CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term to expire on Oct 15, 2010: Cara Daniels

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person to the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Health Alliance for a term to expire July 1, 2011: Steven S. Manos

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-98, regarding a report on the feasibility of instituting a modified gun buyback program.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-117, regarding a report on the sale and construction permitting process at Shady Hill Square.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 07-100, regarding the feasibility of prohibiting modification of motorcycle mufflers.

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

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table City Manager Agenda Number Six of Nov 6, 2006 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

3. Opposition to the Urban Ring Phase II bus system unless the whole route is grade separated to ensure that the buses would not have to compete with general traffic. [Placed on Table Order Number Nineteen of Apr 9, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 9, 2007. Councillor Kelley’s motion to take from Table Failed 3-6-0 on Apr 23, 2007.]

4. An application was received from Singh Raghbin, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 66 Dudley Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Response has been received from neighborhood association. [Placed on Table Applications and Petitions Number Four of Apr 23, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on Apr 23, 2007.]

5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant Department heads to have the West Cambridge painted "rotary" removed. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Toomey on Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007. Placed on Table Order Number Sixteen of Apr 30, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Davis on May 7, 2007. Motion to take from the Table failed 4-4-0-1 on Sept 17, 2007. Motion to take from the Table failed 3-5-1 on Sept 24, 2007.]

6. A communication was received from Thomas Fowler-Finn, Superintendent of Schools, transmitting a copy of the annual Affirmative Action Report. [Placed on Table Communications and Reports from City Officers Number One of Sept 10, 2007 on the motion of Councillor Decker.]

7. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 84 Wadsworth Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Six of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007-Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table.]

8. An application was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 360 Memorial Drive between 296 and 120 Vassar Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Applications and Petitions Number Seven of Sept 10, 2007. Sept 17, 2007 - Motion by Councillor Simmons to place on table carried on a voice vote of eight. Mayor Reeves recorded in negative on motion to place on table.]

9. That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee schedule a meeting to discuss with the new owners the impact on the 55 Magazine Street tenants of the recent sale of the building and their concern about their security as tenants and the new owners’ plans for the building, especially any plans to convert the building to condominiums. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Reeves on Order Number Forty-Seven of Sept 10, 2007. Placed on table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Sept 17, 2007.]

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Tom McNichol, President of the Charles River Clean Up Boat, and MIT to resolve the issue of the financial status of this organization. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Toomey on Order Number One of Sept 17, 2007. Placed on Table on the motion of Vice Mayor Toomey on Sept 24, 2007.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
11. 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.]

12. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillors Michael A. Sullivan and Brian Murphy, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on July 12, 2007 for the purpose of continuing to consider a proposed amendment to the Noise Ordinance to regulate leaf blowers. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Aug 13, 2007.

13. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Sept 5, 2007 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by the Planning Board to re-zone portions of the Residence C-1 zoning district to a Residence B district in the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood along Cushing Street between St. Sauveur Court and Thingvilla Avenue, in the area of Oxford and Fairview Avenue, and the corner of Huron Avenue and Cushing Street. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 8, 2007. Petition expires Dec 4, 2007.

14. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Sept 19, 2007 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Municipal Code: Refuse and Litter. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 29, 2007.

15. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Sept 19, 2007 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to incorporate requirements for LEED standards for certain projects of 25,000 square feet or more. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 29, 2007. Petition expires Dec 18, 2007.

16. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Oct 3, 2007 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to add a new Section 2.125 entitled "Cambridge Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Commission. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 29, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Pugliese’s Bar & Grill, requesting permission for four tables and sixteen chairs for restaurant seating in front of 635 Cambridge Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, protesting the City’s continued refusal to modify the City of Cambridge; Ordinance, Chapter 8.25: Refuse and Litter.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Private Nathan Thacker.   Councillor Decker
2. Resolution on the death of Specialist Frank Cady III.   Councillor Decker
3. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Koutroubas.   Councillor Decker
4. Resolution on the death of Corporal Gilberto Meza.   Councillor Decker
5. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris.   Councillor Decker
6. Resolution on the death of Corporal Benjamin Dillon.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenneth Iwasinski.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Vincent Kamka.   Councillor Decker
9. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Joseph Milledge.   Councillor Decker
10. Resolution on the death of Specialist Avealalo Milo.   Councillor Decker
11. Resolution on the death of Specialist Rachael Hugo.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jason Lantieri.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Donald Munn II.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Eric Duckworth.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jason Marchand.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Thomas Martin.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Justin Monschke.   Councillor Decker
18. Resolution on the death of Specialist Samuel Pearson.   Councillor Decker
19. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Lillian Clamens.   Councillor Decker
20. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant Herman Murkerson Jr.   Councillor Decker

21. Congratulations to Geri Denterlein on the publication of her book entitled "The Power Chicks’ Guide to Boston: In Their Own Words."   Councillor Decker

22. Thanks to Jimmy Tingle for his dedication to the performing arts and wish him well in his future endeavors.   Councillor Decker

23. Speedy recovery wishes to Mark Montlouis.   Mayor Reeves

24. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. Donovan.   Councillor Galluccio

25. Resolution on the death of Helen L. Kenney.   Councillor Galluccio

26. Resolution on the death of Jeanne M. (Murphy) Ross.   Councillor Galluccio

27. Wishing a speedy recovery to Iris Green.   Councillor Simmons

28. Expressing best wishes to Mr. John Yearwood on his continued health.   Councillor Simmons

29. Congratulations to Congresswomen-elect Nikki Tsongas on her recent victory in the election for the Representative for the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District.   Councillor Simmons

30. Resolution on the death of Mary Leaman.   Vice Mayor Toomey

31. Congratulating the "Little Rock Nine" students and further declaring Oct 24, 2007 as Little Rock Nine Day in Cambridge.   Councillor Murphy

32. Wishing Amy Heaney a very happy 40th birthday.   Councillor Decker

33. Wishing Joe Heaney a very happy 40th birthday.   Councillor Decker

34. Wishing Annette Bukowski a very happy 50th birthday.   Councillor Decker

35. Congratulations to the Hildebrand Family Self Help Center on their 10th annual Weaving Dreams Gala on Nov 16, 2007.   Mayor Reeves

36. Urge all residents to participate in the Cambridge Boy Scouts Troop 45 and Ship 45's Care Package Donation Drive to support our troops overseas.   Vice Mayor Toomey

37. Resolution on the death of Leo F. "Red" Fahey.   Councillor Galluccio

38. Get well wishes to John Lynch.   Councillor Galluccio

39. Resolution on the death of Antonio C. DaSilva.   Vice Mayor Toomey

40. Resolution on the death of Gerald F. "Jerry" Kelley, Esquire.   Vice Mayor Toomey

41. Resolution on the death of Rose D. "Rosie" (Paratore) Dell.   Councillor Galluccio

42. Congratulations to James and Ellen Rafferty on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Toomey

43. Congratulations to the Union Baptist Church on their new building and congratulations to the Brownings, for whom the building will be named.   Mayor Reeves

44. Congratulations to the Red Sox on winning the American League Series Pennant and best of luck in the World Series.   Councillor Decker

45. Congratulations to Joanna Lynn Beardsley and Jason Anthony Alves on their marriage on Oct 27, 2007.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Mayor Reeves

46. Urge all Cantabrigians to be cognizant of the Center For Family Connections' 6th Annual Courage and Curiosity Celebration on Nov 14, 2007 at the Hotel Marlowe.   Vice Mayor Toomey

47. Best wishes to the Massachusetts Association of Minority law enforcement Officers as they host the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers Regional Training and Educations Conference on Nov 1-4, 2007.   Councillor Davis

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report on how much baiting the city is doing in order to exterminate rats and how much monitoring there is of appropriate baiting at construction sites.   Councillor Davis

2. That the City Manager is requested to determine how changing airplane flight patterns over Cambridge has affected noise which is reported to have increased.   Councillor Davis

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Inspectional Services Department to look into the claim of unsanitary conditions at the Church Corner Apartments at 10 Magazine Street.   Councillor Simmons

4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner and the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to address the safety concerns of the residents of the Burns Apartments.   Councillor Simmons  Amended

5. Order to discharge the Ordinance Committee of Cott et al, zoning petition so that the petition can be considered along with the report on the petition which is on the Oct 22, 2007 agenda.   Councillor Murphy

6. City Council Research Assistant program be cancelled.   Councillor Kelley
Referred back to Gov't Operations and Rules Committee - Davis (presumably to bury it )

7. That the City Manager ask City staff to coordinate with North Cambridge residents and neighborhood groups to carry out relevant planning and informational meetings in the area in the immediate future to allow for sufficient public input into making the Rindge Avenue construction project as good, and as unintrusive, as possible.   Councillor Kelley

8. That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the status of putting information on future street reconstruction projects and street tree planting lists on the City’s website or otherwise making them more available to the public.   Councillor Kelley

9. That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the status of Cambridge’s participation in the Massport Community Advisory Committee and whether Cambridge’s representative on this Committee is relaying citizens concerns about overflight noise and if so, what Massport is planning to do about them.   Councillor Kelley

10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and Harvard University to discuss ways of diverting tour bus traffic to areas other than Harvard Square where they can wait until needed for pick up.   Vice Mayor Toomey  Amended

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on the reports of ongoing problems at the Fresh Pond movie theater.   Vice Mayor Toomey

12. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to help resolve the concerns about dog owners who are not cleaning up after their pets and to ensure that the Kennedy School park is clean.   Vice Mayor Toomey

13. That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Concord Avenue and Walden Street in honor of Corrinee McCree.   Councillor Galluccio

14. City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate personnel to attend the next Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, including representatives from CEOC, Multi-Service Center, CASCAP, CHA, HRI, the management companies and the School Department to discuss with the state their assistance to provide funding and training for nights and weekends for a service provider or social worker assigned to problem housing buildings for intervention in an effort to defuse problems from escalating and prevent disturbance to tenants in these buildings.   Councillor Simmons

15. That the City Manager is requested to inform the City Council about the design process and citizen involvement that took place regarding the road construction and bump-outs on Blanchard Road and Huron Avenue near the O'Neill Golf Course.   Councillor Maher

16. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to trim the tree around the lamp post at the end of Lawn Court as the tree is obstructing the light.   Councillor Maher

17. That the City Council meeting of Nov 26, 2007 and Dec 31, 2007 be canceled.   Councillor Davis

18. City Manager confer with the Police Commissioner to recommend a pilot gun buy back program in Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a hearing held on Sept 18, 2007 on the recent removal of services from the Windsor Street Neighborhood Clinic.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 26, 2007 to discuss issues of safety and resources as it pertains to housing, building and neighborhoods.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on Sept 19, 2007 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map for the area bordered by the centerlines of Broadway and Harvard, Hancock and Lee Streets from the existing Residence C-1 district designation to Residence B.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 24
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to establish minimum side yard requirements which provide, inter alia, that no structures may be placed nearer than 7 feet 6 inches to the side lot line. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 29
5:00pm   Special Presentation for the Cambridge Hitman Baseball Team  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting - Special Presentation by the Neighborhood Safety Task Force directly following public comment  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 31
10:00am   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss with housing agencies and management companies asking the state for assistance to provide funding and training for a service provider or social worker for nights and weekends to be assigned to problem housing buildings for quick intervention to defuse problems from escalating and disturbing the peace of tenants living in these buildings.  (Sullivan Chamber)
2:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities will conduct a public meeting to discuss the digital divide and the Cambridge Public internet.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Wed, Nov 28
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 2.112 of the Municipal Code by adding Sect.112.060, CORI Screening by Vendors of the City of Cambridge, to ensure that the persons and businesses supplying goods and/or services to the City of Cambridge deploy fair policies relating to the screening and identification of persons with criminal backgrounds through the CORI system.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Dec 31
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on how much baiting the city is doing in order to exterminate rats and how much monitoring there is of appropriate baiting at construction sites.

O-2     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine how changing airplane flight patterns over Cambridge has affected noise which is reported to have increased.

O-3     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The residents of Church Corner Apartments are concerned about the high level of criminal activity around the vicinity, considering the number of arrests in the vicinity concerning such activity; and
WHEREAS: The fire stairway of The Church Corner Apartments, that leads out to Franklin Street is unsanitary; and
WHEREAS: The safety inspection certificate in one of the elevators expired almost nine months ago; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Inspectional Services Department to look into the claim of unsanitary and unsafe conditions at the Church Corner Apartments at 10 Magazine Street.

O-4     Oct 22, 2007  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The residents of the Burns Apartments at 50 Churchill Avenue are concerned with their safety when crossing all streets as well as the condition of the sidewalk on Churchill Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner, the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Commissioner of Public Works to address the concerns of the residents of the Burns Apartments.

O-5     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: At the Ordinance Committee public hearing on Sept 19, 2007 on the re-filed Cott petition to amend the zoning map for the area bordered by the centerlines of Broadway and Harvard, Hancock and Lee Streets, the Committee voted to hold the petition in committee until the Committee receives the Planning Board report; and
WHEREAS: At its Oct 15, 2007 public hearing the Planning Board voted to make no changes to the report it sent to the City Council on the Cott petition the first time it was filed, and to resend that first report, in which the Planning Board did not recommend changing the Zoning Map; and
WHEREAS: There is no need for the Ordinance Committee to hold an additional hearing to further consider a Planning Board report which is unchanged from the report it considered as part of the first petition; and
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee report on the Cott petition is before the City Council as part of the Oct 22, 2007 agenda; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council discharge the Ordinance Committee of the petition filed by Cott et al, to amend the zoning map for the area bordered by the centerlines of Broadway and Harvard, Hancock and Lee Streets, so that the City Council may consider the petition along with the Ordinance Committee report on the petition, which report is on the Oct 22, 2007 agenda.

O-6     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Council Research Assistants were instituted as a pilot program in 2006; and
WHEREAS: There is no readily available public information on the qualifications of these Research Assistants, the duties they were hired to fulfill, who they are or the actual work they have done; and
WHEREAS: The review of this pilot program has yet to occur; and
WHEREAS: This program for Research Assistants costs the City in the hundreds of thousands of dollars a year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council recommend that the Research Assistant program be cancelled; and be it further
ORDERED: That should the Council not want to cancel the research program, that a full and public evaluation of this pilot program be carried out in the immediate future.

O-7     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Significant construction is planned for Rindge Avenue in the Spring of 2008; and
WHEREAS: The Walden Street Bridge closure will still be ongoing at this time; and
WHEREAS: The work planned for Rindge Avenue will have a significant impact on local traffic; and
WHEREAS: The Rindge Avenue work may have the capability of including both a pilot "rubberized" sidewalk program and other innovative street and sidewalk improvements; and
WHEREAS: Communication with neighborhood residents is important in ensuring that this Rindge Avenue construction project is carried out as smoothly as possibly and results in the best product as possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask City staff to coordinate with North Cambridge residents and neighborhood groups to carry out relevant planning and informational meetings in the area in the immediate future to allow for sufficient public input into making this project as good, and as unintrusive, as possible.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of putting information on future street reconstruction projects and street tree planting lists on the City’s website or otherwise making them more available to the public.

O-8     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of putting information on future street reconstruction projects and street tree planting lists on the City’s website or otherwise making them more available to the public.

O-9     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: There is increasing concern about noise from airplanes flying low over Cambridge on their way into or out of Logan Airport; and
WHEREAS: There is a formal Massport Community Advisory Committee that represents towns impacted by Logan Airport; now be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of Cambridge’s participation in the Massport Community Advisory Committee and whether Cambridge’s representative on this Committee is relaying citizens concerns about overflight noise and if so, what Massport is planning to do about them.

O-10 AMENDED ORDER     Oct 22, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Tour buses that visit the city have been obstructing the way for MBTA buses and shuttle bus services in Harvard Square by parking in T stops and double-parking after letting off their passengers; and
WHEREAS: They are causing traffic build up in Harvard Square as well; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the License Commission, the Office for Tourism and Harvard University to discuss ways of diverting tour bus traffic to other areas where they can wait until needed for pick up; and be it further
ORDERED: That the law prohibiting idling for more than five minutes be respected with respect to these tour buses.

O-11     Oct 22, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council on the reports of ongoing problems at the Fresh Pond movie theater.

O-12     Oct 22, 2007
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Residents have been expressing concern about dog owners not cleaning up after their pets in the vicinity of Charles Street and the Kennedy School park; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to help resolve this issue and to ensure that the park is clean.

O-13     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Concord Avenue and Walden Street in honor of Corrinee McCree; 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-14     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate personnel to attend the next Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, including representatives from CEOC, Multi-Service Center, CASCAP, CHA, HRI, the management companies and the School Department to discuss with the state their assistance to provide funding and training for nights and weekends for a service provider or social worker assigned to problem housing buildings for intervention in an effort to defuse problems from escalating and prevent disturbance to tenants in these buildings.

O-15     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inform the City Council about the design process and citizen involvement that took place regarding the road construction and bump-outs on Blanchard Road and Huron Avenue near the O'Neill Golf Course.

O-16     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Department to trim the tree around the lamp post at the end of Lawn Court as the tree is obstructing the light.

O-17     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting of Nov 26, 2007 and Dec 31, 2007 be canceled.

O-18     Oct 22, 2007
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to recommend a pilot gun buy back program in Cambridge.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 18, 2007, beginning at six o’clock and twenty minutes P.M. in the Pisani Center (CHA), 131 Washington Street, Cambridge, MA.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; and City Clerk, D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Allison Bayer, Senior Vice President for Operations, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA or "the Alliance"); Dr. Richard Fernandes, Director of Primary Care, CHA; Dr. Robert Myer, Pediatrician and Medical Director at the Windsor Street Clinic, CHA.

Councillor Decker convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She provided background on the issue. The City Council’s understanding is that there were not enough OB/GYN doctors and since the Windsor Street Clinic had the smallest client population, that was where the cut was made. The City Council is very concerned with what is happening with the neighborhood clinics in Cambridge. She is currently planning that this hearing will be a part of a series of hearings on neighborhood health clinics. She invited a representative from the Cambridge Health Alliance to speak.

Allison Bayer, Sr. Vice President for Operations, CHA stated that at Windsor Street Clinic there have been recent transitions and turnovers in pediatricians and dentists. They have now filled those slots and expect to continue to provide services at the same level as the Windsor Street Clinic had before the recent turnover.

Beth Thomas, Newtowne Court, stated that she has been using services at the Windsor Street Clinic for 20 years. Overall she has been very satisfied, but five years after her son was born, she was told she could not use the mental health services at Windsor Street unless she was Spanish speaking. It is very difficult to have to go to several places in the community for different services. She said that she and her neighbors need these services in their community.

Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, said that he has a question: with all the money that the City of Cambridge puts into the system, who in the City is going to take responsibility for paying attention to the neighborhood health clinics and how do we create accountability?

Councillor Decker said that this is a good question. One would think the answer would be the community board members, but Renae Gray, community board member, did not know about the service cuts until after they were made.

Donna Barry, 53 Lincoln Street, said that she is a women’s health nurse practitioner and stated her concerns about separating OB/GYN from other women’s health care. Substantial research demonstrates that the separation leads to women accessing both gynecological and primary health care less often.

Mary Leno, Women’s Commission, stated that the Women’s Commission used to sponsor community women’s health days. At these events, there were lots of younger women who were eager to hear about gynecological services in the community.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that in 1999 she was correctly diagnosed for having received tainted blood in the 1980’s. She began receiving SSI. She applied for free care at the Windsor Clinic. They said they would mail the necessary approval. She did not get it. She was told that she could not get dental care, etc because she had a private primary care physician. That was wrong. She was denied emergency dental care. She made an appointment for six months later even though she was in pain. She is still waiting for an appointment. She stated her telephone number in case anyone at the Windsor Clinic would take it and call to give her a dental appointment. She also announced that she was a candidate for City Council.

Roslyn Springer, Newtowne Court, said that the Windsor Street Clinic is not perfect, but it serves the neighborhood. Her concern is that some of the services previously offered at the clinic were moved way across town and it is difficult to get to those services. This is not about cost/benefit analysis; this is about people’s health. Before the Alliance took away the OB/GYN services from the neighborhood clinic, they should have had conversations with the neighborhood.

Pam Baxter, Cambridge, said that she and her neighbors cannot go all over town with babies and cramps. They do not deserve to lose their services.

Toni Bee, Cambridge, resident of Area Four, said that most people here do not use the services. She asked how to get the people who use the services to these hearings.

Councillor Decker said that she, Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Toomey have brainstormed but do not know how to influence the Alliance to reinstate services. If she needs to have this meeting every week, she will. But it is very clear that the Council has no influence on the Alliance. We all need to keep talking about this, she said.

Councillor Simmons said that she grew up in this neighborhood and used the Windsor Clinic when it was just a ground floor apartment. It is very hard for many people in this neighborhood to get to meetings. They rely on their City Councillors and call their City Councillors. Women will do a ping-pong access of services for their children, but not for themselves.

Alex Pirie, 7 St. James Avenue, Somerville, stated that he works for Immigrants’ Health Services Providers in Somerville. They went through this in 2004 with the Women’s Health Clinic, which the Alliance had decided to close. They held public meetings and were able to continue the clinic, but the clinic did lose some services. Cambridge and Somerville have common interests around the neighborhood clinics. The Cambridge Health Alliance prided itself on its excellent neighborhood clinics. The Alliance needs to re-examine its original mission.

Councillor Decker stated she will be reaching out to members of the City Councils and Boards of Aldermen in all of the areas in which the Cambridge Health Alliance now operates.

Renee Green, 111 Washington Street, described the impacts that recent changes have had on her health services. She called for a dental appointment for her son and was told it would be six months. Eight months ago she called for a doctor’s appointment for a serious skin condition for which she had been treated in Cambridge for many years. She was told that she could not longer make an appointment in Cambridge; she had to go to Somerville for treatment. Now, eight months later, they are telling her that now she must go to Boston for treatment. Their neighborhood gave up parking spaces in a tight neighborhood when the clinic was being expanded because they were promised neighborhood health services.

Ethel Delgado, 35 Newtown Court, stated that she has lived in Newtowne Court for 44 years and her family has received health care at Windsor from the time it opened. The residents want their services back. She described the enormous amount of wasted time trying to get emergency dental care. She was told that her oral surgeon has gone to Assembly Square. She took two buses to get there and then was told she could not be treated there.

Shawn Murphy, 5 Muller Avenue, said that he works for Cambridge Hospital. He has worked on public health access issues in the past and he is amazed by the services that are provided in Cambridge by the Alliance.

Elaine DeRosa, Director of CEOC, said that CEOC does provide family planning services. Ms. DeRosa stated that 34 years ago the City Council voted to fund five neighborhood health clinics. And now the Alliance has taken away health services from the neighborhood as if it did not matter. It is the CHA’s responsibility to understand that this does matter to the neighborhood residents who depend on the clinic for their health services and for whom their sense of security depends on knowing that they can access these services in their neighborhood. If the Alliance does not believe enough neighborhood people use this clinic, then shame on the Alliance that more neighborhood people do not use it. Shame on the Alliance for not effectively communicating with neighborhood residents.

Tina Alu, Associate Director, CEOC, stated that she was not going to speak until she saw Dennis Keefe’s memo that there were no significant concerns or issues from neighborhood residents were reported. At CEOC, there were people crying about the Windsor Street Clinic. But the Alliance did not want to hear this information so CEOC stopped collecting it. She would be glad to start collecting in again if the Alliance is now interested.

Dr. Rob Meyer, Pediatrician & Medical Director at Windsor Street Clinic, said that at the Windsor Street Clinic there are adult medicine doctors and pediatrics. Now the clinic has more adult medicine than ever. They were down to just him as pediatrician because two pediatrician left. Now they are back up to two as of next month they will have three. He began working at the Windsor Clinic when it first opened, and he feels very strongly that his responsibility is to the community.

Allison Bayer said she appreciates and is moved by all of the information that she has heard at this hearing. Part of the Alliance’s mission is providing neighborhood health services. The clinics are also part of a larger health system, where providers come and go. There will be transition times when key medical providers have left and not yet been replaced. But it is the Alliance’s responsibility to make and keep appointments regardless of transitions. She cannot promise to restore all of the services, but she can promise that the Alliance will do its best to make sure that cancelled appointments and six-month waits as described tonight do not happen.

Councillor Simmons said that what the Alliance needs to promise is to continue to provide the clinic that was promised 34 years ago.

Roslyn Springer said that so that this does not happen again, the neighborhood residents need to have dialogue with the Alliance and a voice in the decision making. There are many, many women who will not go out of their neighborhood for health care. Vouchers will not work; at the very least, they should have a bus that goes to the locations where the services are now provided. Councillor Decker said that she would schedule another meeting in the neighborhood in the next couple of weeks.

Gerald Bergman asked whether money is part of the issue of the change in services, and Ms. Bayer said that it does cost more to provide the services at many different sites. Councillor Decker said that the real question is whether the Alliance has gone so far beyond Cambridge that Cambridge cannot be adequately served. Mr. Bergman asked if the City Council offered money for a doctor, would that help. Ms. Bayer said that money always helps.

Councillor Decker said that this issue is not being managed well. There has been no process for a dialogue between the Alliance and the community.

Vice Mayor Toomey thanked all those present for coming out. He said this has been very frustrating. For many years the citizens of Cambridge funded this hospital in a way that allowed Cambridge Hospital to become the Health Alliance. The Alliance is here because of these people and now the Alliance is walking away. This is so frustrating and disappointing. This is unacceptable. He wants to be able to say to his colleagues at the State House that the Alliance serves the community when the Alliance comes to the State House.

Councillor Kelley also thanked everyone for coming. He said that during the budget hearing, the City Council asked if there were going to be changes in service. Mr. Keefe said there would not be changes. It is not fair that these decisions are being made on the backs of the most vulnerable people. He added that next year’s budget will receive much tougher scrutiny if this issue is not resolved.

Councillor Decker agreed that the budget process would be much different next year.

Councillor Simmons thanked her neighbors and friends. She said that Area Four’s neighborhood health center is the jewel of the community, and urged the Alliance to preserve its services.

Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at eight o’clock and five minutes.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee conducted a public meeting on Wed, Sept 26, 2007 at ten o’clock and four minutes a.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues of safety and resources as it pertains to housing, building and neighborhoods.

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Robert Haas, Commissioner of Police; David Degou, Superintendent of Police; Michael Walsh, Lester Sullivan and Timothy McCusker, Deputy Superintendents of Police; and Donna P. Lopez. Also present were Gloria Leipzig, Director of Operations, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Karen A. Jenner, Public Safety Administrator, Cambridge Housing Authority; Peter Day, Executive Director, HRI; Hilary Smith, Resident Service Coordinator, HRI; and Gordon Gottsche, Just-A-Start.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She stated that she has received complaints from residents of housing units about the residential mix living in the buildings, including chronically or mentally ill and substance abuse residents. Some of these residents are abusive to neighbors. She has submitted a City Council Order requesting the Housing Authority to assign a social worker on site during the most problematic hours of nights and weekends. Visitors to these buildings are staying in the lobby and the residents are fearful and complaining.

Deputy Superintendent Sullivan suggested that the residents call the police department. Councillor Simmons responded that the residents have called the police. The police come and escort the visitor to the unit they are visiting and if the tenant is not home the police escort the visitor out of the building. She wants a proactive policy established. Why is there a mix of tenants in senior housing buildings, she asked? She inquired if the regulations have been changed by HUD. Is a policy change needed so that all tenants can live a peaceful existence?

Ms. Leipzig informed the committee that in 1970 HUD changed the regulation for elderly buildings to include elderly or disabled. The definition of disabled includes persons who qualify for social security, physically or mentally disabled. The state and federal public housing policy limits the number of disabled tenants to 13.5%. There are 1100 residents in Burns, LBJ, Millers River, Manning, Weaver, Linnaean and Truman apartments. The Cambridge Housing Authority is labeled "move to work housing authority" and only 13.5% disabled are allowed. Some elderly tenants are also disabled and the cap does not apply. There are security monitors at LBJ and camera systems are posted at entrances and lobbies. Incidents can be addressed when caught on camera. Lease violations due to disturbances will be brought to court. The CHA has employed a public safety officer and cooperates with the police department.

Councillor Kelley asked how many people are taken to court by the CHA. Ms. Leipzig informed the committee that court action is to evict or to reach a one-year agreement. Councillor Kelley asked how many evictions have occurred. Ms. Leipzig responded 10-20 in the last year. Deputy Superintendent Sullivan stated that the CHA have been aggressively addressing issues. Councillor Kelley spoke about problems at Jefferson Park. Ms. Leipzig stated that Jefferson Park has a camera system with 6-8 cameras. Since police presence at Jefferson Park incidents have declined. When there is an issue they need to be reported to the housing managers. Commissioner Haas stated that he is forming officers to perform social service issues.

Mr. Daly stated that his organization has no senior buildings, but that action taken by the CHA is what is used by his organization. Resident Coordinators work with residents when there is a disruptive resident/visitor. A disruptive visitor is given a "stay away order" which is also given to the police and the resident. Ms. Leipzig stated that the CHA has six service coordinators assigned to elderly and family development buildings to provide services to retain tenancy. The CHA has a long "no trespass list." Visitors can visit, but cannot hang out in the common areas.

Mr. Gottsche stated that if there were more funding there would be more service. Services are provided through Cambridge Hospital and PACT. In kind services require payment. The experience of Just-A-Start is that large families are less likely to have problems. Problems are usually with single persons. More funding would help. Just-A-Start has no cap.

Councillor Simmons stated that the Police Department does a superb job. The problem is the person who is living with the situation on a day to day basis. Problems occur when there are no personnel on site. Can the city help the person who is causing the problem? The city needs to deploy resources better to resolve the issues. At 243 Broadway the people with problems are increasing.

Councillor Kelley asked if mediation services could be put into the lease. Ms. Leipzig responded in the negative. No service plan can be included with the disabled. Councillor Simmons stated that social workers could do intervention. The message sent needs to be that the problem will not be tolerated. She spoke about documenting the situation. There is no record keeping; where are resident complaints logged, she asked? Ms. Leipzig stated that the CHA keeps records. Eccentric behavior is not a lease violation.

Councillor Simmons spoke about on-site intervention and documentation to help tenants stay in place or be placed in a more appropriate place. She stated that she wanted an on-site service provider in problem buildings.

Mr. Daly stated that there is a 24-hour management company available for service calls after hours. Councillor Simmons stated that if the property management company sends out personnel she wanted quicker intervention. She stated again that she wanted personnel deployed to buildings with problems. Ms. Leipzig stated that if the problem is a serious after hour complaint the tenant should call the police. Mr. Daly added that when a complaint is received a letter is sent to the tenant. After three letters are sent the eviction process begins. Councillor Simmons asked about the timeline from complaint to eviction. Mr. Daly responded it takes months to go through the process. Councillor Simmons wanted to know what intervention is done and how the city could deploy resources differently. She wanted to know how the city could help both the tenant and the problem causer during the process. Councillor Kelley stated that he wanted intervention and a service provider, not the police at Rindge Towers. Services during non professional hours and low level intermediate intervention need to be provided, he said. Ms. Smith stated that the challenge is to have a social worker on call and effective when someone is talking to themselves. Councillor Simmons added that it is not just about the person who is causing the problem, but also about the person who is complaining. The person who is being disturbed should be contacted. Affordable housing is getting a bad reputation.

Deputy Superintendent Walsh asked if there is a process to do informal problem solving to strategize about the best way to handle the problem including the focus of the problem and the surrounding persons. Ms. Leipzig informed the committee that the CHA meet with resident to keep them abreast about how issues are being handled. Most incidents in elderly buildings are reviewed as the incidents occur.

Councillor Simmons stated that all agencies care about this issue, but additional action needed to be done. The city needs to be proactive to abate the situation. If there were sufficient resources what could be done, she asked. Councillor Kelley stated that low level things could be done by residents for a stipend with training. Ms. Leipzig commented that an overnight residential manager or social worker is a building by building decision and is a matter of cost. The number and the manner of the incidents need to be analyzed. A professional is needed. Mr. Gottsche stated that low cost training of residents and overnight staff is a good combination. He spoke about the issue of obnoxious versus violent behavior. Service for nights and weekends and training would make an impact, but funding is needed. Councillor Simmons stated her concern was to prevent the problem from becoming inflammatory. Mr. Daly suggested that the agencies should get together to discussion a solution. Councillor Simmons stated that the management companies also need to be part of the problem and solution discussion. Councillor Kelley also wanted the public school included in the conversation.

Councillor Simmons stated that she appreciated all the work done by all the agencies. She asked how do we make housing the best it can be and should assistance from the state be sought?

Councillor Simmons submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate personnel to attend the next Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, including representatives from CEOC, Multi-Service Center, CASCAP, CHA, HRI, the management companies and the School Department to discuss with the state their assistance to provide funding and training for nights and weekends for a service provider or social worker assigned to problem housing buildings for intervention in an effort to defuse problems from escalating and prevent disturbance to tenants in these buildings.

The motion – Carried.

Councillor Simmons thanked all attendees.

The meeting adjourned at eleven o’clock and thirteen minutes a.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Sept 19, 2007, beginning at seven o’clock and forty-seven minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map for the area bordered by the centerlines of Broadway and Harvard, Hancock and Lee Streets from the existing Residence C-1 district designation to Residence B.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee; Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves; Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor David Maher; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Lester Barber, Director of Land Use and Zoning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor.

Councillor Murphy convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He requested that Mr. Barber describe the petition, and Mr. Barber provided the Committee with a brief description. He noted that the City Council had requested information as to the feasibility and effects of amending the current C-1 district to a Residence C district, which would be something between the current C-1 and the proposed Res-B. Councillor Maher asked about the Planning Board proceedings. Mr. Barber said that in the Planning Board report on this petition when it was previously filed, the Planning Board did not recommend changing to a Residence B hearing. The Planning Board hearing on the new petition will be held on Oct 15, 2007 and it is possible that the Planning Board may discuss the possibility of a Res-C district.

Councillor Murphy then invited public comment.

Trudy Bauer, 45 Lee Street, spoke in support of the petition. They love their block, especially the greenery behind 378 Broadway. She also noted the potential changes for emergency vehicles if there is substantial development of the open areas on the block.

Nancy Nyhan, 178 Hancock Street, stated that the block is already very crowded. They need limits on infill developments.

Deborah Knight, 380 Broadway, stated her appreciation for the City Council’s action in re-filing the petition. The block is primarily two-family homes. The block is not a typical Residence C district in terms of the quality and nature of their block. There are many other areas where one block or a part of a block are zoned differently from the surrounding blocks; often such blocks are zoned Res-B. She provided an example in Cambridgeport, one off Massachusetts Avenue and on Linnaean Street.

Elizabeth Dionne read a written statement from John A. McMullen. She submitted a copy of the letter (Attachment A). Ms. Dionne encouraged the Committee to table this petition until after the Planning Board hearing in October. This is not spot zoning; it would affect every house on the block. She urged the Ordinance Committee to consider whether for new buildings, two parking spaces should be required per unit.

Wyllis Bibbins, 314 Harvard Street, stated that he presented a zoning analysis at the Ordinance Committee hearing on the petition the last time it was filed, and submitted a copy for the record (Attachment B). This neighborhood is inappropriate to be considered a Res-B zone. Almost any change residents want to make to their homes would require zoning variances. If this neighborhood were rezoned to Residence B, 77 percent of the houses would be noncompliant with regard to FAR (floor area ratio). He then read a letter from Ruby and James Walsh, 307 Harvard Street (Attachment C), in which they expressed opposition to the rezoning.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that crowding people in like sardines is not appropriate but the elephant in the room is that rich people do not have to live like that. We need a level playing field.

Steve Reckhow, 305 Harvard Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed petition. The Planning Board already voted unanimously not to recommend this petition. In the citywide rezoning, with it comprehensive zoning view, there was no support for rezoning this block to Res-B. This zoning has been in place for 30 years.

Sylvia Wheeler, 305 Harvard Street, spoke in opposition to the petition. Our responsibility is to create and maintain cities that can sustain a variety of income levels. Well-planned development is not a negative.

Guy Asaph, owner of 378 Broadway, spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning. Even if the rezoning is to Residence C, there would only be three conforming properties when you take into account set back requirements. He submitted an illustration (Attachment D). Mr. Asaph said that his project at 378 Broadway proposes only one new unit. He has offered to put permanent subdivision restrictions on the property.

Franklin Lieberman, 24 Ellsworth Avenue, spoke in support of the proposed petition and urged the City Council to consider the benefits of green space.

Margaret McMann, 14 Highland Avenue, spoke in support of the petition.

Councillor Kelley moved that the Ordinance Committee keep the petition in Committee until the City Council receives the Planning Board’s recommendation.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Murphy and thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and thirty-eight minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair