Cambridge City Council meeting - November 7, 2005

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2.3 million to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Equipment account from Free Cash to provide funds for the construction costs for the Northeast Sector Project at the Fresh Pond Reservation.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-183, regarding a report on traffic calming measures on Pemberton Street.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-168, regarding the possible transfer of the lot at Binney and Fulkerson to be used as a dog park.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-193, regarding an update on improvements to the intersection of Blanchard Road and Grove Street.

ON THE TABLE
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

2. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

3. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc.

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Toomey on May 9, 2005 on an order requesting the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to amend the City Charter to provide for popular election of the Mayor in the next municipal election.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. 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 November 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 February 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.]

6. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a hearing held on September 21, 2005 for the purpose of considering amendments to Section 12.18 of the Municipal Ordinances entitled "Standardizing the Placement and Maintenance of News Racks." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after October 31, 2005.

7. Amendment of the Municipal Code in Section 2.24.050 entitled "Fee Schedule" by adding Registered Electrolysis fee of $35.00. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after November 7, 2005.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from The Rendezvous, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 502 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters approval pending.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Joan Ranaghan and family, transmitting thanks for your expression of sympathy on behalf of their mother, Bernadine Ranaghan.

2. A communication was received from Mary Ann Armstrong, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

3. A communication was received from Dawn Michanowicz, Tango at the Factory, transmitting a signed petition support the dance groups at the VFW.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding property taxes and the ADA.

5. A communication was received from Alice Simpson, transmitting thanks for your condolences on the death of her husband, James.

6. A communication was received from Paul Toner, President, Cambridge Teachers Association, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the resolutions commemorating the retirement of sixty-five members.

7. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding the City's Human Rights Ordinance and ADA compliance.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Rindge Tech Alumni Association on its 110th Anniversary. Mayor Sullivan

2. Congratulations to the winners of the Hall of Fame Awards at the Rindge Tech Alumni Association’s 110th Anniversary Dinner. Mayor Sullivan

3. Wishes for a very speedy recovery to Cambridge Police Officer, Timothy O’Brien. Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Paul A. Balordi. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

7. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Dillon Jutras. Vice Mayor Decker

10. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Kenny Rojas. Vice Mayor Decker

11. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jonathan Spears. Vice Mayor Decker

12. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert Eckfield, Jr. Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Daniel Lightner, Jr. Vice Mayor Decker

24. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Vincent Summers. Vice Mayor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Thomas Wallsmith. Vice Mayor Decker

28. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Ramon Acevedoaponte. Vice Mayor Decker

29. Thanks to Deputy Chief Edward Mahoney Jr. and firefighter Walter J. Grace Jr. for their heroic efforts in rescuing ten tenants from a building on fire in East Cambridge in the early morning of November 1, 2005. Mayor Sullivan

31. Welcome to the new city daily newspaper, Cambridge Day, to Cambridge. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves

36. Good luck wishes to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin girls varsity soccer league as they go on to the MIAA Division One State Tournament. Councillor Galluccio

37. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys Varsity Soccer Team on qualifying for the MIAA Division One State Tournament. Councillor Galluccio

38. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Girls Varsity Volleyball Team on qualifying for the MIAA Division One State Tournament. Councillor Galluccio

42. Encouraging all Cantabrigians to attend the Thirty-Fifth Annual Christmas Revels: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Sanders Theater on the Harvard University campus from December 16 through 30, 2005. Mayor Sullivan

43. Urging all residents to honor the men and women who have defended our country, as well as those who are serving today, by celebrating Veterans Day on November 11, 2005. Vice Mayor Decker

44. Congratulations to Miles G. Thomas-Moore on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. Mayor Sullivan

45. Congratulations to the 2005 Inductees into the Boston College High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and to J. Barry Driscoll and John McNiece on receiving the "Man for Others" award. Mayor Sullivan

47. Best wishes to Mary Sullivan on her retirement from Boston College High School. Mayor Sullivan

48. Resolution on the death of Francis M. Dukeman. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

50. Congratulations to the Rendezvous Restaurant on their opening in Central Square. Councillor Davis

51. Congratulations to Christine Szafran and Brian Fisher on their wedding. Mayor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to contact the appropriate City department with the goal of initiating senior discount days at Shaw's Supermarkets in Cambridge. Councillor Galluccio

2. The City Manager is requested to designate the City task force on new technology to meet with MIT in order to collaborate on furthering wireless access in the City. Councillor Davis and Councillor Murphy

3. The Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable meeting on Senior housing concerns. Councillor Simmons

4. Urging Cambridge businesses to hire veterans in support of Hire-A-Veteran, and opposition to continued cuts in benefits to veterans and their spouses made by the Bush administration, and that the City Manager is requested to contact the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to confer with the Chamber of Commerce to notify small businesses in Cambridge. Vice Mayor Decker

5. The City Manager is requested to investigate the possibility of placing bike racks near MBTA stations. Councillor Simmons

6. The City Manager is requested to confer with Community Development Department to initiate a process by which repeat qualified applicants be given "a point" for repeat Application For Affordable Housing units. Councillor Galluccio

7. The City Manager is requested to submit a report on provisions of parking for motorcycles, motorscooters and mopeds. Councillor Davis

8. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate departments to inform the construction companies at North Point to wash off all construction vehicles before leaving the construction site. Councillor Toomey

9. The Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable Discussion relating to homeless and inebriated individuals sleeping on public benches, particularly in Central Square and Inman Square. Councillor Simmons

10. The City Manager is requested to confer with the License Commission relative to numerous disturbances at the Kentucky Fried Chicken at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street relative to trash pick-up at 4:30am. Mayor Sullivan

11. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Neville Place Board of Directors and the appropriate City department with the view in mind of installing lights at the base of the American Flag at Neville Place. Mayor Sullivan

12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City department with the view in mind of installing lights in the City-owned parking lot between Neville Place and Neville Center. Mayor Sullivan

13. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to have the bike lanes on Cambridge Street marked for bicycles. Councillor Davis

14. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to determine when the School Traffic Supervisors will be supplied with two-way radio equipment. Councillor Simmons

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to host a meeting for the residents of River Street from the 90 block down to the river regarding sewer breakdowns in the area, which are frequent and costly to the residents. Councillor Reeves

16. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to work with area residents to implement temporary traffic calming measures for Grozier Road. Councillor Murphy

17. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to meet with the residents of Dana Street to develop temporary and permanent traffic calming measures. Councillor Murphy

18. The City Council approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of the November 7, 2005 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,034.12. Councillor Toomey

19. City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Chief Assessor with the view of mailing information about the Fuel Assistance Program to homeowners whom the Assessors list as qualified for property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, low income persons and any other such exemptions or deferrals. Councillor Galluccio

20. City Manager is requested to report to the City Council on the number of Cambridge residents who received Fuel Assistance benefits last year, categorized by incomes tiers, and whether the recipients were tenants or homeowners. Councillor Galluccio

21. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to provide a schedule for the installation of curbs and sidewalks on Lowell Street and Channing Street. Councillor Davis

22. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with a time line for community meetings for the siting of dedicated dog parks. Councillor Davis

23. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to immediately fix the blinking light at Flagg Street and Putnam Avenue. Councillor Simmons

24. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to institute a hiring campaign for Traffic Safety Supervisors immediately. Councillor Simmons

25. The City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to correct the problem of the crosswalk at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to decrease the slipping hazard during inclement weather. Councillor Simmons

26. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to fix the potholes at the crosswalk in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. School. Councillor Simmons

27. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to investigate hiring an additional Traffic Safety Supervisor for the corner of Putnam Avenue and Magee Street. Councillor Simmons

28. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the possibility of a traffic mitigation (speed bump) at the Martin Luther King Jr. School. Councillor Simmons

29. Concern about the failure of Tocci Construction, Quadrant Group, Oak Tree Development and Nauset Construction to meet standards for wages and benefits. Councillor Simmons – CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY VICE MAYOR DECKER

30. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner relative to the numerous tires slashed in the East Cambridge area over the weekend of November 5, 2005, and to report said findings for the City Council meeting of November 14, 2005. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

31. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to give a status update on the basketball hoop repairs at Raymond Park. Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Chair of the Claims Committee, for a meeting held on October 31, 2005 to consider claims filed against the city.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on November 1, 2005 for the purpose of receiving information on Cambridge's Fuel Assistance Program and any other help available to lower heating costs this winter.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a meeting held on November 1, 2005 for the purpose of discussing how rents are set in private affordable housing developments and how the City can assist tenants in understanding their rights with respect to rent increases in these developments, and a discussion on condominium fees in inclusionary affordable condominium units.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 22
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code on Refuse and Litter. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on re-filed proposal by the Planning Board to rezone the Concord Alewife area. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to contact the appropriate City department with the goal of initiating senior discount days in stores in Cambridge.

O-2 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating MIT on the inception of an open wireless internet network on and around the MIT campus; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate the City task force on new technology to meet with MIT in order to collaborate on furthering wireless access in the City.

O-3 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable meeting on senior housing concerns, specifically the line of responsibility and jurisdiction of the senior living/assisted living located in several senior buildings, and that discussion also include, but not limited to the following:
- Who is responsible for the assisted living persons located in the senior buildings at 55 Essex, Putnam School;
- What is the nutritional value of meals (at 55 Essex Street);
- What is the use of the common area, etc.; and
- To whom can seniors go to render concerns and complaints.

O-4 November 7, 2005
VICE MAYOR DECKER
WHEREAS: On November 3, 2005, Governor Mitt Romney will kick off Hire-A-Veteran Month at the Massachusetts State House; and
WHEREAS: Throughout November, Massachusetts' One-Stop Career Centers will hold special workshops and information sessions to help veterans and their families learn about available employment resources; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking the state of Massachusetts for working so hard to ensure that all veterans have access to available employment resources; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Cambridge businesses to hire a veteran in support of Hire-A-Veteran Month; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Legislature and Governor Romney oppose continued cuts in benefits to veterans and their spouses made by the Bush administration; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and is requested to contact the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to confer with the Chamber of Commerce to notify small businesses in Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Governor Mitt Romney, the Secretary of Veterans Services, Thomas Kelley, and the Director of Workforce Development, Jane Edmonds on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of placing bike racks near MBTA stations.

O-6 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Community Development Department to initiate a process by which repeat qualified applicants be given "a point" for repeat Application For Affordable Housing units.

O-7 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to submit a report on provisions of parking for motorcycles, motorscooters and mopeds.

O-8 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate departments to inform the construction companies at North Point to wash off all construction vehicles before leaving the construction site to prevent dirt, debris and mud from spilling onto the surrounding neighborhood streets.

O-9 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: The Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable Discussion relating to homeless and inebriated individuals sleeping on public benches, particularly in Central Square and Inman Square, disorderly behavior, and the possibility of having a day-center or other appropriate site for these individuals to be where they are safe from harm or from harming others.

O-10 November 7, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the License Commission relative to numerous disturbances at the Kentucky Fried Chicken at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street relative to trash pick-up at 4:30 am. This situation is very disturbing to the neighbors, waking them up at a very early hour.

O-11 November 7, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Neville Place Board of Directors and the appropriate City department with the view in mind of installing lights at the base of the American Flag at Neville Place.

O-12 November 7, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City department with the view in mind of installing lights in the City-owned parking lot between Neville Place and Neville Center.

O-13 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to have the bike lanes on Cambridge Street marked for bicycles.

O-14 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to determine when the School Traffic Supervisors will be supplied with two-way radio equipment.

O-15 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to host a meeting for the residents of River Street from the 90 block down to the river regarding sewer breakdowns in the area, which are frequent and costly to the residents.

O-16 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to work with area residents to implement temporary traffic calming measures for Grozier Road while awaiting the second community meeting to develop consensus around traffic calming measures to be constructed in 2006.

O-17 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to meet with the residents of Dana Street to develop temporary and permanent traffic calming measures, given the volume of car and truck traffic, as well as the speed of the traffic.

O-18 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of the November 7, 2005 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,034.12.

O-19 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and the Chief Assessor with the view of mailing information about the Fuel Assistance Program to homeowners whom the Assessors list as qualified for property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, low income persons and any other such exemptions or deferrals.

O-20 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the number of Cambridge residents who received Fuel Assistance benefits last year, categorized by incomes tiers, and whether the recipients were tenants or homeowners.

O-21 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to provide a schedule for the installation of curbs and sidewalks on Lowell Street and Channing Street.

O-22 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with a time line for community meetings for the siting of dedicated dog parks.

O-23 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to immediately fix the blinking light at Flagg Street and Putnam Avenue.

O-24 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to institute a hiring campaign for Traffic Safety Supervisors immediately.

O-25 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to correct the problem of the crosswalk at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to decrease the slipping hazard during inclement weather.

O-26 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to fix the potholes at the crosswalk in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. School.

O-27 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to investigate hiring an additional Traffic Safety Supervisor for the corner of Putnam Avenue and Magee Street.

O-28 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to investigate the possibility of a traffic mitigation (speed bump) at the Martin Luther King Jr. School.

O-29 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Tocci Construction, Quadrant Group, Oak Tree Development and Nauset Construction are companies that have employed immigrant workers at low wages and without benefits and are involved in the construction of the Russell Street Condominium; and
WHEREAS: These workers will not be able to provide health insurance to their families; and
WHEREAS: Russell Street Condominiums will sell for prices starting at $496,000.00, a price workers building these homes will never be able to afford for themselves; and
WHEREAS: These practices fly in the face of the Responsible Employer Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: These practices do not constitute Fair Labor Practices; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its concern about the failure of Tocci Construction, Quadrant Group, Oak Tree Development and Nauset Construction to meet standards for wages and benefits; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Tocci Construction, Quadrant Group, Oak Tree Development and Nauset Construction on behalf of the entire City Council. – CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY VICE MAYOR DECKER.

O-30 November 7, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner relative to the numerous of tires that were slashed in the East Cambridge area over the weekend of November 5, 2005; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report said findings back to the full City Council for the City Council meeting of November 14, 2005.

O-31 November 7, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to give a status update on the basketball hoop repairs at Raymond Park.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Claims Committee held a public meeting on Monday, October 31, 2005 at four o’clock and forty minutes p.m. in the Ackermann Room.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk. Also present were Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor and Paul Kawai, Assistant City Solicitor.

Councillor Toomey opened the meeting and explained the purpose. Thereupon the committee moved to the consideration of the following claims.

CLAIMANT	NATURE OF CLAIM	AWARD
Mark Bonacci, 62 Homer Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138	Vehicle was scratched by DPW employees during trash pick-up on Homer Avenue, Cambridge, MA.	Approved
Laura Beth Chamberlain, 29 North Hancock Street, Lexington, MA 02420	Vehicle struck a raised manhole cover on Fayerweather Street, Cambridge, MA.	Approved
Dominic DePrimio, 121 Charles Street, Cambridge, MA 02141	Vehicle was struck by a snow plow while it was parked on Charles Street, Cambridge, MA.	Approved
Sarah A. Lacci, 22 Augustus Road, Waltham, MA 02452-5705	Fence was damaged by a bobcat which was clearing snow from the Haggerty School on Cushing Street, Cambridge, MA.	Approved
Mayflower Poultry Company, 621 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141	Garage door was damaged by a truck which was carrying signs backed into it.	Referred to the next meeting
Marianne Pugatch, 43 Alpine Street, Cambridge, MA 02138	Trash truck struck parked vehicle in front of 43 Alpine Street, Cambridge, MA.	Approved
Henry Segourney, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138	Vehicle struck a manhole cover on Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA.	Referred to the next meeting
Charlene A. Spain, 362 Rindge Avenue, #21B, Cambridge, MA 02140	Claimant tripped and fell in the crosswalks of Walden Street and Smith Place in Cambridge, MA.	Approved

ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of the November 7, 2005 Claims Committee in the total sum of $2,034.12.

Committee Report #2
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 beginning at three o’clock and fifteen minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving information on Cambridge’s Fuel Assistance Program and any other help available to lower heating costs this winter.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Brian Murphy, D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Kathy Mitchell, Fuel Assistance Director, Department of Human Services (DHS), Paul Schlaver, Executive Director of the Consumer Council.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He stated that he would start with public comment, and invited members of the public who signed up to speak to begin.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, stated that she found information about the HEARTWAP; a weatherization program based in Arlington that says it operates year round. However, there is one application for Cambridge Fuel Assistance and HEARTWAP, and Fuel Assistance will not accept applications until mid-October, so she does not understand the mechanics. She also objected to the NSTAR requirement that would require an energy audit to get credit for her energy efficient boiler. She also noted that many of the people who need help do not have access to computers, so information on web sites does not help them.

Councillor Galluccio then asked Ellen Semonoff to introduce the presenters at the table. Ms. Semonoff introduced Kathy Mitchell, Fuel Assistance Director, DHS and Paul Schlaver, Executive Director of the Consumer Council. She distributed a written description of the fuel assistance available to Cambridge residents (See Attachment).

Councillor Galluccio then listed the following questions that he hoped this meeting would address:
* How does the Fuel Assistance Program work?
* Where does the funding come from?
* In light of heightened fuel costs; is there any hope for additional assistance for paying heat bills?
* Are these programs effective vis a` vis Cambridge demographics?

Ms. Semonoff stated that for the last several years, the Fuel Assistance Program (Low Income Heating Assistance Program) has been completely dependant on federal funding through a federal program in which the funds flow through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to the City. Several years ago, there was also some state funding, and there may be some funding this year, because there is a $20 million pending state appropriation. Ms. Semonoff said this is a highly regarded program. Cambridge administers the funding for Cambridge and Somerville. She believes that the City of Cambridge may be the only municipality that runs a fuel assistance program. Most are run by anti poverty agencies. The program operates from November 1 to April 20. Cambridge works closely with Menotomy, the Arlington agency that administers HEARTWAP, and its schedule does not prohibit timely application on the HEARTWAP program.

Kathy Mitchell then described the application process and eligibility. The program serves low-income residents at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. They do a re-certification mail out to families who received benefits the previous year in September. New applicants have face-to-face interviews. The program starts taking new applications in mid-October. The amount of the fuel subsidy is based on family size and income. This year the benefit ranges between $265 and $765.

In response to a question from Councillor Galluccio, Ms. Mitchell said that last year the program served 801 Cambridge households. She said that she does not know how many were tenants and how may were homeowners, but she will provide that information to the committee.

Councillor Galluccio asked approximately how many residents, based on census data, would be eligible but do not apply. Ms. Mitchell noted that tenants whose heat is included in the lease are not eligible, so there are many low-income tenants living in subsidized projects who are counted by the census but are not eligible for fuel assistance.

Councillor Galluccio observed that 200 percent of the federal poverty level is $38,600 for family of four, which is pretty low. Ms. Semonoff agreed, and noted, however, that fuel assistance eligibility income is higher than some other low-income benefits.

Ms. Semonoff stated that the DHS staff would investigate whether data from the Assessors’ records could be helpful.

Councillor Galluccio said that looking at property tax assessment data is a very good idea. Staff should review the lists of homeowners who have received property tax exemptions based on income, veteran status, and disability or senior age. This information could be helpful in identifying the low-income homeowners who are struggling to stay in their homes and could benefit from the Fuel Assistance Program.

Councillor Galluccio noted that the report states that because seniors tend to use more heat, they pay more in fuel costs. He asked about other sources of assistance. Paul Schlaver, Director of the Consumer Council, said that actual dollar assistance is hard to find. The price of oil is approximately 20 cents per gallon more than last year. The bill stuffer from NSTAR offers information about the Fuel Assistance Program. All agencies that work with seniors and low income are trying to be sure that their clients know about the programs.

Mr. Schlaver said that there is more protection for people who have gas or electric heat, for example, shut off protection for the winter months begins October 15th. He stated that when deregulation took effect, agencies serving low-income clients, worked very hard to be sure that low-income protections and energy efficiency programs remained in effect.

Councillor Galluccio asked whether the funds in the Fuel Assistance Program ever run out. Ms. Mitchell said that the money is not guaranteed. It is first come first served, but they have not had to turn anyone away for several years. In the last two years Cambridge has not spent all the money that was available.

Councillor Galluccio submitted the following two motions:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant Manager for Human Services and the Chief Assessor with the view of mailing information about the Fuel Assistance Program to homeowners whom the Assessors list as qualified for property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, low income persons and any other such exemptions or deferrals.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council on the number of Cambridge residents who received Fuel Assistance benefits last year, categorized by incomes tiers, and whether the recipients were tenants or homeowners.

Ms. Semonoff noted two other sources of funding through programs administered by DHS. One is Citizen’s Energy, for which availability starts December 1st. Last year through Citizen’s Energy, a client was able to purchase 175 gallons of oil at $1.00 per gallon or to receive $150 payment applied to their gas or electric heat if they had a shut-off notice. A total of 150 clients were served through this program and received this benefit in addition to fuel assistance.

The other program is the FEMA utility program that makes money available at the end of the heating season. Last year the grant was $9,500.00, which enabled DHS to pay high bills at the end of the season for 35 families.

Councillor Murphy noted that although there is slight increase in actual funding available this year, relative to the fuel price increases, it is a dramatic cut. He expressed concern about the abyss that many vulnerable residents will face this winter. He said that he agreed with Councillor Galluccio that now is the time for outreach. He asked about wait lists for the Menotomy HEARTWAP program and NSTAR weatherization. Ms. Mitchell will provide that information. She said that HEARTWAP gets a specific amount of money for the programs.

Councillor Galluccio asked if the information about the number of households could be broken down by income tiers. He noted that here are homeowners who are paying up to 50 percent of their income for mortgages, taxes, fuel costs, and other utilities.

Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at three o’clock and fifty-three minutes P. M.

Committee Report #3
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on November 1, 2005 beginning at four o’clock P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The four P. M. meeting was held for the purpose of discussing how rents are set in private affordable housing developments and how the City can assist tenants in understanding their rights with respect to rent increases in these developments, and a discussion on condominium fees in inclusionary affordable condominium units was scheduled for four o’ clock and fifteen minutes P. M.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Christopher Cotter, Housing Director for Community Development Department (CDD), Robert Vining, Homebuyer Coordinator, CDD, and Cassie Arnaud, Project Planner, CDD.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained that the purpose was to look for opportunities for CDD to assist tenants in subsidized but privately owned buildings to understand their rights with respect to rent increases, and also maintenance issues. He said that he would like to lay out and discuss the issues briefly and then come back for another meeting in three to four weeks to hear strategies from the CDD staff. Councillor Galluccio then described the telephone calls that he gets from tenants in privately owned but subsidized units, with the rumors about rent increases and plans to eliminate affordability.

Christopher Cotter, Housing Director for CDD, stated that each development is different, with different funding sources and regulatory restrictions. When CDD gets calls they look to the regulatory agreements.

Councillor Galluccio said that it would be helpful if the tenants could have a contact person at CDD that they could feel comfortable calling. A lot of tenants are reluctant to deal with the management companies in their buildings. Ms. Rubenstein said that if tenants call CDD, the staff would research the funding source and restrictions for the tenants. They could be referred to the Just-A-Start mediation program or Legal Services if there seems to be a legal problem or a need for mediation between the tenant and landlord.

Mayor Sullivan asked if there could be some sort of matrix that sets out the various funding sources and rent regulations for the different buildings. Ms Rubenstein said that they would look at the documents to see what is possible.

Mayor Sullivan asked if rents are capped for low-income units. Mr. Cotter stated that it depends on the project.

Councillor Galluccio said in those cases where the rents are capped for low-income tenants, the increases go to the moderate-income units.

Peter Daly, Executive Director of Homeowners Rehab, Inc., said that this is a timely discussion, this issue is going to get bigger. He has heard that gas prices will go up 30 percent. There is also talk of an insurance increase. Owners are looking to pass on the increases.

Councillor Galluccio said that he worries about the captive moderate-income tenants.

Councillor Galluccio then moved to the 4:15pm issue regarding condominium fees for affordable home ownership units, which are required in private condominium developments by the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Increases in these fees can mean that owners of the affordable units cannot afford the costs. Sometimes the fee increase is for expensive repairs. Other times, the owners want to make improvements that will increase the values of the condos. He asked if the City should be looking at some sort of cap on the condo fees for the affordable units or whether the City should allow the owners fees to go up and allow the owners of the inclusionary units to receive a little more equity back at the end.

Mayor Sullivan asked whether this should depend on how many units there are in the building. He pointed out that is easier for the other owners in a 300 unit building to absorb the cost that cannot be passed on to the affordable units than for owners in a 12 unit building.

Mr. Cotter said that this issue is reflected in the sales price of the units. State law requires that condo fees be assessed based on value. Cambridge requires that the value of the affordable unit reflect the limited equity restriction. Mr. Cotter noted that with required condo fee increases that increase the equity, there is an allowance for an increase in the equity in the affordable units.

Councillor Galluccio pointed out that the allowance is capped at one percent per year. He urged some thought toward solutions that will promote harmony and not separate affordable homeowner from the others.

It was agreed that CDD would review this issue and report on its recommendations at the next meeting, along with its overview of the rent increase issue discussed earlier.

Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at three o’clock and twenty-five minutes.