Cambridge City Council meeting – September 27, 2004 – AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, requesting that the City Council formally appropriate and/or reserve the CPA funds as follows:
1A. 80% of FY2004 CPA revenues ($4,000,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.
1B. 10% of FY2004 CPA revenues ($500,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.
1C. 10% of FY2004 CPA revenues ($500,000) allocated to Open Space.
2A. 80% of FY2005 State Match revenues ($4,000,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.
2B. 10% of FY2005 CPA revenues ($500,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.
2C. 10% of FY2004 CPA revenues ($500,000) allocated for Open Space.
3A. 80% of the Fund Balance ($800,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust.
3B. 10% of the Fund Balance ($100,000) allocated to Historic Preservation.
3C. 10% of the Fund Balance ($100,000) allocated to the Reserve for Open Space.
4A. Appropriate ($36,000) from the Historic Preservation Reserve to the Capital Budget.
5A. Appropriate ($2,110,000) from the Open Space Reserve to the Capital Budget.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Pascual Sanchez, 71 Mystic Street, Methuen, MA 01844 as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2004.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-77, regarding a report on the impact of the new federal overtime law and how it will affect Cambridge workers.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-75, regarding a report on the incident at Columbia Park.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-85, regarding the possibility of installing temporary lighting on the paths around Russell Field during the construction.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, regarding the City's Automatic Meter Reading Program.
ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, regarding additional ordinance changes required to implement fee amendments adopted by the City Council to increase certain fees in the City Clerk's Office.
The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after September 27, 2004.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow an additional $800,000 to supplement the $2,300,000 previously authorized and appropriated to fund the surface enhancement phase of the Porter Square Improvement Project. The question comes on adoption on or after September 27, 2004.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Charles River School of Shiatsu, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 585 Massachusetts Avenue.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Mary M. Maher, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolution on behalf of her brother Daniel J. Maher, Jr.
2. A communication was received from Dolores Costa, 15 Edmunds Street, transmitting her concerns regarding the Dunkin Donuts development project at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue.
3. A communication was received from Brian T. Potter, President, Thomas G. Gallagher, Inc., transmitting the views of Thomas G. Gallagher, Inc. concerning the proposed Dunkin' Donuts facility to be constructed at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue.
4. A communication was received from Berl Hartman, Kerry Corner Improvement Association, regarding design review comments on Harvard Proposals for Area 6.
5. A communication was received from Patricia A. Leavenworth, P.E., Acting District Highway Director, Massachusetts Highway Department, regarding driveway standards on state highways.
6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police powers.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Thanks to Mary Ann Cicala for her years of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and wish her well in her new position as Associate Director of Alumni Relations at Emerson College. Mayor Sullivan
2. Resolution on the death of Daria L. Donnelly. Mayor Sullivan
3. Resolution on the death of Bernice T. (Doherty) Bloom. Mayor Sullivan
4. Resolution on the death of William A. Nadeau, Jr. Mayor Sullivan
5. Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary wishes exteneded to Charles G. and Connie Christo. Councillor Toomey
6. Support for the Annual Celebrity Hockey Game between the Boston Black and Gold Legends and the Cambridge Police All-Stars to be held on Friday, October 22, 2004 at the Gore Street Rink, opening face-off at 7:00 pm. Mayor Sullivan
7. Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service observed on October 3, 2004 and marks the beginning of the annual Fire Prevention Week observance. Mayor Sullivan
8. Resolution on the death of Arnold Simonsen. Mayor Sullivan
9. Congratulations to Nancy E. Glowa and Dirck Roosevelt on their marriage. Councillor Davis
10. Resolution the death of Kenneth P. Silva. Councillor Toomey
11. Happy 26th Anniversary wish to the Castle School. Mayor Sullivan
12. Resolution on the death of Julaine Jules. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis
13. Resolution on the death of Army Specialist Brandon Read. Vice Mayor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Army Specialist Yoe Anerios. Vice Mayor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Army Private First Class Jason Sparks. Vice Mayor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Army Specialist Michael Martinez. Vice Mayor Decker
17. Resolution on Army Specialist Lauro DeLeon, Jr. Vice Mayor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Navy Petty Officer Third Class David Cedergren. Vice Mayor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Marine First Lieutenant Alexander Wetherbee. Vice Mayor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Marine Private First Class Jason Poindexter. Vice Mayor Decker
21. Resolution on the death of Marine Lance Corporal Cesar Machado-Olmos. Vice Mayor Decker
22. Resolution on the death of Marine Lance Corporal Dominic Brown Vice Mayor Decker
23. Resolution on the death of Army Specialist Edgar Daclan, Jr. Vice Mayor Decker
24. Resolution on the death of Army Specialist James Faulkner. Vice Mayor Decker
25. Resolution on the death Army Staff Sergeant Elvis Bourdon. Vice Mayor Decker
26. Resolution on the death of Max Gorenstein. Councillor Toomey
27. Resolution on the death of Nilda Rosado. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey
28. Thanks to Millennium Pharmaceuticals for its donation of $100,000.00 worth of science equipment to the school department for its Biotech Program. Mayor Sullivan
29. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Andrew Stern. Vice Mayor Decker.
30. Resolution on the death of Corporal Christopher Ebert. Vice Mayor Decker
31. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Drew Uhles. Vice Mayor Decker
32. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Gregory Howman. Vice Mayor Decker
33. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Guy Hagy, Jr. Vice Mayor Decker
34. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jacob Demand. Vice Mayor Decker
35. Resolution on the death of Private First Class James W. Price. Vice Mayor Decker
36. Resolution on the death of Major Kevin Shea. Vice Mayor Decker
37. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Steven Gates. Vice Mayor Decker
38. Resolution on the death of Corporal Steven Rintamaki. Vice Mayor Decker
39. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Thomas Rosenbaum. Vice Mayor Decker
40. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler Brown. Vice Mayor Decker
41. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Halal. Vice Mayor Decker
42. Resolution on the death of Specialist Benjamin Isenberg. Vice Mayor Decker
43. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jaygee Meluat. Vice Mayor Decker
44. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Matthew Puckett. Vice Mayor Decker
45. Resolution on the death of Corporal Adrian Soltau. Vice Mayor Decker
46. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Carl Thomas. Vice Mayor Decker
47. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant David Weisenburg. Vice Mayor Decker
48. Resolution on the death of Specialist Clarence Adams, III. Vice Mayor Decker
49. Resolution on the death of Specialist Chad Drake. Vice Mayor Decker
50. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Timothy Price. Vice Mayor Decker
51. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Allred. Vice Mayor Decker
52. Resolution on the death of Captain John Boria. Vice Mayor Decker
53. Resolution on the death of Private First Class David Burridge. Vice Mayor Decker
54. Resolution on the death of Specialist Thomas Garces. Vice Mayor Decker
55. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Derek Gardner. Vice Mayor Decker
56. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Devin Grella. Vice Mayor Decker
57. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Quinn Keith. Vice Mayor Decker
58. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Joseph McCarthy. Vice Mayor Decker
59. Resolution on the death of Corporal Mick Nygard-bekowsky. Vice Mayor Decker
60. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Lamont Wilson. Vice Mayor Decker
61. Resolution on the death of Specialist Charles Lamb. Vice Mayor Decker
62. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Ryan McCauley. Vice Mayor Decker
63. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Shawna Morrison. Vice Mayor Decker
64. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Gary Vaillant. Vice Mayor Decker
65. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott. Vice Mayor Decker
66. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nicholas Perez. Vice Mayor Decker
67. Resolution on the death of Captain Alan Rowe. Vice Mayor Decker
68. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nicholas Wilt. Vice Mayor Decker
69. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Ronald Winchester. Vice Mayor Decker
70. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joseph Thibodeaux. Vice Mayor Decker
71. Support for the 2nd Annual Lawrence Family Day and "Open House", to be held on Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 104 Clifton Street at 11:00am. Mayor Sullivan
72. Get well wishes extended to Boston City Councilor Charles C. Yancey. Mayor Sullivan
73. Resolution on the death of Dennis Bertini. Councillor Toomey
74. Resolution on the death of Will Hills. Councillor Reeves
75. Sympathy expressed on the death of Clyde Layne. Councillor Reeves
76. Hoping that the next year will bring renewed strength to Arthur Mitchell and the Dance Theatre of Harlem annual tour group as they will be on a one year hiatus. Councillor Reeves
77. Congratulations to the Charles River Conservancy on raising funds from Cambridge residents and Harvard University for the lighting of the Weeks Bridge and for a first successful Riversing. Councillor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Simmons
78. Urging all residents to be cognizant of and participate in the events at the City's Ninth Annual Danehy Park Family Day on Sunday, October 3, from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Councillor Davis
79. Congratulations to Tutoring Plus in celebrating its 40th Anniversary at a gala event on October 22, 2004 at M.I.T.'s Sala de Puerto Rico, and appreciation to former Mayor Frank Duehay and Jacqueline Tynes for their dedication to public service and their hard work. Councillor Davis
81. Congratulations to Reverend Brian Green on his book Faith is a Female. Councillor Simmons
82. Congratulations to the Balsan family on the birth of their baby girl. Mayor Sullivan
83. Congratulations to the Cremers family on the birth of their baby boy. Mayor Sullivan
84. Congratulations to Pastor Clayton Ward, Jr. on his Tenth Pastoral Anniversary at the Christian Mission Holiness Church. Mayor Sullivan
85. Resolution on the death of Margaret Schirmer. Vice Mayor Decker
86. Condolences to William Cavellini on the death of his father. Councillor Simmons
87. Congratulations to Mercy Parkinson, owner of Mercy of London, as she becomes a United States citizen. Councillor Reeves
88. Congratulations to Grand Master David R. Phillips on his service as the 64th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons. Councillor Reeves
89. Congratulations to Patrick A. Bradford on his 40th Birthday. Councillor Murphy
90. Happy Birthday wishes extended to Cambridge City Councillor Denise Simmons. Mayor Sullivan
ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to provide a structured setting in which residents, institutions, architects and contractors can have open discussion regarding large scale architectural projects which are visually challenging and about which many have concerns but do not want to develop antagonistic relations with the project owners and that this forum be under the auspices of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Subcommittee of the City Council. Councillor Reeves
2. Urging the City Manager to cooperate with efforts to provide relief to the storm victims in Haiti such as posting information on Municipal Cable and the City's website where contributions can be made. Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan
3. Urging the City Manager to cooperate with efforts to provide relief to storm victims in Florida such as posting information on where to make contributions and posting this information in Municipal Cable and the City's website. Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons
4. The Library design team meet with members of the police department and a representative of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities for recommendations and discussion of design features that will discourage skateboarders without creating hardships for persons with disabilities. Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons
5. City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a proposal for a process which will lead to a series of recommendations and a loan order for a new or renovated police station by June 2005 and report back on the proposed process by mid-October. Councillor Davis.
6. That the Chair of the Government Operations Committee is authorized and requested to consult with the City Manager with the view in mind of retaining a trainer/facilitator for this process and the process shall consist of a presentation of the citizen satisfaction survey results to the City Council at a Government Operations Committee meeting, a facilitated public hearing, an offsite goal setting training exercise, with Council priorities to be finalized by the Government Operation Committee for presentation to the Council, for City Council acceptance by November 22, 2004. Councillor Toomey.
7. That City Council go on record urging the City Manager to cooperate with efforts to provide relief to the storm victims in Jamaica such as posting information on Municipal Cable and the City's website where contributions can be made. Councillor Reeves
8. City Manager is requested to report on whether, after all approvals with specific site plans and numerous neighborhood meetings, a new traffic plan is being proposed by the City and the owners of the Dunkin Donuts on north Massachusetts Avenue and respond to the City Council on how such changes could take place after numerous community meetings and meetings of City boards. Mayor Sullivan
9. The City Manager is requested report on coordinating with the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that the parking spaces proximate to schools in the City are the first swept on the morning of scheduled street cleaning so as to reduce parking difficulties experienced by teachers and staff. Mayor Sullivan
10. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with appropriate City staff (from Community Development, Zoning and Legal) for attendance at a community meeting to learn of the concerns of the Cambridge Highlands residents in that area. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on September 15, 2004 to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town Meeting.
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on September 21, 2004 for the purpose of discussing siting a new or renovated police station, enforcement of the new skateboarding ordinance and whether the design of the new library will discourage skateboarding.
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on September 23, 2004 to set the schedule for the biannual fall process to review the City Council goals and set the priorities for FY2006.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Sept 28
1:00pm The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss benches, bus stops, snow removal plan, policies and procedures to clear snow and maintenance of public handicapped parking spaces. (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave., Ballroom)
Wed, Sept 29
9:00am The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town Meeting to be held Oct 2, 2004. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Sept 30
9:00am The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public meeting to receive an update on the status of the senior discount, the new Media Arts studio, the quality of customer service provided by NSTAR and any other business that may properly come before the committee. (Ackermann Room)
Sat, Oct 2
9:00am Senior Town Meeting - Sponsored by the Human Services Committee. NOTE: Registration is required to participate. Please contact the Council on Aging at (617) 349-6055 to register in advance. (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
Mon, Oct 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 5
10:00am The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss adult obesity. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Oct 7
4:30pm The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to continue discussion of the condition of the state owned units of the Cambridge Housing Authority, with the view of establishing a subcommittee to further explore possible solutions. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Oct 13
5:00pm The Special Committee to Review the Method of Election of Mayor will hold a public hearing to provide an opportunity for parents and other concerned citizens to comment on the method of election of mayor as it relates to the public school system and to discuss the direction that the committee would like to take on the matter. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 18
5:00pm Special presentation to celebrate and welcome the Collaborative Law Professionals. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 20
2:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #8 of May 10, 2004 regarding establishing criteria for naming squares and Order #15 of June 14, 2004 regarding the development of a GIS format for displaying online all of the Cambridge Squares that have been named for people. (Ackermann Room)
3:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #14 of Aug 2, 2004 regarding the purview of City Council Committees and their role in policy development. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Oct 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 27
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to increase the Zoning Petition Filing Fee. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:15pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition to create a new Special District 15, Section 17.600 and to amend the Zoning Map in the area of 237 Putnam Avenue and 19-21 Blackstone Street. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 9
6:00pm Special Joint City Council/School Committee Meeting for the purpose of a roundtable discussion on school related issues. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Location TBA)
Mon, Nov 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a structured setting in which residents, institutions, architects and contractors can have an open discussion regarding large scale architectural projects which are visually challenging and about which many have concerns but do not want to develop antagonistic relations with the project owners; and be it further
ORDERED: That this forum be under the auspices of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Subcommittee of the City Council.
O-2 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS, COUNCILLOR SIMMONS, MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That City Council go on record urging the City Manager to cooperate
with efforts to provide relief to the storm victims in Haiti such as posting
information on Municipal Cable and the City's website where contributions can be
made.
O-3 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS, MAYOR SULLIVAN, COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging the City Manager to cooperate
with efforts to provide relief to storm victims in Florida such as posting
information on where to make contributions and posting this information in
Municipal Cable and the City's website.
O-4 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS, COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Library design team meet with members of the police department
and a representative of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities for
recommendations and discussion of design features that will discourage
skateboarders without creating hardships for persons with disabilities.
O-5 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City
Council with a proposal for a process which will lead to a series of
recommendations and a loan order for a new or renovated police station by June
2005; and be it further
ORDERED: That such recommendations should include assignment of appropriate
staff
* to reach out to the public,
* to develop design location and site criteria by January
2005,
* to search for and analyze specific sites,
* to create a design process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the
proposed process by mid-October.
O-6 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That in setting its goals and priorities for FY06, the City Council use
a streamlined and concise process that will begin with the current goals as an
accepted base and update those goals to reflect priorities that the City Council
wants to emphasize in FY 06, as well as any changes to the goals that the
Council deems necessary; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chair of the Government Operations Committee is authorized and
requested to consult with the City Manager with the view in mind of retaining a
trainer/facilitator for this process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the process shall consist of a presentation of the citizen
satisfaction survey results to the City Council at a Government Operations
Committee meeting, a facilitated public hearing, an offsite goal setting
training exercise, with Council priorities to be finalized by the Government
Operation Committee for presentation to the Council, for City Council acceptance
by November 22, 2004.
O-7 September 27, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That City Council go on record urging the City Manager to cooperate
with efforts to provide relief to the storm victims in Jamaica such as posting
information on Municipal Cable and the City's website where contributions can be
made.
O-8 September 27, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on whether,
after all approvals with specific site plans and numerous neighborhood meetings,
a new traffic plan is being proposed by the City and the owners of the Dunkin
Donuts on north Massachusetts Avenue; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby respond to the City Council on how
such changes could take place after numerous community meetings and meetings of
City boards.
O-9 September 27, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested coordinate with the
Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that the parking spaces proximate to
schools in the City are the first swept on the morning of scheduled street
cleaning so as to reduce parking difficulties experienced by teachers and staff;
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 September 27, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN, COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with
appropriate City staff (from Community Development, Zoning and Legal) for
attendance at a community meeting to learn of the concerns of the Cambridge
Highlands residents in that area.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 beginning at nine o’clock thirteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town Meeting.
Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Eileen Ginnetty, Council on Aging Director, Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging, Emma Watkins, Director, Citywide Senior Center, Leroy Cragwell, Council on Aging, Harold Cox, Chief Public Health Officer, Rebecca Girolamo, Municipal Cable Office, Taccara L. Barrett, Intern and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.
Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She informed the Committee that Congressman Capuano’s office did not receive the letter inviting him to be keynote speaker. The letter was subsequently faxed to Congressman Capuano’s office. Councillor Simmons stated that she would personally go to Congressman Capuano’s office to discuss the Senior town Meeting with him. Alternate keynote speakers were discussed.
In response to a question by Mr. Cox, Councillor Simmons stated that workshops would be held at the Senior Town Meeting. The topics were chosen from a survey completed by the seniors done at the annual senior picnics held in the city. A description of the workshops was distributed (Attachment A). The seniors want to hear about Medicaid issues. Congressman Capuano was chosen as a keynote speaker because of this issue. Mr. Cox made further suggestions for keynote speakers. Ms. Ginnetty suggested Senate President Travaglini and Dr. Conant or a person in the Cambridge Health Alliance System. Councillor Simmons would contact Mr. Vellucci in an attempt to secure Senate President Travaglini as a possible keynote speaker. Councillor Davis liked the idea of Senate President Travaglini as the keynote speaker.
Mr. Cragwell suggested Isaac BenEzra to be the moderator on the new drug program. This is the most important topic to seniors, he said. This information would be meaningful to the community. Ms. Ginnetty stated that Workshop Two is on the prescription drugs. One-on-one consultation will be scheduled with a Shine counselor. Ms. Ginnetty suggested Jennifer Davis Carey, Secretary, Office of Elder Affairs, as a keynote speaker. Another suggestion was Mr. Emmett Schmarsow from Elder Affairs. Ms. Ginnetty would contact Mr. Schmarsow about his availability to be the keynote speaker. Mr. Cox suggested Judith Kurland, Boston Medical Center, as a possible keynote speaker.
Ms. Ginnetty stated that there are ten people available for note takers and facilitators for the workshops. The registration requests the seniors to list two choices for the workshops. A discussion ensued about the moderators for the workshops.
Ms. Ginnetty stated that Karen Wolf would facilitate Workshop One. A Thai Chi instructor would be present at this workshop. Ms. Sylvia Piltch, an exercise instructor, would also be present.
Ms. Pacheco stated that Caryn Eichenbaum, Shine Counselor, would give an overview of the Prescriptions Drug Program in Workshop Two.
Mr. Steve Vesce from the Veterans Office would be available to discuss veteran’s coverage. A Request Form is being created to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Shine Counselor. Mr. Cragwell asked if the Senior Town Meeting would be taped. This workshop is a good use of public television. He supported Workshop Two being taped. Ms. Girolamo from Municipal Cable informed the committee that the Senior Town Meeting would be taped. Ms. Semonoff commented that Workshop Two should be filmed because of the importance of the topic.
Workshop Three has no speaker verified at this time. Dr. Conant was suggested as a speaker for this workshop at this time.
Ms. Pacheco stated that she would be a speaker for Workshop Four. Other speakers would include Paul Plato, SCM Transportation; representatives from the MBTA would discuss senior access issues, Dorothy Winn, RIDE Coordinator, and Carl Merrick and Mr. McDonald, veteran service contacts.
Ms. Watkins stated that the speakers for Workshop Five would be herself, Arline McGrady and Katherine Ashe. What is available to the seniors would be highlighted.
Ms. Pacheco suggested merging Workshop One and Three together. Ms. Ginnetty would contact Dr. Conant on his availability.
Councillor Simmons asked if there is time for feedback because the workshops are so rich with speakers. The facilitators will watch this carefully to insure time for feedback stated Ms. Ginnetty. The city needed to hear what works and what does not work from the seniors.
Ms. Ginnetty informed the committee that there are 50 persons registered for the Senior Town Meeting. The maximum capacity for the Senior Town Meeting is 170. The registration would appear in the September 22 edition of the Chronicle. Information on the Senior Town Meeting was put on the City’s Web Site. The senior housing coordinators will go to the housing developments with registration forms and to offer transportation from the housing development to the Senior Town Meeting. Councillor Davis stated that the Workshops are effective in groups of twenty. There would be a limit to the number of participants to each workshop.
Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Cox if he would be closing facilitator. Mr. Cox responded in the affirmative.
The committee now discussed the Senior Town Meeting and Municipal Cable. Ms. Girolamo informed the committee that the cable office would cover the prescription drug workshop. There would be 2–3 cameras available. Councillor Simmons requested that "after the fact" interviews be cabled. Individual segments of Workshop Two and Four could be run stated Ms. Semonoff. Ms. Ginnety would inform Councillor Simmons if Workshop One and Three were merged. The Cable Office needs to have the location of the workshops, stated Councillor Simmons. Ms. Watkins asked if a hand-held microphone could be used during the speak-out. Ms. Girolamo would check on this matter. Councillor Simmons would check with the Public Information Officer about media coverage of the Senior Town Meeting.
Ms. Pacheco inquired about the confirmation letters for the speakers. Councillor Simmons would send the confirmation letters. She would get the information relating to how many-elected official would attend the Senior Town Meeting. Public Works would be contacted for assistance with set up. The council office would prepare the program. Ms. Pacheco stated that she is working on the evaluation forms. When the evaluation form is filled out the senior would receive a gift.
Ms. Ginnetty stated that the Cambridge Health Alliance, Council on Aging, Somerville/Cambridge Elder Services would have resource tables.
In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Ms. Watkins stated that a continental breakfast and boxed lunch would be provided at the Senior Town Meeting.
Councillor Simmons scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 9:00am.
Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.
The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and seventeen minutes A.M.
For the Committee
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on September 21, 2004 beginning at 11:00am in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of discussing siting a new or renovated police station, enforcement of the new skateboarding ordinance and whether the design of the new library will discourage skateboarding.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson, Police Superintendent David Degou, Deputy Superintendent Michael Walsh, Deputy Chief of Operations John Gelinas, Cambridge Fire Department, Deputy Burns, Cambridge Fire Department, George Fosque, Director of Emergency Communications, Ken Pitts, Emergency Communications, Donald Drisdell, City Solicitor, Susan Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department, and Alan Burne, Project Manager for the Cambridge Public Library.
Councillor Davis convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She began by requesting information on the question of whether the design for the new library will discourage skateboarding on the grounds. City Manager Robert Healy introduced Alan Burne to respond to the question. Mr. Burne submitted a letter from the projects landscape architects detailing the features that they are proposing that will discourage skateboarding. Attachment A. Mr. Burne cautioned that obstacles and uneven pavement discourage skateboarding, but these conditions also pose unacceptable hardships for physically disabled persons. However, working within the limits of modifications that will still meet the ADA requirements, the architects are using curving walls and paths to eliminate the straight paths and walls that skateboarders favor. In addition, the benches have armrest divisions, and the paving material under the seating areas will be brick to eliminate the smooth ride to jump up to the benches and wall. The stairs at the current Broadway entrance to CRLS will be removed, along with pieces of the former school along the Broadway edge that are currently used by skateboarders.
Councillor Simmons asked whether, despite the new ordinance prohibiting skateboarding on city property and the signs noting the prohibition, the City could be liable for skateboarding injuries that occurred on city property. City Solicitor Drisdell stated that the City would have a very good defense and that he is confident that a plaintiff would not prevail against the city.
Councillors Davis and Simmons submitted the following motion:
Ordered: That the Library design team meet with members of the police department and a representative of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities for recommendations and discussion of design features that will discourage skateboarders without creating hardships for persons with disabilities.
The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
The meeting then moved to a discussion of a new or renovated police station. Councillor Davis distributed a working memorandum of items for discussion. Attachment B. She then invited Mr. Healy to begin the discussion. Mr. Healy briefly reviewed some of the most significant issues that must be addressed. With respect to renovating the Central Square building, parking is a very large concern. If the proposal is to build a new police station in a different location, there will be the issue of developing a constituency for a new location. The police station has been in Central Square for so long that many as an integral part of Central Square see it. There would have to be significant public education with regard to what activities actually go on at or around a police station. For example, the popular stereotype of a police station as a site from which vehicles are constantly speeding away with sirens blasting does not comport with reality. A police station is not the noisy onerous use that many believe it to be.
Mr. Healy also reported that he and Commissioner Watson and Ms. Rasmussen had met to discuss the requirements of the PTDM Ordinance and whether an exemption might be the best way to proceed. He also noted that a police station project may need the kind of relief from the zoning ordinance that the library was granted. Mr. Healy added that he agrees with Councillor Davis that this is "The Year of the Police Station."
Councillor Toomey said that the City of Somerville also needs a police station and asked whether there had been any discussion of a joint facility. Commissioner Watson said that he has not had any discussion with the Somerville Police Chief about this issue. He said that the issues of security (control of the building) and resources for upkeep and maintenance would be major concerns. Councillor Toomey asked if any other communities share building facilities. Commissioner Watson said that he does not know of any, although he knows of several cities and towns that have facilities that house both fire and police stations.
Mayor Sullivan said that the only facilities sharing between separate communities that he has heard of is the sharing of lockup facilities. Commissioner Watson said that Cambridge has had conversations with the Middlesex Sheriff about sharing lockup facilities, but the Sheriff needs more lockup room as it is.
Councillor Simmons asked about the possibility of the Volpe Center as a site. Mr. Healy responded that the Volpe Center is now very active. Mayor Sullivan added that the Center has actually exceeded capacity in the existing building and is renting space in Kendall Square. There is some possibility of a deal in which some of the Volpe Center land could be used for construction of a building that could house both a Cambridge Police Station and an expanded Volpe Center.
Councillor Simmons also asked about whether there was a possibility of acquiring MDC land or university property. Mr. Rossi said that there could possibly be a land swap with one of the universities, but in exchange the university would probably be looking for the ability to build more densely than is currently allowed through zoning concessions or other benefits.
Councillor Davis made the following motion:
Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a
proposal for a process which will lead to a series of recommendations and a loan order for
a new or renovated police station by June 2005, and be it further
Ordered: That such recommendations should include assignment of appropriate staff
* to reach out to the public,
* to develop design location and site criteria by January 2005,
* to search for and analyze specific sites,
* to create a design process; and be it further
Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the proposed
process by mid-October.
The motion passed without objection. Councillor Davis stressed that it is very important not to make parking the only basis of the decision and that a decision be based on public safety goals. Mr. Healy stated that he agrees with her, but that parking impacts overall operations and employee morale. Commissioner Watson stressed the security aspects of the parking issue, especially now that the Police Department has a new $100,000 truck for the bomb squad. He noted the frustration of not being able to secure the perimeter of the existing building because of the abutting church and church parking lot.
Councillor Davis invited Mr. Fosque to comment on any communication network issues that will arise from the need for a temporary police station if the Central Square station is renovated. Mr. Fosque said that in light of Cambridge’s robust fiber optic cable system, he does not believe that making the connection for emergency communication will be too difficult.
Commissioner Watson noted the following challenges for the temporary relocation: lockup, electrical and communications infrastructure, the actual relocation. Councillor Davis added that there is also the need to find a place to put the temporary trailers.
Councillor Davis asked Mr. Healy if he could be prepared in January to have some recommendations for the City Council. Mr. Healy stated that he thought that he could have draft criteria and a working team, but he cautioned about publicizing sites prematurely. In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, he stated that there could be executive sessions on potential sites only when there are specific sites to be discussed. He also said that although he is very conservative regarding eminent domain, and the City Council has been as well, in the case of the police station, there might need to be some discussion of such an approach, depending on what sites become available.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Councillor Davis for taking on this issue. He said that a few years ago, a good potential site came to the City Manager’s attention, and he brought it to the City Council’s attention, but the Council was not ready to have that kind of discussion then. If the Council goes forward with discussions about criteria and site selection issues, they may be more ready for decision-making if another excellent opportunity arises. It was agreed that if Mr. Healy were to see an excellent opportunity before the criteria has been completely developed and recommended to the Council, he would still bring the potential site to the Council’s attention.
Councillor Davis thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 12:20pm.
For the Committee,
Henrietta Davis, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a meeting on September 23, 2004, beginning at 9:15am in the Ackermann Room to set the schedule for the biannual fall process to review the City Council goals and set the priorities for FY2006.
Present at the hearing were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Brian Murphy, City Manager Robert W. Healy, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, Assistant to the City Council Sandra Albano and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.
Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that the purpose of having the review of goals and priorities in the fall is to enable the City Council’s priorities to be used by the City Manager and his department heads as they go forward with the preparation of the budget for the next fiscal year. That process starts with the City Manager’s Budget Message to his department heads at the end of November.
Councillor Maher then noted that for the last two biannual fall goal setting processes, the City has commissioned statistically valid telephone surveys of citizen satisfaction levels and opinions regarding city services, using the same questions in order to create a baseline for comparison of results. He requested that the City Manager and Deputy City Manager report on the timeline for this year’s survey.
Mr. Rossi reported that a contract has been awarded in accordance with the results of the request for proposals issued for the survey. The survey is going on now, and he expects to have a preliminary report of the results by the third week in October.
Councillor Davis asked if there were any newly added questions on this year’s survey. Mr. Rossi said that there were a couple of changes two years ago, but that the goal is to keep the questions the same so that results can be compared from year to year.
Councillor Maher said that it is his view that now that the City Council is reviewing its goals on a regular basis, it is not necessary to start the process all over again when the Council sets its goals for the next fiscal year. Rather, the Council can review the goals and focus on any adjustments to the priorities that should be made and on what the Council should emphasize for the upcoming year. He asked whether those present agreed with this view, and all City Councillors in attendance expressed their agreement.
Councillor Maher then outlined a possible schedule for a goal-setting process that could result in a finished product by mid-November. He suggested a presentation of the results of the survey to members of the City Council at a morning meeting of the Government Operations Committee, followed by a public hearing that included a brief summary of the survey results for the benefit of the public and an opportunity for members of the public to give their opinions and views of city services and the Council’s goals for FY2006. Next would come an offsite goal setting exercise for the members of the City Council, facilitated by a trainer with expertise in leading and training public officials in cooperative setting of priorities. Thereafter, the Government Operations Committee would meet to finalize the priorities and then submit them to the full City Council for adoption.
Mayor Sullivan said that he agreed with the overall plan and added that he would like to see a new approach to the offsite goal setting exercise, something fresher and more likely to capture the Council’s attention than another round of using colored dots to designate priorities.
Councillor Davis said that it is important for the Council to have a training that encourages a thoughtful consideration of the goals.
Mayor Sullivan said that he agrees with the need for a thinking process; he would just like to freshen up the method a little.
Councillor Murphy said that he would like to see the goal setting completed soon enough to be useful in setting department goals and before the Council members get caught up in election year politics.
Councillor Toomey made the following motion:
Ordered: That in setting its goals and priorities for FY06, the City Council use a streamlined and concise process that will begin with the current goals as an accepted base and update those goals to reflect priorities that the City Council wants to emphasize in FY 06, as well as any changes to the goals that the Council deems necessary; and be it further
Ordered: That the Chair of the Government Operations Committee is authorized and requested to consult with the City Manager with the view in mind of retaining a trainer/facilitator for this process, and be it further
Ordered: That the process shall consist of a presentation of the citizen satisfaction survey results to the City Council at a Government Operations Committee meeting, a facilitated public hearing, an offsite goal setting training exercise, with Council priorities to be finalized by the Government Operation Committee for presentation to the Council, for City Council acceptance by November 22, 2004.
The motion passed without objection. All members of the City Council present indicated their support.
Councillor Maher thanked those present for their attendance.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50am.
For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair