CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-84, regarding a report on whether the Massachusetts Water Protection Act or Rivers Protection Act empowers abutting or downstream communities to speak on or affect the outcome of a development permitting process.

Under the Act (310 CMR 10.0), abutting or downstream communities may attend any and all public meetings and hearings duly advertised, issue written comment to the Commission, present oral comment at the public hearing, and any ten residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may appeal a permit granted under the Act.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-25, which requested a report on how many children with IEP’s receive out-of-school assistance either written or not written into their plans.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-122, regarding a report on gas stations charging more for gas when the payment is be credit card and not cash.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-120, regarding a report on creating a new ticket that specifically targets vehicles parked in bicycle lanes.

Oct 20, 2008

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-120, regarding a report on creating a new ticket that specifically targets vehicles parked in bicycle lanes, Traffic, Parking & Transportation Director Susan Clippinger reports the following:

Vehicles parked in bicycle lanes can always be tagged. The violation to be used will vary depending on the circumstances. If the bicycle lane is adjacent to parked cars then the violation is double parking. If the bike lane is against the curb the curb is signed either no parking or more likely no stopping. There is no need to create a new violation in order to tag cars parked blocking a bicycle lane. The fine for double parking is $35 and the fine for no stopping is $30.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy , City Manager

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,900,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the renovations to the New Riverside Park (corner of Western Avenue and Memorial Drive).

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $780,000 received from Harvard University to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the renovations to the New Riverside Park (corner of Western Avenue and Memorial Drive).

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,245 in reimbursement revenues to the Public Investment Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Extraordinary Expenditures account that were received to cover the cost of replacing existing art work that was damaged by the contractor during the Greene Rose Heritage Park renovation and to reimburse the City for material costs related to the art work at Costa Lopez Park.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $33,000 from Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Salary and Wages account to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of $23,000 received from the Friends of the Community Learning Center to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($19,562), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,338), and to the Travel and Training account ($1,100) and will be used to support the Bridge to College Program which supports students working on study skills, academic reading, writing, math, and computer skills.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of ($46,000.00) received from the Friends of the Community Learning Center to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($43,384.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,616.00) and will support four ESOL classes at the Community Learning Center.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Mount Auburn Hospital Grant in the amount of $14,747 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($13,907) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($840) will be used to support two ESOL classes and its related services provided by the Community Learning Center.

12. 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 were awarded to the Cambridge 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.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board for $91,065 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Salary and Wages account ($43,000) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($48,065) and will be used to reimburse the City for salary costs associated with enrolling forty-five additional income-eligible youth in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and to support program costs for work sites taking large numbers of youth.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from World Education in the amount of $4,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Salary and Wages account and will be used to support CLC teacher costs in implementing trainings and classroom observations of related to the instructional approaches as part of the project.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $490,605 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the cost of purchasing a replacement aerial ladder fire truck.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a supplemental FY09 grant from the Office of the Attorney General, Local Consumer Aid Fund for $4,000 to the General Fund License Commission (Consumer’s Council) Salaries and Wages account and will be used to cover Cambridge Consumer Council staff costs.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000 in donations received from the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association and the Cambridge Police Superiors Officer Association to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account to partially cover the cost of purchasing new fitness equipment for the new Public Safety Building.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of performing a nexus study for the Concord/Alewife area to determine the best strategies to fund needed infrastructure improvements in this area of the city.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $110,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the construction costs of the Off-leash Area and Skate Park Projects located at Danehy Park.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $6,900 to the Grant Fund Historical Salaries and Wages account ($5,000) and to the Grant Fund Historical Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,900) and will primarily fund an archives assistant who provides support for on-going maintenance of the Commission’s public archive as well as assisting members of the public with research requests.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-113, regarding a report on extending the hours of park lighting at Donnelly Field.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department and to report back to the City Council with draft language of a land transfer agreement in which the owners of Shady Hill Square will donate the parcel to the City of Cambridge in order to ensure the open space remains a place for the public to use and enjoy. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons on Order Number Two of Oct 6, 2008.] Adopted as amended by substitution. The substitute resolution reads:
O-2     Oct 6, 2008 - adopted Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City Council has recently approved a Community Preservation Act allocation to be used to help obtain a parcel of land at Shady Hill Square; and
WHEREAS: Upon purchase of this land the owners and the City should ensure that the parcel remains open space in perpetuity; and
WHEREAS: By donating the land, the owners will presumably receive significant tax benefits; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Law Department and to report back to the City Council with draft language of a land transfer agreement in which the owners of Shady Hill Square will donate the parcel to the City of Cambridge in order to ensure the open space remains a place for the public to use and enjoy.

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 Nov 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 remain on Unfinished Business.]

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.]

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation request and Loan Order regarding the CRLS renovation project. The question comes on adoption on or after Aug 11, 2008.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from President and Fellows of Harvard College, requesting the widening of an existing curb cut at the premises numbered 42 Francis Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

2. An application was received from Craigie on Main, requesting permission or a sign at the premises numbered 853 Main Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

3. An application was received from Craigie Bistrot, LLC, requesting permission for two benches and two planters in front of 853 Main Street.

4. An application was received from Charles McCannon, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 54 Garden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No neighbor association for that area.

5. An application was received from Mohan Singh, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 45-47 William Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood associations.

6. An application was received from Louis Micciche, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 38 Porter Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received Jonathan Hecht, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution regarding his victory in the Democratic primary for State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Bahij and Marjorie Decker Bandar on the birth of their son, Brendan Bahij Bandar.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Davis

2. Thanks to the Boston Beijing Opera for providing entertainment at its performance at the Cambridge YMCA on Nov 1, 2008.   Mayor Simmons

3. Congratulations to the Intel Computer Clubhouse on its 15th anniversary of providing an exciting learning place at the Museum of Science and one hundred other locations around the world.   Mayor Simmons

4. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher T. Fox.   Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Tavarus D. Setzler.   Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Christopher A. Bartkiewicz.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Sergeant William P. Rudd.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Colonel Michael R. Stahlman.   Councillor Decker

9. Appreciation and thanks to Phyllis Dunn for her fundraising and advocacy on behalf of cancer patients and survivors.   Mayor Simmons

10. Resolution on the death of Lillian Oliveira.   Councillor Toomey

11. Resolution on the death of Jose V. Melo.   Councillor Toomey

12. Resolution on the death of Kenneth F. "Night Owl" Westcott.   Councillor Toomey

13. Resolution on the death of Luis de Chaves Bairos.   Councillor Toomey

14. Resolution on the death of John Dinan Nicholson.   Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Miguel Carreiro.   Councillor Toomey

16. Congratulations to Father Kevin Toomey as he celebrates his 30th Anniversary of being ordained to the priesthood.   Councillor Toomey

17. Congratulations to Father John Tackney on the occasion of receiving an award from the Peter Li Publishing Company.   Councillor Toomey

18. That the City Council go on record extending its thanks to Barakat for it work and encouraging Cambridge citizens to support the Walk for Literacy on Oct 25, 2008.   Councillor Davis

19. Speedy recovery wishes to Heather Federico.   Councillor Davis

20. Declare Prince Hall a Founding Father in the annals of history as Cambridge views and records the past in the future.   Mayor Simmons

21. Best wishes for academic success for Drexel University and wishes for success to the women's varsity eight and the men's varsity eight boats as they compete in the 44th Head of the Charles Regatta.   Councillor Reeves

22. Congratulations and best wishes to Autumn Frances Cooper and Alden "Chip" MacDonald II on their recent marriage.   Councillor Davis

23. Resolution on the death of Samuel Wilson.   Councillor Reeves

24. Thanks to the Fletcher Maynard Academy for their work in increasing the understanding of Autism.   Mayor Simmons

25. Resolution on the death of Helen Dance.   Mayor Simmons

26. Resolution on the death of Charles L. "Carlo" Ryan.   Councillor Toomey

27. Resolution on the death of Maryanne E. (Noonan) Ryan.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager confer with the Director of the Office of Municipal TV to arrange to have the roundtable of Dec 1, 2008 televised.   Mayor Simmons  Amended
Amended Order: That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 1, 2008 be cancelled and that a Special City Council meeting be held at 5:30pm for the purpose of a public hearing on biohazards and laboratory safety in Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley and Councillor Seidel

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the Police Commissioner about the need for more enforcement at the intersection of Brookline and Waverly Streets.   Councillor Davis

3. Dedication of the newly opened bocce court at the Harrington School in memory of Charles G. Rossi.   Councillor Toomey

4. That the City Council go on record in opposition to issuing Idenix Pharmaceuticals a variance for relief from the responsibility of compliance with the Noise Ordinance.   Mayor Simmons  Amended

5. That the City Manager is requested to report back with a preparedness plan for the short and long-term impact the current economic crisis will have on homelessness in Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to report back on the number of boats registered to residents of Cambridge, the process for ensuring that all boats owned by residents of Cambridge are registered, and the process for correctly assessing and collecting excise tax on boats.   Mayor Simmons

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on the status of the database which tracks "expiring use" buildings and/or units in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Seidel

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to ensure a detail is placed at the intersection of Inman Street and Broadway to facilitate the use of the street as a temporary two way road.   Councillor Toomey

9. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the City Council the staffing and hours for the new War Memorial facility.   Councillor Davis

10. That the City Manager is requested to transmit to the City Council a timetable for the expected move to the new Police Station.   Councillor Davis

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to require an inspection of each City playground and play area for a clean level surface and a safety inspection of all play structures and climbing devices.   Councillor Reeves

12. That the City Manager is requested to install appropriate seating, perhaps a bench or two, at the Pacific Street Dog Park.   Councillor Davis  Amended

13. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit the priorities for the Alewife Reservation to the appropriate City departments and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.   Councillor Davis

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide the City Council with a report on whether there has been an increase of arrests of homeless persons or people in need of services in Central Square and if so, whether the persons arrested or in need of services are from outside of Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

15. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the advantages and disadvantages in using permeable materials for sidewalk repairs and reconstruction as has been done in Chicago with the Green Alley Program.   Vice Mayor Murphy

16. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the impact this will have on the city budget for the coming year.   Councillor Toomey

17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the matching percentage for Cambridge and the impact the cuts will have on Cambridge's own CPA plans.   Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Veterans Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 10, 2008 to conduct a follow-up meeting to the meeting held on Apr 30, 2008 with the Cambridge Health Alliance on coordination of services to veterans.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David Maher and Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 10, 2008 to receive a presentation and report on the results of the 2008 citizen satisfaction survey conducted by Opinion Dynamics.

3. 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 meeting held on Oct 7, 2008 to discuss the issue of potholes and street hazard repair.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 1, 2008 to discuss hoarding and setting up a Cambridge Hoarding Task Force.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 21
4:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the conversion to digital TV and other issues related to cable.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 22
6:00pm   GLBT Town Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 27
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting regarding ongoing strategic planning activities at the Cambridge Health Alliance. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 29
8:45am   Facilitated Goal and Training Retreat to determine the City Council goals for FY 2010.  (344 Broadway, 2nd Fl Conference)

Thurs, Oct 30
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss winter heating and weatherization.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Nov 6
8:45pm   Facilitated Goal and Training Retreat to determine the City Council goals for FY 2010. (If needed)  (344 Broadway, 2nd Fl Conference)

Mon, Nov 17
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Nov 19
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition from the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance Sections: 20.88 and 20.810, Memorial Drive Overlay District. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a revised petition submitted by Alexandria Real Estate Equities proposing amendments in the PUD-3A, PUD-4C and PUD 4B Districts to the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in eastern Cambridge. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Dec 1
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting on biohazardous materials and laboratory safety in Cambridge. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Dec 9
5:00pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider the proposal to rename Plympton Street in honor of David J. Halberstam.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Oct 20, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council Rules be suspended to allow the Dec 1, 2008 roundtable on biohazards to be televised; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Director of the Office of Municipal TV to arrange to have the roundtable televised.

Amended Order:
O-1     Oct 20, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 1, 2008 be cancelled and that a Special City Council meeting be held at 5:30pm for the purpose of a public hearing on biohazards and laboratory safety in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That this meeting be televised with public comment.

O-2     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Many drivers ignore the right turn arrow and "No Turn on Red" sign at the corner of Brookline and Waverly Streets; and
WHEREAS: This presents a dangerous situation for the many pedestrians trying to cross at that intersection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the Police Commissioner about the need for more enforcement at that intersection.

O-3     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the newly opened bocce court at the Harrington School be dedicated in memory of Charles G. Rossi; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-4     Oct 20, 2008  Amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Section 8.16.020 of the Cambridge Municipal Code stipulates "It is the policy of the City of Cambridge to prevent excessive sound and vibration, which may jeopardize the health and welfare and safety of its citizens or degrade their quality of life;" and
WHEREAS: The City Council would like to commend Area 4 residents for their vigilance about what is happening in their neighborhood that threatens their quality of life, and would like to urge other neighborhoods of Cambridge to follow in the footsteps of Area 4; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge License Commission has found that Idenix Pharmaceuticals, 60 Hampshire Street Cambridge, is in violation of the City of Cambridge Noise Ordinance between the hours of 6:00pm and 7:00am on weekends; and
WHEREAS: Citing economic hardship, Idenix has appealed the ruling of the License Commission and has asked for a variance which would relieve them of the responsibility of obeying the City’s Noise Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: Idenix’s stock went up almost 200% over the last year, and as early as July 2008 the company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $80.6 million does not support their contention that adhering to a city ordinance will result in economic hardship for the company; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to issuing Idenix Pharmaceuticals a variance for relief from the responsibility of compliance with the Noise Ordinance; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge License Commission; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the issuance and effects of special variances under the provisions of the Noise Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report, if necessary, in an executive session, on the issue of a legal challenge to the Noise Ordinance.

O-5     Oct 20, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There has been a surge in the number of homeless families in Massachusetts — a spike that has overwhelmed the state's shelter capacity and forced it to again place homeless families in motels. It's an increase driven by the sour economy, rising energy costs, escalating unemployment and shortage of affordable housing. For the first time, the state is tracking how many families are winding up homeless due to foreclosures; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts isn't alone. Advocates for the homeless say that while statistics are still sketchy, many areas are reporting increases in the number of homeless families; and
WHEREAS: In just the past 12 months, the number of homeless families living in Massachusetts motels has skyrocketed from 17 in September 2007 to 550 in September 2008, with an additional 1,800 or so families in shelters. The Department of Transitional Assistance first began placing families in motels in 1999 when its shelters reached capacity. Over the following five years, the state used 97 motels around the state to house families. By August 2004, the state was able to eliminate the need for motels after launching an initiative that included the creation of self-sufficiency plans for each family, hiring case managers and increasing shelter capacity; and
WHEREAS: Governor Patrick is hoping to end homelessness in Massachusetts by coming up with better ways to detect when individuals and families are on the verge of falling into homelessness — and move in swiftly with aid and support; and
WHEREAS: Under Massachusetts law, the state is required to find shelter for every eligible family seeking it. With the current demand exceeding shelter capacity, the state turned to motel rooms, with the ultimate goal of moving families into permanent housing. The economic downturn is making those goals harder to meet; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a responsibility to be proactive in preparing for the ways in which this national and statewide trend in homelessness might impact families in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back with a preparedness plan for the short and long-term impact the current economic crisis will have on homelessness in Cambridge.

O-6     Oct 20, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Statewide there has been an under-registration of boats and collection of excise tax on boats; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to report back on the number of boats registered to residents of Cambridge, the process for ensuring that all boats owned by residents of Cambridge are registered, and the process for correctly assessing and collecting excise tax on boats.

O-7     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: Housing units in "expiring use" buildings represent an important component of our overall affordable housing stock; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to report back to the City Council on the status of the database which tracks "expiring use" buildings and/or units in the City of Cambridge.

O-8     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Recent construction on Inman Street has caused some concern for abutters regarding safety and use of the street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to ensure a detail is placed at the intersection of Inman Street and Broadway to facilitate the use of the street as a temporary two way road; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on a time table for completion of the work; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to be sure all Inman Street residents that are being affected by the work are kept up to date.

O-9     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The new War Memorial will open to the public in early December; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council the staffing and hours for the new War Memorial facility.

O-10     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council a timetable for the expected move to the new Police Station; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council a proposal for signage that will make it very clear to the public how they can get to the new Police Station.

O-11     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to require an inspection of each City playground and play area for a clean level surface and a safety inspection of all play structures and climbing devices; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a copy of said inspection report.

O-13     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Alewife Reservation is a great resource to the residents of the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: There is a Master Plan for the Reservation that has yet to be funded by the State; and
WHEREAS: There are priorities that can be addressed before the plan is fully funded such as:
  1. Build a full canoe launch or observation area over the river for viewing and launching;
  2. Maintain the permanent trails and fields stipulated by the Alewife Master Plan;
  3. Keep the phragmites and knotweed cut in areas where the meadow swales have been dug and there is an open meadow;
  4. Maintain the newly planted vegetation twice a year with root conditioning;
  5.Open up the culvert over the pedestrian bridge that is blocking a stream to the Little River;
  6. Place doors on the Alewife Reservation kiosk behind the Alewife T stop and maintain the area around the kiosk by removing the knotweed; and
  7. Work closely with the Friends of Alewife Reservation so that work parties can apply, when needed, to the Conservation Commission to have these priorities taken care of; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit these priorities to the appropriate City departments and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

O-14     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: There has been an increase in people in Central Square who appear to be homeless or in need of services; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and Assistant City Manager for Human Services to provide the City Council with a report on whether there has been an increase of arrests of homeless persons or people in need of services in Central Square and if so, whether the persons arrested or in need of services are from outside of Cambridge.

O-15     Oct 20, 2008
VICE MAYOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the advantages and disadvantages in using permeable materials for sidewalk repairs and reconstruction as has been done in Chicago with the Green Alley Program.

O-16     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Governor has recently announced significant budget cuts to the State Budget; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the impact this will have on the city budget for the coming year.

O-17     Oct 20, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Matching state monies for the Community Preservation Act have received a significant cut; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the matching percentage for Cambridge and the impact the cuts will have on Cambridge's own CPA plans.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Veterans Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Sept 10, 2008 at one o’clock and thirty-two minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a follow-up meeting to the meeting held on Apr 30, 2008 with the Cambridge Health Alliance on coordination of services to veterans.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Robert Stevens, Veterans’ Services Director; Ruth Barron, M.D., Director, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, CHA; Janet M. Dunphy, R.N., Campus Manager Case Management and Social Worker, CHA; Jackie Bisbee, Licensed Social Worker, CHA; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present was Nica Bell.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose.

At the previous meeting it was discussed that the Veterans’ Services Director work more closely with the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) in an effort to provide veterans who use the CHA a connection with the Veterans’ Service Department. This meeting is a follow-up to the previous meeting.

Mr. Stevens stated that since the last meeting Mr. Buckley was going to facilitate a link between the Veterans’ Services and the CHA in an effort to identify veterans to get information to these individuals on veteran services available. This did not happen.

Ms. Dunphy stated that patients are asked if they are a veteran. A brochure explaining benefits and services could be distributed to the identified veterans. The Massachusetts Health application asks the veteran question. However, the HIPA regulation does not allow the CHA to give patient information to the Veterans’ Director. Mr. Stevens suggested that patients could sign an authorization form to forward this information to his department. Ms. Dunphy stated that the veteran brochure could be given to CHA patients who are veterans. Mr. Stevens stated that he has updated the veterans’ brochure (ATTACHMENT A). He hoped that the new patient intake form would provide statistics on veterans.

Mr. Stevens distributed a fact sheet regarding Veterans’ Benefits under Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws. (ATTACHMENT B) The veterans’ brochure could be made available to financial advisors at the hospital. The brochure does not include financial information. Individuals who receive free care from the Safety Net or Commonwealth Care recipients may be eligible for benefits through the veterans’ office. An authorization form would not be soliciting health information. If a patient is eligible financially he would like these patients to be referred to his office. The eligibility requirement is a monthly income of $1,700 or less. Health care is paid for by veterans’ services. The fact sheet is generic.

Ms. Bisbee stated that at admission financial need is determined and patients are referred to free care. A release is required by the CHA to give patients information on veterans’ services stated Mr. Stevens. He is happy that the veteran question is being asked. The State of Massachusetts also has a generic brochure, but it lacks contact information for cities and towns (ATTACHMENT C).

Dr. Barron stated that in the in-patient and out-patient system financial information is not always a question. It is difficult to get statistics for veterans who use the CHA.

Mr. Stevens stated that for out-patient information about veterans benefits would be communicated throughout the CHA. The key point is to disseminate information to out-patients. Ms. Bisbee stated that the entry point for all patients is admissions. Ms. Dunphy added that registration does not ask the veteran question. Out-patients do not register. Registration information follows the patient.

Councillor Kelley asked there are how many clinics? Dr. Barron stated that there are twenty-five clinics and three hospitals in the CHA.

Councillor Kelley summarized the issue. Patient enters the system. Are you a veteran question is asked. Some veterans are not eligible for services. Eligibility could be sorted out quickly. Those eligible would be given a release form. Mr. Stevens commented that any veteran should be given the brochure and referred to the Veterans’ Department. The major piece is out-patients and if the veterans’ question is being asked. Patients send to free care should be encouraged to sign a release form. Mr. Stevens stated that he would like these veterans identified. If the patient is unwilling to give information they do not have to give the information. Mr. Stevens stated that he did not want to place a burden on the intake process.

Dr. Barron stated that when the CHA asked the veteran question information was received on veterans from other countries and information on dishonorably discharged veterans. Mr. Stevens informed Dr. Barron that Massachusetts only covers United States veterans. Dishonorably discharged veterans are not entitled to benefits. Dr. Barron stated that the brochure should be distributed to the CHA. Mr. Steven stated that if the veteran question is answered in the affirmative he would like the patient to be given a brochure. Next he would like free care patients who are veterans identified because they are entitled to these services. Dr. Barron suggested to Mr. Stevens that he contact the insurance agencies and making an agreement with them to mail a brochure.

Mr. Stevens stated that this is a state program, but is administered locally. It is a good idea to work with Mass. Health who is free care provider. Mr. Stevens stated that the largest group he would like to identify is the veterans. A subset of this group is free care patients. There are other benefits that these individuals may be entitled to such as tax abatements. Surviving spouses of veterans and dependent children or parents of veterans are entitled to benefits. He requested that the financial handout be given to financial personnel at the hospital.

Dr. Barron asked where should veterans go to apply for benefits. Mr. Stevens stated that veterans apply in the city or town in which they live.

Mr. Stevens complimented the CHA in identifying veterans. He will make the brochure available to the CHA. He asked that the veteran question be asked of out-patients.

Councillor Kelley stated that at the conclusion of the last meeting Mr. Stevens was to meet with the financial advisors at the CHA. Could Mr. Stevens meet with the financial advisors at the CHA, he asked? Ms. Dunphy stated that she will ask administration. Mr. Stevens stated that he would like to meet with the financial advisors and the registration personnel at the CHA. Dr. Barron stated that the CHA CEO writes an e-mail newsletter. She would like the veteran information made available to the CHA hospital staff. Specifically that veteran applies for benefits in the city or town where they live and to contact their local Veterans’ Services Department. If a patient is not a resident of Cambridge they need to go to their local Veterans’ office. Focus should be on initial registration of patient.

Councillor Kelley stated that the big issue from the last meeting was that the Veterans’ Director was to meet with CHA financial advisors. Due to personnel changes the meeting never took place. Mr. Stevens stated that he envisioned a formal communication between the CHA and the Veterans’ Services Department, but he see the problem. He urged CHA personnel to encourage patients in in-take, admissions and those having free care to apply for veterans’ services. Ms. Bisbee stated that she would pass this information onto the social work department. Councillor Kelley stated that if CHA could identify personnel where it would be beneficial for them to have this information for patients. Ms. Bisbee stated that patients have the right to decline service.

Mr. Stevens stated that elder service agencies are identifying eligible veterans.

Dr. Barron stated that the CHA could hold and publicize a town meeting and Mr. Stevens could explain the veterans’ services available. Mr. Stevens stated that he has attended many meetings at the senior center and shelters where he has explained the services available.

Councillor Kelley stated that he and Mr. Stevens need to meet with Mt. Auburn and Mass. General Staff on this matter. Mr. Stevens stated that he needed to coordinate this effort at the state level. Ms. Bisbee stated that there are only three public systems in the state. They are CHA, Boston Medical and U Mass Medical. A state-wide approach could be done later stated Mr. Stevens.

Mr. Stevens stated that he would follow-up with Ms. Dunphy and Ms. Bisbee and that they will follow-up with the hospital administration about meeting with the financial advisors and registration staff.

Dr. Barron provided a summary of her meeting with Dr. Tapper. Forty percent of patients at VA are combat veterans; unknown about the remained 60%. She spoke of readiness to return to combat. Mr. Stevens stated that every service person who seeks assistance for disability is reviewed to determine whether they are ready to return to combat. There is resistance to be "documented" by service person. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) models have been developed by the VA. A service person with PTSD may not seek treatment. He was concerned with the state VA and the CHA treating the same disorders. There is an initiative by the District Attorney to be sensitive when a veteran is identified and involved in a crime. He asked if the CHA uses the same medical treatment. Dr. Barron stated her concern. Treatment is theoretical until administered. She spoke of spouse, child and parent abuse and suicide. Mr. Stevens stated that 1600 potential suicides were intervened successfully. Dr. Barron stated that there is a grand round to learn from professionals on PTSD and other related disorders.

In conclusion Ms. Dunphy stated that she would be in contact with Mr. Stevens. Councillor Kelley stated that a meeting will be held on this matter in six months.

Councillor Kelley thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at two o’clock and fifty-eight minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on Oct 10, 2008 at 9:10am in the Ackermann Room/Sullivan. The purpose of the meeting/hearing was to receive a presentation and report on the results of the 2008 citizen satisfaction survey conducted by Opinion Dynamics.

Present at the meeting were Councillor David Maher and Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Sam Seidel; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Present from the City administrative staff were Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager; and Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services. Ernest Paicopolos, Principal, Opinion Dynamics represented that firm at the meeting.

Vice Mayor Murphy convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He asked City Manager Robert W. Healy to begin. Mr. Healy stated that this is the fifth time that this citizen satisfaction survey has been administered by Opinion Dynamics. He noted that all members of the City Council have received copies of the summary of the survey results (Attachment A) and introduced Mr. Paicopolos to describe the survey and the results.

Mr. Paicopolos said that the survey consists of a statistically valid telephone survey of 400 Cambridge residents chosen by computerized random dialing. The survey takes about 15 to 18 minutes to administer. Printed copies of the survey are also distributed and collected at central sites including the libraries, the senior center and City Hall. The deadline for submitting the paper surveys was Sept 29, 2008, and they have not yet been tabulated. They will be recording the results separately from the results of the telephone survey and providing them to the City Manager and City Council in the next couple of weeks.

Mr. Paicopolos said that the biggest value of this survey is the longitudinal aspect of being able to see what citizens feel about the city and its services over several years. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 5%. The first question is completely open-ended. Respondents are asked to say what they think is the single most important issue facing the City of Cambridge today – the one that most affects the respondent and family the most. All the answers are listed and then categorized. Mr. Paicopolos noted that for the first time over the ten years that the survey has been administered biannually, education has supplanted housing/affordable housing as the issue most often chosen as the most important issue facing Cambridge today. This year, 23% of survey respondents chose education as the most important issue, 13% chose housing/affordable housing, and 10% chose crime/drugs/public safety. In September of 2006, 22% chose housing/affordable housing, 19% chose education, 11% chose taxes, and 4% chose crime/drugs/public safety.

Mr. Healy noted that the survey telephone calls took place the week after there were some highly publicized incidents of gun violence in Area Four, which probably had some effect on the increase of concern about crime. In 2006, many residents had experienced significant tax increases due to a shift in the commercial/residential split, and 11% of respondents chose taxes as the most important issue, while only 5% chose taxes as their number one issue this year.

Mr. Paicopolos said that the overall performance of city government is rated high. As in 2006, 12% rated the overall performance as excellent, but the percent of respondents rating the governmental performance as good went up eight points to provide a combined total of good/excellent ranking of 92%. Mr. Paicopolos that the in his experience this degree of positive response is almost unprecedented for surveys of satisfaction with local government. The respondents also reported high levels of satisfaction with Cambridge as a place to live, the overall quality of life in Cambridge and Cambridge as a place to retire. The percent of respondents rating the air quality of excellent or good has gone from 60% to 72%; the percent rating open space and recreation opportunities as good or excellent has risen from 63% to 71% and the overall percent rating the balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation as good or excellent has gone from 46% to 60%, with the "excellent" ranking breaking into the double digit range at 10% for the first time in the history of the survey. Also for the first time, a majority (51%) of respondents said that they would be very likely to use the internet to complete financial transactions with the city.

Some surprise was expressed about the percentage of people (41%) who reported that they had wanted to conduct business with the City of Cambridge after regular business hours but could not because the offices were closed. Councillor Davis wondered whether those people know that City Hall is open until 8 p.m. on Monday nights. It was agreed that the next survey of this issue should contain a follow-up question about whether the respondent knew about the evening hours.

Both Vice Mayor Murphy and Mayor Simmons asked about what effect the increase in cell phone use has on the survey accuracy. Mr. Paicopolos said that this is a big issue in the world of surveys and polls. Cell phone use is greatest among 20-30 year-old people, and many of them do not have land lines at all. Opinion Dynamics has done some parallel sampling of that demographic group to try to check for bias and to correct for that when they find it. They have not found too much difference as of yet, but this issue is a definite concern. Ten years from now, when more sampling is done via internet, the issue will be less of a problem, but for now they try to be aware and to do additional sampling of that demographic group when it seems called for.

Councillor Kelley said that he was surprised that so many of the residents surveyed had lived in Cambridge as long as they had, and so few had lived here fewer than five years, given other demographic reports of a significant amount of transiency in the Cambridge population, such as the budget information. In response to a question from Mr. Paigopolos, he said that the high degree of citizen satisfaction reported in the survey is confirmed in his anecdotal experience.

Councillor Kelley said that he would like to see a cross-tabulation about race in the analysis in the future. Vice Mayor Murphy said that he would like to have a question about whether the respondent is a registered voter, and, if so, whether he or she votes in local elections. Councillor Seidel said that he would like to see comparisons with other cities of similar size that have been surveyed.

Councillor Davis requested that members of the School Committee get copies of the survey.

Councillor Maher and Vice Mayor Murphy thanked those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 A.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair
Vice Mayor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair

Committee Report #3
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Oct 7, 2008 at five o’clock and thirty-five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issue of potholes and street hazard repair.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner; John Nardone, Assistant Public Works Commissioner of Operations; Owen O’Riordan, City Engineer; and Jeya Niranjan, Public Works; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present was Mark Fineboro, 295 River Street, Cambridge, MA.

Councillor Kelley convened the meeting and explained the purpose. At five o’clock and thirty-six minutes p. m. Councillor Kelley opened the meeting to public comment. No one appeared. Subsequent to this Mr. Fineboro joined the meeting.

Councillor Kelley commented that the Citizens Survey results did not list sidewalks and street repair as a burning issue. He stated that if there were public comment this is what it would say: The general public reports potholes and nothing happens; trenches are in front of buildings (River Street), potholes do not get fixed (Clay and Dudley Streets) and complaints about utility street and road cuts.

Councillor Kelley asked if the city was at the right figure for the charging for Contractors’ paying into the Street Improvement Fund as a way of avoiding long-term responsibility for patchwork. Mr. O’Riordan stated that the figures were changed to reflect the cost of the work. The cost was $3.00 per square yard (for large trenches) and now is $6.75. The cost reflects the actual cost of material. Every few years the cost needs to be review and updated stated Commissioner Peterson.

Mr. O’Riordan stated that the problem usually is the fill compacting. He spoke of the flow able fill, liquid concrete that is used. The compacting under the patch is the contractor’s responsibility and if the compacting ever fails the contractor is responsible for it. Councillor Kelley asked if street improvement funds fix this pothole. Mr. O’Riordan responded in the negative. Fund for street improvement are used for extensive excavation. The City upgrades its pavement index every 12 or 18 months, but may do it more often. This index helps guide future street work.

Commissioner Peterson stated that the inspection program has been strengthened. An additional employee supports inspections of utility work. Patching is observed to ensure that the filling process is up to standard. One-third of all trenches are inspected. Mr. O’Riordan stated work done on drains, sewers and utility companies scheduled work is inspected. Mr. Niranjan stated that remedy reports are prepared and inspected. There were 2500 excavation permits in the past 18 months and the City inspects about 2/3 of them. A lot of gas work is emergency with a post-work permit. Staff goes back three months later to check patches.

Councillor Kelley spoke of people telling him that they have repeatedly reported potholes but that the potholes don’t get fixed. Further, when their cars are damaged by the pothole, the City says it was never notified. He asked if there is a more efficient way of logging pothole information on line so that people could find out if potholes and road hazards had already been reported and what the repair status was. Commissioner Peterson stated that her department is open to this idea conceptually. There is a new system regarding violations for unshoveled snow on sidewalks. A control number will be generated to check the status. This needs to be embedded into the CRS system. She wanted to encourage the public to e-mail or put on the web the information on potholes. She cautioned however that she wanted to see how the snow and ice report will work on the web and work out the kinks. The ITD needs to be involved in this process. Potholes may be a good pilot program. It needs to work internally to ensure that potholes get fixed.

Mr. O’Riordan informed the committee that random laboratory testing is done on compaction. There are 20-30 streets done per year. Testing is not done on flow able fill. Contractors may want to wait a year before putting a final patch on to ensure that the compaction holds up.

Commissioner Peterson informed the resident that fixing the trench on River Street is the responsibility of the contractor. Mr. Niranjan stated that small grinder and overlay work will be done. Mr. Fineboro stated that the trench on River Street creates not only noise but jolts the building. The resident was assured that the repair work will be done shortly.

Plates over catch basins were discussed. Mr. O’Riordan stated that plates over catch basin are catch basins that are failing. A plate in a bike lane may be associated with sewer work stated Mr. Nardone. The City has been replacing four or five catch basins a week at several thousand dollars apiece. Many catch basins are failing and the priority of catch basin work is to control flooding.

Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees for their participation. Mr. Fineboro commended Public Works Department for their response.

The meeting adjourned at six o’clock and three minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at one o’clock and forty minutes P.M. at the Senior Center, 806 Mass. Avenue, Cambridge, MA.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss hoarding and setting up a Cambridge Hoarding Task Force.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Eileen Ginnetty, Director, Council on Aging (COA); Susan Pacheco, Liz Seelman, Laura Habermann, COA; Len Thomas, Director, MultiService Center; Lisa Peterson, Public Works Commissioner; Robert Haas, Police Commissioner; Kathy Murphy, Police Department; Ranjit Singanayagam, Commissioner of Inspectional Services; John Fallon, Health Inspector, Inspectional Services Department; Sam Lipson, Director, Environmental Health, Cambridge Health Alliance; Marsha Lazar, Cambridge Health Alliance; Gloria Leipzig, Faith Marshall and Karen A Jenner, Cambridge Housing Authority; Penny Peters, chambermaid for Councillor Davis; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present was Jennifer Reading, 46 Sherman Street; and Lorraine Fine, also known as "The Mess Fairy".

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. It may be a good idea to set up a task force on hoarding so that agencies could develop a plan to prevent people from losing their homes. She asked for an overview of the issues.

Susan Pacheco explained her ten year experience with hoarding. Clients get into critical situations because, due to hoarding, their apartments are not up to code. The Housing Authority has sent tenants notice so that they are warned to clean up their apartments to avoid eviction. The COA receives complaints from city departments. COA builds relationships with the seniors. Some seniors are socially isolated and reclusive. COA uses a document from Inspectional Services noting the apartment condition. COA attempts to correct the violations. Ms. Pacheco described the trash situation in hoarder’s apartments. Specific trash pick-up is done so that the client does not bring the stuff back into the apartment. She spoke of the need for continual supportive services and that the COA does not have enough funding. It was noted that it is easier to find hoarders in public housing and much more difficult in private housing.

Lorraine Fine stated that 2-5% of the US population over the age of fifty is hoarders.

Councillor Davis opened up the meeting to the public comment and asked what are the problems seen with hoarding.

Commissioner Haas spoke on the complexity of the situation. He is concerned with the health hazards caused by hoarding.

Faith Marshall asked what services are available to help hoarders change their behavior long term. Liz Seelman responded that Boston University has a 26 week program of therapy for hoarding. However the major issue is that the hoarder needs to be willing to address the problem. There is a long waiting list for the BU program. Private home owners cannot be evicted from their own home.

Ms. Ginnetty stated that a grant was received by COA for this issue, but the amount was small.

Ms. Fine stated that she has worked with this population for four year. Hoarders are isolated. The BU program is a good program. There are therapists that work with hoarders. Hoarders only seek services when evicted or if there was a fine. Therapists work to help people disinvest in "stuff".

Councillor Davis stated that there are models dealing with hoarding, such as the Newton Hoarding Task Force. This is an affordable housing issue and they should be at the table to discuss this matter. Ms. Semonoff stated that affordable house trust money goes to help provide housing. There is a strong collaboration with city entities working together. The challenges are having enough resources for one-time clean up and helping people deal with hoarding behavior long term.

Ms. Leipzig commented that the Police, Inspectional Services and Housework were involved in clean up in various housing developments. The Housing Authority is concerned with the safety of other residents. When there is repeated hoarding the Housing Authority needs to get a court order to clean up an apartment. The Housing Authority cleans the apartment and the tenant moves back in the apartment. The Housing Authority has put into place more inspections in an effort to alleviate the problem. Commissioner Haas stated that public housing cases are more easily dealt with because of collaboration of agencies. The difficult cases are the private homes. There is a judgment call on the part of the police not to be overly intrusive. People have a right to live the way they want to; it is when it affects their well-being and the well-being of others that it is an issue. Ms. Leipzig stated that the Fire Department has called the Housing Authority about the conditions that they have discovered. The way the hoarders are living impacts their health stated Commissioner Haas.

Len Thomas spoke of the collaborative approach. The purpose is to get the client to identify that they need help or that it is a mental health issue. Agencies are concerned about how to accommodate the client. The resources and collaboration are here. Clients present dangers to themselves and others.

Marsha Lazar stated that she contacted a representative from the Newton Hoarding Task Force. It is critical to have a good cop/bad cop. Numerous resources have been spent, but is frustrating when the situation still exists.

Karen Jenner commented that the police, fire, social workers and Housework’s Agency meet to collaborate to resolve issues in housing developments.

Councillor Davis asked what would happen if the City Council received a call from a person in distress; where is intake. Mr. Singanayagam responded that Inspectional Services (ISD) tries to get into the apartment. If the property is Housing Authority property ISD contacts the Housing Authority or COA or the Multi Service Center. Mr. Thomas explained that the first contact person takes the lead then works on collaboration; there is no one intake point. When a report is made to a city department a home visit is done.

A discussion ensued about resources. Ms. Seelman stated that she does not know where there are resources. A hoarding task force is needed. She wanted more information on resources. This population does not recognize hoarding as a problem. Councillor Davis stated that there is collaboration but it needs to be reviewed and reworked. The critical piece is to get to the hoarder before it is a problem. Funding for prevention of eviction and a therapeutic response is needed.

Ms. Pacheco stated that the BU program brings people together as a task force. The task force will not come together to discuss an individual. A release is needed to discuss an individual. Ms. Lazar stated that she would ask David Naparstek of the Newton Task Force about the confidentiality issue. A mental health response is needed before the clean up.

Councillor Davis stated that a representative from the Newton Hoarding Task Force should be invited to Cambridge to inform us about their approach. Ms. Semonoff stated that this is an enormous issue and that there are not enough resources and providers for mental health.

Councillor Davis suggested that this group come together again and review the Newton program and potential sources of funding. She suggested preparation of a cost analysis budget. The budget should include how many persons per year and the cost of intervention per person.

Mr. Thomas suggested establishing a protocol for service providers when they come into contact with hoarders.

In conclusion Councillor Davis stated that the next meeting will be held to discuss the Newton program, establish a protocol and budget. Mr. Lipson will get information on other communities which have a hoarding task force. Ms. Christiana Bratiotis, a consultant to the COA Hoarding grant from the BU School of Social Work, be invited to the next meeting.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at two o’clock and forty minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-25. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #2
RE: report how many children with IEP's receive out of school assistance either written or not written into their plans.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 03/03/08 (O-5)

08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-84. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #1
RE: report on whether Massachusetts Water Protection Act or Rivers Protection Act empowers abutting or downstream communities to speak on or affect the outcome of a development permitting process.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-7)

08-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on statistics of all formal enforcement actions involving excessive noise from January 2007 to June 2008.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 06/23/08 (O-13)

08-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible changes to regulations and operating procedures for traffic and motor vehicle use that could increase efficiency and fuel conservation.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-21)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on neighborhood concerns including broken traffic lights, poorly situated policy details, snarled traffic and lack of advanced notice at the ongoing project at Putnam and Western Avenues.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-31)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the responsibility of the developers for a safe crossing will be upheld by the MBTA and that plans will coincide with the vision of future development.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-5)

08-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the position the City can take on altering the NorthPoint special permit now that the land swap is no longer necessary.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-7)

08-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of addressing rodent complaints and whether the number of complaints has increased or decreased.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-8)

08-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on monitoring the efforts of Harvard and MIT in regard to wind data collection.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-10)

08-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increased on-street parking pressure from residents of the apartment complex at 205 and 225 Walden Street.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-13)

08-113. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #21
RE: report on the possibility of extending the hours of park lighting at Donnelly Field.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/08 (O-19)

08-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining options to make the parking lot and abutting sidewalk located along Linnaean Street at the corner of Mass. Avenue a safer place for non-vehicular traffic.
Councillor Seidel 09/08/08 (O-22)

08-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for applying for "Clean Energy Choice grants and Energy Efficiency Implementation Projects by Municipalities"
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-2)

08-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on public drinking in the MBTA plaza at Porter Square.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-5)

08-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible impacts of the new police detail regulations and on the City's reliance on detail work.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 09/22/08 (O-6)

08-120. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on creating a new ticket available to police officers and PCO's that specifically targets vehicles parked in bicycle lanes.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-8)

08-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the new Berkeley, California program to give city-backed loans to property owners who install rooftop solar-power systems is applicable to Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-16)

08-122. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on gas stations charging more for gas when the payment is by credit card rather than cash.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-17)

08-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the fee structure used for energy audits by the Cambridge Energy Alliance.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-18)

08-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the zoning status of the parcel if the court house building were to be demolished and the site to be under the control of a private developer and the possible use restrictions if the building were to remain, be cleaned, and be renovated but not be under the ownership of the State.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 10/06/08 (O-5)

08-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report from the CHA on antennas they have for large buildings that must have converter boxes in order to deliver a digital TV signal after Feb. 19, 2009.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/06/08 (O-8)

08-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: create safer intersection at Porter and Bedford Streets.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 10/06/08 (O-12)