that choose to smoke marijuana in our parks around children; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of installing "no smoking marijuana" signs in city playgrounds and that signs further provide that persons found to be doing so could be fined in accordance to Massachusetts General Laws: CHAPTER 94C, Section 32L, and report back to the City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMITTEE
Meeting Type - Public meeting
Meeting Purpose - To address the traffic, transportation and access to transit issues in the Fresh Pond / Concord Avenue / Alewife area with a view toward understanding the impact of recent development trends in the area.

Meeting Details
Date and Time: Thurs, June 19, 2014 at 6:13pm

Location: Tobin School Auditorium, 197 Vassal Lane, Cambridge, MA.

Attendees
Present were Councillor Carlone, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Benzan; Mike Connolly; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department; Iram Farooq, Acting Deputy Director, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Bill Deignan, Transportation Program Manager, CDD; Stephanie Grohl, PTDM Coordinator, CDD; Sue Clippinger, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation; Adam Shulman, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; School Committee Member Patty Nolan; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.

Other Attendees
Jonathan Hecht, State Representative, 29th Middlesex District; Tim Snyder, Chief of Staff for Senator Pat Jehlen; Karen Dumaine and Michele Brooks, Alewife Transportation Management Association; Matthew George, Founder and CEO, Bridj; Mike Izzo, Bridj; Jan Devereux, President, Fresh Pond Residents Alliance; Paul Steven Stone, 219 Harvard Street; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Jane Tenenbaum, 159 Concord Avenue; Mairi Staples; Kristin Mahon, 267 Concord Avenue; Madlyn Johnson, 308 Walden Street; Nicole Jordan, 147 Concord Avenue; Peter C. Johnson, 255 Lakeview Avenue; Gary Dmytryk, 2440 Mass. Ave.; Wendy Zens, 151 Vassal Lane; Chuck Dresner, 196 Larch Road; Robert Camacho, 24 Corporal Burns Road; Mioka Sonattnex, 188 Lexington Avenue; Judith and James Roberts, 45 Magoun Street; Kathy and John Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue; Peggy Barnes Lenart, 115 Fayerweather Street; Hom Sack, 64 Griswold Street; Arthur Strang, 60 Fresh Pond Parkway; Zack Weber, 24 Harrison Avenue; Steven Bercu, 132 Fayerweather Street; John Halloran, 319 Huron Avenue; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Mary and Jeffrey Mitchell, 7 Corporal Burns Road; Genevieve Coyle, 230 Lakeview Avenue; Dan Epstein and Rozann Kraus, 91 Chilton Street; Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street; Maddy Fletcher, 155 Grove Street; Dianne Perlmutter, 59 Granville Road; Julie Silberman, 59 Granville Road; Nora Smith, 74 Field Street; Glenn Jones, 74 Field Street; Claudia Majetich, 329 Concord Avenue; Lynne Carvalho Adamian, 90 Standish Street; Janet Randall, 64 Granville Road; Patricia Nolan, 184 Huron Avenue; Michael Allen, 128 Elm Street; Pat Barton, 130 Appleton Street; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place; Abraham Resner, 9 Clinton Street; Paula Lovejoy, 9 Clinton Street; Margaret Gadon, 77 Larch Road; Alison Field-Juma, 362 Concord Avenue; Kathy Watkins, 80 Fawcett Street; Hunter Aldrich, 1 Field Street; John Macomber, 25 Buckingham Street; and John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street.

Minutes
Councillor Carlone opened the meeting at 6:13pm and stated the purpose. He introduced the invited guests. He stated that a presentation will be made by CDD. He stated that all parties understand the difficulty of transportation in the area. The challenges include connectivity with the MBTA's subway and bus services, traffic coming off of Route 2, congestion along the Alewife Brook Parkway, and the lack of pedestrian and bicycle connections across the Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail tracks. The pace of development has been astounding. Development has its own lifecycle and economic factors are difficult to control. The flood plain issues are acknowledged and the open space needs to be maintained. The big challenge is how to knit all pieces together to make a whole (something greater than what now exists). He outlined the format of the meeting. Public comment will be 3 minutes.

Mr. Dash and Mr. Deignan began the presentation (ATTACHMENT A).

Mr. Dash spoke on the Alewife area. He started with the planning done in the 1990's. An assessment was done on traffic. The city wide zoning was to reduce commercial growth by 1/3 across the city. This was to give an incentive to build residential. The traffic issues are in the peak times. The city would prefer residential be built rather than commercial. The third area was the creation of mixed use areas in the city. ECAP zoning was done. He spoke about the Concord/Alewife key transportation concepts; create an enhanced environment for pedestrians and bikeways, connect the quadrangle and the triangle, improvement of internal connection with the Quadrangle and open space connections. He stated that walking along the wetlands is possible. The transportation issues - what is the deal with all the traffic and the traffic that moves through the area and travels through Cambridge. Single Occupancy Vehicle trips are not encouraged. Use of bikes and giving bus pass will aid this. The shift from commercial to residential during peak hours was accomplished. A certain threshold was needed to encourage more walking and biking.

In the Concord/Alewife plan there is now a 50/50 residential split. Residential development has been very strong in this area because of the Red Line. North Cambridge, Porter and Davis Squares became very attractive places to live. Alewife is a reasonable and nice place to live. Mr. Dash presented a chart for projects permitted and proposed in Alewife. In NorthPoint in 2002 housing was permitted and has been continued. He stated that the development on the chart show the footprint and the roadway connections. The map (ATTACHMENT B) showed the Alewife transportation connections. The Fresh Pond Shopping Center was discussed and a roadway structure was put into place if the construction occurs in this area.

Ms. Clippinger spoke about transportation. She stated that this is a busy area and a lot of traffic comes thru this area. Route 2 is wide and if there were fewer lanes she felt it would be less of a problem for Cambridge. There are a variety of traffic counts in various areas. For some roadways we have 5 years of data; some only 3 years. The average daily traffic is not growing. The Alewife Parkway daily traffic shows that there is no increase in traffic in the AM peak hours. At the Alewife Station there has been a 19% increase in ridership in the last 15 years. Biking has tripled in the last decade. She spoke about the multi-use path.

Ms. Clippinger stated that in the development review process, proposals that are greater than 50,000 square feet require a traffic study. Each project does a study and identifies trips, from destination and the travel mode. There are five areas of criteria that are reviewed. The City requires a review of cumulative impact on traffic. In Alewife there are 8 projects proposed with traffic studies done. This is a result of the Concord/Alewife study and the development cycle. There were eight projects reviewed for the travel mode - 45% drive; 31% use transit. Observations and assumptions were done for vehicle trips. There were eight Alewife Residential projects where the vehicle trips per unit were assumed. Observed driveway counts were done on 3 existing projects. The assumptions are conservative. Traffic studies are a good representation of the conditions. The City looks at mitigating projects. Travel demand management is done and monitored. Residential projects are required to do residential traffic demand management. There is no active TMA in the Concord/Alewife area. Once a TMA is formed there are twelve existing and future permitted developments in the Alewife area that are required to join a TMA. The City is rethinking parking supply and shared-use parking in order to better manage supply. She spoke about the lack of capacity in the system. The state changes to Route 2 will not change the congestion.

Ms. Clippinger stated that if there were no development there would still be growth in the Concord/Alewife area. Congestion will cause people to change their route. New residents know they are moving into a congested area. The City needs to encourage people to use alternative modes of transportation.

Mr. Deignan discussed transportation projects. He spoke about recent projects. He listed the projects.

Alewife Greenway extension, a path from the station connects to Brighton Street. He stated that Concord Avenue cycle tracks were installed. The more people who are comfortable biking the more people bike. On Fawcett Street the sidewalks are being added and a new connector road. The DCR pathway at Minutemen to Alewife to Arlington is a great resource to get to Alewife T. Bike racks and bike parking have increased. There were 488 bike parking spaces added at Alewife. He stated regarding planning projects that Hubway is coming to the Alewife Station, Danehy Park and Rindge Avenue and more would be installed at the Water Department. Route 2 and Route 16 will add a lane from Alewife Station and make it safer. A Feasibility Study is being done for a bike/pedestrian bridge. There is an anticipated Tiger grant of $1 million pending for final design.

The Watertown/Cambridge Greenway will begin in the fall. The City partnered with DCR and purchased the land. In the fall the design process will occur. Reconstruction will create better pedestrian travel. The Alewife pedestrian bridge has had landing sites and commuter rail stops planned. He stated that future goals make it easier for busses to get to Alewife Station. He stated that extending Cambridge Greenway and extending Hubway to other communities will create more connection with the shopping center property. Danehy Park will be connected with a bridge to connect to the Alewife T Station and commuter connections.

Councillor Carlone stated that there will be a discussion and question period for the presenters.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated this is a different issue for the City. He asked Ms. Clippinger what can be done to reduce traffic on Route 2. Ms. Clippinger responded that the City tries to work regionally. Bike networks start to include other communities. TMA shuttle services would be great in both directions. She stated that she would like to take a lane out of Route 2, to be used as a dedicated bus lane. Vice Mayor Benzan commented that other areas have dedicated bus and bike lane during peak hours, is Cambridge looking at this?

Councillor Carlone stated that he is interested in pedestrian crossings. He stated that there is a need to build community infrastructure.

Representative Hecht stated that the state has important responsibility. He wants to come up with a creative solution. He has a strong commitment to work with the City. He stated that the T, state assets and infrastructure are the issues where the state plays a key role with the funding mechanism which comes from the state and federal levels. The state gas tax will be used for roadway improvements. There are bus prioritizations being worked on by the state. The state owned parkways are a concern. The state has worked with DCR on the pedestrian crossing. Re-striping and signals are being worked on. He stated that in the Watertown part of his district, the same challenges and development pressures are being faced. He wanted to be part of the process.

Tim Snyder, Chief of Staff for Senator Jehlen, agreed with the commitment to work with the City on transportation issues. Transportation financing legislation was passed and this is important to pay for infrastructure and subway trains. There is money in the bond bill, but this does not mean that the work will be paid for from this funding. The Fresh Pond/Mt Auburn intersection project will be paid for. He spoke about the huge funding gap. He asked all to stay engaged in this. The highway trust fund may run out this year.

Mike Izzo from Bridj stated that this is a tech company that pairs someone who wants a ride and gets them to their destination. He stated that the Alewife neighborhood could be a solution of point to point transportation.

Karen Dumaine and Michele Brooks, of the Alewife TMA spoke about their effort to bring a TMA to the Alewife area. There will be formal outreach done in the next few weeks on this effort.

Councillor Carlone opened public comment at 7:38 PM.

Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, stated that residents would not be here if there were not significant problem. She stated that there is less impact with less residential development. Before any development is done infrastructure could be made better. She asked if the City is asking enough from the developers to make Alewife an attractive place to live.

Jane Tannenbaum, 159 Concord Avenue, asked who controls the truck traffic on Concord Avenue. The truck traffic has increased. She complained about the fumes from the trucks.

Kristin Mahon, 267 Concord Avenue, spoke about safety and the speed of the traffic on Concord Avenue. She spoke about the location of a school and churches, shopping, and businesses in the area. She wanted speed limits posted and enforced. She further stated that nighttime trucks are loud.

Nicole Jordan, 147 Concord Avenue, spoke about traffic and the narrowness of Concord Avenue. She stated that the situation is serious. Bicyclists are forced to go onto the sidewalk. There are four bus lanes in this area. This is a failure of urban planning on Concord Avenue that needs to be addressed.

Gary Dmytryk, 2440 Mass. Ave., spoke about the Alewife Quadrangle. There is an opportunity to build a nice neighborhood but it will take planning. He stated that the street grid concerns him on the map. There is no plan to continue the connecting street because of development. The degrading quality of public space is horrible in this area. Public space needs to be planned.

Kathy Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue, stated that she is a 40 year resident of Cambridge. She spoke about general planning. The end of Fayerweather Street was cut off. The big picture was never considered. She stated that traffic from Mount Auburn Street, during peak hours cars, turns onto Huron Avenue. She stated that information is piecemeal.

Peggy Barnes Lenart, 115 Fayerweather Street, asked if the traffic counts were conducted over a different period of time for the assumed and observed values? How many times were observations done? Ms. Clippinger stated that it is about how many trips were made and not counts. Counts are not done in the summer. There is a new system being used which does count stations for 24 hours. Ms. Lenart asked if development is helping to support infrastructure. Councillor Carlone stated that as developers seek to provide less parking the City will seek solutions. If parking is reduced then land value goes up.

Arthur Strang, 60 Fresh Pond Parkway, spoke about the 1970's traffic; it is the traffic that we have today. He complemented Ms. Clippinger. He stated that we have to think regionally. Innovation is needed.

Zack Weber, 24 Harrison Avenue, stated the he is not able to turn onto his own street. He felt that people who live in the neighborhood should be allowed to travel onto the street they live on.

Steven Bercu, 132 Fayerweather Street, stated that the City is bike friendly. The city should be bolder about being car free. The infrastructure building should be for walking and biking facilities in the area. He felt that the City could do better.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that this issue is political. There were no pictures of cars or trucks as part of the presentation. The statement that the traffic numbers are going down is questionable. He commented on the statement that the blame is traffic from outside of city. He stated that all through traffic was going to go somewhere else. All the through traffic will have to head onto Concord Avenue. He stated that the traffic reports for Alewife are useless. The transit studies will not improve themselves. If commercial entities improve transit, it will improve it for all.

Claudia Majetich, 329 Concord Avenue, questioned the zoning switch from 80/20 from commercial to residential. Why is commercial zoning different? She stated that commercial infrastructure is needed for daily life. She was confused about the planning. Councillor Carlone stated that office traffic is four times higher than residential traffic at peak times and that housing generates four times as much retail activity.

An e-mail was received from Gabriela Romanow, 1010 Memorial Drive, requesting "no yield" signage as the traffic from Alewife Station to Route 2 and traffic from Alewife Brook Parkway to Route 2 merge together at a stoplight that is green for both at the same time (ATTACHMENT C).

An e-mail was received from Michael Dudley, Concord Avenue, regarding contractors using parking spaces and sidewalks to store their equipment and the lack of traffic enforcement as it relates to parking for residents that the contractors are using on Concord Avenue (ATTACHMENT D).

An e-mail was received from Beverley Evans requested that the traffic gridlock at the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Coolidge Hill Road be addressed as well as the traffic on New Street (ATTACHMENT E).

Councillor Carlone thanked all attendees.

Due to the lack of a quorum on motion of Councillor Carlone the official meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis Carlone, Chair

Committee Report #2
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
HEARING TYPE - Public hearing
HEARING PURPOSE - To discuss a zoning petition filed by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by creating the Cambridge Highlands Overlay District to be coterminous with the district currently zoned Residence B located in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood, situated north of Concord Avenue, south of and adjacent to the Blair Pond Reservation, and east of and adjacent to the municipal boundary with the Town of Belmont; and to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating Section 20.800 - Cambridge Highlands Overlay District.

HEARING DETAILS
Date and Time: Sept 3, 2014 at 5:30pm.
Location: Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway.

ATTENDEES
Present were Vice Mayor Benzan, Co-Chair; Councillor Carlone, Co-Chair; Councillor Mazen; Councillor McGovern; Mayor Maher; Jeff Roberts, Land Use and Zoning Project Planner, CDD; Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.

OTHER ATTENDEES
Ann Tennis, 71 Griswold Street; Barbara Mullen, 52 Griswold Street; Patrick Reilly, 75 Griswold Street; Ann George, 1 Normandy Avenue; and Harriet Mergans, 36 South Normandy Avenue.

MINUTES
Councillor Carlone convened the meeting at 5:53pm. He stated the purpose and outlined the format of the hearing. The hearing is being recorded with both audio and visual devices. He stated that the petitioners will present their thoughts on the petition. Mr. Roberts will comment on the City's response to the revised petition. Then public comment will be limited to five minutes.

Mr. Roberts spoke as the petitioner and for the City's response to the petition. He gave the background of the petition. He stated that initiative started as a citizens' zoning amendment petition and was titled the Chun, et al. petition. The original proposal was to rezone the Residence B portion of the Cambridge Highlands Neighborhood to Residence A-2 in response to concerns about a potential redevelopment of sites. The petition was heard and refiled a few times. The sentiment from these discussions was that this would not be supportable to rezone from Residence B to Residence A-2. This would have made a lot of existing lots non-conforming because A-2 would only allow single family development on many lots that exist in the neighborhood. An alternative was proposed. He stated that the petition filed by the City Council incorporates two of the suggestions that were made as a result of these discussions. The petition is structured to create an overlay district that is coterminous with the Residence B zone. He distributed a map of the proposed Cambridge Highlands Overlay District (ATTACHMENT A). This creates an additional set of regulations which modifies the Residence B base zone only in this area. Except where modified by the overlay district the base Residence B provisions will continue to apply. The two modifications proposed in the petition are to increase the permitted lot area per dwelling unit for portions of the lots that are greater than 5,000 square feet. He stated that under the current and proposed zoning a lot that only has 5,000 square feet would be allowed to have two dwelling units which is the typical development style in this neighborhood; a 5,000 square foot lot with a two family dwelling. For lots that are larger in order for the lot to be able to accommodate three dwelling units it would need to be at least 10,000 square feet and to accommodate four dwelling units it would need to be at least 15,000 square feet. A new unit would be allowed for every additional 5,000 square feet of lot. The other proposal is to require a special permit for any development that results in more than two units on a lot. Three or more units on a lot would have to go to the Planning Board to be reviewed pursuant to the general requirements of the townhouse and multi-family special permit authority which deals with issues such as site design, access, egress, parking and general provisions as to how development is situated on the lot. This is a summary of the alternative proposed.

Mayor Mayer asked about the formula for a 6,000 square foot lot under current zoning. Mr. Roberts stated that for the first 5,000 square feet of the lot the allowance is one dwelling unit for every 2,500 square feet of lot area. For a 6,000 square foot lot you would only get up to two dwelling units. Under this proposal you would not get a third dwelling unit until the lot size is 10,000 square feet. Under current zoning you would need 9,000 square feet to add a third unit. Mayor Maher stated that this has been a long and drawn out process. This is a minor and moderate change that will affect this neighborhood in a positive way. It was never the intention to look at every lot on every street but rather to look at the few larger lots in the neighborhood and to give neighbors some comfort that the neighborhood that they have come to know and love would be given some added protection. The integrity of the neighborhood would remain similar to what it is today. Change is expected, but the concern is that single and two family homes are being torn down and multi-family homes built in a suburban-style neighborhood. This is a minor change for the sake of protection. It goes along with the existing townhouses in the neighborhood and making those lots less nonconforming make sense. He urged the City Council to go forward. This is an acceptable compromise.

Councillor McGovern stated that he agreed with the Mayor. He expressed his gratitude to residents, neighborhood and the City for continuing to work together for a compromise. The residents want protections. He would support this petition.

Councillor Mazen stated that he liked to see a consensus reached. He is glad there is a resolution.

Councillor Carlone stated that the proposal directs change in a way that is contextual and emphasizes what is great about the neighborhood. He stated that he sees this as an example for other neighborhoods that are larger than this neighborhood.

Councillor Carlone opened the meeting to public comment at 6:05pm.

Ann Tennis read a communication from John Chun who could not attend (ATTACHMENT B). He supported the petition and listed seven reasons in his communication. She stated that she agreed with the comments made by Mr. Chun.

Ann George stated that she represented the owner of 1-3 Normandy Avenue. She stated their opposition to this change in the zoning and will fight this. She stated that she has spoken to homeowners on her street. Some oppose this. This is the fourth Ordinance Committee hearing that she has attended and she has stated her opposition at all of the hearings. She began working on this in Nov 2013 and continues working on this case. Originally this was a change to be Class A; such as zoning that exists on Brattle Street. She stated that Normandy Avenue is not Brattle Street. She stated that the inappropriate zoning was being used as a stop-gap measure to advance the agenda of a few individuals who reside in the neighborhood who were unwilling to deal with traffic problems that they experienced at Loomis and Griswold Street. This was an issue of traffic problem and zoning is being adjusted for what is a traffic problem. She strongly opposed the petition and stated that this will be appealed; unless a separate exemption from the overlay is drafted for her client's property.

Harriet Morgan, 46 South Normandy, stated that this is not a traffic matter only; it is an issue of green space. She stated that the character of the neighborhood at the end of Loomis Street seems to be turning over with renters rapidly. The remainder of the neighborhood has a more community feel to it. She wants this to be considered as well.

Councillor Carlone closed public comment at 6:10pm.

Mayor Maher asked Mr. Roberts if the property at 1 - 3 Normandy Street would be affected. He stated that if the lot were 6,500 square feet, his understanding of the proposal is that it would not affect this property as well as 95% of the property in the district. He stated that assuming no more than two units were proposed on the lot it would not require a special permit. Mayor Maher stated that where this will make a difference is where currently a lot is over 9,000 square feet. You need to have 9,000 square feet now to add a third unit and now this is being changed to 10,000 square feet. Mr. Roberts stated that lots that are 9,000 square feet or more would see the change to the number of units permitted. Mayor Maher stated that when an analysis was done there are less than ten lots that would fall under this proposal. Mr. Roberts responded in the affirmative.

Mayor Maher moved that the petition be referred to full City Council with a positive recommendation. The motion carried on a voice vote of five members.

Vice Mayor Benzan favored moving the proposal forward.

ADJOURNMENT
On a motion of Councillor McGovern the hearing adjourned at 6:18pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan, Co-Chair

For the Committee,
Dennis Carlone, Co-Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing an updated report of the Concord-Alewife Plan.
Councillor Cheung 03/24/14 (O-4)

14-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a master list of all residential building managers citywide.
Councillor Simmons 04/28/14 (O-4)

14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)

14-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of offering resident an online option to complete the City's annual census.
Councillor Cheung 04/28/14 (O-27)

14-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on allocating an additional $140,000 annually to Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Carlone 05/05/14 (O-7)

14-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving traffic congestion at the intersection of Upland Road and Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor McGovern 05/19/14 (O-1)

14-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to modify the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance with changes to the following: fees for bags, elimination of paper bags from the ordinance, elimination of the thickness of the plastic bag in the ordinance, increasing the timeframe for implementation of the ordinance and inclusion of compostable bags in the ordinance.
Councillor Cheung 05/19/14 (O-20)

14-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the establishment of a Central Square Action Team that will be charged with recommending and helping implement strategies that will help Central Square capitalize on and enhance its designation as a Cultural District.
Councillor Simmons 06/02/14 (O-2)

14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)

14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)

14-60. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a truck ban on Concord Avenue and the possibility of traffic calming to reduce speeds of all vehicles on Concord Avenue.
Councillor Kelley 06/09/14 (O-4)

14-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to improve the safety of the intersection of Springfield, Cambridge, Hampshire, Inman, Antrim and Beacon Streets in Inman Square.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Toomey 06/16/14 (O-3)

14-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on rodent control operations and the possibility of providing rodent-proof trash barrels to residents.
Councillor Toomey 06/30/14 (O-1)

14-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on contacting the owners of Fresh Pond Shopping Mall encouraging them to make safety improvements to the parking lot area and the feasibility of creating a safe pedestrian way from Fresh Pond Mall to Alewife Brook Parkway.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Carlone 06/30/14 (O-10)

14-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on designing and implementing a system of public bulletin boards on major streets and intersections throughout the City.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-11)

14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)

14-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report that the License Commission will not take further action on the proposed rideshare regulations and that the City Solicitor report on the City Council's legal authority over livery and taxi regulations.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-17)

14-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resuming negotiations to purchase and preserve the Whittemore Avenue Community garden site.
Councillor Carlone 07/28/14 (O-2)

14-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on publicizing and convening a community meeting within 72 hours of any catastrophic event that could impact public safety.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-3)

14-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on police patrols in Area IV and post information on website of what measures are being taken with regard to safety in the neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-5)

14-77. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the loss of parking spaces in Municipal Lot #8.
Councillor Toomey 07/28/14 (O-8)

14-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)

14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)

14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)

14-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of preparing a climate change checklist and evacuation plan for residents.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 07/28/14 (O-15)

14-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a salsa festival between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 and on organizing a cultural exhibit at City Hall that celebrates the Hispanic community.
Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-16)

14-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to improve the Planning Board process.
Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-17)

14-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on playground and/or recreational facilities for Jackson Place Apartments.
Councillor Mazen 07/28/14 (O-18)

14-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of either seeking space at the Senior Center or other municipal building to create a fitness center for affordable rates for seniors.
Councillor Cheung 07/28/14 (O-26)

14-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing enforcement of illegal parking in the bus stop at the corner of Cambridge and Sciarappa Streets.
Councillor Simmons 09/08/14 (O-1)

14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are chosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)

14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)

14-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of previous recommendations for the Volpe Center site included planning studies such as but not limited to, ECAPS, Neighborhood Planning Studies, K2, and efforts by the East Cambridge Planning Team and that the report summarize zoning and zoning overlays, and outline the development potential and limitation of this area.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/14 (O-4)

14-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on evaluating the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue and Bristol Street for safety improvements.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/14 (O-5)

14-94. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pedestrian way leading from the sidewalk on Alewife Brook Parkway to the Fresh Pond Mall parking lot.
Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-9)

14-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an update on work underway to recommend changes to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Vice Mayor Benzan 09/08/14 (O-10)

14-96. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on sample pro forma examples showing how formulas for development projects work, both under the current inclusionary ordinance and under various inclusionary updates or percentage increases.
Councillor Mazen 09/08/14 (O-16)

14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the ML King School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)

14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)