RECONSIDERATIONS
1. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Maher a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-90, regarding a report on the new traffic plan proposed for the Dunkin Donuts on No. Massachusetts Avenue.

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety-Community Policing Program for $38,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($27,817) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,183) to be used to fund a part-time coordinator to help create and maintain programs of public safety in North Cambridge.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for $65,893 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($19,668), to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($45,000), and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($1,225) to be used to provide substance abuse prevention services for Cambridge seniors and transportation for Cambridge seniors to medical appointments and weekly food shopping trips.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from Mount Auburn Hospital for $15,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($14,120) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,380) to be used to support two 28-week ESOL classes provided by the Cambridge Community Learning Center at Mt. Auburn Hospital.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of a McKinney Homeless grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account for $24,516 to be used for costs related to serving 9 homeless individuals with disabilities in Cambridge through Shelter Plus Care, administered by the Cambridge Housing Authority.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Federal Government for $868,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($156,088), to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($712,365), and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($47) to be used by the Department of Human Services Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-94, regarding whether the City should initiate a discussion with Harvard, MIT, Lesley and Cambridge College regarding establishing a Cambridge-based post-secondary school.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-99, regarding plans by the owners of 2464 Massachusetts Avenue to close Edmunds Street to through traffic.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-93, regarding the condition of the Father Callahan Playground on Concord Avenue.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-65, regarding implementing full cut-off lighting.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-104, regarding a report on efforts the City has taken to ensure that residents are being informed of recent incidents of rabid animals.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-98, regarding a report on the possible taking of land at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Magoun Street.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-91, regarding a report on ensuring that parking spaces proximate to schools are the first swept on the morning of a scheduled street cleaning.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-96, regarding a report on simplifying the information on the City's web page about applying for absentee ballots.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-97, regarding a report on the use of green machine to clean sidewalks and on steam cleaning efforts.

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 the Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan on an application received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 615 Concord Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

3. Placed on the Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan on an application received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 28 Elliot Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

4. Placed on the Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan on an application received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 226 Main Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

5. Placed on the Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan on an application received from Bank of America, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1000 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

6. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Maher a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-90, regarding a report on the new traffic plan proposed for the Dunkin Donuts on No. Massachusetts Avenue.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from The Comedy Studio, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 1238 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. An application was received from Cafe Dilara, requesting permission for a sign and awning at the premises numbered 645 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding Harvard's development.

2. A communication was received from the Charles River Conservancy, transmitting thanks for the City Council's resolution on RiverSing and the permanent lighting of the Weeks Footbridge.

3. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding a precise Constitution.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding police.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Recognition of the Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Fire Department, Lucy Matos and Joseph Braga for their assistance in the fire that occurred on November 1, 2004 on Windsor Street.   Councillor Toomey

2. Congratulations to John Paul and Patrice Logiudice on the birth of their son, Michael Angelo Logiudice.   Councillor Toomey

3. Get well wishes to John and Joel Burke.   Councillor Toomey

4. Condolences on the death of Alfred Sayles.   Councillor Reeves

5. Resolution on the death of Esther Athanas.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

6. Resolution on the death of John T. Kiely.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher

7. Resolution on the death of Antonio F. Sousa.   Councillor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of 1st Lieutenant Matthew Lynch.   Vice Mayor Decker

9. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Jeremy D. Bow.   Vice Mayor Decker [The resolution incorrectly identified him as Jeremy Dow. - 2/1/05]

10. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal John Byrd, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

11. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kelley Courtney.   Vice Mayor Decker

12. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Travis Fox.   Vice Mayor Decker

13. Resolution on the death of Corporal Christopher Lapka.   Vice Mayor Decker

14. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Andrew Riedel.   Vice Mayor Decker

15. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Michael Scarborough.   Vice Mayor Decker

16. Resolution on the death of Specialist Segun Akintade   Vice Mayor Decker

17. Resolution on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Michael Battles Sr.   Vice Mayor Decker

18. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Stephen Downing, II.   Vice Mayor Decker

19. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jerome Lemon.   Vice Mayor Decker

20. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Maurice Fortune.   Vice Mayor Decker

21. Resolution on the death of Francis X. Moran.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Resolution on the death of Stanley George Babcock.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Resolution on the death of Maria Concetta Capozzi.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Recognition of Frederick Gerard for his hard work with and on behalf of the residents of 150 Erie Street.   Councillor Simmons

25. Congratulations to Sheldon Cohen as he is honored at a YMCA special luncheon.   Mayor Sullivan

37. Resolution on the death of Lillian M. Powers.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to present a plan to publicize or sign a bike route from Cambridgeport north to Broadway and beyond.   Councillor Davis.

2. City Manager is requested to appoint a subcommittee to start developing proposals to bring to the State to deal with the conditions and needs of the State funded Cambridge Housing Authority units.   Councillor Maher

5. City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to install bike route signage at the Johnson Gate in Harvard Square.   Councillor Davis

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. 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 October 7, 2004 to continuing discussion on the condition of the state-owned units of the Cambridge Housing Authority with the view of establishing a subcommittee to further explore possible solutions.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on October 12, 2004 to continue discussion of a new or renovated police station.

3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio and Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chairs of the Special Committee to Review the Election for Mayor, for a meeting held on October 13, 2004 for the purpose of providing an opportunity for parents and other concerned citizens to comment on the method of election of the mayor as it relates to the public school system and to discuss the direction that the committee would like to take on the matter.

4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on October 20, 2004 to discuss the establishment of criteria for naming squares and the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) format for displaying online all the Cambridge Squares that have been named for someone, along with some information about the person for whom the square is named .

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on October 20, 2004 to discuss City Council Order Number 14 regarding the purview of City Council Committees and their role in policy development.

6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor , Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee, for a meeting held on October 26, 2004 to discuss a report on parking passes and permits issued by the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and to discuss clearly marked bicycle routes through the City's major squares and other areas where obstacles are created by such things as one-way streets. The committee will also discuss the "Points of Safety."

7. 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 October 27, 2004 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to increase the filing fee for a zoning petition in Section 1.53 of the Zoning Ordinance from $75 to $150 to be consistent with the new filing fee approved by the City Council in its amendment to the Municipal Code on June 14, 2004 .

8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a meeting held on October 28, 2004 for the purpose of receiving a report of the results of a survey of citizens' satisfaction and opinion with regard to city services.

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

Tues, Nov 9
11:30am   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion regarding a new or renovated police station. At the meeting, committee members and administrative staff will also agree upon a regular monthly meeting time.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Nov 10
9:00am   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss transportation for seniors and accessible taxi cabs.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 15
8:30am   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a facilitated working meeting for the City Council to set FY 06 priorities. No public comment.  (Water Dept, 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 16
10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on a funding mechanism for an annual expenditure relative to public celebrations.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Nov 18
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Police Review and Advisory Board ("PRAB") Ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 22
2:00pm   Government Operations and Rules Committee  (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 23
9:00am   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss health of children, obesity and environmentally healthy buildings.  (Sullivan Chamber)
10:00am   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss School Master Space calendar and receive an update on a discussion with School Principals on the issue of space, and to receive an update on Summer Programs.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Fri, Dec 10
9:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the discussion of obesity in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm   Roundtable City Council Meeting. Joint public meeting with the School Committee for a discussion of school related issues. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Location TBA)

Wed, Dec 15
2:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss follow up on snow clearance issues and any other matters that might come before the committee.  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

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

Mon, Jan 10, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 24, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 31, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 7, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 14, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 28, 2005
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     November 8, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan to publicize or sign a bike route from Cambridgeport north to Broadway and beyond.

O-2     November 8, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a subcommittee to start developing proposals to bring to the State to deal with the conditions and needs of the State funded Cambridge Housing Authority units.

O-5     November 8, 2004
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to install bike route signage at the Johnson Gate in Harvard Square.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Housing Committee held a public meeting on October 7, 2004 beginning at 4:30pm in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of continuing discussion on the condition of the state-owned units of the Cambridge Housing Authority with the view of establishing a subcommittee to further explore possible solutions.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair of the Committee, Councillor David P. Maher, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Gregory Russ, Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority, (CHA), Christopher Cotter, Director of Housing, Community Development Department, CDD, Cassie Arnaud, Housing Planner, CDD, Terry Dumas, CHA, Jack Geary, CHA, Gloria Leipzig, CHA, Michael Johnston, CHA, William Pippins, Member of the Community Preservation Committee, Kathy Podgers, resident of Pearl Street, Cambridge, MA.

Councillor Galluccio convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He welcomed Gregory Russ, the newly appointed executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority, to his first meeting of the Housing Committee, and invited him to speak. Mr. Russ stated that on Monday he and Gloria Leipzing toured the state-owned units. From the CHA perspective they are under funded both for operating and capital expenses. For the third year in a row the operating expenses have been held at zero percent increase. This is a stark contrast to the federally owned units. He distributed fact sheets and briefly described the information therein (Handouts #1-6).

Mr. Russ then invited Terry Dumas to present more details about the issue and to answer questions.

Councillor Galluccio asked about Woodrow Wilson Court. Ms. Dumas said that Woodrow Wilson Court is currently undergoing construction, but some important aspects have not been funded by the state. The funding came out of bond bills in 1994 and 1998. The CHA submitted requests for rehab for all of the buildings, fifteen separate funding requests.

Councillor Maher asked how long is the wait for rehab funds from the state. Ms. Dumas responded that the wait has been stretched out to seven or even ten years. There is no predictability as to when there will be another funding round. In the last funding round, the projected statewide need was $650 million; the Legislature passed $300 million. However, the state’s bond cap lowers the actual amount available even more.

Ms. Dumas stated that the CHA has submitted a proposal for Lincoln Way and Jackson Gardens. The proposal requests permission to use the federal operating subsidies originally allocated for units at the JFK and Washington Elms projects that were eliminated in the rehabilitation and density reduction.

Mr. Russ said that the CHA believes that to do this ownership would need to change from state to federal. Councillor Maher asked whether the State is reluctant. Ms. Dumas said that the CHA does not yet know; but they are hoping not.

Councillor Maher asked if HUD is reluctant and Ms. Dumas said that the CHA does not know this yet either. She said that the leftover operating subsidy would be enough total subsidy to fund all but approximately 12 of the 106 at Lincoln Way and Jackson Gardens.

Councillor Galluccio asked why would the federal government want to take on units in such disrepair. Mr. Russ said he expects that part of the deal would be that the CHA would have to come up with the funding for the needed renovations. He noted that federal subsidies could be attached to tax credit projects, so there would be the possibility of tax credit funding for the rehab.

Councillor Galluccio stated this would still leave the other state units. Ms. Dumas said that if 93 out of 106 units at Lincoln Way and Jackson Gardens could be rehabilitated, along with the planned rehab for the Woodrow Wilson Court, that would be significant progress.

Councillor Galluccio observed that the CHA would then be left with finding capital funds for Jefferson Park and finding a way for the CHA to deal with the revenue shortfall in state funding. He stated that ultimately if no more State funds are forthcoming the CHA will probably need to increase its revenue stream by adding some higher income units. Ms. Dumas said that the State Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is doing this in Somerville at the Mystic Project. There is a skew of 20 percent of the units to use the money for debt service repayment.

Councillor Galluccio asked whether, with Cambridge in a better situation, the CHA could renovate, using tax credits funding and then increase the allowable income for some tenants to pay for the operating costs. Ms. Dumas said that the problem is that tax credits can only be used for renovations for units that will go to tenants with incomes of no greater than 60 percent of median income. Councillor Galluccio asked whether the rehab project could use tax credits for rehab of the units to be occupied by tenants with incomes up to 60 percent of median plus Community Preservation Act funds for renovations of the units to be occupied by tenants with incomes of 60-80 percent of median income. Ms. Dumas said yes they could but the amounts needed are huge.

Councillor Galluccio noted that these units are at the point where the conditions are such that the CHA cannot get the rents they are asking. He emphasized the importance of getting the stakeholders to visit and observe how bad the conditions are.

Mr. Russ said that the State wants to raise the tenants’ contribution to 35 percent of their income. He said that they are starting to have some prospective tenants decline the units. The CHA’s concern is that unless the CHA acts now, the units will have to be held off line. He added that they would like to make the capital outlays a one-time expense. The numbers have to work and the community has to buy in.

Ms. Dumas said that the CHA would really like to have a social mix in population incomes from 0 to 80 percent. Mr. Russ said that it is not clear that the State is going to solve its operation short fall. Ms. Dumas said that even 30 percent of the units going to tenants with incomes of 80 percent of median would not solve the problem. She said that part of the solution could have been with the Moving to Work agreements but that program expires in March 2006. They need to look at what options offer the best value and fewest trade offs.

Councillor Galluccio stated that part of what is needed is to get the stakeholders together, the City, the CHA, the CPA Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust. He said that these units belong to Cambridge just as much as any others. He asked whom the CHA would see as part of a subcommittee.

Mr. Russ said that he would think that CHA, City staff and resident representatives should be included. If there are other groups that might have funding, then invite them to come up with planning options as well. He noted that in the project that ultimately changed units at Roosevelt Towers from State to Federal operation funding, the State provided $4.5 million of capital funds.

Councillor Galluccio asked if the strategy is to keep on the planned track with Lincoln and Jackson and to try to deal with all of the State units at once. Mr. Russ responded that he does not like all the eggs in one basket. He added that the CHA could look at it as a phased project.

Ms. Rubenstein said that there should be someone from the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) involved. Historically, AHT money has been seen as funding for new housing. The position here is that it is also important to keep the affordable units Cambridge already has in service.

Councillor Galluccio stated that he would like to invite members of Community Preservation Committee and the AHT to walk through the units.

Councillor Maher made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a subcommittee to start developing proposals to bring to the State to deal with the conditions and needs of the State funded Cambridge Housing Authority units.

The motion passed without objection.

Kathy Podgers, Pearl Street, asked if all the units are handicapped accessible and whether there is grant money that would help pay for this. Ms. Dumas stated that the CHA is required to make all new construction and substantial rehab projects handicapped accessible. Mr. Russ added that no extra money is available in his experience.

Ms. Dumas stated that the CHA has a lot of handicapped units, and under the applicable regulations, these units have to be occupied by persons with physical disabilities and so they often end up going to tenants who are not Cambridge residents.

Councillor Galluccio stated that the City Manager should also think about having university representation in the subcommittee.

Councillor Galluccio thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:40pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on October 12, 2004, beginning at 2:08pm in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of continuing discussion of a new or renovated police station.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor David P. Maher, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Finance, Ronnie Watson, Police Commissioner, Michael Walsh, Deputy Superintendent, Cambridge Police Department, and Sergeant James M. Crowley, Cambridge Police Department.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She invited Mr. Healy to begin. Mr. Healy distributed a report on his activity with regard to a new police station (Attachment A) and discussed the material contained in the report. Mr. Healy reported that he has formed three committees, Public Outreach, Site Selection (Analysis and Search) and Planning and Design (Location and Criteria).

Mr. Healy also noted that the City will probably go out for proposals to employ a real estate consultant. Mr. Rossi explained that this would not be a broker. Councillor Maher said that this type of consultant arrangement helped Cambridge Family and Children’s Services find their new building. There was a discussion of sites. Mr. Rossi noted the importance of starting with an open mind, not immediately ruling out any particular site.

Councillor Davis asked about the possibility of putting parking under Western Avenue. Mr. Rossi said that this would require massive utility relocation. Councillor Davis asked if extending down Franklin, Western and Green, and using existing parking and parks would be feasible. Mr. Rossi emphasized the utility problem, and the cost.

Mr. Healy asked Councillor Davis to describe how she envisions the public process. Councillor Davis said that she believes that there should first be discussion on the need for a new police station and what would be in a new police station. She envisions a few meetings around the City to educate people. Councillor Davis said that these meetings should happen in the fall.

Mr. Healy said there could be four neighborhood meetings at the Tobin, Morse, King Open and the Peabody Schools and also a meeting with the business community. Councillor Davis said that the community meetings could build on the neighborhood sergeant’s meetings sponsored by the Police Department.

Commissioner Watson said that at the meeting there should be general discussion with the residents about what it would mean to have a police station in their area, what are the issues. Commissioner Watson said that it would be good to ask the residents questions, such as how often do you visit the police station and why.

Councillor Davis suggested the agenda for the beginning meeting as follows:
1. Discuss the history and need for a new police station
2. Talk about the criteria in a neutral, non-site specific way
3. Provide an opportunity for feedback

Councillor Maher stated that he believes that more time will need to be spent on educating the public on the need for a new police station. He suggested that residents be asked if they visited the police department in the last 5 years, how did they get there. Mr. Rossi noted that how easy it is to get to the police station in Cambridge now depends on where the person lives in Cambridge.

Councillor Davis said that she has gathered from residents that there is the sense that ease of access would affect community policing. She emphasized that there needs to be an open discussion about this issue. Mr. Rossi said that now most community meetings do not take place at the police station.

Mr. Healy said that the initial community meetings could have a slide show of current conditions, with a short questionnaire that could be filled out.

Councillor Davis said that in order to get support, there is a need to present the facts and issues in a way that is not defensive, and to give people an opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions.

Mr. Rossi asked what a questionnaire would be expected to yield. Commissioner Watson said information about how many times the residents have come to the police station and about what issues they would foresee with having a police station in their neighborhood.

Councillor Maher stated that it is important to say something about this current site and how it hinders the development of a 21st century program.

Councillor Davis asked whether there would be a role for the public as the process moves along.

Mayor Sullivan said that the public should be involved with the issue of how the building fits in with the neighborhood. Commissioner Watson agreed that the aesthetic quality of the setting would be an important concern of residential neighbors. Mr. Rossi suggested leaving the question of the scope of public participation until a little later in the process. He also emphasized that the City Council has already made the decision to have a new or renovated police station.

Councillor Davis asked about the timeline. Mr. Healy stated that the staff will have to develop a presentation; after that they can schedule public meetings. That would mean starting the meetings as least a month from now.

Lieutenant Walsh said that the Collaborative Leadership Group perhaps could be useful in this process. They are members of the public who have worked together with the police on issues of concern to the community in the past. Mr. Rossi said that this was a good idea. Commissioner Watson agreed that is could be helpful to give them a role in the process.

Councillor Davis suggested offering an opportunity to tour the police station. She cautioned that there is often a tendency on the part of the public elected officials to focus on the negative view.

Councillor Davis moved the discussion to the content of the presentations and suggested including the following items:
1. History of need
2. Financing capability
3. Criteria
4. Issues the City is facing

Councillor Davis said that she wants to be sure that the process is not stacked against a central location; especially one that can be reached on the Red Line.

Councillor Maher said that Cambridge Hospital is not on the Red Line and a lot of people go there.

Mr. Rossi stated that the criteria for scoring the proposals could provide for more points for a central location in the criteria.

Mr. Rossi and Commissioner Watson both said that they felt that the appropriate time for the public meetings is January and February. Councillor Davis noted the next meeting of the committee is scheduled for November 9, 2004 at 11:30am and thanked all those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:35pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Special Committee to Review the Election for Mayor held a public meeting on October 13, 2004, beginning at five o’clock and fifteen minutes P. M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of providing an opportunity for parents and other concerned citizens to comment on the method of election of the mayor as it relates to the public school system and to discuss the direction that the committee would like to take on the matter.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair, Kenneth E Reeves, Co-Chair, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Councillor Galluccio convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He then invited public comment.

Richard Clarey, Brookford Street, stated that the current system of election of the Mayor by the City Council results in unseemly disputes among the City Councillors. He said that a city with an elected mayor would never have treated the CRLS football team the way it has been treated in past years, although that has improved recently.

Robert Winters, Broadway, stated that he hopes this proposal dies in committee. The problems of the public schools are huge, but he has no idea what the connection is to the football team.

Terence Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Chamber of Commerce, stated that the uncertainty in the period between the election of the City Council in early November and the election of the Mayor is of concern to the business community. In general the business community feels that City is well run and is not looking for a change in the City Manager form of government. Mr. Smith said that he is also here as a citizen who has worked for two mayors. After a mayor is elected, there is another transition of a new staff in the mayor’s office, which lasts for another four weeks.

Councillor Reeves noted that the last two mayors were elected at the inaugural meeting on the first Monday in January. Mr. Smith said that the issue is not who is the mayor in January; it is the two months between the election of the City Council and the Mayor. Business people like certainty in government.

Councillor Davis stated that she believes that it is within the purview of this committee to recommend the establishment of a date certain upon which the mayor must be chosen, with a default to the senior member of the City Council or some other pre-designated choice if there is no choice by the specified date.

Dennis Friedland, Cambridge resident, stated that as long as there is proportional representation election with a city manager form of government, there will not be a culture of accountability. The only thing that would work would be a totally separate mayor who cannot run for city council.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, stated his third son went through five years in the Cambridge public schools. The problem of accountability is a serious one. He recommended the book Education and the Cost of Efficiency. The idea of having the mayor as part of the school committee is a very good one. Accountability can be addressed by the voters electing the mayor directly. We must start with the educational goal of educating citizens. To make this change, a strong mandate is needed. If there is an elected mayor, it should be by majority vote only, done by runoff elections.

Councillor Galluccio reported that in a previous meeting the Mayor of Worcester spoke and noted that when Worcester switched to a popularly elected mayor, the schools became a very important part of the campaign discussion and the election.

Councillor Reeves said that Councillor Galluccio was very good at supporting the CRLS football team as mayor.

Councillor Galluccio then invited City Council comments.

Councillor Simmons stated that whatever the committee decides, there is the possibility of the mayor sitting on the school committee but not being the chair, as is the case in some other cities and towns, including Sharon she believes. Candidates for the school committee campaign totally on school issues. The mayor does not. She would be interested in looking at the conversations on the issue of changing the method of electing the mayor that took place in previous years.

Councillor Reeves said that Councillor Simmons’s proposal that the mayor not be chair of the school committee, could be called the proposal for "Demotion of the weak Mayor."

Councillor Simmons said that the School Committee could decide to choose the mayor as its chair, or it could decide to choose another person.

Councillor Galluccio said what about letting the voters choose the chair of both by having a popularly elected mayor.

Councillor Simmons said that electing a mayor does not make the decision less political. She does not see electing the mayor as a way to fix the schools and, in addition, the schools have improved.

Councillor Davis said that the Superintendent of Schools is the person to hold accountable for the schools. And the school Committee is the body that is supposed to hold the Superintendent accountable. She believes that politics "messes up the system."

Councillor Galluccio said that the superintendents come and go.

Councillor Davis replied that has not been the case in Cambridge.

Councillor Galluccio said that what we have here is not working that well for the schools.

Councillor Simmons stated that she does not believe that the quality of the schools rises or falls on one individual.

Councillor Reeves said that when he went to schools conferences as Mayor, he observed that there are many school districts where the school committee and superintendent of schools do not get along.

Councillor Simmons stated that if we are talking about electing a mayor in order to make the schools better, let us instead look at the whole school picture. The mayor is not the most important ingredient.

Councillor Reeves stated that he would like to know where the parents are, why they are not at this meeting.

Councillor Simmons said it might be better to take this committee to other places in the community to get more input from the parents.

Councillor Reeves noted that many residents do not even know who the mayor is.

Councillor Murphy stated that he would like to think about what are the functions of the mayor. He listed the following functions:
Acting as School Committee Chair
Being a liaison between schools and City Council
Running City Council meetings
Making City Council Committee assignments
Acting as a cheerleader for the City.

Councillor Murphy stated that he would like to hear from other city councillors about their concepts of the functions of the mayor.

Councillor Galluccio said he supports a strong city manager and also believes that it is very useful to chair a body made up of people that you did not run against. He stated that his view of the work of the mayor is 20 percent cheerleader and mediator on the City Council and 80 percent leadership of schools. He noted that the mayor has the power to negotiate teacher contracts.

Councillor Simmons said that the mayor comes to the School Committee with his or her own perspective and can affect the agenda for good or bad and change the direction of the School Committee. She said that she can look at every mayor and list the good things the mayor has done on the School Committee, but it does change the agenda. She does not want to see the School Committee driven by one person’s campaign promises.

Councillor Maher stated that he agrees with part of what everyone has said. He has served for 14 years as an elected public official. During that time, he has served with several mayors. While he was on the School Committee, there were several different mayors and they have all brought different things. The change in mayor as school committee chair has not been bad, rather it has been generally positive because each mayor adds something different. Councillor Maher emphasized that the accountability for schools lies with the Superintendent of Schools. It is important for the School Committee to make that change when necessary. He is open to looking at other ways of choosing a mayor, but he has not yet seen anything to persuade him of the need to make the change. Councillor Maher also said that he would be more likely to accept something that would allow someone to run for both mayor and city council, if they choose. He noted that these meetings have not been well attended, which may be indicative of the public’s lack of interest.

Councillor Davis stated that she is concerned about unintended consequences. She thinks that the intertwining of the two bodies is valuable and would not like to see that changed. She added that she does not see that putting the mayor on a different plane from all the other members of the School Committee would positive.

Councillor Reeves stated that in this system the city manager is the mayor, the City Manager has all the executive power. His view of the mayor’s job is that it depends on what the individual who is mayor brings to it. He noted the following parts of the job:
Council
Negotiation of school contracts
Jump into the middle of neighborhood controversies, racial controversies
Councillor Reeves said that being the mayor is many, many jobs. To him the idea that job is all or mostly leadership of the schools is an extraordinary notion.

Councillor Reeves made the following motion:
ORDERED: That all future meetings of the Special Committee to Review the Method of Election of the Mayor be televised.

The motion passed without objection.

Councillor Reeves said that the committee needs to do more or different outreach. He suggested a statistically valid telephone survey.

Councillor Maher stated that the City is currently doing a statistically valid survey on city services. It cost approximately $25,000. He added that he heard from a number people who got notice of this hearing. He questions how many more outreach attempt this committee will making.

Councillor Reeves said that he has always been surprised at how few people came to previous discussions on this issue. He has always told member of the public, people who were interested in changing the way the mayor is elected, that they should get together, sign a petition, etc.

Councillor Simmons stated that she believes that many residents do not know what the mayor’s job entails.

Councillor Maher said that he believes that the committee was formed with a narrow mandate. He would be willing to look at improvements to the way that the City Council elects the mayor.

Councillor Reeves stated that he gave the Clerk an article about a Massachusetts Municipal Association panel discussion between mayors and city managers about the strengths and weaknesses of both. He would be interested in hearing such a panel discussion. Councillor Reeves encouraged informal conversations among members of the public and City Councillors on this topic. He thanked all those present for their interest and participation.

On a motion of Councillor Murphy, the meeting was adjourned at 6:43pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair

Committee Report #4
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on October 20, 2004, beginning at 2:15pm in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the establishment of criteria for naming squares and the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) format for displaying online all the Cambridge Squares that have been named for someone, along with some information about the person for whom the square is named.

Present at the meeting were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Lisa Peterson, Commissioner of Public Works, Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of the Historical Commission, Mary Hart, Director of the MIS Department, Jeff Amero, GIS Manager.

Councillor Maher convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that there are currently many request for naming squares, and there are no criteria for making decisions about for whom squares still available for naming should be named.

Councillor Davis noted that there is also a memorial tree program. Commissioner Peterson said that there is fee of approximately $200 for memorial trees. In addition, there is no plaque at the tree site; there is a book in a central location in which all the memorial trees and the people whom the trees commemorate are listed.

Councillor Davis said that there would not be much cost to an individual for dedicating a tree or bench that the City was already planning to install. Commissioner Peterson agreed, but said that the problem would be that people would want the trees or benches in particular neighborhoods, like the square signs, and that might not be where the City is already planning to install benches or trees.

Councillor Maher suggested that when benches are ordered in the future, the benches be the type that can accommodate a plaque.

Councillor Davis said that the plaques should not read "In memory of . . ." Dedication signs should commemorate a person’s life. She finds commemorative stones that are located on sidewalks and in parks and look like tombstones, although they are not, particularly repellant.

Councillor Maher asked Commissioner Peterson about the DPW costs incurred in a dedication of a street corner. Ms. Peterson said that she would estimate the costs as $350-400. This does not include the costs incurred by the City Council Office. Ms. Peterson said that she had more specific information about the costs that she could forward to the committee.

Councillor Davis suggested a nomination process, with a certain number of dedications allowed per year.

Councillor Maher said that perhaps each councillor should be allowed to sponsor a certain number per year. Ms. Albano said that in her experience, some councillors receive many more requests from residents for corner dedications than others.

Councillor Maher suggested a process in which nomination/applications are referred to the Government Operations Committee, which could meet twice a year before the corner dedication seasons (May-June and September-October), to review the applications and make recommendations to the City Council.

Mr. Sullivan suggested having a limit of 25 per year, accumulating the applications for a committee meeting as Councillor Maher described and including geographic criteria.

Commissioner Peterson stated that it would be helpful to have some criteria about the placement of the sign as well. City Manager Healy stated that the ultimate decision regarding sign placement should be determined by the Superintendent of Streets and Sidewalks, not by the family of the honoree and not by a member of the City Council. Ms. Albano emphasized the importance of making everyone aware that the City cannot guarantee a particular intersection or placement of the sign. City Council orders for dedication of particular locations should always read "in the vicinity of" the particular location.

The City Clerk distributed a rough draft for a possible application (Attachment A). It was agreed that the application should include a personal statement.

It was agreed that the Chair of the Committee, with the assistance of the City Clerk and the Assistant to the City Council, would draft a proposed policy incorporating the ideas and recommendations made at this meeting and bring the proposal back to the Government Operations Committee for further discussion. Councillor Maher noted the importance of all members of the City Council reaching an agreement on the way to handle dedications; otherwise, something that might look good on paper would be useless in practice.

Councillor Maher then moved to the issue of the possibility of the City developing a GIS format for displaying online all of the Cambridge squares that have been named for someone, along with some information about the person for whom the square is named.

Ms. Hart stated that MIS would need an inventory of the squares that have already been dedicated. Ms. Peterson said that DPW has the last six years of square dedications on an Excel spreadsheet, which includes the name of the square, the street and cross street of the location and the year installed. Ms. Hart said the requested GIS display of location and information about the honoree would require the data in its own database with an interface. Once that is constructed, there is a wide variety of information that can go into the interface, including photographs.

Ms. Drury said that all of the dedication resolutions are included in the City Council database in the category of policy orders and resolutions, and they all contain significant amounts of biographical information about the person for whom the square is named. The database includes all of these orders from the end of April 2003. Earlier resolutions are in the City Clerk’s Office files and it would require significant research hours to compile.

All present agreed that this is a worthwhile project. Mr. Sullivan said that the Historical Commission gets many questions about the signs naming squares for individuals. Councillor Maher noted that the project relates to the City Council’s goal of building community.

The City Manager cautioned that the City Council will need to have patience about how quickly they see the finished project. This is work that needs to be fit in with already work plans that are already full.

Councillor Davis said that it is very understandable that the project will take time and that; particularly the efforts to go back to add previously dedicated squares would have to be a "back burner project." Councillor Maher suggested that perhaps an intern could be helpful with that portion.

Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

DRAFT
Name of Person to be honored: _____
Please attach a personal statement about the honoree._____
Reasons for being honored (please check all that apply):
* Military Service_____
* Lifelong/Long time Cambridge Resident_____
* Worked in public Service in Cambridge. Please describe._____
* Active in civic affairs in Cambridge. Specify activities_____
* Significant contribution to the Cambridge community. Please describe._____
* Significant contribution to society. Please describe._____
* Other:_____
References: Must be Cambridge Residents)_____
Geographic area for dedication sign: _____
Applicant’s Name: _____
Address_____Telephone No.:_____
Action Recommended by Government Operations Committee: Date: _____
Approve_____ Defer_____ Disapprove_____

Committee Report #5
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public hearing on October 20, 2004, beginning at three o’clock and twenty minutes P. M. in the Ackermann Room. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing City Council Order Number 14 regarding the purview of City Council Committees and their role in policy development (Attachment A).

Present at the hearing were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, and Councillor E. Denise Simmons. Also present were City Manager Robert Healy, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez and Assistant to the City Council Sandra Albano, and Chief of Staff to the Mayor Garrett Simonsen.

Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited Mr. Healy to begin the discussion. Mr. Healy said that committees are making large demands on administrative staff. He noted a recent committee meeting to which twenty city staff were invited. In addition the meetings are scheduled with little regard to the schedules of the city staff, including his weekly Tuesday 2:00pm management meeting with his senior staff. Councillor Maher asked Mr. Healy if he would like to review the list of administrative staff to be invited before the committee meeting notices are sent out.

Mr. Healy stated that such a procedure might be helpful. When staff get notices of the meetings, they think they have to come but it is up to their department head to direct them to attend or not.

Councillor Simmons stated that she would like to see the rules reflect the appropriate procedures.

Mr. Simonsen said that Mayor Sullivan’s intention in submitting the order was to address the issue of committees having meetings that are not within their jurisdiction.

Councillor Maher stated that he has seen on several occasions city staff sitting around waiting for committee members to show up. Perhaps there should be a rule that if the meeting does not start within fifteen minutes of its assigned time, the meeting is considered canceled.

Councillor Davis stated that a committee meeting that becomes a large planning effort involving many administrative staff members should go back to the City Council for further discussion and approval. Councillor Davis stated that the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk should not schedule committee meetings at the same time as Mr. Healy’s management meetings are scheduled (currently, Tuesday at 2:00pm on the Tuesdays after the Monday City Council Meeting).

Mr. Healy said that he would prefer that the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk invite only department heads and leave it to the department heads to decide what staff should attend.

Councillor Maher made the following motion:
WHEREAS: The City Council desires to improve the efficiency of the committee meetings and promote the efficient use of administrative staff and non-disruption of staff work plans; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to provide some recommended guidelines for staff involvement in committee meetings and to report back to the Government Operations and Rules Committee.

The motion passed without objection. All members of the City Council present expressed their agreement with the motion.

It was further agreed that the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk will do their best to give the City Manager the list of proposed invitees 48 hours before they send out the notices.

The issue of quorums for committees was brought up and may be considered at a future meeting. It was agree that the issue discussed at this meeting would remain in committee for further discussion.

Councillor Maher thanked those present for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned at four ’clock and forty-five minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

Committee Report #6
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking, Committee held a public meeting on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, beginning at eleven o’clock and fourteen minutes A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a report on parking passes and permits issued by the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and to discuss clearly marked bicycle routes through the City’s major squares and other areas where obstacles are created by such things as one-way streets. The committee will also discuss the "Points of Safety."

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Lenore Lawrence, Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department, Stephen Roberts, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Division, Community Development Department (CDD), Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner, CDD, Rosalie Anders, Project Administrator, CDD, Catherine Preston, Parking Transportation Demand, Management (PTDM) Officer, CDD, Sergeant Kathy Murphy, Community Relations, Police Department, Lieutenant Jack Albert, Traffic Division, Police Department, Lieutenant John Sheehan, Community Relations, Police Department, Richard Scali, Interim Director, License Commission and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Aileen Maguire, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Robert Travers, 54 Fulkerson Street and Ken Laser, 189 Charles Street, Cambridge, MA.

Councillor Davis convened the meeting and stated the purpose. A report was submitted by the City Manager on parking passes and permits issued by the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-42 (Attachment A). Councillor Davis requested Ms. Clippinger to give an overview of the report.

Ms. Clippinger stated that the residential parking permit began in 1973 to discourage single occupancy vehicle trips in the City and to ensure that residential streets are not utilized for free parking. In order to secure a Resident Parking Permit proof of residency in Cambridge of the motorist and the vehicle must be presented to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. She highlighted Visitor Parking Permits, the Consideration Program, Temporary Permits, City-Wide Permits and Placards provisions of the report. One Visitor Permit is issued per household for the use of visitors. If elderly residents need an additional Visitor Permit a written request must be submitted to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department explaining the justification for the need. If an event occurs such as a wedding or a funeral the departments will give a special consideration. Consideration request can be submitted on line.

Councillor Davis asked how much lead-time is needed for the Consideration Program. Ms. Clippinger responded that a twenty-four hour notice is great. Councillor Davis asked about the Consideration Program on weekends. The office is closed on weekends; however, supervisors are in the office on weekends and may see a Consideration Request stated Ms. Clippinger. Temporary Permits are provided for people who need to re-register their car; two weeks are allowed for this situation. Business Permits are issued to businesses, such as the Visiting Nurses Association, who visit residential households. City-Wide Permits are issued to city employees who are required to use their own car to visit various areas in the City; however, the employee is not allowed to park around their office with the City-Wide Permit. City-Wide Permits are attached to the vehicle and are valid May 1st to April 30th. The School Department Permit runs from September and is valid for the school year. The permits are valid only if a teacher teaches in two or more schools.

Councillor Murphy asked what is the number of City-Wide Permits. There are 239 City-Wide Permits issued year to date. The School Department Permits began in 2003; prior to 2003 these permits were included in the Citywide number stated Ms. Clippinger. She informed the committee that the only placard honored by the City is the Post Office Mail Carrier Placard. The placard is only authorized when a post office employee gets to their route. Councillor Murphy asked if there is anyway to track how many violations have been issued for placards and City-Wide Permits. Ms. Clippinger responded in the negative because the violation for this offense is parking in a residential permit area.

Councillor Simmons asked what provisions are made for the clergy and liturgical staff for parking in the City who do not reside in the City. No parking is provided stated Ms. Clippinger. Some business permits have been issued to clergy, but this does not allow the clergy to park at their church. Visitor passes should be used. A case can be made before a hearing officer to dismiss a ticket issued to the clergy. Councillor Simmons requested the Traffic Director to review this situation to see if there is any solution. Ms. Clippinger stated she wanted to work with individuals and help with the problem.

Councillor Murphy spoke about homemade placards and how this upsets residents because tickets are not issued. This needed to be enforced and tracked. This is a parking control officers training issue. Ms. Clippinger wanted to hear the complaints of residents; this feedback is invaluable. Department heads speaks to their employees. These vehicles are tagged. The parking control officers have a challenging job and this offense should be a specific violation with a high penalty stated Councillor Murphy. He asked if abuses of Visitor Permits are tracked. The Traffic Department is tracking abuse of visitor permits but there is no way to capture data on placard abuse. Councillor Murphy asked how are commercial permits tracked and if there is a time limit on these permits. Three day commercial permits are issued. Contractors come to the Traffic Department for street permits. It is hard to set a time limit on passes for construction. A new fee structure for construction vehicles is being reviewed and increased fees can have an impact on these vehicles being in the street.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Phillip Sego, 221 Norfolk Street asked what steps are taken to encourage parking control officers to enforce the placard policy. Ms Clippinger responded that the parking control officers are provided with information on what areas to be aware. She urged Mr. Sego to contact Ms. Lawrence in her department. He questioned the School Department Permit as it relates to a radius area. Ms. Lawrence informed Mr. Sego that the vehicle is restricted in a radius of the school listed on the permit.

Robert Travers, Sr. asked if city employees pay for parking permits. Ms. Clippinger responded in the negative. Mr. Travers stated that all employees, including teachers, should have to pay to park.

Councillor Davis stated that the Residential Parking Program should be on the Website. Ms. Clippinger would add the regulations to the Web. Councillor Davis suggested language to link to the "Consideration Program" stated that is refers to an exception. In response to a question as to why have Visitor Permits decreased, Ms. Clippinger stated that the program is stricter. If there is abuse, the permit is voided and applicant cannot get a permit for the year.

Councillor Davis now turned the meeting to the discussion of bike routes.

Ms. Seiderman distributed a Bicycle Facilities Map. Councillor Davis stated her concern is getting through city squares on bikes, specifically Harvard Square and Central Square to the north. Ms. Seiderman identified obstacle areas. The eastern part of the City from the River to Kendall Square is an area that is in process stated Ms. Seiderman. A connection from the Kendall Square Station to MIT is being reviewed. From the Harvard University river houses to Memorial Hall, Ms. Seiderman reported that Harvard is obligated to put up signs for the bike routes. The City would follow-up on this matter. Ms. Rasmussen spoke about unclear and confusing vehicular traffic. When Harvard Square construction is completed this confusion will be alleviated. Councillor Davis asked what is the bike route through Harvard Square. Ms. Anders commented that people can bike anywhere in the Cambridge Common.

Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate departments to install bike route signage at the Johnson Gate in Harvard Square.

The motion – Carried.

Ms. Seiderman stated that funding is needed to make a connection through Flagstaff Park. Councillor Davis commented what will it take to get signs that let people know that they cannot ride bikes on sidewalks. Councillor Murphy asked how do residents gain access to bike registration information. Sergeant Murphy stated that bike registration is done on line. Councillor Murphy suggested linking bike routes on the Web. Mayor Sullivan asked if the redesign of Porter Square will address both bike and pedestrian issues. Ms. Seiderman responded in the affirmative. The bike route for Central Square was discussed. Suggested preferred routes could be signed. Major destination points need to be included in the bike routes.

The "Points of Safety" was not discussed at this meeting.

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at twelve o’clock and twenty-eight minutes P.M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #7
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on October 27,2004, beginning at four o’clock and twenty-five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to increase the filing fee for a zoning petition in Section 1.53 of the Zoning Ordinance to from $75 to $150 to be consistent with the new filing fee approved by the City Council in its amendment to the Municipal Code on June 14, 2004.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David P. Maher, Councillor E. Denise Simmons and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.

Councillor Toomey convened the meeting and explained the purpose of the hearing.

Councillor Toomey then invited public comment. There was none.

Councillor Maher moved that the proposed amendment be referred to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Toomey thanked those present for their attendance. On a motion from Councillor Davis, the meeting was adjourned at four o’clock and fifty-seven minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair

Committee Report #8
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public working meeting on October 29, 2004 beginning at nine ’clock and seventeen minutes a. m. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of receiving a report of the results of a survey of citizens’ satisfaction and opinion with regard to city services.

Present at the hearing were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were City Manager Robert W. Healy, Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Finance Louis DePasquale, and Assistant City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff, and Public Works Commissioner Lisa Peterson.

Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He invited City Manager Healy began the presentation. He distributed copies of the summary of the survey results entitled "Topline and Data Tables" prepared by the company that conducted the survey, Opinion Dynamics Corporation (ODC) Attachment B. He also distributed his comparison of the results of the combined "Excellent" and "Good" responses for the three times that the survey has been done, 2004, 2002 and 2000. Attachment A. Mr. Healy stated that it has been very helpful to be able to look at citizen responses to the same questions over the six-year time period. He noted that the results are trending positively as compared to the results in 2002 and 2004, and he emphasized the significance of achieving a response of either "Excellent or Good" from 89 % of the respondents in the category of "Overall Quality of Life." Mr. Healy then introduced Ernie Paicopolos of ODC to summarize the top line survey results.

Mr. Paicopolos began by stating that ODC has done citizen opinion and satisfaction surveys for many municipalities in Massachusetts and in other states. It is very rare to see numbers as positive as the Cambridge numbers. Eighty-nine percent of respondents, that is four out of five, reported that their opinion of the quality of life in Cambridge is either excellent or good. Questions 5 and 7, Cambridge as a place to raise a child and Cambridge as a place to retire, reflect satisfaction on both ends of the life cycle and are a demonstration of the uniqueness of Cambridge as a place to live.

He then briefly reviewed the survey methodology, which is the same used for the previous two surveys. The survey was a statistically significant telephone survey of 400 Cambridge residents matching the demographics of the overall Cambridge population. The margin of error is 5%. The presentation then moved to the survey results. Residents see the most important issue facing the City of Cambridge today as housing and affordable housing, with education as a close second (page 1). Regarding the overall performance of government, six out of ten people surveyed say it is excellent or good. In terms of Massachusetts and the rest of the country, these numbers are extraordinary, as are the responses for overall quality of life noted above. Mr. Paicopolos noted that respondents were asked to rate the balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation, and 7% said the balance was excellent, 45% said it was good, 27% said it was fair, 12% said it was poor, and 9% answered that they did not know. In 2002, the total answering excellent or good was 44%, as compared to 52% in 2004 (page 4). Fifty nine percent of the respondents rate their ability to participate in government as good or excellent (page 4). He added that there is clearly a perception that Cambridge is making steady progress on the issue of affordable housing (page3), and he also pointed out a positive shift in the perception of the air quality (page 3).

Mr. Paicopolos stated that some of the most significant data from the survey involves findings regarding Internet usage. High use of the Internet rose from 78% in 2004 to 84% today, with frequent visits to the Cambridge website doubling over the same period, and 60% of respondents reporting that they are "very" or "somewhat" likely to use the Internet to carry out municipal transactions (page5).

Mr. Paicopolos noted a slight drop in the perception of Cambridge as a safe place, and a drop in the rating of the maintenance and cleanliness of city streets. Councillor Davis stated that she believes the opinion about the streets may come from the fact that Cambridge is engaged in some major street restorations that cause more dust and disruption while they are in progress. Mr. Paicopolos also noted that there is small drop in the rating of the Fire Department Services. Mr. Healy stated that he believes there needs to be a more specific identification of what Fire Department services are; he does not believe that citizens understand that the services encompass the emergency medical services, which are very popular with the citizenry. Councillor Maher also pointed out that the drop is from a high in October 2002, probably resulting from the events of 9/11.

Mr. Paicopolos pointed out that there is deterioration in the opinion about the quality of the public schools that bears watching (page 3). Ms. Semonoff stated that she would like to see cross tabs on education and children’s services that distinguish among the responses of people who have children and people who do not have children. Mr. Paicopolos stated that he would provide that information.

Councillor Davis agreed that such a breakdown could be helpful. She added that she believes that at this point, the negative opinion about the schools may come more from people without children who read about the problems in the newspaper. Parents with children in the school system seem to have more positive feelings lately. Councillor Davis asked the City Manager if he planned to share the survey results with the School Superintendent and Mr. Healy answered in the affirmative

Councillor Toomey said that people are sending their children to private schools for a reason.

There was a discussion about how to interpret the data regarding opinion of the school system and the number of children going to private school. The percentage of respondents sending their children to private or parochial schools has increased from 3% to 6%. The survey shows more school age children in Cambridge, but there are not more children enrolled in the public schools.

Councillor Maher said that the people moving in to Cambridge are not generally families with children, and the families with children who do move to Cambridge do not choose Cambridge for its school system.

Councillor Maher congratulated City Manager Healy and his entire management staff on the results of this survey. He said that this is a very positive report and a very positive trend of which city officials, staff and residents can be very proud.

On motion of Councillor Simmons the meeting was adjourned at 10:30am.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair