Agenda - October 7, 2002 Cambridge City Council meeting
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-87, regarding a report on the construction of a skateboard park.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-74, regarding displaying letters of thanks and praise to the City.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-76, regarding a report on the exact and projected amount expended on maintenance for the last three years by NSTAR.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-85, regarding a report on the local AMBER response plan.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-79, regarding a report on minority homeownership in the City as well as opportunities offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-53, regarding a report on Harvard University’s policies on investigating and following-up on accusations by students of rape and sexual assault to other students.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-49, regarding a report on programs to assist residents with the purchase and planting of flowering trees and shrubs, and easy access to bulbs for perennial flowers or annuals.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Cambridge Health Alliance for $15,000 to the Grant Fund DHSP Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to support the Cambridge Food Pantry Network by providing nutritional foods to Cambridge residents.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Abt Associates and Community Action, Inc. for $3,800 to the Grant Fund DHSP Salary & Wages Account ($2,895), Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($505) and Travel & Training Account ($400) to provide funds for costs related to the assessment of students.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $30,000 from the Electrical Salary & Wages Account to the Electrical Travel & Training (Judgement & Damages) Account to provide funds for a lump sum settlement.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the Grant Fund Human Rights Travel & Training Account to the Human Rights Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to provide funds to re-design, translate, and produce the Commission’s brochure and other informational resources.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the minutes of the public meeting held on September 18, 2002 for the purpose of discussing the future use of the 238 Broadway site.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-77, regarding a report on the vulnerability assessment for potential security threats to the water system.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-65, regarding a report on drafting an ordinance requiring the use of helmets while operating motorized scooters.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation for $61,000 to the DHSP Salary & Wages Account ($43,012), Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($16,993) and Travel & Training Account ($995) to provide funds to enhance the ABE to College Transition Service (Bridge Program).
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $227,136 to the DHSP Salary & Wages Account ($38,000), Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($185,000), and Travel & Training Account ($4,136) to provide funds for nutritious meals for Cambridge youth at 31 sites throughout the City.
ON THE TABLE
1. Landmark Designation Study Report for Shady Hill Square, 1-11 Shady Hill Square and 36 Holden Street.
2. Landmark Designation Study Report for designating as a protected landmark the Tulip Tree at 1436 and 1446 Cambridge Street.
3. Order #19 of September 9, 2002 requesting the City Manager to direct the Community Development Department to make maximum use of CPA funds to develop affordable housing that is permanently affordable, such as limited equity cooperatives and condos.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. Petition from Harvard University requesting a sub-surface easement located between 1720 and 1737 Cambridge Street for the purpose of constructing an underground pedestrian and service tunnel beneath Cambridge Street.
5. Appropriation and authorization to borrow an additional $1,950,000 for the 57 Inman Street project to supplement the original appropriation of $8,200,000. The question comes on adoption on or after October 7, 2002.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Frameworks, requesting permission for a permanent banner at the premises numbered 2360 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Departments and abutters.
2. An application was received from Hillside Cleaners, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 49A Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Departments and abutters.
3. An application was received from CRLS Department of Drama and Dance, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Prospect Street announcing their performance of "The Good Times are Killing Me" on November 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16, 2002.
4. An application was received from Vision House, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 7 JFK Street.
5. An application was received from Carlson Wagonlit Travel, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 30 JFK Street.
6. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall - A Conference Celebrating Africa Rhythm & Ritual: Ancestors and Memory on October 18, 19, & 20, 2002.
7. An application was received from Zipa Jewelry, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 1316 Massachusetts Avenue.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Lord Associates, Inc., regarding Termination of Notice of AUL-101 Rogers Street.
2. A communication was received from Joanne Scott, Health Agent for the City of Salem applauding the efforts of the City Council in furthering the protection of public health in all workplaces by participating in the Clean Air Works initiative.
3. Sundry communications received from the following Riverside residents, regarding how they feel about preserving the character of life in their neighborhood: Niki Baccus (12 Florence Street), Marie F. Mitchell (232 Putnam Avenue)
4. A communication was received from Jack a/k/a George F. Welch, Jr., regarding the City’s HOME Program Loan Agreement by the Cambridge YMCA and its Limited Partnership.
5. A communication was received from Josephine Schairer, transmitting thanks for making September 22nd a memorable day for the Schairer family.
6. A communication was received from Louis Abbate, Ed.D., Executive Director, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, transmitting thanks for the resolution adopted by the City Council on September 9th.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Expressing appreciation to Charles Santos for his twenty-seven years of dedicated service and wishing him much happiness in his retirement. Mayor Sullivan
2. Expressing appreciation to Dennis Coleman for his nineteen years of dedicated service and wishing him much happiness in his retirement. Mayor Sullivan
3. Congratulations to David Holway on being elected President of the National Association of Governmental Employees. Councillor Toomey
4. Congratulations to Thomas Begley on his appointment as Clerk Magistrate of the Framingham District Court. Councillor Toomey
5. Supporting the retirement of Tony Conigliaro’s number by the Boston Red Sox and joining any other municipal offices across Massachusetts who support retiring one of the greatest players. Councillor Galluccio
6. Extending 80th Birthday wishes to Manny Slate. Mayor Sullivan
7. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. O’Connell, III. Mayor Sullivan
8. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. Colbert. Councillor Galluccio
9. Resolution on the death of Robert E. McCleery. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan
10. Resolution on the death of Janice T. White. Councillor Galluccio
11. Resolution on the death of Joseph R. Murphy. Councillor Galluccio
12. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. Griffin. Councillors Maher, Galluccio, Toomey
13. Resolution on the death of Eileen R. Hepp. Councillor Galluccio
14. Resolution on the death of Mitchell S. Jaffe. Mayor Sullivan
15. Resolution on the death of Mary I. Carvalho. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan, Councillors Maher, Toomey
16. Congratulating the DPW team in winning first place in the Snow Plow Rally and thanking them for their dedicated service to the City of Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
17. Resolution on the death of Bernice Piltch-Miller. Mayor Sullivan, Councillors Toomey, Maher
18. Extending congratulations to the Windsor House on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, which will be celebrated on October 20, 2002. Mayor Sullivan
19. Resolution on the death of Anna M. Casella. Councillor Galluccio
20. Resolution on the death of John H. Dyer. Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan
21. Congratulating the artists who participated in the tenth anniversary Cambridgeport Artists Open Studios and thanking them for their creative contributions to the City of Cambridge. Vice Mayor Davis
22. Congratulating Ruth Libbey and James Busby on their upcoming concert and thanking them for their creative contributions to the City of Cambridge. Vice Mayor Davis
23. Congratulating Sean Curran on the opening of his new company, Waterville Consulting, to continue the client-intensive public affairs service that has defined his career. Councillor Decker
24. Congratulating Steve Morell and Toni Elka on their recent marriage. Vice Mayor Davis
25. Congratulating the residents of 70 Pacific Street and Anke Hildebrandt on the introduction of a bike rental program and thanking them for their efforts to reduce pollution and congestion in the City of Cambridge. Vice Mayor Davis
26. Congratulating Prilla Smith Brackett on being featured at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. with a showing of her art. Vice Mayor Davis
27. Wishing a Happy Birthday to William McGovern. Councillor Decker
28. Wishing a Happy Birthday to Molly Murphy. Councillor Decker
29. Welcoming Mayor Akiba to Cambridge and recognizing the work he has done at home and internationally to promote world security from nuclear weapons through the promotion of disarmament and mutual respect between peoples nations. Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Rocco Capidulupa. Councillor Toomey
31. Resolution on the death of Pamela J. York. Councillor Toomey
32. Resolution on the death of Modestino "Modo" Iannaco. Mayor Sullivan
33. Congratulating the Work Force Youth Program in winning the Best Practice Award given by the Department of Labor and the National Youth Employment Council. Mayor Sullivan
ORDERS
1. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Executive Director of the Animal Control Commission for increased enforcement of laws requiring removal of dog waste at Columbia Street Park. Mayor Sullivan
2. Requesting the City Manager to instruct the City Solicitor to work with the Agenda for Children to establish a trademark for the "Let’s Talk" literacy campaign/initiative. Mayor Sullivan
3. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Director of Traffic Parking and Transportation to install appropriate speed limit signs along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue. Councillor Toomey
4. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council with a briefing on the Charles River Basin Master Plan. Vice Mayor Davis
5. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council with data on the enforcement of double -parking in the bicycle lanes across the city. Vice Mayor Davis
6. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council on the plantings and maintenance in Carl Barron Plaza. Vice Mayor Davis
7. Requesting the City Manager to develop and transmit to the City Council a multi-departmental policy for building and rebuilding tree holes that supports the growth of root systems. Vice Mayor Davis
8. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the MBTA and report back to the City Council on the status of needed repairs and maintenance to the sidewalks and stairs, as well as the installation of better lighting, in the plaza area in and around the Porter Square Station. Vice Mayor Davis
9. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of installing additional bike racks at Brattle Square and around City Hall. Vice Mayor Davis
10. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and officials of the Metropolitan District Commission to consider increasing the timing of the pedestrian crossing lights at Fresh Pond Parkway and Huron Avenue. Councillor Galluccio
11. Requesting the City Manager to discuss the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and coordinate with the city staff and the Cambridge Housing Authority to provide the following information given to the City Council at the round table meeting. Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Maher
12. Requesting the City Manager to consider a pilot program to open up one of the youth centers in the later evening hours. Councillor Galluccio
13. Requesting the City Manager to communicate to confer with the Election Commission to send out more effective notification of polling places and to explore other possibilities of easing the confusion for voters on election day. Councillor Decker
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on July 24, 2002 for the purpose of discussing the future of federal subsidies at 2 Mount Auburn Street and methods to address the housing needs of families with incomes of 80% to 120 % of median income, including inclusionary zoning.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 8
4:30pm The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss curb cuts, an update on the impact of state budget cuts on city arts programs, and the status of the report on developing a Cambridge Art survey and an artist space initiative. : (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Oct 9
4:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss performance of the Hansen System, the possibility of a web-based public complaint system, information kiosk and public information on Cable TV. : (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on the state budget and its expected effect on city finances next year and a report on hotel/motel revenues. : (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Oct 16
4:30pm The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on the library. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 21
5:00pm Special Presentation on Best Practices Award to Workforce Development. : (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 22
6:00pm Special meeting of City Council for the purpose of a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee to discuss current education issues in Cambridge. : (Gustave M. Solomons Transportation Center, 1st floor, 456 Broadway)
Wed, Oct 23
5:30pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive public testimony regarding the City Manager’s performance. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 28
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting - Discussion on Section 8 Housing. Informal meeting with no public comment, at which time no votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 29
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the following: : (Sullivan Chamber)
(a) the possibility of changing to bike routes located between the sidewalk and parked cars, in the European model
(b) "dooring", the issues related to car doors opening into bike lanes
(c) bike enforcement
Wed, Oct 30
4:30pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting for the presentation of results of telephone survey of citizen satisfaction. : (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony regarding City Council’s FY04 Goals. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 6
5:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on 2 Mount Auburn Street, the moderate income home ownership program and adjustments to income limits in the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 7
9:00am-5:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct an offsite meeting with a facilitator to review the current City Council’s Goals and consider changes if necessary. No public comment. : (Hotel at MIT, 20 Sidney Street)
Wed, Nov 13
9:00am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a working meeting with the City Manager for group evaluation by members of the City Council and to discuss what the Committee will recommend to the full City Council. No public comment. : (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Truck Zoning Ordinance, Section 6.96. This hearing is televised. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 20
4:30pm Ordinance Committee : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 11
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to provide for an Assistant City Manager for Public Safety. : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting : (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 October 7, 2002
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Animal Control Commission for increased enforcement of laws requiring removal of dog waste at Columbia Street Park.
O-2 October 7, 2002
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is directed to instruct the City Solicitor to work with the Agenda for Children to establish a trade mark for the "Let’s Talk" literacy campaign/initiative.
O-3 October 7, 2002
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic Parking and Transportation to install appropriate speed limit signs along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
O-4 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a briefing on the Charles River Basin Master Plan.
O-5 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with data on the enforcement of double -parking in the bicycle lanes across the city for a hearing to be held concerning bicycle safety on October 29.
O-6 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the plantings in Carl Barron Plaza, including who is responsible for the plantings and maintenance in the plaza.
O-7 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop and transmit to the City Council a multi-departmental policy (CDD, DPW, and others) for building and rebuilding tree holes that supports the growth of root systems.
O-8 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the MBTA and report back to the City Council on the status of needed repairs and maintenance to the sidewalks and stairs, as well as the installation of better lighting, in the plaza area in and around the Porter Square Station.
O-9 October 7, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of installing additional bike racks at Brattle Square and around City Hall.
O-10 October 7, 2002
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and officials of the Metropolitan District Commission to consider increasing the timing of the pedestrian crossing lights at Fresh Pond Parkway and Huron Avenue.
O-11 October 7, 2002
MAYOR SULLIVAN
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: On October 28, 2002 this City Council will hold a round table meeting to discuss the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program; and
WHEREAS: It is an expressed goal of this City Council to preserve and expand the supply of permanent affordable housing, supporting socioeconomic diversity; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with city staff and the Cambridge Housing Authority to provide the following information to the City Council at the round table meeting:
O-12 October 7, 2002
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider a pilot program to open up one of the youth centers in the later evening hours for the older teenagers and young adults for recreation, employment assistance and other possible counseling opportunities.
O-13 October 7, 2002
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The Election Commission informed the City Council that every voter would receive notification of their polling place and that the notification would be printed on bright-colored paper and/or have some other eye-catching feature to alert voters that the information on the card was important; and
WHEREAS: Despite its communication to the City Council, and despite the fact that the September 17, 2002 primary was the first election since the Election Commission eliminated eleven precincts and then changed many polling places to accommodate the changes, the Election Commission sent voters one inconspicuous black and white postcard to notify them of their polling places; and
WHEREAS: Members of the City Council received numerous complaints from voters who did not know that their polling places had changed, and from voters who did not receive adequate information about where to go to vote from the workers at the polls where they were no longer entitled to vote;
WHEREAS: Although the voters who voted in the primary now know that they have new polling places, there will be many voters at the general election on November 5, 2002 who did not vote in the primary, and so there is grave danger of a repeat of the confusion, unhappiness and detriment to the fundamental right of each citizen to vote at the next election; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission to send out more effective notification of polling places and to explore other possibilities of easing the confusion for voters on election day, including information for election workers to quickly identify the correct polling place – perhaps by dedicating an additional worker to the task of helping voters to find the correct place; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to the Election Commission the City Council’s strong concern and sense that additional expense is no excuse for not doing what is necessary to preserve the right to vote of all residents by ensuring adequate notification to voters of their polling place; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter at the October 21 meeting.