Cambridge City Council meeting - October 18, 2004 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-108, regarding a report on the status of the proposed park at 238 Broadway.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-83, regarding a report on a plan for security of bathroom facilities in City Hall.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-29, regarding a report on appointing a committee to develop a ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness in the City.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ted Carpenter, 175 Hancock Street, as a member of the Planning Board for a term to expire August 31, 2009.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-81, regarding a report and listing of all business the City does with Fleet Bank, including retirement accounts.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-52, regarding a report on establishing a reserve account to fund retirement health care benefits particularly in light of GASB.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-71, regarding a report on the actions taken by Boston in enacting an ordinance relating to dangerous animals.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the votes necessary to seek the Massachusetts Department of Revenue approval for the tax rate for FY2005:
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to recommendations for amendments to the Police Review and Advisory Board ("PRAB") ordinance.
ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on September 22, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to implement the Tree Protection Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after October 18, 2004. Petition expires December 21, 2004.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. Constable bond surety received from Michael LaRosa.
2. An application was received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 615 Concord Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.
3. An application was received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 28 Elliot Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.
4. An application was received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 226 Main Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.
5. An application was received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1000 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.
6. An application was received from David Huenneke, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 112 Prospect 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 Associations.
7. An application was received from Lollicup, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 54 JFK Street.
8. An application was received from Cambridge Family Literacy Collaborative/ChildCare Resource Center, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall.
9. An application was received from Heavy's Caps & Accessories, requesting permission for a display of merchandise at the premises numbered 766A Cambridge Street.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Department of Telecommunications and Energy, transmitting notice of a public hearing on October 22, 2004 at 2:00pm, One South Station, 2nd Floor, Boston on a petition of Commonwealth Electric Company, Cambridge Electric Light Company, and Boston Edison Company, d/b/a NSTAR Electric, and NSYAR Gas Company, for approval of tariffs to provide recovery for costs associated with their obligations to provide employees pension benefits and post-retirement benefits other than pensions.
2. A communication was received from Lawrence J. Adkins, Riverside Neighborhood Association, regarding City Manager's Agenda item #13 of October 4, 2004.
3. A communication was received from the family of Maria Figueiredo, transmitting appreciation for you kind expression of sympathy.
4. A communication was received from Evva Donofrio and family, transmitting their gratitude for your condolences on behalf of John B. Donofrio.
5. A communication was received from Lawrence Adkins, Riverside Neighborhood Association, regarding Riverside Place residents rendering and design.
6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police power.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Darren J. Cunningham. Vice Mayor Decker
2. Resolution on the death of Specialist Rodney A. Jones Vice Mayor Decker
3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Allen Nolan. Vice Mayor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Mike A. Dennie. Vice Mayor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Tyler D. Prewitt. Vice Mayor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gregory A. Cox. Vice Mayor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenneth L. Sickels. Vice Mayor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Hilda Gomes. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey
9. Congratulations to Frank Wilczek, physicist at M.I.T., on being awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize. Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker
10. Best wishes to Dan Curley, Executive Director of Cambridge Cares About AIDS, as he leaves to pursue his leadership role with Housing Works. Vice Mayor Decker
11. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Marilyn Bradshaw, Secretary to the School Committee. Mayor Sullivan
12. Congratulations to John P. Allen on his retirement from the East Cambridge Savings Bank. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey
13. Very Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Cleland Haywood as Tuesday, November 2, 2004 is proclaimed Cleland Haywood Day in Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
14. Congratulations to Dr. Anne Larkin and Representative Peter Larkin on the birth of their son, Matthew Sean Larkin. Councillor Toomey
15. Congratulations to Juanita Anderson on her 60th Birthday. Councillor Simmons
16. Congratulations to Cori Tiffany Azevedo and Justin Dupont on the birth of their son, Justin Cori King Azevedo. Mayor Sullivan
17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Dave Collier. Vice Mayor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Christopher Potts. Vice Mayor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jack Hennessy. Vice Mayor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Uvanni. Vice Mayor Decker
21. November proclaimed as National Adoption Month in Cambridge. Councillor Maher
22. Resolution on the death of Leonora (Cirolo) Nadeau. Mayor Sullivan
23. Resolution on the death of Christopher Reeve. Mayor Sullivan
24. Congratulations to the retirees of the Cambridge School Department and a retirement party will be held on Friday, November 19, 2004, at the VFW Post 3273 on First Street. Mayor Sullivan
25. Congratulations to retiree Bill Bates of the Cambridge Public School Athletic Department and support for his retirement party on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Mayor Sullivan
26. Congratulations to Marta Rosa as she retires from the Child Care Resource Center. Mayor Sullivan
27. Congratulations to Doris Kearns Goodwin on winning the 2004 Amelia Earhart Award and proclaim Friday, November 12, 2004 as Doris Kearns Goodwin Day in Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
28. Resolution on the retirement of Thomas M. Maynard.. Mayor Sullivan
29. Resolution on the death of Grace M. Colisomo. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
30. Congratulations to Ted and Tanya Carr on the birth of their daughter. Vice Mayor Decker
31. October 2004 proclaimed as National Arts and Humanities Month in Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
32. Congratulations to Jarrett Barrios and Douglas Hattaway on their upcoming wedding. Councillor Toomey
33. Congratulations to Richard and Susan Smith on the dedication of the Family Therapeutic Pool at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, and Thursday, November 4, 2004 is proclaimed as Richard and Susan Smith Day in Cambridge. Mayor Sullivan
34. Greetings sent to the Jose Mateo Fonseca School as members of the Christ Church of Cambridge visit Cuba. Vice Mayor Decker
35. Resolution on the death of Private First Class James Prevete. Vice Mayor Decker
36. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Andrew Halverson. Vice Mayor Decker
37. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andrew Brown. Vice Mayor Decker
38. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Michael Voss. Vice Mayor Decker
39. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jessica Cawvey. Vice Mayor Decker
40. Resolution on the death of Private Jeungjin Na Kim. Vice Mayor Decker
41. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Richard Morgan. Vice Mayor Decker
42. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant James Pettaway, Jr.. Vice Mayor Decker
43. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Michael Burbank. Vice Mayor Decker
44. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Aaron Rusin. Vice Mayor Decker
45. Resolution on the death of Private Carson Ramsey. Vice Mayor Decker
46. Resolution on the death of Specialist Morgen Jacobs. Vice Mayor Decker
47. Condolences to be prepared to the Sousa family. Councillor Toomey
48. Congratulations to Christ Church Cambridge on its first delegation to Cuba and its visit to Cienfuegas, Cuba, Cambridge's Sister City. Councillor Reeves
49. Congratulations to Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Principal (CRLS) Sybil Knight, Assistant Principal Caroline Hunter and the leadership of CRLS and faculty on their hard work and successes in regaining CRLS's full accreditation. Councillor Reeves
50. Resolution on the death of William G. Shea. Mayor Sullivan
51. Veterans Day celebrated on November 11, 2004. Vice Mayor Decker
52. Recognition of Carla Becerra, who came to the aid of her suddenly sick friend, Patricia Santana, upon an allergic reaction to nuts and Friday, October 22, 2004, is proclaimed Carla Bercerra Day. Mayor Sullivan
53. A Happy 25th Anniversary wish to Whole Foods and Saturday, October 30, 2004, proclaimed as Whole Foods Day. Mayor Sullivan
54. Resolution on the death of Grace M. Marchant. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey
55. Resolution on the death of Jacqueline H. Sparks. Mayor Sullivan
56. Resolution on the death of Major Charles Robert Soltes, USAR. Mayor Sullivan
57. Resolution on the death of Anthony J. Rosetti. Mayor Sullivan
58. Resolution on the death of David M. MacMillan. Mayor Sullivan
59. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Jean Cantwell. Mayor Sullivan
60. Very Happy 2nd Birthday wishes to Grace Carven. Mayor Sullivan
61. Resolution on the death of Rose T. Dailey. Councillor Toomey
62. Resolution on the death of Joan J. Albanese. Councillor Toomey
63. Resolution on the death of George R. Gittens. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan
64. Resolution on the death of Eileen M. Hughes. Mayor Sullivan
65. Support for the Open House celebrating the renovations to the Agassiz Neighborhood Council at 20 Sacramento Street and the opening of the 4th Annual Small Works Exhibition and Sale on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 4:00pm. Mayor Sullivan
66. Resolution on the death of Franklin S. Browning, Jr. Councillor Maher
67. Assisted Technology display by the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Diversity Committee applauded. Councillor Davis
68. Best wishes to Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot at her informal seminar (Emily Hargroves Fisher Professor Education on her recently published book "The Essential Conversation: What Parents and Teachers Can Learn From Each Other") at the Harvard Faculty Club, 20 Quincy Street, Cambridge, October 27, 2004 from 3:30-5:30pm. Vice Mayor Decker
ORDERS
1. Urging Genzyme and R&C Cleaning to support the right of janitors to organize and join a union. Councillor Murphy
2. The City Manager is requested to update the City Council on discussions with the Massachusetts Highway Department to implement a truck traffic ban. Councillor Murphy
3. The new conference room at City Hall be named in honor of Sophie Anastos. Councillor Maher
4. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to examine the newly redesigned intersection of Brattle Street and Mason Street and to improve the signage to clarify to motorists who has the right of way. Councillor Maher
5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department and report on the long neglected parcel at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Magoun Street to consider a possible taking of the land for community benefit. Councillor Maher
6. Dedication in honor of George P. Blair. Councillor Toomey
7. City Council meetings for December 27, 2004 and January 3, 2005 be and hereby are cancelled. Councillor Murphy and Councillor Simmons
8. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission and report on simplifying the information on the City's web page about applying for absentee ballots. Councillor Maher
9. The City Manager is requested to consult with the owners of 2464 Massachusetts Avenue regarding their future plans to close Edmunds Street to through traffic, and to report back on this issue. Councillor Maher
10. The City Manager is requested to transmit to the MBTA the concern of the City Council for bus passengers on new CNG buses which do not have adequate stop request signals and poles to assist passengers. Councillor Davis
11. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to provide for benches at Fresh Pond to encourage walking and to enable seniors to use that resource and to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to install a bus shelter on Massachusetts for inbound passengers to Harvard Square from the Burns Apartments. Councillor Davis
12. The City Manager is requested to report on violence prevention efforts in the City and refer this order and the response to the Public Safety Committee. Councillor Davis
13. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to transmit a progress report on issues from the Sidewalk Snow Clearance meeting for referral to a December Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee meeting during the snow season. Councillor Davis
14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to investigate making Recreation Department facilities available, such as the War Memorial, for adult walking and report back to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee. Councillor Davis
15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate programs to install LED traffic lights in other cities to see how those cities analyzed the costs and benefits of these energy saving traffic light bulbs and decided to install them. Councillor Davis
16. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to report on the use of the green machine to clean sidewalks and also to report on steam cleaning sidewalk efforts. Councillor Davis
17. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with the Director of Veterans Services to ensure that all residents of Cambridge, who served in World War II are added to the database in Washington, D.C., in particular those who were killed in the line of duty. Mayor Sullivan
18. That the City Manager is requested to create a position of "Homeland Defense" from within the existing Public Safety personnel, and further that the City ensures that said person receives the appropriate training. Mayor Sullivan
19. The City Manager is requested to determine with the Police Commissioner if it would be appropriate as part of Community Policing to have the registered Cambridge owners of Honda vehicles informed that Hondas are currently especially favored by vandals that special precautions be used by owners. Councillor Reeves
20. Request for developer, Sam Azzam to meet with representatives of the Porter Square Neighborhood Association to make reasonable design changes to satisfy neighborhood concerns regarding the structure at the former site of the Long Funeral Home. Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan
21. City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to consider establishing a larger fine for failure to clear the sidewalk, a fine that is greater than the cost of clearing the sidewalk and also consider the creation of an enforcement scheme that provides for increased fines for subsequent violations. Councillor Davis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on September 21, 2004 to receive a major debriefing on the success and areas of improvement on the events held during the month of July in the City, to determine whether the work of this committee should continue with an eye toward MacWorld 2005 and to answer questions on how to institutionalize the City's future Destination Cambridge abilities.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on September 29, 2004 to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town meeting to be held on October 2, 2004.
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on September 28, 2004 to discuss bus shelters and benches, snow removal plans, policies and procedures and the maintenance of public handicapped parking spaces.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, regarding a change in order deadline for November 15, 2004 City Council meeting.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 18
5:00pm Special presentation to celebrate and welcome the Collaborative Law Professionals. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 19
10:00am The Economic Development, Employment and Training Committee will conduct a public meeting to determine a funding mechanism for an annual expenditure relative to public celebrations. Can the City of Cambridge broker a public/private partnership for a public celebrations budget that exceeds $300,000. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 20
2:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #8 of May 10, 2004 regarding establishing criteria for naming squares and Order #15 of June 14, 2004 regarding the development of a GIS format for displaying online all of the Cambridge Squares that have been named for people. (Ackermann Room)
3:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #14 of August 2, 2004 regarding the purview of City Council Committees and their role in policy development. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Oct 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 26
11:00am The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss a report on parking passes and permits issued by the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and to discuss clearly marked bicycle routes through the City's major squares and other areas where obstacles are created by such things as one-way streets. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 27
9:00am The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss out of school time permits and Summer School. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to increase the Zoning Petition Filing Fee. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Fri, Oct 29
9:00am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a working public meeting to receive a report of the results of the survey of citizens satisfaction and opinion with regard to city services. No public comment. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 3
7:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee invites members of the public to a facilitated opportunity to receive a brief presentation on the results of a citizen satisfaction survey and to express their views on city services and City Council priorities. (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
Thurs, Nov 4
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a
petition to create a new Special District 15, Section 17.600 and to amend the
Zoning Map in the area of 237 Putnam Avenue and 19-21 Blackstone Street. This
meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 9
11:30am The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion regarding a new or renovated police station. At the meeting, committee members and administrative staff will also agree upon a regular monthly meeting time. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Nov 10
9:00am The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss transportation for seniors and accessible taxi cabs. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 15
8:30am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a facilitated working meeting for the City Council to set FY 06 priorities. No public comment. (Water Department, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Conference Room)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 22
2:00pm Government Operations and Rules Committee (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm Roundtable City Council Meeting. Joint public meeting with the School Committee for a discussion of school related issues. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.
(Location TBA)
Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 3, 2005
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 10, 2005
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 24, 2005
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 31, 2005
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Genzyme and R&C Cleaning to support the right of janitors to organize and join a union; and be further
RESOLVED: That a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution be to forward to Genzyme and R&C Cleaning on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on discussions with the Massachusetts Highway Department to implement a truck traffic ban.
O-3 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Sophie Anastos, employee of the Finance Department of the City of Cambridge, has provided the citizens of Cambridge with 52 years of service at City Hall; and
WHEREAS: Sophie is the longest serving employee at Cambridge City Hall; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the new conference room at City Hall be named in honor of Sophie Anastos.
O-4 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to examine the newly redesigned intersection of Brattle Street and Mason Street and to improve the signage to clarify to motorists who has the right of way.
O-5 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Law Department regarding the long neglected parcel at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Magoun Street to consider a possible taking of the land for community benefit and report back to the City Council.
O-6 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of George P. Blair; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.
O-7 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council meetings scheduled for December 27, 2004 and January 3, 2005 be and hereby are cancelled.
O-8 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission with the view of simplifying the information on the City's web page about applying for absentee ballots; and be it further
ORDERED: That among possible improvements to be considered, the Election Commission consider a direct link from the home page to a clear set of instructions including a printable letter requesting an absentee ballot or application for it, as well as information about what will happen next and timeframes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-9 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the owners of 2464 Massachusetts Avenue regarding their future plans to close Edmunds Street to through traffic, and to report back on this issue.
O-10 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the MBTA the concern of the City Council for bus passengers on new CNG buses which do not have adequate stop request signals and poles to assist passengers. Some Cambridge passengers have been injured.
O-11 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to provide for more benches at the Fresh Pond Reservation to encourage walking and to enable seniors to use that resource; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to install a bus shelter on Massachusetts for inbound passengers to Harvard Square from the Burns Apartments.
O-12 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on violence prevention efforts in the City and refer this order and the response to the Public Safety Committee.
O-13 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: A lot of good ideas came out of the sidewalk snow clearance meeting; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to transmit a progress report on the issues raised at that meeting for referral to a December Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee meeting during the snow season.
O-14 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to investigate making Recreation Department facilities, such as the War Memorial, available for adult walking during the winter and to report back to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee.
O-15 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate programs to install LED traffic lights in other cities to see how those cities analyzed the costs and benefits of these energy saving traffic light bulbs and decided to install them.
O-16 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to report to the City Council on the use of the green machine to clean sidewalks and also to report on steam cleaning sidewalk efforts.
O-17 October 18, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. is a wonderful and well deserved tribute to those who served their country during World War II; and
WHEREAS: As part of this memorial there is a database that lists the names of those who have registered as having served; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is hereby requested to confer with the Director of Veterans Services to ensure that all residents of Cambridge, who served in World War II are added to the database in Washington D.C., in particular those who were killed in the line of duty.
O-18 October 18, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a position of "Homeland Defense" from within the existing Public Safety personnel, and further that the City ensures that said person receives the appropriate training.
O-19 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine with the Police Commissioner if it would be appropriate as part of Community Policing to have the registered Cambridge owners of Honda vehicles informed that Hondas are currently especially favored by vandals that special precautions be used by owners.
O-20 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The City Council has expressed its serious concern about the building
structure constructed at the site formerly known as the Long Funeral Home on
Massachusetts Avenue and Beech Street; and
WHEREAS: Over 200 concerned residents appeared at the recent BZA meeting to
voice their concerns about the project; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has unanimously requested that the BZA consider
revoking the existing building permit for this project; and
WHEREAS: The Chairman of the BZA has filed reconsideration of a final vote
rejecting the neighborhood’s appeal of the building permit; and
WHEREAS: This motion for reconsideration gives the developer Sam Azzam and the
neighborhood another opportunity to work out a compromise which would be in the
best interest of all parties involved; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the developer, Sam
Azzam to meet with representatives of the Porter Square Neighborhood Association
and make every effort to make reasonable design changes to satisfy neighborhood
concerns; and be it further
ORDERED: That a suitably engrossed copy of this order be sent to the Porter
Square Neighborhood Association.
O-21 October 18, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the
Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Traffic, Parking and
Transportation to consider establishing a larger fine for failure to clear the
sidewalk, a fine that is greater than the cost of clearing the sidewalk; and be
it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager also consider the creation of an enforcement
scheme that provides for increased fines for subsequent violations.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 ten o’clock and five minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to receive a major debriefing on the success and areas of improvement on the events held during the month of July in the City, to determine whether the work of this committee should continue with an eye toward Mac World 2005 and to answer questions on how to institutionalize the City’s future Destination Cambridge abilities.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Mary Hart, MIS Director, Robyn Bell, Executive Director, Office Of Tourism, Maura Cooney, Office of Tourism, James Monagle, City Auditor, Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner, Richard Scali, License Commission, Sandra Albano, Assistant to the City Council, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Estella Johnson, Director, Economic Development, Community Development Department, Calvin Lindsay, Municipal Cable Director, Dhonyale Jones, Municipal Cable, Jason Weeks, Director, Arts Council, Mary Ann Cicala, Arts Council, Jane Beal, Arts Council, Kit Rawlings, Assistant Director, Historical Commissioner, Susan Fleishman, CCTV, Director and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Paul Parravano, Co-Director, MIT Office of Government and Community Relations, Issie Shait, Cambridgeside Galleria, Jennifer Nelson, Cambridgeside Galleria, John Murtha, General Manager, Royal Sonesta Hotel, and John Clifford. Green Street Grille, Scott Grant, Green Street Grille, Terrence Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Thompson Clark, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Marvin Gilmore, 26 Mt. Vernon Street and Steve Sillari, 91 Park Avenue, Cambridge, MA.
Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He distributed an Agenda for the Meeting (Attachment A). He wanted to look at all of the activities for Destination Cambridge. The Public Works, Police and Human Services Departments were all involved with the July activities. Mac World is coming in 2005; he would like to discuss what Cambridge might do for this convention. He asked all attendees for comments about the July activities. He distributed a memo from Jubi Headley that contained his comments about the July events (Attachment B). Mayor Sullivan stated that it is nice when events have an end point. He thanked the chair of the committee and all participants for working on the Destination Cambridge events. The response was phenomenal. Visitors to Cambridge were blown away by the magic of Cambridge. Now the goal is to make the process better.
Mr. Healy stated that the Taste of Cambridge was professionally organized and was a success. The Arts Fair was hampered by the weather for a day. The use of the Cambridge Common was an important venue. The Dance Party has its annual constituency. The Worlds Fair was a success. The logistics of the parade was a problem. The Symposia were good and became bigger.
Mr. Lindsay stated that he was impressed with the activities that took place in the City in July. Municipal Cable covered a number of events, Arts Fair, Willie Colon, Dance Party and the Symposia. Logistics was his concern. Municipal Cable could not get into the event at MIT to film the event. He would have liked to see the Symposia at different venues. Looking forward he would like more involvement in the venue, before the event, to be able to film the event. Welcome to Cambridge spots were developed. Special promotions and the Office of Tourism promotion were aired on Municipal Cable.
Ms. Jones added that the Arts Fair and the Symposia were good. She was concerned that word did not get out about the July events. The Willie Colon Concert was a problem because not all the songs could be tapped. There are legal issues with the filming. For the future when it gets dark there is a need for additional lighting. She suggested car dealership lighting. Someone else should do crowed count. The seniors were unhappy with their placement in the parade.
Mr. Rossi stated that the Destination Cambridge events were great for the community. The Democratic National Convention was used as a springboard for the activities in July. The challenge is to get the word out. These activities built spirit. The welcome tables were effective, but training is needed. More community involvement is needed. All City departments were involved in the logistics. The city employees enjoyed the events. There is a need to centralize city services. The event at the Charles Hotel was a great morale builder. He thanked all participants.
Ms. Griffin stated that the parade was interesting and entertaining. The Taste of Cambridge was excellent. The Arts Fair had a problem due to the weather. The Salsa Concert was a great event. The World’s Fair was good, but costly.
Mr. DePasquale stated that the City did an incredible job. The responses have been positive.
Ms. Johnson stated that all the events were great. She enjoyed the Salsa Concert. The Dance Party and Salsa Concert made people happy. She has not heard whether businesses did any better. The hotels did well. She would like to see a draw of people to restaurants and bars.
Ms. Semonoff stated that the Taste of Cambridge was a showcase of Cambridge restaurants. She applauded Public Works personnel for their work on the Arts Fair. More outreach could be done. The Symposia also showcased Cambridge talent.
Ms. Peterson stated that Public Works supported the logistics of the events. Logistics went smooth because organization was done well. Councillor Reeves complimented
Ms. Peterson on signage and the details made to the park in Central Square.
Mr. Smith commented that the Arts Fair was nicely done and had a nice turn out. The foot traffic in Boston headed to the Fleet Center or to a free event. Money was being spent in Harvard Square. He suggested getting opposing views on the symposia. The volunteers did a great job. The Charles Hotel event was great.
Ms. Hart stated that she could not get through the crowd on Sunday. The Taste of Cambridge was great. The web was successful for searchers. More could be done to better the links.
Mr. Monagle stated that Cambridge should be proud of the activities and the job the City did on the activities.
Ms. Cicala complimented the Economic Development Committee and the city departments. On behalf of the Arts Fair, she praised the relationship between the departments. Existing projects could be packaged by the city so that events do not have to be reinvented. The support mechanism is in place. She enjoyed being on Cambridge Common for the Arts Fair. Strong feedback has been received from the Arts community and businesses. She wished that there were more time to work on publicity for the Arts Fair.
Mr. Weeks commented that most of the activities featured the arts. Cambridge was showcased through the artists and culture. Money goes back into the community through the Arts Fair, World’s Fair and the Taste of Cambridge. The feedback he received was that the artists felt well served.
Mr. Grant stated that the World’s Fair event was successful. People asked if the World’s Fair would be held next year. Media attention was low. More publicity and publicity done earlier was needed.
Ms. Rawlins was impressed with the work that was done in a short period of time. She suggested that a minimum of six months is needed to plan an event of this scale. A better job could have been done to involve other organizations such as the Historical Society and Longfellow House. She questioned who attend the events, was there a mix or was it out-of-towners.
Mr. Murtha stated that the restaurants were not able to take advantage of the Destination Cambridge. The restaurants needed more time for planning. Delegates left with good experiences of Boston/Cambridge. Good reports are being received from other states. The July event does not have to be specific to the DNC.
Councillor Toomey stated that the Destination Cambridge event should be held every year for two weeks in July in Cambridge. He gave kudos to all.
Councillor Simmons stated that the activities were exemplary. She was torn between the activities in Cambridge and her invitations as a delegate to the DNC. The goal should not be to bring the conventioneers to Cambridge. It was difficult to get cooperation from Boston. Economic development impact to Cambridge needed to be measured. Smaller businesses were left out. She thanked the universities for their participation. She suggested an education aspect to the event. More planning is needed on how to dispense Cambridge memorabilia to the hotels.
Ms. Fleishman stated that the City offered to pay the bill for programming of Democracy Now. This program provided international media coverage in Cambridge. Ms. Goodman announced that the program was coming from Cambridge, the Unconventional City. She thanked Public Works and the City Administration for helping make CCTV a strong institution.
Mr. Shait stated that Cambridge did itself proud. He received comments from his colleagues in Boston because of the events in Cambridge. Cambridge does not need the DNC. Lesson should be learned about scheduling events. The event scheduled at the Galleria was not held because the State Department felt it was to close to the convention, stated Councillor Reeves. He thanked the Galleria Mall for its participation in the events. Ms. Nelson commented that Canal Park as a venue was well received.
Ms. Bell stated that Cambridge was the shining star for the attention of the press. Challenge was the revisions and the reprinting. She made a field trip to Boston and it was dead. The Taste of Cambridge received good press coverage. It is hard to measure the impact. She stated that she was told that the delegates attended Cambridge events. She would like an event similar to a winter Solstice, to be held in January or February. Many of the events should be continued.
Mr. Gilmore thanked Cambridge for an image unto itself above Harvard and MIT. The economic development measure is important and the key to success. Councillor Reeves thanked Mr. Gilmore and tagged him as a spokesman for Cambridge.
Ms. Beal stated that when the talent and the cross sections of the City are brought together it is a great community event. The energy of pedestrian traffic in East Cambridge and Harvard Square was good. She was glad the World’s Fair was coming back.
Mr. Parravano applauded city staff and the city administration and the vision of Councillor Reeves as Chair of the Economic Development Committee. The fact that the activities were held in the city while the DNC was occurring was a compliment to the city. Mr. Rossi is an angel, he said. He calms people. He praised the Office of Tourism.
Ms. Cooney stated that the activities were a wonderful series of events. She was proud to be a Cambridge resident.
Ms. Spalla stated she enjoyed the World’s Fair. She suggested that the staging be placed differently. The delegates had the activities information. The hotel returns would come later. The city established great infrastructure. She suggested moving up the timetable for the events. Cambridge can be marketable.
Ms. Tomeu stated that there were media challenges. Cambridge did the best it could to get the word out.
Mr. Scali reported on the Taste of Cambridge. There were 1,800 people who attended this event. The Taste of Cambridge doubled its income from last year. Bread and Jams received $10,000 of the $21,000 received from the event. Forty-four restaurants participated in the event. The event ran out of food. More food would be provided for next year’s event. The Salsa Concert was dark, more and better lighting is needed. The Arts Fair was too small and should be spread out more. People could not get into the Charles Hotel event. He tried to make a deal with the DNC and the taxi industry to transport delegates to the airport, but was not successful.
Ms. Clark stated that special things came out of the partnership of the city and the businesses. The planning for the Taste of Cambridge for 2005 is now underway. The events were something!
Mr. Sillari attended most of the events and had a great time. He was astounded that the events came together. He thinks this should be done yearly. The convention in Boston was a ghost town.
Mr. Clifford started that the cooperation of the city was great. The events should be done again. Mr. Headley’s report was accurate. The World’s Fair should be held yearly.
Councillor Reeves thanked all the participants in the Destination Cambridge, the Unconventional City. Cambridge hosted many celebrities. He complimented the Symposia. Better research would have helped Cambridge. The Boston DNC Committee was uncooperative. It is best not to focus on the delegates. The teamwork was tremendous. Mr. Rossi was positive and determined. Mr. Rossi’s leadership skills and prior experience, such as possessed by Mr. Clifford with the World’s Fair and the Arts Council with the Arts Fair were an added bonus in this process. Art, he said, knows no boundaries. Ms. Carvello can take the Dance out of her pocket and coordinate it. The symposia need a year to be developed. He loved the Taste of Cambridge. He stated that a sponsor could be secured for the Salsa Concert on a yearly basis. More activities could have been done to involve historic organizations. The parade could have been more. The city does not know who attended the activities. He applauded the Mayor for his fund-raising talent. A discussion is needed with the corporate community to establish corporate interest to help raise money needed for the activities. Mayor Sullivan stated that the Arts Fair was a better use of the Cambridge Common. He liked the Salsa Concert location. He questioned whether area business benefited from the Salsa Concert location. Councillor Reeves responded that Polcari’s was located in the concert area. Mayor Sullivan stated that the volunteers were the backbone of the events. The events should continue to use volunteers. There is a $10,000 short fall of revenue. Boston received the necessary funding because of the DNC.
Councillor Reeves stated that moving forward a budget should be established for these events. This process should be a partnership between the city and the corporate community. Each entity could provide $150,000. Administration of the budget must be determined. A marvelous job was done by all. Cambridge is the most interesting place in the world. This fact should be celebrated and all should be invited to enjoy Cambridge. A publicity effort is needed to tell Cambridge’s Story.
Councillor Reeves thanked all participants and attendees.
The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and ten minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair
Committee Report #2
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 beginning at nine o’clock and ten minutes A. M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town meeting to be held on October 2, 2004.
Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Eileen Ginnetty, Director, Council on Aging, Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Rebecca Girolamo, Municipal Cable Office and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were William Cobham, 131 Fayerweather Street and LeRoy Cragwell, 13 Hubbard Avenue, Cambridge, MA.
Councillor Simmons opened meeting and stated the purpose. Congressman Capuano and Mr. Schmarsow have been confirmed. Ms. Ginnetty submitted a biography on Mr. Schmarsow. Councilor Simmons would be Master of Ceremonies at the Senior Town Meeting. She requested Ms. Tomeu to add the biographies to the Web. She outlined the Agenda for the day. Mayor Sullivan would give greetings from the City. Ms. Semonoff would give greetings from the Human Services Department. Evaluation forms would be secured from the participants. A gift would be provided to the attendees for their participation. Mr. Cox would introduce the notetakers and give a brief outline of the report. Table tents would be prepared for elected officials and city administration. Councillor Simmons suggested a debriefing meeting should be held after the Senior Town Meeting.
Ms. Tomeu informed the committee that an article about the Senior Town Meeting was written for insertion in the Globe but was subsequently cut. She suggested that the City Council could express their concern that the Globe does not cover important events in Cambridge. Councillor Simmons commented that Cambridge is getting less and less coverage in the City Section.
Councillor Simmons asked Ms. Ginnetty about the registration for the Senior Town Meeting. Ms. Ginnetty reported there are currently 125 seniors registered. This number is expected to increase to over 150.
Mr. Cragwell informed the committee that he has pictures taken of the seniors during participation in senior activities. He would like to display these pictures.
Ms. Ginnetty stated that display boards were being planned. Possibly a slide show could be set up. Councillor Simmons stated that she would like pictures to be taken at the Senior Town Meeting. Ms. Girolamo stated that Cable would freeze frames at the event. A suggestion was made to have a camera at every table.
Ms. Ginnetty stated that the Senior Center would be opened at 7:30am on October 2, 2004. Registration would begin at 9:00am. Ms. Pacheco stated that the East End House would be provided transportation, if needed.
Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees for their work.
The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and thirty-five minutes A.M.
For the Committee
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Committee Report #3
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee conducted a public meeting on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 beginning a 1:07pm in the Ballroom of the Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss bus shelters and benches, snow removal plans, policies and procedures and the maintenance of public handicapped parking spaces.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the committee and Margaret Drury, City Clerk. City administrative staff present included Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works (DPW), John Nardone, Assistant Commissioner of Operations, DPW, William Dwyer, Superintendent of Streets and Sidewalks, DPW, Greg Garber, Superintendent of Parks and Urban Forestry, DPW, Susan Clippinger, Director of the Traffic Parking and Transportation Department, Susann Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Environmental Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), Katherine Watkins, transportation and environmental planner, CDD, Cara Seiderman, pedestrian and bicycle program, CDD, Rosalie Anders, transportation and environmental planner, CDD, Richard Scali, Executive Secretary, License Commission, Sergeant Kathleen Murphy, community relations and bicycle patrol, Cambridge Police Department, Michael Muehe, Director of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Human Services (DHS), Eileen Ginnety, Director of the Council on Aging, DHS, Emma Watkins, Director of the Senior Center DHS, Laura Haberman, Senior Center.
The following citizens also attended the meeting: Carol N. Weiss, 13A Ware Street; Florinda Pla, 50 Churchill Avenue; Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street; Arvilla Sarazen, 15 Lambert Street; Bill Ellis, 237 Franklin Street; Steve Miller, 92 Henry Street; Sandra Foster, 20 Clare Street; Gladys Evans, One Grant Street; Ruby Chung, 863 Massachusetts Avenue; Bernarda Vargas, 110 Peterborough Street, Boston; Leora Littleton, 130 Antrim Street; John Gintell, West Street; George Erhrenfried, Aberdeen Avenue; Sylvia Bridgeman, Cambridge; James Shannon, Cambridge; Ellie Solyera, Cambridge; William Cobham, Fayerweather Street; Leroy Craigwell, Cambridge.
Councillor Davis convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She stated that the meeting would begin with a discussion of bus stops and benches and invited Katherine Watkins to make a presentation. Ms. Watkins began with a description of the City’s overall focus on bus routes and buses. She first noted that there are limitations on what the City can accomplish because the buses are owned and operated by the MBTA, not the City. However, the City has undertaken several initiatives related to buses and bus routes. The City has developed new signage for the bus stops with route information. On Huron Avenue the City is trying out new signs with more information about fares and schedules.
Ms. Watkins said that Cambridge does have some new bus shelters and benches at bus stops. CDD has mapped the location of existing benches and shelters at bus stops. The City is focusing first on providing benches and shelters for bus stops where more than 100 people get on buses per day. She distributed a handout with photographs of types of bus shelters and benches that the City has installed recently, along with photographs of areas where the City is planning for new installations, and areas where the sidewalk is not wide enough for a bench. Out of thirteen high volume locations, there is enough room for installation of benches in seven or eight, and CDD is planning on installing a total of 15 benches in these areas.
Bus shelters are generally constructed as part of major projects. The City is looking at installing bus shelters as part of the upcoming project in Porter Square. CDD also works with developers to encourage them to install and maintain bus shelters adjacent to their projects. The MBTA is currently advertising for a contractor to install and maintain bus shelters in exchange for being allowed to have advertising space on the shelter structures.
At this time Councillor Davis invited public comment on bus shelters and benches, and the following comments and suggestions were made.
Councillor Davis then moved the discussion to snow clearance issues. Commissioner Peterson briefly outlined pedestrian snow clearing efforts. She explained that when snow clearance starts depends on the intensity and length of the storm. In recent years, DPW has been starting much earlier in the storm. The City of Cambridge clears over 18 miles of sidewalk area as well as crosswalks and ramps, 35 crosswalk guard locations and 190 high volume bus stops on Cambridge Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Concord Avenue and Mt. Auburn Street. Both the DPW and the Traffic Department are involved in enforcement, primarily the Traffic Department.
Commissioner Peterson then went on to outline efforts that the DPW is making to strengthen the pedestrian snow clearance program. Several months ago she was asked to look at the pedestrian snow clearance that takes place in Brookline and Newton. She did so and found that while Newton clears over 40 miles of sidewalk, Brookline and Newton only clear sidewalks around schools and in major business areas. Their sidewalks are much wider than Cambridge sidewalks, so they can use Bombardier sidewalk plows, which cannot be used on most Cambridge sidewalks.
The DPW did a great deal of analysis of sidewalk widths and of tickets given out for violations last year. The violation data was overlaid on maps showing school and senior housing locations. Members of the DPW staff have met with the Pedestrian Committee and are meeting with Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department staff on how to focus enforcement routes and efforts. Members of the Traffic Department staff are putting together prioritized enforcement routes based on the data analysis.
Commissioner Peterson stated that in October she would be sending a letter to each property owner who received a citation last year. About 300 property owners will receive this letter. Staff members are also trying to identify problem locations and nearby property owners who do a good job of snow clearance and perhaps help out.
Councillor Davis stated that she was very pleased to hear of the new efforts that are being made to improve the pedestrian snow clearance program. She asked whether there would be an attempt to prioritize clearance of certain areas, for example, the crosswalk in front of City Hall. Commissioner Peterson said that DPW has been giving a lot of thought to how to clear sidewalks more effectively. However, there is no way to avoid plowing in sidewalk ramps during snow clearance. What is needed is concerted and consistent action to go back and re-clear the ramp.
Councillor Davis then invited comments from those in attendance. The following comments were made:
There was a discussion of the exemption list of disabled property owners for whom DPW assumes the task of clearing their sidewalks. Commissioner Peterson said that DPW attempts to meet the ordinance timeframe for snow clearance, and for most of last year, DPW did a better job of keeping up, but it is challenging in terms of work power. She wants to find ways of strengthening this part of the program without weakening the public area clearance. In response to a question from Kathy Podgers about Councillor Toomey’s order requesting that the City look into using vouchers for this program, Ms. Peterson said that her staff has been looking into this idea but she does not have a program that she is ready to recommend to the City Manager yet.
In response to a comment that local snow shovellers charge more than many seniors can afford, Ms. Ginnety state that the Council on Aging does keep lists of students who will shovel walks for affordable prices. The Council of Aging sends out letters to all of the youth who have participated in the Mayor’s summer jobs program. Those who respond are placed on the list. Youth who want to be on the list should call Susan Pacheco at (617) 349-6220.
There was a discussion about raising the fine for not clearing the sidewalk. Councillor Davis made the following motion:
Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of
Public Works and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to consider
establishing a larger fine for failure to clear the sidewalk, a fine that is greater than the
cost of clearing the sidewalk; and be it further
Ordered: That the City Manager also consider the creation of an enforcement scheme that
provides for increased fines for subsequent violations.
The motion passed without objection.
In response to a question from Mr. Muehe, Ms. Clippinger stated that property owners would receive fines for clearing a path that is less than 32 inches wide and for not clearing the snow from sidewalk ramps adjacent to their property.
Councillor Davis then moved to the topic of snow clearance from handicapped parking spaces. Ms. Clippinger reported that the Traffic Department is responsible for this activity and has failed to clear these spaces in the past. The department is changing its procedures to make sure that handicapped spaces are cleared in the future. In parking lots owned by the City, the Traffic Department will use regular spaces as spots for pushing snow into and will keep handicapped spaces open.
Councillor Davis thanked Kathy Podgers for bringing this issue to the City’s attention.
Several seniors noted that bus drivers must use the sidewalk in order to drop the wheelchair ramp. Thus it is essential for access for disabled persons to keep the sidewalks at bus stops clear.
Councillor Davis thanked all of those present for their attendance and contributions. She stated that the committee would have another meeting on this topic after it snows. The meeting was adjourned at 2:50pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair