Cambridge City Council meeting - Sept 24, 2012 - AGENDA
[Councillor Cheung and Councillor Kelley were ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-79, regarding the construction of the Cambridge Street overpass as well as Awaiting Report Item Number 12-21, regarding a report on the ownership of the Cambridge Street overpass.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item 12-96, regarding a report on the Back of the Sidewalk Tree Planting Program.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-69, regarding the condition of Avon Street and Shepard Street between Walker and Gardner Streets.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-41, regarding a report on green purchasing for City expenditures.
Referred to Environment Committee - vanBeuzekom
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-59, regarding a report on implementing a city-wide department answering service.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) Grant funded from the State 911 Department for $65,854 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($37,000), Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($7,336.25) and to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account ($21,517.75) which will support training to dispatch personnel in the Emergency Communications Department by covering the cost of attending training courses, fees for conferences and training courses, as well as software maintenance costs.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) grant received from the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services in the amount of $95,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($90,937.00), the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,063.00), and the Travel and Training account ($1,000.00) and will be used to continue to support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's work to implement programs and projects to reduce opioid overdoses in collaboration with the coalition's community partners.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Bridge to College Program grant in the amount of $15,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($14,002.00), the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($300.00), and the Travel and Training account ($698.00) which will provide classes and counseling for CHA residents in the Cambridge Learning Center Bridge to College program, which assists residents in making the transition to post secondary education.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant funded by Friends of the Community Learning Center in the amount of $23,433.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($23,185.00) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($248.00) which will support English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at the Community Learning Center. This grant will support salaries and supplies.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriate the Summer Food Program grant funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Massachusetts Department of Education for $199,917.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide nutritious meals to Cambridge youth at 26 confirmed sites throughout the City during the summer months when schools were closed.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-84, regarding a report on how the City ensures that the public way is maintained when Sidewalk Obstruction Permits are renewed each year.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-47, regarding a report on legal requirements for public notices and meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of members to the Cambridge Kids' Council:
Youth Representative: Isobel Schpeiser, 1-year term
Early Childhood member: Michelle Godfrey, 3-year term
University representative: Health Weiss, 3-year term
Business representative: Susan Lapierre, 3-year term
Mayor's appointments: Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons, School Committee Member Marc McGovern and Community & Family Liaison Lena James
Sept 24, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:
Please be advised that I have appointed the following persons as members of the Cambridge Kids' Council:
Youth Representative: Isobel Schpeiser, 1-year term
Isobel is the current co-chair of the youth involvement subcommittee of the Kids' Council. She is a senior at Rindge and Latin, and has been a freshman mentor, involved with Habitat for Humanity and participated in the Youth Underground intensive summer residency as part of the Mayor's summer youth employment program.Early Childhood member: Michelle Godfrey, 3-year term
Ms. Godfrey is the director of the Center for Families as well as co-chair of the City's community engagement team and the city's 0 to 8 Council. She grew up in Cambridge and has worked for both community agencies in Cambridge and for the City.University representative: Health Weiss, 3-year term
Health Weiss is the founder and director of the Harvard Family Research Project in Cambridge which creates and disseminates information to practitioners, policymakers and funders to assist them in developing effective efforts to promote learning and development of children and families.Business representative: Susan Lapierre, 3-year term
Susan Lapierre is the senior vice president/Community Relations for Cambridge Savings Bank and immediate past president of the Cambridge Rotary. She is a graduate of the Cambridge Public Schools has been heavily involved with many Cambridge not for profit entities.Mayor's appointments:
Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons
School Committee Member Marc McGovern
Community & Family Liaison Lena James (no term limits)Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $6,000 from the Grant Fund Police Salary and Wages account to the Grant Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will assist with the procurement of violence prevention training supplies to continue to meet the goals of the transformation grant that include training to educate police officers and youth workers on identifying risky behaviors of teens and how to best respond to them.
ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
2. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vasser Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]
8. An application was received from Peter Lee, Young Investments, LLC requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 97-99 Harvey Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works with conditions. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. Applications and Petitions Number Four of Sept 10, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Sept 10, 2012.]
Order adopted
9. An application was received from Peter Lee, Young Investments, LLC requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 127-135 Harvey Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works with conditions. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Five of Sept 10, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Sept 10, 2012.]
Order adopted
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Chipotle Mexican Grill requesting permission for three tables and six chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 600 Massachusetts Avenue.
2. A zoning petition has been received from Patty Chen, et al., requesting the City Council to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 20.300 - Central Square Overlay District in Section 20.304.5 Use Limitations and Restrictions.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report
3. An application was received from The Democracy Center requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 45 Mount Auburn Street.
4. An application was received from Department of Human Service Programs requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing Family Literacy Fun Day for Cambridge Families at City Hall on Sat, Nov 3rd from 10:30 am-2:30 pm.
5. An application was received from Ciampa Apothecary requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 425 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutter.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding removing the US Military Flag from the Council Chamber and replace with the National Flag of the United States of America.
Communications: To The City Council and Citizenry from Peter Valentine 37 Brookline St. 10/10/2012
Many years ago I explained to The Council that it was a violation of the People's US Constitutional Rights to have a US Military Flag as the symbol of the Flag of the United States of America in the Council Chamber because where there is a military flag there is only military law not constitutional law.
We were not and are not involved in Cambridge MA in a military circumstance or military subject matter.
I informed the council that the military flag had to be removed and replaced by the standard United States of America Flag.
The Council paid no attention to my request.
It is the act of a hypocrite to sign an oath where one swears to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and require people to stand and swear allegiance to the United States of America and the Constitution for which it stands but at the same time to deny the people their constitutional rights by the presence in the Council Chamber of a US Military Flag.
Therefore I do order, as the National Officer in Charge, in the Name of the Protection of the Full Spectrum of the Constitutional Rights of the People of the United States of America, that the Council remove the US Military Flag from the Council Chamber and replace it with the National Flag of the United States of America.
The National Officer in Charge
Peter Valentine, 10/10/2012
Unelected but Affective
2. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding a preliminary format for we the people evolving an undefeatable constitution.
3. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid requesting help to end injustice and oppression of Muslims (Rohingya) in Myanmar (Burma).
4. A communication was received from Robert J. LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue regarding Grand Junction Development discussions and related (Alewife, Charles River, Urban Ring rail).
5. A communication was received from Terrence P. Morris Esq., 57 Eln Road, Newton regarding the 119-135 Harvey Street curb cut applications.
6. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street regarding the public's right granted by the Massachusetts and US constitutions to address the City Council on communications.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Peter Marfione from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Davis
2. Resolution on the death of Joyce Guinevere Jacobs-El. Councillor Decker
3. Resolution on the death of Ellen R. (McCarthy) Dunne. Councillor Maher
4. Resolution on the death of Linda Koegel. Councillor Maher, Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of John Guard Darrah. Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Edmund "Skip" Gurskis. Councillor Toomey
7. Congratulations to The Cambridge Carnival on its 20th Anniversary. Councillor Reeves
8. Resolution on the death of Bruce Bolling. Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Reeves
9. Congratulations to Gabriella Enwright on being named Outstanding Young Woman of 2012 by the Cambridge YWCA. Vice Mayor Simmons
10. Congratulations to Reverend Leslie Katherine Sterling on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
11. Congratulations to Esther Nichols Splaine on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
12. Congratulations to Kristine Rondeau on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
13. Congratulations to Rachael Splaine Rollins on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
14. Congratulations to Judy Richardson on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
15. Congratulations to Risa Mednick on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
16. Congratulations to Maria Jobin-Leeds on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
17. Congratulations to Mary N. Doolan on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
18. Congratulations to Jean Burbidge on being named one of Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
19. Thanks to the West African Research Association and the Cambridge Peace Commission for their collaborative work on the panel discussion on Peace and Conflict in West Africa on Sept 27, 2012 at the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library. Councillor Reeves
20. Resolution on the death of Suzanne McCormick Schlacter Savage. Mayor Davis
21. Speedy recovery wishes to Councillor Craig Kelley. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons and Councillor Toomey.
22. Welcome Alacrita to the City of Cambridge. Councillor vanBeuzekom
23. Happy 60th Birthday wishes to Alexander "Dukey" Albano. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Davis
24. Congratulations to Lizzy's on their one year anniversary. Councillor Toomey
25. Resolution on the death of Glen Doherty. Councillor Toomey
26. Resolution on the birth of Leslie Kimbrough. Mayor Davis
27. Happy 60th Birthday wishes to Rozann Kraus. Councillor Reeves
28. Happy Birthday wishes to City Councillor Craig Kelley. Councillor Reeves
29. Congratulations to the organizers of the fifth annual Hydrocephalus Awareness Walk on Sept 30, 2012. Councillor Maher
30. Best wishes to Community Cooks for a successful Tastes of Community Cooks gala on Sept 30, 2012. Mayor Davis
31. Congratulations to Fred Fantini on being named the 2012 recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees' Lifetime Achievement Award. Mayor Davis
32. Happy Birthday to a special Cambridge resident. Vice Mayor Simmons
33. Resolution on the death of Frances C. (Mauceri) White. Councillor Toomey
34. Resolution on the death of Gunter Hans Mike Callinan (Krout) Georgi. Councillor Toomey
35. Congratulations to a special couple on their upcoming nuptials. Vice Mayor Simmons
36. Congratulations and thanks to all city employees, partners and volunteers for another successful Danehy Park Family Day. Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to take the necessary measures to ensure that the mitigation money from Novartis be allocated all or in part to the Upward Bound Program, with a view of giving the program an additional year to continue, and the hope that the additional funding will give the program staff, families and supporters an additional year to seek outside funding. Vice Mayor Simmons
Referred to Government Operations & Rules Committee
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Police Department and provide the City Council with an explanation of the cities' parking regulations for commercial vehicles parked in spaces that typically provide parking for residents within neighborhoods that have construction projects. Councillor vanBeuzekom
3. That the City Manager is requested to communicate to the Police Department that any home foreclosure sales via auction be required to show ownership by the lender or agent of said property before an auction can occur and voluntary detail officers be given the option to not participate in home foreclosure auctions. Councillor vanBeuzekom
4. That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location near north Massachusetts Avenue for a street corner dedication for John Darrah. Councillor Decker
5. That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location near the corner of Columbia Street and Cambridge Street for a street corner dedication for Louise Harris. Councillor Reeves
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission to report back to the City Council on what alternate arrangements were made, if any, to ensure that the elderly or disabled voters were able to vote, why there were no signs posted detailing alternative methods for voting and why no election booth was brought to the first floor when the elevator was reported out of order at the Agassiz Baldwin School on Sept 6, 2012 and to look into the issue of accessibility at the King Open. Councillor Decker
Amended
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the view in mind of making the parking meters located on Charles Street between Fulkerson Street and Sixth Street free of fees on Saturdays. Councillor vanBeuzekom
Charter Right - Toomey
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department with the view in mind of maintaining the present Central Square Farmer's Market permit rate despite an increase in the vehicle parking rate and possible loss of City revenue. Councillor vanBeuzekom
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City departments to explore the possibility of expanding the number of residential and meter spaces at the North Point Park. Councillor Maher
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to report back to the City Council on how the City can work to install "Pay by Phone" enabled meters that make it easier to pay for parking and avoid parking tickets. Councillor vanBeuzekom
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Police Commissioner to ensure public safety in the area of Vail Court and that the landlord is providing sufficient care of the abandoned property at Vail Court. Councillor Toomey
12. The Cambridge City Council goes on record strongly condemning the attempt of any company operating within its borders to use intimidation to suppress the Federal Collective Bargaining rights of employees. Councillor Decker
Amended
13. That the City Clerk is requested to notify the entire membership of the City Council when Government Operations and Rules Committee meetings are scheduled on the City Manager selection process. Councillor Maher
14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Affordable Housing Trust, Home Owners Rehab, Inc., and other appropriate agencies to ensure a smooth transition in keeping residents at 2 Mount Auburn Street in their homes and keeping the building affordable. Vice Mayor Simmons
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to determine if DeFelice Corp can be banned from bidding on future work in the City of Cambridge and a report on the City's response to the damage to the gas pipe near Spring and Fulkerson Streets. Councillor Toomey
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 3
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on an amendment by the City Council to the Zoning Ordinance to add a footnote #15 to Table 6.36.1(a) column III (Open Space, Res A-1, A-2, Res B) stating: "Where a single dwelling unit is located on a private way and where said private way would provide adequate parking for at least one car, with the written notice from the Fire Department that emergency access would not be impaired, the requirement for off street parking is waived." This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by Susan Yanow, et al. to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the following areas: Rezone from the existing Business A to Business A-1 the areas bounded by Windsor and Main Streets and Bishop Allen Drive; and Columbia Street, Bishop Allen Drive, Prospect and Norfolk Streets; Rezone from the existing Business B and Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District (CRDD) to a proposed new district Business B-3 in the area bounded by Green, Landsdowne, Magazine, and Prospect Streets and Massachusetts Avenue; Define as a protected neighborhood zone the area zoned Residence C-1 and bounded by Portland, Main and Windsor Streets and a line 120 feet north of and parallel to Main Street; Rezone the areas currently identified as Municipal Parking Lots numbered 4, 5, and 6 along Bishop Allen Drive to a proposed new Municipal Parking District (MP). This district would not allow
construction of any permanent buildings except for public purposes such as performances and farmer's markets and would require a minimum of 7.25% of any lot to be landscaped. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 10
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Oct 11
2:30pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 15
5:00pm Special Presentation "Cambridge welcomes Felipe Tobar and Ana Navarrete - community leaders of our Sister City San Jose Las Flores, El Salvador" (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 17
3:30pm Housing Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 24
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition of the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Map for an area along North Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 1
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 8
2:30pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 29
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 6
2:30pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 24, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take the necessary measures to ensure that the mitigation money from Novartis be allocated all or in part to the Upward Bound Program, with a view of giving the program an additional year to continue, and the hope that the additional funding will give the program staff, families and supporters an additional year to seek outside funding.
O-2 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Some Cambridge neighborhoods in which large-scale long-term construction projects are underway are inundated with commercial vehicles that are parked on residential streets; and
WHEREAS: These commercial vehicles compete for parking spaces with residents who generally park in these same spaces; and
WHEREAS: There is a lack of clarity regarding whether these commercial vehicles should perhaps be parking on-site or at a company-paid and permitted location adjacent to the construction site and if not, whether these commercial vehicles must park during specific work hours of the day; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Police Department and provide the City Council with an explanation of the cities' parking regulations for commercial vehicles parked in spaces that typically provide parking for residents within neighborhoods that have construction projects.
O-3 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Cambridge is fortunate to have very few home foreclosure auctions and when they do happen, they often cause anxiety and confusion ; and
WHEREAS: In many parts of the country lenders have not held title to the properties they were auctioning; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge wants to protect its residents from home foreclosure auctions in which claims to ownership may be in dispute; and
WHEREAS: Proof that the lender requesting the auction actually holds both mortgage and note for the property -- brings clarity to the proceedings and is new state requirement as of June 22, 2012 under Eaton versus Federal National Mortgage Association (Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to the Police Department that any home foreclosure sales via auction be required to show ownership by the lender or agent of said property before an auction can occur and voluntary detail officers be given the option to not participate in home foreclosure auctions; and be it further
ORDERED: That a report on this request be shared with the entire Cambridge City Council.
O-4 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location near north Massachusetts Avenue for a street corner dedication for John Darrah; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review.
O-5 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location near the corner of Columbia Street and Cambridge Street for a street corner dedication for Louise Harris; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review.
O-6 Sept 24, 2012 Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Part of the mission of the Election Commission is to ensure that no voter is faced with barriers to casting their vote and that every reasonable accommodation is made to ensure that all voters have access; and
WHEREAS: On Sept 6, 2012, the elevators at the Agassiz Baldwin School were reported to be out of order in the early morning. The elevators were not fixed until later in the afternoon; and
WHEREAS: There were no registration tables or voting booths relocated to the first floor for the elderly or disabled voters who were not able to use the stairs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission to report back to the City Council on what alternate arrangements were made, if any, to ensure that the elderly or disabled voters were able to vote, why there were no signs posted detailing alternative methods for voting and why no election booth was brought to the first floor; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Election Commission to look into the issue of accessibility at the King Open on Cambridge Street in a timely period; 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-7 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The parking meters located on Charles Street between Fulkerson Street and Sixth Street charge parking fees to individuals who are accessing businesses nearby during the week; and
WHEREAS: There is a great interest by residents who wish to play in and observe Saturday Cambridge youth league sporting events located at Ahern Field; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the view in mind of making the parking meters located on Charles Street between Fulkerson Street and Sixth Street free of fees on Saturdays; 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-8 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: A goal of the Cambridge City Council is to "Foster community, support neighborhood vitality and promote a healthy community;" and
WHEREAS: The weekly Central Square Farmer's Market is an asset to the Central Square neighborhood and the community at large; and
WHEREAS: The Central Square Farmer's Market is hosted on Municipal Parking Lot 5, which is located at Bishop Allen Drive and Norfolk Street; and
WHEREAS: The parking fees associated with this lot will double when the new electronic parking meters are fully functional; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and herby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department with the view in mind of maintaining the present Central Square Farmer's Market permit rate despite an increase in the vehicle parking rate and possible loss of City revenue; 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 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City departments to explore the possibility of expanding the number of residential and meter spaces at the North Point Park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-10 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is beginning to install the new type of electronic "Pay and Display" parking meters at various locations within the city; and
WHEREAS: These upgraded electronic parking meters provide improved customer convenience, help ensure a regular turnover of spaces in our high demand areas, and improve municipal maintenance and collection operations; and
WHEREAS: A key component of these meters being embraced by residents is the convenience of paying with cash or no-fee credit card; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the City Council on how the City can work to install "Pay by Phone" enabled meters that make it easier to pay for parking and avoid parking tickets. This meter feature allows customers to receive a reminder message via phone when meter time is almost up and then add time without returning to the meter (subject to time limit restrictions); and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to residents via email, mailings, and a Frequently Asked Questions web page the positive nature and use of these new types of electronic meters.
O-11 Sept 24, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Vail Court property on Bishop Allen Drive is presenting a public safety issue; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors and abutters have witnessed illegal activity at the property and requested the Cambridge Police Department increase their presence around the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Police Commissioner to ensure public safety in the area and that the landlord is providing sufficient care of the abandoned property.
O-12 Sept 24, 2012 Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that the custodians who clean most of the office buildings in Cambridge are negotiating their contract as members of SEIU Local 615 with cleaning contractors who operate in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Many of these contractors have been charged by the union with unfair labor practices and have been charged with violating the Section 7 Rights of the National Labor Relations Act which guarantee under Federal law that workers shall be able to bargain collectively with their employers; and
WHEREAS: The building owners and tenant companies who hire these contracted cleaning companies have the ultimate responsibility for their conduct as the contracting agent; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has expressed its goal to encourage companies operating within the City to provide more good paying, full-time jobs with benefits as expressed in such documents as the Cambridge Living Wage Ordinance and many other resolutions; and
WHEREAS: The contractors have expressed a desire to lower wages, remove full-time work and benefits despite the fact that the Cambridge office realty market remains vibrant and has some of the lowest vacancy rates in the country; and
WHEREAS: Contractors such as ABM and Unico have contacted the Cambridge Police in an attempt to suppress the collective action of unionized janitors in this city; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: The Cambridge City Council goes on record strongly condemning the attempt of any company operating within its borders to use intimidation to suppress the Federal collective bargaining rights of employees; and be it further
RESOLVED: The Cambridge City Council calls on cleaning contractors operating in Cambridge to bargain fairly and to uphold the community standards of good jobs and benefits for those who work and live here; and be it further
RESOLVED: The Cambridge City Council calls on building owners and large corporate tenants to closely monitor the activity of those contractors that they have hired to ensure that they are upholding community standards and are in compliance in both the letter and spirit of all applicable State and Federal laws regarding the rights of workers to collectively bargain over their wages, benefits and working conditions as the City of Cambridge responsible contracting agent; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Cambridge Police Department to uphold normal safety functions that shall not be utilized to suppress the normal collective bargaining rights and actions of members such as to suppress their freedom of assembly and/or to meet peaceably; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify all biotech companies of this resolution; and be it further
RESOLVED: That Her Honor the Mayor be and hereby is requested to send a letter to all parties requesting a response on this matter; and be it further
RESOLVED: The Cambridge City Council calls upon both the SEIU Local 615 and the negotiating contractors to strive toward a resolution in which the community standards of the City of Cambridge are upheld and the normal operation of business is not disrupted; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to ABM and Unico on behalf of the entire City Council.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge. Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags. Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-21. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #1
RE: report on the ownership status of the Cambridge Street overpass and on the abilities of universities and other organizations to close off property owned by them but enjoyed by the public. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-6)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012. Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12. Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-41. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on what additional measures could be taken to improve the amount of municipal green purchasing by city government, including at the school department. Mayor Davis, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/19/12 (O-4)
12-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the proposal by Global Oil LLC will impact Cambridge. Referred back by Councillor Cheung for a report on 5/21/12. Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-10)
12-47. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #12
RE: report on legal requirements for public notices and meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 04/02/12 (O-2)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council. Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)
12-59. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on implementing a city-wide department answering service. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/14/12 (O-4)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)
12-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a ban on trucks transporting hazardous materials through the City. Councillor Cheung 05/21/12 (O-5)
12-69. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on repairing the condition of Avon Street and Shepard Street between Walker and Garden Streets. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-7)
12-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accepting payment at parking meters via credit card. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-9)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space. Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how increases in student loans might impact Cambridge students. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-11)
12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-79. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #1
RE: report on the construction of the Cambridge Street Overpass. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-6)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing an initiative similar to the Boston Meter Program. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-11)
12-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adopting the local option set forth in "The Valor Act." Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-12)
12-84. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #11
RE: report on the process that insures the public way is maintained when sidewalk obstruction permits are renewed each year. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-13)
12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building. Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City plans to maintain grade separated bikeways and keep them free from sand, branches and other debris. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)
12-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing speed-control measures at the corner of Tremont Street and Gardner Road. Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-2)
12-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits. Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-5)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on final full cost to attend the BIO2012 Conference and promote Cambridge and the contacts and possible new endeavors and city partnerships identified through this event. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-7)
12-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a Pavement to Parklet program. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-10)
12-96. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on a summary of the effectiveness of the Back of the Sidewalk Tree Planting Program. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-11)
12-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the incident at the Cambridge Gateway Inn on July 5, 2012. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-12)
12-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing an appropriate sign indicating entrance into the City of Cambridge from the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge. Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-13)
12-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on statistical information regarding enforcement citations for loud motorcycle mufflers, car radios and the City's plan to address these issues. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-16)
12-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how sequestration would effect municipal finances and the finances of human services organizations that partner with the City. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-30)
12-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a short summary on how CDBG grants have been used over the past few years in the City, with a list of completed projects, jobs created and the overall impact on the community. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-31)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward. Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)
12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of 2 Mt. Auburn Street. Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-23)
12-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-24)
12-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on specific data that compares the actual energy efficiency for the City Hall Annex. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-25)