Cambridge City Council meeting - September 26, 2005

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the votes necessary to seek the Massachusetts Department of Revenue approval for the tax rate for FY2006:

A. Authorize the further use of Free Cash of $10,061,000 to offset the 2006 Tax Rate as follows: Operating Budget: $2,731,000; Public Investment: $1,330,000; and Tax Support Reduction: $6,000,000;

D. Approve a maximum residential exemption factor of 30% for owner-occupied homes;

F. Increase the FY2006 exemption allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17D from $236.30 to $242.92;

G. Increase the income limit for deferral of real estate taxes by elderly persons from $20,000 to $40,000;

H. Transfer $2,000,000 of Overlay Reserve Funds to an Overlay Surplus Reserve Account to be used as a revenue offset to the Fiscal 2006 tax rate; and

I. Authorize the use of $2,000,000 from the Debt Stabilization Fund to be used as a revenue offset to the Fiscal 2006 tax rate.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Galluccio relative to Order #36 of September 19, 2005 supporting "An Act Authorizing Localities to Adopt Protections for Low and Moderate Tenants and Units of Governmentally-Involved Housing," and "An Act Providing for Notification of Certain Tenants."

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Citizens Bank, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 114 Portland Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development Department. (Pre-existing signs)

2. An application was received from Citizens Bank, requesting permission for two signs at the premises numbered 225 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development Department. (Pre-existing signs)

3. An application was received from Cambridge Family Health, requesting permission for four awnings at the premises numbered 237 Hampshire Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department, one abutter and disapproval from the other abutter.

4. An application was received from the Cambridge Family Literacy Collaborative/Childcare Resource Center, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall.

5. An application was received from Michael Bentley, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 33 Agassiz Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works with the condition that the installation is the responsibility of owner. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association.

6. An application was received from the Harvard Square Business Association, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street.

7. An application was received from the Harvard Square Business Association, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding mental disabilities and city dysfunctions.

2. A communication was received from Allen Swartz, 16 Stillman Road, Melrose, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

3. A communication was received from Elise Katz, 149 Pelham Island Raod, Wayland, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

4. A communication was received from Madeleine J. Gersh, 31 Albert Street, Lowell, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

5. A communication was received from Jane Rife, 34 Cedar, Belmont, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

6. A communication was received from Lina Klebaner, 234 Causeway St, Boston, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

7. A communication was received from Joseph C. Selle, 17 Grant Street, Concord, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

8. A communication was received from Caitlin Selle, 17 Grant Street, Concord, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Rita J. Forster. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

2. Resolution on the death of Dorothy E. Cyr. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Robert A. Stein. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of George E. Bennett. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

7. Happy Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary wish to Ellen and Jim Haley. Mayor Sullivan

8. Support for the First Annual Christian M. Caldaroni Halloween Benefit on Saturday, October 29, 2005. Councillor Toomey

10. Urging Cambridge residents to be cognizant of the Cambridgeport Artists’ Open Studio on Saturday, October 1, 2005 and Sunday, October 2, 2005 from noon to 6:00pm. Councillor Davis

12. Urging Cambridge residents to be cognizant of the fund raising event in memory of Richard R. "Dickie" Graham, Jr. on October 21, 2005 at 8:00pm at the VFW Post on First Street. Councillor Toomey

13. Best wishes to the Central Square Business Association on its Unity Dinner on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 6:30pm at the Christian Life Center honoring Lisa Peterson, Reverend LeRoy Attles and Joseph and Nabil Sater. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Reeves

14. Congratulations to Jass Stewart on capturing 29% of the vote in the September 21, 2005 primary election for Mayor of Brockton. Councillor Simmons

15. Recognition of Moses and Corine Moore for their service to the Cambridge Elks Massasoit Lodge and Juanita Temple. Councillor Reeves

16. Congratulations to Jack Lueders-Booth on his new book, Inherit The Land. Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Christopher Everett. Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Richard F. Shea, Jr. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

27. Resolution on the death of Albert Rowe. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the death of Rupert G. Margetson, Sr. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Reeves

36. Congratulations to International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) on their 25th Annual International Board of Directors meeting. Vice Mayor Decker

38. Congratulations to Diane Williams for her many years of service. Vice Mayor Decker

39. Congratulations to Joe Sordillo for over twenty years of service to the Cambridgeport neighborhood. Vice Mayor Decker

41. Thanks to the Union Baptist Church and Reverend Jeffrey Brown, and St. Paul A.M.E. Church and Reverends Dr. LeRoy Attles, Sr. and Reverend Richard Richardson and Charles Stead for their hospitality and friendship to the Hurricane Katrina victims at Otis Airforce Base. Councillor Reeves

42. Thanks to John Clifford and the World's Fair in Central Square Committee for the fantastic World's Fair on September 25, 2005. Councillor Reeves

ORDERS
1. Opposition to the war in Iraq and calling for rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy and Councillor Davis

2. Dedication of a site near Magazine and Corporal McTernan Streets in honor of William Perry. Councillor Toomey

3. Dedication of a site near Fifth Street and Spring Street in honor of George R. Cabral. Mayor Sullivan

4. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on the loss of Huron Village Post Office and pharmacy, and any progress that has been made in relocating the Post Office and the pharmacy. Councillor Maher

5. The City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to prepare for City Council consideration a draft ordinance that would require multi-family buildings with 50 or more residents to have security personnel on duty, and report back to the City Council on this matter. Councillor Simmons

6. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate persons of the Cambridge Historical Commission and Cambridge Public Library to work with the Friends of the Mt. Auburn Cemetery on restoring an historical monument, "Hygea," located in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Councillor Simmons

7. The City Manager is requested to convene a meeting with the new Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to discuss high priority Cambridge issues. Councillor Davis

8. The City Manager is requested to confer with the General Manager of the MBTA to better monitor whether the route numbers are properly indicated on the back of the buses. Councillor Murphy

9. The City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate staff to provide the City Council with a report summarizing the 10-year process to fund and site a West Cambridge youth center. Councillor Galluccio

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on the status of the North Massachusetts Avenue facade improvement program. Councillor Galluccio

11. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a copy of the comprehensive housing policy for the City of Cambridge. Councillor Simmons

12. Requesting the Cambridge state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option income tax. Councillor Murphy

13. Requesting the Cambridge state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option sales tax. Councillor Murphy

14. Requesting the Cambridge state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option payroll tax. Councillor Murphy

15. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on the progress of implementing traffic calming measures to slow down cars on Grozier Road. Councillor Murphy

16. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council as to whether Porter Road could become a one-way loop. Councillor Murphy

17. Dedication of 101 Magazine Street as Joseph Anthony Sardillo Square. Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Decker

18. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install the crosswalk aids that are in stock for visually impaired persons. Mayor Sullivan

19. The City Manager is requested to confer with the developers at Shaw's Market in Porter Square to replace the sidewalk due to damage done by delivery trucks to ensure pedestrian safety. Mayor Sullivan

20. The City Manager is requested to instruct the License Commission to enforce reasonable delivery hours due to excessive noise at Shaw's Market in Porter Square. Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on September 9, 2005 for the purpose to meet with the Special Committee on Property Tax to continue discussing issues related to the property tax.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on September 7, 2005 to continue the discussions on dog parks in the city.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, Oct 6
5:30pm The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the Cambridge Housing Authority’s "Rent Simplification" process and its impact on childcare, family and elderly services. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 18
5:30pm The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of the VFW dance studio with the dance advocates. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Oct 20
6:00pm Joint Meeting between the City Council and School Committee to discuss prescription drug abuse. (Cambridge/RSTA Media Center, 454 Broadway)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The citizens of Cambridge and their representatives on the Cambridge City Council have a strong tradition of upholding principles of democracy and respect for all peoples, and
WHEREAS: The Council has often affirmed its support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, principles of international law and of peaceful alternatives to war, and
WHEREAS: The Council passed a resolution in February 2003 opposing the decision of the United States government to go to war with Iraq, and
WHEREAS: The reasons given by the U.S. government for beginning combat operations without the support of the United Nations have proved to be groundless – no weapons of mass destruction were found and no connection was demonstrated between the Iraqi government and the terrorist group responsible for the September 11, 2001 attack on the US, and
WHEREAS: More than 200 billion has been appropriated by Congress for military operations in Iraq, draining funds from education, health care, and other social services in our cities and rural areas, and
WHEREAS: Over 1900 US troops have been killed and more than 14,000 wounded and disabled, with estimates of Iraqis killed ranging between 25-100,000, and
WHEREAS: There is no end in sight and support for continuing the war has been dropping steadily and recent polls indicate that more than a majority of the American people now oppose continuing the war and support our withdrawal from Iraq, and
WHEREAS: Citizens of Cambridge wish to join other communities that have expressed their opposition to the war by passing resolutions calling for the rapid withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, including Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Evanston, Illinois and Gary, Indiana, now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing the grievous impact of the loss of lives in the Iraq war on families and communities on both sides of the conflict and the destructive social and economic effects of the costs of the war, and urges the United States government to begin a rapid and orderly withdrawal of US military personnel from Iraq and to provide the people of Iraq with all necessary non-military aid to provide for their security and rebuilding of their country, and
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and here by is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to President Bush, the Secretaries of State and Defense, and to the Massachusetts Congressional delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate the corner of Magazine and Corporal McTernan Streets as "William Perry Square;" and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-3 September 26, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of 5th Street and Spring Street in memory of George R. Cabral; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-4 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the loss of Huron Village Post Office and pharmacy, and any progress that has been made in relocating the Post Office and the pharmacy.

O-5 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to prepare for City Council consideration a draft ordinance that would require multi-family buildings with 50 or more residents to have security personnel on duty, and report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-6 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate persons of the Cambridge Historical Commission and Cambridge Public Library to work with the Friends of the Mt. Auburn Cemetery on restoring an historical monument, "Hygea," located in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

O-7 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a meeting with the new Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to discuss high priority Cambridge issues.

O-8 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the General Manager of the MBTA to better monitor whether the route numbers are properly indicated on the back of the buses.

O-9 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate staff to provide the City Council with a report summarizing the 10-year process to fund and site a West Cambridge youth center.

O-10 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on the status of the North Massachusetts Avenue facade improvement program and efforts to strengthen and improve the aesthetics and retail strength along Massachusetts Avenue, particularly the area north of Porter Square.

O-11 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a copy of the comprehensive housing policy for the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That if such a policy does not exist, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to work in conjunction with other vested groups to develop a comprehensive housing policy for the City of Cambridge.

O-12 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting Cambridge’s state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option income tax.

O-13 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting the Cambridge state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option sales tax.

O-14 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting the Cambridge state legislative delegation to file general legislation providing for a local option payroll tax.

O-15 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update on the progress of implementing traffic calming measures to slow down cars on Grozier Road.

O-16 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as to whether Porter Road could become a one-way loop.

O-17 September 26, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating the premises numbered 101 Magazine Street as "Joseph Anthony Sardillo Square" in honor of the owner of the Magazine Spa; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council arrange a suitable dedication ceremony and for a sign, after consultation with the family.

O-18 September 26, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install the crosswalk aids that are in stock for visually impaired persons.

O-19 September 26, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the developers at Shaw's Market in Porter Square to replace the sidewalk due to damage done by delivery trucks to ensure pedestrian safety.

O-20 September 26, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the License Commission to enforce reasonable delivery hours due to excessive noise at Shaw's Market in Porter Square.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Friday, September 9, 2005, beginning at nine o’clock and five minutes A. M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of meeting was to meet with the Special Committee on Property Tax to continue discussing issues related to the property tax.

Present at the meeting were:- Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Nancy Schlater, Assistant to the City Manager, Louie DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Claire Spinner, Director of Financial Systems/Operations, David Kale, Assistant Finance Director/Budget Director, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Donald Drisdell, City Solicitor, James Monagle, City Auditor, Robert Reardon, Director of Assessment, Faith McDonald, Principal Assessor and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He requested the City Manager to give an overview of a report from the Municipal Finance Task Force (Attachment A is the Executive Summary of this report).

Mr. Healy stated that a joint Municipal Task Force has met to discuss changes to local aid and local property taxes since 1980. The conclusions are not surprising. The report recommends a more accurate depreciation schedule for auto excise tax. The unpredictability in state aid and the economy leads to unpredictability of local budgets. The report also recommended setting a fixed percentage of the state budget for state aid and an accelerated schedule to uncap lottery funds. The issues discussed by the Municipal Task Force mirrored the issues discussed by the Financial Committee. The Municipal Task Force did not call for a new method of property tax but rather the stabilization and predictability of a percentage of the state budget that cities and towns could count on.

Mr. DePasquale distributed the Tax Fact draft (Attachment B). The Tax Facts would be mailed to provide information for taxpayers to understand the complicated tax and budget process. Individuals without particular expertise or interest in tax policy reviewed the Tax Facts. Comparisons and graphs are provided as well as an explanation of how tax bills are determined. Goals and services that the City provides are contained in the Tax Facts. Free cash, he said, is waiting to be certified by the state. Councillor Murphy praised the work done on the Tax Facts.

Councillor Davis commented that the Tax Facts did not contain frequently asked questions (FAQ). Mr. DePasquale explained that there would be three mailings. The first mailing would be the Tax Facts, which provide a financial overview of the City. The second mailing would contain the tax bill, FAQs and detailed information. The third mailing would be the information on exemptions. Councillor Davis suggested a simpler format, larger type and more answered questions in future Tax Facts. Rolling FAQs would be done on the cable show stated Councillor Murphy. Mr. Rossi stated that the Tax Facts are an attempt to educate and to provide information to residents about tax bills. This is new and would be revised as time goes on.

Councillor Murphy asked Mayor Sullivan if a meeting had been scheduled with the Massachusetts delegation to discuss the issue of taxes. Mayor Sullivan replied that the meeting with the Massachusetts delegation has been scheduled for September 22, 2005 at 5:30 p. m. Councillor Murphy stated that the deadline for filing legislation is early in November. Mayor Sullivan commented that the home rule process might be a waste of time because this is a system-wide problem that the state has to address. The classification piece has flaws and needed to be addressed. Pressure needs to be placed on the State Legislature.

Councillor Maher asked what progress has been made on the tax districts. Mr. Reardon stated that last year there were twenty-one districts; this year there would be eighteen. Councillor Maher inquired about the November tax bill impact. Last year the impact of the November bill was the new model. This year the impact would be the new tax districts. Some districts have been eliminated and some districts have been combined. This creates a better sampling, changing the districts would provide a better model.

Councillor Murphy stated that his goal was to have a package for filing with the Legislature for their consideration before the November deadline. At nine o’clock and forty minutes A.M. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.

David Sullivan, 287 Huron Avenue, spoke on the previously submitted proposals. The tax is inadequate in Proposal I. It was a good move to put some classes together in Proposal II. Proposal III requires a lot of monitoring and may be abused. He was opposed to this proposal. Proposal IV would help those who need help. He suggested that the residential exemptions should be put into the City’s database. An outside independent analysis of the current system is not a bad idea. Mr. Reardon commented that the State Department of Revenue (DOR) does an independent analysis every year. Mr. Rossi suggested inviting personnel from the State Department off Revenue to discuss the methodology and what Cambridge does. If the DOR does not approve the methodology then the outside independent analysis is all for not.

Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, suggested other factors, such as parking, be considered with the district changes. He suggested a history, chronology and the Sudbury decision be included in the Tax Facts. A rolling FAQ should be appended to the Tax Facts. Mr. Reardon stated that the residential exemptions would be added to the City’s Web site. Property transferees would be required to reapply for the residential exemptions. A signed affidavit from the property owner stating that they live in the property is required. The Assessors Office is proactive to ensure the elderly would not lose their exemption. The third mailing focuses on persons who are eligible for an exemption stated Mr. DePasquale. Councillor Maher asked if the City found people who were eligible for an exemption, but did not receive an exemption. Mr. Reardon responded in the affirmative. Councillor Murphy asked if there was a possibility that the Legislature could change the residential exemption date. Mr. Reardon stated that the Legislature may change the date from January to July.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, asked if the issue of relief for persons with disabilities was raised. This level of detail was not discussed by the Joint Municipal Task Force responded Mr. DePasquale. The City would recommend to the Legislature that disabled persons be added to the current classification of blind and military. Ms. Podgers stated that there is a disparity of services for seniors living in their houses versus nursing homes. She suggested more disclosure when property transferred and more training for the staff in the Assessors Office. She further suggested that the Tax Facts be printed in larger format without losing the graphs. The public should be notified whether their application for an exemption was denied or approved.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, stated that government is managing to drive people from their homes because of municipal taxes. He spoke about the debt service. The public never sees the debt service. No one has spoken about inflated property values.

Mark Schneider, 276 Pearl Street, stated that Proposal II is a major regressive tax. He does not understand why single-family homes would receive an 11 percent tax decrease. He asked if the assessment process could be more transparent and have all information available to the public together with the model. Ms. McDonald stated that the information on the Web has been linked to the Vision System. Sales information is being prepared to put on the website. The model is public information and could be put on the website stated Mr. Reardon.

Jesse Gordon, 1770 Massachusetts Avenue, stated that two and three family homes are being assessed as condos. Somerville, he said, uses a different model. Mr. Reardon commented that the model used is the sales of two and three family houses. Two and three family homes are not being assessed as condos. Market sales is the model used in each category prescribed by state law. The City does not look at use. It only reviews sales. Mr. Gordon suggested advance notice to taxpayers who would be receiving a large tax bill. Mr. Reardon informed the committee that the assessment process takes nine months to complete. Mr. Gordon asked why are taxpayers only given thirty days to pay a large tax bill when it takes nine months to complete the process. State law requires taxpayers be given thirty days from when the bills are sent out. Dramatic tax increases are not anticipated this year, because of the work done on the budget this Spring.

Stash Horowitz, 17 Florence Street, stated that improvements have been made in the transparency of the process. He stated the charts in the Tax Facts are skewed. He suggested ranking Cambridge’s tax rate with cities with a similar population.. Cambridge has the lowest tax rate of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, stated Councillor Murphy. Mr. Horowitz spoke about the housing scarcity. Expenditures, including bond issues, must be watched carefully to reduce the burden on residential taxpayers. Expenditures must be reduced. The submitted budget had the lowest levy increase stated Mr. DePasquale. Next year the levy would also be low. Fiscal constraint was the message the City Council sent to the City administration stated Councillor Maher. Mr. Horowitz suggested revisiting the new police station.

Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees. He scheduled the next meeting for September 23, 2005 at nine o’clock A.M. The next meeting would be to discuss legislative proposals and to react to the meeting with the legislative delegation. Councillor Maher asked the Assessors to bring copies of the administrative proposal, like the change to the July date, to the next meeting.

Committee Report #2
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at five o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussions on dog parks in the city.

Present at the meeting were: Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works; Greg Garber, Superintendent of Parks, Public Works Department (DPW); Shawn Headley, Supervisor of Parks for Mid-Cambridge (DPW); Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department; Sarah Burks, Historical Commission; Mark McCabe, Director, Animal Commission; Paul Ryder, Director of Recreation; Chip Norton, Water Department; and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present at the meeting were the following members of the public: Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street; Kayo and Adam Kern, 180 Harvard Street; Kyle Nicholls, 321 Mt. Auburn Street; Evan Olson, 11 Buena Vista Park; Jane Myers, 165 Charles Street; Katalin Linder, 32 Royal Avenue; Cara Seiderman, 221 Charles Street; Brian Culver, 385 Concord Avenue; Shannon Larkin, 106 Spring Street; Jen Grigoraitis, 345 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue; Liz Rawls, 12 Suffolk Street # 2; Catherine Fabio, 24 Middlesex Street; Gina Bilander, 123 Dudley Street; Curt Rogers, 8 Austin Park; Rozann Kraus, 91 Chilton Street; Bradley Hastings, 490 Huron Avenue; Debbie Karlan, 99 Magazine Street; Helen Fairman, 167 Cushing Street; Andrea Whitaker, 19 Rockingham Street; Lily Awad, 18 William Street; David Brackman, 16 Centre Street; Johnice Reid, 21 Walden Square Road; Tim Halle, 260 Pearl Street; Rose Krueger, 237 Columbia Street; Suzanne Wong, 157½ Fifth Street, Unit B; Erik Bue, 12 Worcester Street; and Susan Isenstein, 4 Newport Road.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The Cambridge Dog Owner’s Group (CDOG) and the city both have proposals for a pilot program for dog parks. The CDOG proposal is attached (ATTACHMENT A). He requested Stuart Dash to present the city’s proposal. The city’s proposal is also attached (ATTACHMENT B).

Stuart Dash stated that Community Development, Public Works, Animal Commission and the Recreation Department all worked on this draft proposal. The city staff reviewed the Brookline program. The draft proposal includes location criteria, draft rules for off-leash areas and the potential locations for an off-leash pilot program. He outlined some of the location criteria and rules.

Each quadrant of the city would have a dog park. Underutilized grassy area of 10,000 square feet is a reasonable starting place for a dog park. The locations should not require major changes and should not be part of a school playground, school field or athletic field. Other locations such as Brookline, MA and New York have draft rules in place.

There were potentially ten locations for the off-leash pilot program. Mr. Dash outlined some of the highlights of each as follows:

Danehy Park at Field Street	good grassy area with hill fenced on three sides
Danehy Park at New Street	qualifies as an off-leash dog park
Anderson Courts	long narrow area under discussion
Cambridge Common	worth considering conflicting uses
Lowell Park	currently under state ownership of DCR large fenced in area which qualifies for this use
Clement G. Morgan Park	grassy area more restrictive hours passive use park
CRA land at Binney Street	CRA is planning a park, but not committed to a dog park
Riverside Press Park	good grassy area, passive use
Pacific Street Park	shared use closer to Brookline Street
Fort Washington Park	off-leash shared use area

Councillor Murphy asked the square footage of the ten sites. Mr. Dash responded as follows:

Councillor Murphy asked what is the difference between the city’s proposal and CDOG’s proposal. The difference is that areas be fenced in responded Mr. Dash. Councillor Davis questioned shared area verses solely dog areas. Mr. Dash stated that all of the locations are shared use areas.

Councillor Davis expressed concern with the Clement Morgan and the Riverside Press parks. She felt that children were being pushed away. Her idea of shared use was for use in the mornings, not when children are playing in the parks. Half of the locations look possible. She commented that word needed to get to people who use the parks, exclusive of dog owners.

Mr. Dash informed the committee that public meetings would be held for the locations.

Councillor Simmons commented that dog owners are knowledgeable about these discussions, but that residents are not. She stated that she wanted public meetings held for all locations. She asked about enforcement and licensing of dog by Cambridge residents. Mr. McCabe stated that per state law and city ordinance any dog six months old must be licensed and that the license must be displayed.

Councillor Murphy stated that five of the current locations could be done now, public meetings held and work on the draft rules. He asked what is the timeline. Mr. Dash stated that the public meetings needed to be published and staffing is needed from city, residents and dog owners. He estimated it would take 1-2 months to schedule the public meetings. Councillor Simmons stated that the Clement Morgan Park was located close to a head start program that uses the park frequently. She suggested that city staff contact the head start program personnel regarding the public meeting.

Councillor Simmons questioned if the gates were ready to be installed at Fort Washington. Mr. Garber stated that he has contacted a manufacturer to get the gates, but the material was unsuitable. He is continuing to work with the manufacturer to find a material that will be suitable for a dog run and satisfactory to the Historical Commission.

At six o’clock and twelve minutes p. m. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, was glad that dog parks were being discussed, but disappointed that both proposals are not accessible for people with disabilities. When accessibility is omitted from the proposals it is a violation of the law. Most parks do not have facilities for handicapped or disabled persons. She suggested the addition in Location Criteria (B) must provide access to persons with disabilities. The area needs to be fenced with a gate. Parking for persons with disabilities should be adjacent to the park.

Kayo Kern, 180 Harvard Street, stated her disappointment with the plan because it did not include the creation of a dog park. She lives close to Clement Morgan Park and stated that she does not see children in this park in the mornings or after dark.

Evan Olson, 11 Buren Vista Park, stated that fenced in areas are important. He wanted fenced in dog parks and does not believe in shared space.

Jane Myers, 165 Charles Street, stated that she did not understand why modify parks to include fenced in shared areas was so untouchable. She supported fences and gates.

A discussion arose about dogs at Fresh Pond. Mr. Norton stated that at the Fresh Pond Reservation many dogs are off leash. Only Cambridge residents are allowed to have their dogs at Fresh Pond. This fall the Fresh Pond Advisory Board will consider looking at having dog run areas at Fresh Pond. The next meeting of the Fresh Pond Advisory Board will be held on September 14, 2005 at 6:00pm at the Water Department. Councillor Murphy would ask the Public Information Officer to place the information about the Fresh Pond Advisory Board meeting on the front page of the city’s web site.

Mr. Ryder cautioned that this meeting is to discuss many topics, not specifically about dogs at Fresh Pond.

Cara Seiderman, 221 Charles Street, agreed that residents, in general, do not know that this topic is being discussed. There should be large signs placed in the ten locations regarding the public meetings. She supported dog space separate from where children play. She submitted petitions calling for no dogs in parks and playgrounds (ATTACHMENT C). Dogs present a threat to people. Her concern with shared space is that dog defecation stays in the grass. She would not want children having a picnic in such a park. Dogs are fine in large parks like Danehy. She expressed concern with Cambridge Common being used as a dog park. She supported designated separate space for dog parks.

Brian Culvert, 385 Concord Avenue, stated that dog parks are heavily used in Seattle and hoped that Cambridge catches up to Seattle.

Shannon Larkin, 106 Spring Street, stated that parents should be informed of park use. She did not favor the location criteria that dog parks should not be part of playground, school field or athletic field. Dogs on leashes are allowed in parks currently. Responsible dog owners and parties can work around the issues.

Jen Grigoraitis, 345 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, stated her concern with the CRA land at Binney Street. She wanted other space in East Cambridge. Councillor Davis suggested that residents of East Cambridge be requested to give additional locations to be considered for dog parks. Mr. Dash commented that Charles and Second Streets is an area that is too small but could be considered for a specific area.

Liz Rawls, 12 Suffolk Street # 2, stated that she does not support shared space. Why are dogs not allowed on the grassy area at Fresh Pond, she asked? Mr. Norton responded it is a city ordinance. The Fresh Pond Advisory Board will reevaluate the ordinance.

Catherine Fabio, 24 Middlesex Street, member CDOG, stated that the Brookline program has been extended for one year because dog owners clean up areas such as baseball, soccer and basketball fields where dogs are allowed. She stated that the city’s proposal would not solve problems because the locations are not gated or fenced. She favored dogs in parks in designated hours when children are not using the parks.

Gina Bilander, 123 Dudley Street, suggested adding fencing and lighting to the criteria. The Brookline program reported that in shared space there was a reduction in crime and the parks used were cleaner.

Curt Rogers, 8 Austin Park, supported the need for fences. It is dangerous for unleashed dogs in an area that is not fenced.

Adam Kern, 180 Harvard Street, expressed his concern about the locations because the locations are not geographically fair in terms of distribution across the city. He criticized locations six and seven. He suggested that the criteria should include geographically diverse locations. He also supported fences.

Bradley Hastings, 490 Huron Avenue, supported dog parks with a safe fenced in area for dogs to roam. He is a pet storeowner and stated that many of his customers supported dog parks.

Debbie Karlan, 99 Magazine Street, stated that gates installed at Fort Washington would make a big difference. She was insulted that Riverside Press Park was recommended as a location. This location is too heavily used in the evenings and is dangerous because it borders Memorial Drive, without a fence. She does not want dog parks to be left behind when discussing shared space.

Helen Fairman, 167 Cushing Street, stated that shared use does not mean simultaneous use. We have been talking about using parks when they are not being used. Fenced areas used for soccer and baseball are great space for dogs and would be mutually beneficial to multiple groups. She stated that it is important that all groups work together for a compromise that would achieve the goal of having safe areas for dogs and children.

Lily Awad, 18 William Street, expressed concern about posting off leash locations that are not fenced in areas. It is not responsible to have dogs in areas that are not fenced. People without children also have rights to use public space.

David Brackman, 16 Centre Street, asked what criteria took the park behind the library off the list. Mr. Dash responded that this location is a general use park for the high school. Commissioner Peterson stated that the park abuts a school and is used by the school.

Johnice Reid, 21 Walden Square Road, stated that the Field and Ivy Street site was rendered too expensive and contained red line debris. This location was taken off the list, but has been added back (ATTACHMENT D). She supported double fencing. People feed and pet dogs through a fence. She asked when would the dedicated dog park meeting be held. Mr. Ryder stated that Field Street is an off leash area. It is adjacent to a methane vent trench. The proposed location is forty feet away from the methane vent trench. There is potential for a new dog park at New Street.

Tim Halle, 260 Pearl Street, expressed his concern for the impact for dog handlers.

Erik Bue, 12 Worcester Street, stated that the focus was only on small parks. He liked to go to large parks when his dog is off leash. People who do not have voice command of their dogs will not let them off leash. He stated that seasonality should be added to the criteria. In winter no one uses the parks at anytime of the day.

Susan Isenstein, 4 Newport Road, stated that fenced in areas allow people with disabilities to let their dog run loose. Dogs and children needed to be monitored closely. She commented on using Danehy Park as a dog park. Mr. Ryder stated that Danehy Park required drainage work.

A resident of Huron Avenue commented that tourists could not bring dogs to the city. Seattle and Wisconsin have good dog parks.

Susanne Wong, 157½ Fifth Street, thanked the city for off leash hours. She supported the shared use idea.

Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their attendance. He explained the capital budget process. It would take at a minimum of one year for completion for a dog run to be included in the capital budget. He scheduled the next meeting of the committee for Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 5:30pm.

Danehy Park at Field Street	11,000 square feet
Danehy Park at New Street	15,000 square feet
Anderson Courts	10,000 square feet
Cambridge Common	10,000 square feet
Lowell Park	11,000 square feet with a 100-foot buffer from roadway
Clement G. Morgan Park	20,000 square feet
CRA land at Binney Street	15,000 square feet
Riverside Press Park	10,000 square feet
Pacific Street Park	10,000 square feet
Fort Washington Park	18,000 square feet