Cambridge City Council meeting - October 31, 2011 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $102,425.20 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to subcontract with the Cambridge YWCA.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $176,622.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($4,203.00) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($172,419.00) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and will be used to contracted with Transition House and HomeStart for permanent supported housing for homeless individuals. Funds will also be used to cover grant administrative costs.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant in the amount of $790,185.00 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($212,845.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($577,340.00) and will be used to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant funded by the Cambridge Community Foundation under their Immigrant Initiative in the amount of $30,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($26,647.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,353.00) and will be used to support two intermediate ESOL classes at 19 Brookline Street, from September 2011 to June 2012, in the Community Learning Center.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-134, regarding a report on the progress of the Food and Fitness Policy Council.
Referred to Human Services Committee - Reeves
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-124, regarding a report on the racial makeup of the City's workforce.
Oct 31, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached a response to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-124, regarding a report on the racial makeup of the City's workforce.
Below is a summary of the attached reports:
Total Employees 2,424
Total People of Color 788 (32.51%) more than double the US Census PMSA goal of 15%. (PMSA Preliminary Metropolitan Statistical Area defined by U.S. Census as our applicant recruiting area. This is taken from the U.S. Census EEO-4 data tool for affirmative action planning purposes. The next release of this tool is scheduled for fall of 2012.)
Women 1,056 (43.56%)Below is additional information on new hires from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011:
59% of all hires were people of color
46% of all hires were women
86% of all hires were Cambridge residentsVery truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-03, regarding a report on allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Charter Right - Seidel
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Eric Griffith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Oct 24, 2011.
Tabled - Cheung
ON THE TABLE
2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
4. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a complete and comprehensive list of all concessions made to the City and broader Cambridge community by developers and the universities in exchange for zoning relief, special permits, or Council approval. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Eleven of Apr 25, 2011. Tabled on Motion of Councillor Cheung on May 2, 2011.]
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-94, regarding a report on fireworks at Corcoran Park on July 4th. [City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Sept 12, 2011 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Julia Bishop et al., to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2, located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. [Order #26 adopted on Oct 17, 2011 to discharge from committee. Report placed on Unfinished Business on Oct 17, 2011.] The question comes on passing to a Second Reading. Planning Board hearing held Sept 13, 2011. Petition expires Dec 6, 2011.
10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Elizabeth deRham et al. The petition proposes an amendment to Section 9.16 of the Zoning which currently provides for a $100 per violation per day fine upon conviction of said violation. The amendment would provide for a fine not to exceed the maximum specified in M.G.L. Ch 40A sec.7, currently $300 per violation per day and would allow the fine to be levied at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 31, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Sept 13, 2011. Petition expires Dec 6, 2011.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Glenda Cruz and Elsa Cruz, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
2. A communication was received from Juan Roitman, 14-16 Harrison Avenue, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
3. A communication was received from Claudia Danilowicz, 16 Harrison Avenue, transmitting support of the Bishop Petition.
4. A communication was received from David Levitt, 14 Notre Dame Avenue, regarding the Bishop Petition.
5. A communication was received from Karen Friedman, 59 Dudley Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
6. A communication was received from Shamsher Bam and Stacey King, transmitting thanks for the lovely wedding resolution.
7. A communication was received from George F. Welch Jr. a/k/a Jack, 164 Auburn Street, Apt. 2, regarding City Council Rules.
8. A communication was received from Jerry Abelow, Alef-Bet Child Care, Inc., 8 Tremont Street, supporting the installation of a speed bump at the intersection of Tremont Street and Gardner Road.
9. A petition was received from Ana R. Freeman, 25a Hillside Avenue, et al., opposing the proposed curb cut on 9 Wyman Street.
10. A communication was received from Andrea Wilder, 12 Arlington Street, transmitting an article from "Cambridge Day" relating to the curb cut on 9 Wyman Street.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Urge all residents to honor the men and women who have defended our country as well as those serving today by celebrating Veteran's Day on Nov 11, 2011. Councillor Kelley
2. Retirement of Marcia Grant from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
3. Congratulations to EverTrue on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
4. Retirement of Renan Alabre from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
5. Urge residents to attend "A Living History of the Civil War" on Nov 5, 2011 at the Main Library from 10:00am-4:30pm. Vice Mayor Davis
6. Congratulations to Alkeus Pharmaceuticals on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
7. Congratulations to Sanergy on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
8. Congratulations to ArtVenue on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
9. Congratulations to SocMetrics on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
10. Congratulations to Drync on receiving an award at the second annual MassChallenge awards. Councillor Reeves
11. Retirement of Robert Savickas from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. Mayor Maher
12. Resolution on the death of Captain Shawn Patrick Thomas Charles. Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Steven Francis Shapiro. Councillor Decker
14. Best wishes to Tri-Ad Veterans League, Artists for Humanity and the William E. Carter American Legion Post No. 16 for a successful exhibition on November 15. Councillor Simmons
15. Acknowledge the month of November as Diabetes Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge and applaud national and local efforts to shed light on the disease. Councillor Simmons
16. Congratulations to Highland Capital Partners on their new location in Kendall Square. Councillor Cheung
17. Congratulations to Eric S. Maskin on his return to teaching at Harvard. Councillor Cheung
18. Congratulations to Major General Marcia M. Anderson on the occasion of her elevation to the rank of Major General in the United States Army. Councillor Simmons
19. Resolution on the death of Cathy Burke. Councillor Simmons
20. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Valente Library. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker
21. Thanks to Nicole Costa for her dedication and volunteerism with the Samaritans of Boston and the Christian Caldaroni Memorial Foundation. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. Encouraging residents who wish to opt out of the phone book to visit catalogchoice.org by Nov 1, 2011 and opt out. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council with the details of the recent string of street robberies and the police action being taken to maintain the safety of residents and report back to the City Council. Councillor Toomey
3. That the City Manager hereby is requested to provide information responding to questions raised in the Ordinance Committee hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to allow the construction of basement units. Councillor Seidel, Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Davis
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to look into the feasibility and impact of the following: Instituting a policy that, after ascertainment, if the City of Cambridge takes more than 90 days to negotiate a contract with a potential cable service provider, the potentially new service provider can operate under the same terms as the existing incumbent service provider, with the option to continue negotiation with the City of Cambridge while operating under those terms. and report back to the City Council on this matter. Councillor Cheung
Amended
5. Support of the Massachusetts Attorney General and GLAD challenging the Defense of Marriage Act and that the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to add the City of Cambridge as a signatory on the amicus brief. Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves and Councillor Simmons
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of installing traffic calming measures at the Elm Street and Cambridge Street areas. Councillor Cheung
7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to look into the proper waste disposal issues in the Area IV area, specifically in the vicinity of Washington Street, and the possibility of installing additional trash receptacles. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Reeves
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to develop a plan for obtaining regular updates from state officials and for keeping the City Council and the surrounding neighborhoods informed on the status of the future use of the courthouse in East Cambridge. Mayor Maher
9. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to meet with residents of Tremont Street to listen to their concerns about traffic on Tremont Street and begin work on possible solutions. Councillor Simmons
10. That the City Manager, working with both MIT and the Cambridge Housing Authority, be and hereby is requested to initiate a rodent control and prevention campaign that will include the use of non-toxic baiting, a citizen education campaign on how to prevent and reduce rodent infestation. Councillor Simmons
11. That the City Council meeting on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 be changed to a Round Table for the purpose of the City Council receiving an update on the United States Census and further is requested to distribute the census data together with the report on the racial make-up of the City's workforce and direct the Affirmative Action Officer to attend this meeting. Mayor Maher
Amended
12. That the City Manager is requested to advise the City Council as to the prudence of taking the former NBC Harvard Street lot by eminent domain. Councillor Reeves
13. That the City Manager is requested confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of amending Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance to require linkage from institutions, how inclusionary zoning could be extended to include institutions and the impact of MIT students on the Cambridge housing costs. Councillor Cheung
14. That the City Clerk is requested to send a copy of this report to the MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo) and request that MITIMCo address the issues of housing, open space and retail in a more substantive and thorough way with more consideration of impacts on the MIT community before filing a new petition for zoning amendments for Kendall Square. Councillor Cheung
15. That the City Council go on record requesting President Hockfield to be personally present when a new MIT petition for rezoning is filed at the City Council so that she can articulate the Institute's vision for Kendall Square and how the proposal relates to this vision. Councillor Cheung
16. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to obtain and forward to the City Council the legal opinion detailing the City Council's regulatory authority to grant curb cuts and the issue of providing the property owner access to their property. Vice Mayor Davis
Charter Right - Toomey
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 13, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Laura Runkel et al. to rezone 41 Bellis Circle, an area abutting the northern block of Bellis Circle, bordered on the north by the commuter rail tracks, on the south by Bellis Circle and on the east side by Sherman Street, from Residence C-1A to Residence C.
Passed to 2nd Reading
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the University Relations Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 4, 2010 to discuss MIT's development plans and how these plans affect students, staff, researchers and housing.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 2
4:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting with Commissioner Carole Cornelison, Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management, and her staff, to discuss plans for the East Cambridge Courthouse site. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 15
4:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 16
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Domestic Violence and Technology: Dangers and Opportunities. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 22
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss goal setting for the Cambridge environment for the coming year. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 30
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Domestic Violence, Housing and Homelessness. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 14
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Domestic Violence and Youth. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 2
10:00am CITY COUNCIL INAUGURAL MEETING (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Cambridge residents can opt out of the next years phone books if they choose by visiting catalogchoice.org; and
WHEREAS: The City is working with MassDEP, the Product Stewardship Institute and Catalog Choice to reduce unwanted phonebooks and junk mail; and
WHEREAS: The request to opt out must be received by Nov 1, 2011; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record encouraging residents who wish to opt out of the phone book to visit catalogchoice.org by Nov 1, 2011 and opt out.
O-2 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there is a sudden wave of street robberies that warrant special attention by the Cambridge Police Department; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested confer with the Police Commissioner and report back to the City Council with the details of the recent string of street robberies and the police action being taken to maintain the safety of residents and report back to the City Council.
O-3 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
MAYOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development, the Commissioner of Public Works, the City Engineer, the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the City Solicitor to provide the following information and material to the Ordinance Committee no later than Nov 21, 2011:
O-4 Oct 31, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cable and Internet access is a critical tool for learning and civic participation in today's world; and
WHEREAS: Residents regularly request that additional options for broadband service providers be made available to the city; and
WHEREAS: Competition between multiple broadband providers usually results in lower prices and better service; and
WHEREAS: It has been known to the City Council that despite demand from consumers, Verizon is not currently expanding its Fios footprint; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that two factors that contribute to the delayed introduction of competition are the cost of deploying infrastructure and the time it takes to negotiate a contract with a municipality to provide service; and
WHEREAS: It is in the best interests of residents for the City of Cambridge to do what it can to encourage the introduction of competition in the provision of cable and internet service; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to look into and report back to the City Council on the feasibility and impact of the following: Instituting a policy that, after ascertainment, if the City of Cambridge takes more than 90 days to negotiate a contract with a potential cable service provider, the potentially new service provider can operate under the same terms as the existing incumbent service provider, with the option to continue negotiation with the City of Cambridge while operating under those terms. and report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-4 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council on the feasibility and impact of the following: Instituting a policy that, after ascertainment, if the City of Cambridge takes more than 90 days to negotiate a contract with a potential cable service provider, the potentially new service provider can operate under the same terms as the existing incumbent service provider, with the option to continue negotiation with the City of Cambridge while operating under those terms.
O-5 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice and equality; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the Massachusetts Attorney General and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) are requesting that the City of Cambridge sign onto an amicus brief in support of their respective lawsuits challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and
WHEREAS: In 2009, the Massachusetts Attorney General and GLAD filed challenges to DOMA, which prohibits federal recognition of marriages of same-sex couples. Their cases were successful in the federal district court, and Judge Tauro decided that DOMA was unconstitutional; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which was defending the lawsuit, appealed, and the case has since moved to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Since appealing, DOJ has changed its position based on President Obama and Attorney General Holder's view that DOMA is unconstitutional, and now has filed a brief setting forth why DOMA is unconstitutional; and
WHEREAS: The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives has intervened to defend DOMA; and
WHEREAS: A coalition of leading businesses and employers is forming to advise the First Circuit Court of Appeals on the ways in which DOMA harms businesses and employers; and
WHEREAS: The amicus brief filed by the business and employer community discusses DOMA's impact on businesses and employers; and
WHEREAS: DOMA imposes enormous costs in time, money, and morale for employers. With over 16,000 same-sex couples legally married in Massachusetts (a number that increases every day), as well as D.C. and 5 other states licensing marriages and 4 other states recognizing fully or in part marriages (CA, MD, NM, and RI), DOMA's burden is growing; and
WHEREAS: Given Cambridge's extraordinary leadership on behalf of the LGBTQ community, the reasons for signing onto the amicus brief are strong; and
WHEREAS: Over 60 signatories, including large state and national companies have signed onto the amicus brief; and
WHEREAS: Joining the amicus brief as a listed entity will send a strong message that Cambridge will not support inequality, discrimination and prejudice against the LGBQT community from the federal and state governments and private parties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting the Massachusetts Attorney General and GLAD challenging DOMA in the First Circuit Court of Appeals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to add the City of Cambridge as a signatory on the amicus brief; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of the order to the Massachusetts Attorney General and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.
O-6 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that there has been a high number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents on Elm Street and Cambridge Street; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel that installing red lights and other traffic calming measures would improve the situation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of installing traffic calming measures at the before mentioned areas.
O-7 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Proper waste disposal is essential to public health; and
WHEREAS: It has been reported that parts of Area IV, specifically in the vicinity of Washington Street, has become filled with food wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts and uneaten food that is attracting rodents, raising the potential for serious health risks; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel that installing additional trash receptacles and displaying "Keep it Clean" posters around the aforementioned areas would discourage littering; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to look into the before mentioned issues.
O-8 Oct 31, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is examining options for the future use of the courthouse in East Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to develop a plan for obtaining regular updates from state officials and for keeping the City Council and the surrounding neighborhoods informed on the status of the project.
O-9 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The residents of Tremont Street have come together to ask the City to address their ongoing issues about traffic on Tremont Street between Hampshire Street and Broadway; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to meet with residents of Tremont Street to listen to their concerns and begin work on possible solutions.
O-10 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: MIT is in the process of developing the property at the junction of Portland and Main Street; and
WHEREAS: This major construction project is extremely close to the Newtowne Court and Washington Elms housing developments as well as other heavily populated areas in the Area IV neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Area IV have always had to contend with rodent infestation and they are extremely concerned that this major construction project will exacerbate the problem; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager, working with both MIT and the Cambridge Housing Authority, be and hereby is requested to initiate a rodent control and prevention campaign that will include the use of non-toxic baiting, a citizen education campaign on how to prevent and reduce rodent infestation; be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with MIT and the Cambridge Housing Authority to identify ways to share the cost of any rodent control efforts.
O-11 Oct 31, 2011 Amended
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 be changed to a Round Table for the purpose of the City Council receiving an update on the United States Census; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to distribute the census data together with the report on the racial make-up of the City's workforce as well as to direct the Affirmative Action Officer to attend this meeting.
O-12 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The former Neighbors for a Better Community (NBC) lot on Harvard Street is now vacant; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to advise the City Council as to the prudence of taking the former NBC Harvard Street lot by eminent domain.
O-13 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of amending Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance to require linkage from institutions, how inclusionary zoning could be extended to include institutions and the impact of MIT students on the Cambridge housing costs.
O-14 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a copy of this report to the MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo) and request that MITIMCo address the issues of housing, open space and retail in a more substantive and thorough way with more consideration of impacts on the MIT community before filing a new petition for zoning amendments for Kendall Square.
O-15 Oct 31, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting President Hockfield to be personally present when a new MIT petition for rezoning is filed at the City Council so that she can articulate the Institute's vision for Kendall Square and how the proposal relates to this vision.
O-16 Oct 31, 2011 Charter Right - Toomey
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to obtain and forward to the City Council the legal opinion detailing the City Council's regulatory authority to grant curb cuts and the issue of providing the property owner access to their property.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Oct 13, 2011, beginning at six o'clock and thirteen P.M. in the ballroom of the Cambridge Senior Center, 860 Massachusetts Avenue . The hearing was held for the purpose of continuing to consider a petition filed by Laura Runkel et al. to rezone 41 Bellis Circle, an area abutting the northern block of Bellis Circle, bordered on the north by the commuter rail tracks, on the south by Bellis Circle and on the east side by Sherman Street, from Residence C-1A to Residence C.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Marjorie Decker; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Leland Cheung; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.
Councillor Seidel convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the Community Development staff to present an update on the petition. Mr. Dash submitted a memorandum from the staff which provided data on the characteristics of prior residential projects in the area and the buildout potential of the petition area under various zoning alternatives (Attachment A). Mr. Dash described the comparison on the chart of projects that have been cited as having a character that fits into the Bellis circle neighborhood. Those projects are 39 Bellis Circle, a six-unit townhouse development which received a special permit in 1986 and 177 Pemberton Street (the site of the former Portland Stone Ware Company), a 20-unit townhouse development that received a special permit in 1997, and 61-69 Bolton Street, a 20 unit development which received a Special Permit in 2010 and is currently under construction.
Mr. Roberts stated that at the last meeting the committee has asked whether the out-of-state owner of the land affected by the petition had been contacted. Mr. Roberts informed the committee that the owner had received notification by certified mail and were now aware of the petition. Mr. Roberts said that it is his understanding that the owner will submit a letter objecting to the petition.
Councillor Seidel then invited questions and comments from the members of the committee.
Councillor Cheung asked for more details with regard to the comparison of the properties. Mr. Roberts said that 39 Bellis Circle and 177 Pemberton comparable to C-1 zoning (base .75 FAR, and .98 with inclusionary bonus added ). However, the number of dwelling units and the density of dwelling units is more comparable to Res. C.
Mr. Dash said that there are other characteristics in which the comparison is worth noting. The current height limit for the area under C-1A is 45 feet. The height limit for C-1, C and B is 35 feet.
Councillor Decker asked CDD whether they take into account the existing infrastructure and the impact on sewerage and drainage. Mr. Dash said that they do in specific projects. That issue would be reviewed as a part of a project review. In addition, the Department of Public Works does that review on all projects.
Councillor Seidel stated that he feels comfortable with an amendment that changes the zoning to Residence C. He moved to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation and then invited public comment.
Laura Runkle, 56 Bellis Circle, thanked the City Council for listening carefully to the neighbors.
David Vise, 19 Bellis Circle, expressed his thanks to the City Council for their support. The current zoning would have allowed a project with four times the density of their neighborhood. In addition, with the nearest T stop over a mile from the site, there would have been a big addition of cars and traffic from a project built at the current density of the site.
James Williamson expresses his approval of the committee's support for the motion.
There being no further public comment, the question came on passing the motion, and on a voice vote, the motion passed without objection.
Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at six o'clock and forty two minutes.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair
Committee Report #2
The University Relations Committee held a public meeting on Oct 4, 2011 beginning at 4:02pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss MIT's development plans and how these plans affect students, staff, researchers and housing. Present at the meeting were Councillor Leland Cheung; Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk; and Megan Montgomery.
Councillor Cheung convened the meeting, distributed an agenda (Attachment A), welcomed all in attendance, and explained the purpose. He said that the meeting would focus on receiving input from MIT students, faculty and other members of the MIT community.
Councillor Cheung then invited Robert Simha, former Director of Planning for MIT, to present information. Mr. Simha submitted a letter to the Planning Board and City Council dated October 2001 (sic) (Attachment B) and a document entitled "Report to the City Council Committee on University relations Oct 4, 2001 / Institutional Housing: MIT Supply and Demand in Cambridge and the Need for Action (Attachment C). In his remarks, Mr. Simha summarized these documents. He focused on the unmet demand for housing in the MIT community. MIT currently falls 2,970 units short of meeting its goal of housing 50% of its graduate student; there are no provisions for housing over for 1000 post doc fellows, nor research staff and MIT faculty, many of whom have expressed a strong desire to live near campus. In addition, although MIT did partner with developers in the 1970s to build some private housing and some senior housing, nothing of the sort has happened recently.
The committee then heard from Alex Evans, the president of the Graduate Student Council GSC) and Brian Spatocco, member of the GSC and chair of its Housing and Community Affairs Committee. They provided a power point slide presentation entitled "The MIT Graduate Student Portrait," a copy of which is attached to this report (Attachment D). They noted that a chief purpose of the GSC is to represent graduate students in all matters pertaining to their general welfare as graduate students and to accomplish this purpose through a collaborative effort with the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education and Student Life and the collection of statistically significant, high-quality data collection. The presentation included information about the number of graduate students (6,267), of whom 36.54% live on campus while the other 3977 live off campus. Sixty percent (2421) of the grad students who live off campus live in Cambridge. Long and irregular working hours make living near campus a high priority and increase the transportation and safety concerns and risks for these students. The average income of a graduate student is $22,244 (stipend) a year before taxes. On-campus rent increases are outpacing stipend increases. Off-campus housing is becoming more competitive and the development at Kendall Square will add to the housing demand. The affordability and availability of housing for MIT graduate students should be considered in future planning around the MIT campus and in areas with a high graduate student population.
Sarah Gallop, Co-director of Community and Government Relations, stated that MIT highly values its collaborative relationship with the GSC. She listed several of the surveys and research and strategy efforts on which they have cooperated, including the housing strategy group, which is made up of faculty, staff, graduate students and undergraduates and of which GSC is a participating member.
Kelley Brown, Senior Campus Planner, MIT Department of Facilities, submitted a document entitled "Housing Resources at MIT" for the record (Attachment E).
Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, CDD, described the Kendall Square / Central Square planning process which the City commissioned and is being led by consultants from Goody Clancy. There is an advisory committee for the Kendall Square study which will include approximately 20 members, representatives and stakeholders from the Kendall Square area. The committee has not yet been finalized. This study will take a close look at housing in Kendall Square, as well as other important planning issues such as the transit infrastructure. The schedule of public meetings will be posted on the CDD website under community meetings, which will also contain all of the material that the committee is considering. For further information, contact Iram Farooq, Senior Planner, CDD at ifarooq@cambridgema.gov.
Councillor Cheung noted that he had received the following email communications which would be attached to the record of this meeting:
Email from Bjorn Poonen Attachment F
Email from Chris Matthews Attachment G
Email from Barbara Broussard Attachment H
Councillor Cheung then invited comments and questions from other members of the committee.
Councillor Reeves described the activities of the Red Ribbon Commission on Central Square. He said that we need to look at the question of housing with new eyes. He noted that 100 Memorial Drive was developed with a ground lease from MIT for 99 years. That lease terminates in 17 years. The current residents are interested in tearing down the current building. That should be part of the discussion. Councillor Reeves noted that MIT's preferred way of development utilizes land leases.
Councillor Cheung sated that he received his first graduate degree from Stanford, where graduate students all live on campus. A lot of his academic interactions with students and faculty took place at the graduate student residences. At this time he invited comments from members of the public.
Erica Dobbs, MIT graduate student in political science, stated that she is a former resident of Inman Square who has just moved to Union Square in Somerville. She sees the problems as how do students, especially international students, look for private housing. Another problem is, how do students who live off campus get to campus. She has found no local bus service after about 7:30 p.m. and none on weekends. There are bike lanes in some places but not on enough roads. Another problem is how can students live off campus near MIT where there are no reasonably priced restaurants or bars, no nearby supermarkets, etc. She would like to see whatever development takes place in Kendall Square be mixed use, with space for local businesses, food trucks, a youth hostel. She would like the development to be bike friendly and include extension of the MIT security and transportation infrastructure.
Brandon Russell, MIT graduate student, Somerville, stated that he is a fourth year student who previously lived in MIT graduate housing right at the edge of MIT and the surrounding city. He said that he found the wet shelter at 240 Albany Street, with groups of people hanging around outside intimidating during the nighttime.
Ms. Gallop said that MIT has a very close relationship with CASPAR, the entity that operates the 240 Albany Street shelter. She encouraged students who have questions or concerns to bring them to CASPAR, because CASPAR is very responsive and eager to be a good neighbor.
Another fourth year MIT graduate student (name illegible) stated that it was not clear what the audience is for the retail area. If the aim is for glitzy, it will not be useful for graduate students.
David Mellis, 28 Harney Street, third year graduated student at the MIT Media Lab, said that if no one lives in Kendall Square then there won't be anyone around after 6:30pm. There need to be small stores and retail.
Stephen Messenger, second year graduate student at MIT, stated that his first year he live in graduate housing on Pacific Street and paid over 50% of his income for housing. Now he has moved to East Cambridge. The connections between East Cambridge and Kendall Square need to be strengthened.
Jamake Pascual, Cambridge, stated that he has been a Cambridge resident for 34 years. He grew up between Kendall and Harvard Squares. He said that it is important to get all of Cambridge to come together to decide what they want.
Ms. Glazer said that there will be several more open public meetings as part of the Kendall/Central Square planning effort. The details will all be posted on the CDD page of the City website.
Councillor Cheung made the following motions:
1. ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to report back to the City Council on the following matters:
• the feasibility of amending Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance to require linkage from institutions
• How inclusionary zoning could be extended to include institutions
• The impact of MIT students on the Cambridge housing costs;
2. ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a copy of this report to the MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo) and request that MITIMCo address the issues of housing, open space and retail in a more substantive and thorough way with more consideration of impacts on the MIT community before filing a new petition for zoning amendments for Kendall Square
3. ORDERED: That the City Council go on record requesting President Hockfield to be personally present when a new MIT petition for rezoning is filed at the City Council so that she can articulate the Institute's vision for Kendall Square and how the proposal relates to this vision.
The motions passed on a voice vote without objection.
Councillor Cheung stated that MIT is a large institution with many stakeholders. The students are one of the most important voice that should be heard. He thanked all those present for their participation in this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 P.M.
For the University Relations Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-03. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)
11-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel and on the City's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities. View final order.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/28/11 (O-20)
11-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/07/11 (O-1)
11-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Referred back by Councillor Cheung on 5/23/2011 for further information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-3)
11-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a projector presentation screen in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-12)
11-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the percentage of tree canopy coverage.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-22)
11-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing paying for city services on-line.
Councillor Cheung 05/16/11 (O-29)
11-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of emulating the San Francisco Yellow Pages ban in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-1)
11-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on total of donations raised during the 2011 resident sticker renewals for environmental initiatives, identify a project that the funds can be used for and publicly display that the funds were possible from resident donations.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 06/06/11 (O-2)
11-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing benches in front of the Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-3)
11-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing information for residents and taxpayers regarding readily available financial information online for citizens to view and easily understand.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-6)
11-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any possible implications of the merger between the Longy School of Music and Bard College.
Councillor Seidel 06/27/11 (O-9)
11-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on technology plan for the city, the use of social media tools, and identifying projects that would benefit using Gov 2.0 Initiative.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-1)
11-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a research and development office for technology.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-2)
11-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for participation in the BIO 2012 Convention.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-4)
11-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the need for a bamboo ordinance that either bans the planting of bamboo outright of somehow holds the owner of the bamboo accountable.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-8)
11-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what information campaign will go along with the bike-share program.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-13)
11-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a system that the general public could search by a unique identifier, that contains all official documents such as building permits, variance applications, License Commission inspections, etc.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-15)
11-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating information regarding safe bicycling in the City with the dissemination of information related to and implementation of the Hubway bike share program.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-25)
11-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining the relationship between job creation in the City and available housing stock.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-27)
11-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using BLAZE technology for the safety of bicyclists.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-29)
11-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of Cambridge Office of College Success Initiative Working Group Draft.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-31)
11-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the delay of the Green Line Extension project could impact the development at Northpoint.
Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-34)
11-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options to go paperless with City bills.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-1)
11-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what changes need to be made to playgrounds and playing fields associated with the public schools in order to best support the Innovation Agenda.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-23)
11-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for the McCrehan pool.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-25)
11-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan to ensure that tow truck drivers model safe and courteous driving in the City.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-27)
11-124. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on racial makeup of the City's workforce.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-37)
11-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress and feasibility of integrating and providing a service similar to SeeClickFix.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-40)
11-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the public process that will take place to help determine the design of the new park in East Cambridge as it relates to the Biogen Idec build out mitigation agreement and whether a committee should be assembled as part of the process.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-48)
11-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on trimming tree branches on Pine and Eaton Streets.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-10)
11-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using Bobcats to clear snow on neighborhoods and retails sidewalks.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-5)
11-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on locating a dog park in East Cambridge similar to the one on Washington Street in Somerville.
Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-11)
11-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing utility pole wires underground as part of the Alewife sewer project.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-9)
11-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of beautifying Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-4)
11-134. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on the progress of the Food and Fitness Policy Council.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-1)
11-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on disposable plastic bags from retailers.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-3)
11-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that hazardous metal pieces of street signs are removed from the sidewalk level when signs are removed.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-4)
11-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the sidewalks on and around Boardman Street.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-5)
11-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the number of hazardous waste drop off days per year.
Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-7)
11-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing cement posts on the median in the area of 61 Aberdeen Avenue.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-2)
11-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the gun shot incident at Bristol and Hampshire Streets.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-7)
11-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the decision making process of where bus shelters are placed.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-9)
11-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the upkeep of the Cambridge Common.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-10)
11-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current job training programs and possible areas for expansion of existing programs or the creation of new ones.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-12)
11-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing restaurant validated parking on Third Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-15)
11-149. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of traffic calming at Mt. Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-19)
11-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA's proposed bus changes.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-24)
11-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhood.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-27)
11-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why Somerville has two on-street bike corral systems in Davis & Union Squares and Cambridge has none.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-28)
11-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact of changing Section 14.2(b) of the Traffic Regulations relating to the issue of signage.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-29)
11-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there are any obstacles to adoption of the proposed amendment to Section 9.16.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-31)
11-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of installing recycling receptacles along Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/24/11 (O-1)
11-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report back on Council Order No. 6, dated 10/24/2011.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/24/11 (O-6)
11-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how people without access to email or cell phone texts receive information distributed through CitizenOberver Alerts.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/24/11 (O-7)
11-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on comprehensive assessment and review of traffic and parking needs in the No. Mass Ave neighborhood.
Mayor Maher 10/24/11 (O-8)