Cambridge City Council meeting - October 17, 2011 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $7,446.00 for the Center for Families program funded by the Cambridge Public Health Commission, Agenda for Children to the Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($6,486.00) and to the Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($960.00) and will be used to provide two literacy specific playgroups, one drop-in playgroup, and support the January and June Family Fun Days.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Formula Grant in the amount of $90,813.00 funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($43,670.00), to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($45,213.00), and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,930.00) and will be used to provide substance abuse prevention services for Cambridge seniors, transportation for Cambridge seniors to medical appointments, and weekly food shopping trips.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Project Bread Food Pantry grant received from the Project Bread organization for $7,225.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used by the Senior Center Food Pantry by Project Bread to pay for purchases at the Greater Boston Food Bank, other food purchases for our Senior Food Pantry, as well as food for senior activities and events at the Senior Center.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) grant in the amount of $6,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to supplement fuel assistance payments.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $40,000.00 Grant from the Cambridge Community Foundation to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($34,000.00) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,000.00) which will support the ongoing programming for families who have participated in the Baby University 16 week program.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000.00 from Free Cash to the General Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($51,950) and to the General Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($98,050) which will provide mental health supports to city and community-run preschools and family childcare providers.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $500,000 initial payment received from Comcast, as a result of the 2011 Renewal License to the Public Investment Fund Cable TV Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used for capital equipment purchases to support Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access channels.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the appropriation of a $500,000 initial payment received from Comcast, as a result of the 2011 Renewal License to the Public Investment Fund Cable TV Extraordinary Expenditures account. These funds are to be used for capital equipment purchases to support Public (CCTV), Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access channels.
Of this sum, $135,000 is intended for the purchase of live signal transmission equipment to improve the signal quality and reliability for PEG Access channels.
60% of the remaining balance of $365,000, or $219,000 will be used to provide CCTV funds for leasehold improvements, to upgrade its new facilities and purchase new public access equipment for public access users in the City. 40% of the remaining balance of $365,000, or $146,000 will be used for capital equipment purchases to support Governmental and Educational channel activities.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,190,000 received by Comcast to the Public Investment Fund Cable TV Extraordinary Expenditures account, as an amendment to the 2011 Renewal License, as a result of a Franchise Related Costs (FRC) Settlement through the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) which will provide funds to the City's cable-related Public, Educational and Government capital needs.
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $1,190,000 received by Comcast to the Public Investment Fund Cable TV Extraordinary Expenditures account, as an amendment to the 2011 Renewal License, as a result of a Franchise Related Costs (FRC) Settlement through the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC). This Agreement will provide funds to the City's cable-related Public, Educational and Government capital needs. Sixty percent of the above amount or $714,000 will be allocated for CCTV's new location and equipment and technology investment needs, with remainder of $476,000 allocated to the City Cable Department and Media Arts Center studio production equipment needs.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-137, regarding a report on installing a bicycle locking mechanism in the area of 1105 Massachusetts Avenue.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-76, regarding a strategy to mitigate the actions of Boston cab companies.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-112, regarding increasing the number of foot patrols around senior apartment buildings.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-132, regarding a report on regulations on the sale of knives and BB guns in Cambridge.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-111, regarding a report on adjusting the timing pedestrian walk lights at intersections with a high volume of seniors using crosswalks.
ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
3. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
5. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a complete and comprehensive list of all concessions made to the City and broader Cambridge community by developers and the universities in exchange for zoning relief, special permits, or Council approval. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Eleven of Apr 25, 2011. Tabled on Motion of Councillor Cheung on May 2, 2011.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-94, regarding a report on fireworks at Corcoran Park on July 4th. [City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Sept 12, 2011 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Boomerangs, requesting permission for a blade sign at the premises numbered 563 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Thomas J. Putnam, Director, John F. Kennedy Residential Library and Museum, transmitting receipt of a resolution from the City of Cambridge congratulating the United States Peace Corps and all Cambridge residents who have served in the United States Peace Corps on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps.
2. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, regarding MIT's rezoning petition.
3. A communication was received from State Representative William N. Brownsberger, transmitting thanks for sending City Council resolutions supporting legislation strengthening local enforcement of timely removal of double utility poles.
4. A communication was received from Karen Sedat, 42 Brookford Street, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
5. A communication was received from Lisa Oray, 31 Norris Street, regarding the Cottage Park area.
6. A communication was received from Ken Bader, 127 Clay Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
7. A communication was received from Bob McGowan and Dianne Cabral, 22 Brookford Street, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
8. A communication was received from Aaron Litvin, 23 Edmunds Street, Apt. 2, regarding the Bishop Petition.
9. A communication was received from Laura Gamel, Washburn Avenue, regarding the Bishop Petition.
10. A communication was received from Janos Fulop, regarding the Bishop Petition.
11. A communication was received from Yiming Zheng, 19 Edmunds Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
12. A communication was received from Leslie Lawrence, 24 Middlesex Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
13. A communication was received from Ana Paula Litvin, 23 Edmunds Street, Apt. 2, regarding the Bishop Petition.
14. A communication was received from Ann McDonald, 24 Columbus Avenue, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
15. Sundry communications were received from Julia Bishop, 9 Cottage Park Avenue, regarding the Bishop Petition.
16. A communication was received from Amelia Westmark, 115 Harvey Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
17. A communication was received from Ron Jackson, 18 Camp Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
18. A communication was received from Vivian Poey, 16 Washburn Avenue, regarding the Bishop Petition.
19. A communication was received from Barbara Harvey and family, transmitting thanks for the nice tribute to their family.
20. A communication was received from O. Robert Simha, regarding MIT's rezoning petition and the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project.
21. A communication was received from James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, regarding sidewalk bicycling.
22. A communication was received from Emily Scott, 69 Harvey Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
23. A communication was received from Diane Martin, 35 Madison Avenue , Unit #1, regarding the Bishop Petition.
24. A communication was received from Marsha Hunter, 2 Theriault Court, regarding the Bishop Petition.
25. A communication was received from Lynn Perrone, 8 Lancaster Street, transmitting a petition to retain the Lancaster Street bus stop which the MBTA is planning to eliminate as part of the "Bus Route Improvement Program."
RESOLUTIONS
1. Urge residents to participate in Food Day which will take place on Oct 24, 2011. Vice Mayor Davis
2. Resolution on the death of Robert P. "Fitzy" Fitzmaurice. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Adrian Glyn Mills. Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of George Doherty. Mayor Maher
5. Retirement of Kathleen Toppi from the Water Department. Mayor Maher
6. Honoring the memory of Henry Lewis on the occasion of The Bow Tie Bike Ride which took place on Oct 2, 2011. Councillor Reeves
7. Congratulations to the Harvard Square Business Association and the HONK! Music Festival for their successful Oktoberfest celebration on Oct 2, 2011. Councillor Reeves
8. Congratulations to Samantha Morrison and Gary Officer on the birth of their son Myles Anthony Morrison Officer and welcome them to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
9. Retirement of Fritzner Tiblanc from the School Department. Mayor Maher
10. Resolution on the death of John J. Holian Jr. Mayor Maher
11. Congratulations to Kenneth E. Reeves and Greg Johnson on the occasion of their first wedding anniversary. Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons and Councillor Toomey.
12. Resolution on the death of Timothy J. Doty. Mayor Maher
13. Resolution on the death of Mary J. (Crowley) Hickey. Mayor Maher
14. Resolution on the death of Lenora M. Rodrigues. Councillor Toomey
15. Resolution on the death of Mary A. "May" (Mahoney) Russell. Mayor Maher
16. Resolution on the death of Arthur L. Sennott. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
17. Resolution on the death of Anna C. (O'Sullivan) Connelly. Mayor Maher
18. Congratulations to the Youth & Police Initiative program for their efforts to reach out to at-risk youth. Councillor Cheung
19. Congratulations to the Cambridge Police Department Crime Analysis Unit on receiving an award from the International Association of Crime Analytics in the statistical bulletin category for their BridgeStat program. Councillor Cheung
20. Congratulations to The Longy School of Music for their partnership with Bard College and the Los Angeles Philharmonic for their "Take A Stand" initiative which supports social change through music. Councillor Cheung
21. Congratulations to Harvard University on their 375th Anniversary. Councillor Cheung
22. Resolution on the death of Jan Merrill-Oldham. Mayor Maher
23. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to a special Cantabrigian. Councillor Decker
24. Thanks to the organizers of the Cambridgeport History Day on Oct 2, 2011. Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Reeves
25. Congratulations to Cambridge At Home on the occasion of its 5th anniversary. Vice Mayor Davis
26. Congratulations to the Community Learning Center on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. Vice Mayor Davis
27. Congratulations to Senator Steven Tolman on being elected as president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher
28. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant officer James B. Wilke. Councillor Decker
29. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Ted Pasquarello. Councillor Toomey
30. Resolution on the death of Lena Waldron. Mayor Maher
31. Congratulations to Thomas and Susan Scott on the birth of their first grandchild, Cameron Lewis. Mayor Maher
32. Congratulations to Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, on receiving the Children's Champion Award from Tutoring Plus. Mayor Maher
33. Congratulations to the staff and seniors of the Citywide Senior Center on the occasion of its 16th Anniversary. Vice Mayor Davis
34. Thanks to the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee for their commitment to providing family planning services to Cambridge Health Alliance patients. Vice Mayor Davis
35. Congratulating the East Cambridge Business Association on a successful Smoke This Rib Fest 2011, and East Side Bar and Grille and Bosophorus on their awards. Councillor Toomey
36. Congratulating the Animal Control Department for their outstanding commitment to the City. Councillor Cheung
37. Congratulating Localocracy on their new partnership with the Huffington Post Media Group. Councillor Cheung
38. Congratulating Reverend Dr. Lynda Marie Jordan on receiving the YMCA's Outstanding Women Award. Councillor Simmons
39. Congratulating Reverend Irene Monroe on receiving the YMCA's Outstanding Women Award. Councillor Simmons
40. Resolution on the death of Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth. Councillor Simmons
41. Wishing the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition a successful annual cocktail reception and awards ceremony. Councillor Simmons
42. Congratulating James Earl Hardy on being honored by the Hispanic Black Gay Alliance. Councillor Simmons
43. Congratulating Jhad Williams on receiving the Audre Lorde Founders Award. Councillor Simmons
44. Congratulating Boston Mayor Thomas Menino on receiving an award from the Greater Boston Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Councillor Simmons
45. Congratulating the SEIU for a well-deserved victory. Councillor Simmons
46. Congratulating Toni "Bee" Brooks on being honored with the Outstanding Woman Award by the Cambridge YWCA. Councillor Simmons
47. Congratulating Dr. Barbara Ogur on receiving the YWCA's Outstanding Woman Award. Councillor Simmons
48. Congratulating Dr. Sally Haslanger on being honored by the YWCA with its Outstanding Woman of the Year Award. Councillor Simmons
49. Congratulating Mary-Catherine Deibel and Deborah Hughes on being honored with the Outstanding Woman Award by the YWCA. Councillor Simmons
50. Congratulating Ms. Roz Shoy on receiving the YWCA's Outstanding Woman Award. Councillor Simmons
51. Resolution on the death of Eric Winslow Wodlinger. Mayor Maher
52. Resolution on the death of Patricia A. (York) McGlashing. Councillor Toomey
53. Congratulations to Andrew Magliozzi on being named a board member of the Cambridge School Volunteers. Mayor Maher
54. Congratulations to Sally Peterson on being named a board member of the Cambridge School Volunteers. Mayor Maher
55. Congratulations to MAPS on the occasion of their renovated front office and Open House on Oct 25, 2011. Councillor Toomey
56. Resolution on the death of Rudolph "Rudy" West. Mayor Maher
57. Retirement of Gerry Carrington from the Community Development Department. Mayor Maher
58. Congratulating The Possible Project for the important work they are doing to further hands-on education in entrepreneurship. Vice Mayor Davis
59. Happy 80th Birthday to K. George Najarian. Vice Mayor Davis
ORDERS
1. That the City Council go on record publicly supporting "AN ACT PROVIDING HOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH" filed by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Councillor Decker
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of installing cement posts on the median on Aberdeen Avenue in order to prevent trucks from going up on the median as they turn. Councillor Reeves
3. That the Mayor, the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development hereby is requested to work with the City Council to schedule a date for a Roundtable meeting to review the census. Councillor Reeves
Amended
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to conduct and notify the City Council of an updated review of the City's effort to remove rodents. Councillor Reeves
5. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a committee to explore the feasibility of establishing a Cambridge Museum that will serve as repository of Cambridge history. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Mayor Maher
Kelley voted NO
6. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare language for an ordinance to ban the use of brakeless bikes in Cambridge investigate brakeless bikes and what, if any, regulation already exists at the state level and whether Cambridge should develop an ordinance to prohibit brakeless bikes. Vice Mayor Davis
Amended - Kelley and Seidel voted NO
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back on the gun shot incident at Bristol and Hampshire Streets. Councillor Toomey
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to look into restoring the original brick sidewalk at 257-269 Broadway. Councillor Cheung
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to report back on the decision making process of where each bus shelter is placed and information on how residents can exert more influence over outcomes. Councillor Cheung
10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads about the upkeep of the Cambridge Common. Councillor Cheung
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Community Development Department to investigate how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Councillor Cheung
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads and report back to the City Council on current job training programs in Cambridge and possible areas for expansion or existing programs or the creation of new ones. Councillor Cheung
13. City Council inquiry as to MIT's plans for the old California Paint Plant in a facilities depot. Councillor Cheung
14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department to address speeding enforcement near Brattle and Appleton Streets. Councillor Cheung
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of implementing restaurant validated parking on Third Street and report back to the City Council. Councillor Cheung
16. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Community Development Department to look into installing traffic calming measures on Richdale Avenue. Councillor Cheung
17. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to look into the feasibility of cleaning the areas of 64 Dudley Street and 43 Cedar Street. Councillor Cheung
18. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Traffic and Parking Department to look into traffic calming measures on Whittemore Avenue. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Cheung
19. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant city Departments on the feasibility of putting raised sidewalks in the vicinity of the Putnam Gardens Apartments, in order to slow the rate of speed with which some cars operate at the intersection of Mt. Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue. Councillor Simmons
[Surely Councillor Simmons must have meant to say crosswalks, not sidewalks.]
Amended
20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant city Departments to ascertain what repairs need to be done to the playground at the Graham and Parks School an ensure that any needed repairs are done immediately. Councillor Simmons
21. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the relevant departments to ascertain the feasibility of instituting a program similar to the City of Boston's Buying Power Program in Cambridge. Councillor Simmons
22. That the City Council go on record as urging the members of the Massachusetts legislative delegation to support Senate Bill S1034 or the House version H2412, which will maintain the transit benefit at its current level. Vice Mayor Davis
23. City Council opposition to cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits and support of the American Jobs Act. Councillor Decker
24. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate a consultation of the proposal by the MBTA to eliminate certain bus stops with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Community Development and the Director of the Council on Aging. Councillor Decker
25. That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Mon, Nov 14, 2011 be changed to a Roundtable. Mayor Maher
26. That the City Council hereby discharge the Bishop petition for a zoning amendment from the Ordinance Committee while leaving the subject matter jurisdiction in the Ordinance Committee. Councillor Kelley
Amended
27. That the City Manager to review the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhoodand and report back to the City Council. Councillor Kelley
28. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on how the City of Somerville has two on-street bike coral systems in Davis and Union Squares and Cambridge has none. Councillor Kelley
29. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the impact of changing Section 14.2(b) of the Traffic Regulations relating to the issue of signage pursuant the information contained in Committee Report #2 of October 17, 2011 for the Transportation, Traffic and Parking hearing held on October 6, 2011. Councillor Kelley
30. That the City Council go on record authorizing the City Clerk to transmit the attached letter to the Attorney General and George F. "Jack" Welch, Jr. relative to a Open Meeting Law Complaint. Mayor Maher
31. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to report to the City Council in a timely manner as to whether there are any obstacles to adoption of the proposed amendment to Section 9.16, and if there are, what changes should be made to enable the City Council to ordain an amendment that will achieve the desired outcome. Councillor Kelley
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Julia Bishop et al., to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2, located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. Proposed amendments include: deletion of allowed non-residential uses; reduction in allowed Floor Area Ratio; increase in required lot area per dwelling unit; reduction in allowed height; new regulations for fences abutting Linear Park.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 6, 2011 to discuss the Austin, Texas "Parking Benefit District Pilot Program" and any other city parking issues.
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Elizabeth deRham et al. The petition proposes an amendment to Section 9.16 of the Zoning which currently provides for a $100 per violation per day fine upon conviction of said violation. The amendment would provide for a fine not to exceed the maximum specified in M.G.L. Ch 40A sec.7, currently $300 per violation per day and would allow the fine to be levied at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, transmitting a copy of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission's final report on Early Childhood Education and Care and a copy of the Summary of Information Gathered through the Focus Groups.
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, regarding an Open Meeting Law Complaint from George F. "Jack" Welch, Jr.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Fitzgerald Auditorium at CRLS, 459 Broadway)
5:30pm Special Presentation - Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission. (Fitzgerald Auditorium at CRLS, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Special Presentation Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission on Central Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 25
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on a zoning petition by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new section that would allow for the creation by Special Permit of rental apartment units in the basement levels of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts which meet the Special Permit criteria. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 26
4:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 2
4:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 16
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 22
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss goal setting for the Cambridge environment for the coming year. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 30
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 14
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has filed a bill titled "AN ACT PROVIDING HOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH"; and
WHEREAS: The bill is co-sponsored by both Representative William Brownberger and Representative Alice Wolf; and
WHEREAS: At the July hearing before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, some of the youth from Cambridge's Youth on Fire gave compelling testimony as to why this bill is needed; and
WHEREAS: There is approximately 5,920 unaccompanied youth in Massachusetts. More support is always necessary in providing for the homeless youth in Cambridge and in the state; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record publicly supporting "AN ACT PROVIDING HOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH" filed by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: A median exists on Aberdeen Avenue in the middle of the street where cars can make U-turns or where cars enter and exit from 61 Aberdeen Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Many trucks enter or exit 61 Aberdeen Avenue against regulations set up with the new development; and
WHEREAS: The trucks making U-turns continue to drive up and tear up the median and create tire tracks; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of installing cement posts on the median in order to prevent trucks from going up on the median as they turn.
O-3 Oct 17, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: There has been a new census; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor, the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development be and hereby is requested to work with the City Council to schedule a date for a roundtable meeting to review the census.
O-4 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to have a rodent problem; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to conduct and notify the City Council of an updated review of the City's effort to remove rodents.
O-5 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a city that boasts a rich, vibrant history that stretches back to its establishment in 1630, nearly 150 years prior to this nation's formal declaration of independence from England; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge was a strong center of anti-British sentiment in the years leading up to the American Revolution, and it was one of the colonial-era cities in which notions of liberty and democracy began to ferment and take hold; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge was a frontline community during the Revolutionary war, and it saw the loss of many native sons who gave their lives for a burgeoning nation; and
WHEREAS: From its earliest days, Cambridge established itself as an intellectual center not only of the United States, but of the world, and it has prided itself on being the home to some of the finest educational institutions in existence; and
WHEREAS: The atmosphere of intellectual and educational improvement, and the sense of social progress always present in Cambridge has helped stir and shape nascent movements such as those concerning the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, the equality of men and women, LGBT rights and protections, and the Civil Rights movement; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge's strategic location along the Charles River provided vital access to the water and served as an early enticement to businesses and entrepreneurs, and over the course of the past three centuries, that industrial base and the close proximity of world class institutions like Harvard and MIT allowed for Cambridge to become a world-class center of cutting edge Technology and Life Science Companies; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has also cultivated a reputation as a prime center for arts and entertainment, with institutions like the Harvard Lampoon, Club Passim, the Regattabar, and many other establishments hosting a wealth of talent over many generations; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Historical Commission and the Cambridge Historical Society serve as keepers and archivists of much of this rich history, and each entity plays an important role in ensuring that archives, mementos, photographs, and documents of our earlier eras are catalogued, preserved, and available to those who wish to conduct historical research and investigation; and
WHEREAS: This archival activity is unquestionably important, but it does not invite the public in, nor capture the public's imagination, nearly to the extent that a museum dedicated to the city's history would; and
WHEREAS: Communities like Somerville and Concord have had success in establishing museums promoting their history, which not only has drawn people in and illuminated those histories, but also have had economic benefits by helping to brand the communities, and by bringing additional traffic to area restaurants and other businesses; and
WHEREAS: Having a "Cambridge Historical Museum" may go a long way toward preserving and promoting our City's rich history, while also helping to better brand our community, presenting the opportunity to sell Cambridge-branded paraphernalia, and driving additional traffic to area restaurants and other attractions; and
WHEREAS: There are buildings owned by the City that are not currently in use that could be repurposed by the City for this museum, and the resulting building could be aesthetically, culturally, and economically beneficial to the Cambridge community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a committee to explore the feasibility of establishing a Cambridge Museum that will serve as repository of Cambridge history.
O-6 Oct 17, 2011 Amended
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Brakeless bikes are an extreme public safety hazard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare language for an ordinance to ban the use of brakeless bikes in Cambridge.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to investigate brakeless bikes and what, if any, regulation already exists at the state level and whether Cambridge should develop an ordinance to prohibit brakeless bikes.
O-7 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back on the gun shot incident at Bristol and Hampshire Streets.
O-8 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that residents who live at 257; 257A; 259; 263; 265; 267; and 269 Broadway are requesting that the city replace the blacktop sidewalk with the original brick sidewalk; and
WHEREAS: Residents who live at the above mentioned addresses feel that the original brick sidewalk was one of the great joys of their block; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to look into restoring the original brick sidewalk at the above mentioned addresses.
O-9 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that residents would like more information about the decision process of where bus shelters are placed; and
WHEREAS: Residents have expressed concerns about being excluded from the decision process and have brought up a number of requests, such as placing bus shelters in residential areas and repairing the shelter in Central Square at Green & River; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to report back on the decision making process of where each shelter is placed and information on how residents can exert more influence over outcomes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate department heads to look into repairs being made at the bus shelter in Central Square at Green and River Streets.
O-10 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that residents have voiced concerns about the preservation and beautification of the Cambridge Common; specifically the number of trees that have died over the last few years and potholed sidewalks; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads about the upkeep of the Cambridge Common and report back to the City Council.
O-11 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the contraflow bike lane that runs through Concord Avenue and Follen Street is still very unsafe for bikers; and
ORDERED: Bikers who frequent the route express concerns about feeling endangered despite the addition of signing and pavement markings this summer to remind all users to exercise care and caution at the intersection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Community Development Department to investigate how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists by addressing the aforementioned issue.
O-12 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that residents have expressed a need for more job training programs to prepare them to work at local technology companies; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel that implementing additional job training programs would better prepare Cambridge's residents and children to pursue these rising industries and positively contribute to the Cambridge's economic engine; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads and report back to the City Council on current training programs in Cambridge and possible areas for expansion or existing programs or the creation of new ones.
O-13 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that many residents have expressed concerns about MIT turning the old California Paint Plant into a facilities depot; and
WHEREAS: Residents near the Cambridgeport area who live near the block formed by Sidney, Putnam, Chestnut and Waverly feel that parking and early morning noise would detract from the quality of life of Cambridgeport and feel that developing housing as opposed to a facilities depot would be more beneficial; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this Order to President Hockfield of MIT and MITIMCO expressing the Council's concern and inquiring as to MIT's plans for the location.
O-14 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that there is a lack of speeding enforcement near Brattle and Appleton Streets; and
WHEREAS: It has been reported that motorists speed down these streets so quickly that pedestrians and residents living on the street feel unsafe parking their cars and getting out of their vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel that increased police presence in the area would improve deter motorists from speeding; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department to address the before mentioned issue.
O-15 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Up-and-coming restaurants in the Kendall Square area would surely benefit from validated parking on Third Street during the nighttime hours; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of implementing restaurant validated parking on Third Street and report back to the City Council.
O-16 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that motorists are speeding on Richdale Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Residents who live on Richdale Avenue have suggested installing a speed bump or making it a one way street to deter motorists from speeding; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the Community Development Department to look into installing traffic calming measures on Richdale Avenue.
O-17 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City of Cambridge that there is an excessive amount of trash accumulating in certain areas that detracts from the overall aesthetics of the city; and
WHEREAS: Residents have specifically expressed concerns about trash build up in the lots that are to be developed at 64 Dudley Street and the junk pit at 43 Cedar Street at the corner of McLean Place; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate department heads to look into the feasibility of cleaning the before mentioned areas.
O-18 Oct 17, 2011 Charter Right - Cheung
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that residents are concerned about delayed efforts to implement traffic calming measures on Whittemore Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Traffic on Whittemore Avenue and the connecting streets has been a long-term issue for residents. Motorists speed through Whittemore Avenue to out run the traffic light at Massachusetts Avenue and do not abide by the "Do Not Enter from 4 to 7" sign at the beginning of Whittemore Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Recent roadwork has provided speeding motorists with an improved road and will likely encourage speeding; and
WHEREAS: On Sept 8, 2011 a community meeting was held to rally support for a raised intersection at Whittemore Avenue and Kassul Park. Most residents advocated for installing a raised intersection; and
WHEREAS: After this meeting, residents received a notice from the Department of Public Works saying there was not a clear consensus among Whittemore residents and that city staff would not move forward with installing the raised intersection until next summer to allow more Whittemore Avenue residents to weigh in; and
WHEREAS: Many residents expressed strong support for installing a raised intersection to slow drivers and protect those who live on Whittemore Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Traffic and Parking Department to look into the before mentioned and report back to the City Council.
O-19 Oct 17, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The safety of Cambridge seniors, especially with regards to speeding vehicles around the vicinity of their homes, is a major concern of the City Council; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that some cars traveling down Mt. Auburn Street, around the vicinity of the Putnam Gardens Apartments at 2 Mount Auburn Street, travel at a high rate of speed, posing a significant danger to pedestrians and other motorists; and
WHEREAS: Traffic calming measures like raised sidewalks and narrower streets have been successful in slowing down traffic in some parts of the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City Departments on the feasibility of putting raised sidewalks in the vicinity of the Putnam Gardens Apartments, in order to slow the rate of speed with which some cars operate at the intersection of Mt. Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue, with a view towards enhancing the safety of pedestrians and other motorists and report back to the City Council.
[Surely Councillor Simmons must have meant to say crosswalks, not sidewalks.]
O-20 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The safety of school children, especially in the confines of their schools, is of great concern to the City Council; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the playground at Graham and Parks school is in need of some repairs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant city Departments to ascertain what repairs need to be done to the playground at the Graham and Parks School an ensure that any needed repairs are done immediately.
O-21 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The cost of energy is a major monthly expense for most businesses, especially small businesses; and
WHEREAS: Fluctuations in the cost of energy make it difficult for local businesses to budget adequately or plan ahead; and
WHEREAS: Since 2008, the City of Boston has run an innovative program to assist businesses to reduce utility costs called Boston Buying Power; and
WHEREAS: Boston Buying Power allows small businesses to purchase energy as a large group at a long-term fixed price through access to the deregulated energy market; and
WHEREAS: Boston businesses that have participated in this program speak of considerable savings in the cost of energy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the relevant departments to ascertain the feasibility of instituting a program similar to the City of Boston's Buying Power Program in Cambridge.
O-22 Oct 17, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Bush middle class tax cuts included a provision enabling employers to offer employees tax free commuter benefits at parity with parking benefits up to $320 per month; and
WHEREAS: Employers share the benefit, paying no payroll tax on commuting subsidies or amounts employees set aside pre-tax to pay for commuting services; and
WHEREAS: This legislation is particularly important in Cambridge as many employers have adopted commuter benefits here, and a large portion of commuters get to work by MBTA, Commuter Rail, private bus or vanpool; and
WHEREAS: The Commuter Benefits provision is set to expire on Dec 31 and if Congress fails to act, commuter benefits will be cut nearly in half effective Jan 1, 2012; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record as urging the members of the Massachusetts legislative delegation to support Senate Bill S1034 or the House version H2412, which will maintain the transit benefit at its current level; 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 Massachusetts Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-23 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that 1.1 million Massachusetts residents depend on Social Security, and it is the foundation of economic security for working Americans and retirees; and
WHEREAS: Every year Social Security contributes $14.5 billion to the economy of Massachusetts by paying benefits to 17 percent of the state's residents, income that generates thousands of jobs and keeps our Main Street businesses humming; and
WHEREAS: Social Security prevents 20 million Americans from living in poverty, including over 400,000 residents in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Social Security has not contributed one penny to the federal deficit and in fact has a surplus of $2.7 trillion today that is expected to grow to $3.7 trillion in 2022; and
WHEREAS: 1.1 million Massachusetts residents depend on Medicare, or 1 out of 6 people in the Commonwealth, and 1.2 million state residents depend on Medicaid, or nearly 1 out of 5 people; and
WHEREAS: Medicare and Medicaid help to define us as a modern society and play a vital role in providing health and economic security to our families and inject billions of dollars into the Massachusetts economy creating many jobs; and
WHEREAS: Congress should not balance the federal budget on the backs of the middle-class, the elderly, the disabled, and the poor; and
WHEREAS: The biggest causes of our federal deficit in recent years have been an economy shattered due to Wall Street greed, tax breaks for the rich and unfunded wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, not Medicare and Medicaid spending; and
WHEREAS: Putting Americans back to work would be the surest way to rebuild our communities, create jobs, increase revenues and reduce the federal deficit; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record strongly urging Senator John Kerry, a member of the Supercommittee in Congress, to:
• Oppose consideration of Social Security during deficit-reduction talks because it should be handled on a separate track apart from the deficit, which it does not contribute to;
• Oppose cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits during deficit-reduction negotiations; and
• Support President Obama's American Jobs Act, which would be funded primarily by raising revenue from those Americans most able to pay; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this resolution be transmitted to all other members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation who are also urged to oppose consideration of Social Security during deficit-reduction negotiations, oppose cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits during deficit-reduction negotiations, and support the American Jobs Act.
O-24 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that the MBTA is proposing significant bus changes in the city of Cambridge including the elimination of certain bus stops that are used by many residents; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA is seeking input from the community before making any final decisions; and
WHEREAS: It remains unclear how much the resident's concerns will influence the MBTA proposal based on recent community meetings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate a consultation of the proposal with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Community Development and the Director of the Council on Aging; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter prior to the MBTA's decision regarding the proposed changes.
O-25 Oct 17, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Mon, Nov 14, 2011 be changed to a Roundtable.
O-26 Oct 17, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby discharge the Bishop petition for a zoning amendment from the Ordinance Committee while leaving the subject matter jurisdiction in the Ordinance Committee; and be it further.
ORDERED: That the City Council pass the Bishop petition to a second reading
[Note: The clause to pass to a 2nd Reading was removed on an 8-1 vote with only Councillor Kelley in favor of retaining it.]
O-27 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to direct the City Manager to review the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this program and how it might work in Cambridge.
O-28 Oct 17, 2011
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on how the City of Somerville has two on-street bike coral systems in Davis and Union Squares and Cambridge has none.
O-29 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY (as amended by COUNCILLOR TOOMEY)
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the impact of changing Section 14.2(b) of the Traffic Regulations relating to the issue of signage pursuant the information contained in Committee Report #2 of October 17, 2011 for the Transportation, Traffic and Parking hearing held on October 6, 2011.
Kelley voted NO
Note: The original Order read as follows:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take the necessary steps to change Section 14.2(b) in the Traffic Regulations pursuant to information contained in the Committee Report # 2 of October 17, 2011 for the Transportation, Traffic and Parking hearing held on October 6, 2011.
O-30 Oct 17, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record authorizing the City Clerk to transmit the attached letter to the Attorney General and George F. "Jack" Welch, Jr. relative to a Open Meeting Law Complaint.
O-31 Oct 17, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to report to the City Council in a timely manner as to whether there are any obstacles to adoption of the proposed amendment to Section 9.16, and if there are, what changes should be made to enable the City Council to ordain an amendment that will achieve the desired outcome.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 7, 2011 beginning at 5:55pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the hearing was to consider a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Julia Bishop et al. (Attachment A). The petition proposes amendments to Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2, located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. Proposed amendments include the following: deletion of allowed non-residential uses, reduction in allowed Floor Area Ration (FAR) to .5 increase in required lot area per dwelling unit to 2,500 square feet, reduction in allowed height to 35 feet within a 50 ft. distance of a district with a 35-foot height limit or a street sideline, and new regulations for fences abutting Linear Park.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Marjorie C. Decker; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.
Councillor Seidel convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioners to make a presentation. Charles Teague, 27 Edmunds Street, provided a power point slide presentation (Attachment B). He outlined the main points in his oral presentation and submitted a copy for the record. He quoted the purpose of establishing Special District 2 "to encourage the establishment of residential uses in the district in a form and density compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhood," and noted that for large lots the Special District 2 is double the density of Residence B, which is the zoning of the abutting residential neighborhood. Special District 2 allows multi-family housing at .84 FAR after addition of the 30% affordable bonus. Residence B allows two family units with a maximum of .35 FAR for large lots and .5 FAR for minimum size lots. Mr. Teague emphasized that safety is a key element in the proposal. The streets are narrow, some with dangerous dog-leg turns. The proposal would prohibit commercial uses.
The proposal also includes special protections for Linear Park, an award winning green space cherished by the neighborhood. The protections would limit heights next to the park and regulate the kind of fencing that could abut the park. Mr. Teague described in some detail the traffic difficulties that current residents face in trying to get in and out of their neighborhood during rush hour. The presentation included several photographs of traffic backups in the area.
Councillor Seidel thanked Mr. Teague for his presentation. Councillor Cheung stated that he agrees completely with the intent of the petition. Any parking required by zoning should be closely connected to the unit it serves. Since the time that Special District 2 (SD-2) was adopted there have been huge changes in the housing market. There are big profits to be made. He would like to see how the area would develop if the zoning were taken all the way back to Residence B.
Councillor Seidel invited Community Development staff to comment on the proposed amendment. Mr. Roberts said that the SD-2 district was created from the prior A-1 district to encourage transition over time to residential uses. The area is still predominantly commercial because of the large sites - Emerson at Cottage Park Avenue, Cambridge Lumber on Harvey Street and Fawcett Oil at Tyler Court. The base zoning provides for 0.65 FAR, which, with the Inclusionary Bonus required for 10 units or more, results in 0.84. The proposed changes would reduce the base zoning from 0.65 to 0.5 but would still allow for multifamily housing, which Residence B does not allow. With regard to allowed uses, CDD agrees that the district should be all residential.
Mr. Dash said that with regard to the intent of SD-2 that the zoning be compatible with the adjacent neighborhoods, "compatible" does not mean "the same as." SD-2 allows the same density as Cambridgeport.
Councillor Seidel invited comments and questions from members of the committee.
Mayor Maher said that this neighborhood is going through significant building changes. He urged that the petition remain in committee and that the committee take a very thorough look at it. The City Council has one chance to get the zoning right for this area, and that will take some time. Simply limiting the number of units is not going to solve the problem of access to this neighborhood.
Councillor Kelley said that he has not seen any other area that presents these same problems. He would like to know from CDD staff if there is any comparable area in Cambridge. There are huge safety issues compounded by the traffic congestion at all the possible entrances and egresses. He thinks that the proposed amendment is very good. He agrees with Councillor Cheung that the zoning could go all the way down to Residence B without creating a financial problem for the owners.
Councillor Seidel said that he too found the presentation of the petitioners to be very strong and good at conveying the unique micro environment. He added that he does believe that there is more work that CDD and the City Council must do. Councillor Seidel then invited comments from members of the public.
Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, noted that CDD staff and neighborhood residents were in agreement that the area should be residential only, and they also agreed that Linear Park should be protected. The only sticking point appears to be the density. He said that he would like to know what the density of the abutting neighborhoods really is; he thinks that it might be higher than people think.
John Walker, 150 Whittemore Avenue, spoke in support of the petition. He is a builder and architect. The effort by the Cambridge Lumber Company to listen to the neighbors and respond to their concerns is exemplary, and because of that they ended up being successful in their application for a special permit from the Planning Board. Many builders overbuild in Cambridge. With regard to the one parking space per unit zoning requirement, he said that most towns require two parking spaces per unit.
Robert Fawcett, owner of Fawcett Oil Company, said that he has been in Cambridge all his life, he is fourth generation Fawcett to run an oil company in Cambridge and his son Robert Jr. is the fifth. They have talked about developing this property for 20 years. When it was downzoned ten years ago, they decided not to build and did not reconsider until quite recently when the Norberg property came up for sale. They re-thought and bought that property for a price that presumed that they could develop it under SD-2 zoning. They finally found a good partner - Nordbloom. They cannot make it work for less than the number of units that they are currently proposing under SD-2 rules. They have a beautiful project. It is not fair to pull the rug out now.
Julia Bishop, 9 Cottage Park Avenue, stated her concerns for traffic and safety, parking and environmental issues from backed-up traffic and from digging up a large site which has been used as an oil company site for many years. She described her Cottage Park community, where there are six houses. When it snows, the residents who own snow blowers clear the driveways and sidewalks of all six houses every year. Ms. Bishop said that she looked at the plans for the Fawcett development and it does not fit at all with her neighborhood.
Attorney James Rafferty, Adams and Rafferty, Bishop Allen Drive, stated that he was representing Robert Fawcett. He stated that part of the conversation does require looking at current conditions. This site is currently an ongoing oil business with 70 employees. The petition itself presents some interesting issues, but transformative zoning is something that needs to be understood. The big issues here are access, connectivity and management of traffic and parking. The Fawcetts look forward to working with the committee to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution.
William Fox, Cottage Park Avenue, described the history of negotiations with Fawcett regarding truck traffic on the street. It is not what you say; it's what the action is and Fawcett's actions have been continually disappointing. He also said that the City has not enforced the court order.
John Morgan, Whittemore Avenue, spoke in support of the petition. They do not need any more cars coming into Whittemore Avenue. He is an abutter to the Fawcett property and the first time he heard about their agreement with Nordbloom was tonight at this hearing.
Mike Phillips, 57 Whittemore Avenue, stated that he is an abutter to the greenhouses on the property formerly owned by Norbert. He would like to see a successful happy cooperation of Fawcett and the neighborhood like that of Cambridge Lumber Yard and its neighbors.
James Williamson, 1000 Jefferson Park, stated that as happens often, people living in neighborhoods find themselves having to play catch-up. He went to a meeting at the dance studio and went into a Fawcett Oil building that looked empty. At the beginning of the summer there was apparently a plan for the City to acquire the community gardens from Fawcett, and apparently that is not happening.
Lisa Gould, 102 Harvey Street, spoke in support of having CDD help the neighbors and owners come together to grapple with the issues. If they don't do this now, they will face worse conditions. Most of the units in the lumber yard development will have three bedrooms, which will encourage families to stay here. She expressed her support for the Bishop petition and submitted a letter for the record (Attachment C).
Charles Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street, stated that we are seeing a reaction to the increased density all over the city. We need to be thoughtful and thorough and also expeditious. We need to have a discussion about the whole city now and to get to a place where citizens and property owners do not feel a need to keep on filing zoning amendment petitions.
Rob Fawcett, Fawcett Oil, stated that they are committed to having a really good project that improves the area for everyone. He is very excited about it and he hopes the neighbors will be too. He looks forward to working with all to make the best project possible. He submitted a letter for the record (Attachment D).
Mary Day Pollander, 39 Madison Avenue, stated that she has lived in Cambridge all her life. What is important in Cambridge is people. She has not seen the Fawcett's interest in people.
Robert Cyr, Cottage Park Avenue, stated that it would be ridiculous for the City to buy the community garden. We have to be concerned with traffic and safety.
Carolyn Mieth, 15 Brookford Street, stated that the Fawcett project should be redesigned. Two block buildings of 50 units each is not good design. Cornerstone is not just like its neighbors, but it fits in perfectly. Also, there needs to be more discussion of the soil conditions on that site.
Jon Milne, Cottage Park Avenue, said that the community is coming to the city government asking for assistance and expecting a helpful and useful response because this should be the role of government.
Ana Dowd, 42 Columbus Avenue, lauded the Fawcetts for thinking about open space, but said that the project needs to be re-done. She emphasized traffic issues.
George Dent, 53 Magoun Street, said that he and his fiancé moved in last summer and they love the neighborhood. If they had known that there was going to be a 104 units built right next to them, they would not have bought their home.
Patricia Magus, Magoun Street, spoke in support of the petition, particularly because of the traffic problems that are there already.
Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that Linear Park is a beautiful and amazing space. She urged the City Council to give protection of that park just as much attention as the density issue.
John Foley, 53 Magoun Street, stated that he rented in this neighborhood for four years and looked for two years to find a place to buy in the same neighborhood. He expressed support for the petition, opposition to the density of 104 units and said that there is a need to take a close look at traffic issues.
Mayor Maher moved that the petition remain in committee. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their attendance. The hearing was adjourned at 7:45pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Oct 6, 2011 at 5:32pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Austin, Texas "Parking Benefit District Pilot Program" and any other city parking issue.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Chris Summerfield, 153 Lexington Avenue, Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. This meeting is a result of an order adopted by the City Council on Jan 24, 2011 (ATTACHMENT A) and will be a discussion rather than a meeting as no information has been received about the Austin, TX Program. He understands this program to work that curb side revenue received from parking meters is assigned to improve that area of the city.
At this time Councillor Kelley submitted the following two motions which read as follows:
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to direct the City Manager to review the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this program and how it might work in Cambridge.
The motion - Carried.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on how the City of Somerville has two on-street bike coral systems in Davis and Union Squares and Cambridge has none.
The motion - Carried.
Councillor Kelley opened the meeting to discuss any other parking issues.
A communication was received from Chris Summerfield requesting a change to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Regulation in section 14.2 entitled Parking Prohibited (ATTACHMENT B). He stated that 14.2(b) is ineffective. He stated the issue is when backing out of a driveway the view is blocked by parked cars too close to a driveway. This is a neighborhood issue that applies to the city as a whole.
Councillor Kelley asked how the regulation could be crafted to solve the issue and not take away parking spaces. Mr. Summerfield responded that this is a twenty year long-standing issue. It is resurfacing due to the reconstruction of streets and sidewalks due to the sewer separation project. The regulation prohibits parking within 15 feet of the center line of any public or private driveway providing property is signed by the Traffic Director. This regulation is not needed. This regulation requires residents to have their driveway signed before they can call the Police to ticket and tow cars blocking their driveway. In winter obstacles are placed in the street and residents are having difficulty turning in and out of their driveway. Ms. Clippinger commented that the city does not sign every driveway, but enforces when signed. If a complaint is received from a resident the city will sign the driveway based on best traffic practices. Councillor Kelley commented that no one is supposed to park ten feet from either side of the driveway. Ms. Clippinger added that residents should have a right to have a car ticketed and towed if blocking a driveway regardless of signage consistent with the regulation.
Ms. Clippinger provided clarity and consistency to the language of the regulation as follows: you can park 3 feet from the edge of a driveway with the option to sign a larger area. Councillor Kelley spoke of situation on Pemberton Street where cars park one after the other exclusive of driveways. Mr. Summerfield stated that he wanted enforcement when there is a complaint in the regulation. Ms. Clippinger responded that the parker has no knowledge of the regulation. Is the fact that driveways are not signed cars are allowed to park up to the driveway asked Councillor Kelley? Ms. Clippinger responded in the negative. Ms. Clippinger agreed that regulation should be changed. The new regulation is advertised for three weeks then it becomes a regulation. Visitors are allowed to block driveways. She would eliminate the signing provision in the regulation but would continue to sign if requested. Councillor Kelley stated that PCO should give a ticket because it is against the law to block a driveway.
Councillor Kelley submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take the necessary steps to change Section 14.2(b) in the Traffic Regulations pursuant to information contained in the Committee Report #2 of Oct 17, 2011 for the Transportation, Traffic and Parking hearing held on Oct 6, 2011.
The motion - Carried.
A discussion arose about cars parking too close to corners and the difficulty for vehicles turning.
Councillor Kelley stated that Cambridge should move toward not issuing resident parking permits similar to Boston.
Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 7, 2011 beginning at 5:12pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the hearing was to consider a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Elizabeth deRham et al. (Attachment A). The petition proposes an amendment to Section 9.16 of the Zoning which currently provides for a $100 per violation per day fine upon conviction of said violation. The amendment would provide for a fine not to exceed the maximum specified in M.G.L. Ch 40A sec.7, currently $300 per violation per day and would allow the fine to be levied at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.
Councillor Seidel convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioners to make a presentation. Elizabeth deRham, 20 Middlesex Street, and Charles Teague, 27 Edmunds Street, presented the petition. Mr. Teague provided a slide show (Attachment B), which included several pictures of the mess that a special permit project for the rehabilitation of St. John's School produced. From the time when the variance and special permits were issued in 2005, until 2011, the neighbors lived with chaos and construction debris. Tenants occupied the 19 unit building for which the owner had no occupancy permits. Even after community outrage and community meetings in February 2010, and thereafter orders that the site be cleaned up immediately, it took 11 months for the clean up.
Ms. deRham, an abutter to the construction site, described how discouraging the situation was for the whole neighborhood. Mr. Teague said that right now the process of trying to get the zoning laws enforced is cumbersome and often involves several trips to court. The building inspector has a limited enforcement toolkit. A stop work order only works when there is work to be stopped and is not much help when the owner is bankrupt and no work is going on. Fines can only be assessed upon conviction of violations. The owner must first be given warnings, and then there must be an application for a criminal complaint. When the inspectors and the attorney representing them appear before a magistrate, the violator usually receives more warnings. When the complaint finally issues, the court process starts and usually entails many more delays.
Councillor Kelley asked what the next steps would be to adopt the proposed amendments. Mr. Dash said that the Inspectional Services Department and the City Solicitor's Office will need to look at the technical aspects of how the desired outcome can be fit into the existing structure and report to the City Council about any changes needed to make it work.
Councillor Seidel invited comments from members of the public.
Thomas Stohlman, 19 Channing Street, expressed his support for the proposal.
Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, stated that she recalls that there can be problems with the collection of municipal fines. She wondered whether these fines could be made subject to municipal liens. She described the problems that the East Cambridge neighborhood had with trying to get enforcement of the special permit requirement that a boardwalk be built at the Broad Canal. More efficient and reasonable enforcement tools are needed.
Councillor Kelley moved that the petition be forwarded to the full City Council. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Kelley made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to report to the City Council in a timely manner as to whether there are any obstacles to adoption of the proposed amendment to Section 9.16, and if there are, what changes should be made to enable the City Council to ordain an amendment that will achieve the desired outcome.
The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their attendance. The hearing was adjourned at 5:23pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair
Pass to a second reading
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public
high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)
11-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel and on the City's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities. View final order.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/28/11 (O-20)
11-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/07/11 (O-1)
11-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Referred back by Councillor Cheung on 5/23/2011 for further information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-3)
11-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a projector presentation screen in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-12)
11-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the percentage of tree canopy coverage.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-22)
11-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing paying for city services on-line.
Councillor Cheung 05/16/11 (O-29)
11-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of emulating the San Francisco Yellow Pages ban in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-1)
11-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on total of donations raised during the 2011 resident sticker renewals for environmental initiatives, identify a project that the funds can be used for and publicly display that the funds were possible from resident donations.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 06/06/11 (O-2)
11-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining if the Silver Maple Forest could be purchased for preservation.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/06/11 (O-5)
11-76. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on long term strategy that mitigates the actions of the Boston cab companies.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/20/11 (O-2)
11-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on where the police currently conduct foot patrols or park & walks and how these locations are decided.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/20/11 (O-6)
11-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing benches in front of the Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-3)
11-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on enforcement of biking on the sidewalks in Central Square.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/27/11 (O-4)
11-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing information for residents and taxpayers regarding readily available financial information online for citizens to view and easily understand.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-6)
11-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any possible implications of the merger between the Longy School of Music and Bard College.
Councillor Seidel 06/27/11 (O-9)
11-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on technology plan for the city, the use of social media tools, and identifying projects that would benefit using Gov 2.0 Initiative.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-1)
11-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a research and development office for technology.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-2)
11-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for participation in the BIO 2012 Convention.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-4)
11-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the need for a bamboo ordinance that either bans the planting of bamboo outright of somehow holds the owner of the bamboo accountable.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-8)
11-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility and possibility benefits of participating in the UN Global Compact Cities program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-9)
11-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what information campaign will go along with the bike-share program.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-13)
11-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a system that the general public could search by a unique identifier, that contains all official documents such as building permits, variance applications, License Commission inspections, etc.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-15)
11-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating information regarding safe bicycling in the City with the dissemination of information related to and implementation of the Hubway bike share program.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-25)
11-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining the relationship between job creation in the City and available housing stock.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-27)
11-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using BLAZE technology for the safety of bicyclists.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-29)
11-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of Cambridge Office of College Success Initiative Working Group Draft.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-31)
11-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the delay of the Green Line Extension project could impact the development at Northpoint.
Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-34)
11-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options to go paperless with City bills.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-1)
11-111. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #13
RE: report on adjusting the timing of the pedestrian walk lights at intersection with a high volume of seniors using crosswalks.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-3)
11-112. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #11
RE: report on the possibility of using Auxiliary Police for foot patrols in the vicinity of senior apartment buildings.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-6)
11-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on semi-trailer trucks routinely using Lambert Street to get to McGrath Highway.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-18)
11-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what changes need to be made to playgrounds and playing fields associated with the public schools in order to best support the Innovation Agenda.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-23)
11-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for the McCrehan pool.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-25)
11-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on protocol of having wireless internet access on only the first floor of the public library.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-26)
11-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan to ensure that tow truck drivers model safe and courteous driving in the City.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-27)
11-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing enforcement against bikers that endanger pedestrians and provide bike regulations to a wider audience including through media outlets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-29)
11-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on racial makeup of the City's workforce.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-37)
11-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress and feasibility of integrating and providing a service similar to SeeClickFix.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-40)
11-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of Police Call Boxes to be installed at Lopez Park and at the new Northpoint Park.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-47)
11-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the public process that will take place to help determine the design of the new park in East Cambridge as it relates to the Biogen Idec build out mitigation agreement and whether a committee should be assembled as part of the process.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-48)
11-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on trimming tree branches on Pine and Eaton Streets.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-10)
11-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using Bobcats to clear snow on neighborhoods and retails sidewalks.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-5)
11-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on locating a dog park in East Cambridge similar to the one on Washington Street in Somerville.
Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-11)
11-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing utility pole wires underground as part of the Alewife sewer project.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-9)
11-132. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #12
RE: report on the regulations regarding the sale of knives and BB guns in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-1)
11-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of beautifying Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-4)
11-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of the Food and Fitness Policy Council.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-1)
11-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on truck related disturbances at Millbrook Storage.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-2)
11-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on removing the North Cambridge Crime Taskforce trailer.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-4)
11-137. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
RE: report on installing a bicycle locking mechanisms in the area of 1105 Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-13)
11-138. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on inspecting the property at 131 Harvard Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-1)
11-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on disposable plastic bags from retailers.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-3)
11-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that hazardous metal pieces of street signs are removed from the sidewalk level when signs are removed.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-4)
11-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the sidewalks on and around Boardman Street.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-5)
11-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the number of hazardous waste drop off days per year.
Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-7)