Cambridge City Council meeting - September 27, 2010 - AGENDA

RECONSIDERATION
1. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on the affirmative vote taken on September 13, 2010 to refer to the Ordinance Committee and to pass to a second reading a proposed amendment to the Municipal code that would increase the residential parking sticker fee. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Item Number Thirty-Six of August 2, 2010. On September 13, 2010 motion of Vice Mayor Davis to refer to Ordinance Committee and Passage to a second reading on roll call 7-1-1.]
No action taken. The vote stands.

2. Reconsideration filed by Vice Mayor Davis on the vote taken failing to refer to the Ordinance Committee a response relative to Awaiting Report Item #10-116, regarding a report on the impact of decriminalization of marijuana possession. [Motion of Councillor Cheung to refer to Public Safety Committee failed 4-4-1. Motion of Vice Mayor Davis to refer to Ordinance Committee failed 4-4-1.]
Reconsideration prevailed 6-3. Report on the impact of decriminalization referred to the Public Safety Committee on amended motion of Councillor Seidel by 5-4.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Michael A. Sorti, as a Constable for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2010.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-131, regarding a report on two armed robberies in the vicinity of Cambridge Street in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative Awaiting Report Item Number 10-80, regarding a report on the possibility of implementing a 2D barcode located on square signs.
Referred to Government Operations & Rules Committee.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-114, regarding a report on monitoring and detecting any infestation of the Asian longhorned beetle.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-111, regarding a report on traffic enforcement at the intersection of Prospect Street and Broadway.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Zoning Petition to Revise the Sign Ordinance - Article 7.000. [The Planning Board recommends that the original Petition be approved with amendments. The changes recommended by the Board to the original Petition language of the Building ID Signs section are summarized below.]

• Establishment of a special permit process before the Planning Board.

• A narrowing of the zoning districts where such signs may be permitted, to areas of concentrated office development at the eastern and western ends of the city.

• Restriction of the signs to non-residential buildings only that are at least 100,000 square feet in size.

• Limiting the signs to identifying the whole building or an office tenant occupying a significant portion of the building. The Planning Board recommends that at least 25% of the leasable area of the building be presumed to be significant.

• Prohibition of such signs in local conservation and historic districts.

• Enumeration of the criteria for approval of the Building ID Signs, including: how the sign would be viewed from nearby residential districts, open space, historic districts, and the Charles River; light pollution.

• An articulation of the purpose of the provision.

• A relaxation of one standard in the current Sign Ordinance to allow the placement of an ID sign on the screening wall of mechanical equipment located above the building's roof where that placement would better integrate the sign into the architecture of the building.

ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]

2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. May 10, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 2-7-0 remains on Table. Sept 13, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 4-4-1 remains on Table.]
Kelley motion to remove from Table failed 3-5-1 (Kelley, Reeves, Toomey - YES; Cheung, Davis, Seidel, Simmons, Maher - NO; Decker - ABSENT). Matter remains on Table.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]

4. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten Of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 7, 2010 to consider a petition filed by the City Council to modify the Zoning Ordinance regulation of signs. the question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Sept 27, 2010. Planning Board hearing held July 6, 2010. Petition expires Oct 5, 2010.
Ordained as Amended - Ordinance #1335. Vote was 6-3 (Davis, Kelley, Seidel - NO)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Zinnia Jewelry, requesting permission for two tables to display merchandise in front of the premises numbered 1300 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Child Care Resource Center, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing Family Literacy Fun Day for Cambridge Families on Saturday, Nov 6th from 10:30am-2:30pm.

3. An application was received from David Blair, 880 Massachusetts Avenue, requesting permission for a fish taco cart at multiple locations near and around the universities in Cambridge; Carleton Street near the Kendall/MIT stop and in front of MIT at 48 Massachusetts Avenue.
Application approved 6-3 (Kelley, Reeves, Seidel voted NO). Matter referred to Economic Development Committee

4. A zoning petition has been received from William A. Fox, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by rezoning an area accessed via Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge from its current designation of Business A-2 to a new designation of Residence B.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael Turk and Carol Weiss, transmitting appreciation to the City Council for the resolution supporting the tenants at 9-12 A Ware Street.

2. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the Americans Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodation.

3. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, regarding suggested revisions to proposed sign amendment.

4. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, regarding her proposed prohibition of lighting for building identification signs.

5. A communication was received from Henry Marcucella, regarding the proceedings of the proposed amendments to the Signs and Illumination provision (Article7) of the City's Zoning Ordinance.

6. A communication was received from Kevin P. Crane, Esq., transmitting suggested revisions to the proposed Sign Ordinance Amendment.

7. A communication was received from Minka vanBeuzekom, transmitting suggestions for the proposed sign ordinance.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Steven Brennan from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department.   Mayor Maher

2. Retirement of Michael Kenney from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department.   Mayor Maher

3. Congratulations to Professor Timothy J. Colton on his appointment as Chair of the Government Department at Harvard.   Councillor Cheung

4. Congratulations to Professor Gerald L. Neuman on his election to the United Nation's Human Rights Committee.   Councillor Cheung

5. Best wishes to Rod Dee on the reopening of his restaurant, Rod Dee's, in Porter Square.   Councillor Cheung

6. Retirement of Nancy Daniels from the Department of Human Services.   Mayor Maher

7. Retirement of Mary Lou Wright from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

8. Retirement of Marie Sullivan from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

9. Retirement of Anna E. Sullivan from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

10. Retirement of Helen Munro from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

11. Retirement of Barbara Hickey from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

12. Retirement of Barbara Gaul from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

13. Congratulations to Senator Sal DiDomenico on securing the Democratic nomination for the Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex seat in the Massachusetts State Senate.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of Dorothy E. "Dot" (Jennings) Campbell.   Mayor Maher

15. Congratulations to Officer Michael "Whitey" Daniliuk, Mr. Robert Hurbut and Mr. Khari Milner for being this year's Leading Role Honorees of CCTV.   Councillor Simmons

16. Speedy recovery wishes to Mr. Andrew Spears.   Councillor Simmons

17. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Monty and Francine Boykin on their 49th wedding anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

18. Congratulations to Ms. Estella Johnson on her appointment as Board Trustee of Connecticut College.   Councillor Simmons

19. Congratulations to Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis on being appointed to the Board of Directors to the ICLELI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA.   Councillor Simmons

20. Congratulations to Marc and Mary Anne McGovern on their birth of their twins Connor and Addison.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Toomey

21. Resolution on the death of Dorothy M. (Casagrande) Venturini.   Mayor Maher

22. Resolution on the death of Barbara L. Clemons.   Mayor Maher

23. Congratulations to Jenna Koeman on the occasion of receiving a scholarship from The Timocracy Foundation.   Councillor Cheung

24. Congratulations to Vicent Conte on the reopening of his restaurant, Think Tank.   Councillor Cheung

25. Congratulations to Molly Cosel on the occasion of receiving a scholarship from The Timocracy Foundation.   Councillor Cheung

26. Resolution on the death of Private James Fleet McClamrock.   Councillor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Philip Chad Jenkins.   Councillor Decker

28. Congratulations and thanks to Whole Foods Marker for their donation of 5% of their profits on Sept 23, 2010 to the Cambridge Community Schools' Scholarship Fund.   Mayor Maher

29. Congratulations to Michael and Lisa Cohen on the birth of their daughter Dalia on Sept 17, 2010.   Mayor Maher

30. Congratulations to City Councillor E. Denise Simmons on receiving an award at the 2010 Tribute Awards to Outstanding Women.   Councillor Toomey

31. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School's Visual and Performing Arts Department on being named to the Boston Magazine 2010 Honor Roll.   Mayor Maher

32. Welcome wishes to The Forsyth Institute on its relocation to Cambridge.   Mayor Maher

33. Welcome Clevergreen Cleaners to Kendall Square.   Councillor Toomey

34. Congratulations to the organizers and participants of 4 the Love of Art exhibition from Sept 19-Oct 3, 2010 at the Stebbins Gallery in Harvard Square.   Vice Mayor Davis

35. Congratulations to Whole Foods Market on their 30th anniversary.   Vice Mayor Davis

36. Congratulations to THE QUEST for Innovation on bringing together all aspects of the innovation and creative communities for a high-tech exploration and celebration of Cambridge's heritage as a leader in driving global innovation.   Councillor Cheung

37. Best wishes to On The Rise on their annual gala on Sept 23, 2010.   Councillor Cheung

38. Congratulations to Solutions at Work on their fourteenth annual "Frostbite Open" golf tournament.   Councillor Decker

39. Congratulations to Steven and Linda Brion-Meisels on receiving the Community Peacemaker Award at the annual Community Dispute Settlement Center Gala.   Councillor Decker

40. Congratulations to Jack Wofford on receiving the Spirit of Meditation Award at the Cambridge Dispute Settlement Center's annual gala.   Councillor Decker

41. Congratulations to Matthew Carter on receiving the AIGA Boston Fellow Award for his work creating computer fonts.   Councillor Decker

42. Congratulations to the Cambridge Community Foundation for making a $45,000 grant available to local organizations.   Mayor Maher

43. Congratulations to the United States Department of Transportation Research and Innovative Administration's Volpe Center on the occasion of their 40th anniversary.   Mayor Maher

44. Congratulations to the Department of Human Services for their work in winning recognition from America's Promise Alliance which named Cambridge one of the United States' "100 Best Communities for Children and Young People."   Mayor Maher

45. Thanks to all the people and City departments that helped to organize the Danehy Park Family Day.   Mayor Maher

46. Happy 75th Birthday wishes to former Mayor and City Councillor Sheila Doyle Russell.   Mayor Maher

47. Resolution on the death of Joan J. (Harrington) McNamara.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher, Councillor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Gerard T. "Jerry" Leone.   Councillor Toomey

49. Resolution on the death of William J. Corcoran.   Mayor Maher

50. Congratulations to Sergeant George J. Sabbey on his promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

51. Congratulations to Officer Kelly A. King on her promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

52. Congratulations to Detective Thomas J. Glynn on his promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

53. Congratulations to Lieutenant Steven A. DeMarco on his promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

54. Congratulations to Lieutenant Joseph L. Wilson, III on his promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

55. Congratulations to Sergeant James A. DeFrancesco on his promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

56. Congratulations to Detective Robert N. Lowe on his promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

57. Congratulations to Officer Susan M. Kale on her promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

58. Congratulations to Sergeant John P. Normile on his promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

59. Congratulations to Lieutenant Stephen A. Ahern on his promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

60. Congratulations to Sergeant Pauline M. Carter-Wells on her promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher

61. Happy Birthday wishes to Reverend Lilia Cuervo.   Councillor Simmons

62. Congratulations to Reverend Lilia Cuervo and Sam Berliner III on their recent marriage.   Councillor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of working with the NSTAR/OPower project to report to Cambridge residents on their energy use.   Vice Mayor Davis

2. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the planning process for the Concord Avenue redesign, the outreach efforts to inform the public of the project and how the planned changes in bike facilities in the project area were advertised in the outreach efforts.   Councillor Kelley

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation on the feasibility of extending the pedestrian light at the Magazine Street pedestrian bridge.   Councillor Cheung

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and request an increase in patrols in the Antrim Street area and to conduct a community meeting to inform and address concerns of residents in this area and to report back to the City Council.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Simmons

5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate department to rectify the situation of the raised pipe in front of TD Bank at 1270 Massachusetts Avenue which is a safety issue.   Councillor Cheung

6. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and replacing those sub-signs that were installed for the Bicentennial and commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 in 2012 with street sub-signs or some other method.   Vice Mayor Davis

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department to repair the sidewalk recently replaced with asphalt that is difficult to negotiate just west of the Cambridge Senior Center.   Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Councillor Kelley

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate city departments to look into the feasibility of reinstalling a trash barrel at the corner of Museum Way, opposite the Science Museum.   Councillor Cheung

9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee.   Councillor Seidel

10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the city so that catastrophic incidents like the one in San Bruno do not occur in Cambridge.   Councillor Seidel

11. That the City Manager is requested to publicize information regarding The Safe Driving Law which goes into effect on Sept 30, 2010.   Councillor Seidel

12. That the City Manager is requested to communicate with the Postmaster in order to determine the reason(s) for mail not being held at the Post Office after telephone and internet requests of residents.   Councillor Decker

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to remove the No Parking signs on Norris Street and immediately establish the parking spaces as residential permit parking.   Mayor Maher and Councillor Decker

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department staff to review the allowable uses for the former North Cambridge Catholic High School site under the current zoning.   Mayor Maher and Councillor Decker

15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to install appropriate crosswalks and stop signs on Kinnaird Street between Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue to ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Seidel

16. That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of September 27, 2010 Claims Committee in the total sum of $177.91.   Councillor Toomey

17. That the City Council go on record adopting the attached schedule for School Committee use of the Sullivan Chamber.   Mayor Maher

18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate Department Heads to provide additional bicycle parking at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and the Main Library.   Councillor Kelley

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Claims Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 16, 2010 to consider claims filed against the City.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on Aug 10, 2010 to discuss bike facilities including bike lanes, bike tracks and bike parking.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor David P. Maher, transmitting a year-long calendar of scheduled meetings that the School Committee would like to hold in the Sullivan Chamber.

2. A communication was received from Councillor Leland Cheung, transmitting a copy of the city of Somerville's Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Referred to Environment Committee

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 27
5:30pm  City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 28
4:00pm   The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss campus safety.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Sept 30
5:30pm   The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss planting, maintenance and protection of street trees and any other matters that may come before the committee with regard to Cambridge trees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 5
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 12
6:00pm   School Committee Roundtable Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Oct 14
5:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the digital divide.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 19
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 25
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting for discussion in preparation of City Council goal setting process. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Nov 16
6:00pm   School Committee 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)

Tues, Dec 7
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 14
6:00pm   School Committee Budget Retreat  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 21
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Sept 27, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of working with the NSTAR/OPower project to report to Cambridge residents on their energy use.

O-2     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the planning process for the Concord Avenue redesign, the outreach efforts to inform the public of the project and how the planned changes in bike facilities in the project area were advertised in the outreach efforts.

O-3     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation on the feasibility of extending the pedestrian light at the Magazine Street pedestrian bridge.

O-4     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there have been a number of house breaks in the area of Antrim Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and request an increase in patrols in this area and to conduct a community meeting to inform and address concerns of residents in this area and to report back to the City Council.

O-5     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a raised one inch pipe is causing a trip hazard in front of TD Bank at 1270 Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: There have been numerous complaints made to bank officials that customers have tripped on said pipe and have suffered scrapes and bruises; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to rectify this issue.

O-6     Sept 27, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and replacing those sub-signs that were installed for the Bicentennial; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 in 2012 with street sub-signs or by some other method, especially in Cambridgeport where several street names relate to the War of 1812.

O-7     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department to repair the sidewalk recently replaced with asphalt that is difficult to negotiate just west of the Cambridge Senior Center.

O-8     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a trash barrel has recently been removed from the corner of Museum Way, opposite the Science Museum; and
WHEREAS: Business owners have complained that since the removal of said trash barrel, they have had to pick up litter themselves from the sidewalks; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to look into the feasibility of reinstalling a trash barrel in the before-mentioned location.

O-9    Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: There have been recent discussions in City Council meetings regarding the status of the playgrounds attached to schools; and
WHEREAS: The City Council and city departments have recognized that it is crucial that these areas are well-maintained and safe, given the number of children who use these playgrounds on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS: There have been increased efforts by the Department of Public Works, the Police Department and others to make sure playgrounds are in good condition and used appropriately by area residents; and
WHEREAS: School staff have helped with these efforts, continuing to patrol these areas for any debris, monitoring playground equipment, etc. before their students use the playground on school days; and
WHEREAS: School communities across the city have continued to take an active role in ensuring the safety of all who use the playground, and have offered ideas on how to improve these playgrounds, including using motion-detector lighting and posting of signage regarding park hours to help monitor and enforce guidelines regarding park activity; and
WHEREAS: The city has advocated for the creation of a Health Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee to discuss and evaluate the implementation of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds goals and objectives, and serve as an advisory group to city staff on future planning; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee.

O-10     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: On Sept 9, 2010, a thirty-inch natural gas pipe erupted in San Bruno, California, resulting in a devastating explosion and fire that killed four people, injured fifty-two people, burned thirty-seven structures and damaged seven other structures; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the city so that catastrophic incidents like the one in San Bruno do not occur in Cambridge.

O-11     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The Safe Driving Law goes into effect on Sept 30, 2010 in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: It includes provisions that ban text-messaging for all Massachusetts drivers, prohibit junior operators from using cell phones, institute new license renewal procedures for mature drivers and strengthen the Commonwealth's medical reporting system; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to publicize this information in city departments and to the citizens of Cambridge.

O-12     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that a number of Cambridge residents asked via the telephone and internet for their mail to be held at the Post Office while on vacation; and
WHEREAS: These residents came home to find their mail had not been held; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Postmaster in order to determine the reason(s) for this; 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-13     Sept 27, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: No Parking signs continue to exist in front of the old North Cambridge Catholic High School on Norris Street. The signs were placed there for the purpose of creating a student drop off zone for buses and parents bringing students to school; and
WHEREAS: The North Cambridge Catholic High School is now no longer used as a school; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to remove the No Parking signs and immediately establish the parking spaces as residential permit parking; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-14     Sept 27, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The North Cambridge Catholic High School on Norris Street is now empty and is no longer used as a school; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department staff to review the allowable uses for this site under the current zoning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department be and hereby is requested to determine the number of residential dwelling units that could be developed in this property; 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-15     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that an accident involving a child occurred on Kinnaird Street; and
WHEREAS: Kinnaird Street has became a heavily travelled street between Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue; and
WHEREAS: The King Open School is on Kinnaird Street and there is not a sense that appropriate attention has been given to crossings on Kinnaird Street in the vicinity of the school; and
WHEREAS: Extra measures should be taken to ensure the safety of children in regards to traffic management; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to install appropriate crosswalks and stop signs on Kinnaird Street between Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue to ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians; 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-16     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of September 27, 2010 Claims Committee in the total sum of $177.91.

O-17     Sept 27, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record adopting the attached schedule for School Committee use of the Sullivan Chamber.

O-18 AMENDED ORDER     Sept 27, 2010
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate Department Heads to provide additional bicycle parking at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and the Main Library and report back to the City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Claims Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Sept 16, 2010 at five o'clock p. m. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider claims filed against the City.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung: Assistant City Solicitor Paul Kawai; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Councillor Toomey opened the meeting and explained the purpose. Thereupon the committee moved to the consideration of the following claims:

Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at five o'clock and six minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair

ORDER    Sept 27, 2010
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of Sept 27, 2010 Claims Committee in the total sum of $177.91.

Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Aug 10, 2010 beginning at five o'clock and thirty minutes PM in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss bike facilities including bike lanes, bike tracks and bike parking.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Sam Seidel; City Clerk Margaret Drury; Susan Glazer, Assistant City Manager for Community Development (CDD); William Deignan, planner, CDD; Sgt. Kathy Murphy, Bicycle Patrol, Cambridge Police Department (CPD); Sarah Fresco, Green Streets; John Allen, 7 University Park, Waltham; Charles Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street; Ken Field, Cambridge Bike Committee; Rozann Kraus, Founder and Director, STOMP; and Robert Winters, 366 Broadway.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited all present to introduce themselves and say a little about their interest or experience with regard to the topic of this meeting. Several persons introduced themselves as long term bicyclists and advocates. After the introductions, Councillor Kelley said that the facilities that Cambridge has for bikes meet some peoples' needs, but not all. In addition, there is a limited amount of space in Cambridge. He then requested that CDD staff provide an overview of the topic.

Ms. Glazer stated that the amount of people bicycling in Cambridge has doubled since 2002, and the need for bike facilities has increased commensurately. In the same period of time, the amount of people driving automobiles has been reduced. CDD has been partnering with MAPC to install more bike racks in the places that will contribute most to green transportation efforts. Through this grant funded (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) program, the City pays for the installation and MAPC reimburses the City for the entire purchase amount after the city installs the bike parking facilities. Ms. Glazer noted that bicycles are at the forefront of getting people out of their cars and reported that there are plans to install a cycle track as part of the Binney Street construction project any may be an option with the Western Avenue Project. Mr. Deignan said that there are many bridge repair projects underway, and the City is looking closely at what opportunities there may be for adding bike facilities.

Mr. Field said that the Bicycle Committee has been taking a three-pronged approach to their focus and advocacy:

* Facilities - Bike lanes on the streets
* Education
* Enforcement

He emphasized the importance of asking bicyclists to do the right thing and the difficulty in making that happen and how CPD's "stick" is helpful in that regard. The education part is telling everyone the right thing to do, not just cyclists. Bike lanes on the streets appear to have become quite popular. They help define the space and are helpful in better placement of cyclists while edging drivers away from the bike lane. The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) supports bike lanes.

Councillor Kelley said that his problem with bike lanes is that they start at the edge of the parked cars and give cyclists a false sense of security while riding in the door zone. He asked whether they could move the beginning of the lane farther away from the door opening space of parked cars. Mr. Field said that would be an improvement. Ms. Kraus agreed. She added that this change would also solve the problem of bikes passing other bikes on the right.

Mr. Allen said that there could be regulatory problems with narrowing the roadway. Federal regulations specify the required width. The left side of a bike lane must be at least twelve feet from the curb if there is curbside parking and a bike lane is supposed to be at least four feet wide. In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Highway Design Manual is the guideline used in constructing bike lanes. There could be issues of liability and loss of federal funds if the City is not in compliance with these rules. Councillor Kelley said that this is something about which it would be good to have more information. He summarized his understanding of the regulatory scheme. It is possible to get an exemption from the federal highway requirements to do experimental installations. There would also need to be a waiver by the Commonwealth of their design standards. Mr. Deignan stated that without a design exception, the city needs to follow the guidelines.

Mr. Allen noted that this meeting was not a suitable place for designing bike lines and that there were lots of discussion about options around the country. The Federal Highway Administration allows exceptions for experimental things, which require an actual relevant experiment.

Councillor Kelley asked if the City receives money for installing bike lanes. Ms. Glazer said that we do when the installation is part of a project.

Sgt. Murphy stated that she rides right on the left line of bike lanes and suggests that other riders do the same. Mr. Field noted that for bike lanes to work really well, automobile drivers need to park their cars as close to the curb as possible. Doing this would limit the dangerous door zone somewhat.

Councillor Kelley noted that while cycling appears very dangerous, his children have not yet been hit, but riding on the very left of the bike lane is often too close to moving traffic to be comfortable.

Ms. Fresco said that the science regarding what facilities are safest and best is still emerging. For a long time to come there will be a variety of bicycle facilities, including lanes, paths and tracks. Her inclination is to focus on public education. Ms. Kraus agreed. She said that particularly in light of the dramatic increase in bicycles on the road, it is important that cyclists as well as drivers understand that they are part of traffic and be aware of that responsibility. She noted that she was more worried about the unpredictability of cyclists.

Councillor Kelley asked how many different types of bicycle facilities there are on Cambridge roads. The participants listed the following four: shared spaces on the road, bike lanes, cycle track (Vassar Street) and six counter-flow bike lanes. In response to Councillor's Kelley's question as to whether city staff is seeing any one type as more successful than others, Ms. Glazer said that they have done a lot of research on all types of facilities. They base their placement of a particular facility on what they think will work best in that place. They want to try the bicycle track on the newly constructed Concord Avenue because there are fewer driveways there than on many Cambridge streets. Mr. Deignan said that the Concord Avenue bike track will provide a physical separation between the bicycles and motor vehicles.

Mr. Allen said that placing a cycle track on the north side of Concord Ave is a disgrace. There are twenty-four driveways and seven streets where large trucks turn into the industrial area. The sightlines will be poor and there will be lots f traffic conflicts. There were bike lanes on Concord Avenue that worked really well when the street went from four auto lanes to three auto lanes plus bike lanes. The planned bike track puts the bikes in an area where vehicles using driveways and turning into side streets do not expect to see them, similar to the situation of bicycles on sidewalks and will make safe cycling tougher for everyone. Study after study has found that this is not safe. Cyclists will be encouraged to ride the wrong way to get to a destination; there will be increased bike/car conflicts. Novices will have an especially hard time. Seven percent of bike accidents are overturning; the rest are turning.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Glazer how the City decides what type of facility to install. Ms Glazer said that they do a lot of research, including research on other communities. With regard to the Concord Avenue placement of the track on the north side, they could not use the other side because they could not use the Fresh Pond Reservation land. Ms. Glazer noted that the contract has been let. Ms. Fresco said that she has biked out along Concord Avenue several times, both before and after the bike lanes were added. For experienced bicyclists it feels safer to have the extra space of the bike lane at the road level. There are different needs for different areas.

Mr. Field said that he share Mr. Allen's concern with the design of the two way raised cycle track on the north side. There was a big debate in the Bike Committee, with support for both sides of the argument. He has experience with that area. He used to work for BBN and he biked to work through the rotary. The most dangerous part of the trip was not the rotary; it was the intersections of Concord Avenue with the side streets going into the industrial area.

Jessica Eckhard, Blanchard Road, stated that Concord Avenue did not have the kind of public process that is happening with Western Avenue. It was horrifying to get a construction notice two days before construction started, with no chance to go to a public meeting and have input about what was going to happen. This is not what she expects of Cambridge. If she did not own her home, she would have moved out of the city. She also stated that the Fitchburg Railroad track promise to be a better cycling connection and having to stop at every driveway will make a cycle track much slower than the street.

Ms. Glazer said that there was a public process that included large public meeting on the Concord Ave construction project, and there was substantial notice of the meeting.

Mr. Allen said that segregation of the different modes of transportation is inefficient. There is a whole sector of vehicles using the road. He is concerned about the plans to narrow the Concord Avenue roadway. Where are the scooters going to go? Sgt. Murphy said that scooters can go on the bike lanes. Mr. Allen said yes, but they are not allowed on bike paths, which is what the cycle track on Concord Avenue will be. He added that we have to think more broadly about a whole lot of kinds of vehicles. We must accommodate them all, not just build for two particular kinds. As more slow vehicles, made more popular as gas prices increase, like scooters join the traffic flow, not having planned room for them will be troublesome.

Ms. Kraus said that one of the big issues is always entitlement. The mindset for all, whether in a car, on a bike, on a scooter, on foot, is getting from here to there as soon as possible? A racehorse mentality dominates. It is that sense of "me" being the center rather than an understanding that you are part of a whole process. The message has to be sharing the road and we all have a role to play. Education and engineering are both parts of the solution. Mr. Field agreed and added that every user on the road needs to take responsibility for their own safety. It is a challenge to get cyclists to behave responsibly. He does not see many in-line skaters, scooters and so forth. He does see a lot more bicycles. At one point folks were worried about Segways being a problem, but that turns out not be have been the case.

Mr. Winters said that he is seeing bicycle delivery services and bicycle taxis, and their contraptions are quite wide. He has nothing against secondary facilities such as bike lanes, but the bottom line is that all roadways must accommodate all vehicles. He urged the city not to narrow the roadway to accommodate separations like bicycle tracks. He hated seeing what happened to Vassar Street. The message there is that the cyclist should not be in the roadway. He noted concerns that the Western Avenue cycle track could be a deathtrap at every intersection.

Councillor Kelley asked whether there is enough room on Concord Avenue for cyclists and cars to share a lane. Mr. Deignan noted that would depend on the position of the car. Mr. Allen said that Concord Avenue is 44 feet wide curb to curb. There are two 12 feet outside lanes and a 10 foot center lane. The plan is to reduce the roadway to 34 feet and put bicycles up on the "sidewalk" cycle track. He noted that experienced cyclists do not want to be stuck in a bike lane and position themselves as cars move left and right. Councillor Kelley said this cycle track on Concord Avenue is a stupid idea, though it may be too late to do anything about it.

Mr. Field asked Mr. Allen if he would use the cycle track or continue to bicycle on the roadway. He, himself, would stay on the road. Mr. Allen said that he does not like to hold up traffic by taking the road when the space is too narrow to accommodate bikes on the right side of the roadway, especially when motorists see a bike facility off to the side. He would use the road, or not, on a case by case basis. Ms. Fresco said that she too prefers using the road to using a sidewalk bike track but there is lots of support for bike tracks. She wonders whether the design was to encourage families and kids. She said that she hopes that CDD will study how well the bike track works on Concord Avenue and how people use it.

Mr. Allen said that "cycle track" is an ill-defined term, a buzz word, and the buzz word has made it into the engineering even when it is a bad idea, like bike paths in the seventies and bike lane in the nineties even. In New York City a cycle track works well with minimal vehicle conflict and plenty of green light time. Cycle tracks appeal to the public's desire for something new, but in this case we are outstripping our engineering.

Ms. Kraus noted that when people have to pay attention, things become safer. Poor design can lead to false sense of safety.

Ms. Eckhard said that the traffic on Concord Avenue is traffic getting off Route 2 and non-rush hour traffic is minimal there. She also noted the bus situation on Concord Avenue. People will be in the bike track waiting to get on the bus and bus passengers will be discharged in cycle track area. As the road currently exists, she can move left around a discharging bus and avoid these conflicts.

Mr. Marquardt agreed that it is safer for bicycles to be on the street, riding the same way as motor vehicle traffic. He said that his closest call to a serious accident was when he was in a car turning right and someone was bicycling the wrong way on a bike track. Mr. Allen said that cycle tracks encourage wrong-way riding because cyclists cannot make cross-street turns except at street or driveway breaks in the cycle track, which may often result in extra distance as riders pass their destination, go to a break in the cycle track, cross the street and then head back to their destination. Mr. Marquardt said that there needs to be equal enforcement of the laws for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobile drivers. He would like to see higher penalties for pedestrians and cyclists who break regulations.

Mr. Winters said that there seem to be several road construction projects with bicycle facility pieces that he does not know about -Western Avenue, Binney Street, Concord Avenue. It sounds like the decisions are all made for Binney Street and Concord Avenue.

Decisions are being made in some unclear way.

Ms. Glazer said that with regard to Western Avenue, there are five alternatives still under discussion. There has been a public meeting and there will be more public discussion. She also said that the Binney Street construction was the subject of many public meetings at the Planning Board, where cycle tracks were discussed. The Concord Avenue Project is a done deal, she noted.

Mr. Winters said that there is a sidewalk on Concord Avenue. Was there ever a discussion of just fixing the roadway, and was it allowed to degrade because the City was just too lazy to maintain it? If so, the lack of ongoing maintenance may be what is leading to all these big new road reconstruction projects. What problem is this new Concord Avenue solving that simple maintenance would not have solved? Cambridge has a "brand new idea" disease.

Councillor Kelley asked whether the city gets funds from the federal government in connection with these projects or any other sort of benefit for being able to quantify bike facilities.

Mr. Deignan said that there was no direct reward for bike facilities. Sometimes the City gets federal funding, sometimes it does not. He did not think the City chased funds via bike lanes, etc. The streets are done by the Department of Public Works in a cycle of repair and reconstruction. When an area is going to be redone, they look at how it can be made safer and better accommodate alternative modes of transportation.

Mr. Allen said that the city's bicycle program wants to be on the cutting edge but their engineering judgment just is not up to it. The City couples that with projects of opportunity, which may not be appropriate for this new edge bike facility thinking.

Mr. Field said that when a street gets to the point of needing to be rebuilt, then that is when the subject of bicycle facilities comes up. Mr. Field stated that he is more comfortable riding where there is a bike lane. Evan as an experience cyclist, he feels more concerned in North Cambridge.

Mr. Winters said that he has made peace with bike lanes in which he stays on the edge, although he would also like to see more education. But narrowing Concord Avenue is absurd. It gets rid of the traditional bike area.

Councillor Kelley then moved the conversation to the topic of bike parking. He said that he is getting a fair number of complaints from people who cannot find a place to park their bikes.

Mr. Marquardt said that bikes locked to parking meters and signs make him park farther from the curb. He thought maybe people could get tickets for improper parking. Mr. Winters noted that he hoped the City would not start harassing people for locking their bikes to signs as long as they are parked reasonably.

Councillor Seidel reported on a discussion on this topic at a committee meeting a few months ago. More bikes than cars are now parking in Harvard Square. He was very encouraged that the Harvard Business Association was willing to consider giving up a car parking space to accommodate more bicycle parking. Clearly there is a demand for more bike parking there and the number of parking spaces for cars is fixed.

Sergeant Murphy noted that some bikes stay on public racks for a long time and are eventually stolen.

Councillor Kelley requested that Ms. Glazer explain the city procedures with regard to the supply of bicycle parking. Ms. Glazer said that the City maintains 650 bike spaces on public areas. In all special permit development cases, the Planning Board makes sure that bicycle parking is required and that more is provided than the bare minimum. City staff is reviewing how the number of required bike spaces, now based on the number of cars, should be developed.

Mr. Field suggested maintaining posts and putting rings on them rather than just pulling them out of the ground. He also suggested changing whatever regulations make it illegal to park bicycles and attach them to parking meters or signs.

Sergeant Murphy suggested requiring bicycles be registered with sticker. This would allow only stickered bikes to use particular City bike locking facilities. That would allow, among other things, the City to let owners of a registered bike know that their bike has been at a site too long, appears abandoned, etc. Mr. Winters noted that there might be appropriate high bike density areas.

Ms. Eckhard noted that people want to park their bikes near where they are going. Quad bikes, a Harvard-affiliated bike shop, cuts locks on bikes Harvard wants removed and after thirty days fixes and sells them. Clearly marking the temporary nature of bike parking might help discourage long-term storage in inappropriate places.

There was discussion of the need for additional parking for bikes at Cambridge Rindge and Latin and the Main Library. Councillor Kelley submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate Department Heads to provide additional bicycle parking at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and the Main Library.

The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

There was a short discussion about the protocol for addressing the issue of just leaving bikes parted for weeks in busy squares. Councillor Kelley explained that the procedures are complaint driven and that City regulations prohibit more than seventy-two hour bike parking. He also noted that for many people there is no easily accessible off-street storage so people either lock their bikes up on the street or do not use them.

Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours. Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)

10-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the adoption of a regulation to prohibit licensed hotels from subcontracting housekeeping services. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-16)

10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing. Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)

10-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business and residential building improvements. Councillor Cheung 04/26/10 (O-8)

10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy. Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)

10-80. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on the possibility of implementing a 2D barcode located on square signs. Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-8)

10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park. Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)

10-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improvements to City parking lot #8.   Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 06/07/10 (O-4)

10-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the safety of pedestrian traffic along both Irving and Scott Streets. Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/14/10 (O-5)

10-111. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on options to improve safety at the intersection of Prospect Street and Broadway. Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-4)

10-114. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on monitoring and detecting any infestation of the Asian longhorned beetle. Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-8)

10-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the courts ruling in favor of the plaintiffs at 303 Third Street and the impact on affordable housing units in the building. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-10)

10-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issues related to scooters and any changes to ordinances or regulations on scooter use and parking. Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-23)

10-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on long-term plans for the building and associated open space located at 116 Norfolk Street. Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-24)

10-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility and enforceability of implementing the provisions of House Bill 3371 which increases certain motor vehicle finds to improve driving. Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-25)

10-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on discussions about the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-27)

10-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the closing of the Teen Health Center and report quarterly on service changes and other matters related to the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-28)

10-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accident at Lambert & Cambridge Streets and re-examine the intersection for pedestrian safety. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-1)

10-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a four-way stop at Fifth & Otis Streets. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-2)

10-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on pedestrian safety improvements at Sixth & Hurley Streets. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-3)

10-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on continuous problems with odors from catch basins on Cambridge Street from Inman Square to Lechmere. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-4)

10-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/13/10 (O-5)

10-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for reducing Broadway to one lane near the Marriott Hotel. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-6)

10-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA bus #47 not stopping for people waiting at the bus stops. Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-7)

10-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.   Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-11)

10-131. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #2
RE: report on two armed robberies in the vicinity of Cambridge Street in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-12)

10-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent developments and sale of the Northpoint project. Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-13)

10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)

10-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reducing energy consumption by way of deleting and/or limiting email storage. Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-15)