CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-188, regarding a report on whether Porter Road could become a one-way loop.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-179, regarding the City's compliance with the ADA.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Service Alliance for $15,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the design and implementation of the City-wide Community Service-Learning Youth Council.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $5,630 to the Grant Fund Historical Salaries and Wages account ($4,630) and the Grant Fund Historical Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,000) to provide fund for 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.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for approval of naming a private way off of Aberdeen Avenue as Aberdeen Way.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Decker relative to Order Number Ten of October 24, 2005 requesting the City Manager to direct the Municipal Cable Office to televise the forthcoming Health and Environment Committee meeting on discussions related to the WR Grace site.

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

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

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

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after February 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on unfinished business.]

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on September 21, 2005 for the purpose of considering amendments to Section 12.18 of the Municipal Ordinances entitled "Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of News Racks." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after October 31, 2005.

8. Amendment of the Municipal Code in Section 2.24.050 entitled "Fee Schedule" by adding Registered Electrolysis fee of $35.00. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after November 7, 2005.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police fund raising.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding governmental process.

3. A communication was received from Ann B. Cowan, 872 Massachusetts Avenue, transmitting signed petitions supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Sheila M. Tobin.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

2. Resolution on the death of Mary C. McGreenery.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Willem J. MacMillan.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Joao J. de Sousa.   Councillor Toomey

5. Congratulations to Karin Elliott on her appointment as the new Executive Director of Summerbridge Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

6. Thanks to Hilary Mead, Director of Summerbridge Cambridge for her work with Cambridge youth and best wishes on her future endeavors.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Resolution on the death of Marianna Young.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the death of Olympia Eva Sorrentino.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Rosa Parks.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

10. Resolution on the death of Robert A. Stein.   Councillor Galluccio

11. Happy 99th Birthday wishes to Bob Sweeney.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Encouraging Cambridge residents and their children to attend the Ninth Annual Family Literacy Fun Day.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Daniel Scott Bubb.   Vice Mayor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Kenneth Butler.   Vice Mayor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Christopher Poston.   Vice Mayor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Steven Szwydek.   Vice Mayor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Norman Anderson, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jacob Dones.   Vice Mayor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Specialist Kendall Frederick.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli.   Vice Mayor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Specialist Daniel Bartels.   Vice Mayor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lucas Frantz.   Vice Mayor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Chad Hildebrandt.   Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Arthur Mora, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Mark Adams.   Vice Mayor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of Specialist Russell Nahvi.   Vice Mayor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Corporal Seamus Davey.   Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer Third Class Christopher Thompson.   Vice Mayor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Richard Pummill.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Tommy Folks, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant George Alexander, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Dennis Merck.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Congratulations on the appointment of the new Associate Vice President of Outreach and Enrichment at the Museum of Science.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Congratulations to Sheila Aborn on her retirement as Associate Vice President of Outreach and Enrichment at the Museum of Science.   Mayor Sullivan

35. Welcome to the world of Melissa Rae Lohnes.   Councillor Galluccio

36. Congratulations to Dennis Keefe, CEO of Cambridge Health Alliance, for being the recipient of the 2005 Northeastern University Outstanding Alumni Award.   Councillor Galluccio

37. Resolution on the death of Lyn J. Sullivan.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Congratulations to Robert W. Healy, City Manager, on receiving a Service Award from the International City/County Management Association.   Mayor Sullivan

40. Congratulations to the 2005 winners of the Saints Constantine and Helen Church Scholarship.   Mayor Sullivan

41. Congratulations to Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services for the Cambridge Council on Aging, on receiving the 2005 Nancy P. Kahn Community Service Award.   Mayor Sullivan

42. Resolution on the death of Jeanne Elizabeth Gillis.   Councillor Toomey

43. Resolution on the death of Beverly J. Ferreira.   Councillor Galluccio

44. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. O'Conell.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

45. Resolution on the death of Reverend Clement L. Pelletier.   Mayor Sullivan

46. Resolution on the death of Francis T. Doyle.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

47. Resolution on the death of Charles G. D'Alessio.   Mayor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of Nancy Moura.   Councillor Toomey

49. Resolution on the death of Melvin J. Stillman.   Councillor Galluccio

50. Congratulations to the CRLS varsity soccer team on winning the Greater Boston League Championship.   Councillor Davis

51. Resolution on the death of Maria Sousa.   Councillor Toomey

52. Resolution on the death of Janet Williams.   Mayor Sullivan

53. Congratulations to the participants of the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos during the week of October 31 through November 6, 2005.   Councillor Toomey

54. Welcome to the Ashantebeene from Ghana.   Councillor Reeves

55. Congratulations to Aaron Boch and Cardine Tremblay on their engagement.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to report on the number of children in homeless shelters because their parents cannot obtain housing or employment due to CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information).   Councillor Simmons

2. The City Manager is requested to arrange, with appropriate parties, a Mid Cambridge Town meeting to discuss issues concerning Mid Cambridge, in particular, process issues and site mitigation.   Councillor Simmons

3. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority and Inspectional Services Department to discuss the feasibility of baiting traps at 86 Otis Street due to rodent infestation.   Mayor Sullivan

4. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to ensure that all security cameras on the property of 86 Otis Street are properly aligned and working.   Mayor Sullivan

5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to discuss the feasibility of installing a handicap accessible ramp at 86 Otis Street.   Mayor Sullivan

6. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation regarding the walk signal and the traffic light located at the end of the tunnel on Massachusetts Avenue towards Porter Square where the two signals conflict; the light is green and the walk signal is operating simultaneously.   Councillor Toomey

7. Dedication of a site near Jackson Street in honor of Josie Avakian.   Mayor Sullivan

8. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look at resident parking on Lambert Street.   Councillor Toomey

9. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to meet with residents and businesses regarding the new meter system at the Warren Street parking lot.   Councillor Toomey

10. The City Manager is requested to provide information as to whether parking control officers could enforce the anti-idling regulation and to further reissue the injunction against idling of City vehicles and report back to the City Council for a hearing by the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee.   Councillor Davis

11. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to clarify the parking regulation, from Carl Barron Plaza to Pearl Street, on the south side of Massachusetts Avenue (near Dunkin Donuts) and to ascertain whether this should be a loading zone instead of a towing zone, and if the regulation for no parking in a bike lane is being enforced.   Councillor Davis

12. The City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to enforce nighttime truck speeding on River Street and to prevent use of jake brakes on River Street by trucks, especially at night, and to investigate regulations against the use of jake brakes by trucks in the City, and report back to the City Council.   Councillor Davis.

13. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to discuss the feasibility of installing a crosswalk on Green Street near Manning Apartments.   Mayor Sullivan

14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to discuss the feasibility of installing a "cut through" near the Holmes Building on Green Street leading to Massachusetts Avenue.   Mayor Sullivan

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Police to assign more police patrols around Manning Apartments and the Central Square Library, particularly in the night hours.   Mayor Sullivan

16. The City Manager is requested to consider a neighborhood celebration upon the completion of all phases of the Russell Field Recreational Facility.   Councillor Galluccio

17. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works regarding the repair of Jackson Street and report back to the City Council with a timeline of reconstruction of this roadway.   Councillor Galluccio

18. The City Manager is requested to report on the possibility of placing a stop sign at the corner of Bates and Avon Hill Street.   Councillor Murphy

19. The City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate staff to provide a bus shelter on the northbound side of Massachusetts Avenue near Lafayette Square.   Councillor Reeves

20. The City Manager is requested to confer with appropriate staff to arrange for a temporary bus shelter to be supplied for residents of Rindge Towers and Jefferson Park during the ongoing construction.   Councillor Reeves

21. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Council on Aging, the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Harvard University real estate management staff to determine how they can collaborate to make a more senior-friendly environment for the residents they serve.   Councillor Reeves

22. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Recycling regarding the recycling of newspapers outside MBTA stops.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan

23. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to plan traffic calming measures for Harvey Street and report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan

24. The City Manager is requested to provide the status of the City-owned property at Gore and Sciarappa Streets.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

25. The City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to make the necessary repairs to the sidewalk at 12 Winter Street to prevent water from accumulating and freezing.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

26. Dedication of a site in the vicinity of Seventh and Spring Streets in honor of Pietro DePierro.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

27. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner not to do any further lateral transfers until the civil service list for Cambridge residents is depleted, and that a report be given on the number of persons of color and women who came from the previous lateral transfers.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

28. The City Manager is requested to report to the City Council with clarification on the status of the Bradford Café.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Sullivan

29. The City Manager is requested to meet with Debra Wise and Mimi Huntington this week to discuss how the City can help the Central Square Theater leverage the additional $72,000 needed to secure further development with MIT.   Vice Mayor Decker

30. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on matters regarding the VFW and the dance floor, and to report to the City Council with information about the parameters of the Greek Club.   Councillor Murphy

31. City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Assessment to draft language for a proposed modification of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, clauses 18 and 18a which would reflect the changes that the committee has discussed in the area of qualifications for the exemption and modification of the terms of the financial hardship deferral.   Councillor Murphy and Councillor Maher

32. City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft home rule legislation to file with the Legislature adopting Clause 18 and 18A and revisions to Clause 41A (Proposal 4).   Councillor Murphy

33. City Manager is requested to continue negotiations with the Central Artery to get approval for a dog run.   Councillor Murphy

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on September 23, 2005 to meet with the Special Committee on Property Tax to continue discussing issues related to the property tax.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on October 21, 2005 to continue discussions on issues relating to the property tax proposals.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on October 18, 2005 to discuss the issue of the VFW contra dance with the dance advocates.

4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, for a meeting held on September 28, 2005 to continue discussing dog parks in the City.

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

Tues, Nov 1
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive information on Cambridge's fuel assistance program and any other help available to lower heating costs this winter. This meeting will be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how rents are set in private affordable housing developments and private mixed income developments including affordable housing units. Discussion will include information on tenants' rights regarding rent increases.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:15pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of increases in condominium fees for inclusionary zoning homeownership units, whether there are limits and, if not, whether limits should be established.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on the number of children in homeless shelters because their parents cannot obtain housing or employment due to CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information).

O-2     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange, with appropriate parties, a Mid-Cambridge Town meeting to discuss issues concerning Mid-Cambridge, in particular, process issues and site mitigation.

O-3     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority and Inspectional Services Department to discuss the feasibility of baiting traps at 86 Otis Street due to rodent infestation.

O-4     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to ensure that all security cameras on the property of 86 Otis Street are properly aligned and working.

O-5     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Housing Authority to discuss the feasibility of installing a handicap accessible ramp at 86 Otis Street.

O-6     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation regarding the walk signal and the traffic light located at the end of the tunnel on Massachusetts Avenue towards Porter Square where the two signals conflict; the light is green and the walk signal is operating simultaneously.

O-7     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in the vicinity of Jackson Street in honor of Josie Avakian; and be it further
ORDERED: That Chief of Staff to the Mayor be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-8     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look at resident parking on Lambert Street.

O-9     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to meet with residents and businesses regarding the new meter system at the Warren Street Parking lot.

O-10     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Idling of vehicles, in particular diesel vehicles, is detrimental to air quality and health; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with information as to whether parking control officers could enforce the anti-idling regulation and to further reissue the injunction against idling of City vehicles and report back to the City Council for a hearing to be scheduled by the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee.

O-11     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to clarify the parking regulation, from Carl Barron Plaza to Pearl Street on the south side of Massachusetts Avenue (near Dunkin Donuts), and to ascertain whether this should be a loading zone instead of a towing zone, and if the regulation for no parking in a bike lane is being enforced.

O-12     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to enforce nighttime truck speeding on River Street and to prevent use of jake brakes on River Street by trucks, especially at night, and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate regulations against the use of jake brakes by trucks in the City and report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-13     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to discuss the feasibility of installing a crosswalk on Green Street near Manning Apartments.

O-14     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to discuss the feasibility of installing a "cut through" near the Holmes Building on Green Street leading to Massachusetts Avenue.

O-15     October 31, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Police to assign more police patrols around Manning Apartments and the Central Square Library, particularly in the night hours.

O-16     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider a neighborhood celebration upon the completion of all phases of the Russell Field Recreational Facility.

O-17     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works regarding the repair of Jackson Street and to report back to the City Council with a timeline of reconstruction of this roadway.

O-18     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council about the possibility of placing a stop sign at the corner of Bates and Avon Hill Street.

O-19     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: It has been reported that the current construction at Lafayette Square has added to the difficulties senior citizens face in their comings and goings in that area, including waiting for buses and making the trip from their residence to Shaw's Supermarket; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate staff to provide a bus shelter on the northbound side of Massachusetts Avenue near Lafayette Square.

O-20     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Residents of Rindge Towers and Jefferson Park are expressing hardship with the removal of a bus shelter during the ongoing construction; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate staff to arrange for a temporary bus shelter to be supplied.

O-21     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: In visiting with the City's senior citizens it has become apparent that the entities which manage senior citizen housing have instituted a number of draconian rules and regulations which are oppressive to senior residents; and
WHEREAS: The restrictions include:
- Prohibitions of residents hanging anything on their doors, for example, holiday decorations;
- Locked common rooms with no casual access for residents;
- Common area bathrooms which have been changed to staff-only;
- Significant reduction in building maintenance, management and activities direction;
now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Council on Aging, the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Harvard University real estate management staff to determine how they can collaborate to make a more senior-friendly environment for the residents they serve.

O-22     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Recycling regarding the recycling of newspapers outside MBTA stops.

O-23     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Many young children live on Harvey Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to plan traffic calming measures for Harvey Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-24     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the status of the City-owned property at Gore and Sciarappa Streets.

O-25     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to make the necessary repairs to the sidewalk at 12 Winter Street to prevent water from accumulating and freezing.

O-26     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in the vicinity of Seventh and Spring Streets to be as named as Pietro DePierro Square; 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-27     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Police Commissioner not to do any further lateral transfers until the civil service list for Cambridge residents is depleted; and be it further,
ORDERED: That a report be given on the number of persons of color and women who came from the previous lateral transfers.

O-28     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council with clarification on the status of the Bradford Café.

O-29     October 31, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The Central Square Theater is in the process of being developed by The Nora Theatre and the Underground Theatre in partnership with MIT; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts House of Representatives just appropriated money to the project due to unexpected additional costs to the construction of the Central Square Theater in a timely matter; and
WHEREAS: Both theater groups have worked extensively with Cambridge youth programs and schools and have proven to be an invaluable to our curriculum; and
WHEREAS: The City Council appropriated $100,000 to the City Council Committee on Economic Development; and
WHEREAS: The Central Square Theater will fuel economic development in Central Square, drawing visitors to a night of theater who will surely visit our restaurant and bars; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to meet with Debra Wise and Mimi Huntington this week to discuss how the City can help the Central Square Theater leverage the additional $72,000 needed to secure further development with MIT.

O-30 AMENDED ORDER     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the following matters regarding the VFW and the dance floor:
 - Zoning issues and whether variance(s) are required for the Youth Center and for the Youth Center with the dance floor;
 - Parking requirements with and without the dance floor;
 - Estimated additional construction and operating costs from keeping the dance floor; and
 - Operating options if the dance floor were kept;
 - Legal issues relative to the City as an owner renting the hall; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager provide information about the parameters of the Greek Club and report back to this City Council with this information.

O-32     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft proposed legislation to file with the Legislature amending M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 18 and 18A and revising M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 41A (Proposal 4).

O-33     October 31, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to continue negotiations with the Central Artery to get approval for a dog run.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, conducted a public meeting on Friday, September 23, 2005, beginning at nine o’clock and five minutes A.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of meeting was to meet with the Special Committee on Property Tax to continue discussing issues related to the property tax.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor David P. Maher, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Claire Spinner, Director of Financial Systems/Operations, David Kale, Assistant Finance Director/Budget Director, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, James Monagle, City Auditor, Robert Reardon, Director of Assessment, and D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He stated that he had expected the meeting to focus on feedback from the Cambridge legislative delegation at the Special Meeting held the evening before, September 22nd, but the legislature stayed in session last night long past the time of the special meeting as a result, there was no opportunity for discussion with the Cambridge delegation. He said that this meeting would be used for further clarification of some of the changes in state statutes that the committees believe should be pursued.

Councillor Murphy stated that he and Councillor Maher are both interested in modifications to Mass. General Laws chapter 59, section 5, clauses 18 and 18a. Clause 18 provides for exemptions for "persons who by reason of age, infirmity and poverty are in the judgment of the assessors, unable to contribute fully toward the public charges." He asked Mr. Reardon to describe the problem presented by this language. Mr. Reardon explained that the language has been interpreted by the Appellate Tax Board to provide exemptions for persons who meet all three qualifications, that is, a person must be elderly, infirm and impoverished to qualify for an exemption. Mr. Reardon said that before the court’s interpretation, the general interpretation was that any one of the categories would qualify a person for consideration for the exemption, but the court clearly rejected the older interpretation for the more limited one. In addition, the court found that allowing application for this exemption throughout the year was improper, because applications for exemptions must be made within 90 days of the tax bill. In response to Councillor Maher’s question as to whether there exist communities that still utilize the older and more expansive interpretation, Mr. Reardon answered in the affirmative.

Councillor Murphy asked whether clause 18 provides any criteria for evaluating whether an applicant meets the statutory qualifications. Mr. Reardon states that the statute leaves determination completely within the purview of the Board of Assessors and provides no guidelines. However, he noted his belief that a municipality could adopt local guidelines.

Councillor Maher asked whether the Massachusetts Municipal Association report addressed the issue of the interpretation of requirements of clause 18, and Mr. Reardon replied that it did not.

Councillor Murphy then invited Mr. Reardon to describe the problems with M.G.L. chapter 59, section 5, clause 18a. Mr. Reardon explained that clause 18a provides for a deferral of taxes for financial hardship alone, without other qualifications such as age and infirmity. However, the deferral is only for three years, then there is a two-year grace period, and thereafter the deferred taxes must be paid in five equal payments over five years.

Councillor Maher noted that there is also a problem with the requirement of the payment of interest on the deferred taxes, as well as the fact that interest rates for property taxes are set too high. Councillor Murphy agreed and suggested that the interest rate be set at 4%.

Councillors Murphy and Maher submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Assessment to draft language for a proposed modification of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, clauses 18 and 18a which would reflect the changes that the committee has discussed in the area of qualifications for the exemption and modification of the terms of the financial hardship deferral; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Director of Assessment also draft language for Proposal 4 to amend Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5, Clause 41A to change the requirements for a deferral under that section as follow:
* Reduce the age from 65 to age 55 and allow permanently disabled individuals to participate in the program regardless of age.
* Increase the annual income limits from $40,000.00 to $57,000.00 (the median income for the City of Cambridge).
* Reduce the interest rate from 8% simple interest to 4% simple interest.

The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

At this time Councillor Murphy invited public comment.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, thanked the committee for addressing the issue of Clause 18 and 18a. She said that the Google search for property tax seniors shows a potpourri of interpretations. She noted that in addition to property taxes, people pay other taxes and fees.

Councillor Murphy stated that the committee may want to consider whether a lower threshold makes sense. Mr. Reardon agreed that the guidelines need to make sense in terms of residents’ real situation.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, stated that the supply of one, two, and three family housing is finished. No one builds them anymore. There is no way that people on fixed incomes are going to be able to stay here. Proposals II and I would help. He stated that he appreciates the work of the committee.

Jessie Gordon, Harvey Street, asked when the FAQ mailing is going out and when the third mailing will go out. Councillor Murphy said that the FAQ will go out the second week of October, the same time as the tax bills and will go to every resident. The third mailing will go out shortly after and will go to the people who get tax bills. Mr. Gordon said that the mailing should explain in detail how values for two and three families are set. Is it the condo values or not. The City should also explain who is responsible for the tax increase. What is the state responsible for and he would like answers to these questions: what does the city do and which choices are made by the City Council and which could be made differently?

Councillor Murphy said that as the committee explores the broader policies, for example, the California model, the committee must look carefully at what are the models and what are the problems, such as hiding sales, especially by commercial entities in California. Mr. Reardon said that California freezes the value at the acquisition value. That means you will see lots of mergers instead of sales. Even in Massachusetts, we are seeing acquisitions of LLP’s that hold the real estate rather than direct acquisitions of the real estate. In addition, California cities and towns have now become extremely dependant on the state for revenues. The loss of control to state is problematic for many cities and towns.

Mr. Reardon stated that Proposition 2 ½ has not worked statewide. Most cities and towns are very close to the levy cap. Mr. Rossi said that Cambridge is $65 million below the levy cap.

Councillor Murphy stated that most Cambridge people he speaks to want to make sure the property tax is an equitable system, that the rules are applied fairly and evenhandedly.

Councillor Murphy set the next meeting of October 21, 2005 at nine A.M. He thanked all those present for their participation and hard work on this issue.

The meeting was adjourned at nine o’clock and fifty minutes A.M. on the motion of Councillor Maher.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Finance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, and the Special Committee on Property Tax conducted a public meeting on Friday, October 21, 2005, beginning at nine o’clock and ten minutes A. M. in the Anastos Room.

The purpose of meeting was to continue discussions on issues relating to the property tax proposals.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Robert P. Reardon, Director of Assessment, James Monagle, City Auditor, Donald Drisdell, City Solicitor, Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, David Kale, Budget Director, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Claire Spinner, Director of Financial Systems/Operations, Finance Department, and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting. Introductions were made at the request of the Chair. Councillor Murphy recapped what was learned at the meeting held with the Cambridge delegation held on October 17, 2005. He stated the committee would review revisions to Proposal Four and two changes to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section Five. These two changes would be in Clause 18 and Clause 18A (Attachment A, B, C). He thanked Mayor Sullivan for bringing the Cambridge delegation to Cambridge. The delegation indicated a willingness to explore a variety of options.

Mayor Sullivan stated that further education is needed. On Proposal Four Cambridge should not wait for the state. The Cambridge delegation was listening and the surrounding communities have the same pressure as Cambridge.

The Boston approach was a band-aid and it artificially delayed the problem commented Councillor Murphy. Boston officials will also put pressure on the Legislature in the next few years to make changes. He asked Mr. Reardon to give an overview of Proposal Four.

Mr. Reardon stated the proposal would reduce the age requirement from 65 to 55, include permanently disabled persons to participate regardless of age, increase the annual income from $40,00 to the median income level for the community and change the interest rate from to eight percent simple interest to a rate set by the community between three and eight percent. The median income level for Cambridge is $57,900. Mr. Reardon then gave an overview to the changes to Clause 18 and 18A in Chapter 59 Section 5. Clause 18 added the words "or infirmity, or poverty" and changed Assessor to Board of Assessors. Mayor Sullivan asked if there was a definition of poverty in Chapter 59. Mr. Reardon responded in the negative. This is in the purview of the Board of Assessors. If there is discrimination where would case law be found asked Mayor Sullivan. Mr. Reardon stated that the Board of Assessors would establish guidelines. Clause 18A added "infirmity or" and changed the date from December 15 to June 1st and deleted subsection (6). There are guidelines to cap the deferral at fifty percent of the home’s value.

At nine o’clock and twenty-eight minutes a. m. Councillor Murphy opened the meeting to public comment.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, expressed concern about the time limit in the proposal. Mr. Reardon stated that the deferral is indefinite until it gets to 50 percent of fair market value. Clauses 41A and 18A contains a deferral recovery agreement. A lien is placed on property and before property is sold the lien must be paid. Mr. Kaiser stated that universities represent intellectual capital in the City. There has been no representation from the universities to help the City or its residents. The universities should be required to provide intellectual capital.

Robert Winters, 366 Broadway did not want the minimum residential exemption washed away and wanted the committee to continue its work. He favored using calculations for sub categories in the class codes. Is there any interest in this from MMA, he asked? Mayor Sullivan responded that there is interest if anyone is coming up with anything. Most communities are looking for more revenue commented Mr. Healy. The MMA would not be an obstacle to a Legislative package.

Kathy Podgers, 148 Pearl Street, expressed her concern with Proposal Four and wanted Clause 41A packaged with Clause 18 and 18A. She wanted the three packaged as one proposal. She was concerned that persons with disabilities would fall through the cracks.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, stated that the committee has done good work. He hoped that all the proposals pass. He felt Proposal Two would bring in more revenue. City spending needed to be curtailed. He expressed concern about the debt service.

Mayor Sullivan stated that the budget is the key component of what comes out as the tax rate. This administration has gone from 20-year bond issue to 10 year. This made paying off the debt quicker. The City has invested in its infrastructure. He cited the water plant, roadway improvements and storm and water separation projects.

Kathy Podgers stated she was concerned with the language in Clause 41A (Proposal Four). She favored the increase to the median income level. Clause 41C is still $20,000. This needs to be increased to $40,000 or median income level. No adjustment has been made for tax relief for seniors or the disabled. Mr. Reardon commented that this could be reviewed. This is a statewide issue. The Legislature is reluctant to change this because of its effect on Proposition 2 ½.

Mayor Sullivan suggested that a percentage of the property tax be charged to the universities. Councillor Toomey suggested using the university endowments. This could be challenged. A Constitutional Amendment would be needed. City Solicitor Drisdell stated that the Constitution contains specific language about Harvard College as well as language about the importance of educating the population. If percentage were tied to assessed value the universities would challenge the value. Councillor Simmons stated that collaboration with other communities is needed to support a statewide mechanism for an institution initiative. Mr. Winters suggested setting a value on land only. Mr. Reardon stated that a precedent was set to tax only what could be developed on land.

Councillor Murphy suggested that at the MMA meeting in January inquiries be made to see if communities around the state had an appetite for this proposal. He requested Mr. Healy to start this conversation prior to the MMA meeting in January.

Councillor Murphy made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft home rule legislation to file with the Legislature adopting Clause 18 and 18A and revisions to Clause 41A (Proposal 4).

The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Councillor Murphy stated that he would schedule another meeting to discuss the other proposals. He is intrigued by the university proposal. As dollars are getting tighter the universities are getting bigger stated Councillor Simmons. Universities are a drain on residential tax stated Mayor Sullivan. Infrastructure improvements are what make if possible for big corporations to be located in Cambridge. The pilot agreements are voluntary agreements. If this is a statewide proposal the Legislature could do whatever it wanted to protect property taken off the tax roll.

Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at ten o’clock and twenty-two minutes A. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee conducted a public meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at five o’clock and thirty-two minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issue of the VFW contra dance with the dance advocates.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Vice Mayor Marjorie C. Decker, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing Agent, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Eileen Reegan, Human Services, Gary Johnson, Cambridge Seven Associates, (C7A) and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Murphy convened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting. At five o’clock and thirty-three minutes p.m. the meeting was opened for public comment. The dance proponents gave a presentation.

Andrea Helton, 25 Fairfield Street, represented 600 persons who dance at the VFW (Attachment A). The dance advocates supported building a youth center at the VFW and the traditional dance continuing to live in Cambridge. The dance advocates do not want to compete with the Youth Center. She suggested leaving the dance hall where it is located. Keeping the dance hall would be helping with the City’s goals of fostering community. When the dancers heard that the VFW would be sold another location was sought without success. The VFW dances are a safe place for single women, providing physical activity and can be accessed by public transportation. It would be a benefit to the City if a new youth center were built and the dance hall maintained.

Kathleen London, 7A Meacham Street, distributed documentation on the presentation she would make to the committee (Attachment B). She has danced at the VFW since she was a college student. She is aware of the need for a youth center and would like to keep the dance hall. The city hired an architect to do a needs assessment. The site assessment did not recommend using the dance hall for a gym, but instead building a new gym in back and dividing the dance hall into computer and game rooms. She suggested building a gym with an additional floor for dancing. There should be enough room to build a youth center, a gym and to keep the dance hall. The three dance groups could pay $90,000 in rent per year and this could be applied to the estimated cost of new construction. The current site is zoned Residential C-3 and would require an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances. There are 500 Cambridge residents who dance at the VFW. She supported building the youth center, renovating the VFW and maintaining the dance floor. She wanted a representative from the dance community on the selection committee.

Councillor Davis viewed this site as a community center and does not view this site as a primary dance hall. It could be both. She stated potential problems are parking and the liquor license.

Ruth Ann Callen, Orchard Street, is sixteen years old and the highlight of her week is Thursday night dancing at the VFW. She loves the hall, and the people. She would not like to see the dance hall go.

Councillor Reeves wanted to hear from the City Manager. He inquired if the floor was removable and could be reconstructed at another location. City Manager Healy stated that the floor could be removed but it is not the type of floor as described. Councillor Reeves asked if the floor were removed would it be a sprung floor. Mr. Johnson, Architect, stated that the floor construction has been inspected from below. He stated that the floor is not a true sprung floor. It is a typical floor construction. The bounce of the floor is due to the wood joist. It is not feasible to remove the floor to move it elsewhere. A true sprung floor is not feasible to take apart due to the way it is constructed. If the floor were a basketball sprung floor it could be removable. It would be easier to build a new sprung floor.

Mr. Healy stated that the City has invested in the cultural arts through its recommendation and money given to the Dance Complex. He discussed the process of siting the West Cambridge Youth Center outlined in Agenda Item Sixteen of October 17, 2005 (Attachment C). It is difficult to site anything in the City. This has been an eleven-year process. The feasibility study, the architect selection and the loan order have all gone forward. There is a parking issue at this site. This activity is at this site because the VFW has leased the space. Running a function hall is not an activity that the City should be involved in, he said. These activities could be relocated. It is not a municipal function to have a facility for this activity. He deferred to Mr. Rossi.

Mr. Rossi stated that it is difficult to satisfy all parties. He outlined where the City stands. The City has reached an opportunity that meets the needs and finances of the City. The VFW still controls the site. The City is posed to own this site, but does not own it now. The VFW concerns are the reconfiguration of the site and parking. The current deal is the City would own the site, have a youth center and renovate the VFW. If the VFW sold this site it could become a large development. The project was reviewed without taking down the building. Structure and parking would be similar. The VFW wants the parking to remain behind the site. The cost of a new building and parking could be two million dollars. The City would not have a liquor license in the facility. The biggest issues are delaying the project and additional design costs. The VFW may not want to proceed with the deal. It is a big mistake to halt the plan now. The financing and architect are in place.

At this time the comments of the City Council were heard.

Vice Mayor Decker asked why was she not aware of a big dance group at this location. Building community means fostering activity and bringing people together. She needed more than the City is not in the business of running a function hall. The City is also not in the business of running a golf course or skating rink, but it does. Why weren’t all stakeholders at the table, she asked? The City should lead the conversation with the VFW. The City Councilors are committed to finding a win/win situation. She is committed to a youth center in West Cambridge and would like to see the dance center at the VFW. This information was not incorporated into the project. She does not want to lose community space. There should be a working committee on this matter. She wanted a solution.

Councillor Davis stated that she wanted constructive conversation around the issues of cost, floor, liquor license, rent and zoning. She would like a community center that could accommodate both the youth and dancers.

Councillor Reeves commented that government needed to think creatively and find solutions to improve the quality of life. He suggested alternative locations. The Greek Club located at 280 Green Street has a ballroom on the third floor. This location is centrally located and has parking. Saint Anthony’s in East Cambridge is another resource. There is an enormous need for people to get together and dance. He urged all to scour the City for space to rent.

Councillor Galluccio stated that this affects the whole community. He gave a historical perspective of the VFW site. It’s a great hall, with high ceilings and holds 500 people. VFW started to fail and entered long term contracts to maintain the facility. VFW lost its community roots because of the long-term agreements. If the City maintains the VFW hall it should remain open to the entire community to give all taxpayers access to the hall. He asked how the dance community would feel if they were not able to take advantage of this hall because of community access. Parking is a big issue at this site because of the golf course across the street. He is disappointed that the state delegation is unable to open the armory for use. He would support a large hall being built at this space but would not commit to one group using the site three nights a week.

Mr. Healy stated that underground parking could be a two million dollar expenditure. He has worked hard to alleviate taxpayers concerns. This would impact property tax. Issues will arise about the use. The dance groups were involved in a commercial venture with the VFW. Multiple delays, cost and legal issues will result, he stated. Mr. Rossi stated that the City Administration will advise City departments about reductions in capital expenditures.

At six o’clock and fifty-five minutes p.m. public comment was resumed.

Dena Brody, 661 Green Street, stated her hope is that more conversation on this could be pursued. The issues are workable. The dance community would expect an increase in the rental cost. She spoke about the liquor license for VFW. Mr. Healy commented that it is not a good idea for the city to take on the liability of a liquor license – there is not a liquor license at the golf course clubhouse. Ms. Brody stated that the dance community would not have a liquor license. Parking issues could be addressed. Public transportation could be used. She urged continuing conversation without delaying the youth center.

Jerry Callen, 63 Orchard Street, thanked the City Council for listening to the dance advocates. He wanted conversation between all parties -- the City, dance community, VFW and the architect. Two dance groups do not use liquor; the remaining dance group would give up the liquor. Parking is not an issue. There are large amounts of parking along Huron Avenue. The zoning issue needed to be addressed. The contract has not been issued so there is no issue of delay. It is early in the process. The issue of the city leasing space to the dancers is a political issue. There are issues that the City takes on because it is an important civic decision. He encouraged the City Council to find a way to incorporate all the needs of the interested parties. The youth center is important to West Cambridge.

Christopher Wiggins, 60 Brooks Avenue, East Arlington, stated that the VFW is well known outside of Cambridge. Municipal function rooms are common where he comes from. People like the VFW.

Brian Mullin, 72 Standish Street, stated he works for a non-profit, is a taxpayer and a dancer. He is excited about the youth center. Mixed space is the trend of the future. If there were groups interested in the space they would be there now. Councillor Galluccio clarified that when groups call the VFW to use space they are told the space is booked.

Ben Bath, 13 Market Street, is a sixteen-year-old Contra dancer. The youth and dance community exist together. Cambridge youth are dancing at the VFW on Thursday nights.

Hilary Jean, 14 Crestwood Drive, Framingham supported the dancing activity.

John Gintell, 9 West Street, stated that he is a contra dancer. The Thursday night dances are successful and multigenerational. He urged the City Council and the City Administration to figure out a way to let the institution continue.

Rozann Kraus, 91 Chilton Street, stated that the system was flawed from the start because the dancers were not included. The situation should be looked at again. The dance community saved the VFW. The floor at VFW is a good floor and should be utilized and not destroyed. Is there still the need for a youth center now as there was eleven years ago, she asked.

Jeffrey Quinlan, 16 Allen Street, stated he is a ten year resident of Cambridge because of the support for the art and dance. He spoke about why the VFW hall is so important. It is wall-to-wall wood, smooth and is good quality for dancing. You don’t take apart this floor. He wears his dance shoes only to dance because of the quality of the dance floor. He spoke about the network of friends that have been established at the VFW. The City has developed a dance accent. He urged the City to not lose this accent.

Jeffrey Keller, 16 Lee Street, stated he came back to Cambridge because of the community. The plan is to destroy a hall so that it will not be available to anyone. The dance advocates want to restore the hall.

Ron Mutti, Senior Vice Commander, VFW, stated that the VFW wants out of the business of renting the hall. The VFW has an agreement with the City including parking. If this agreement is not signed the VFW will be sold to a private party. The VFW needs fire sprinklers. The VFW wants a youth center at this location and wants to give back to the City. VFW wants the agreement met with parking or all bets are off.

Councillor Murphy asked Mr. Mutti whether it would be acceptable to the VFW for the city to keep the dance floor and build the youth center if the VFW gets everything it wants in its agreement. Mr. Mutti responded that would be fine with them.

Mr. Rossi stated the City tried to stay within the current zoning and not change the use. Residents at 700 Huron Avenue are displeased about the noise and traffic. A variance maybe necessary. The youth center would close at 10:00pm. Neighborhood peace is more likely to occur with a youth center.

Aga Skatowski, 109 Cushing Street, stated she was not a dancer and has not been to VFW. She sees a bright, happy space at VFW when she walks her dog. This is why she lives here.

Ayla Heinze Fry, dances at VFW on Thursday nights. It is fun. She loves the people and the environment.

Allen Platt, Director, West Cambridge Youth Center, spoke about the process. The City is committed to a youth center. There is a need for a youth center in West Cambridge. Mixed-use space on paper is different than reality. He supported the West Cambridge youth center.

At seven o’clock and thirty-five minutes p m. Councillor Murphy closed public comment.

Councillor Murphy submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the following matters regarding the VFW and the dance floor:
  1. Zoning issues and whether variance(s) are required for the Youth Center and for the Youth Center with the dance floor;
  2. Parking requirements with and without the dance floor;
  3. Estimated additional construction and operating costs from keeping the dance floor; and
  4. Operating options if the dance floor were kept; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager provide information about the perimeters of the Greek Club and report back to this City Council with this information.

The motion carried on a voice vote.

Councillor Murphy stated that the City Council will review this report and decide if this is something the City Council has interest in pursuing, and then get the architect, VFW and the dance community together and see where the City can go from there.

Councillor Murphy thanked all attendees. There is a commitment from the City Council to find out what works and to find a space that works.

The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and forty-five minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at five o’clock and thirty minutes P.M. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussing dog parks in the City.

Present at the meeting were: Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Mark McCabe, Director, Animal Commission, Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager, Paul Ryder, Director of Recreation, Sarah Burks, Historical Commission, Greg Garber, Superintendent of Parks, Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were the meeting were the following members of the public: Catherine Fabio, 24 Middlesex Road, Gina Bilander, 123 Dudley Street #2, Shannon Larkin, 106 Spring Street, Mitch Zeisler, P. O. Box 381589, Cambridge, Deb Karlan, 99 Magazine Street, Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, June Myers, 165 Charles Street, Helen Fairman, 167 Cushing Street, Johnice Reid, 21 Walden Square Road, Lily Awad, 18 William Street, Jean King, 63 Norfolk Street, Martha Tauf, 9 Winslow Street, Holly Foskett, Columbia Street, Evan Olson, 11 Buena Vista Park, and Curt Rogers, 8 Austin Park, Cambridge.

Councillor Murphy opened the meeting and stated the purpose of the meeting. This meeting would be to receive an update from the last meeting. He stated that a light would be replaced in Fort Washington and shrubbery would be cut down. He asked Mr. Garber about the gates at Fort Washington.

Mr. Garber informed the committee that next week a mock up of the property would be done for historical sensitive site enclosures for Fort Washington. A micromesh chain link fence would be installed, but would not be permanent and would not block the cannon. There would be a gap between the fence and the ground. Base molding would be considered after approval from the Historical Commission. It is not acceptable to the Historical Commission to mimic material used at Fort Washington for a gate.

Mr. Dash gave an update on dedicated dog areas and distributed information on potential locations for dog park/off leash pilot program (Attachment A). Public Works, Community Development, Animal Commission, and a representative from the City Manager’s office met to look at dedicated dog parks. Schools and athletic fields were not reviewed. Mr. Ryder informed the committee that DEP requirements for Danehy Park at the Field Street site would require the methane trench to be fenced off on all four sides and this has a cost associated with the work. The hill cannot be removed because it is landfill. Councillor Murphy inquired about the cost of the fence. Mr. Ryder stated he would have to meet with representatives from DEP to determine what is required. There is also a considerable public process associated with this matter. The New Street site at Danehy Park would require fencing, drainage and bathrooms. This site too is subject to public process.

Mr. Dash discussed site three, Anderson Courts. There is city land behind the courts, which could be fenced off for a dog park, however the Yerxa Road project needed to be completed. The Cambridge Common, he stated would require adding a fence, but may not be considered acceptable by the Historical Commission.

Councillor Davis suggested that the report on the potential locations should have a column for required fencing and the cost involved. At the Lowell Park site fencing is a major consideration. Agreement for use is needed from the DCR and the Historical Commission, cost and requirements are needed before a recommendation could be made to the City Manager.

Mr. Dash stated site six, Clement G. Morgan Park is being reviewed. The Binney Street site is a reasonable location. Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has informed the Planning Board that it now intends to keep the site as open space. Parcel 29F is a potential new site for a dedicated dog park. Funding is needed for improvements for the Central Artery. The topsoil is not contaminated and parking spaces are available as well as access as a bike path. Proposal for Pacific Street Park is to gate a rectangular area and make a dedicated dog park.

Councillor Davis asked if all sites would require neighborhood meetings. Some parks would be combined at neighborhood meetings stated Mr. Dash. Councillor Davis asked for a timeline for the neighborhood meetings and how these meetings would be structured. The Historical Commission would meet about Fort Washington and neighborhood meetings would be held to inform residents about what is being done stated Councillor Murphy. Councillor Davis expressed her concerns about the shared sites, specifically about cleaning up after dogs. Mr. Ryder commented without public process problems arise.

Councillor Murphy stated that Parcel 29F is exciting. He submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to continue negotiations with the Central Artery to get approval for a dog run.

The motion carried.

Councillor Davis suggested interested dog owners review the Lowell Park site for interested users. The site needed to be fenced and this site is worth pursuing. Mr. Ryder spoke about the traffic in this area. Councillor Murphy stated that more feed back is needed about this site.

Councillor Murphy asked what is the timeline for public meetings. Mr. Dash responded that six weeks lead time should be in place for any public meetings once a date is selected. Estimates would be secured for fencing and DEP requirements.

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

Catherine Fabio, member of Cambridge Dog Owners’ Group (CDOG), distributed a response to the last meeting (Attachment B). The CDOG wanted the working group on dog parks reconvened because of the need for continued communication. The CDOG did a City tour and found that the same group maintains all City parks. There is a difference in how parks are maintained throughout the City. She did not understand why green space on athletic fields cannot be used for dog parks. If a dedicated park is good enough for a site where Head Start children use the park, an athletic area is good enough for use as a dog park.

Gina Bilander, CDOG member, stated that research was done on dog parks in Manhattan. There are 28 dog parks in Manhattan. The first site was successful because it was in a historic area. Dog owners are members of the community also.

Shannon Larkin, 106 Spring Street, stated that in East Cambridge the only park space is athletic fields. These areas already have groups of dog owners who use this space. She favored shared use. She expressed her concerns with the proposed areas in East Cambridge because the City does not own the potential space and she wonders if the City ever would own the space. Site 29F sounds huge, but it is on the other side of McGrath Highway. The lights do not work. How will people cross the street to get to the park she asked. There is no way to safely cross the street.

Mitch Zeisler, stated that dog parks are a community issue and require community involvement. An article in "Newsweek" listed Cambridge as a welcoming city because children are welcome. There are thirty-five percent of families with children who own dogs.

Deb Karlan, 99 Magazine Street, stated that Magazine Beach was on the table for a dog park. She wanted Magazine Beach to remain on the table as a dog park. People want to be able to go to places where they can take children and dogs. She is not against simultaneous shared space. She suggested reviewing hours and seasonality. She suggested 8:00 p. m. to midnight as perspective hours. Athletic fields need to be considered. These areas are used in other cities and towns. She requested research be done on the use of athletic fields in other cities and towns as dog parks.

Helen Fairman, 167 Cushing Street, stated that she wanted to hear why athletic fields were not considered. It is important to move forward on dedicated and shared space. Shared space need not be fenced but might not be acceptable to dog owners. Each space needed to be discussed individually. She wanted the CDOG recommendations to be discussed.

Johnice Reid, 21 Walden Square Road, spoke about total and fractional maintenance of parks. She also spoke about prices for chain link fencing.

Martha Tauf, 9 Winslow Street, stated parks provide a sense of community. Trash barrels are needed at St. Peter’s Field and at Danehy Park.

Evan Olson, 11 Buena Vista Park, stated that fence height should not be too high. He would be happy, as a dog owner, to pay money if this would be spent for dogs.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated he would submit his opinion in writing. Lowell Park would be regulated as a state park and could not be controlled as a city park.

Lily Awad, 18 William Street, stated that dog owners are enhancing members of a community. Dog owners keep parks clean. The city does not understand what dog owners contribute to the City. Dog users anchored Dana Park; the park was safe because of dog owners. The park was renovated. Now on leash dog owners use the park. She cannot use the park when she helped anchor it. This is not a "us" versus "them" issue.

Jane Myers, 165 Charles Street, stated that when dogs are using the parks the parks are not taken over by unwanted elements. The more dog owners in the park the cleaner the park.

Councillor Murphy asked what is the best way to proceed. Mr. Dash would review time and space and relay this information to Councillor Murphy.

In conclusion Councillor Murphy stated that the working group on dogs would be reconstituted to hold meetings. Neighborhood meeting would be set up for December/January. He thanked all attendees.

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

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair