CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-168, regarding a report on modifications to traffic lights in Porter Square to compensate for the added congestion due to the closure of the Walden Street bridge for construction.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-161, regarding a report on coordinating with the Consumer Federation of America to develop a model local program which addresses the impacts of gasoline usage locally, nationally and internationally.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-162, regarding a report on incentive of "feebates" and other mechanisms to promote a decreased use of gas by Cambridge drivers

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-139, regarding a report on installing the Cub Scout Pack 302 sign helping visitors find their way out of the parking lot to the trail behind the Bulfinch buildings.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-106, regarding a report on the status of the special committee to address the needs and conditions of CHA state funded housing units.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc.  Tabled - Davis

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-171, regarding a report on the Leaf Blowers Task Force.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-164, regarding a report on the progress of a dog park at Pacific Street.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-160, regarding the percentage of expenditures in relation to the total city budget for street and sidewalk repair and maintenance.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-147, regarding St. Saveur Court.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-141, regarding a report on Inman Square area businesses attracting rodents to their garbage.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-166, regarding a report on the impact of the Walden Street bridge construction to traffic calming already established on Upland Road. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on City Manager Agenda Number Three of Oct 30, 2006.]
Placed on file under Rule 19 on November 6, 2006.

2. That the City Manager is requested to create a Citizen’s Advisory Board to assist the City in choosing a new Police Commissioner. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Sixteen Oct 30, 2006.]
AMENDED ORDER     November 6, 2006  Adopted on voice vote
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to create a Citizen's Advisory Board to assist the City in choosing a new Police Commissioner; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter by November 20, 2006.

ON THE TABLE
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-06 of Feb 27, 2006, regarding a report on the legality of the banners in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2480 Massachusetts Avenue and at other location in the City. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 27, 2006.]

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

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 4, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to rezone the remaining Business C-1 property on north Massachusetts Avenue to Business A-2. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 13, 2006. Petition expires Jan 2, 2007.

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 4, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to amend the zoning map at the end of Loomis Street by substituting the zoning designation Residence B for the current Industry B-2/Alewife Overlay District 1 designation for a portion of the lot at 61R Smith Place. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 13, 2006. Petition expires Jan 2, 2007.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A communication was received from Christine’s, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 91 First Street.

2. A communication was received from Cultural Survival, requesting permission for ten sandwich board signs in the vicinity of Broadway, Cambridge, Beacon, Quincy, Harvard Streets regarding the Cultural Survival Bazaar on December 2-3.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Senator Jarrett T. Barrios, regarding the renovation of the Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse.

2. A communication was received from Deborah Goldberg, transmitting thanks for the City Council’s thoughtful note and resolution.

3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding selective enforcement of City Council rules and the law.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Disability Law Center and City Council malfeasance.

5. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, transmitting a copy of a complaint she filed against the City of Cambridge and various individual employees.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Joseph S. Conley, Training Coordinator for Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12 Boston on his upcoming retirement.   Councillor Galluccio

2. Resolution on the death of Nancy M. (Spinosa) DiLando.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

3. Resolution on the death of Dorothea M. (Power) Sweeney.   Councillor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of G. Joseph Leahy.   Councillor Galluccio

5. Resolution on the death of Annette Fernie.   Councillor Davis

6. Congratulations to Joe Amoroso on being the newly elected President of the Middlesex County Bar Association.   Councillor Galluccio

7. Congratulations to the Cambridge Pop Warner’s D Team Football squad and B Team Cheerleading Squa for their second place finish in the Greater Boston League.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

8. Best wishes to the Simmons Family and their annual Kwanza Celebration.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Best wishes to the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center on their annual Hildebrand Dreams Gala.   Councillor Sullivan

10. Best wishes to Mount Auburn Hospital on the occasion of its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.   Councillor Sullivan

11. Best wishes to the Honorable Edward J. Rockett as he celebrates his birthday and impending retirement.   Councillor Sullivan

12. Congratulations to the faculty and students of the Graham and Parks on the occasion of their annual Oral History Project.   Councillor Sullivan

13. Best wishes to the East End House on the occasion of their annual Cooking for a Cause benefit on March 29, 2007.   Councillor Sullivan

14. Best wishes to Janus Films on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.   Councillor Sullivan

15. Resolution on the death of Max Meyer Wantman.   Councillor Sullivan

16. Resolution on the death of John E. "Red" Fennell.   Councillor Sullivan

17. Resolution on the death of Robert C. O’Reilly.   Councillor Sullivan

18. Congratulations to all the participants of the Haitian Cultural Festival which took place on October 28, 2006.   Councillor Davis

19. Urge all residents to honor the men and women who defend our country by celebrating Veterans’ Day on November 11, 2006.   Councillor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of 1st Sergeant Ricky McGinnis.   Councillor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Donald Brown.   Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Daniel Chaires.   Councillor Decker

23. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Thomas Gilbert.   Councillor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Komppa.   Councillor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan Thornsberry.   Councillor Decker

26. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Amos Bock.   Councillor Decker

27. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Richard Buerstetta.   Councillor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Specialist Carl Eason.   Councillor Decker

29. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Tyler Overstreet.   Councillor Galluccio

30. Resolution on the death of Seaman Charles Sare.   Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Specialist Nathaniel Aguirre.   Councillor Decker

32. Resolution on the death of Specialist Matthew Creed.   Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Willsun Mock.   Councillor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Nicholas Rogers.   Councillor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Major David Taylor.   Councillor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Clifford Collinsworth.   Councillor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nathan Elrod.   Councillor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Tony Knier.   Councillor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Nicholas Manoukian.   Councillor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Corporal Joshua Watkins.   Councillor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Kevin Witte.   Councillor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Private Edwardo Lopez.   Councillor Decker

43. Congratulations to the recipients of the 21st Scholarship Awards Ceremony of St. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.   Councillor Sullivan

44. Congratulations to the United States Marine Corps on the occasion of its 231st birthday.   Councillor Kelley

45. Congratulations to the Najarian family on the dedication of the "new" kitchen at The Salvation Army in honor of George and Dr. CarolAnn Najarian.   Councillor Sullivan

46. Resolution on the death of Carl E. Pilgrim.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Simmons

47. Resolution on the death of Miriam "Sis" (Koocher) Newman.   Councillor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of of Alfred J. Ferrari.   Councillor Sullivan

49. Resolution on the death of Ruth (Schachter) Morgenthau.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan

50. Resolution on the death of Herman Snyder.   Councillor Sullivan

51. Resolution on the death of Catherine F. Hitchcock.   Councillor Sullivan

52. Resolution on the death of Margaret T. "Peggy" (Boehler) Zamparelli.   Councillor Sullivan

53. Happy 40th Birthday wishes to Paul McGlinchey.   Councillor Sullivan

54. Speedy recovery wishes to Michael Donovan.   Councillor Sullivan

55. Resolution on the death of Olivia (O'Brien) Norman.   Councillor Simmons

56. Congratulations to the "Do It Your Damn Self!" Youth Video & Film Festival at the Brattle Theater on November 17-18, 2006.   Councillor Murphy

57. Encourage Cambridge residents to support the 7th Annual Bike Night Gala and Silent Auction on Monday, November 13, 2006 at Ryles Jazz Club.   Councillor Sullivan

58. Congratulations to Cara Spalla, General Manager of the Hotel@MIT, as she embarks on her new career as Managing Director of the Hilton Regional Sales Center in Waltham.   Councillor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact entities operating fleets of vehicles in Cambridge to inform them of the state law on idling and that it will be enforced.   Councillor Davis

2. That the City Manager is requested to make a plan to plant replacement trees and additional trees as needed on Western Avenue.   Councillor Davis

3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the status of creating a dog park on Pacific Field.   Councillor Kelley

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads with the intention of making all parking that is currently reserved for the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, all Department Heads and the City Council be turned into either general residential parking spaces or metered parking spaces available to all.   Councillor Kelley
Order Failed 1-7-1 (Kelley voted YES, Murphy ABSENT)

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads with the intention of allowing neighborhood residents to park in the Spring Street Garage for all week for the current Monday-Friday rate.   Councillor Kelley

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads to determine what traffic management plans the City plans to implement in the Porter Square area until traffic is allowed over the Walden Street Bridge and costs of police details assigned to the Porter Square area.   Councillor Kelley

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on monies expended to needy veterans and their families.   Councillor Kelley  Tabled - Kelley

8. Support of recommendations from the Commission on Veterans’ Employment Opportunities as they relate to veteran benefits.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Kelley and Vice Mayor Toomey

9. That the City Manager is requested to examine the possibility of a traffic calming measure at the intersection of Clifton and Harvey Streets.   Councillor Davis and Vice Mayor Toomey

10. That the City Council Finance Committee and the City Manager hold a hearing and prepare a package of proposals for presentation to the new state administration regarding new tools to reduce reliance on property taxes.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy

11. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Inspectional Services Department relative to the constant breakdown of the elevators at the Burns Apartments.   Councillor Sullivan

12. That the City Manager is requested to contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation to repair the broken glazed cobblestones around the Route 16 rotaries.   Councillor Davis and Councillor Sullivan

13. That the City Council go on record that the priorities be to provide REC’s that maximizes the maximum feasible match of the Massachusetts Technology Council (MTC) or promotes new (since January 1998) renewable energy generation in our areas; renewable energy that benefits the New England grid; purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) that benefit local air quality; and resource types to include wind, solar, biomass and landfill gas.   Councillor Davis

14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Trans Canada, the current electric power supplier, and request that Trans Canada apply to the Massachusetts Technology Council (MTC) to become an eligible Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) provider to be able to receive match grant funds through the Clean Energy Choice Program.   Councillor Davis

15. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a recommendation to ramp up the yearly increase toward achieving the goal of 20% of renewable energy by 2010.   Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager is requested to provide information to the City Council about the average use of electricity and of water broken down by residence.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 18, 2006 to discuss the scope of work of the renewable energy consultant and to receive an update on the compact fluorescent light bulb campaign (CFL’s).

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 13
5:00pm   Roundtable Meeting to set City Council goals. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Central Square Library)

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

Mon, Nov 27
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting to discuss the License Commission’s cap policy. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 28
5:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the appointment and the responsibilities of the joint committee of the School Committee and the City Council to discuss lap top computers for high school students.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 8, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 22, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 29, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 5, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 12, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 26, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 5, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 12, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 19, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 26, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 9, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 23, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 30, 2007
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact entities operating fleets of vehicles in Cambridge, for example, taxi companies, FedEx, UPS, Verizon, Comcast, DHL, the US Postal Service, NSTAR, to inform them of the state law on idling and that it will be enforced.

O-2     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make a plan to plant replacement trees and additional trees as needed on Western Avenue.

O-3     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the status of creating a dog park on Pacific Field.

O-4     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a policy of encouraging alternative modes of transportation and limiting available parking; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has won awards for its transportation and parking programs; and
WHEREAS: High level City officials enjoy dedicated parking spots not available to general City residents, business owners or workers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads with the intention of making all parking that is currently reserved for the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, all Department Heads and the City Council be turned into either general residential parking spaces or metered parking spaces available to all; 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-5     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: On-street parking is exceptionally tight in East Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The Spring Street Garage is operated by the City and is not heavily used on the weekends; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads with the intention of allowing neighborhood residents to park in the Spring Street Garage for all week for the current Monday-Friday rate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-6     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The closure of the Walden Street Bridge has resulted in traffic disruptions throughout the Porter Square area; and
WHEREAS: In many locations the Cambridge Police Department has had to provide officers to help ease the flow of traffic; and
WHEREAS: Officers who are working these traffic details are not available to carry out other traffic enforcement actions; and
WHEREAS: The bridge closure is scheduled to last two years; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear that the City will be able to justify such heavy police staffing in this area for the next two years without short-staffing other important areas; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department heads to determine the location, duties, times and costs, both in regular pay and overtime, of police traffic details assigned to locations around Porter Square as a result of the Walden Street Bridge closure; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant Department Heads to determine what traffic management plans the City plans to implement in the Porter Square area until traffic is allowed over the Walden Street Bridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-7     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Many veterans do not enjoy the same fiscal health as non-veterans; and
WHEREAS: Many veterans face unique challenges at least partly due to their experiences in the military; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a variety of programs, including direct expenditures to needy veterans and their dependants, designed to support its veterans; and
WHEREAS: The monies expended to needy veterans and their families may not meet their daily living expenses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on monies expended to needy veterans and their families.

O-8     November 6, 2006
MAYOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Commission on Veterans’ Employment Opportunities has released its "Report of the Commission on Veterans’ Employment Opportunities"; and
WHEREAS: The report has made four suggestions for the benefit of Veterans; and
WHEREAS: The first calls for the enforcement of veterans’ preference in hiring for state and municipal positions under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 31, Section 25; and
WHEREAS: The second suggests that "Global War on Terrorism" veterans be added as a protected class for affirmative action purposes in state hiring; and
WHEREAS: The third suggests filing legislation that grants qualified employers tax deduction/incentives for every veteran that they employ; and
WHEREAS: The fourth recommends establishing a "Veterans’ Medical Leave Act" that would allow veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to be able to take time off from work, in addition to the 30 days that the current law allows; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of this recommendations; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Governor, The Massachusetts Sate House of Representatives and Massachusetts State Senate, and Tom Kelley the Secretary of Veterans’ Services on behalf the entire City Council.

O-9     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Motorists continue to use Harvey and Clifton Streets as a high speed short cut between Massachusetts Avenue and the Fresh Pond end of Rindge Avenue; and
WHEREAS: A raised intersection was installed to slow traffic on Clifton Street last year but not on Harvey Street; and
WHEREAS: Verizon is currently in the process of removing the asphalt at the intersection of Harvey and Jackson Streets, which would be an ideal location for a raised crosswalk or speed bump; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine the possibility of a traffic calming measure at this intersection before it is resurfaced.

O-10     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: Going back a couple of years, we have seen an increased reliance on property taxes because of a decrease in other funding areas, primarily local aid and other state and federal accounts; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council and City Administration have used current tools that are at our disposal to assist taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: These tools have been inadequate in many regards in our efforts to be fair to all taxpayers, particularly to those who have been disproportionately affected; and
WHEREAS: There has been much debate across this Commonwealth during this current election cycle relative to a variety of proposals to assist individuals and communities with this issues; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has held a number of hearings and a special committee was formed by the City Manager to address this issue, which developed a number of recommendations and proposals; and
WHEREAS: Tomorrow is election day and a new administration will be assuming office on January 3, 2007; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council Finance Committee and the City Manager hold a hearing and prepare a package of proposals for presentation to the new state administration.

O-11     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Inspectional Services Department relative to the constant breakdown of the elevators at the Burns Apartments.

O-12     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation to repair the broken glazed cobblestones around the Route 16 rotaries.

O-13     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record adopting the following priorities with regard to the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's):
  The maximum feasible match of the Massachusetts Technology Council (MTC) or promotes new (since January 1998) renewable energy generation in our areas;
  Renewable energy that benefits the New England grid;
  Purchase REC’s that benefit local air quality; and Resource types to include wind, solar, biomass and landfill gas.

O-14     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Trans Canada, the current electric power supplier, and request that Trans Canada apply to the Massachusetts Technology Council (MTC) to become an eligible Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) provider to be able to receive match grant funds through the Clean Energy Choice Program.

O-15     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a recommendation to ramp up the yearly increase toward achieving the goal of 20% of renewable energy by 2010.

O-16     November 6, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide information to the City Council about the average use of electricity and of water broken down by residence.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, at six o’clock and six minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the scope of work of the renewable energy consultant and to receive an update on the compact fluorescent light bulb campaign (CFL’s).

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Penny Peters, Assistant to Councillor Davis, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environment and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD), John Bolduc, Environmental Project Planner, CDD, Ellen Katz, Fiscal Director, Public Works Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Sue Butler and Kathy Reine, Green Decade, Karen Carmean, 1657 Cambridge Street, Cathie Zusy, 202 Hamilton Street and Radu Ruduta, student at MIT.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She requested Susanne Rasmussen to make a presentation.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that the city is working on a project to determine how the city could reach its goal to attain 20% of municipal energy from renewable sources by the year 2010. A single consultant would be used. A contract was made with Think Energy. Cambridge, Ann Arbor and Wisconsin will use this consultant. She distributed literature (ATTACHMENT A) that outlined the scope of what Think Energy would do and what Cambridge needed to contract out. Two things that Think Energy would do would be to buy Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) and how the supply would be generated. Think Energy needs to examine whether investment in the Wind Fund is good for Cambridge. She spoke about REC prices and by whom purchased. All forms of energy would be reviewed as well as the geographic origin. The vendor would determine the community campaign possibilities. Eventually REC’s will be purchased. Cambridge was awarded a pro bono campaign from the Center for a New American Dream organization. Mr. Bolduc commented that the focus would be on American consumption of energy by all entities. Ms. Wren stated that only existing REC certificates could be purchased by clean energy providers.

Marc Breslow expressed his concern about researching this issue to death. A lot of work has been done on REC’s. Harvard University, Brookline, Newton and Whole Foods have purchased REC’s. The City of Cambridge should not invent the wheel. Ms. Rasmussen responded that the city would get the vendor to assemble all pertinent information. Mr. Bolduc stated that an aggregate demand was done for the REC market. All the information will be secured to help Cambridge make the best decision.

Councillor Davis commented on the budgeting process and the purchase of REC’s. Ms. Rasmussen stated that a recommendation for purchasing REC’s would be before budget time. Councillor Davis stated that the City Council could recommend that thirty or more buildings, including the school buildings, be included in the Municipal Energy. Ms. Rasmussen stated that interest in purchasing REC’s is increasing.

Councillor Davis spoke about renewable energy generation and the purchase from old and new vendors. This information will help with the Request For Proposal (RFP). Ms. Butler stated that Green Decade could bundle small REC’s and Cambridge could purchase REC’s. Whole Foods could be an entity to help Cambridge purchase REC’s. Mr. Breslow wanted REC providers to provide a community campaign. MTC, he said, is doing this work. Ms. Breslow also discussed the quality of REC’s. Mr. Bolduc stated that there is an issue in buying REC’s outside of Massachusetts.

Councillor Davis stated that she wanted an analysis brought back to this committee.

Ms. Rasmussen spoke about Cambridge establishing priorities; for example, where REC’s are purchased. Mr. Breslow commented about the supply outside the grid versus in the grid. There should be a priority that REC’s be matched two to one by the state, responded Councillor Davis. Ms. Rasmussen suggested framing the priorities. The City of Cambridge has a $20,000 maximum contribution.

At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record that the priorities be to provide REC’s that maximizes:
The maximum feasible match of MTC or promotes new (since January 1998) renewable energy generation in our areas;
  1. Renewable energy that benefits the New England grid;
  2. Purchase REC’s that benefit local air quality; and
  3. Resource types to include wind, solar, biomass and landfill gas.

The motion carried.

The committee proceeded to discuss the generation asset ownership options in the documentation.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that a discussion is needed with Trans Canada about what they can provide the City. Cambridge has a contract with Trans Canada until 2010.

Mr. Bolduc informed the committee that Trans Canada has not applied to MTC for match grants.

At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Trans Canada, the current electric power supplier, and request that Trans Canada apply to MTC to become an eligible REC provider to be able to receive match grant funds through the Clean Energy Choice Program.

The motion carried.

Ms. Rasmussen reviewed items numbered two through seven. Strategies for purchasing will also be outlined.

Councillor Davis informed the committee that Hull, Massachusetts is talking about windmills. Ms. Rasmussen stated that a bid would be submitted soon for renewable energy installations. A consultant assessment of City facilities to house renewable energy systems would be conducted. A review would be done of small wind turbines and opportunities as well as looking into getting a third party involved to share energy. Maximizing MTC grant funding would be sought.

Councillor Davis asked about the timeline. The consultant would report back fairly soon and bids would be due back within three to four weeks, stated Ms. Rasmussen. Mr. Bolduc commented that the timeline needed to be worked out. Councillor Davis asked if the spring of 2007 is a fair assumption. Ms. Rasmussen responded in the affirmative.

A discussion ensued about reaching the 20% of municipal electricity from renewable sources by 2010. At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a recommendation to ramp up the yearly increase toward achieving the goal of 20% of renewable energy by 2010.

The motion carried.

In response to a question regarding whether the 20% applied to the entire city, Councillor Davis stated that 20% applied only to city government. The community campaign is to educate the entire community. Ms. Carmean commented on community involvement. She suggested using the Harvard University model that uses children whose parents work for the university. She stated that she would like more children involved. Ms. Rasmussen stated she would get information from Harvard about their program.

At this time Councillor Davis updated the committee about the CFL’s. NSTAR has offered to work with the school to sell CFL’s. The bulbs would be provided free to the schools. Seven school groups have signed up to work with NSTAR. The seven school groups are:
  Amigos
  CRLS environment Club
  King Open
  Baldwin
  Kennedy/Longfellow
  Haggerty
  Fayerweather School

The King School is looking into the program. Councillor Davis commented that this is a good start to get people to be aware. The money raised goes to the fundraiser. A member of the public wanted the city to do more in the area of conservation, especially to review the yearly usage of energy. Average usage should be included in the bill. Ms. Carmean suggested that the Water Department provide normal water usage for one, two and three bedroom households. Ms. Rasmussen suggested that this information be included in the city publication, "City Life." Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide information to the City Council about the average use of electricity and of water broken down by residence.

The motion carried.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees. The meeting was adjourned at seven o’clock and eighteen minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair