Cambridge City Council meeting - Nov 3, 2014 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to appointments of the following citizens to the Planning Board effective Dec 1, 2014: Mary T. Flynn, Louis J. Bacci Jr., and Thacher Tiffany (Associate Member), and I have reappointed H. Theodore Cohen, and Catherine Preston Connolly.
Nov 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to inform you that I have appointed the following citizens to the Planning Board effective Dec 1, 2014: Mary T. Flynn, Louis J. Bacci Jr., and Thacher Tiffany (Associate Member), and I have reappointed H. Theodore Cohen, and Catherine Preston Connolly. They will be serving on the Board with continuing members Steven Cohen, Tom Sieniewicz, Hugh Russell, and Ahmed Nur (Associate Member).
As City Manager, one of my most important responsibilities is appointing members to the Planning Board. These choices directly impact the future of our community. In our densely populated city, residents want a smart balance between growth, development, and maintaining neighborhood vitality and overall quality of life.
The paramount goal of the City administration is for Cambridge to remain a highly desirable community to live, work, or raise a family. I want to thank you for your continuing support and guidance on maintaining this critical goal, and I want to recognize the civically engaged citizens across the City for their dedication, hard work, and contributions throughout this process.
Community input has been invaluable to City Staff and me during the selection process and has played a large part in creating a more focused, deliberate, and comprehensive procedure for soliciting and selecting highly qualified candidates. While the process took longer than some may have anticipated, I believe that the selection process has been refined in a way that will continue to benefit us in the future.
The City received 24 Planning Board applications from the public. Each applicant was interviewed, and I selected appointees that will best represent the entire community, including residents and businesses. The composition of the new board provides greater balance and representation in terms of neighborhood distribution, diversity of opinion, community perspective and professional background. Please join my staff and me in thanking the out-going members for their incredible level of dedication and service to our community. Cambridge receives great value from citizens who volunteer their time so generously for a better community. These retiring members of the Planning Board are prime examples of the most dedicated citizens who have served us well for many years and I have offered them the opportunity to consider serving on other board or commission in the future.
Since the law requires Planning Board members to be appointed for five years, staggering the appointment dates of terms is challenging. Because I am strongly committed to creating a representative board, the City will be recruiting additional Planning Board candidates over the coming months. For the duration of this time, one current full member and one associate member will continue serving on the Board in "holdover" status. While future use of "holdover" appointees should be minimized, I feel it necessary to have appointment flexibility at this time to ensure Board diversity.
Shortly after their appointment, new Planning Board members will receive orientation and training. While I believe that Board members are thoughtful in their review and consideration of special permit projects and zoning amendments, I have emphasized to them that it is important to:
1. Be equally considerate, open minded, and fair to all parties with business before them.
2. Follow all City guidelines and be keenly aware of any personal or professional conflicts, both real and potential.
3. Reflect on and consider how projects impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods. During their deliberations and decision making, strongly consider the principles of good urban planning, placemaking, traffic issues, appropriate scale, storm water relief, historical context, and housing needs.
4. Encourage applicants before the Board to proactively engage with neighborhoods and residents, early in the process.
5. Thoroughly review relevant background materials, consult regularly with staff, listen to community concerns, consult with outside consultants, as necessary, utilize site visits, and review relevant reports and studies.
The following biographical descriptions are for the three new appointees:
Mary T. Flynn is a senior manager and strategic planning leader with broad experience in operations management, community development, and planning and zoning process. She is Manager of Facilities Management at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Key areas of expertise include strategic planning, real estate and facilities management, community development and zoning. Early in her career, Ms. Flynn worked as Deputy Director of the Cambridge Community Development Department, and she led the creation of the 1993 growth policy document, Towards a Sustainable Future. Ms. Flynn holds a bachelor's degree in Government from Cornell University and an MBA from Boston University. She is a lifelong resident of Cambridge.
Louis J. Bacci Jr. is a lifelong resident of Cambridge. He lives in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood in eastern Cambridge and has had the opportunity to witness the changes that have taken place in the City over the past fifty years. Mr. Bacci has served as a Union Representative/Executive Board member of Laborers Local 151 for over thirty years. He has extensive experience in the construction industry and has hands-on experience of day-to-day construction activities and managing and supervising projects. As an Estimator Project Manager and as owner of a property maintenance company, he focuses on creative problem solving and has worked on projects spanning a range of scales and complexity.
Thacher Tiffany is an urban planner who holds a masters degree in City Planning with a certificate in Urban Design from MIT. Mr. Tiffany is a LEED Accredited Professional and works in the field of affordable housing. He is Director of Acquisitions for the Beacon Communities, where he manages acquisitions of affordable housing properties through public and private partnerships. Mr. Tiffany also serves on the board of Tent City, a resident controlled mixed-income apartment building in the South End. He has lived in the Boston/Cambridge area for most of his life, and for the last three years in mid-Cambridge.
As always, my staff and I look forward to supporting the Planning Board and the important work that they do on behalf of the residents of Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to appointments of members to the Police Review & Advisory Board effective Oct 23, 2014: Mertin Betts, reappointment to a 5-year term; and Beverly C. Sealey, appointment to a 5-year term.
Nov 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointments of the following members to the Police Review & Advisory Board effective Oct 23, 2014:
Mertin Betts, reappointment to a 5-year term.
Beverly C. Sealey, appointment to a 5-year term:
Dr. Sealey, PhD, MSW is an Associate Professor at Simmons College in the School of Social Work, where she has taught since 1991. As a clinical social worker, she has worked in a number of roles, positions, and capacities such as a practitioner providing clinical services, a manager both in the public and private sectors, a consultant, researcher, and educator. Dr. Sealey's areas of research interest include child and family policy and practice, juvenile and adult crime and justice policy and practice, cultural diversity and culturally competent practice, and issues affecting ethnic and racial minority groups. Prior to her teaching and consulting career, Dr. Sealey worked as a probation officer at Dorchester District Court, a social worker at Cambridge Hospital and Cambridge Family and Children's Services, and as the executive director of a community health center in Boston. She received her PhD from Brandeis in social welfare, policy and research, and her MSW from Simmons College.
Dr. Sealey has lived or worked in Cambridge for over thirty years, and has served on the board of directors of the Henry Buckner School since 2000, and has worked as a consultant to the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center since 2006.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Ivria Glass Fried as a member of the Conservation Commission for a term of 3-years effective Nov 1, 2014.
Nov 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Ivria Glass Fried as a member of the Conservation Commission for a 3-year term, effective Nov 1, 2014.
Ivria Glass Fried is a city resident that lives in the Porter Square area. Ms. Fried is a practicing environmental lawyer with a strong background in the Wetlands Protection Act as well as the Public Meeting Law. The Commission will be well served by Ms. Fried.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Early Childhood Resource Center grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care in the amount of $7,000 to the Grant Fund Library Salary and Wages account ($1,600) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,400) which will support parent/provider workshops, library materials and staff time to provide on-site services.
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a recommendation to change the street name "Rumeal Robinson Place" to Norfolk Place.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-19, regarding an update on the Concord-Alewife Plan.
Nov 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-19, regarding an update on the Concord-Alewife Plan, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy reports the following:
In January 2005 the City completed a multidisciplinary planning study of the Concord-Alewife area in the western part of Cambridge, including the areas known as the Triangle, the Quadrangle, the Fresh Pond Shopping Center and the Cambridge Highlands. City staff and a Study Committee worked closely with a team of professional planning consultants, led by Goody, Clancy & Associates, to address a variety of planning issues. Key issues addressed by this study included the appropriate mix of uses (such as housing, industry, possible City uses, and open space); access and traffic; the character of future development; and zoning changes needed to accomplish study goals, consistent with the Citywide Planning and Rezoning of 2001.
Based on the zoning recommendations of the Concord-Alewife Planning Study Committee, with additional recommendations from the Planning Board, the Concord-Alewife Rezoning and Design Guidelines were adopted by the City Council on June 26, 2006. This zoning guides present-day development in the area.
While the recent development in the Concord-Alewife area, especially the number of large housing developments, has been consistent with the goal of introducing housing into this previously commercial precinct to transform it to a mixed use district; the speed of development and specifics of design have caused some to be concerned about the overall direction of development in the area.
Rather than conducting a separate update of the Concord-Alewife Study, we expect to develop recommendations for updating the plan and zoning in the Concord-Alewife area as the early phase of the upcoming Citywide Planning process in the context of the overall city goals and objectives.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-100, regarding a report on the feasibility of conducting a walking tour of the Alewife area.
Nov 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-100, regarding a report on the feasibility of conducting a walking tour of the Alewife area, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy reports the following:
In order to provide the City Council with a have an in-depth understanding of the City's challenging development issues in the Alewife area in advance of the December 1 roundtable devoted to a discussion of City-wide planning, the Community Development Department (CDD) has arranged a walking tour on Mon, Nov 24th, 2014 in and around the area, including the sites of recent and proposed development along New Street, Cambridgepark Drive, Concord Avenue and Fawcett Street. Representatives from relevant City departments, including CDD and Department of Public Works, will attend.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City Departments to explore the feasibility of installing a speed bump at the corner of Upton Street and Magazine Street to reduce the speed at which cars travel on the street, and to make the street safer for residents and pedestrians. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Maher on Order Number Eleven of Oct 27, 2014.]
Placed on file under Rule 19
ON THE TABLE
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center. (Order Amended by Substitution.) [Order Number Ten of Jan 27, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Mayor Maher on Jan 27, 2014.]
3. An application was received from Ting-hsu Chen requesting permission to widen the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 14 Soden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Six of Feb 24, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Feb 24, 2014.]
4. That the City Council go on the record in opposition to any type of casino project in the Greater Boston area whether constructed and managed by Mohegan Sun or Wynn Resorts. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Simmons on Order Number Five of June 16, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Cheung on June 30, 2014.]
5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on June 18, 2014 to discuss revisions to the Cambridge Municipal Code Section 9.04.050 (A) Defacing public property of Chapter 9.04 entitled "Offenses Against Property". [Committee Report Number Five of June 30, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan on June 30, 2014.]
6. That as we undertake the Cambridge Conversations and the Master Planning Process, the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to study emerging business types in Cambridge and how they are affected by the use regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, and to recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance that will help classify such businesses in a clear, rational way that supports the long-term interests of the community and instruct the Community Development Department to evaluate appropriate ways to facilitate home-based businesses above and beyond what is currently allowed. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Five of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input and to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Six of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
8. Congratulations to Bill O'Connell on being inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. [Resolution Number Twenty-Five of Oct 20, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Oct 20, 2014.]
Adopted
9. Congratulations to David Tynes on being inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. [Resolution Number Twenty-Six of Oct 20, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Oct 20, 2014.]
Adopted
10. An application was received from Tango Properties, LLC requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 60-62 Magoun Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association with a time extension request. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number One of Oct 20, 2014.]
11. Congratulations to Marvin Gilmore on the release of his biography Crusader for Freedom. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Maher on Resolution Number Twenty-seven of Oct 20, 2014.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.
13. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014.
14. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Oct 15, 2014 to discuss a zoning petition filed by CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend certain provisions of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance that governs the Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District to allow limited amounts of off-street retail parking. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 10, 2014. Planning Board Hearing held Oct 21, 2014. Petition expires Jan 19, 2015.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael Hawley regarding Planning Board Reform.
2. A communication was received from James and Judith Robertson, 45 Magoun Street, transmitting opposition to the Magoun Street curb cut.
3. A communication was received from Stephen J. Kaiser, Hamilton Street, regarding Planning Board Reform.
4. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, regarding public input on improvements to the Planning Board's process and procedures.
5. A communication was received from Peter Valentine regarding technology.
6. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding Calendar Item Two on the Foundry.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Adelia Furtado Lopes. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Mary Krupkowski. Councillor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher and Councillor Cheung
4. Congratulations to Estelle Disch on the opening of her photography exhibit at CCTV on Nov 6, 2014. Councillor Simmons
5. Congratulations to Reva Stein on being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts. Vice Mayor Benzan
6. Congratulations to Dr. Walter Willet, Professor at Harvard School of Public Health, on being awarded the Bertram A. Yaffe Prevention Advocacy Award from the Massachusetts Health Council. Vice Mayor Benzan
7. Resolution on the death of Thomas L. Magliozzi, former host of NPR radio show, Car Talk. Mayor Maher
8. Resolution on the death of Kevin Michael Smith. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Affordable Housing Trust and the Law Department on whether preference points can legally be allotted to teachers and Public Safety all City employees such as police officers and firefighters for affordable housing units. Councillor Cheung and Vice Mayor Benzan
Amended
2. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, the Department of Public Works and Boston Properties BXP to determine the financial feasibility of the repair needed to the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain. Councillor Mazen
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Managing Director of Water Department and report back to the City Council on whether the department is monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks and if information on the age of pipes is readily available. Councillor Toomey
4. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a listing of all available land and buildings currently on the market or potentially for sale in order to initiate a discussion about land purchase and subsequent development of 100% mixed-income housing. Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley and Councillor Simmons
Referred to City Manager
5. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to take the necessary steps to sign the City of Cambridge onto the amicus curiae in the United States Supreme Court in Alec L. v. McCarthy regarding climate change. Councillor Cheung
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 3
5:00pm Special Presentation in recognition of Special Olympics Hall of Fame Inductees (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Wed, Nov 5
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Article V by adding a new Chapter 5.50 entitled "Civilian Fingerprinting and Criminal History Records Checks for Certain Licenses." (831 Massachusetts Avenue, Basement Conference Room)
Mon, Nov 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Wed, Nov 12
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 6.04 of the Municipal Code entitled "Animal Control Regulations" to establish fines for failure to remove dog waste, failing to license a dog, violations to dogs off leash, changing the required time a dog can be kept in a kennel to be consistent with state law and park rangers be given authority to enforce animal regulations at Fresh Pond Reservoir. (831 Massachusetts Avenue, Basement Conference Room)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by Charles D. Teague, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to clarify the existing ordinance so that said ordinance can be enforced: align the zoning amendment expiration date in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to be the same as state law, align the Special Permit criteria with adjudicated state law and require that the master plan be followed whereas following the master plan is optional under state law. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Nov 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Nov 25
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Timothy R. Flaherty, et al. II zoning petition requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge to expand the Medical Marijuana Overlay District, MMD-1 to encompass 61 Mooney Street. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Dec 1
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Dec 2
4:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss poverty and issues related to the experience of organizations working with those living in poverty. (831 Massachusetts Avenue, Basement Conference Room)
Wed, Dec 3
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss fire safety, including a review of Cambridge Fire Department operations, what happens to people after a fire, trends in fire safety and how possible fire safety hazards such as abandoned buildings are reviewed. (831 Massachusetts Avenue, Basement Conference Room)
Mon, Dec 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 9
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss what can be done about double utility poles and underground wires. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 16
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the City's Emergency Response/Preparations when dignitaries visit the city or when there is a major event occurring in Cambridge. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Dec 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 3, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Affordable Housing Trust and the Law Department on whether preference points can legally be allotted to teachers and Public Safety all City employees such as police officers and firefighters for affordable housing units; 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-2 Nov 3, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain at the intersection of Main and Broadway has been a landmark in Kendall Square since its construction in 1989, when it was commissioned by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), MIT, MBTA, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, and the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The current property owners of the Galaxy: Earth Sphere are the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, who have assigned oversight to Boston Properties BXP; and
WHEREAS: The Galaxy: Earth Sphere, despite its prominent location, has fallen into neglect over the last 20-plus years; and
WHEREAS: Local artist Joe Davis designed and produced the sculpture, and oversaw final installation at the current Kendall Square location in Cambridge in 1989; and
WHEREAS: The Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain was produced with the guidance of the late Otto Piene, Professor Emeritus of Visual Design at MIT; and
WHEREAS: There has been a lack of vital maintenance performed by the CRA and Boston Properties BXP creating a number of problems that now mar the sculpture and fountain; and
WHEREAS: While other sculptures and artistic pieces around the city have received significant refurbishment from the city, the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain has received the bare minimum, and is thus in dire need of significant repair; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Joe Davis on the exact processes and repairs that would be necessary to restore the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain to its original condition; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the CRA, the Department of Public Works and Boston Properties BXP to determine the financial feasibility of the repair needed to the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with Mr. Davis, the CRA, the Department of Public Works, and Boston Properties BXP and any relevant abutters or interested philanthropists to determine the best plan to restore the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain to its original condition; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
[Note: The Order as filed incorrectly identified the artist as Joe David.]
O-3 Nov 3, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Recent water main breaks have raised awareness about the age of some water main infrastructure; and
WHEREAS: Water Main breaks are disruptive and predicting them may or may not be possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Managing Director of Water Department and report back to the City Council on whether the department is monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks and if information on the age of pipes is readily available.
O-4 Nov 3, 2014
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge is experiencing a housing crisis, particularly in low, middle, and moderate income affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: To begin to resolve this crisis, Cambridge must look at a variety of options, including preserving current affordable housing, increasing inclusionary zoning, building on city owned land, and acquiring land and buildings that are for sale for the purpose of building housing; and
WHEREAS: This City Council has recently seen a number of private lots sold to other private entities, thus the City is losing opportunities to purchase that land for affordable housing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a listing of all available land and buildings currently on the market or potentially for sale in order to initiate a discussion about land purchase and subsequent development of 100% mixed-income housing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as to the process in which the City engages to identify potential land or building acquisition and what obstacles the City faces in purchasing identified properties.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing an updated report of the Concord-Alewife Plan.
Councillor Cheung 03/24/14 (O-4)
14-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a master list of all residential building managers citywide.
Councillor Simmons 04/28/14 (O-4)
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)
14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)
14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)
14-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on rodent control operations and the possibility of providing rodent-proof trash barrels to residents.
Councillor Toomey 06/30/14 (O-1)
14-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on designing and implementing a system of public bulletin boards on major streets and intersections throughout the City.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-11)
14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)
14-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report that the License Commission will not take further action on the proposed rideshare regulations and that the City Solicitor report on the City Council's legal authority over livery and taxi regulations.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-17)
14-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resuming negotiations to purchase and preserve the Whittemore Avenue Community garden site.
Councillor Carlone 07/28/14 (O-2)
14-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on publicizing and convening a community meeting within 72 hours of any catastrophic event that could impact public safety.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-3)
14-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on police patrols in Area IV and post information on website of what measures are being taken with regard to safety in the neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-5)
14-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)
14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)
14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)
14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are chosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)
14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)
14-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of previous recommendations for the Volpe Center site included planning studies such as but not limited to, ECAPS, Neighborhood Planning Studies, K2, and efforts by the East Cambridge Planning Team and that the report summarize zoning and zoning overlays, and outline the development potential and limitation of this area.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/14 (O-4)
14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the ML King School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)
14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)
14-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on faster and more dependable ways of notifying bill payers of water leaks and if the City can legally reimburse bill payers for extra sewerage costs due to water leaks.
Councillor Kelley 09/22/14 (O-2)
14-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of conducting a walk-through of the Alewife area prior to the December 1st Roundtable discussion about city-wide planning.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Mazen & Councillor Carlone 09/22/14 (O-7)
14-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making the Foundry building available for a major installation of the 2015 Fab Lab Conference.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Cheung 09/22/14 (O-13)
14-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the best way to implement a plan to solicit and receive payment in addition to real estate taxes from willing participants and used to support city services.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-2)
14-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on next steps to advance the creation of the Grand Junction Multi Use Path.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-8)
14-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revisiting the possibility of providing a reduced-rate Hubway membership for low-income Cambridge residents.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-10)
14-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many parking spots are being lost in the Riverside and West Cambridge Neighborhoods, accommodations being made for residents during snow emergencies, and plans for negotiating these conflicts with residents.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-12)
14-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the housing development on the site of the Tokyo Restaurant.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Mayor Maher 10/20/14 (O-13)
14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or group of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)
14-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating an adult playground.
Councillor Mazen & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-17)
14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)
14-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with an opinion on whether the City Council can raise linkage fees for inclusionary zoning prior to the conclusion of the Nexus Study.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-21)
14-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a timeline of the inclusionary zoning Nexus Study outlining what work has been done, what work is currently being conducted and a date when the policy recommendations can be made.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-22)
14-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on commissioning a study of Cambridge Youth Centers with a focus on use rates and underutilized space.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-1)
14-117. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating and maintaining one or more street pianos in one or more parks and/or plazas.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-2)
14-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on negative impacts of street-narrowing initiatives.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-4)
14-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on review of drone use in Cambridge for developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-5)
14-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of the Dog Park review committee.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-7)
14-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic flow issues, number of collisions, traffic enforcement efforts and possible safety improvements in the area of Rindge Avenue from Cedar to Clifton Streets.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-8)
14-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on organizing a series of meetings with residents to discuss the future of North Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-9)
14-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the future of Hubway in and around Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-10)
14-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting an open air STEAM festival in coordination with the Cambridge Science Festival.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-12)
14-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changing the name of "North Point Boulevard Extension" to "Education Circle."
Councillor Toomey 10/27/14 (O-13)
14-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a program similar to the Exchanging Places program in London.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-14)
14-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts Area Hospitals.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-15)
14-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety issues of crosswalk at and outside area of Cadbury Commons on Sherman Street.
Councillor Cheung 10/27/14 (O-16)
14-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Masse Hardware sites at 243 and 253 Walden Street for affordable housing.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-17)