CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-162, regarding the status of gating off Fort Washington Park to allow for a dog run.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-180, regarding the possibility of same day trash pick-up.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-182, regarding the process by which a property owner is notified that a recommendation to designate their property as a protected landmark has been placed on the City Council agenda.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-177, regarding why there was no North Cambridge site for the Summer Food Service Program.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY06 grant from the Office of the Attorney General, Local Consumer Aid Fund for $10,000 to the Grant Fund License Commission (Consumer’s Council) Salaries and Wages account ($9,000) and Travel and Training account ($1,000) to be used to cover the cost of interns, special project assistants and summer staff mediators, as well as support travel and training activities.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, the appropriation of an Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant (UASI) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Metro Boston Homeland Security Office for $104,709 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to be used to purchase approximately 300 personal protective jackets and pants.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of funds within the statutory categories of the School General Fund Budget as follows: $37,385 from the General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the School Salary and Wage account and $59,645 from the Travel and Training account to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($40,445) and to the School Salary and Wage account ($19,200) and include reallocations related to school improvement plans, plant maintenance/summer projects and various other operating transfers including a transfer to cover the cost of an in-house special education transition program and a modified Challenge Prep program which has now been relocated to a CHA location.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant for $100,000.00 received from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($65,336.00) and the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($33,914.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Travel and Training account ($750.00) to be used to fund the Cambridge Prevention Coalition’s continuing work implementing the "Cambridge Community Mobilizing for Change Around Alcohol Project".

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education for $50,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($9,366.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($40,634.00) to provide funds for a portion of the salaries for two full-time and one part time instructional staff, contractual services to provide literacy enhancing activities and supplies for the Coordinated Family Literacy and Family Support Pilot Project (Pathways to Family Success) at the CLC in order to implement improvements in coordination of family literacy services throughout Cambridge.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Summer Food Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Massachusetts Department of Education for $246,153.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($33,698.00) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($212,455.00) to be used to provide nutritious meals to Cambridge children and youth at 26 sites throughout the City, during the summer months when schools are closed. The grant supports two program monitors, a food service contract, and program supplies.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board for $25,316 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($20,816.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4500.00) to provide summer employment opportunities for low-income teens.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for $71,232.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($19,427.00) and the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($50,580.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Travel and Training account ($1,225.00) to be used to provide substance abuse prevention services for Cambridge seniors and transportation for Cambridge seniors to medical appointments and weekly food shopping trips.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-176, regarding a report on establishing a citywide youth sports commission.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-187, regarding a report on the status of the No. Massachusetts Avenue Facade Improvement Program.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-173, regarding rodent infestation on Warren Street.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-186, regarding a report on summarizing the 10-year process to fund and site a West Cambridge youth center.

ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

2. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Toomey on May 9, 2005 on an order requesting the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to amend the City Charter to provide for popular election of the Mayor in the next municipal election.

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.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Paul Fiore, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 98 Otis Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association.

2. An application was received from Broadway Bicycle School Ltd., requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 351 Broadway. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

3. An application was received from the Planet Smoothie Cafe, requesting permission for four tables and sixteen chairs for restaurant seating at the premises numbered 350 Sydney Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Ariella Darsa Amshalem, 17 Howard Street, Cambridge, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

2. A communication was received from Sharon Hatfield, 7 Temple Street, Cambridge, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

3. A communication was received from Mark Lahoud, 1369 Coffee House-Central Square, 757 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

4. A communication was received from Audrey Benevento, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

5. A communication was received from Arthur A. Munisteri, 165 West 91st Street, New York, NY, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

6. A communication was received from Lucia deLeiris, 44 Moody Street, Waltham, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

7. A communication was received from Diana Webber, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

8. A communication was received from Harry Pizer, 287 Harvard Street, Cambridge, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

9. A communication was received from the Dana Park Neighborhood Association, Inc., regarding their concerns of the Urban Ring and related roadway construction

10. A communication was received from Edward Kuh, transmitting thanks for the resolution on his appointment as Head of School of Fayerweather Street School.

11. A communication was received from Joanna Williams, EBI Consulting, regarding notice of a proposed telecommunications facility installation at 80 Erie Street.

12. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding abuses and the right to privacy.

13. A communication was received from Representative Barney Frank, regarding the resolution on the death on his mother.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Esdelle C. Crockett.   Councillor Galluccio

2. Happy Birthday to a special person.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Mrs. Scondras.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Condolences to Mrs. Alice Simpson on the death of her husband.   Councillor Simmons

5. Well wishes to Ulysses Gore.   Mayor Sullivan

6. October 2005 proclaimed as National Arts and Humanities Month in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Congratulations to the Quebec Delegate to New England, Madame France Dionne, as she opens the delegation’s new office at One Boston Place in Boston, and October 13, 2005 is proclaimed as Quebec Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Support for the U.S. Postal Service to commission a stamp in memory of legendary composer and Director of the Harvard University Band, Leroy Anderson on the 100th anniversary of his birth in 2008.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Congratulations to Joe Power on being elected Conductor of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.   Councillor Murphy

10. Congratulations to Mark Erlich on being elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.   Councillor Murphy

11. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Janet Rose.   Councillor Simmons

12. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Alicia Carroll.   Councillor Simmons

13. Get well wishes to Ciara Harding.   Mayor Sullivan

14. Support and best wishes to School Committee member Richard Harding for a speedy recovery of his daughter.   Councillor Simmons

15. Resolution on the death of Idean C. Watson.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

16. Resolution on the death of Maria C. Moynihan.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Cristina Joyce.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Resolution on the death of Anna Mae Elizabeth Gardner.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Resolution on the death of Stephen Eric Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Resolution on the death of Rose A. Ennis.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Resolution on the death of Clare Chamberline.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

22. Resolution on the death of Doreen A. Dwyer.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Resolution on the death of Arthur K. Stone.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Resolution on the death of Bernadine Ranaghan.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

25. Resolution on the death of Joseph M. Calorio.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

26. Resolution on the death of John S. Peredna.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Welcome and best wishes to Benny Lee as he begin his new position as Coordinator of the Green Decade/Cambridge Clean Power Campaign.   Councillor Simmons

28. Congratulations to Joel and Jennifer Duckett on the birth of their son.   Councillor Toomey

29. Thanks to the participants and sponsors of Science in the City, an exposition to be held on Saturday, October 22, 2005 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Congratulations to Michael McGonagle on his appointment as new Vice Principal for Ignatian Mission and Identity at Boston College High School.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Happy 175th Anniversary to the Mount Auburn Cemetery.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Happy Fiftieth Anniversary wishes to Sister Cities International.   Mayor Sullivan

33. Congratulations to Jennifer and Richard Walsh on the birth of their second child.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Gloria L. Martin.   Mayor Sullivan

35. Congratulations to Sandra and Koffi Klousseh on the birth of their son.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Condolences on the death of Stanley Jules.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Galluccio

37. Happy Birthday wishes to Julia Brown.   Councillor Simmons

38. Wishes for a Happy 90th Birthday to Patricia Lowney.   Mayor Sullivan

39. Thanks to Roxanne Davies and Carleen Perez for their hard work and accomplishment in their new positions at Jefferson Park Housing Development.   Councillor Galluccio

40. Thanks to Jack Geary for his work as Director of Management at the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Councillor Galluccio

41. Resolution on the retirement of Maria Roloff.   Mayor Sullivan

42. Resolution on the retirement of Margaret Perry.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Resolution on the retirement of Patricia Mangini.   Mayor Sullivan

44. Thanks to John Sirwecinski for his efforts on behalf of the North Cambridge Crime Task Force.   Councillor Galluccio

45. Thanks to Pam Curtis for her hard work and commitment as the Tenant Counsel President at the Walden Square Apartments.   Councillor Galluccio

46. Resolution on the death of Alexander Roulusonis.   Councillor Toomey

47. Congratulations to the City of Charlmagne, Canada on its Centennial Anniversary Celebration on November 13, 2005.   Councillor Reeves, Mayor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of Robeson Peters.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

49. Resolution on the death of Marie T. McCafferty.   Mayor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Adam K. Simon.   Mayor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Roberto Baez.   Vice Mayor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Andrew Bedard.   Vice Mayor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Oliver Brown.   Vice Mayor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino.   Vice Mayor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jason Frye.   Vice Mayor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Private Elijah Ortega.   Vice Mayor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Patrick Kenny.   Vice Mayor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Daniel McVicker.   Vice Mayor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Carl Raines.   Vice Mayor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jeremiah Robinson.   Vice Mayor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Specialist Michael Wendling.   Vice Mayor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lee Wiegand.   Vice Mayor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Corporal Nicholas Chereva.   Vice Mayor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Nicholas Greer.   Vice Mayor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobsen.   Vice Mayor Decker

66. Resolution on the death of Specialist Kevin Jones.   Vice Mayor Decker

67. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Eric Slebodnik.   Vice Mayor Decker

68. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jacob Vanderbosch.   Vice Mayor Decker

69. Resolution on the death of Specialist William Evans.   Vice Mayor Decker

70. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Eric Fifer.   Vice Mayor Decker

71. Resolution on the death of Corporal John Stalvey.   Councillor Davis

72. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Travis Arndt.   Vice Mayor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Specialist Joshua Kynock.   Vice Mayor Decker

74. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Derrick.   Vice Mayor Decker

75. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Wallace.   Vice Mayor Decker

76. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Sean Berry.   Vice Mayor Decker

77. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Daniel Arnold.   Vice Mayor Decker

78. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Mark Dooley.   Vice Mayor Decker

79. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant William Allers, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

80. Resolution on the death of Specialist Scott McLaughlin.   Vice Mayor Decker

81. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Timothy Roark.   Vice Mayor Decker

82. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jason Benford.   Vice Mayor Decker

83. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Howard Allen.   Vice Mayor Decker

84. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Bryan Large.   Vice Mayor Decker

85. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jens Schelbert.   Vice Mayor Decker

86. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Casey Howe.   Vice Mayor Decker

87. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Tulsa Tuliau.   Vice Mayor Decker

88. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Brian Dunlap.   Vice Mayor Decker

89. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Shawn Graham.   Vice Mayor Decker

90. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Steve Morin.   Vice Mayor Decker

91. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Larry Pankey, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

92. Resolution on the death of Specialist Mike Sonoda, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

93. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Egan.   Vice Mayor Decker

94. Resolution on the death of Specialist William Fernandez.   Vice Mayor Decker

95. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Daniel Scheile.   Vice Mayor Decker

96. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant George Pugliese.   Vice Mayor Decker

97. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Paul Neubauer.   Vice Mayor Decker

98. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Marshall Westbrook.   Vice Mayor Decker

99. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Mark Dooley.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

100. Condolences on the death of Jose DeFreitas.   Councillor Toomey

101. Congratulations to Middlesex Registrar of Deeds and member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees, Eugene Brune, on having the Somerville Hospital Adolescent Assessment Unit named in his honor.   Mayor Sullivan

102. Congratulations to Patrick McGovern and Lore Harp McGovern on the opening of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, and Friday, November 4, 2005 is proclaimed as Mc Institute Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

103. Resolution on the death of Joseph D. Gobbi.   Mayor Sullivan

104. Encouraging all Cantabrigians to attend Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, an exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Science on display from October 27, 2005 until April 30, 2006.   Mayor Sullivan

105. Get well wishes to Manny Slate.   Mayor Sullivan

106. Resolution on the death of Catherine M. Meehan.   Councillor Galluccio

107. Best wishes to Dan Poisson and Amy Thebearge on the birth of their daughter, Emma Ryanne.   Councillor Toomey

108. Congratulations to Sovereign Bank on the grand opening of its newest Community Banking Office at 1420 Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square.   Mayor Sullivan

109. Condolences to the family of August Wilson, American Playwright.   Councillor Reeves

110. Thanks to City Clerk D. Margaret Drury who among twelve other clerks in the Commonwealth appeared before the Supreme Judicial Court to challenge the 1913 statute that denies permission of out-of-state, same sex couples to marry in Massachusetts, who do not intend to reside in Massachusetts..   Councillor Reeves

111. Urging all residents and employees to participate in the initiative yard sale to be held on October 22 and October 23, 2005 for the Katrina and Rita relief efforts.   Councillor Reeves, Councillor Davis

112. Thanks to the Cambridge Health Alliance for the care given by the Emergency Care Unit, in particular, Dr. Thomas Workmen, Dr. Von Deck and their team of clinicians.   Councillor Reeves

113. Resolution on the death of Robert H. Donovan, Sr.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

114. Resolution on the death of George R. Babcock.   Mayor Sullivan

115. Resolution on the death of Sister Sheila Buckley.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

116. Resolution on the death of Lorraine Stevenson.   Councillor Galluccio

117. Congratulations to the Cambridge Police Department for apprehending a suspect regarding two assaults in the Alewife neighborhood.   Mayor Sullivan

118. Resolution on the death of Ernest J. Buda.   Councillor Toomey

119. Resolution on the death of Gertrude Bonarrigo.   Councillor Toomey

120. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Peggy Corcoran.   Mayor Sullivan

121. Wishes for a speedy recovery to a special Cantabrigian.   Mayor Sullivan

122. Congratulations to Patrick J. Murphy, IV on making partner at his law firm.   Mayor Sullivan

123. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2005 Peace and Justice Award.   Councillor Murphy

124. Congratulations to Father Daniel J. Mahoney of St. Francis de Sales Church in Charlestown on the naming of the Father Daniel J. Mahoney Fire Chaplain's Fountain in the Firefighters' Memorial Park.   Councillor Galluccio

125. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Sergeant Christine Elow and her husband on the birth of their twin sons, Jordan and Justin.   Councillor Maher

126. Congratulations to Denise Maguire and her husband, P. Haridas on the birth of their twin grandsons, Jordan and Justin Elow.   Councillor Maher

127. Happy Birthday to a special Cantabrigian.   Councillor Galluccio

128. Condolences to Noel Johnson on the death of her mother.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to investigate the evidence of needles at Hurley Park.   Councillor Simmons

2. Dedication of a site in honor of Thomas August.   Councillor Toomey

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to report on the configuration of crosswalks on Cambridge Street.   Councillor Maher

4. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to plant trees in the empty tree wells along Western Avenue.   Councillor Maher

5. Support for State Auditor Joe DeNucci’s proposal to create a state-funded program to provide the same level of property tax relief for all senior citizens.   Mayor Sullivan

6. The City Manager is requested to consult with the Police and Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments, and Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the safety issues at Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway.   Councillor Toomey

7. The City Manager is requested to provide an overview on the impact to Cambridge residents of heating and fuel prices and what steps are being taken to alleviate price increases.   Councillor Galluccio

8. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development regarding the status of affordability and subsidies at the Kennedy Biscuit Loft Housing.   Councillor Galluccio

9. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to ensure that the remaining stove replacements at housing developments are completed before the Thanksgiving holiday.   Councillor Galluccio

10. Dedication of a site in honor of Stanley Jules.   Councillor Simmons

11. Dedication of an appropriate site in the vicinity of 161 Third Street in honor of Anthony and Mildred Risola.   Councillor Toomey

12. Dedication of a site near Otis Street in memory of Lucy R. Gigante.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Toomey

13. Uniform process to notify parents about teacher assignments.   Councillor Simmons

14. The City Manager is requested to direct the Director of Assessment to arrange a meeting with the Area Four Coalition to plan a meeting on property taxes.   Councillor Simmons

15. Dedication of a site in the vicinity of Cambridge Street and Willow Street in memory of Richard "Dickie" Graham.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Galluccio

16. The City Manager is requested to consider ways to assist in saving the Brattle Theatre for its historical and architectural significance.   Councillor Simmons

17. The City Manager is requested to provide information on whether there is an evacuation plan for Area Four and the entire city in light of a nuclear reactor located in the City.   Councillor Simmons

18. The City Manager is requested to consult with the City Electrician and NSTAR regarding the frequent power outages in the East Cambridge area.   Councillor Toomey

19. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Public Health Department, Police Department and Fire Department relative to any breech of security at the MIT reactor site in conjunction with the ABC Prime Time News Story on October 13, 2005.   Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons

20. The City Manager is requested to report on a Boston Globe news article that Cambridge is a community which is overburdened with hazardous waste sites and pollution-causing industries, as well as having poor and non-white communities with a disproportionate share of environmentally hazardous facilities.   Mayor Sullivan

21. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to take all necessary steps to ensure that all trash and debris is cleaned around the former Man Ray Club.   Mayor Sullivan

22. The City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to seek a waiver of the truck ban for Memorial Drive only during the construction period ongoing in the vicinity of Harvard Square, and to confer with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, Harvard University, and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to work out a plan whereby construction vehicles only be allowed on Memorial Drive.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

23. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner on the status of the number of walking patrol officers in the various squares in the City.   Councillor Toomey

24. The City Manager is requested to consider significantly increasing fines for garbage (residential and commercial) that is put out at the wrong time or in improper containers.   Councillor Reeves

25. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Massachusetts state delegation to take all steps necessary to ensure that trucks are allowed access to Memorial Drive for construction on Cowperthwaite Street.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

26. The City Manager is requested to report on the security issue of the nuclear reactor at MIT as previously requested and to ensure that air tight security is maintained by MIT.   Councillor Toomey

27. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase nighttime monitoring of the area around the King School.   Councillor Murphy

28. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase enforcement of vehicles traversing the wrong way down Bay Street toward Kinnaird Street.   Councillor Murphy

29. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase traffic monitoring of speeds on Irving Street between Kirkland and Cambridge Streets, as well as additional signage reflecting the heavily settled neighborhood and the presence of children.   Councillor Murphy

30. Urging Oaktree Development to reconsider their choice of contractors and/or ensure the City Council that Nauset Construction will abide by community standards set by the federal, state, and local government.   Vice Mayor Decker and Councillor Galluccio

31. The City Manager is requested to contact the Superintendent of Schools as well as the heads of private schools in Cambridge that have not filed both indoor and outdoor Integrated Pest Management plans to urge that such plans be filed as required under the Children’s Protection Act.   Councillor Murphy

32. Support for SCM Transportation.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

33. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to fix the slide at Columbia Park.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

34. The City Manager is requested to investigate hiring a full time exterminator.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

35. The Office of the Mayor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Neighborhood Associations plan, implement and organize a neighborhood information meeting regarding the safety aspects of the nuclear reactor.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

36. The City Manager is requested to take steps necessary to inform the public about the "Heat Wrap" program.   Mayor Sullivan

37. The City Manager is requested to investigate and report on how Cambridge can own and operate its own power transmission facility or municipal power company.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Murphy

38. City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Directors of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to confer with the Police Commissioner to analyze the Inman Street/Massachusetts Avenue intersection and to draft a plan to prevent red light running at this and other key intersections, the plan provide for the increased distribution of the “Points of Safety” cards to prevent red light running and other infractions and forward the above plan to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee together with a report on prevention efforts for bikes on the sidewalk.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

39. The Community Development Department and the Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee form an ad hoc group including business owners, property owners and residents to discuss retail stores.   Councillor Toomey

40. City Manager is requested to work with the CHA to get more information on the rent simplification process and the CHA provide this information to the City Council, Council on Aging, and all appropriate agencies who have residents that would be affected by this process.   Councillor Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a joint meeting held on September 20, 2005 to discuss the issue of running red lights with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on September 21, 2005 for the purpose of considering amendments to Section 12.18 of the Municipal Ordinances entitled "Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of News Racks."

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on September 21, 2005 for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance entitled "Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District."

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on October 6, 2005 to discuss the Cambridge Housing Authority’s rent simplification process and its impact on childcare, family and elderly services.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 17
9:30am   Continuation of the recessed Special City Council Meeting with the Massachusetts Delegation to discuss issues and concerns regarding property taxes and municipal revenue. This meeting to be televised.   (Sullivan Chamber)
3:30pm   Special Roundtable Meeting to discuss nuclear research reactors. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 18
5:30pm   The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of the VFW dance studio with the dance advocates.   (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 19
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss two concerns regarding the re-filed Concord Alewife Zoning petition, flood waters and traffic.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Oct 20
6:00pm   Joint Meeting between the City Council and School Committee to discuss prescription drug abuse.  (344 Broadway, 2nd Fl Conference)

Fri, Oct 21
9:00am   The Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Property Tax will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions on issues relating to the property tax and to review property tax proposals.  (Anastos Room)

Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 26
8:30am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 31
4:30pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the city.  (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 22
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code on Refuse and Litter.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on re-filed proposal by the Planning Board to rezone the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to investigate the evidence of needles at Hurley Park., and to have the park cleaned.

O-2     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in honor of Thomas August; and be it further
ORDERED: That the 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-3     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: There are now three crosswalks on Cambridge Street between Felton and Prescott Streets located within an extremely short district; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to report on the configuration of crosswalks at this location.

O-4     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Several residents have requested that empty tree wells along Western Avenue be filled as set forth in the attached letter; and
WHEREAS: The City Council wishes to support the reasonable requests of these neighbors to foster community and a healthy environment; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to plant trees in the empty tree wells along Western Avenue.

O-5     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record in support of State Auditor Joe DeNucci’s proposal to create a state-funded program to provide the same level of property tax relief for all senior citizens; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the State Auditor and the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-6     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Police and Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments, and Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the safety issues at Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway.

O-7     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an overview on the impact to Cambridge residents of heating and fuel prices and what steps are being taken to alleviate price increases.

O-8     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development regarding the status of affordability and subsidies at the Kennedy Biscuit Loft Housing.

O-9     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to ensure that the remaining stove replacements at housing developments are completed before the Thanksgiving holiday; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Gress Russ, Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority.

O-10     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in honor of Stanley Jules; 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-11     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of 161 Third Street honor of Anthony and Mildred Risola; 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-12     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of Otis Street in memory of Lucy R. Gigante; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor 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-13     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That His Honor the Mayor and the School Committee consider initiating a uniform process to notify parents about teacher assignments; and be it further
ORDERED: That this topic be placed on the agenda to be discussed jointly by the City Council and the School Committee.

O-14     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Assessment to arrange a meeting with the Area Four Coalition to plan a meeting on property taxes.

O-15     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of Cambridge Street and Willow Street in memory of Richard "Dickie" Graham
ORDERED: That the Chief of Staff to the Mayor 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-16     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider ways to assist in saving the Brattle Theatre for its historical and architectural significance to the City.

O-17     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A nuclear reactor is situated in the Area Four community; and
WHEREAS: The impact of this nuclear reactor to the neighborhood is unknown and could result in a dangerous loss of life to the City; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information on whether there is an evacuation plan for Area Four and the entire city.

O-18     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the City Electrician and NSTAR regarding the frequent power outages in the East Cambridge area.

O-19     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Health Department, Police Department and Fire Department relative to any breech of security at the MIT reactor site in conjunction with the ABC Prime Time News Story on October 13, 2005.

O-20     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council relative to a Boston Globe news article that Cambridge is a community which is overburdened with hazardous waste sites and pollution-causing industries, as well as having poor and non-white communities with a disproportionate share of environmentally hazardous facilities.

O-21     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to take all necessary steps to ensure that all trash and debris is cleaned around the former Man Ray Club.

O-22     October 17, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: Memorial Drive is a banned truck route in the City; and
WHEREAS: The City and Harvard University have coinciding construction projects in the vicinity of Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: The inability for trucks to travel on Memorial Drive has resulted in the construction vehicles traveling in residential neighborhoods and is disturbing the peace of residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor with a view in mind of seeking a waiver of the truck ban for Memorial Drive only during the construction period that is ongoing in the vicinity of Harvard Square, in particular the Riverside and Kerry Corner neighborhoods; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Harvard University, and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to work out a plan whereby construction-related vehicles only be allowed on Memorial Drive.

O-23     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner on the status of the number of walking patrol officers in the various squares in the City.

O-24     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: One theory of the City’s rate infestation problem is that there are more rats because of good food supply and in order to reduce the epidemic, the food supply needs to be reduced; and
WHEREAS: In New York City increased fines for improper rubbish storage has abated the problem; and
WHEREAS: The rubbish fine in New York City is $100; the Cambridge fine is $25; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider significantly increasing fines for garbage (residential and commercial) that is put out at the wrong time or in improper containers.

O-25     October 17, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Massachusetts state delegation to take all steps necessary to ensure that trucks are allowed access to Memorial Drive for construction on Cowperthwaite Street.

O-26     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: On October 1, 2001 the attached Order Number 7 was unanimously adopted by the City Council; and
WHEREAS: This order expresses the concern of the City Council about security at all types of nuclear reactors; and
WHEREAS: The order requested that MIT demonstrate beyond any doubt, an air-tight, around the clock, fully visible professionally-manned security system, or that they decommission the nuclear reactor; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager is requested to report on the security issue of the nuclear reactor at MIT as previously requested and to ensure that air tight security is maintained by MIT.

O-27     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase nighttime monitoring of the area around the King School.

O-28     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase enforcement of vehicles traversing the wrong way down Bay Street toward Kinnaird Street.

O-29     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to increase traffic monitoring of speeds on Irving Street between Kirkland and Cambridge Streets, as well as additional signage reflecting the heavily settled neighborhood and the presence of children.

O-30     October 17, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that Oaktree Development has hired Nauset Construction to begin a construction project on the corner of Richdale Avenue and Walden Street; and
WHEREAS: Nauset Construction has a history of paying below community standard wages and benefits; and
WHEREAS: This is not the first time that Oaktree Development has hired a contractor that pays below community standard wages and benefits; and
WHEREAS: When developers use contractors that do not abide by Cambridge’s community standards for wages and benefits, the taxpayers of Cambridge pick up the costs; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed as a community to the creation of good jobs, fair wages, and good working conditions; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record urging Oaktree Development to reconsider their choice of contractors and/or ensure the City Council that Nauset Construction will abide by community standards set by the federal, state, and local government; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Oaktree Development and Nauset Construction on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-31     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the Superintendent of Schools as well as the heads of private schools in Cambridge that have not filed both indoor and outdoor Integrated Pest Management plans to urge that such plans be filed as required under the Children’s Protection Act.

O-32     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of SCM Transportation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-33     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to fix the slide at Columbia Park.

O-34     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate hiring a full time exterminator.

O-35     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the Office of the Mayor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Neighborhood Associations plan, implement and organize a neighborhood information meeting regarding the safety aspects of the nuclear reactor.

O-36     October 17, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take steps necessary to inform the public about the "Heat Wrap" program.

O-37     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate and report on how Cambridge can own and operate its own power transmission facility or municipal power company.

O-38      October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct the Directors of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to confer with the Police Commissioner to analyze the Inman Street/Massachusetts Avenue intersection and to draft a plan to prevent red light running at this and other key intersections; be it further
ORDERED: That the plan provide for the increased distribution of the “Points of Safety” cards to prevent red light running and other infractions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to forward the above plan to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee together with a report on prevention efforts for bikes on the sidewalk.

O-39     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department and the Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee form an ad hoc group including business owners, property owners and residents to discuss retail stores.

O-40     October 17, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the CHA to get more information on the rent simplification process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the CHA provide this information to the City Council, Council on Aging, and all appropriate agencies who have residents that would be affected by this process.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1

The Public Safety and Finance Committees conducted a joint public meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at six o’clock and four minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the issue of running red lights with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees.

Present at the meeting were: Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Sue Clippinger, Director Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Rosalie Anders, Environmental and Transportation Division of Community Development Department, Robert Ames, Deputy Superintendent, Cambridge Police Department, John Sheehan, Lieutenant, Community Relations, Cambridge Police Department, Bette Davis, Pedestrian Committee Member and Michael Halle, Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee Member, Steve Miller, Bicycle Committee Member and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present was: Kathy Podgers, disabilities advocate, 148 Pearl Street and Alice May, 1318 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and explained the purpose of the meeting. A series of meetings were held with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees to consider issues of concern. The issue of running red lights was raised. He requested an update from the Police Department on running red lights.

Deputy Superintendent Ames distributed a report of red lights and crosswalk citations issued for 2004 and 2005 (Attachment A).

Councillor Davis questioned the fact that one-half of the citations issued are warnings. Deputy Superintendent Ames stated that warnings are not checked and have no impact. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is in the process of notifying motorists that after three warnings the motorists would loose their licenses. An article in the Boston Globe on August 28, 2005 stated that Cambridge citations issued went up 110 percent while Boston citations decreased.

Councillor Davis commented that every three or four light cycles someone is running a red light at each intersection. How can the city stem this tide of running red lights she asked? Lieutenant Sheehan asked if the information given by Councillor Davis was documented? Councillor Davis responded in the negative. At 3529 citations and warnings this year Councillor Davis said that she believes that about ten warnings or tickets are issued per day in Cambridge and that seems no where the number of actual infractions citywide. Mr. Halle commented that eight citations per hour could easily be issued in Central Square.

Councillor Davis expressed her concern about enforcement. Councillor Murphy questioned enforcement assignments. Superiors assign locations to police officers or when a location needs enforcement stated Deputy Superintendent Ames. There is no cost for officer deployment because enforcement is part of their regular duties. Councillor Murphy asked if there are any particular hot spots. Hot spots would be commensurate with accidents commented Deputy Superintendent Ames. Lieutenant Sheehan informed the committee that the Traffic Department keeps statistics on accident locations.

Councillor Davis stated that her experience as a pedestrian is when a light signals to walk the pedestrian needs to look out for cars running red lights. The pedestrian perception is that the walk light cannot be trusted. She cited Massachusetts Avenue and Inman Street as an area where red light running occurs.

The committee discussed the sidewalk citations. Deputy Superintendent Ames stated that the citations have decreased. People are being more careful at crosswalks.

Councillor Simmons spoke about a yellow cone at Pearl Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Cones make no difference; a crosswalk is a crosswalk stated Deputy Superintendent Ames.

Councillor Murphy asked about the response of the "Points of Safety" cards. Lieutenant Sheehan stated the "Points of Safety" cards have been very successful. The cards are passed out when citations are issued. Councillor Davis wanted information about how many printings of the "Points of Safety" have occurred. The "Points of Safety" cards are a customer service vehicle commented Councillor Simmons. She suggested auto insurance agencies pass the cards out as a customer service message.

At six o’clock and twenty-five minutes p m. Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, applauded increased enforcement. She has documented violations in front of City Hall with a camera. Crosswalk violations are dreadful. She spoke about violations that affect the disabled and how bikes interfere with pedestrian traffic. She stated that she has been told only the Bike Patrol enforces the bike laws. When bicyclists see a red light they travel on the sidewalk to avoid the light.

Michael Halle, 2 Westacott Court, stated that the Bicycle Committee has encouraged enforcement of the laws by all police officers. Deputy Superintendent Ames informed the committee that all officers are assigned enforcement as their regular duties. Mr. Halle favored camera enforcement of red light running.

Bette Davis, Cambridge Pedestrian Committee, stated she walks a lot and does not own a car. The rosy picture outlined by the Police Department surprises her. She did not understand why motorists do not know that they were issued a warning. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does not keep this information responded Deputy Superintendent Ames. Ms. Davis suggested one warning then a ticket should be issued. She stated that motorists veer around her as she is in the crosswalk. Progress has been made through enforcement. Photo enforcement is needed.

Councillor Murphy asked what is the best way to get in touch with the Police Department if a violation is witnessed. Deputy Superintendent Ames responded the public should call the general business telephone, Shift Commander at 617 349-3300 or the Traffic Department.

Steve Miller, 92 Henry Street, stated that the important message is stricter enforcement of running red lights is good for cars, bikes and pedestrians. Crosswalk cones he said do make a difference. He suggested installing 10-15 more crosswalk cones. He spoke about accidents reported between pedestrians and bicyclists. The report was distributed about crash information. Ms. Clippinger stated that the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department has worked with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees and Police Departments to analyze crash data (Attachment B). Lieutenant Sheehan spoke about the importance of enforcing this message to motorists: before opening car door---LOOK. Councillor Davis asked what violation is this. Dooring in the City Ordinance responded Lieutenant Sheehan. Mr. Miller stated that Cambridge needs to do better.

Councillor Davis asked about balanced enforcement. Deputy Superintendent Ames stated that balanced enforcement is citations versus warnings. Police officers are asked to do balance enforcements. Mr. Miller asked why isn’t balanced enforcement 50/50 rather than 20/80. Warnings are educational commented Lieutenant Sheehan.

At this time Councillors Davis and Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct the Directors of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to confer with the Police Commissioner to analyze the Inman Street/Massachusetts Avenue intersection and to draft a plan to prevent red light running at this and other key intersections; be it further
ORDERED: That the plan provide for the increased distribution of the "Points of Safety" cards to prevent red light running and other infractions; and be it further
ORDERED That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to forward the above plan to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee together with a report on prevention efforts for bikes on the sidewalk.

The motion carried.

Councillor Murphy stated that the City would review the physical and educational issues. He was happy to see all parties working together. This is a good way to check in with all concerned residents and departments to see about enforcement. He thanked all attendees

The meeting adjourned at six o’clock and fifty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committees,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair - Public Safety
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair - Finance Committee

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, beginning at four o’clock and forty-two P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering amendments to Section 12.18 of the Municipal Ordinances entitled "Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of News Racks."

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works, William Dwyer, Superintendent of Streets, Department of Public Works (DPW), and John Trant, News Rack Compliance Officer, DPW.

Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and requested that Commissioner Peterson introduce the Department of Public Works (DPW) staff present. Ms. Peterson introduced William Dwyer and John Trant. She stated that after several years of experience working with the ordinance, DPW staff has recommended these changes to make the ordinance more effective in terms of the goals for which it was adopted.

Councillor Toomey then invited Mayor Sullivan to describe the proposed changes. Mayor Sullivan described the purpose and effect of the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments would prohibit lettering or adverting on news racks, other than the publication name or company logo, limit publications to l\only one news rack in any particular location and place a five foot height limitation on news racks. The amendment would also limit the total number of news racks allowed in any one block on a stretch of sidewalk to not more than eight news racks within a 200 foot stretch of sidewalk except in areas deemed by the commissioner to be spacious enough to exempt from this limitations. In addition, other than at the commissioner’s discretion, the amendments would prohibit news racks within three (3) feet of any display window or information marker (for example, historical or discretional markers).

Mayor Sullivan explained that in addition to the amendments he has described, a modest increase in the fees is proposed because the fee revenue does not cover the administrative and enforcement costs. The recommended charges in fee structure are as follows:
* Increase slot fee to $25.00 per rack (currently $10.00 per rack)
* Increase removal fee to $50.00 (currently $25.00)
* Increase storage fee to $10.00 per day (currently $5.00 per day)
* Increase maximum fees on removed news racks to $200.00 per rack (currently $100.00 per rack)

At this time Councillor Toomey invited public comment. There was none.

Councillor Maher moved that the proposed amendments be referred to the full City Council with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillors Toomey and Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at four o’clock and fifty minutes P. M. on a motion from Councillor Murphy.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, beginning at five o’clock P .M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a petition submitted by the Planning Board to amend Section 20.100 of the Zoning Ordinance entitled "Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District."

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., and Councillor Kenneth Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD), Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD, Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD and Jeff Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Stuart Dash and Lester Barber to begin the presentation of the petition.

Mr. Dash began the presentation. He described the process of development of the proposal. Community Development (CDD) staff held a series of public meetings with community members in Agassiz, Neighborhood Nine and Porter Square. At the meetings, CDD staff heard concerns for the small businesses and the retail fabric along Massachusetts Avenue and appreciation for the existing environment. Then CDD crafted zoning proposals in response to what they heard at the meetings. The Planning Board considered the proposals at six meetings.

Mr. Barber then described the proposals, which would amend Section 20.100, Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. His summary is attached (Attachment A). Mr. Barber explained that the proposal is divided into three parts. The first part consists of a series of changes that affect the whole overlay district, which extends from Everett Street to the Cambridge/ Arlington border. The second set of proposals would affect only the Residence C-2 and C-2A districts between Everett Street and Wendell Streets, the lower portion of the overlay district.

The third set of proposals only affects the commercial district (Business-C) at Porter Square and the Business-A district below it, the area from Wendell Street up through the Porter Square Business C district.

Mr. Barber stated that the first provision with substantial effects is the provision labeled "b.2" on page one of Attachment A. The provision would require that any ground floor use have a depth off at least 40 feet back from the façade rather than the current 20 feet requirement. He noted the neighborhood concern with loss of the Bent Pharmacy as the Harvard Law School is redeveloped.

Mr. Barber said that the most controversial proposal is an attempt to be proactive in encouraging ground floor retail. The proposal would allow retail at the same FAR as the residential use, which is higher than the FAR allowed for commercial use. For institutions, the calculation of FAR would not count any retail space established on the ground floor. Mr. Barber stated that there are a number of conditions that must be satisfied to qualify for this bonus, including requirements that the building be at least 50 percent housing or dormitory use, that the use would have to be retail or a similar active use, and that no other uses would be permitted even by variance.

Mr. Barber noted that the three proposals are not intrinsically linked. Although they do support each other, they could be separately adopted.

Councillor Reeves then invited public comment.

A. Eddy Tabit, owner of the Montrose Spa at 1646 Massachusetts Avenue, stated that he is concerned that additional retail would bring competition from chain stores, which would result in small local stores being forced out because small neighborhood stores cannot afford higher rents. He had this experience with Starbucks. He is concerned for his own business, and he is also concerned with the damage to the neighborhood fabric that elimination of the smaller business would have.

Robert LaTrémouille, Griswold Street, stated that in 1978 the City Council passed zoning that has thus far protected the Three Aces block by making the block nonconforming. He urged the City Council to remember the Tasty. When it was closed for redevelopment of the Harvard Building in which the Tasty Restaurant rented space, there were all sorts of promises that the Tasty could come back when the rehab was completed. But there was no way that the Tasty could afford the new rents and so the Tasty is gone. The existing small businesses are best protected by making them nonconforming because if they cannot be replaced, owners of the property do not have an incentive to tear down the buildings that house them.

Dr. Gordon Moore, M. D., 9 Rutland Street, said that three neighborhood groups have worked together very well – Agassiz, Porter Square and Neighborhood Nine. In his 38 years practicing in the neighborhood, the only development in this area has been institutional development. This process started with several public hearings. Out of that has grown a proposal that has gone awry. All of the neighborhood groups that were involved in the process believe that the proposed incentives will lead to damage. The incentives go too far. With development, rents will go up and small business will not be able to stay. Their alternative proposal is that if an existing business is destroyed, it should be replaced. It is a simple recommendation. They need help from CDD to work it.

Kate Frank, 53 Crescent Street, expressed appreciation for the assistance that CDD has provided. The neighbors want to be sure that businesses occupying that part of Massachusetts Avenue will be businesses that are open in the evening. She stated that the neighbors were surprised with what was sent to the Planning Board after all of the neighborhood meetings. Something was missed. She stated that they would like to supply additional information to the Ordinance Committee.

Helen Lambert, 25 Sacramento Street, spoke against the proposed 20.104 and (page 3 of Attachment A) and submitted written testimony (Attachment B). Ms. Lambert stated that there are many other portions of the proposal with which she agrees. She believes that the notice for this hearing is invalid because it did not make clear that non-retail uses are included. She noted that the Sears Building could be one-third larger than it presently is if it included one of the several uses listed, uses which include cell phone stores, banks and fast food establishments. Ms. Lambert noted that small businesses are already exempt form the parking requirements. Ms Lambert said that there are two problems in this stretch of Massachusetts Avenue: redevelopment and larger undeveloped blocks that need regulation. She stated that the proposal should not be discarded; it just needs more work.

Arthur Wolfson, Richdale Avenue, requested the inclusion of language that would clarify that Richdale Avenue is not included, and submitted a letter (Attachment C).

Councillor Reeves invited discussion and comment from members of the Ordinance Committee.

Councillor Davis asked why the Planning Board is proposing these incentives. Mr. Barber said that this was a very long process with many opinions. One concern was that in the overheated housing market there is an incentive to tear down single story retail and replace it with residential. Retail currently has a lower FAR than housing. The other concern was with institutions building dormitories in the few existing large vacant lots. Ground floor retail was seen as a way to keep the street level activated and pedestrian-oriented. Most of the sites are substantially overdeveloped. On most of the sites with which the neighborhood is concerned there is not now and would not be under the proposed amendment the latitude to do the kind of development the community fears.

Councillor Reeves said that there seems to be agreement on the goals. He proposed that the Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee meet with stakeholders and CDD to develop a proposal that supports the consensus of goals expressed by the neighbors and CDD.

Councillor Reeves sated that it very important to bring the owners of the buildings into the discussion.

Councillor Davis asked if the list of permitted uses could be amended. Mr. Barber said that the point of the list is to get opinions, but he cautioned that he has never found a list that pleases everyone.

Councillor Murphy asked about the historic preservation issues for the area from Wendell Street up towards Porter Square. Mr. Barber said that the prevailing character of that part of Massachusetts Avenue is as a turn of the century residential area. That will not change. Most of the retail shops are at or over development capacity.

Councillor Murphy thanked CDD and the neighbors for their work. He asked if there are other areas where the kinds of uses have been restricted as is proposed here. Mr. Barber explained that the uses are only limited in the bonus situation, and there is a great deal of precedent for that type of limitation.

Councillor Maher thanked CDD and particularly the neighbors. He emphasized the importance of supporting small retail stores.

Councillor Toomey moved that the proposed amendment be kept in committee. He submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department and the Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee form an ad hoc group including business owners, property owners and residents to discuss retail stores.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Reeves and Councillor Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and ten minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair

Committee Report #4
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at five clock and thirty–two minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Cambridge Housing Authority’s rent simplification process and its impact on childcare, family and elderly services.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A Sullivan, Gerard J. Clark, Cambridge Housing Authority Board Member, Greg Russ, Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting. The CHA would explain the rent simplification process and then the public would be provided time to comment.

Gerard J. Clark, CHA Board Member, summarized the process. The rent simplification plan for federal public housing has the backing of the CHA board. He provided written testimony (Attachment A). HUD regulations force housing managers to be like a "spy". Tenants need to be managers of the detail of their own finances. Tenants lose receipts for deductible items. He hopes to change the dynamics between tenants and housing managers. HUD authorized CHA to simplify rents. This process is still the subject of reconsideration or change. This plan is a rent re-computation and some tenants would be hurt, but the number helped would be greater. The government, he said, should stop snooping into the medical records of the tenants. He turned the meeting over to the Executive Director of the CHA for specifics.

Greg Russ, Executive Director, CHA stated that Cambridge is one of thirty-three housing authorities that have a moving to work agreement. The CHA proposed changes to the rent simplification plan and held a meeting at the Manning Apartments. Vouchers would not be changed because of the impact of fair market rent. Utility cost was another reason not to make changes to the voucher program. One change is that rent recertification would be done every two years rather than annually. Another change was the way assets are handled. Relief is needed for asset verification. CHA proposed raising the asset limit to $50,000. The two-year recertification period is a way for families to earn money before reporting it to the CHA. Medical and Childcare deduction limit would be $5,000. CHA instituted a hardship policy. Rent increase would be capped at $100. Some hardship review remedies are low or minimum rent, CHA to set minimum rent at $50 and no rent for ninety days with extension of an additional ninety days and then rent would be $50. This would protect the tenants that need protection. Comment period would remain open until October 31, 2005. The final proposal would be presented to the CHA Board.

Councillor Simmons asked when would the program be implemented. Mr. Russ responded January 2006. Councillor Simmons asked if the final proposal would be presented to the community. Mr. Russ responded in the negative, there is no requirement to bring final proposal back to the public. Residents would be notified of the final plan and what the public can expect. Any rent increase requires a thirty-day notice per the lease. Rent decreases would also require a notice to the tenant.

Councillor Simmons thanked Mr. Gerard and Mr. Russ for their explanation. CHA action has a ripple effect. She wanted concerns about the proposal to be outlined and to work together to resolve the issues. She did not want unintentional consequences to negatively impact tenants. She asked who is the population that would use the voucher program. Mr. Russ stated that the state voucher program would not be affected. The move to work program covers the tenant-based vouchers funded by the federal government.

Mr. Russ stated that the philosophical difference in the proposal is the program is easier to implement. The medical deduction limit is $5,000, but if medical exceeded $7,500 the tenant could use hardship as a remedy. Councillor Simmons asked what is the childcare threshold. There is no childcare threshold responded Mr. Russ. It is currently a dollar-to-dollar deduction. The change is to set deduction to $5,000 with hardship review at $7,500. Councillor Simmons asked who reviews the hardship application. A panel reviews the hardship applications. Councillor Simmons suggested that those who review the hardship applications should look like those who are requesting the hardship. The panels are representative of the community.

At six o’clock and eleven minutes p.m. Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment.

Ellen Schachter, 17 Marie Avenue, representing Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services presented three documents listing comments about the rent simplification program dated June 2, 2005, September 2, 2005 and October 6, 2005 attached (Attachment B-1, Attachment B-2, and Attachment B-3). The principal concern with the process was that it moved away from the tenants’ ability to pay rent. CHA has been open to comments. She still has concerns on the implementation. She supported the medical and childcare provision proposed by CHA. A maximum rent of $100 has a different impact on a family with an annual income of $30,000 than an annual income of $7,000. There should be a percentage or a $100 cap. She expressed concerns with the "no fault" loss of income of tenants. Inability to pay rent could lead to eviction. Tenants who are evicted because of non-payment of rent could be denied shelter access because of non-payment of rent. Conference panels deal differently with tenants who are articulate than those who have difficulty communicating. The "no fault" loss of income needs to be eliminated. She needed to reevaluate the hardship waiver. The threshold may be too high. She wanted the regulation dropped that required that the childcare expense be a licensed childcare provider or family member.

Carolyn Thompson, Disabilities Commission, favored simplifying the process, but was concerned with the allowable deduction for medical. Medical deduction only allowed for elderly and not for families with disabled family members.

Len Thomas, Director, Multi Service Center, 19 Brookline Street, asked if the medical expense included prescriptions. Mr. Russ responded in the negative. Mr. Thomas stated that the Multi Service Center supported the rent simplification program. He expressed his concern for the 8 to 10 percent of the tenants who would be hurt by this process. Work needed to be done to focus on those who would be hurt. He would provide an analysis of funds that go to CHA tenants (Attachment C). This process should hurt no one. Loss of income and definition of fault need more work.

Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging, stated the medical deduction for the elderly has a major effect. A $37.00 increase in medical expense and a twenty-five percent increase in prescriptions is expected to go into effect in 2006. The $5,000 threshold is not sufficient for the elderly. She asked what if the no fault loss of income was due to elder care on care of a grandchild.

Scott Crout stated the process is complicated. There would be some who would be hurt. He was happy to hear of CHA reaction to the comments. People need time to get used to implementation of policy.

Lorraine Lavoie, a Section Eight Tenant, stated her opposition to increase the medical deduction to any amount. She spoke about the amount the average person receives on SSI and dental costs affecting the elderly. She spoke about differences between salaries received by professional persons versus disabled persons who cannot work full time. She would rather provide documentation for deductions and know that she has a roof over her head.

Eli Yarden, Cambridge Green/Rainbow Party, wanted information about changes in federal and state laws. He also wanted data, statistics and regulations about the CHA and housing.

Laura Booth, Public Policy Director, CEOC, thanked the CHA for its responsiveness to the public comments. She spoke about the timeline of the process. There is confusion about the process. She requested an extension of the time. She supported revisiting license childcare provision. The hardship panel’s composition should make it comfortable for the tenants. She wanted to see the final proposal.

At seven o’clock Councillor Simmons closed public comment.

Councillor Simmons stated that the City Council was informed of this proposal when they received telephone calls from residents. She stated that her concerns were how this would affect seniors, lack of information and the impact on a person’s ability to pay. The City Council needs more information. She requested additional information in writing as follows:
* Lack of intrusion,
* State and federal building disparity,
* Greater interface with advocacy groups,
* Criteria on no fault job loss,
* Training about new process is also needed.

She submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the CHA to get more information on the rent simplification process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the CHA provide this information to the City Council, Council on Aging, and all appropriate agencies who have residents that would be affected by this process.

The motion carried.

Councillor Simmons stated that she wanted information about the rent simplification proposal from the CHA, in writing. She suggested that the CHA extend the timeline for more commentary and include the advocacy community. This process needs to be done as easy as possible. Mr. Russ informed the committee that the comment period has already been extended two weeks. He would provide a status update and information on the current proposal.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair