Cambridge City Council meeting - November 1, 2010

Cambridge City Council meeting - November 1, 2010 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-123, regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Lambert & Cambridge Streets.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-124, regarding a report on installing a four-way stop at Fifth & Otis Streets.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-125, regarding a report on pedestrian safety improvements at Sixth & Hurley Streets.
Referred back to City Manager - Toomey

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-142, regarding a report on removing the "no parking" sign in front of the old North Cambridge Catholic high school on Norris Street and replacing them with resident permit parking.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-146, regarding a report on improving pedestrian safety at the intersection of Magee Street and Putnam Avenue.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-149, regarding safety issues at the intersection of Green & Hancock Streets.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-156, regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Cedar & Harvey Streets.
Referred to Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Committee - Kelley

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-157, regarding a report on whether there is an agreement by the Museum of Science to build a walkway behind the museum for pedestrians to use to traverse along the Charles River towards the Craigie Dam.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-160, regarding a report on the feasibility of installing additional speed bumps on Buckingham Street and declaring the entire street a school zone.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-164, regarding a report on outlining the ordinance changes to the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to signs and the impact of repealing Paragraph D3 and E of Ordinance #1335.

Nov 1, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-164, regarding a report on outlining the ordinance changes to the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to signs and the impact of repealing Paragraph D3 and E of Ordinance #1335, please be advised of the following:

On Sept 27, 2010 the Cambridge City Council adopted a series of amendments to Article 7.000 of the Zoning Ordinance that regulates signs in the city. Some of the changes generated heated discussion and opposition during the deliberations leading up to their adoption. Opposition has continued in the form of a citizen referendum that requires the City Council to reconsider its vote. As the Council reconsiders its vote, it is important to clarify the nature of the changes that have been made. To date, the discussion has been dominated by misunderstanding and exaggeration about the actions the City has taken. While there are differing opinions about the wisdom of the policy changes that have been made, those differences of opinion should be based on an accurate understanding of what actually has been done.

At issue are two of the six provisions that were recently adopted. The first would allow signs, on the façade of buildings in a limited number of commercial districts in east and west Cambridge, to be placed higher on a building than twenty feet above the ground. Twenty feet was the maximum height allowed in the regulations prior to the changes adopted in September. In addition, such higher signs - if placed at the top of a six or seven story office building - would be allowed to be 90 square feet in area, an increase from the maximum 60 square feet previously permitted in the regulations for signs lower than 20 feet above ground.

The recent amendments provide that these signs may only be permitted after a hearing before the Planning Board and only if a proposed sign (or signs) conforms to enumerated and detailed limitations that ensure that the sign will not be visually intrusive or dominant in its commercial neighborhood. Among those limitations: there can be no more than two signs per building; the signs may only consist of individual letters and symbols; may only be lighted from the outside (no bright florescent-lit signs with plastic faces); and the areas of all signs on any building, including any new higher signs, may not be increased beyond the total area allowed since adoption of the current sign ordinance in 1991.

Signs permissible under the new amendments cannot fairly be characterized as billboards; indeed, no speculation is necessary to evaluate the impact of signs erected under the new zoning provisions, as many such signs currently exist quite unobtrusively, permitted in the past by a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeal: ADDRESSES OF SUCH SIGNS/PICTURES. The real visual impact of such signs, available for all to see, is much less unsettling than the exaggerations currently circulating.

The second amendment provision in contention is unrelated to the issue of signs high up on the facade of a building. This provision allows the Planning Board to approve a plan for all signs that will be allowed on a lot, after a public hearing on a proposed plan. In order to approve such a proposed plan the Planning Board must consider the building context and review the specific dimensional and lighting limitations related to individual signs types (i.e. wall signs or projecting signs or freestanding signs), which now are imposed without regard to specific local circumstances. This new provision recognizes that the current one-size-fits-all standards don't always serve the best interests of individual store owners or the public. What might work well for a large suburban-style shopping center differs from the needs of a series of small stores on a narrow side street in Harvard Square. The new provision would enable the City to respond to individual circumstances with considered flexibility. And, for the first time, this provision provides leverage to the City to encourage property owners to remove some large and garish signs, erected decades ago, that continue to blight our landscape, in exchange for the flexibility provided by this new regulation. Notably, this provision does not allow more signs on a property than have been allowed since adoption of the current ordinance in 1991, and the twenty foot height restriction continues to apply.

Why propose these changes? The prescriptive standards in place since 1991 generally provided a reasonable balance of adequate visibility for the retail and business enterprises that make Cambridge such a vibrant place, while at the same time protecting the basic quality and harmony of our shared visual environment. Nevertheless, over the twenty years of administering the sign regulations, the Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City staff have found that the prescriptive nature of our current sign regulations can produce odd, ill-fitting and sometimes bad results; at times resulting in losing the opportunity for a much better sign design and a more engaging public environment; often with the result that the legitimate needs of a Cambridge business cannot be well-served. In the past, a property owner's only route for approval of such signage was to seek a variance; but that approach is bad public policy, as these matters seldom rise to the "hardship" standards required for the grant of a variance. It is better to acknowledge the positive benefits of limited flexibility and provide a process by which good design and the legitimate interests of our business communities can be served, without harming the visual quality of our public environment. The City Council recognized this in adopting the sign ordinance changes, and all Cambridge residents can be well served by these improvements to the sign ordinance.

With respect to the question of the cost taxpayers would incur as a result of holding a special election to dispose of the referendum petition, I have determined that the cost would be approximately $170,000.

The City Solicitor advises that the options that the City Council has in responding to the referendum petition are dictated by statute as follows. The referendum signatures were certified to the City Council by the Election Commissioners on Oct 20, 2010. Upon that certification the protested measure or parts thereof are suspended from taking effect. The City Council must reconsider the protested provisions within twenty days of the certification (in this instance City Council action must occur by no later than Nov 9, 2010). If the City Council does not "entirely rescind" the protested provisions, then the Election Commissioners must place a question on the ballot either at the next regular City Election which is not less than thirty days after the twentieth day following certification (which would be the November election for 2011), or at a special election which the City Council may, in its discretion, call for the purpose. At that election a question must be placed on the ballot by the Election Commission stating "Do you agree with the measure summarized below?" followed by a fair, concise summary of the protested measure or part thereof as determined by the City Solicitor. In this instance, the voters would be asked if they agreed with the City Council's ordination of Section 7.16.22 (D)(3) and Section 7.16.22 (E) of the Zoning Ordinance, with a summary of those sections provided on the ballot.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Planning Board on the McKinnon Petition to amend Section 13.70 - Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District to allow approval through the PUD special permit process of an exclusively non-residential development in that portion of the district south and east of Charlestown Avenue/Gilmore Bridge. [The Planning Board recommends adoption of the Petition as filed with amendments that would limited the effect of the proposed changes to property south and east of Charlestown Avenue/Gilmore Bridge.]

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-128, regarding an update on the Broadway project.
Referred back to City Manager

ON THE TABLE
2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]

3. 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. May 10, 2010 - Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion; failed 2-7-0 - remains on Table. Sept 13, 2010 - Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion; failed 4-4-1 - remains on Table. Sept 27, 2010 - Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table; motion failed 3-5-1 - remains on Table.]

4. 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.]

5. 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.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 14, 2010 to consider a petition filed by Richard McKinnon, et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map in the North Point PUD-6 District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 1, 2010. Planning Board hearing held Sept 21, 2010. Petition expires Dec 13, 2010.

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting notification of the certification of 11,461 signatures of registered voters by the Election Commission of a referendum petition entitled "SAVE OUR SKYLINE" filed with the Election Commission on Oct 15, 2010. The petition protests Paragraph D.3 of Section 7.16.22, Building Identification Signs, and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22, General Waiver of Sign Limitations, part of Ordinance No. 1335 amending Section 7 of the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge (the Sign Ordinance).
Order to Reconsider and Rescind adopted 8-1-0 (Toomey voted NO). See Late Order #10.

LATE COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Walter McDonald relative to the Zoning Ordinance regulating signs.

2. A communication was received from Joel Altstein, 156 Hancock Street, requesting his name be removed from the referendum petition due to misrepresentation of the essence of the sign ordinance.

3. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, transmitting her comments about the Zoning Ordinance to regulate signs, the referendum petition and variances.

4. A communication was received from James J. Kappel, General Manager, Cambridge Marriott, expressing his concerns with the proposed traffic and pedestrian pattern for Broadway.

5. A communication was received from Renata von Tscharner, Founder and President, Charles River Conservancy, relating to parkland and the application for the EF development.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Simran Dhillon and Jason Tang, CRLS students, who participated in a summer internship at Draper Labs. Councillor Cheung

2. Congratulations to Professor Susan Lindquist on being awarded the National Medal of Science by President Obama. Councillor Cheung

3. Congratulations to Danielle M. Gram on receiving the Founder's Youth Award. Councillor Cheung

4. Congratulations to Thomas B. Milnes on his graduation from the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Leader's Training Course. Councillor Cheung

5. Resolution on the death of Theresa (Boudreau) Briand. Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Anthony K. Teebagy Sr. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher

7. Resolution on the death of William Ruane Jr. Councillor Reeves

8. Congratulations to Captain Mary Jo (O'Dwyer) Majors on being awarded the Outstanding Woman Veteran Award in Massachusetts for 2010. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker, Councillor Simmons

9. Congratulations to the East Cambridge Business Association on its first anniversary. Councillor Toomey

10. Congratulations to Chez Henri, Harvest, Rialto Restaurant, Upstairs on the Square, Craigie on Main, Oleana, Rendezvous, Salts Restaurant, The Blue Room, Dante, Hungry Mother, Ten Tables Cambridge, Tupelo and T. W. Food, the fourteen Cambridge restaurants who have been named to the Boston Magazine "50 Best Restaurants List." Councillor Cheung

11. Speedy recovery wishes to Billy Russell. Mayor Maher

12. Thanks to Bonnie Randall for her volunteerism with parents of children with long-term or life-threatening illnesses. Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel

13. Congratulations to Jeannie Suk who has recently become the first tenured Asian-American woman at Harvard Law School. Councillor Cheung

14. Best wishes to Rodney's Bookstore on its continued success in Central Square. Vice Mayor Davis

15. Resolution ont he death of Private First Class Dylan T. Reid. Councillor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Private First Class David R. Jones Jr. Councillor Decker

17. Retirement of Len Thomas from the Multi Service Center. Councillor Decker

18. Congratulations to Roger Sutton on their recently released book "How Do I Find the Right Book for My Child or Teen?". Councillor Reeves

19. Congratulations to the local companies that received the Cambridge Public Health Department's Cambridge Healthy Workplace Award. Mayor Maher

20. Best wishes to Joao and Aldora on their retirement from the Snack Bar. Councillor Toomey

21. Happy 6th birthday wishes to Rachel Lilliana O'Neil. Councillor Decker

ORDERS
1. That the City Council meeting of Mon, Dec 27, 2010 be and hereby is cancelled. Mayor Maher

2. The City Council supports the mission of the Massachusetts Product Stewardship Council working with other Massachusetts municipalities and other states to move EPR policy forward, and supports the Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy. Vice Mayor Davis

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct City staff to investigate ways in which the City can work with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on opportunities in Cambridge related to the grant which will support the implementation of MetroFuture. Councillor Seidel

4. That the City Council go on record acknowledging that the shared planning challenges of the Boston Metro area need to be addressed regionally, and appreciating that the grant from HUD will allow this important work to happen. Councillor Seidel

5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the facade improvement program as part of the FY2011/2012 budget programs for reorganization and increase the funding if possible. Councillor Reeves

6. That the City Manager is requested to communicate the Human Resources Department regarding the plans of the department of Human Resources to increase public use at the War Memorial Athletic Complex and report back to the City Council. Councillor Reeves

7. That the matter of the development of North Cambridge Catholic High School be referred to the City Manager to provide a plan for assistance to the neighbors as development proceeds and for that to include the Community Development Department, the Inspectional Services Department and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher and Councillor Decker

8. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Public Works Commissioner that no further work be done on the Broadway Project until there is a comprehensive plan for this area including the Main Street area. Councillor Toomey

9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the intersection of Sixth and Hurley Streets to determine if the installation of a flashing yellow light is possible. Councillor Toomey

10. That the City Council go on record rescinding Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22 and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22 as contained in Ordinance #1335 of the Zoning Ordinance ordained on September 27, 2010 regulating signs and that the City Manager establish a special task force to make a study of the issues presented by Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22 and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22. Mayor Maher
Adopted 8-1 (Toomey voted NO)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 1
5:00pm Special Presentation of the Cambridge Healthy Workplace Awards (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Nov 9
6:00pm World Cafe Public Discussion on the future of Cambridge (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

Mon, Nov 15
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting with the School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 16
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Nov 18
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition submitted by William A. Fox, et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by rezoning an area accessed via Cottage Park Avenue in North Cambridge from its current designation of Business A-2 to a new designation of Residence B. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Dec 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 7
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 14
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 21
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Jan 4
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Jan 11
6:00pm School Committee Roundtable Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Jan 18
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Feb 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Feb 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Feb 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Hearing (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 1, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting of Mon, Dec 27, 2010 be and hereby is cancelled.

O-2 Nov 1, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Manufactured goods and packaging constitute approximately 75% of the materials managed by U.S municipalities at considerable costs; and
WHEREAS: There are significant environmental and human health impacts associated with improper management of hazardous products; and
WHEREAS: Products and packaging are often toxic or disposable by design, and local governments have no input into the design or marketing of products, make no profit from the products, and do not have the resources to adequately address the rising volume of discarded products and associated packaging; and
WHEREAS: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR, also called Product Stewardship) is an environmental policy approach in which producers (brand owners or first importers into the state) accept responsibility for management of their discarded products, so that those who produce and use products bear the costs of recycling and responsible disposal; and
WHEREAS: When producers are responsible for ensuring that their products are reused or recycled responsibly, and when health and environmental costs are included in the product price, there is an incentive to design products that are more durable, easier to repair and recycle, and less toxic; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Draft Solid Waste Master Plan, ‘Pathway to Zero Waste, 2010-20,' includes producer responsibility as one of five major components of the Plan; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts legislature has enacted producer responsibility programs for certain mercury-containing products; and
WHEREAS: More than half the states in the US have EPR laws; and
WHEREAS: Jobs in disassembly, reuse, repair and recycling are generated by EPR, offering significant local economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS: Framework EPR codifies the EPR principle and gives the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection the authority to address multiple products over time; and
WHEREAS: The City Council supports the mission of the Massachusetts Product Stewardship Council working with other Massachusetts municipalities and other states to move EPR policy forward, and supports the Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy adopted by seven Product Stewardship Councils in North America, including the Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York Councils; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council urges the Massachusetts legislature to enact EPR legislation for discarded electronic waste this year; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council urges the Massachusetts legislature to enact comprehensive EPR legislation based on the Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge work with the Massachusetts Product Stewardship Council and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to enact EPR legislation and regulation.

O-3 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: On Oct 15, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $4 million grant award to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities; and
WHEREAS: This grant will support the implementation of MetroFuture, a planning process whose framework coordinates many local and regional initiatives in the Boston area for sustainable and long-term growth and reinvestment; and
WHEREAS: The implementation activities will include local planning efforts, state and regional policy work, development of tools and data, and capacity building for local residents and leaders; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a member of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct City staff to investigate ways in which the City can work with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on opportunities in Cambridge related to the grant; 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-4 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
WHEREAS: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is overseeing a $100 million grant program, whose aim is to support initiatives that will promote more livable and sustainable communities across the country; and
WHEREAS: Hundreds of grant applications were submitted to HUD, with 45 regions across the country eventually receiving funding; and
WHEREAS: The Metro Boston area was one of these 45 regions to receive a grant, and was one of only 12 awards in the amount of $4 million or more; and
WHEREAS: The grant award made to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities; and
WHEREAS: The grant will support implementation of the Consortium's MetroFuture program; and
WHEREAS: MetroFuture will promote "strategies to confront long-lasting barriers to integration and opportunity and to create a more livable, sustainable and prosperous region"; and
WHEREAS: The Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities currently includes 55 municipalities representing 71% of the region's 3.1 million residents; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a member of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record acknowledging that the shared planning challenges of the Boston Metro area need to be addressed regionally, and appreciating that this grant from HUD will allow this important work to happen; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council also go on record expressing its congratulations to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities for its recent grant award of $4 million from HUD to carry out the implementation of MetroFuture; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Community Development department for some time has sponsored a façade improvement program; and
WHEREAS: This program has effectively served various businesses in improving store and restaurant facades. The program at its beginning offered a dollar match up to $3,500. The program later evolved as a citywide program which has a total project cost limit of $15,000 (City Match Maximum $7,500); and
WHEREAS: In a recent presentation to the Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission on the Delights and Challenges of Central Square, attention was called to the weakness of the façades in Central Square; and
WHEREAS: It is important to determine if the current façade improvement program could be reorganized to focus on improving the historic presence of façades in targeted areas throughout the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review said programs as part of the FY2011/2012 budget programs for reorganization and increase the funding if possible.

Notes on Order #5: Multiple typos above were corrected to the best of this editor's ability. Councillor Reeves' "research assistant" apparently missed the following facts easily available on the City website:
(1) Past reimbursement grants have ranged from $2,500 to $35,000 based on scope of work and available funds. Reimbursement grant limits vary from year to year.
(2) Funding offered is a matching grant in which would reimburse the applicant fifty percent (50%) of total project cost up to a maximum limit established at the beginning of the fiscal year. Any projects requesting reimbursement for more than exterior signage, lighting and awnings must have an accessible storefront. Architectural design fees may be included in the total cost of eligible improvements but cannot exceed $5,000 of the total reimbursement.
(3) Grant levels are determined at the beginning of the fiscal year based on program funding and vary from year to year. Past reimbursement grants have ranged from $2,500 to $35,000 based on scope of work and available funds.

O-6 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has expended significant resources to renovate and expand the capacity and activities at the War Memorial Athletic Complex; and
WHEREAS: It does not appear that usage of the facility by the general public does not appear to be at a high level. Is this an accurate assessment of the usage?; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services regarding the average number of members of the public who use this facility and the plans of the Department of Human Services Programs to increase public use at the War Memorial Athletic Complex and report back to the City Council.

O-7 Nov 1, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the matter of the development of North Cambridge Catholic High School be referred to the City Manager to provide a plan for assistance to the neighbors as development proceeds and for that to include the Community Development Department, the Inspectional Services Department and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council how the Table of Uses impacts the development by special permit or variance in a Residence B district.

O-8 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Public Works Commissioner that no further work be done on the Broadway Project until there is a comprehensive plan for this area including the Main Street area.

O-9 Nov 1, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to examine the intersection of Sixth and Hurley Streets to determine if the installation of a flashing yellow light is possible.

O-10 Nov 1, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY (?)
WHEREAS: Through a well-financed campaign which included misinformation and exaggeration, the referendum petition to repeal Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22 and Paragraph E. of Section 7.16.22 of the recently enacted amendments to the Sign Ordinance, Article 7 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinances, has garnered sufficient signatures of registered voters to require action by the City Council under MGL Chapter 43 section 42; and
WHEREAS: The Election Commission certified to the City Council through the City Clerk that the mandated number of signatures had been received and the City Clerk so notified the City Council; and
WHEREAS: MGL Chapter 43 Section 42 provides that after notice and certification the City Council shall immediately reconsider such measure or part thereof and if such measure or part thereof is not rescinded in its entirety said measure or part thereof shall be submitted to the voters either at the next regular city election or at a special election; and
WHEREAS: The next city election will not take place until November, 2011; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager has informed the City Council that the cost to the City of a special election would be $170,000, an unwarranted burden upon the taxpayers of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Given the amount of public interest aroused by the issue, and the recommendations by the planning board and the city's professional planning staff about the need for policy attention regarding procedures and fairness in the sign process deferring the issue until after the next regular municipal election would have a detrimental effect on the public good; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby reconsiders its vote to ordain Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22 and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22 of the recently enacted amendments to the Sign Ordinance, Article 7 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinances; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record rescinding Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22, Building Identification Signs, and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22, General Waiver of Sign Limitations, as contained in Ordinance #1335 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge passed to be ordained on September 27, 2010 regulating signs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish a special task force to make a comprehensive study of the issues presented by Paragraph D3 of Section 7.16.22 and Paragraph E of Section 7.16.22 of the recently enacted amendments to the Sign Ordinance, and to make recommendations to the City Council and the Planning Board on this matter.
Adopted 8-1 (Toomey voted NO)

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)

10-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the adoption of a regulation to prohibit licensed hotels from subcontracting housekeeping services.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-16)

10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)

10-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business and residential building improvements.
Councillor Cheung 04/26/10 (O-8)

10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)

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)

10-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the courts ruling in favor of the plaintiffs at 303 Third Street and the impact on affordable housing units in the building.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-10)

10-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on issues related to scooters and any changes to ordinances or regulations on scooter use and parking.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-23)

10-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on long-term plans for the building and associated open space located at 116 Norfolk Street.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-24)

10-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility and enforceability of implementing the provisions of House Bill 3371 which increases certain motor vehicle fines to improve driving.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-25)

10-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on discussions about the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-27)

10-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the closing of the Teen Health Center and report quarterly on service changes and other matters related to the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-28)

10-123. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #1
RE: report on accident at Lambert & Cambridge Streets and re-examine the intersection for pedestrian safety.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-1)

10-124. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on installing a four-way stop at Fifth & Otis Streets.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-2)

10-125. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on pedestrian safety improvements at Sixth & Hurley Streets.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-3)

10-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction. Councillor Toomey referred back to City Manager for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/13/10 (O-5)

10-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for reducing Broadway to one lane near the Marriott Hotel.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-6)

10-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA bus #47 not stopping for people waiting at the bus stops.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-7)

10-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (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)

10-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reducing energy consumption by way of deleting and/or limiting email storage.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-15)

10-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of working with the NSTAR/OPower project.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-1)

10-138. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/27/10 (O-6)

10-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the City.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-10)

10-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why requests by residents to have their mail held by the Post Office were not acknowledged.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-12)

10-142. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on removing the "no parking" signs in front of the old North Cambridge Catholic High School on Norris Street and establishing the parking spaces as residential permit parking.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 09/27/10 (O-13)

10-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the allowable uses for the No. Cambridge Catholic High School site and on the number of residential dwelling units that could be developed in this property.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 09/27/10 (O-14)

10-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a crosswalk and stop signs on Kinnaird Street between Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Seidel 09/27/10 (O-15)

10-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on providing additional bicycle parking at CRLS and the Main Library.
Councillor Kelley 09/27/10 (O-18)

10-146. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety at the intersection of Magee Street and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-2)

10-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on playground safety issues at the Cambridgeport School playground.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-3)

10-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of Sennott Park, including how the space is scheduled by organized groups and the landscaping costs and upkeep.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-4)

10-149. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on safety issues at the intersection of Green and Hancock Streets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-5)

10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)

10-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the transition of the Grand Junction Railroad to Commuter Rail traffic could impede the implementation of the Grand Junction Rail Trail. Councillor Toomey referred back for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-7)

10-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there is language in the noise ordinance that allows enforcement of loud car radios.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-8)

10-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of banning smoking in public parks and other public places.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-9)

10-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the new food allergy guidelines and what impact it will have on the food industry in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-10)

10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)

10-156. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on safety issues at the intersection of Cedar and Harvey Streets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-2)

10-157. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on whether there's an agreement by the Museum of Science to build a walkway behind the museum for pedestrians to use to traverse along the Charles River towards the Craigie Dam.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-4)

10-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the brick sidewalk in front of 149 Hancock Street.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-6)

10-159. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the broken play structures at Hurley Street Tot Lot.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-11)

10-160. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
RE: report on the feasibility of installing additional speed bumps on Buckingham Street and declaring the entire street a school zone.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/25/10 (O-2)

10-161. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the grass in front of the library and at Sennott Pocket Park is being overwatered.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/25/10 (O-5)

10-162. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the condition of the large trees in front of the old Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/25/10 (O-6)

10-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on multiple questions concerning trees that come out of the Environment Committee meeting of 9/30/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis 10/25/10 (O-11)

10-164. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on a fact sheet outlining the ordinance changes to the Zoning Ordinances as it pertains to signs and the impact of repealing Paragraph D3 and E of Ordinance #1335.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Reeves 10/25/10 (O-12)