CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Sullivan as a member of the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust effective October 2, 2006.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-120, regarding the CHA’s ability to give discounted cable rates to seniors.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-112, regarding a report on filing an amicus brief in support of the employees and clients of the Middlesex Superior Courthouse.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-154, regarding a report on an overall marketing campaign for Harvard Square.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-146, regarding the feasibility of bulk purchase of heating oil for the benefit of Cambridge resident.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the City Council Petition to amend the zoning map at the end of Loomis Street by substituting the zoning designation Residence B for the current Industry B-2/Alewife Overlay District 1 designation for a portion of the lot at 61R Smith Place.
Recommendation. The Planning Board does not recommend adoption of the Petition in its present form. Rather, the Board recommends implementation of the various use restrictions discussed by the owner and neighbors to ensure moderate density housing development on the site to their mutual satisfaction, or absent that, a rezoning to a slightly higher density zoning district that will permit the proposed housing development to move forward.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-153, regarding increasing trash receptacles on Western Ave. and River St.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Mass Cultural Council for $17,200 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to provide mini-grants to artists, arts organizations and community groups in Cambridge.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $6,800 to the Grant Fund Historical Salaries and Wages account to fund an archives assistant who provides support for on-going maintenance of the Commission’s public archive as well as assisting members of the public with research requests.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Fair Housing Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $60,290 to the Grant Fund Human Rights Salary and Wages Account ($42,390), and Grant Fund Human Rights Travel and Training Account ($17,900) and will be used to cover a portion of the salary of an Attorney-Investigator, who works on cases from the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP).

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Civic Education grant for $143,169.00 funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education with $125,604.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account, and $17,070.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, and $495.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account to support of the Community Learning Center’s Adult Civic Education program.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant received from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for ($100,000.00) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Salary and Wages account ($68,408.00) and the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($29,842.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Travel and Training account ($1,750.00) to reduce underage youth access to alcohol in Cambridge.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $10,235.74 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($7,235.74), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,200) and Travel and Training account ($1,800) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $8,300.00 from Employee Benefits (insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Cable TV Travel and Training account (judgment and damages) to cover medical services for employees injured during the performance of their work duties.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $6,500 from Employee Benefits (insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Library Travel and Training account (judgment and damages) to cover present and future medical services for employees injured during the performance of their work duties.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program for $63,903 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds to be used to purchase laptop computers for police vehicles and related service maintenance as well as other MIS equipment to enhance mobile computing.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium Grant (MFLC) funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education for $50,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($8,352.00) and Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($41,648.00) to provide funds in support of the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium program at the Community Learning Center.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant funded by the New England Literacy Resource Center for $14,765.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account of ($12,550.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,215.00) to support the Bridge Transition to College Program at the Community Learning Center.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board Recommendation on the City Council Petition to change the base zoning designation of the area at the eastern corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Washburn Avenue from Business C-1 to Business A-2.
Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends adoption of the petition as filed.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-155, regarding a possible delay in the closure of the Walden Street Bridge.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 in free cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund sidewalk reconstruction projects and the appropriation of $692,108 in supplemental State Chapter 90 local transportation aid to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide additional funds for street and sidewalk reconstruction projects.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $150,000 from Employee Benefits (insurance) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Police Travel and Training account (judgment and damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for police personnel injured in performance of their duties.

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-110, regarding a report on a formal plan for implementing safe cycling habits in Cambridge.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-144, regarding a report on the condition of city-owned trees on Gray Gardens West.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,300 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Executive (Public Information) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of printing and mailing of an emergency preparedness publication which was developed in collaboration with the Cambridge Health Alliance.

26. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the acceptance of an agreement with CMAC.

October 16, 2006
To the Honorable, the City Council:

After further discussions with representatives of the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center (CMAC) and The Dance Complex, I am pleased to be able to report to the City Council that my earlier offer to CMAC to resolve the dispute related to 536 Massachusetts Avenue has been accepted by CMAC, with some minor modifications.

I am attaching a letter from the City Solicitor to CMAC dated October 5, 2006. That letter contains the modified offer which has been accepted by CMAC. The City Solicitor has communicated with both CMAC and The Dance Complex and arrangements have been made to finalize the transfer of 536 Massachusetts Avenue from CMAC to The Dance Complex either before tonight’s City Council meeting or as soon thereafter as possible.

I am therefore also transmitting to the City Council by separate item on tonight’s Agenda a request for approval of a transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for CMAC. The City Solicitor has prepared a contract with CMAC which will provide for the first-half payment of $100,000 for FY07 to be made to CMAC upon certification to me that the transfer of 536 Massachusetts Avenue has been completed as agreed.

Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager

27. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center (CMAC).

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center (CMAC). This transfer will allow the City to execute a partial payment to CMAC.

Very truly yours,
Robert W. Healy
City Manager

28. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $10,250 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Executive (Leadership) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of the bi-annual citizens’ survey conducted by Opinion Dynamics.

29. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for $4,000.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support participation in the Massachusetts Ambulance Task Force Mobilization Plan.

30. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-143, regarding a report on reopening the west entrance to the Central Square parking garage.

31. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-149, regarding a report on whether stop lights can be safely converted to blinking red/yellow combination during late evening/early morning hours.

32. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-151, regarding a report on various information on each neighborhood conservation district.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. City Council support of H4645which protects a tax incentive for research and development corporations that are critical to the Commonwealth’s economic future. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Toomey on Order Number Thirteen of September 25, 2006.

ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of February 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on February 27, 2006.

3. An application was received from Muireann Glenmullen, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 8 Hilliard Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works that the owner will be responsible for the construction associated with the installation of curb cut. Disapproval has been received from neighborhood association. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Application and Petitions Number Five of September 11, 2006. Tabled on motion of Councillor Simmons on September 25, 2006.
ADOPTED 5-2-2-1 (Councillors Davis and Murphy voted NO, Councillor Simmons ABSTAINED, and Councillor Kelley was ABSENT.)

4. That the City Manager is requested confer with the appropriate City Departments to immediately release CMAC’s funds. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Murphy on Order Number Thirty-five of September 11, 2006. Tabled on motion of Councillor Simmons on September 25, 2006. Roll call 6-3-0.

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

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on July 26, 2006 to consider amendments proposed filed by the City council to amend Section 5.28.27 Criteria for Approval of Special Permit when non-residential buildings are converted to residential use. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after October 9, 2006. Petition expires October 24, 2006.
ORDAINED 8-0-1 - ORDINANCE #1301

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Jason Silver, requesting permission for a small table in Harvard Square, "The Pit" to hand out non-profit information/literature on the benefits of eating vegetarian.

2. An application was received from Asmara Restaurant, requesting permission for four tables and sixteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of premises numbered 739 Massachusetts Avenue.

3. An application was received from Maryann Puntonio, requesting to widen an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 426 Putnam Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works. No response has been received from neighborhood associations.

4. An application was received from University Florist, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 505 Massachusetts Avenue.

5. An application was received from Golden Toad, Inc. d/b/a Christopher’s, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1912-1920 Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from M. Frongillo, regarding leaf blowers.

2. A communication was received from Kevin P. O’Flaherty, Attorney for Amartya Sen and Emma Rothschild, regarding the 8 Hilliard Street curb cut application.

3. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding a city wide yard sale.

4. A communication was received from the family of Sergeant Steven Paul Mennemeyer, acknowledging your kind expression of sympathy.

5. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the site visit report on Green and Hancock Streets.

6. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, transmitting a copy of a curb cub complaint form for Memorial Drive and Amesbury Street.

7. A communication was received from Louise E. Parker and Adam Ried, Co-Coordinators of Pemberton Neighbors, transmitting a petition concerning the proposed Pemberton Corner Development.

8. A communication was received from the family of the Honorable J. Michael Ruane, transmitting thanks for your kind resolution.

9. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding diversity in Cambridge.

10. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding assisted suicide.

11. A communication was received from Muireann Glenmullen, regarding the curb cut at 8 Hilliard Street.

12. A communication was received from Fitzgerald Neighborhood Council and Community School, transmitting concerns regarding the Pemberton Corner Development.

13. A communication was received from Amartya Sen, regarding the curb cut at 8 Hilliard Street.

14. A communication was received from Attorney Judith E. Somberg, supporting Policy Order #3 regarding Starbucks workers right to organize.

15. A communication was received from Carol Bankerd, Rod MacDonald, Sarah Smith, Kevin Whitfield, regarding the construction activities of Harvard University over the past year.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Susan (Papasodro) Menezes.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

2. Resolution on the death of James M. Ruffing.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

3. Resolution on the death of Edward R. Gargiulo.   Councillor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of George P. Coyle.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of Dolores Gulla.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of Mary E. "May" (Stanley) Collins.   Vice Mayor Toomey

7. Congratulations to Gentle Giant Moving Company on the occasion of being honored with the International Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics by the Better Business Bureau.   Mayor Reeves

8. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Mrs. Erna Benjamin.   Mayor Reeves

9. Congratulations to the Western Avenue Baptist Church on the occasion of its 90th Birthday.   Councillor Simmons

10. Resolution on the death of Leo E. Diehl.   Councillor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of John F. Cosgrove Sr.   Councillor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Carmela T. (DeVasto) Percoco.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

13. Resolution on the death of Sanford Raymond Lieberman.   Councillor Sullivan

14. Resolution on the death of Mary (Parechanian) Boyajian.   Councillor Sullivan

15. Congratulations to the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center on its "Destination Dance Series".   Councillor Decker

16. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Raymond Bandar.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Decker

17. Congratulations to Richard Geraigery of Cambridge Offset Printing on the occasion of being honored by Saint Anthony’s Shrine.   Councillor Decker

18. Congratulations to the City of Boston and Hub on Wheels on the occasion of their Citywide Bike Ride Fundraiser and Festival on October 1, 2006.   Councillor Davis

19. Congratulations to Centro Presente on its 25 years of service to the community and their Fiesta celebration on December 9, 2006.   Vice Mayor Toomey

20. Appreciation to Paul Schlaver for organizing the Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition and the City of Cambridge informational luncheon which discussed measures to increase automobile fuel efficiency.   Councillor Davis

21. Retirement of Frank Gages from the Cambridge Public Library.   Mayor Reeves

22. Resolution on the death of John Michael "Rumble" Stillman.   Councillor Galluccio

23. Resolution on the death of Joseph Almer.   Vice Mayor Toomey

24. Resolution on the death of Gregory R. Billington.   Councillor Sullivan

25. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth "Betty" (Shamalian) Lowe.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

26. Resolution on the death of Sherry A. (Seavey) Scott.   Councillor Sullivan

27. Resolution on the death of Anita L. (Wilson) Crayton.   Councillor Galluccio

28. Congratulations to Michael and Eileen Hanlon on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Galluccio

29. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher Riviere.   Councillor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Howard March Jr.   Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Anthony Seig.   Councillor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Corporal Johnathan Benson.   Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Corporal Alexander Jordan.   Councillor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Harley Andrews.   Councillor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of 2nd Lieutenant Emily Perez.   Councillor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jeffrey Shaffer.   Councillor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Captain Matthew Mattingly.   Councillor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David Weir.   Councillor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Aaron Smith.   Councillor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Ryan Miller.   Councillor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Specialist Russell Makowski.   Councillor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jennifer Hartman.   Councillor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Corporal Marcus Cain.   Councillor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Corporal Cesar Granados.   Councillor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Clint Williams.   Councillor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Adam Knox.   Councillor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Sergeant David Davis.   Councillor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jared Raymond.   Councillor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Ashley Huff.   Councillor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Corporal Bobby Callahan.   Councillor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Christopher Zimmerman.   Councillor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Robb Needham.   Councillor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Private Eric Kavanagh.   Councillor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Charles Jones.   Councillor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Allan Bevington.   Councillor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Corporal Windell Simmons.   Councillor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenneth Kincaid IV.   Councillor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Carlos Dominguez.   Councillor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Rene Martinez.   Councillor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Velton Locklear III.   Councillor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher Blaney.   Councillor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal James Chamroeun.   Councillor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jose Lanzarin.   Councillor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Corporal Casey Mellen.   Councillor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Edward Reynolds Jr.   Councillor Decker

66. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Satieon Greenlee.   Councillor Decker

67. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jose Narvaez.   Councillor Decker

68. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Michael Oremus.   Councillor Decker

69. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Christopher Cosgrove III.   Councillor Decker

70. Resolution on the death of Corporal Chase Haag.   Councillor Decker

71. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Mario Nelson.   Councillor Decker

72. Resolution on the death of Corporal Aaron Seal.   Councillor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Scott Nisely.   Councillor Decker

74. Resolution on the death of Specialist Kampha Sourivong.   Councillor Decker

75. Resolution on the death of Specialist Robert Weber.   Councillor Decker

76. Congratulations to the Cambridge Pop Warner Cheerleading B and C teams on winning the Greater Boston League Competition.   Councillor Galluccio

77. Congratulations to the Cambridge Peace Commission on the occasion of its Tenth Annual Peace and Justice Awards Evening which will take place on Sunday, October 29, 2006 and to the recipients of The Cambridge Peace Commission Peace and Justice Awards.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Simmons

78. Congratulations to City Manager Robert W. Healy and his staff on Cambridge being named by the Environmental Protection Agency as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters and being chosen as one of only three cities to receive the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Environmental Purchasing and Sustainability Awards for FY 2006.   Councillor Davis

79. Congratulations to the Grafton Street Pub and Grill on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary.   Mayor Reeves

80. Urge residents to be cognizant that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.   Mayor Reeves

81. Support of The Brattle Film Foundation as they host a gala event on Saturday, November 19, 2006 honoring the 50th anniversary of Janus films.   Mayor Reeves

82. Congratulations to Cambridge Firefighter Pedro Gonzalez and Brenda Hagen on the birth of their son Tyler Oscar Gonzalez.   Councillor Sullivan

83. Congratulations to Charles E. Lowe of the Cambridge Fire Department on his recent promotion to Acting Lieutenant, Engine Ladder Company Number 8.   Councillor Sullivan

84. Congratulations to Cambridge Fire Department Acting Fire Lieutenant David S. Walles on his recent promotion to Fire Lieutenant, Engine Ladder Company Number 1.   Councillor Sullivan

85. Congratulations to Kristine Barton and her husband Brian on the birth of their son Luke Barton.   Councillor Sullivan

86. Congratulations to Paul Meehan and his wife Karen on the birth of their son Brendan Meehan.   Councillor Sullivan

87. Congratulations to Elizabeth Arangio and her husband Joe on the birth of their daughter Isabelle Margaret Arangio.   Councillor Sullivan

88. Congratulations to Cambridge Fire Department Acting Fire Captain Peter A. Donovan on his recent promotion to Fire Captain, Fire Prevention Office.   Councillor Sullivan

89. Congratulations to the Agenda for Children on their initiative to ensure that children and families have age-appropriate books to read and for giving away over 555 high quality new books at Danehy Park Family Day.   Councillor Davis

90. Resolution on the death of Jose S. Carvalho.   Vice Mayor Toomey

91. Resolution on the death of Lottie M. (Hudy) Almeida.   Vice Mayor Toomey

92. Resolution on the death of Mary Irene Chase.   Mayor Reeves

93. Thanks to the Cambridge Prevention Coalition for their work and congratulations to the individuals and organizations that serve the citizens of Cambridge.   Mayor Reeves

94. Declare November as Adoption Month in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

95. Congratulations to Henry Bear’s Park on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary.   Councillor Murphy

96. Suitable resolution to be prepared for the recipients being recognized at the Central Square Business Association Unity Dinner on November 8, 2006.   Councillor Sullivan

97. Happy Birthday wishes to Fred "Porky" Arsenault.   Councillor Sullivan

98. Urge residents to be cognizant of the Sacred Heart Holiday Bazaar on November 4, 2006.   Vice Mayor Toomey

99. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the Saint Anthony’s Holiday Bazaar on November 11th and 12th, 2006.   Vice Mayor Toomey

100. Urge all residents to be cognizant of the Saint Francis Holiday Bazaar on November 18, 2006.   Vice Mayor Toomey

101. Suitable resolution on the death of Ike Nze.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons

102. Resolution on the death of Richard J. O’Brien.   Vice Mayor Toomey

103. Congratulations to State Representative Alice K. Wolf on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

104. Congratulations to Maureen Ferris, Executive Director, MA Legislative Children’s Caucus on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

105. Congratulations to Joan Sulis Kramer on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

106. Congratulations to Dr. Eileen Thompson Isaacs on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

107. Congratulations to Dr. Ellen Pinderhughes on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

108. Congratulations to Gary Bailey on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

109. Congratulations to Celie Bruno on the occasion of being honored at The Center for Family Connections 5th Annual Courage and Curiosity Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8, 2006.   Mayor Reeves

110. Resolution to be prepared for the emergency room nurses at the Cambridge Hospital and Mount Auburn Hospital as we recognize National Emergency Room Nurses Month.   Councillor Sullivan

111. Congratulations to the Community Arts Center, Inc. for a successful benefit event.   Councillor Decker

112. Resolution on the death of Kenneth Johnson English.   Councillor Sullivan

113. Resolution on the death of Mary Lou (Greehy) Berry.   Councillor Sullivan

114. Resolution on the death of Deborah D. "Debby" (Tanar) Blumer.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

115. Resolution on the death of Anna L. (Bowse) Murphy.   Councillor Sullivan

116. Resolution on the death of Mary A. (Currier) Leonardo.   Councillor Sullivan

117. Resolution on the death of Margaret E. "Peggy" Hussey.   Councillor Sullivan

118. Resolution on the death of Joseph J. Harrington, President of the Cambridge Water Board.   Councillor Davis

119. Congratulations to Rozann Kraus and Dan Epstein on their 36th Wedding Anniversary.   Mayor Reeves

120. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Cambridge native Louise (Portertoso) Dwyer.   Councillor Galluccio

121. Best wishes to the Samaritans on their Second Annual Christian M. Caldaroni Halloween Benefit to be held on October 27, 2006.   Vice Mayor Toomey

122. Congratulations to Professional Ambulance on the occasion of being accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).   Councillor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. That the Mayor work with the City Manager on appointing a committee comprised of elected officials and other officials, appropriate citizens including members of the biotech and business communities to ensure that Cambridge is appropriately recognized in this very important exposition.   Councillor Galluccio

2. That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee hold an informational hearing to learn more about Boston’s "clean" hybrid program.   Councillor Davis

3. Support of Starbuck’s workers right to organize.   Mayor Reeves

4. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of 55 Park Avenue in honor of Patrick Stephens.   Vice Mayor Toomey

5. Request that the owners of the property at 2180 Massachusetts Avenue "Pemberton Corner" be requested to immediately begin conversations with the neighborhood residents to address the strong concerns that the neighbors have regarding a proposed development at the corner of Rindge Avenue and Pemberton Street.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis and Councillor Kelley - AMENDED

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate staff with the view of the City placing appropriate signage to celebrate Adoption Month, which will be the month of November.   Councillor Galluccio

7. That the City Manager is requested to consider utilizing the Community Policing grant to undertake all necessary steps to utilize a police transportation outreach program that would utilize police officers to outreach to young people and assist in transportation to youth programs (for example, youth centers and sports programs).   Councillor Galluccio - AMENDED

8. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council his recommendations on an appropriate process that would solicit the general qualities, values and vision that members of the City Council would like to see in a new Police Commissioner.   Councillor Galluccio

9. That the City Manager is requested to consider utilizing the Community Policing grant and other available funds to undertake training of police personnel to understand the legal issues involved with private and Housing Authority properties.   Councillor Galluccio - AMENDED

10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an annual percentage of expenditures in relation to total city expenditures that are committed to street and sidewalk repair maintenance or reconstruction.   Councillor Galluccio

11. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the CFA to develop a model local program which addresses the impacts of gasoline usage locally, nationally and internationally.   Councillor Davis

12. That the City Manager is requested to bring to the City Council a system of incentives, "freebates," and other mechanisms to promote a decreased use of gas by Cambridge drivers including prices of parking permits that are proportional to the impact of the vehicle on the City and brainstorm other methods to reward citizens.   Councillor Davis

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Fire Chief to examine the possibility of opening fire stations in the Kendall Square and Alewife areas.   Vice Mayor Toomey

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Election Commission and Commissioners to discuss the feasibility of the commission remaining open until 5:00pm on Friday, November 3, 2006.   Councillor Murphy

15. Opposition to the MBTA fare increase and urge members of the MBTA board not to approve said increase.   Councillor Murphy - AMENDED

16. Dedication of a suitable location in the vicinity of Western Avenue in honor of Deighton Ashby.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Davis and Councillor Simmons

17. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Health investigate a program to decrease trans fats in food served at Cambridge restaurants.   Councillor Davis

18. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to investigate possible upgrades of service including additional "Charlie Card" machines on the inbound side of the Central Square T Station.   Councillor Davis

19. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on the dog park at Pacific Street.   Councillor Davis

20. That the City Manager is requested to provide the assistance of the City of Cambridge for a healthy concessions initiative for Cambridge youth sports programs.   Councillor Galluccio

21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Commissioner of the Public Works to investigate the feasibility of making Yerxa Road a one way during certain school hours.   Councillor Sullivan

22. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Police Commissioner to investigate how the impact of the Walden Street Bridge reconstruction will interfere with the traffic calming already established with the Upland Road residents.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Davis

23. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Delegation to the State Legislature as well as Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Robert Havern to investigate the likelihood of Cambridge being one of the communities that can be evaluated for the economic and technical feasibility of local municipal electric utilities to replace the current distribution company.   Councillor Sullivan

24. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department as to possible modification of traffic light timing in the Porter Square area to compensate for the added congestion due to the detour of the Walden Street Bridge.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Decker

25. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant parties the sense of the City Council that illegal gun possession charges should be a priority for prosecution.   Councillor Davis and Vice Mayor Toomey

26. That the Communication from the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association, Inc. be referred to the City Manager’s Task Force on Power Outages and that Cambridgeport be included in the Task Force inquiries.   Councillor Davis

27. That the City Council go on record requesting that the MBTA appropriately staff all future public meetings that relate to the relocation of the Lechmere Station with knowledgeable staff members.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor Sullivan

28. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation as to why the playground equipment was replaced in the tot lot adjacent to 4 Canal Park.   Vice Mayor Toomey

29. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to obtain a copy of the recently completed report by State Auditor DiNucci on the condition of state-owned public housing units and that the report be forwarded to the Cambridge Special Commission on State-owned Public Housing.   Councillor Galluccio - AMENDED

30. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Commissioner of Public Works on the issue of constructing a sidewalk on Fulkerson Street between Charles and Binney Streets.   Vice Mayor Toomey

31. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Commissioner of Public Works with the view in mind of investigating the availability of additional funding to complete Trolley Square with the enhancements that had been planned but have not been implemented due to funding limitations.   Councillor Sullivan

32. That when the City Manager’s final recommended appropriation for the City Budget reflects any change from his original submission in amounts or in distribution of the same amount in response to votes taken at Finance Committee Budget Hearings, said changes shall be separately voted by roll call vote by the City Council prior to adoption of the budget including said changes.   Councillor Decker
CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR DECKER

33. That the City Manager direct the Public Information Officer to submit a PIO announcement of the City’s support for Adoption Month.   Councillor Davis

34. That the City take noise readings along the railroad tracks in North Cambridge and if violations exist, request the MBTA to install sound barriers in appropriate locations.   Councillor Galluccio

35. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of the Police Department to immediately post a police detail to direct traffic at the traffic lights on Massachusetts Avenue, particularly the vicinity of the Porter Square shopping area due to the closure of the Walden Street Bridge and to confer with the Massachusetts Highway Department to decide who will pay for said detail.   Councillor Decker

36. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the feasibility of implementing resident parking along the new approved streets of Cambridge in the vicinity of Third Street, Broadway and Land Boulevard.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

37. Dedication of a suitable location in honor of Joseph Harrington.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan

38. That the City Manager is requested to communicate with NSTAR to take all necessary steps to coordinate with the City and State to help expedite construction of the Walden Street Bridge.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

39. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to meet with the Chair of Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to investigate the possibility of having a city-wide yard sale.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

40. That the City Manager is requested to take timely action and to ensure that the removal of the tree stump be accomplished, if possible, by the process of excavation rather than pulverization, for the purpose of preserving the tree's root system for examination by the City Arborist and for possible sculptural use.   Councillor Davis
RECONSIDERATION FILED BY COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO ON THIS MATTER

41. That the City Council goes on record supporting and adopting the NSTAR Campaign, “Change A Light, Change the World”, and look for alternative ways to encourage the use of CFL.   Councillor Davis

42. City Manager to convene a task force and to report back to the City Council on the composition of the task force to review the Noise Ordinance as it relates to leaf blowers including enforcement, equipment, penalties, bans and regulations from other communities and the task force be requested to submit a preliminary report by December 1, 2006 with a final report in the Spring of 2007.   Councillor Davis

43. City Manager to confer with the Cambridge Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view in mind of stepped up enforcement of the prohibition on cars parking in bus stops, and tour buses parking at Holyoke Gate.   Councillor Murphy

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on September 12, 2006 to discuss the campaign to increase compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) entitled "Change A Light, Change the World".

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on August 9, 2006 to discuss the report received from the City Manager on amendments to the Municipal Code to ban leaf blowers.

3. 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 July 11, 2006 for the purpose of discussing with representatives of the MBTA the issues of bus shelters, bus service and advertising in bus shelters.

4. 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 July 18, 2006 for the purpose of discussing issues of pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and traffic enforcement with members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, submitting an amendment to Chapter 2.123, Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship.
MOTION TO REFER TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE FAILED ON A VOICE VOTE. FOUR RECORDED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE AND ONE RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE. [Note: This means that only five councillors participated in this vote even though 7 or 8 of them were present, and it failed by one vote even though it was favored 4-1.]

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 18
6:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the scope of work of the renewable energy consultant and to receive an update on the compact fluorescent light bulbs campaign.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Sat, Oct 21
10:00am-2:00pm   Senior Fall Fair  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall & Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee and the Human Services Department are planning to hold a Senior Fall Fair.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 23
4:30pm   Roundtable Meeting - Presentation and discussion on the results of the 2006 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   Public forum for community prioritization of City Council goals sponsored by the Government Operations and Rules Committee  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

Wed, Oct 25
2:00pm   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of the cap policy in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal for wireless internet access for Harvard Square.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Nov 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 13
5:00pm   Roundtable Meeting to set City Council goals. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Central Square Library)

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

Mon, Nov 27
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting to discuss the License Commission’s cap policy. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 28
5:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting. Time and subject TBA  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Jan 8, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 22, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 29, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 5, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 12, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 26, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 5, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 12, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 19, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 26, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on City planning for the promotion of Cambridge at Biotech 2007; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Mayor work with the City Manager on appointing a committee comprised of elected officials and other officials and appropriate citizens including members of the biotech and business communities to ensure that Cambridge is appropriately recognized in this very important exposition.

O-2     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Boston has implemented a "clean" hybrid cab program; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is currently working toward limiting emissions from automobiles; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee hold an informational hearing to learn more about Boston’s program.

O-3     October 16, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to the right of all workers to have dignity in their lives, safe conditions at work, a living wage, and health benefits, and supports responsible employers who follow the law and treat their workers fairly; and
WHEREAS: National attention has been increasing on the efforts of Starbucks workers to organize into a union in order to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and scheduling issues without harassment from the employer or their representatives; and
WHEREAS: The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a union with a long history in Massachusetts, going back to the 1912 Lawrence textile strike, have been asked by the workers at Starbucks to be their labor representative; and
WHEREAS: The Industrial Workers of the World have agreed to work on behalf of the workers at Starbucks, the employer should allow for fair and just representation of the employees choice; and
WHEREAS: This struggle has started in New York City, and the National Labor Relations Board has ordered the workers who were unlawfully fired by Starbucks, exercising their rights, to seek representation by a union, and to be reinstated and made whole in everyway, including all damages, and ordered Starbucks to cease and desist from interfering with workers rights to organize; and
WHEREAS: Starbucks has continued to interfere with its workers rights, by firing four more workers in New York City for union activity; and
WHEREAS: Starbucks is an international corporation with many assets, and millions and millions of dollars, they should refrain from interfering with the workers right to organize; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the cause of the Starbuck’s workers; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Starbucks Corporation.

O-4     October 16, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of 55 Park Avenue in honor of Patrick Stephens; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-5     October 16, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the owners of the property at 2180 Massachusetts Avenue "Pemberton Corner" be requested to immediately begin conversations with the neighborhood residents to address the strong concerns that the neighbors have regarding a proposed development at the corner of Rindge Avenue and Pemberton Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate city departments to succinctly and explicitly deliver this message to the owner/developer that they need to go back and meet with the neighbors immediately. 

O-6     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate staff with the view of the City placing appropriate signage to celebrate Adoption Month, which will be the month of November.

O-7     October 16, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Lack of transportation is a major obstacle in youth participation in city-wide programs; and
WHEREAS: Interaction with young people across Cambridge would build the relationships which are the foundation of community policing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider utilizing the Community Policing grant to undertake all necessary steps to utilize a police transportation outreach program that would utilize police officers to outreach to young people and assist in transportation to youth programs (for example, youth centers and sports programs); and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Human Services Committee.

O-8     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council his recommendations on an appropriate process that would solicit the general qualities, values and vision that members of the City Council would like to see in a new Police Commissioner.

O-9     October 16, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider utilizing the Community Policing grant and other available funds to undertake training of police personnel to understand the legal issues involved with private and Housing Authority properties; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of such a program within three weeks; said report to appear on the City Manager's Agenda.

O-10     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an annual percentage of expenditures in relation to total city expenditures that are committed to street and sidewalk repair maintenance or reconstruction.

O-11     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Energy costs are inexorably on the increase; and
WHEREAS: National Security is threatened by U.S. addiction to foreign oil for the purpose to make gasoline; and
WHEREAS: Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions threaten the climate; and
WHEREAS: Congestion, air pollution and parking impacts vary by type of vehicle;
WHEREAS: On September 26th The Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition and the City of Cambridge held an informative and important luncheon discussing measures to increase automobile fuel efficiency with leaders from the current Consumer Federation of America; and
WHEREAS: The measures will not only lower consumer costs but also reduce our nation’s dependence on oil imports and help check global warming; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the CFA to develop a model local program which addresses the impacts of gasoline usage locally, nationally and internationally; and be further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council on this matter.

O-12     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Energy costs are inexorably on the increase; and
WHEREAS: National Security is threatened by U.S. addiction to foreign oil for the purpose to make gasoline; and
WHEREAS: Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions threaten the climate; and
WHEREAS: Congestion, air pollution and parking impacts vary by type of vehicle; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to bring to the City Council a system of incentives, "freebates," and other mechanisms to promote a decreased use of gas by Cambridge drivers including prices of parking permits that are proportional to the impact of the vehicle on the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to continue to brainstorm other methods to reward citizens who choose to use fuel efficient methods of driving or citizens who choose not to drive at all; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council on the matter.

O-13     October 16, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Fire Chief to examine the possibility of opening fire stations in the Kendall Square and Alewife areas.

O-14     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Election Commission and Commissioners to discuss the feasibility of the commission remaining open until 5:00pm on Friday, November 3, 2006.

O-15     October 16, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: We as a community increasingly share a greater awareness of the social costs of single occupancy vehicles on our environment; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA board is planning its third far increase in six years, affecting Cambridge and other communities heavily dependent upon mass transit; and
WHEREAS: Approving an increase in rates would hinder riders electing to utilize mass transit; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to the fare increase and urge members of the MBTA board not to approve it; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Daniel Grabauskas, General Manager of the MBTA, John Cogliano, Secretary of Transportation, and members of the Cambridge delegation to the legislature about the possibility of staying the rate increase and about fully funding payments on the MBTA's long-term debt to alleviate the strain on the MBTA's operating budget.

O-16     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Western Avenue in honor of Deighton Ashby; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be and hereby is requested to confer with the family regarding a suitable Dedication Ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for a sign.

O-17     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Other cities, specifically New York and Chicago, are attempting to eliminate trans fats from restaurant menus; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Health investigate a program to decrease trans fats in food served at Cambridge restaurants; 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-18     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There are only four "Charlie Card" machines on the inbound side of the Central Square T Station; and
WHEREAS: Consistently every morning there seem to be long lines to purchase "Charlie Cards"; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to investigate possible upgrades of service including additional "Charlie Card" machines on the inbound side.

O-19     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a progress report on the dog park at Pacific Street.

O-20     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the assistance of the City of Cambridge for a healthy concessions initiative for Cambridge youth sports programs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City’s assistance include a team approach that coordinates the work by the youth sports program organizers and personnel, appropriate city agencies, the Cambridge Health Alliance and Cambridge-based businesses, especially those involved with healthy food distribution; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this order to the Cambridge Youth Sports Commission.

O-21     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Middlesex Street has been designated one way street during school hours for many years; and
WHEREAS: There are increased concerns for the residents of Yerxa Road relative to the congestion and lack of resident parking spaces during pick up and drop off times for the Haggerty School; and
WHEREAS: Residents are frequently pushed out of residential spaces and there is considerable bottleneck: now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Commissioner of the Public Works to investigate the feasibility of making Yerxa Road a one way during certain school hours: 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-22     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There are increased concerns for the residents of Upland Road relative to traffic calming and the detour of the Walden Street Bridge; and
WHEREAS: Residents have met with the Police Department as well as the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to address the issue of speeding and truck traffic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Police Commissioner to investigate how the impact of the Walden Street Bridge reconstruction will interfere with the traffic calming already established with the Upland Road residents; 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-23     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Robert Havern are researching an earmark in the November State supplemental budget to fund feasibility studies for a handful of communities across the state (including Lexington) to evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of local municipal electric utilities (or "munis") to replace the current distribution company; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Delegation to the State Legislature as well as Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Robert Havern to investigate the likelihood of Cambridge being one of these communities; 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-24     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The closing of the Walden Street Bridge will greatly affect the residents of Cambridge for months to come; and
WHEREAS: The concerns of the residents will be ongoing relative to traffic calming and congestion due to the detour of the Walden Street Bridge; and
WHEREAS: The timing of the traffic lights starting in Porter Square coming towards Walden Street deserve consideration and possible adjustments; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department as to possible modification to compensate for the added congestion; 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-25     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant parties the sense of the City Council that illegal gun possession charges should be a priority for prosecution.

O-26     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the attached document be referred to the City Manager’s Task Force on Power Outages and that Cambridgeport be included in the Task Force inquiries.

O-27     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The future relocation of the MBTA’s Lechmere Station to the other side of Monsignor O’Brien Highway will have major implications for residents from all over Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA did not have staff at a recent public meeting to discuss the relocation of the Lechmere Station; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing its concern that the MBTA is not adequately participating in the public process involved in the Lechmere Station relocation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the MBTA appropriately staff all future public meetings with knowledgeable staff members; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit this concern and request to the MBTA on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-28     October 16, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City has decided to replace the playground equipment in the tot lot adjacent to 4 Canal Park with a structure other than what was there before the construction; and
WHEREAS: The playground equipment was sculptural in nature and added an artistic element to the park as well as a functional one; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an explanation as to why the playground equipment was replaced in the tot lot adjacent to 4 Canal Park.

O-29     October 16, 2006 AMENDED
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to obtain a copy of the recently completed report by State Auditor DiNucci on the condition of state-owned public housing units and that the report be forwarded to the Cambridge Special Commission on State-owned Public Housing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record thanking State Auditor DiNucci for this report.

O-30     October 16, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: There currently is not a sidewalk on Fulkerson Street between Charles Street and Binney Street; and
WHEREAS: It is a safety concern for pedestrians walking on this street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Commissioner of Public Works on the issue of constructing a sidewalk on Fulkerson Street between Charles and Binney Streets and to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-31     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Commissioner of Public Works with the view in mind of investigating the availability of additional funding to complete Trolley Square with the enhancements that had been planned but have not been implemented due to funding limitations.

O-32     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That when the City Manager’s final recommended appropriation for the City Budget reflects any change from his original submission in amounts or in distribution of the same amount in response to votes taken at Finance Committee Budget Hearings, said changes shall be separately voted by roll call vote by the City Council prior to adoption of the budget including said changes.
CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR DECKER

O-33     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: November is Adoption Month; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public Information Officer to submit a PIO announcement of the City’s support for Adoption Month.

O-34     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City take noise readings along the railroad tracks in North Cambridge and if violations exist, request the MBTA to install sound barriers in appropriate locations.

O-35     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Private businesses that do construction projects usually require and pay for a police detail to direct traffic at the site; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of the Police Department to immediately post a police detail to direct traffic at the traffic lights on Massachusetts Avenue, particularly the vicinity of the Porter Square shopping area due to the closure of the Walden Street Bridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Massachusetts Highway Department to decide who will be paying for the police detail.

O-36     October 16, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the feasibility of implementing resident parking along the new approved streets of Cambridge in the vicinity of Third Street, Broadway and Land Boulevard.

O-37     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate a suitable site in honor of Joseph Harrington; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitably dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-38     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with NSTAR to take all necessary steps to coordinate with the City and State to help expedite construction of the Walden Street Bridge.

O-39     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to meet with the Chair of Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee to investigate the possibility of having a city-wide yard sale.

O-40     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: A 75-foot, 46-inch, 110 year old white ask on Grant Street near the corner of Banks Street was felled on Wednesday, October 11, 2006; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University failed to install a protective tree surround as specified by the City's Tree Ordinance and invoked in Harvard's 11/30/04 Tree Study presented at the Planning Board Special Permit Hearing for Harvard's Riverside Housing; and
WHEREAS: Harvard's failure to protect this tree during its construction activities resulted in substantial damage to four of of six buttress roots requiring that the tree be removed as a safety hazard; and
WHEREAS: No information as to the method of stump removal (by excavation or pulverization) has been forthcoming from either Harvard of the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City is storing a large part of the tree's trunk for possible use in a sculpture; and
WHEREAS: The City Arborist has suggested a similar sculptural use for the stump of the tree; and
WHEREAS: The cost for excavation is likely to be cheaper since an excavator is already on site; and
WHEREAS: This matter needs immediate attention since the disposal of the stump is likely to occur at any time; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take timely action and to ensure that the removal of the tree stump be accomplished, if possible, by the process of excavation rather than pulverization, for the purpose of preserving the tree's root system for examination by the City Arborist and for possible sculptural use.
RECONSIDERATION FILED BY COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO ON THIS MATTER

O-41     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council goes on record supporting and adopting the NSTAR Campaign, “Change A Light, Change the World”, and look for alternative ways to encourage the use of CFL.

O-42     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a task force and to report back to the City Council on the composition of the task force to review the Noise Ordinance as it relates to leaf blowers including enforcement, equipment, penalties, bans and regulations from other communities; said task force to include the following:
   Citizens
   Public Works
   Law Department
   License Commission
   ECC
   Police
   Inspectional Services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the task force be requested to submit a preliminary report by December 1, 2006 with a final report in the Spring of 2007.

O-43     October 16, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager to confer with the Cambridge Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view in mind of stepped up enforcement of the prohibition on cars parking in bus stops, and tour buses parking at Holyoke Gate.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at one o’clock and ten minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the campaign to increase compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) entitled "Changing the World One Household at a Time".

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Matt Nelson, Assistant to Councillor Davis, George Fernandes, City Electrician, Rosalie Anders, Project Administrator, Environmental and Transportation Division, Community Development Department, Dana Ham, Director of Facilities, School Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Bill Zamparelli, Community Relations, NSTAR, Josie Patterson, Director of Marketing, MIT Museum, Jonathan M. Bijur, Education Coordinator, MIT Museum, John Hamilton, Intern, MIT Museum, Michele Sprengnether, Green Decade, John Tagiuri, Cooler Globe and Paul Lyons, Boy Scout Troop Leader.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting. She heard about the CFL Campaign from the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts sell the bulbs and were successful in raising funds. Troop 56 sold 1,000 and received $3,000 for the sale of the bulbs. The Troop Leader, Paul Lyons, explained why Councillor Davis should be purchasing CFL. NSTAR is planning a CFL program for the schools. Mr. Zamparelli stated that NSTAR has a program where light bulbs are provided to non-profit groups. Ms. Mary McCarthy from NSTAR has a fund raising effort for the schools.

Paul Lyons explained the Boy Scout Program. Last spring the program was brought to the Boy Scouts to sell light bulbs in the City. The Graham Parks and one or two other schools took part in the program.

Councillor Davis asked how does this program fit with the climate protection plan. Ms. Anders stated that the biggest green house gas comes from the non-residential areas of the City. Light bulbs are the easiest effort for residences.

A discussion ensued about the program in the schools. Ms. Sprengnether stated that half of the students in Cambridge are low-income. Whole Foods sells the CFL for $1.00. The issue is why are people not buying the CFL. She wanted to encourage the use of CFL and to encourage stores to give time to encourage the sale of CFL. She informed the committee that the fifth grade is studying electricity with a battery program. Councillor Davis commented that the educational message can be taken from the children to the parents.

Mr. Tagiuri asked how many light bulbs would NSTAR be willing to donate to get them out in the City. Mr. Zamparelli stated he would have to discuss this with Ms. McCarthy. Mr. Tagiuri stated that if 1,000 bulbs were changed to CFL, green gas would be reduced. The goal should be 5-30 bulbs per household. If 40,000 bulbs were changed, one per household, Cambridge’s residential energy use would be reduced by 17 percent. Ms. Patterson stated that community benefit must be specific.

Councillor Davis informed the committee that Mr. Tagiuri and her assistant Matt Nelson went to EFI, a supplier of NSTAR bulbs, to test the bulbs. Mr. Nelson reported that most CFL last between 6,000 to 10,000 hours. This is a lifetime of 2-4 years depending on usage. The CFL uses 75 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs and are high quality. He explained that Color Rendering Index (CRI) is an international system used to rate a bulbs ability to show an objects color. The higher the CRI the truer the color. A CRI above 80 is considered good; natural sunlight has a CRI of 100. Lumens, he said, is the measure of the amount of light given off by a light source. A 60-watt incandescent bulb gives off 840 lumens; 100-watt gives off 1750 lumens. A spiral 20-watt bulb gives off 1,400 and is equivalent to a 75 watt incandescent.

Councillor Davis expressed her concerns about whether the CFL work and thus causes less use. Mr. Tagiuri stated that some CFL take time to work. Mr. Zamparelli stated that a pro for the use would be to have CFL shaped like regular bulbs. Mr. Nelson stated that a bulb-shaped like a dome is more expensive. A 14-watt CFL is equal to a 60 watt and it takes time to get brighter. A 15-watt spiral CFL is equal to a 60 watt. Lampshades work with the mini spiral bulb. Mr. Zamparelli stated that EFI is not the only supplier of light bulbs to NSTAR.

Mr. Smith inquired as to where are the CFL manufactured. Mr. Nelson responded China. Another issue is where bulbs are manufactured and the technology used. Ms. Patterson commented that it is important to develop goals for the City. Mr. Smith stated that from a climate perspective the China bulb is the worst product to use to make electricity because of the dirty technology used. Mr. Lyons commented that if the use of CFL saves $75.00 over a year and $2.00 goes to China –let’s do it. The negative issue is the mercury exposure where they will be used at schools stated Ms. Sprengnether. The CFL need to be taken to Public Works to be recycled. This is inconvenient. Only commercially used CFL are required to be recycled. The light bulb campaign could help Cambridge to reduce green house gas. Mr. Tagiuri stated that homes with children are not concerned with the environment. Grandparents are more concerned with environmental issues.

Ms. Patterson stated it is important to know the market. Councillor Davis stated the major points: what is available, goal, NSTAR School Program and education component with MIT. She asked representatives from MIT about the education program. She suggested a kick off event, education about how light bulbs work and how much energy is saved. Ms. Patterson stated that the Cambridge Science Festival will occur in April 2007. This is also around Earth Day and an exhibit of the program could be prepared.

Councillor Davis asked what is the goal and how could an imperfect aspect help to reach the goal. Mr. Tagiuri wanted to change 20 million bulbs. Councillor Davis asked how can Cambridge do something fun and interesting. Mr. Fernandes suggested a competition between two cities. Mr. Tagiuri stated that the goal should be to make an impact. The light bulb can symbolize interest in energy conservation. Mr. Lyons suggested that the light bulbs be sold in bulk versus one at a time. Ms. Patterson asked if the goal was to create a good fundraiser or to make an impact. She wanted the City to get behind the goal of making an impact to save energy. Ms. Anders commented the goal should be whether the City wanted you to change your light bulbs-not one light bulb at a time. Mr. Tagiuri stated that program ambassadors should be encouraged to bring back incandescent bulbs. Mr. Nelson stated that the Boy Scouts had an order sheet. The bulbs were delivered later. Ms. Sprengnether stated that she has converted her home to CFL by purchasing the bulbs at Whole Foods for $1.00.

Councillor Davis stated that she supported the NSTAR program. Students will get the educational piece and will recycle. It is about education. The kids are the educators and will teach their parents. Ms. Patterson stated that relying on children to educate the community is not realistic. Mr. Smith stated the appropriate bulb for the appropriate use is an important part of the program.

Mr. Zamparelli stated that the program is trying to do a number of things:
1. Fundraising;
2. Promote energy efficiency; and
3. Promote knowledge of the rebate program.

A discussion ensued about the price of the light bulbs. Mr. Tagiuri stated bulbs should be sold for less than market price. Mr. Fernandes stated CFL are on sale at Home Depot. Ms. Patterson stated that people will pay more for a fundraiser. She suggested informing people that this bulb is being sold as a fundraiser and where this bulb is available for purchase.

Mr. Zamparelli informed the committee that refrigerators must be determined non-energy efficient to participate in the NSTAR energy program. Mr. Bijur stated that the goal is that energy efficient products will save you money on your energy bill. Cambridge has ambassadors to make the best of the NSTAR Program stated Councillor Davis. The goal is to convert households to CFL. Mr. Tagiuri commented that households should be bundled with energy audits. The bulbs should be secured in advance and then get children to sell the bulbs.

Councillor Davis outlined the goals:
1. Education campaign and
2. Fundraising.

The next step is to get the specifics of the NSTAR Program from Ms. McCarthy. Could bulbs be offered in the beginning? Mr. Lyons stated NSTAR provided forms and prizes to the Boys Club. No samples were offered by NSTAR. He purchased samples and gave them to the Boy Scouts. Samples were helpful. Councillor Davis stated that she would prefer to have the product in hand.

Mr. Lyons stated that training was given to the Boy Scouts. He suggested including information, such as:
1. Fact sheet for EPA on mercury,
2. CFL versus incandescent light.

Mr. Tagiuri wanted to go to the schools, sport teams, Boys and Girl Scout troops to get the word out about the program.

Mr. Nelson informed the committee that the NSTAR program would happen this fall.

Ms. Sprengnether spoke about the outreach for the program. Fourth and Fifth grades at Buckingham, Brown and Nichols School would donate their book sales to purchase bulbs. Mr. Tagiuri stated that the next meeting should be to identify whom to reach out to about the program. Ms. Patterson asked if another resource could be used to get bulbs donated. Councillor Davis stated other strategies are needed. Mr. Fernandes suggested having CFL for sale when purchasing parking permits. Mr. Tagiuri stated that bulbs are used as lubricants. The goal is to have appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners changed to energy star appliances. He also suggested zero percent interest rate credit cards to encourage people to purchase energy efficient products. Goal is to be sensitized about what products to purchase to save energy stated Councillor Davis. She also suggested tours of energy efficient operations. Ms. Anders stated that money savings is not a motivator.

Ms. Patterson stated that it takes three to five years for public campaigns to change people’s behavior. She suggested a long-term campaign. A public component is required. She suggested banners be used to get the word out about the programs. Mr. Nelson stated that the City could sponsor a campaign and have a trade in program.

At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following:
ORDERED: That the City Council goes on record supporting and adopting the NSTAR Campaign, "Change A Light, Change the World", and look for alternative ways to encourage the use of CFL.

The motion – carried

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at two o’clock and thirty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at four o’clock and forty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the report received from the City Manager on amendments to the Municipal Code to ban leaf blowers.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Karen Preval, Senior Management Analyst, Richard Scali, License Commissioner, George Fosque, Director, Emergency Communications, Sam Lipson, Director, Environmental Health, Cambridge Health Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. The meeting is to raise questions and to figure out the best way to move forward on the Municipal Code amendment. In the report submitted by the City Manager (ATTACHMENT A) there were two alternatives. This issue raises health, air, noise, time, place, safety, technological and enforcement issues. He now asked Councillor Davis for her comments.

Councillor Davis stated that she has heard this issue before. The recommendation in the report from the City Manager did not ban leaf blowers. The city is at a point to gather information from all over the country and work on the best solution. Some communities limit the type of equipment that can be used. She favored the establishment of a task force to work on the issues related to this matter. This would be a good way to move forward. She wanted input from the public on how they would like to move forward. She also wanted information on the complaint process. She distributed information on what noise sounds like (ATTACHMENT B).

Councillor Murphy now opened the meeting to public comment.

Pat Curran, 7 Broadway Terrace, stated that stress diseases are epidemic. People are going crazy with noise. Noisemakers are pollutants. She described her experience with leaf blowers in her neighborhood each day.

Hermes Grillo, 20 Lilac Court, spoke of the situation on Cardinal Medeiros Way where leaf blowers are being used for trash collection. A grey cloud of dust is blown out into the street from loading docks. This is becoming a routine procedure to use leaf blowers as trash removers. She stated that the city needed enforcement on what machines are used and a complaint process. This is a complicated issue.

Skip Schloming 102R Inman Street, spoke in his capacity as the Executive Director of the Small Property Owners Association. A query poll was done of property owners and the results indicated that 66% favored a compromise on leaf blowers with limiting the hours of use to reduce noise level; 18% did not want a ban and 14% favored a full ban. The task force is a helpful approach. He suggested looking at the life cycle of how long could a leaf blower be used.

Megan Brook, 103 Inman Street, stated that she could not see how the city can meet its commitment to reduce emissions by 20% by 2010. Leaf blowers should the number one item eliminated. Leaf blowers are different from snow blowers, she said. She compared property management by homeowners to condo associations who use landscaping companies. The landscaper routinely mows and waters the lawn because the company has a contract. Dust from mowing, she said contains animal droppings and DDT.

Elizabeth H. Bohlen, 111 Chestnut Street, stated that she wanted leaf blowers banned. The decibel levels are not going to be monitored, especially in industrial areas. There was a time when leaf blowers did not exist. She has leaf blowers on three sides of her house, she said.

John Garrity, 36 Linnaean Street, asked how could leaf blowers and the time they are used be regulated. Regulation will not work. Noise from leaf blowers is bad. The city and the school department use leaf blowers. Leaf blowers are driven by landscape contracts. He wanted leaf blowers banned.

Jo Solet, 15 Berkeley Street, stated that she has clocked twenty-two hours out of forty of landscapers working. She read a prepared statement (ATTACHMENT C). Boston Magazine, she stated voted Cambridge one of the ten least healthy spaces to live. Loud noise is a stimulus to aggression. New England has the highest asthma rate in the country. She urged the City Council to ban leaf blowers. She submitted the following letters for the record:
Jacqueline Olds, MD (ATTACHMENT D)
Jane Kenworthy Lewis (ATTACHMENT E)

Edward Abrams, 80 Wendell Street, spoke about consideration for people who work at home while leaf blowers are being used. He was disappointed with alternative two of the report from the City Manager. Time limitation would have no impact. All of the equipment used is too loud. Landscape contractors will not abide the regulation, he said. He expressed his concern about the enforcement mechanism. The fines should be increased.

Carole Bellew, 257 Charles Street, stated that the noise factor outweighs the cost factor. If leaf blowers did something constructive she could see their use, but they blow leaves around. She suggested that the leaves be vacuumed. She also suggested the time for the use of the leaf blowers to be 10 AM to 3 PM. She is concerned where the leaves and debris goes. The object is to pick up leaves. Leaf blowers should be review yearly.

An unidentified male suggested that there be a limitation on the time and use of leaf blowers. There is no solution except to ban leaf blowers.

Mayor Reeves addressed the committee as a member of the public. He spoke of a situation he encountered. He was sitting down to dinner in his back yard at 8 PM when the noise of a leaf blower began. He felt like he was in an airport. He thought this was illegal. Then at 9:30 AM Sunday morning the noise began again. He called the Police Department. He asked the contractor to come back at noon on Sunday. The contractor complied. He requested that information be received from other cities that have banned leaf blowers and the impact. Leaf blowers aid landscapers who need to do their work quickly. Research needs to be done to see if there exists a quiet leaf blower. The police should not be enforcing this matter. Issue of definitive time needs to be addressed. There are sacred quiet times such as weekends and after 5 PM. There would be a further hearing on this matter.

Councillor Murphy stated that the task force would review a variety of issue such as throttle of machine, maintenance of machine, enforcement and compliance.

Mayor Reeves inquired as to what cities have banned leaf blowers. Councillor Murphy responded that Los Angeles and Carmel, CA have full a ban. Brookline and Arlington have a ban on hours.

Councillor Davis stated that she thought that landscapers could not make noise on Sunday. She asked what is the law for leaf blowers being used on Saturday and Sunday when the police are called. Mr. Fosque responded that the Emergency Communication Center (ECC) answers the call. The are 40,000 911 calls and 250,00 non 911 calls per year. There are 5-9 persons on duty. Police and Fire calls are answered by ECC. Mr. Scali informed the committee that repeat constant complaints are the responsibility of the License Commission and the Police. The License Commission investigates repetitive complaints. Under the Noise Ordinance leaf blowers are allowed under domestic power tools.

Councillor Davis asked if there is a distinction between the homeowner and the professional landscaper use of leaf blowers. Mr. Rossi stated that no distinction was made between who was doing the maintenance. Councillor Davis pointed out the lack of clarity and used the example of the use of leaf blowers on Sunday versus roof work on Sunday. What is sacred time, she asked. Confusion exists with understanding by employees with the Noise Ordinance. Mr. Scali stated that his investigator is always available, especially for repetitive complaints. Councillor Davis commented that ECC needed to distribute clear information outlining what is allowed. Mayor Reeves stated that his complaint to the Police Department revealed that the department did not have a decibel meter. Mr. Fosque stated that he has prepared a consolidated regulation document. This was distributed to the City Council, city departments and the Law Department. On the web site there is a document entitled "Guideline for Noise Complaints". Home owners are allowed to do things on Sunday, but the Blue Law prohibition exists to determine whether homeowner versus commercial. Mr. Rossi stated that it is not clear if it is illegal for a homeowner to hire a landscape contractor to do work on Sunday. The Police only issues permits for commercial entities for emergency work only, stated Councillor Davis.

Mr. Rossi commented that the Noise Ordinance when passed included a discussion of homeowners using their equipment. The ordinance is old and is tough to enforce. The ordinance needs to be cleaned up. Periodic reports need to be provided to the City Council.

Councillor Davis spoke of the internal confusion of repetitive noise and the responsibility of the License Commission. She favored the task force to review the enforcement part of the ordinance.

Councillor Davis made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a task force and to report back to the City Council on the composition of the task force to review the Noise Ordinance as it relates to leaf blowers including enforcement, equipment, penalties, bans and regulations from other communities; said task force to include the following:
  Citizens
  Public Works
  Law Department
  License Commission
  ECC
  Police
  Inspectional Services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the task force be requested to submit a preliminary report by December 1, 2006 with a final report in the Spring of 2007.

The motion – Carried.

Mr. Rossi suggested that the task force be a small well-informed group comprised of persons on both sides of the issue to gain consensus. Councillor Murphy asked how could people be added to the task force. Mr. Rossi stated that the application would be put on the website for interested persons.

Councillor Davis stated that she wanted clarification about weekend and evening use of equipment. She suggested making the residential use be consistent with construction. Councillors Murphy and Davis would discuss this further.

Mr. Rossi stated that the community needed time to be notified of the new ordinance.

Ms. Bohlen stated that it would be hard to enforce banning leaf blowers.

Ms. Solet stated that she recognized that there needed to be compromise. Noise, she said, can make you crazy. She suggested picking a reasonable time in the fall and spring when leaf blowers use would be allowed.

Ms. Curran agreed with Mr. Rossi about the size of the task force. She suggested accessing more information from contractors, citizens and city employees.

Mr. Abrams stated that he wanted the City Council to install a ban and have the task force enforce the ban because it is a health issue. He wanted this done quickly. He wanted the Law Department to get an injunction against leaf blowers.

A letter from Nancy Aiello that was sent via e-mail was submitted for the record (ATTACHMENT F).

Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees.

The meeting adjourned at six o’clock and twenty-five minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking. Committee held a public meeting on July 11, 2006, beginning at five o’clock and thirty-three minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing with representatives of the MBTA the issues of bus shelters, bus service and advertising in bus shelters.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Brian Murphy, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury and Kathy Watkins, Transportation and Environmental Planning, Community Development (CDD). Present from the MBTA were Glen Ringdahl, Superintendent of Bus Service for the district which services Cambridge routes, Maureen Shirkus, Chief of Red Line Operations, Dave Barker, Service Planner, Maureen Trainor, MBTA and Eric Scheier, MBTA Program Planner and contact person for the bus shelter program.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He welcomed those in attendance and started the meeting with public comment.

Helen Kobek, 16 Gore Street, requested bus shelters at bus stops on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Lechmere Station. There are fewer shelters there and there is a heavy population of senior citizens. In addition, at Lechmere Station, the benches for the 87 and 88 buses were removed. Some people sit on the benches on the other side of the street and miss the bus. She said she would like to see a bus route going directly from Lechmere Station to Central Square.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, stated that when she lived in China even the buses for routes several miles out from Shanghai ran every two minutes, but people had to fight to get on. She complimented the MBTA for the water shuttle between Boston and Charlestown and for the frequency of its service. She said it runs more frequently than the No. 47 bus. Regarding the No. 47 bus, she asked why not run smaller buses twice as often and also a smaller bus that runs a shorter loop from Central Square to Cambridgeport during rush hour. She noted that these issues are repeatedly raised at meetings but there is no discussion. Regarding senior citizens, 40 percent have trouble riding buses because they are persons with disabilities. She related problems with trying to bring her service dog on public transportation. She said that the third issue she wants to raise is the bus driver who assaulted her. You cannot call the Cambridge Police, just the MBTA Police so as a result they cannot identify the driver. There is a problem with the control of the behavior of some drivers.

Councillor Kelley invited questions and comments from other members of the City Council. There were none. He then directed questions to the MBTA officials. He said he had questions about the crowded T stations, buses that do not pull over to let people off, and how the MBTA is handling escalator maintenance.

Mr. Ringdahl said that MBTA Standard Operation Regulations require that buses pull up to the curb. A forty-foot bus requires eighty feet to pull into the stop. Often there are parked cars in the bus stops that prevent the buses from pulling all the way into the stop. A bus that does not pull in all the way creates a hazard when it pulls out. The MBTA rule is that if the driver cannot pull all the way in, he or she must stop three to four feet away from the curb. He said that MBTA buses have a big problem with tour buses at Holyoke Gate in Harvard Square. He said that his staff is working with drivers to emphasize to them the importance of pulling into the curb whenever possible.

Councillor Kelley stated that buses sometimes run in "packs" and right behind one another. Is there a way of regulating the timing better? Mr. Ringdahl said that MBTA is in the process of converting to a two-way radio system to enable radio operators to track the buses and radio them and ask them to pull over and wait. This new system should solve this problem of buses crowding up.

Councillor Kelley asked if the MBTA is planning to put up "next bus five minutes" signs. Mr. Ringdahl said that they use this type of sign on the Silver Line. Mr. Barker said that at this time there are not plans to install these signs on other routes.

Councillor Murphy said that it sounds like Cambridge can help by strict enforcement of the prohibition of cars parking in bus stops and tour buses at Holyoke Gate. He asked if there is anything else Cambridge could do to help the MBTA serve its Cambridge customers.

Mr. Ringdahl said that enforcing the no parking in bus stops would be the most helpful step, especially enforcement by towing, not just ticketing.

Councillor Murphy made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department with the view in mind of stepped up enforcement of the prohibition on cars parking in bus stops, and tour buses parking at Holyoke Gate.

The order passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Watkins if all bus stops are 80 feet. Ms Watkins said the length tends to vary. They are 60 to 80 feet in general. Some midblock bus stops are 120 feet. Ms. Watkins said that Cambridge has also done some curb extension bus stops. These can be shorter because buses do not have to pull up and pull out.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Watkins if Cambridge paints the curb at bus stops. Ms. Watkins said that Cambridge does not because of winter maintenance.

Ms. Shirkus, Chief of Red Line Operations, then addressed Councillor Kelley’s questions about crowded subway station stops. She said that on the Red Line, ridership is down at the present. There are some crowding issues if there is a signal system problem, but in general, capacity is not a problem with the Red Line.

Councillor Kelley asked if the Park Street and Downtown Crossing stations can handle more people. Ms. Shirkus said that with the current mix and flow, capacity is fine; the only problem is with backups. Councillor Kelley asked if the system could handle another 5,000 Cambridge residents in the system. Ms. Shirkus answered in the affirmative.

Councillor Kelley asked how the Charlie Card is working. Ms. Shirkus said that overall it is going very well. A lot of learning is required.

Mr. Scheier, MBTA Program Planner, then addressed the questions about elevators and escalators. He said that the MBTA has been focusing on this issue because of their settlement of a lawsuit with Boston Center for Independent Living. The settlement includes $22 million for escalators and elevators, and includes Cambridge stations. There are new elevators at the Harvard Square and Porter Square stations. The MBTA has hired a new company to handle maintenance with an improved and tighter schedule for maintenance. Much of the equipment is still old, but the MBTA is updating its equipment.

Councillor Kelley asked how often the website that lists elevators that are not working is updated and how often signs go up. Mr. Scheier said that postings at booths are updated several times a day and at least every three hours, which is a big improvement over last year. As of next year, there will be signs at every elevator on how to get service if the elevator is broken. Sometimes it will include calling Customer Service, but the Customer Service number will be answered.

Mr. Ringdahl said that the MBTA is phasing out its small buses (35 feet); all will be 40-60 feet. Ms. Trainor said that the MBTA does not currently have a fleet of small vehicles.

Councillor Kelley asked for any data that the MBTA has regarding the number of Cambridge people on particular routes. Mr. Barker said that the No. 47 and No. 2 buses carry approximately 2,850 Cambridge residents on any give weekday.

Councillor Murphy asked whether the MBTA has any plan to expand the parking at the Alewife Garage. Ms. Shirkus said that there are plans to make improvements. She said many of the complaints she hears are about the problems getting out of the garage, which is basically a problem of synchronizing traffic lights. In response to a question, she said that the five-story garage’s capacity is 2,595 cars.

Councillor Kelley suggested trying to get people to come in to the garage by offering cheaper parking rates for people who come together in high occupancy vehicles (HOV). Ms Shirkus said that she would pass this idea on.

Councillor Kelley then asked how much it costs to park a car in the Alewife Garage. Ms. Shirkus said that the cost is $5.00 per day. The MBTA sets the rates. Some others are $3.00 to $3.50, but all are going up to $5.00.

Councillor Kelley asked about bus shelters, their distribution around the City, and whether there are plans to analyze gaps and fill them in. He also added that some seem to be positioned in such a way as to block views and/or accessibility. He said that he also has questions about the advertising that is on these bus shelters.

Ms. Watkins, CDD, distributed a map of the locations of bus shelters (on file at the City Clerk’s Office). She discussed the bus shelter program. MBTA contracted with the Samoosa Company to install and maintain the shelters in Cambridge. To date they have been very responsive. Samoosa is responsible for cleaning the snow. With regard to location, they looked at several factors, including high volume location and proximity to senior centers. In selecting locations, the City looked at bus stops that had 100 or more boardings per day, unless there was an MBTA shelter there before the street construction. In that case the shelter was put back even if there were fewer than 100 boardings per day. There is also an issue of sidewalk space.

Councillor Kelley asked if there are criteria regarding sidewalk space. For example, the shelter at Massachusetts Avenue and Route 16 looks like it is directly in the path pedestrians would choose. Ms. Watkins said there must be a minimum of four feet for walking but there can be a "pinch point" of 36 inches. In some other locations, there were issues with newspaper boxes or trash receptacles. The City has relocated some of these. Ms. Watkins said that the City approves all of the locations. The ideal placement is at the back of the sidewalk because it leaves the most space. If you are not going to put it at the back the goal is to have an accessible path at the front and back.

Councillor Kelley asked if the shelters can be moved. Ms. Watkins said it is a big deal to move a shelter and a lot of work is involved, but they can look at it to see what could make it look better. She noted that there is always a balance between the competition for tight sidewalk space and the desire to make transit comfortable.

Councillor Kelley asked if the City puts up a shelter in a spot where the company has not placed one. Ms. Watkins said the City has done this occasionally. Councillor Kelley asked how could residents who want more shelters on Cambridge Street get more shelters put there. Ms. Watkins said that they are doing an inspection walk on Cambridge Street quite soon. She stated that on Cambridge Street there are either shelters or benches at all of the bus stops.

Councillor Kelley asked about the advertising, what is permitted? Ms. Watkins said that the City does not approve or review the advertising. All is regulated by the MBTA’s policies. Tobacco is not allowed. To date she has not heard any specific concerns about particular ads with respect to profanity, etc.

Councillor Kelley asked about the missing benches at Lechmere Station. Mr. Ringdahl said he will check and get back to city officials. He thinks it might have been done in connection with installation of the automatic fare collection, that they might have inadvertently failed to replace the benches.

Councillor Kelley asked about the possibility of additional bus lines, for example, Lechmere to Central Square. Mr. Barker said that the MBTA goes through a public process every two years. They invite public input at meetings and hearings. The MBTA Board of Directors is very close to approving the 2006 plan. At any time, you can contact the MBTA with suggestions for new routes or route changes, and the suggestions will be considered at the next review.

Councillor Kelley asked if the MBTA works with other shuttle services. Ms. Trainor said that MBTA staff meets with people who run the shuttles from the Longwood Medical area and the EZ Rides. Their transportation management associations are active.

Councillor Kelley asked about enforcement on buses when there are problematic passengers and also about enforcement of buses running red lights. Mr. Ringdahl said that the MBTA Police have the full police power over the general public and the MBTA authority. MBTA Police and local police can do traffic law enforcement. There is also an aggressive disciplinary policy for supervisors who witness failure to follow the rules of the road without taking action.

Councillor Kelley asked about the Pit area in Harvard Square. Ms. Watkins said that the Pit area at street level is City property, and the MBTA property starts at the stairs. But like any other private property, the Cambridge Police have every right to enforce the law on MBTA property.

Councillor Kelley asked for a description of the MBTA policies on pets and service animals. Mr. Ringdahl said that pet policies do not apply to service animals and service animals do not need to be identified. He also described the MBTA’s ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) training for operators.

Councillor Kelley said that he hears often from senior citizens who complain about bus drivers who pull out and start up before seniors have had a chance to sit down. Mr. Ringdahl said that he would send out a memo to all drivers. If there are specific cases, he can deal with them.

Councillor Kelley asked about the procedure if someone has a complaint. Mr. Ringdahl said that on the website there is a customer service program. A customer can click on the route and register a complaint. The complaint should include the bus number and the time of day. The number is on the inside at the front above the driver and on the outside. He also stated that drivers are required to provide their badge number if requested.

Councillor Kelley asked about the turnaround at Russell Field. Mr. Ringdahl said that until very recently, the MBTA had not been notified that buses could resume use of the turnaround. The contractor had not notified them because there was still a punch list of outstanding items to be completed. But now the contractor has okayed its use and all buses should be using it.

Councillor Kelley asked if the MBTA is actually using the suggestion box. Ms. Shirkus said yes. She added that the best way to contact the MBTA about red line issues is redline@mbta.com. Mr. Rindahl said the best way to offer suggestions is through the "Write to the Top Program."

Councillor Kelley asked if there is any plan to use the variable signage for the no smoking signs in the Porter Square commuter rail. Ms. Shirkus said that she did not know but that she would ask about it.

Councillor Kelley asked how Cambridge could best make the case for service changes. Mr. Barker replied that analysis and statistics are most persuasive.

Councillor Kelley invited public comment for anyone who had not spoken previously.

Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, said that looking at the map of bus shelters, Riverside stands out as a place that is lacking in shelters, along with the Huron Avenue area covered by the No. 72 bus route. The "Next Train" signs at Alewife have not worked for ten years. He expressed concern about bicycles, they are dangerous on escalators and when carried up stairs. They should be allowed on escalators, not prohibited. The stained glass mural at the Harvard Station T station should have lights behind it so it can be seen.

Councillor Kelley asked about the MBTA’s plans for bike racks on buses. Mr. Ringdahl said that the MBTA started this summer and plans to equip 40 percent of its buses with bicycle racks. The routes will be posted on the website. The MBTA has identified high priority routes based on recommendations from the bicycle community. The rack is on the front of the bus and is very easy to use.

Helen Kobeck said that she was pleased to hear that there is training for drivers assisting persons with disabilities. She is legally blind. Most times drivers are fine, but there are times when she asks "what bus is this" and drivers respond negatively, not knowing that she cannot see, and not considering that she might be disabled.

Kathy Podgers asked about the "Writing to the Top Program". She said that it has not been communicated to her. Ms. Podgers also asked about what is the MBTA’s policy on citizens taking photographs. Ms. Shirkus said that since 9/11, you need to get a permit to take photos in subway stations and the policy is on the website.

Ms. Podgers said that curbing the bus is a major issue and that Cambridge Police have refused to respond; when she has complained about bus drivers, Cambridge Police told her that it was the responsibility of the MBTA Police. She said, with regard to the service issue, everyone needs training to deal with hidden disabilities. She emphasized the importance of making sure drivers know that owners do not have to have a sign on their service animals.

Councillor Kelley asked if the MBTA has a subgroup that deals with handicapped issues. Mr. Ringdahl responded in the affirmative.

Councillor Kelley thanked those present for their participation and especially thanked the MBTA staff for coming to Cambridge and for their information.

The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and fifteen minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on July 18, 2006, beginning at five o’clock and thirty-one minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing issues of pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and traffic enforcement with members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. The following members of the City staff were present: Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, Community Development Department (CDD) and Cambridge Police Sergeant Kathleen Murphy. Also present were Kathryn Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, Citizens-for Feasible Compliance, Debby Galef, 93 Harvard Street, Steve Miller, 92 Henry Street, Bicycle Committee, Dr. Walter Willett, 72 Chestnut Street, Bicycle Committee, C. R. Rogers, 27 Lee Street, Bicycle Committee, Ken Field, 108 Pleasant Street, Bicycle Committee, Amanda Trombley, 10 Chester Street, Pedestrian Committee, Holly Parker, 86 Sciarappa Street, Bill Naumann, 12 Pleasant Street, Pedestrian Committee, Chris Porter, 230 Lexington Avenue, Bicycle Committee and Mass Bike, Viol Ananstin , 1 Traymore Street, Matthew Massoul, student, Harvard College, and Kobena Bonney, 195 Prospect Street #1.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He stated that he is hoping to get a better idea of what the Bicycle Committee and the Pedestrian Committee are working on and what the City and City Council can do to help. He said that recently Ken Fields brought up five issues:
1. Improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities
2. Improving educational efforts for and about bicyclist and pedestrians
3. Improving safety enforcement relative to bicyclists and pedestrians
4. Working with the MBTA
5. Working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Councillor Kelley then invited comments.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, stated that she used to be an avid bicyclist. She introduced bicycles into the mountains of New Hampshire and bicycled in Shanghai City. However, she is now a disabled senior citizen who is concerned about bicycling on sidewalks and the attitudes of many bicyclists that they can use their judgment to ride bicycles even where it is not allowed. That kind of arrogance and disregard can have dangerous consequences for other people, especially seniors who can easily break a hip or worse by falling. She knows seniors who have been hit by bicycles. Bicyclists do not know if someone is disabled and not able to get out of their way.

Steve Miller, 92 Henry Street, agreed that adult bicyclists should be on the streets. There are some places where bicyclists must get on the sidewalk to avoid cars, and in that situation they should walk their bikes. He emphasized the importance of the City using its leverage to work with the MBTA to expand the capacity for bicycles on buses and trains. It is also really important for the City Council and staff to make sure Cambridge completes its segments of what is emerging as a regional network of bicycle trails as soon as possible so that the opportunity to fully connect the bicycle routes will not be lost. Mr. Miller added that it is very important that children be exposed to bicycle safety training. He would like to see the public schools incorporate this training into their schedules. It would be great if CRLS could have a bike team. He would like to see City-sponsored bicycle fairs and events and public education for walking.

Councillor Kelley asked for more details about bike routes, and particularly whether the City owns the land where the trails are planned. Mr. Miller said that some sections are in play at present. Ms. Rasmussen agreed that some sections are in play. One is the Watertown Train railroad corridor owned by Guilford and is called the Flour Line because of its deliveries. Ms. Rasmussen said that Cambridge has first dibs on this line if it is no longer needed by the railroad. Dr. Walter Willett said that the East Cambridge Grand Junction railroad right of way and some of the North Point area are also under consideration.

Ms. Rasmussen said that with regard to the piece in Somerville, Cambridge is supporting Somerville’s efforts to make the bike route happen. The Cambridge part of that route is being developed by Spaulding and Slye, the major North Point developer.

Ms. Rasmussen said that there is also the railroad space that lies between Pacific and Albany Streets by the MIT dormitories. The City has design funds but not construction funds and is involved with MIT on this issue.

Bill Naumann, 12 Pleasant Street, Pedestrian Committee, stated that he is concerned with sidewalks from the point of view of being both a bicyclist and a pedestrian. He is also concerned with the amount of traffic coming into the City. He said that the City needs to improve bike lanes. When bicycles need to get out of the road, the bicyclists need to get off their bikes or slow way down, but that is tough to enforce.

Matthew Massoul, undergraduate Harvard student, stated that he lives in the Radcliffe Quad between Garden and Linnaean, and he is concerned about the lack of painted bicycle lanes. His experience is with the need for and lack of bike lanes on Garden Street, which was paved two years ago and is just now getting bike lanes, and Massachusetts Avenue. He encouraged the City to search for roads that could accommodate bike lanes, and then go ahead and paint them on the road wherever possible.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Rasmussen to report on bike lanes. Ms. Rasmussen said that this is the time of year when the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department is renewing the paint on roadways. City staff does look for opportunities to install more bike lanes and every year new ones are added, for example, the new bike lanes in the Cambridgeport roadways project. Ms. Rasmussen said that sometimes it looks like there is room for a bike lane, but there is not, for example Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard and Porter Squares. Right in Porter Square, they were able to make some changes to the median arrangement to fit in a bicycle lane.

Charles Rogers, 27 Lee Street, Bicycle Committee said that he has learned from previous discussions at the Bicycle Committee meetings that installing bicycle lanes on Massachusetts Avenue is not as easy as it might seem at first glance.

Dr. Willet said that the City has made quite a bit of progress on bicycle lanes over the last 10 years, but if he were to issue a report card grade, it would be a C+. The City must be more aggressive. The Bicycle Committee and the Pedestrian Committee have worked well with the City but some issues need political leadership and there is a need to toss blinders. For example, the City is very reluctant to make changes that reduce or affect parking. Where a street is one way with parking allowed on one side, put parking on the left side. Where a street is one way the bike lane can be narrower if parking is on the left side. Dr. Willet said that many riders will not ride in bike lanes next to parked cars. He cited Inman Street as an example. If cars were parked on the left, there could be a safe bike lane. He said that virtually every month cyclists were hit in bike lanes.

Councillor Kelley said that it is amazing what happens when there is a threat to existing on street parking. He asked about the frequency of dooring accidents. He asked if they occur as often as it once a month, and Sergeant Murphy responded in the affirmative. She said that dooring accidents take place all over the City, both in bike lanes and on streets without bike lanes.

Ms. Rasmussen cited a study on Hampshire Street where there were bike lane lines painted on the street, the lines resulted in cyclists riding farther from cars.

Dr. Willet noted that dooring is probably under reported; only the most serious accidents end up being recorded.

Councillor Kelley asked if the City gets data on people who are injured? Sergeant Murphy said yes, but only when the accidents are reported. She added that at the Police Sergeant neighborhood meetings, the police encourage people to report. She said that Jeff Parenti, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department did a comprehensive report on bicycle accidents all over the City. Sergeant Murphy said that from her perspective, the biggest bicycle/pedestrian accident problems are bicyclists going through crosswalks and bicyclists hitting people getting off buses. She said that bicyclists riding on sidewalks are also a problem.

Councillor Kelley asked about eight year old bicycle riders. Sergeant Murphy said that she would not tell an eight-year-old riding on a sidewalk to ride on the street.

Mr. Miller said that bicycle parking is on the sidewalk and some people do not dismount at the curb. You see them gliding up the sidewalk. Ms. Podgers said that they are gliding up ramps meant for people with disabilities and that some towns put handicapped symbols on ramps to discourage such use..

Dr. Willet emphasized that political leadership by the members of the City Council is needed to move parking to the left side of the one-way streets. He said that another way to reduce dooring accidents is to create reverse angle parking, so that drivers back into the parking spot. Where there is parking on both sides, the City could move all parking spaces to the same side with reverse parking and have almost as much parking as before. He noted that Vassar Street has a block of reverse angle parking and he said that this type of parking is widely used in France. He said he would forward the Internet address for a website that describes reverse angle parking.

Sergeant Murphy stated that two dooring accidents were reported in the month of June.

C. R. Rogers, 27 Lee Street, Bicycle Committee, complemented the City for the traffic calming the City has done. It makes the City more humane. He said that Cambridge bike facilities are far above those in Boston. Perhaps Cambridge could cooperate with the City of Boston on improvements there. He said that too many people do not have bells on their bicycles. He would like to see more bells and would like to see a bell give-away campaign.

Councillor Kelley asked if the Bicycle Committee has a budget. Ms. Rasmussen said that $25,000 of funds that are part of the Vehicle Trip Reduction funds are earmarked to support bicycle and pedestrian activities, including the giveaways that happen each year. Councillor Kelley asked for a report on how the $25,000 has been spent in the past two years. Ms. Rasmussen stated that she would provide this information,

Mr. Rogers also expressed concern about children on bikes. He does not see them taking bicycles seriously. More education for children would be helpful. He added that the Bicycle Committee showed an interesting film on educating bus drivers; he would like it to be used for MBTA training.

Sergeant Murphy described the difficulty of enforcing the helmet laws, including parents who yell at the police officers.

Ken Field, 108 Pleasant Street, Bicycle Committee, thanked Councillor Kelley for holding this meeting. He said that all are here for the same reason, to encourage alternate means of transportation. We are most successful when bicyclists and pedestrians work together. The biggest danger to both bicyclists and pedestrians is motorized vehicles. We are trying to find the find the safest way for all to be on the street. He said that he would like to see bike lanes whenever possible as they encourage people to move off of the sidewalk. The City needs to be willing to pull out parking. The City is doing a reasonably good job of providing bicycle facilities and bike enforcement, but could do more across the board with cars, jaywalking and so forth. Cambridge needs some more enforcement in the area of cars making right turns. The City could do a much better job on education, working with the universities, the high schools and elementary schools. Pedestrians need education on the need to cross streets on crosswalks and to cross with the lights. People need to be taught to be responsible, safe and polite. Mr. Field said he would like to hear Councillor Kelley’s thoughts.

Kobena Bonney, 195 Prospect Street, Pedestrian Committee, said his main concern is the need for better snow removal. He is a blind person; it is very difficult to walk in Cambridge when the sidewalks are not all cleared of snow and blind people can be forced into the street. He understands priorities, but some snow goes unshovelled for weeks. He said that his other concern is property owners who do not cut back trees, so branches impede pedestrians’ ability to walk on the sidewalk, get walkers wet..

Sergeant Murphy said last year there was increased snow removal enforcement. It is important to call the City’s hotlines to complain about locations where snow has not been removed.

Mr. Rogers emphasized the issue of overhanging branches. Ms. Rasmussen said that the City just updated its brochure in the responsibilities of property owners to deal with vegetation in the right of way.

Councillor Kelley asked Sergeant Murphy to return to enforcement of helmet law. Sergeant Murphy said police officers do stop kids who are riding dangerously. The bike unit focuses on education about bike safety. Motorcycle officers do bike and traffic enforcement, mostly red light violations in response to complaints.

Councillor Kelley asked if the police confiscate the bicycle from a child riding without a helmet. Sergeant Murphy said no, except in cases where there is a reasonable suspicion that the bike is stolen.

Mr. Rogers described a children’s bicycle training course in a town in the Netherlands. Whole classes of kids went at the same time to the course. The kids loved it.

In response to Mr. Field’s inquiry Councillor Kelley stated his thoughts and concerns as follows:
1. Potholes are a big issue for bicyclists. This is an area in which the problem is identifiable and fixable.
2. There should be bike lanes where there is room, but it does not make sense to him to have bike lanes that start and stop and are not continuous.
3. Councillor Kelley said that he is still struggling to understand enforcement and the limits, as well as what the City can do. He said that he also sees race and class issues. Most of the white kids wear helmets and most of the black kids do not.

Sergeant Murphy said that the most effective bicycle safety campaign was the bike light campaign. It made a big difference.

Councillor Kelley stated that he is an advocate of enforcement. The ticket he received riding through a red light made a difference in his behavior.

Councillor Kelley said that the underlying issue of how to get people out of their cars is a big concern for him.

Kathy Podgers reiterated that she is not against bicycles. She rode bikes for years. She suggested that instead of giving a ticket to kids, give a book of tickets to kids and take one when the kid breaks the safety law. Have a contest that the kid who has kept the most tickets wins. She said that she stood at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Essex. The police gave out tickets to cars that ran lights, but not to the bicyclists. Every single time the light changed, bicyclists rode through the red light. She said she has been run into twice by cyclists and it hurts. Deaf people cannot hear warnings. There is a question of who owns bike lanes, and it is not the college kids.

Amanda Trombley, Vice Chair of the Pedestrian Committee, said that she is very happy to find that there is a budget for Pedestrian Committee activities. She said that she agrees with Ms. Podgers that there is an attitude problem, and it is not just bicyclists. The biggest offending subgroup is Cambridge residents, thirty-plus years old, not students, not teens. There is a big problem with pedestrian attitudes as well. She said that the Pedestrian Committee is very interested in doing education.

Holly Parker, Harvard University, said that she is responsible for disseminating commuting information at Harvard, so college cyclists don’t really fall under her umbrella. She would love to brainstorm about how to reach out to people, to educate people about bicycle safety because education is huge. Undergrads arriving at college are already overwhelmed with information from many sources. She said that her program is set up to assist employees with their commute. The Public Safety Committee of the Harvard Undergrad Council has asked Matthew Massouls’s question about how to cycle safely from the Radcliffe Quad to Harvard Yard, but they’re loathe to recommend a route lest someone get killed.

Debby Galef, 93 Harvard Street, stated that she is the parent of two adolescents. She said that as kids get to adolescence, they do not wear helmets and that the give away helmets are not considered cool. It is not very safe and she does not encourage her kids not to ride without helmets, but it is important to keep kids out of cars.

Chris Porter, 230 Lexington Avenue, member of the Bicycle Committee and Mass Bike, said that he learned a lot of his bicycling skills from a flyer that he got as an undergraduate student.

Sgt Murphy said that few older kids bike.

Mr. Bonney asked if anyone had tried to get a sense from the kids about what would persuade them to wear helmets. He asked why giving tickets to the parents is not effective. Sergeant Murphy said that as there are no license plates on bikes, the police have to hope that the young riders are giving the right name and address. There have been some requests for police officers to have safety education events at some of the housing projects, such as putting helmet signs in the lobbies, meeting with subgroups and so on. They do not get into the schools as much, but do some ride/walks with the King School, for example.

Viol Ananstin, 1 Traymore Street, MIT Campus Designer and member of the Bicycle Committee, said that education is key and that the best education for kids is through the parents. Where she grew up, you could lose your driver’s license for jaywalking and violating bike laws. Extensive driver’s ed is important.

Sergeant Murphy asked whether the City can increase the fine for jaywalking, which is $1.00 under Massachusetts State Law.

Bill Naumann, Pedestrian Committee, said it is silly to talk about jaywalking. There is an aspect of feistiness to all we do, maybe just yell "up" the hierarchy. Talking of bike and pedestrian issues before focusing on the car traffic is missing the whole picture. You have to deal with the worst problem first, and that is the car. With regard to increasing bicycling safety for kids, doing something creative and fun to raise the consciousness of bicycling safety like having an art contest to decorate the helmet. Have a party and rewards, make it funky and cool.

Mr. Field said that the success with lights made him wonder about critical mass issue, the "coolness" tipping point, for young adolescents. Perhaps it is important to pick a couple of issues, one very important safety issue is using bike lights at night. Target them with slogans, signs, to get critical mass.

Sgt. Murphy said they did the lights three times.

Ms. Podgers said that in 1953 in Beverly, Massachusetts getting a license on your bike was important because you could not ride on the public streets. That was also the case in Shanghai and people obey because they can get caught.

Sergeant Murphy asked whether there is anyway that Cambridge can make someone have a license to his or her bike through Cambridge.

Dr. Willet urged the groups to keep the larger issues in mind. In a survey of Cambridge commuters, 40 percent said they would like to bike to work or school but less than 10 percent did and the reason given was that they do not believe bicycling in the City is safe. There are lots of solutions. Sometimes they require reducing on street parking. One possibility is to create more off street parking, for example, above the commuter railroad tracks. Cambridge is no longer a driving destination because of the difficulty of finding parking, but it is potentially a bicycle destination. We need to make cycling safer to get people on bikes, of sidewalks and so forth. The City needs to say we need to fix this, for example, on Mass Ave, regardless of squawkers. The City Council needs to know that there are lots of non-squawkers out there. The City could purchase a build parking facilities.

Ms. Trombley said that on the Pedestrian Committee there is great energy, but they do not know what resources they have or what access to City Councilors they have. She would like to see the City Council use the Pedestrians Committee as more of a resource.

Councillor Kelley asked those present for a final list of action items.

* Mr. Field urged the City Council to continue to take leadership in this area, to go with vision and encourage and take political risks.

* Dr. Willett suggested a City Council Order to make the changes discussed earlier. He also suggested approving a special commission to make recommendations on how to enhance the bicycling environment, looking five steps ahead. This is not an overnight thing. Think of the future of bikes in Cambridge.

* Ms. Ananstin suggested a master plan of what goals can be achieved, setting priorities for resources, using committees as resources. She found the lack of a plan surprising.

* Mr. Porter listed way finding-signage for the best cross-town bicycle routes

* Mr. Naumann suggested raising awareness of safety issues in a fun way and determining how to limit pass-through traffic. We can’t be a regional pitstop, we need to stand up to DCR, Boston and so forth.

* Mr. Bonney emphasized creating a master plan that includes plans for better enforcement, goals and the way to get to goals.

* Ms. Podger’s list included fixing the potholes, requiring license plates, accommodating bikes on trains and buses and holding bike exchange/yard sale/party activities to raise awareness.

* Ms. Parker added mailing brochures on how to commute by bike (Mass Bike) and including information on the best routes, locking bikes and so on. They have kiosks throughout campus, low cost.

* Ms. Trembley said that there is a Pedestrian Plan that is being updated. She is not sure how the Pedestrian Committee fits in to that process. She would like to explore a meeting of the Pedestrian Committee with the members of the City Council to figure out a way to work better.

Ms. Rasmussen said that way finding is something that the City has worked on. It is being launched in Porter Square. Both the Bicycle Committee and the Pedestrian Committee were involved in that. The City is also doing work on a way finding signage as part of the Harvard Square renovations. Ms. Rasmussen added that the issue of how best to approach education is something that CDD struggles with. The question is what can we do to create change. Massachusetts has one of the highest levels of formal education and one of the lowest levels of seatbelt compliance. Finding solutions that really work will take everyone’s best thinking. Finding an effective campaign and budgeting for it is key. What will work and will we stay committed to it? Mailing out stuff is expensive and misses a huge percentage of people. We need to continue to work together and struggle with it.

Sgt. Murphy noted that we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Do what worked in the past.

Councillor Kelley thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and forty minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair