Cambridge City Council meeting - October 1, 2012 - AGENDA
[Councillor Cheung was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the votes necessary to seek approval from the Mass Dept. of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2013: [Manager's Letter] All matters approved 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
A. Authorize the use of Free Cash of $9,000,000 to reduce the FY13 tax rate;
B. Authorize $2,000,000 in overlay surplus/reserves to be used for reducing the FY13 tax rate;
C. Authorize $609,570 from the School Debt Stabilization Fund to be used as a revenue source to the General Fund Budget;
D. Appropriate $10,000,000 from Free Cash to the City Debt Stabilization Fund;
E. Classify property into five classes;
F. Adopt the minimum residential factor of 55.9809%;
G. Approve the maximum residential exemption factor of 30% for owner-occupied homes;
H. Vote to double the normal value of the statutory exemptions;
I. Vote the FY13 exemption of $293 allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17D;
J. Vote the FY13 asset limits of $58,197 allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17E;
K. Vote the FY13 income and asset limits allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D as follows: Income limits of $24,063 for single and $36,095 for married; and asset limits of $48,125 for single and $66,172 for married;
L. Vote the income limit for deferral of real estate taxes by elderly persons as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue for the purposes of MGL Chapter 62, Section 6, subsection (k) for a single person ($52,000) and for married ($78,000);
M. Vote to accept MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 56, which allows members of the Massachusetts National Guard or military reservists who are on active duty to obtain a reduction of all or part of their real and personal property taxes for any fiscal year they are serving in a foreign country; and
N. Vote to accept MGL Chapter 59, Section 5N, which allows for the creation of an work-off abatement program for veterans.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-44, regarding a report on how the proposal by Global Oil, LLC will impact Cambridge.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-92, regarding a report on the costs associated with BIO2012 and new endeavors and city partnerships identified through the event.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-98, regarding a report on placing an appropriate sign indicating entrance into the City of Cambridge from the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-113, regarding a report on parking regulations for commercial vehicles parking in neighborhoods during construction projects.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the view in mind of making the parking meters located on Charles Street between Fulkerson Street and Sixth Street free of fees on Saturdays. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Order Number Seven of Sept 24, 2012.]
Placed on file under Rule 19. No action taken.
ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
3. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Don Condie requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 6 Linnaean Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works with conditions. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from CARU Associates, et al., transmitting written protest to the Susan Yanow, et al. Zoning Petition.
2. A communication was received from Norma Askins regarding Carl Barron Plaza.
3. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street transmitting reasons to protect The Magazine Geese and Save Magazine Beach.
4. A communication was received from Representative Michael E. Capuano in support of Eastern Bus Company employees' right to organize without fear of retaliation.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Myrtle Nellie (Saunders) Joyce. Councillor Maher
2. Resolution on the death of Thomas R. Ryan. Councillor Toomey
3. Welcome Felipe Tobar, Mayor of San Jose Las Flores, and Ana Navarrete, president of the Town Council, to Cambridge in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the sister city between San Jose Las Flores, El Salvador and the City of Cambridge. Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of James Leo Sullivan. Councillor Maher
5. Congratulations to City Manager Robert W. Healy and his staff on the City's Free Cash Certification. Councillor Toomey
6. Congratulations to Calument/Boston on their upcoming grand opening at 150 First Street. Vice Mayor Simmons
7. Congratulations to Lesley University and the Art Institute of Boston as they celebrate The Massachusetts Avenue Storefront Art Project and the Centennial of the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University on Oct 10, 2012. Vice Mayor Simmons
8. Proclaim Oct 11, 2012 as the Day of the Girl in Cambridge. Mayor Davis
9. Observe the month of October as Family History Month. Vice Mayor Simmons
12. Congratulations to the Massasoit Lodge #129 IBPOEW on their 105th anniversary. Councillor Reeves
ORDERS
1. That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location for a street corner dedication for Amadeu Cruz da Quelha. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Council go on record demanding that Eastern Bus Company rehire any drivers that have been terminated as a consequence of their involvement in organizing their union, that the company refrain from any form of retaliation against those workers who have sought to organize, and that the company treat all its workers with the respect and dignity they deserve. Vice Mayor Simmons
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Inspectional Services Department, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, the Animal Commission, and any other relative department that could help in determining the best way to employ or contract a exterminator on either a permanent or temporary basis for the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor, the License Commission, and all other relevant parties to drop the City's lawsuit regarding Uber and Uber-like smartphone technology, and constructively move forward with revisions to city ordinances that allow new technologies such as Uber to function within the city. Councillor vanBeuzekom and Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Decker
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public meeting held on Sept 19, 2012 to continue discussions to develop a hiring process for the position of City Manager.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 3
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on an amendment by the City Council to the Zoning Ordinance to add a footnote #15 to Table 6.36.1(a) column III (Open Space, Res A-1, A-2, Res B) stating: "Where a single dwelling unit is located on a private way and where said private way would provide adequate parking for at least one car, with the written notice from the Fire Department that emergency access would not be impaired, the requirement for off street parking is waived." This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by Susan Yanow, et al. to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the following areas: Rezone from the existing Business A to Business A-1 the areas bounded by Windsor and Main Streets and Bishop Allen Drive; and Columbia Street, Bishop Allen Drive, Prospect and Norfolk Streets; Rezone from the existing Business B and Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District (CRDD) to a proposed new district Business B-3 in the area bounded by Green, Landsdowne, Magazine, and Prospect Streets and Massachusetts Avenue; Define as a protected neighborhood zone the area zoned Residence C-1 and bounded by Portland, Main and Windsor Streets and a line 120 feet north of and parallel to Main Street; Rezone the areas currently identified as Municipal Parking Lots numbered 4, 5, and 6 along Bishop Allen Drive to a proposed new Municipal Parking District (MP). This district would not allow
construction of any permanent buildings except for public purposes such as performances and farmer's markets and would require a minimum of 7.25% of any lot to be landscaped. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 10
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 15
5:00pm Special Presentation "Cambridge welcomes Felipe Tobar and Ana Navarrete - community leaders of our Sister City San Jose Las Flores, El Salvador" (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 16
3:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the expiring use agreement for University Park and to receive an update from Boston Properties on their commitment to build affordable housing in Kendall Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Friday, Oct 19
10:00am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Community Benefits. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Oct 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 23
10:00am The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on plans to sell 2 Mount Auburn Street. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm Environment Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 24
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition of the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Map for an area along North Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of Trolley Square and Linear Park from Business A-2 to Residence C-2B This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 29
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting between City Council and School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 1
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 8
2:30pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 26
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 29
2:30pm University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 6
2:30pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 1, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Dedication Committee review the request for a suitable location for a street corner dedication for Amadeu Cruz da Quelha; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review.
O-2 Oct 1, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The National Labor Relations Board has recently certified the United Steelworkers Union as the sole collective bargaining agent for the bus drivers at Eastern Bus Company in Cambridge, Somerville, Wellesley, and Waltham. The USW was democratically elected by the drivers who work at Eastern Bus Company; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council goes on record in urging Eastern Bus Company to obey the law and immediately convene negotiations with the Steelworkers Union; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record demanding that Eastern Bus Company rehire any drivers that have been terminated as a consequence of their involvement in organizing their union, that the company refrain from any form of retaliation against those workers who have sought to organize, and that the company treat all its workers with the respect and dignity they deserve; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Charles Winitzer, President of Eastern Bus Company, on behalf of the entire City Council.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Sept 19, 2012 beginning at 10:09am in the Ackermann Room.
The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions to develop a hiring process for the position of City Manager.
Present at the meeting were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Denise Simmons; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Kenneth Reeves; Councillor Marjorie Decker; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Maryellen Carvello, Administrative Assistant, City Manager's Office; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; Matt Nelson, Chief of Staff, Mayor Davis; John Clifford; Leo Gayne; Paula M. Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street; John Howard, 8 Cogswell Avenue; Terry Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Holland Hinman, a student at BU; Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street; Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street; Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue; and Hassan Rashid.
Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He distributed an agenda for the meeting (ATTACHMENT A). He stated that at the first meeting of the committee held on June 22, 2012 it was determined that the summer would be used to gather information regarding the filling of the position of City Manager. He stated that the City Manager and he have met over the summer regarding the types of material available to the City Council and the public on filling the position of City Manager. He requested that the City Manager outline the material submitted in ATTACHMENT B.
Mr. Healy stated that the package of material is informative. He gave a brief overview of the distributed documents. He stated in his cover letter that the first set of documents contained the recent recruitment guideline for selecting a local government administrator provided by the International City Manager Association of which he has been a member of for 42 years. The second document is a summary of a text book on Strategic Planning for Local Government. The third document is recruitment and publication resources material. The material also contained 5 different samples of search firm brochures. He stated that other City Manager's job descriptions are listed regarding responsibilities and duties. The key to this process is the City Council making a decision on which way they would like to proceed. The documents contain information on areas such as issues, challenges, the ideal candidate, job requirements, experience and memberships involved which are necessary for the methodology used. He stated the need for consensus of the City Council on the method for the vision. In advance of a search firm or recruitment he believes that a consultant would help as it relates to the vision of the city. This process would be done before recruitment process. There is no particular recommendation, other than the City Council determining the process they would use.
Councillor Maher questioned Mr. Healy about previous searches for the position of Superintendent of Schools and the transferability of retirement benefits for school superintendent from one state to another and the fact that pension benefits are not transferable between states for the position of City Manager. Mr. Healy responded that Massachusetts State Law on pensions does not allow portability of retirement benefits for out of state city managers. As part of the negotiation process with the candidate the out of state candidate would not be allowed creditable service for retirement benefits. This may not be critical it depends on the candidate. The average tenure for a city manager is between 5-7 years. Pension is an issue that would result in the structuring of the negotiations. Other benefits can be discussed with the candidate, such as annuities. Councillor Maher asked Mr. Healy if transferring pension benefits for school personnel is federal law. Mr. Healy stated that he did not know, but would check this.
At this time Councillor Maher asked if the members of the City Council had any questions on the printed material provided.
Vice Mayor Simmons suggested that in the future it would be helpful if the printed material is provided to City Council before the meetings. Councillor Maher explained that the information was only recently completed. Vice Mayor Simmons favored a visioning process and gather information from the community. She requested a timeline; even a tentative timeline is important. Some sort of an outline of the process helps make decisions around what can and cannot be done. She stated that the visioning process may be narrow without a set timeline.
Councillor Maher distributed ATTACHMENT C entitled "Pathways/Options for City Council Consideration. There are 4 different paths that the City Council can take. He stated that his goal for this meeting is to decide which path to take. It is difficult to do a timeline without choosing a path.
Councillor Maher highlighted the 4 options. He stated that he believes it would be helpful in deciding which path is favored. He summarized the document.
Option 1. To immediately hire a search firm to help search for a City Manager;
Option 2. To go forward immediately with a search and manage the process internally with support of staff of the City of Cambridge;
Option 3. Begin process of hiring consultants to help the City Council conduct long range strategic plan for the City of Cambridge while simultaneously conducting search for the City Manager; and
Option 4. Conduct a strategic plan and then use it as a tool in the recruitment of the City Manager.
Councillor Maher stated that these options resulted from what he heard from the last meeting. He stated that it is his goal for this meeting to choose a path and then come back in 2 weeks with a framework and timeline.
Councillor Kelley stated that the information that is passed out says start the process with recruitment. He stated that if the City Council is going to have a permanent City Manager when the vacancy opens, the City Council only has a few months to figure out what the City Council is looking for in its City Manager. The City Council will be meeting to death to choose what we want with this timeline to get to a five-person consensus. He does not think it can be done without professional help. He suggested using the process used by the School Committee to hire the Superintendent of Schools.
Vice Mayor Simmons agreed with the need for an independent consultant firm. She stated that without the level of experience in hiring a City Manager, it would be prudent to have professional help with the search. She stated that with the Superintendent of Schools position an RFP was done and a plan developed with the consultant. She added that to date we are following the management of the process ourselves and this process is too slow. An independent entity needs to manage the process.
Councillor vanBeuzekom agreed that a consultant was needed. She favored strategic planning, but this process is lengthy and she does not want to hold up the process. She stated that Option 3 and 4 appeal to her. She questioned how the outcome of the strategic plan will change the appeal of who the City Council wants to come into the position of City Manager.
Mayor Davis stated that since the City Council has not hired a City Manager in over 31 years, there are some things in the job description that would come from the planning process. She stated that she believes the City Council has the opportunity to really have a robust process where everything is looked at that will be happening in the city in the future and there are wonderful processes that bring many people in which gives the opportunity to say what residents want to see what the city will look like. She stated that that the City Council needs to know what their goals are. Public participation is very important. She stated that the City Council could take our time and do a good process and bring the community into the process.
Councillor Reeves commented that the upside is not starting at zero; the City is in a good place. His greatest concern with the process is that the City Council will learn the discipline of hiring a City Manager. He stated that the City Council should do the search process for a City Manager. Regarding the strategic plan it is arduous; but we need to go through the profile process to say who Cambridge is. He felt that both processes need to be done at the same time. Mayor Davis stated that she felt that visioning and goal setting is needed more than a strategic plan. Councillor Reeves stated that civic engagement is important to the process. Too many of the citizenry thinks the government runs on auto pilot. There needs to be some effort to improve the learning curve of running the city. He stated that the perfect inclusive process may always elude us. He spoke about 150 people appointed to the Red Ribbon Committee, but not being able to control who actually attended meetings. Ensuring participants come to engage in the civic process is a riddle to be solved.
Councillor Maher stated that professional help is needed. He felt that Option 2 is out. Cambridge is a community at crossroads. He felt strategic planning can help. He does not feel the time pressure as Councillor Kelley does. Recently there has been a struggle between the balance of neighborhoods, universities and businesses. If the process goes beyond Mr. Healy's tenure date he does not see that as a problem. The City is in capable hands. The vision of today is not the vision of ten years ago. The City Council biannual goal setting is scheduled to be worked on this year. He believes that the City Council should be looking at a way to do a thorough and thoughtful process, the community needs to be involved. This will take time.
Mayor Davis stated that we celebrate the City as a City of neighborhoods, but there is no unified vision for the City. She spoke about the need for a strong vision for the city.
Councillor Reeves stated that that he would like to see a process that does accomplish the goal before the transition of the next City Manager. He did not favor the post-term strategy. When the Superintendent of Schools left the second person assumed the duties.
Councillor Decker favored Option 4. There is a need to do more community building. If the City Council can create a process, with the help of skilled people on community engagement, the City Council will be on the same page as the community. This will help to build confidence between residents and the City Council. This is an opportunity to feel confident that a framework has been created to engage the community. The City Council needs this process. This should be a priority for the community to be active participants. This does require time and City Council focus. From this process we can understand the qualifications needed for the City Manager. This will provide information from the community about their concerns. This is a time to reassess, rebuild and reconnect and out of that process there will be a stronger community. She suggested that names of persons interested in being involved in the civic engagement be forward to the City Clerk.
Councillor Toomey favored Option 4. He stressed the important of the involvement of the community. A consultant needs to reach out to the community members who have never been involved in issues. He did not support starting an immediate search for a City Manager. This needs to be done and done right.
Mayor Davis stated that she feels it is important to come together as a community so that community feels that they were part of the process in hiring the City Manager.
At this time Councillor Maher requested the City Council to indicate which option they supported. The results are as follows:
Option 1. No support
Option 2. No support
Option 3. Supported by Councillors vanBeuzekom and Reeves and Vice Mayor Simmons
Option 4. Supported by Councillors Kelley, Toomey, Decker, Maher and Mayor Davis
Councillor Maher stated that the plan now is to take Option 4 and come up with a rough timeline and bring it back to the City Council. Mr. Healy commented that the language in Option 4 should be community vision and engagement process. All members agreed.
Councillor Reeves mentioned the process the Episcopal Church undertakes when a rector leaves and the self-study process the Church goes through. Mayor Davis stated that it would helpful if the City Council had information of the process followed by the Episcopal. Councillor Reeves stated that he will get this information. Councillor Kelley added that there were clear expectations rather than a process for the rector search.
Councillor Maher opened the meeting to public comment at 11:05am.
John Howard applauded the seriousness of the process. He favored Option 4.
Terry Smith expressed hope for continuity and the City Council working with the community for a good process.
Robert Winters liked community process, but the bottom line is that there are nine officials elected to do this job. Community involvement is a good idea, but not essential.
Saul Tannenbaum stated that this is the most important decision. There is a misconception of what is a good strategic process. This must be a living document that would turn into an implementation plan and turn again into a strategic plan. He spoke about this decision being made before the reelection campaign of the City Council. The timeline and goal is more realistic than the retirement date of Mr. Healy. The lack of civic engagement in this city is shocking. Outreach must be done to active and inactive residents. He stated that the City Council should do as much outreach as possible and then live with criticism.
Charlie Teague favored Option 3. Civic engagement is a difficult thing and a challenge. This will help the process if the search firm is done.
Michael Brandon spoke about transparency, inclusion and public process. An untelevised meeting at 10am does not accomplish transparency and inclusion. He felt an ad hoc committee of the whole City Council should be established. He also favored having materials in advance of meetings both for the City Council and the public. He commented that there has been no input from the public on the option chosen. The City Council definitely needs professional help in the visioning process, civic engagement and recruit process. The timeline is dictated that when Mr. Healy retires there will be an Interim City Manager. At the last meeting Mr. Healy indicated that Mr. Rossi would serve as Interim. He was interested if Mr. Rossi will apply for the position. It only takes 5 votes from the City Council to continue the management. He was concerned with the time and the money proposed to be spent if the position is filled as an interim position.
Hassan Rashid stated that he favored an interim rather than extending the current City Manager.
Councillor Toomey stated that the problem is that the City is so well run that it is only when there is a problem that the City Council hears from the residents. The public is satisfied with the services received so that is the reason there is limited civic involvement.
Councillor Decker requested a timeline from Councillor Maher. Councillor Maher stated that a draft road map will be developed and forwarded to the Committee. Councillor Decker requested that the entire membership of the City Council be available to weigh in on the process.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she favored a timeline and the appointment of an ad hoc committee of the whole. She asked how the public knows that these meetings are happening. She wanted public to be informed. She wanted information about these meetings on the city web site.
John Howard stated that the major universities in the City have all recently replaced their presidents. He urged contacting the universities about the process that was used.
Councillor Reeves stated that maybe there should be a more innovative campaign to hire the City Manager on the web site. He asked how do you in engage the dissenter and not let dissenter be the main topic of discussion. This is a challenge.
Saul Tannenbaum spoke about civic engagement and leadership. If people are disengaged it is a failure of leadership.
Michael Brandon stated that the silent majority is not being heard. Local government is seen as not being responsive. This is how residents in his neighborhood feel. He spoke about the citizen's survey being used as a tool. Civic engagement is important and the city should use it.
Robert Winters stated that outreach needs to be done to individual residents and not have the focus on groups.
Councillor Maher thanked all present for their attendance. He stated that a timeline would be provided.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30am on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom.
For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair,
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-44. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on how the proposal by Global Oil LLC will impact Cambridge. Referred back by Councillor Cheung for a report on 5/21/12.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/19/12 (O-10)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)
12-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a ban on trucks transporting hazardous materials through the City.
Councillor Cheung 05/21/12 (O-5)
12-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on accepting payment at parking meters via credit card.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-9)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how increases in student loans might impact Cambridge students.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-11)
12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing an initiative similar to the Boston Meter Program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-11)
12-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on adopting the local option set forth in "The Valor Act."
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-12)
12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City plans to maintain grade separated bikeways and keep them free from sand, branches and other debris.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-7)
12-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing speed-control measures at the corner of Tremont Street and Gardner Road.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-2)
12-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-5)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-92. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on final full cost to attend the BIO2012 Conference and promote Cambridge and the contacts and possible new endeavors and city partnerships identified through this event.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-7)
12-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a Pavement to Parklet program.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-10)
12-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the incident at the Cambridge Gateway Inn on July 5, 2012.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-12)
12-98. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on placing an appropriate sign indicating entrance into the City of Cambridge from the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-13)
12-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on statistical information regarding enforcement citations for loud motorcycle mufflers, car radios and the City's plan to address these issues.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-16)
12-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how sequestration would effect municipal finances and the finances of human services organizations that partner with the City.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-30)
12-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a short summary on how CDBG grants have been used over the past few years in the City, with a list of completed projects, jobs created and the overall impact on the community.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-31)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)
12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of 2 Mt. Auburn Street.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-23)
12-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-24)
12-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on specific data that compares the actual energy efficiency for the City Hall Annex.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-25)
12-113. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on parking regulations for commercial vehicles parking in neighborhoods during construction projects.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-2)
12-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on home foreclosure sales via auction be required to show ownership by the lender or agent of said property before an auction can occur.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-3)
12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)
12-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on maintaining the present Central Square Farmer's Market permit rate despite an increase in the vehicle parking rates.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-8)
12-117. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of expanding the number of residential and meter spaces at the North Point Park.
Councillor Maher, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-9)
12-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of installing "Pay by Phone" enabled meters.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-10)
12-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on banning DeFelice Corp. as a contractor on further work with the City and on the damaged gas pipe and safety measures that took place following the incident at Spring and Fulkerson Street caused by DeFelice Corp.
Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-15)