Cambridge City Council meeting - Nov 4, 2013 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as an alternate member of the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission for a three year term to expire Oct 29, 2016: Margaret Cecil McMahon
Nov 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following person as an alternate member of the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission for a three year term to expire Oct 29, 2016:
Margaret Cecil McMahon
Ms. McMahon is a retired publishing executive and a 15-year resident of Mid-Cambridge. She is a member of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association and has been regularly attending the meetings of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District for the last year. She is also active in other committees including the neighborhood group working with the Harvard Museum building program and the Joan Lorentz Park Committee.Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Mr. Owen O'Riordan as Public Works Commissioner effective Nov 1, 2013.
Nov 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Owen O'Riordan as Public Works Commissioner effective Nov 1, 2013.
Owen holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and a masters degree in Engineering Hydrology, as well as a Professional Engineer accreditation. His career in Civil Engineering spans over three decades, and includes positions in Ireland supervising landfill maintenance, designing sewer systems, and managing roadway maintenance programs prior to coming to work for the City of Cambridge in 1997.
Owen began his work with the City of Cambridge as the Supervisor of Sewer Construction and Maintenance, was promoted to the position of City Engineer in 1999 and in 2001, to City Engineer/Assistant Commissioner for Engineering. He served in that capacity until being named Acting DPW Commissioner in July 2013.
During his time with the City, Owen has help to develop and implement a large capital improvement program that has resulted in improved water quality, better streets and sidewalks, and an increased focus on community relations and professional construction management. I am certain that Owen will bring the same energy and vision to his role as Commissioner that he has shown as City Engineer.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Mr. Stephen J. Lenkauskas as City Electrician for the City of Cambridge effective Nov 1, 2013.
Nov 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr. Stephen J. Lenkauskas as City Electrician for the City of Cambridge effective Nov 1, 2013. Mr. Lenkauskas has worked in the Electrical Department since 1986. He began his career here as a signal maintainer, and has taken on progressively more responsible duties since that time, most recently serving as the department's Deputy Director for over eight years. Mr. Lenkauskas has experience overseeing the day to day management of the department, working with staff, utility personnel, and vendors. He has been involved in many city-wide projects, including his management of the conversion of our street lights to LED. He also has extensive knowledge and experience with our fire alarm system, the City fiber cable network, Centrex System, and public buildings, and has been involved in the fiscal management of operating and capital budgets.
A Cambridge resident, Mr. Lenkauskas graduated from the Rindge Technical Occupation Education Program, and furthered his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He holds all the required licenses including a Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician license, and is OSHA 30 certified.
Mr. Lenkauskas has a strong interest in technology and is a creative problem solver. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Lenkauskas to the position of City Electrician for the City of Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Ms. Andrea Spears Jackson as the full time License Commission Chair for the City of Cambridge, effective Dec 9, 2013.
Nov 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Ms. Andrea Spears Jackson as the full time License Commission Chair for the City of Cambridge, effective Dec 9, 2013. Ms. Jackson previously worked for the City as Employee Relations Manager and later as the City's Purchasing Agent. She relocated to Atlanta, GA in 2001, practicing employment and benefits law in various capacities in both the public and private sector. Since her return to Massachusetts, she has worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Department of Transportation, serving as Deputy Director and Director for Employee Relations, Acting Director in the Office of Labor Relations, Director of Right of Way, and Chief Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation.
Ms. Jackson holds Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Suffolk University. A Cambridge resident, Ms. Jackson is active in many Cambridge community associations, serving as a Board member of the Cambridge YWCA and as a member of the Martin Luther King School Neighborhood Council.
Ms. Jackson has a great deal of experience in project management, regulatory proceedings, legal analysis, and personnel administration. I am pleased to welcome Ms. Jackson back as an employee of the City of Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a proposed Home Rule Petition which would provide an exception to the residency preference requirement for Cambridge police officer and fire fighter appointments for those high school graduates who were Cambridge residents at the time of graduation from high school.
Referred back to City Manager for language changes - Maher
Nov 4, 2013
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am submitting for the City Council's consideration in response to Council Order No. O-7 of Apr 8, 2013 regarding home rule legislation which would seek to modify the residency requirements for Cambridge Police Department applicants, a proposed Home Rule Petition which would provide an exception to the residency preference requirement for Cambridge police officer and fire fighter appointments for those high school graduates who were Cambridge residents at the time of graduation from high school. The original Council Order called for an exception for police officer appointments only; however upon conferring with Police Commissioner Robert Haas and Fire Chief Gerald Reardon, I propose that the Home Rule Petition include both police officer and fire fighter appointments.
As currently written, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58 ("Section 58") makes it difficult for individuals who were residents of Cambridge at the time of graduation from high school, but left Cambridge to pursue higher education and returned upon college graduation, to apply to become appointed to the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments unless they have lived in Cambridge for one full year prior to the date of the examination for appointment to the police force or fire force. This residency preference may prevent many qualified individuals from being appointed to the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments.
The City Council has determined that a modification to the residency preference requirement in Section 58 for returning Cambridge high school graduates will make it easier for individuals with strong Cambridge roots who have left the City to pursue higher education to return and pursue their dreams of becoming members of the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments. The attached proposed Home Rule Petition if submitted to and approved by the Legislature will help to achieve that objective.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City Manager Order #5A
AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE ONE-YEAR CAMBRIDGE RESIDENCY PREFERENCE FOR PERSONS BEING CONSIDERED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT TO THE CAMBRIDGE POLICE FORCE AND FIRE FORCE
Notwithstanding any other general or special law to the contrary, the following special act shall govern in the City of Cambridge.
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 58 of Chapter 31 and any other general or special law relative to civil service to the contrary, the administrator, as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 31, when certifying names to the appointing authority, as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 31, of the City of Cambridge for the City of Cambridge’s police force and fire force is hereby authorized to place the names of individuals who were residents of the City of Cambridge at the time of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent, but who thereafter left the City of Cambridge to pursue higher education for a period of four or more years, and thereafter returned to the City of Cambridge upon college graduation, on the eligible list for original appointment to the police force or fire force of the City of Cambridge, in the same manner as if the individual had been a resident of the City of Cambridge for a period of one year immediately prior to the date of examination.
SECTION 2. If any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Act and the applicability of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 3. The provisions of this Act shall be effective immediately upon passage.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public meeting held on Sept 4, 2013 to discuss the future of public safety efforts and investments in the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Committee Report Number Two of Oct 21, 2013.]
Tabled - Kelley
ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
3. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
8. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible. [Order Number Two of Mar 18, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 18, 2013.]
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-29, regarding a report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers. [City Manager Agenda Number Two of Apr 1, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 1, 2013.]
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-22, regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Cedar Street and Mass Avenue. [City Manager Agenda Number Five of Sept 30, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Sept 30, 2013.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Subway requesting permission for two sandwich board signs in front of the premises numbered 36 JFK Street and 81 Mount Auburn Street.
2. Revocation of an awning and sign permit for Spice & Rice at the premises numbered 1172-1178 Cambridge Street, issued Apr 26, 1999 and Aug 1, 2005. Inspectional Services inspected the property on Oct 18, 2013 and the awning and sign are down.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street regarding Awaiting Report Item Number 13-42 on the cleanliness of Central Square.
2. A communication was received from Rachel Gunther, 27 Pleasant Street regarding cleanliness of Central Square.
3. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street regarding Awaiting Report Item Number 13-42 report on ways to improve cleanliness of Central Square.
4. A communication was received from Patricia Harley, Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Communication and Consumer Affairs, Office of Communication, Outreach and Development, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration transmitting thanks for your recent letter to Secretary Sebelius describing the Council's resolution regarding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) blood donor deferral policy.
5. A communication was received from Carol Donovan transmitting thanks for the resolution in memory of her sister Pat Bondelevitch.
6. A communication was received from Walter Naegle, Executive Director, The Bayard Rustin Fund, Inc. transmitting thanks for forwarding an official copy of the resolution passed by the Cambridge City Council recognizing President Obama's awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to his late partner, Bayard Rustin.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Urge residents to honor the men and women who have defended our country as well as those who are currently serving in the military on Veteran's Day. Councillor Kelley
2. Congratulations to Panorama Education on its recent successes and wish them continued prosperity in future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
3. Congratulations to Sqrrl on its recent successes and wish them continued prosperity in future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
4. Congratulations to the Western Avenue Baptist Church on their 97th anniversary. Vice Mayor Simmons
5. Congratulations to Martine Anderson for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
6. Congratulations to Chandra Banks for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
7. Congratulations to Dr. Connie Chow for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
8. Congratulations to Dr. Marian Darlington-Hope for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
9. Congratulations to City Councillor and State Representative Marjorie Decker for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
10. Congratulations to Stephanie Guirand for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
11. Congratulations to Narayan Helen Liebenson for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
12. Congratulations to Evelyn Rivera Beaudreault for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
13. Congratulations to Blanche E. Staton for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
14. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Marilyn Weekes for being named one of the Cambridge YWCA's Outstanding Women of 2013. Vice Mayor Simmons
15. Congratulations to State Senator Katherine Clark on the occasion of her victory in the Democratic primary to replace Ed Markey in the 5th Congressional District. Vice Mayor Simmons
16. Welcome Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
17. Congratulations to Bishop Brian C. Greene on the occasion of being commissioned as a Cambridge Police Chaplain. Vice Mayor Simmons
18. Congratulations to Reverend Melvin Wilson on the occasion of being commissioned as a Cambridge Police Chaplain. Vice Mayor Simmons
19. Congratulations to Reverend Lorraine Thornhill on the occasion of being commissioned as a Cambridge Police Chaplain. Vice Mayor Simmons
20. Congratulations to Reverend Larry Kim on the occasion of being commissioned as a Cambridge Police Chaplain. Vice Mayor Simmons
21. Congratulations to Father Matthew Westcott on the occasion of being commissioned as a Cambridge Police Chaplain. Vice Mayor Simmons
22. Resolution on the death of Joseph T. Connearney. Councillor Toomey
23. Resolution on the death of Jennie K. (Stukiel) Smith. Councillor Toomey
24. Resolution on the death of Robert D. Houlsen. Councillor Toomey
25. Resolution on the death of Maria Conceicao Pasquale Goncalves. Councillor Toomey
26. Resolution on the death of John Francis Rindge. Councillor Toomey
27. Congratulations to the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame Committee on the occasion of their successful induction ceremony. Mayor Davis
28. Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox on the occasion of becoming Major League Baseball's World Series Champions. Councillor Toomey
29. Best wishes to Mary-Catherine Deibel and Deborah Hughes, co-owners of UpStairs on the Square, in their future endeavors. Councillor Cheung
30. Speedy recovery wishes to Juanita Anderson. Vice Mayor Simmons
31. Speedy recovery wishes to Ora Themea. Vice Mayor Simmons
32. Continued good health wishes to Wilmot Ramsey. Vice Mayor Simmons
33. Speedy recovery wishes to Florence Ramsey. Vice Mayor Simmons
34. Resolution on the death of John A. MacIntyre. Councillor Toomey
35. Speedy recovery wishes to Mary Travers. Vice Mayor Simmons
36. Congratulations to Logan and Erica Leslie on the birth of their daughter. Councillor Maher
37. Resolution on the death of Anne M. Joyce. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel to determine the causes of and potential remedies to the pooling of water at Reed Street Court. Vice Mayor Simmons
2. That the City Manager is requested to consult with City personnel regarding the enforcement of rules and regulations governing bicycle riding, mandatory white lights on bicycles, and data collection of injuries resulting from cyclist-pedestrian conflicts. Vice Mayor Simmons
2. That the City Manager is requested to collaborate with the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Community Development Department to establish an effective way to collect data on injuries resulting from cyclist-pedestrian conflict and report back on how this data collection might best be achieved to the City Council and that all bicycle enforcement data be provided to the City Council in digital format. Vice Mayor Simmons
Amended
3. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel on the feasibility of installing a crosswalk and a sign warning motorists to slow down at the corner of Norfolk Street and Suffolk Street. Vice Mayor Simmons
4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the report of the net direct debt per capita which lists Cambridge as one of ten cities with the highest amount of net direct debt per capita; specifically how this report should be interpreted and what this means for Cambridge, now and in the future. Councillor Cheung
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the purpose of evaluating the traffic at the intersection of Binney and Broadway during morning and evening commute times and to make appropriate adjustments to alleviate the backups. Councillor Toomey
6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine the feasibility of installing railroad crossing traffic barriers at the train track along Massachusetts Avenue and along Broadway to prevent motorists from crossing as a train approaches. Vice Mayor Simmons
Amended
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation with the intention of evaluating the traffic patterns and accidents on Third Street, and consider reversing the direction of the one way on Spring Street between Second and Third Streets. Councillor Toomey
8. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a special committee, to be comprised of both City Councillors and of Cambridge residents, to take up the work of holding monthly conversations about the lessons learned from the Malvina Monteiro lawsuit, and about how the City can improve upon its internal handling of race and class matters as an employer, beginning as of the start of the next calendar year. Vice Mayor Simmons
Charter Right - Simmons
9. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the status of the program administered by the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities which would allow trash and recycling to be placed curbside before 6:00pm for senior citizens during the winter months. Councillor Decker
Amended
10. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a plan to preserve the expiring use buildings, including the Fresh Pond Apartments and the Section 8 housing units, that are due to expire in 2020. Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Decker
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Human Services and the School Department to investigate what steps are being taken to help Cambridge children, families and the elderly's ability to purchase food as it relates to the SNAP program benefit cuts. Councillor Cheung
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public meeting held on Oct 1, 2013 to discuss safety associated with tour bus parking, traveling and touring through Cambridge.
Charter Right - Kelley
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting to the City Council an Open Meeting Law Complaint from Charles Teague together with a proposed City Council response to the Attorney General, prepared by the City Clerk in consultation with the City Solicitor, for the City Council's review and approval.
Motion of Councillor Cheung to close debate passes 6-3-0 (Kelley, Simmons, vanBeuzekom - NO).
Approval of the response as amendedby Councillor vanBeuzekom passes 8-1-0 (vanBeuzekom - NO).
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 7
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition received from Boston Properties to amend the Zoning Ordinances and Zoning Map in the Ames Street area. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Fri, Nov 8
9:30am The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Clerk's Office staffing. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 20
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition by the City Manager to amend the Zoning Ordinances to define and list Registered Marijuana Dispensary, delete Section 11.700 and create a new Section 20.700 entitled Medical Marijuana Overlay Districts. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 21
3:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by Christopher H. Lutz, et al. requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by rezoning an area on the northern border of Richdale Avenue from Upland Road to Walden Street from its C1-A designation to residential C-1. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Fri, Nov 22
9:30am The Ordinance Committee will 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. (Sullivan Chamber)
10:30am The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by John Chun, et al. requesting the City Council amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the entire district currently zoned Residence B located in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood, situated north of Concord Avenue, south of and adjacent to the Blair Pond Reservation, and east of and adjacent to the municipal boundary with the Town of Belmont by deleting the designation Residence B and substituting therefore a designation of Residence A-2. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 2
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Affordable Housing Trust. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 4
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 relating to smoking in public parks. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 5
12:45pm The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting to tour Longy School. The meeting will convene in the Sullivan Chamber and proceed to the Longy School of Music, 27 Garden Street. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 6
10:00am CITY COUNCIL INAUGURAL MEETING (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 4, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that several residents of Reed Street Court have been experiencing issues with pooling rain water from melting snow in front of the entrance to their street, and in front of specific residences along that street. These residents report that this was not an issue prior to the City's repaving of the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel to determine the causes of and potential remedies to the pooling of water at Reed Street Court and to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-2 Nov 4, 2013 Amended
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of Cambridge residents have recently raised concerns about how effective the City's policies concerning enforcement of bicycle safety are, and have asked that the City review how it maintains and ensures the safety of both bicyclists and pedestrians; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to report back to the City Council on how its rules and regulations governing bicycle riding are enforced, and how the City determines how effective this enforcement is; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what measures have been established to ensure that all Cambridge bicyclists have mounted white lights onto the front of their bicycles, as required by Massachusetts law, and what the penalties for violating this law are; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what measures have been established to ensure that all Cambridge bicyclists have mounted white lights onto the front of their bicycles during the hours of 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, as required by Massachusetts law, and what the penalties for violating this law are; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on what measures are currently taken to enforce current rules and regulations governing bicycle riding near areas where seniors are more likely to congregate or be walking, and what additional methods of enforcement might increase the safety for senior pedestrians in these areas; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to collaborate with the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Community Development Department to establish an effective way to collect data on injuries resulting from cyclist-pedestrian conflict and report back on how this data collection might best be achieved to the City Council in digital format.
O-3 Nov 4, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of residents have raised concerns about speeding vehicles posing a danger to pedestrians at the corner of Norfolk Street and Suffolk Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel on the feasibility of installing a crosswalk and a sign warning motorists to slow down at the corner of Norfolk Street and Suffolk Street and report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-4 Nov 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the report of the net direct debt per capita which lists Cambridge as one of ten cities with the highest amount of net direct debt per capita (http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-10-29/ten-us-cities-less-ten-days-cash-hand); specifically how this report should be interpreted and what this means for Cambridge, now and in the future.
O-5 Nov 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Morning and evening traffic congestion is occurring on Binney Street at the intersection of Broadway and Binney Streets; and
ORDERED: It appears to be a result of new lane markings and traffic light timing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the purpose of evaluating the traffic at the intersection of Binney and Broadway during morning and evening commute times and to make appropriate adjustments to alleviate the backups and to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-6 Nov 4, 2013 Amended
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine the feasibility of installing railroad crossing traffic barriers at the train track along Massachusetts Avenue and along Broadway to prevent motorists from crossing as a train approaches; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the quiet zoning application to the federal government.
O-7 Nov 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Traffic on Third Street has increased due to multiple construction projects in the area; and
WHEREAS: Resident have observed an increase in traffic accidents at the intersection of Spring Street and Third Street; and
WHEREAS: Reversing the direction of the one way on Spring Street between Second Street and Third Street has been suggested as a remedy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation with the intention of evaluating the traffic patterns and accidents on Third Street, and consider reversing the direction of the one way on Spring Street between Second and Third Streets and report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-8 Nov 4, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Over the course of the past several months, the Civic Unity Committee has been holding regular meetings, at the rate of about once every six weeks, to discuss the lessons that can be learned from the Malvina Monteiro lawsuit, the ways in which the City can improve upon its internal handling of race and class matters, and the ways in which the City can strive to meet the ideals that we expect of all employers in this community; and
WHEREAS: There had long been great demand for these discussions, and the Civic Unity Committee Chair has been receiving a tremendous degree of positive feedback, and encouragement from those who wish to see these discussions continue and for true progress to be achieved; and
WHEREAS: The Chair of the Civic Unity Committee is appointed at the pleasure of the Mayor, as is the case with all committee chairs, and there is no guarantee that the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee for the 2014-2015 City Council term will be the same as the Chair of the 2012-2013 term. It is hoped that the next Civic Unity Committee Chair, whomever it may be, will continue to hold these most important discussions at regular intervals, but in the interest of ensuring that this matter does not rest at the conclusion of this calendar year, it would be wise for the City to place this specific conversation into a more stable forum; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a special committee, to be comprised of both City Councillors and of Cambridge residents, to take up the work of holding monthly conversations about the lessons learned from the Malvina Montiero lawsuit, and about how the City can improve upon its internal handling of race and class matters as an employer, beginning as of the start of the next calendar year.
O-9 Nov 4, 2013 Amended
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Numerous concerns have been brought to the City Council's attention regarding mobility issues that could make it difficult or dangerous for senior citizens to place their trash and recycling curbside after 6:00pm in the winter months; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge offers a program administered by the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities by which senior citizens can apply for exemption to this City policy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the status of this program and to ensure that this information is posted on the city's website; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with recommendations to make this process easier for seniors to learn more about this program and easier access for seniors.
O-10 Nov 4, 2013 Charter Right - Decker
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a plan to preserve the expiring use buildings, including the Fresh Pond Apartments and the Section 8 housing units, that are due to expire in 2020.
O-11 Nov 4, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the SNAP program will experience benefit cuts and will reduce the household benefits which will reduce the ability to purchase food; and
WHEREAS: These cuts will directly affect the people who live in poverty and will affect the nutrition of children; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Human Services and the School Department to investigate what steps are being taken to help Cambridge children, families and the elderly's ability to purchase food.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
MEETING PURPOSE
To discuss safety associated with tour bus parking, traveling and touring through Cambridge.
MEETING DETAILS
Date and Time: Tues, Oct 1, 2013 at 5:35pm.
Location: Sullivan Chamber
ATTENDEES
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair; Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Steve Williams, Superintendent of Police; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation; Wayne Amaral, Manager of Traffic Engineering and Operations, Traffic, Parking and Transportation; Elizabeth Lint, Executive Director, License Commission; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
OTHER ATTENDEES
George Despotes.
MINUTES
Councillor Kelley opened the meeting and stated the purpose. He displayed pictures of busses stopped at various sites so people can see what he sees. Councillor Reeves stated that this is an important issue. Tourism could be here because it is a mystery how these busses showed up in volume. There is some aspect of tourism that would aid to our understanding this; tourism should be here. Ms. Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, stated that she has discussed this issue with the Office of Tourism.
Councillor Kelley this may be unsolvable. The public can be sent the committee report if they have concerns about this matter. Mt. Auburn Street has big tour busses. He asked what regulates this type of bus, including the hours and days traveled. The busses are huge and they are from all over the country. Councillor Kelley stated that the pictures are from the last six weeks. Superintendent Williams stated that a picture showed changes that have been implemented by the Police.
Councillor Kelley noted that tour busses are not the only busses on the street; there are shuttle busses as well. There is a difference between jitneys and non jitney tour busses. He showed a picture of a trolley bus from Old Towne Trolley in Kendall Square. On the other side of the street is Bean town Trolley. Looking up Mt. Auburn Street there were several busses, including tour busses and MBTA busses. He had a picture of tour busses in front of the YMCA. They are not stopped but take up a lot of space. He had a tractor trailer picture and a picture of a shuttle bus for the Longwood Medical area. He commented that Harvard and MIT have shuttle busses that are all different sizes. He stated that there are all kinds of shuttles. He included the EZ ride and Duck tours. A Stouts tour bus was pictured. Harvard University busses go wherever they need to go.
Councillor Reeves stated that he previously submitted orders because the busses were all on Massachusetts Avenue and the thinking is that there was an improvement moving the busses to Mt. Auburn Street. He does not think that this is the case.
Councillor Kelley stated that the biggest complaint he has received is that Supertours busses that travel on Hampshire Street are so high that residents feel that people can see into their first floor windows. This is freaking people out. He stated that there are floods of tourist touring Harvard Yard and then they get back on the bus. Councillor Reeves stated that there has to be a convenience for the tourists because they are all not young. Councillor Kelley stated that he used the pictures as an overview of the situation. This may be managed as best as can be done and this is what we tell people. He questioned how busses ended up where they are and what type of license do they have. He spoke about enforcement, but stated that he did not think that anything wrong was being done. He does not know if the busses are idling or parking the wrong place.
Ms. Clippinger stated that Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department is responsible for where the busses stop. The License Commission licenses fixed routes for a fee, such as the Longwood Medical shuttle, the EZ Ride and Super Duck Tours. Councillor Kelley questioned what a fixed route is because the tour busses all seem to be in the same place. Ms. Lint explained tall busses are not a double-decker bus. They are tall because they are low emissions. These busses go from two different routes from the Galleria up Broadway. There are two set routes and the busses stop along the way and you can get on or off. Traffic, Parking and Transportations Department is responsible for where the busses can stop. On a fixed route the bus is traveling the same route every time.
Councillor Kelley what are the big busses. Ms. Lint stated they are licensed by the state. They are tour busses that from the Black Falcon Terminal. Councillor Kelley asked how they are regulated. Ms. Clippinger added that her department assigns where the tour bus can stop. Tour bus parking spots are assigned for use by any tour bus. Superintendent of Police Steve Williams stated that the original parking spots were on Massachusetts Avenue and were moved to Mt. Auburn Street. Up to last year there were only three stops and there were problems when there were more than three busses. Three additional spots were added which helped the situation until the number of busses exploded again this year. The police are patrolling once an hour on a rotating basis and are enforcing the 15 minute active loading and unloading regulation. The triangle area exacerbates the problem because there are trailer trucks in this area. Some trucks that come into the triangle area are Harvard University trucks and they have been moved to Harvard property on Holyoke Street. The situation is better because of the presence of police and the parking control officers. The tour busses at one time were parking on the left side of Mt. Auburn Street. The triangle area is in front of Boloca. This is the area where you will see tractor trailers loading and unloading. The Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department instruct trolley buses where they can stop. Ms. Clippinger stated that the trolley busses cannot stop in this area. Ms. Lint added that every tour bus is licensed by the DPU.
Superintendent Williams stated that Ms. Culbertson will state that the tour buses are licensed but where the busses come from is not clearly defined. Councillor Kelley commented that the trolley busses can only stop where assigned by Traffic, Parking and Transportation and the tour busses stop on Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Reeves stated that the number one tourist spot is Faneuil Hall with the second being Harvard Square.
Councillor Kelley asked after 15 minutes where do tour busses go. Ms. Clippinger stated that the problem is that there is no place for them to go. Councillor Reeves commented that the attraction to Harvard Square is Harvard University and Harvard has parking lots. MIT has more parking lots than anyone else. He stated that the buses are too large and should be on Harvard owned parking lots because Harvard is the attraction. These busses are going to Harvard Yard and the Science Museum. The tourists do shopping and get back on the bus. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she does not understand why the busses are not just dropping off and picking up in two hours. Superintendent Williams stated that the tour busses spend less that 1 hr in square because the tour bus has too many stops. Councillor Reeves stated that tourist buy Harvard University souvenirs and food. This needs to be regulated and Harvard and MIT needs to host this. Superintendent Williams stated that Harvard is not pleased to be the host. This is problematic for Harvard University. The tourists are creating a problem. They go into the Harvard Yard, are looking into the dormitory windows, are going into the classrooms and taking photographs during classes. The universities are not looking to get this business.
Vice Mayor Simmons discussed a scripted tour. Ms. Clippinger stated her department asked tour bus drivers why they are in Harvard Square. MIT is experiencing similar problem like Harvard. Tour bus drivers were staying somewhere on 128 then come into Harvard Square where tourists were given a limited amount of time in Harvard Square. The tour would continue to MIT for a short period of time. Then the tour would go to Quincy Market. Boston is struggling with the same issue to find space where tour busses can layover waiting for the tourist to get back on the bus.
Councillor Kelley asked what the City can do about the tour bus parking. Superintendent Williams stated that Mt. Auburn Street is strictly for active loading parking. Some drivers circle the block or the drivers go to Albany Street. The infrastructure for the buses is so disjointed because there are so many companies and drivers. Councillor Kelley stated that the busses come from Route 128 and some pick up at the Black Falcon terminal. Ms. Clippinger stated that tour busses from the Black Falcon terminal are different. The tour busses have the same drivers and the drivers are good to work with.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that land owned by MIT, next to wet shelter, on Albany Street is there a way for the busses going to Harvard Square can park here. Councillor Reeves stated that the city dumps snow on eight large lots of MIT land. There is specific land banking for graduate housing. The issue is access and agreement. Superintendent Williams stated that tour busses are active during the period from mid March to Halloween and then the tours drop off.
Councillor Kelley asked are there numbers on how many tour busses there are. The Office of Tourism knows the activity of the Black Falcon terminal. Councillor Reeves stated that tour fame companies have packages and sell tour packages. He suggested doing a study of the volume and get what is this tourist industry that has brought people here.
Councillor Kelley stated that the City does not regulate these tour busses, the state licenses them. There are only 6 busses that can park. Is the City obligated to provide space? Ms. Clippinger stated that by doing nothing these busses would be all over the City and the travel lanes would be cramped. Superintendent Williams stated that busses used to park on the odd side of the street or would park beyond the allowed space and it would cause a problem because of the width of the street. The Police are trying to stay on top of the issue. Councillor Kelley stated that the City cannot say that buses cannot stop anywhere in Cambridge. Ms. Clippinger stated that it is unlikely to prevent them from coming here; now the City is trying to manage the tour buses. What can the City do when they stop where they cannot stop? Superintendent Williams responded that if the busses are parking in no parking areas they are ticketed and towed. The driver gets ticked for whatever the posting is. The bus driver is asked to move and if the driver does not move it can lead to a citation. Councillor Kelley stated what he is hearing is that there is no way to manage a driver letting 30 passengers off the bus where they should not be dropped off.
Councillor Kelley asked if there are specific streets where tour busses are not allowed. Can they travel on small streets or are they not allowed. Ms. Clippinger stated that they are not allowed. Councillor Reeves commented that busses travel on Harvard Street and they go slow as they are looking at houses. The busses go all the way up Harvard Street. The busses go from Brattle Street make a left at Cambridge Common, right on Garden Street and right onto Massachusetts Avenue and go through the square. Ms. Clippinger stated that if they come down Massachusetts Avenue to Eliot Square and come down Massachusetts Avenue into the Square onto Brattle Street. Councillor Reeves asked if they travel through the cemetery which is a historical site.
Vice Mayor Simmons stated that it would be important to have Ms. Culbertson at the next meeting. If Cambridge wants to be a place where people want to visit the City needs to designate where these busses can go. MIT needs to own this to. We are trying to accommodate this situation. We need to develop policies and procedures for these tour busses. She questioned if the Office of Tourism is contacted regarding were the tourist attractions are and where the busses could be parked while the tourists are visiting the attractions. Councillor Reeves stated that this is overwhelming. On Sundays there is an influx of people around the kiosk. Busses are too much and too big for this scale of the City. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that if this is not regulated it is madness. Councillor Reeves stated that resources need to be made available for this.
Councillor Kelley stated that the busses could come down Brattle Street toward Cambridge Street, left at the square, down the street by the Harvard School of Education turn right at Garden Street to Christ Church and make a right onto Massachusetts Avenue and park at Mt. Auburn Street. The route is Massachusetts Avenue to Dunster Street to Mt. Auburn stated Ms. Clippinger.
Councillor Kelley stated that tour busses park where it should not be parked, police tell the drivers to move. Councillor Kelley stated that from a bicyclist perspective these busses are too big and obstruct visibility. Vice Mayor Simmons suggested put resources together to put together a plan to establish rules. This is supposed to be a drop off. Ms. Lint stated that the bus licensed have specific drop off spots and the tourists can get back on at different locations. Vice Mayor Simmons commented that tour busses plant tourists. Councillor Reeves suggested that MIT, Harvard, the Harvard Square Business Association and the Central Square Business Association should have been invited to this meeting. Ms. Clippinger stated that there used to be an agreement with Harvard University and the layover was used and now the space has shrunk and there are more busses.
Councillor Kelley stated that if tourists are only in Harvard Square for thirty minutes he does not want these busses traveling on the streets. Ms. Clippinger stated that it would be desirable to have a layover for a longer period of time. There is not a lot of control over what the drivers are doing. They can drive around the block as many times as they want.
Wayne Amaral stated that the only ban is the truck ban by the state. Ms. Clippinger stated that DOT is required to approve restriction. Councillor Kelley asked if there were a street ban and the drivers were pulled over consistently and a ticket was issued it would be issued to the driver. Mr. Amaral stated that what is seen is that there are different drivers. Councillor Reeves wanted to have a better handle on this. Councillor Kelley stated that nothing is known. Ms. Clippinger stated that this is antidotal information. The Black Falcon activity is known. There is no information on the small companies. Councillor Reeves stated that he has seen busses doubled parked on Sundays. He stated that Harvard Square is not pleasant on Sundays. Superintendent Williams stated that you do not want to establish a layover until their tours are over. Police tell the tour busses to move along. Councillor Reeves stated that this may get worse when the Fog Museum is opened. Superintendent Williams stated that the answer is to find big parking lots for the bus layovers. Ms. Clippinger stated that if there were layover place it would be easier.
Councillor Kelley stated that he does not know what can be done about this situation. He agrees with Councillor Reeves that it will get worse with the opening of the Fog. The HCZ, the glass flowers and the Fog Museum are big attractions. The fact that the busses do not have a place to go is what the problem is.
Councillor Kelley asked about truck restriction on streets to prevent these busses from using them. Ms. Clippinger cautioned that restrictions from the state are hard to receive. Mr. Amaral cautioned that this restricts trucks not just busses. There has to be a high volume of truck traffic to get a truck ban and the criteria must be met. The high volume is 5% of traffic. Mr. Amaral added that when trucks are restricted they find an alternate route. Superintendent Williams added that commercial drivers do not want a citation.
Councillor Reeves spoke about complaints from the Riverside neighbors. The buses ended up on Putnam Avenue from Mt. Auburn Street. This is a residential street. Ms. Lint stated that shuttle busses were banned from this street; the drivers find the most direct route to get to their destination.
Councillor Reeves stated that this problem can be solved with the layover and big parking lots to put the busses.
Councillor Kelley thanked all attendees.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councillor Kelley the meeting adjourned at 6:47pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
13-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on including a participatory budgeting portion in the 2015 budget.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-5)
13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic, licensing and zoning violation concerns of the residents of Bowdoin Street.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-13)
13-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of establishing a open door while air conditioning prohibition.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 07/29/13 (O-19)
13-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to improve effective communications with members of the community including the use of closed captioning.
Councillor Cheung 09/09/13 (O-1)
13-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revising bicycle signs to more accurately reflect cyclists rights to the road.
Councillor Kelley 09/09/13 (O-7)
13-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of establishing an emergency City telephone hotline that residents can contact in times of emergency for timely and accurate information.
Vice Mayor Simmons 09/09/13 (O-13)
13-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reviewing the policy relating to the sale of goods within the public ways.
Councillor Cheung 09/09/13 (O-27)
13-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on steps needed to do a Nexus Study and whether there is a way to expand who and what is covered by linkage, whether there is potential for additional revenue for community benefits from linkage, specifically if linkage was increased and the amount changed for housing could the difference be used for community benefits.
Councillor Maher 09/09/13 (O-33)
13-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on rationale and thought process of the proposed increase of liquor fees prior to the change taking effect.
Councillor Cheung 07/29/13 (O-20)
13-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on solutions that will remedy the extreme temperatures at the King Open School.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/16/13 (O-6)
13-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic count on Roberts Road to assess truck traffic.
Councillor Cheung 09/30/13 (O-3)
13-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a task force to recommend an approach to four year old education in Cambridge.
Mayor Davis 09/30/13 (O-7)
13-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on style, quality and long term care of all Inclusionary Units.
Vice Mayor Simmons 09/30/13 (O-10)
13-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on evaluating new methods of communicating street sweeping to resident with a specific request that an "opt-in" text alert be send to residents who own parking passes by linking geo-coded phone numbers with locations to be swept.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/30/13 (O-13)
13-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of bringing free wireless internet access to Central Square.
Vice Mayor Simmons 10/07/13 (O-1)
13-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on long-term solution for safe pedestrian crossings along Route 16 (the Alewife Brook Parkway).
Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/07/13 (O-2)
13-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on short and long-term use for the newly acquired lot at the corner of School and Cherry Streets.
Councillor Reeves 10/07/13 (O-3)
13-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of new zoning language for stormwater separation.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/07/13 (O-7)
13-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of granting small commercial properties a modest exemption on their real estate property taxes.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/07/13 (O-8)
13-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the City planning team supports and encourages safe bicycle lane travel citywide, including best design practices; enforcement; informational pamphlets; and promoting safe bicycling in schools.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/07/13 (O-9)
13-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report that the City Manager, the Police Commissioner and their designees shall not activate or cause to be activated any security cameras, surveillance cameras, or any other video or audio recording, watching or listening devices or implement any policy relating to such cameras unless in either case there shall be held a prior affirmative vote of the majority of the City Council specifically authorizing the contemplated activation or implementation.
Councillor Decker 10/07/13 (O-10)
13-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a formal report that addresses the issues of temperature at the King Open School as well as the concerns and general input of parents and teachers, and propose a short-term plan.
Councillor Decker 09/16/13 (O-9)
13-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of permitting process, any zoning and building code barriers to greater adoption of solar energy.
Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/30/13 (O-15)
13-52. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential solutions for community members that are having difficulty parking in Area IV for work purposes.
Vice Mayor Simmons 10/21/13 (O-1)
13-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of the MBTA posting weather-proof signage at eliminated and moved stops in the months following route adjustments.
Councillor Cheung 10/21/13 (O-4)
13-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on enacting a moratorium or other mechanism including a possible ordinance change restricting new cell phone towers until there is a clear policy on placement of such towers in residential neighborhoods.
Councillor Maher 10/21/13 (O-8)