Cambridge City Council meeting - Nov 9, 2015 - AGENDA
[Councillor Cheung was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Danielle Sauvé as a member of the Cambridge Public Arts Commission for a term of three years effective Nov 9, 2015.
Nov 9, 2015
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Danielle Sauvé, as a member of the Cambridge Public Arts Commission for a term of three years effective Nov 9, 2015.
Ms. Sauve has a great deal of positive experience in the art world and a broad skill set that would be an asset to the Commission and strong compliment to those skills already in evidence with the existing membership. In addition to being a practicing artist, Ms. Sauvé teaches art and sculpture at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and at Boston University. She has extensive curatorial and exhibition experience, has served on professional art juries and selection panels, and, in 2014 was one of the artists selected by the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association to create a temporary public artwork at the historic Powder House at Magazine Beach.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-92, regarding a report on the possibility of outfitting fire emergency response vehicles with GPS.
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-43, regarding that the Retirement Board examine the potential of excess fees being charged by UBS Realty to investors.
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant in the amount of $1,180,090 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($273,578), to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($906,012) and to the Travel and Training account ($500) which will allow the Department of Human Service Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board for $111,553 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($67,000) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($44,553) and will be used to reimburse the City for salary costs associated with enrolling income-eligible youth in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program and to support program costs for work sites taking large numbers of youth and developing worksites for youth participants.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Jacob's Foundation for $7,300 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account and will be used to support the salary costs of a part-time Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) Career Counselor who will provide services exclusively to CLC students on site.
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from Lesley University to the Cambridge Charrette on Homelessness in the amount of $1,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will support expenses related to the Cambridge Charrette on Homelessness held in September, 2015.
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-42, regarding a report on the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers.
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-105, regarding determining whether the Cambridge Historical Commission has the authority to initiate a study for a possible designation of a Neighborhood Conservation District without exercising its jurisdiction during the study period to administer the area as through it had already been designated.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointments to the Reservoir Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee. The Committee will serve until the study is completed. The Committee anticipates completing the study and finalize recommendations by June of 2016:
Peter Ellis
Bob Higgins
Arch Horst
Bracebridge H. Young, Jr.
Joseph Ferrara
Chandra Harrington
Susannah Tobin
November 9, 2015
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointments to the Reservoir Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee. The Committee anticipates completing the study and finalize recommendations by June of 2016:
Peter Ellis
A Cambridge resident since 1957, Peter Ellis is a retired partner of the law firm Foley Hoag LLP where he specialized in intellectual property law. He continues to do pro bono legal work and serves on the boards of two educational foundations. When his children were younger, he coached both boys and girls teams in the Cambridge Youth Soccer program.Bob Higgins
A Cambridge resident since 2005, Bob Higgins is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and Founder and General Partner at Causeway Media Partners. He is also a Founding Partner at Highland Capital Partners and teaches Social Entrepreneurship at the Kennedy School of Government. From 1971-1973, Bob served in Washington as the Assistant to the head of the International Division of the Treasury and as Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce.Arch Horst
A resident of Brewster Street since 1986, Arch Horst is a licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects. As President of Black River Architects, Inc. and Partner of MarketPlace Associates, he has been the principal in charge of projects across the country for clients including museums, schools, and retail companies. He has also designed 125 residential projects. Arch was a member of the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal for 12 years.Bracebridge H. Young, Jr.
A resident of Cambridge since 2005, Bracebridge Young is a Partner and CEO of Mariner Investment Group LLC and a General Securities Principal for Mariner Group Capital Markets, Inc. He has worked in New York, Tokyo, and London for Goldman Sachs before coming to Mariner's. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Social Finance, Inc., a Boston-based nonprofit as well as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Buckingham Browne & Nichols school in Cambridge.Joseph Ferrara
A Cambridge resident for almost 30 years, Joe Ferrara is leads a life sciences global consulting team for Boston Healthcare, working with biopharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and health care IT clients in market and business development strategy. Formerly a professional architect, Joe has served on the Half Crown NCD Commission and has served as an alternate member of the Cambridge Historical Commission since 2009.Chandra Harrington
A fourth-generation Cambridge resident, Chandra Harrington is now retired but worked as the Director of Collections and Exhibits at the Boston Museum of African American History on Beacon Hill. Chandra was first appointed to the Cambridge Historical Commission as an alternate member in 2005 and was appointed as a member in 2009. She is currently serving as the Historical Commission's representative on the Community Preservation Committee.Susannah Barton Tobin
A Cambridge native, Susannah Tobin grew up on Newport Road. Her grandfather was a Kerry Corner resident. She is a graduate of the Harvard Law School where she currently works as a Lecturer. She is the Managing Director of the Climenko Fellowship Program and Assistant Dean for Academic Career Advising. She directs the First-Year Legal Research and Writing Program and teaches a section in the program. She is the Chair of the Harvard Crimson Graduate Council and serves on the board of The Henrietta Peabody Foundation. She has served as an alternate member of the Cambridge Historical Commission since 2009.Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the City's collaboration with the YWCA Cambridge and its Family Shelter operated at 3 Bigelow Street.
12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-81, regarding a report on how the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Placed on File and Referred to Econ. Development & University Relations Committee - McGovern
13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the amount of $34,251 to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will support the purchase of computer equipment in new police cruisers.
14. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's (MAPC) Bicycle-Pedestrian Enforcement grant in the amount of $31,100 to the Grant Fund Police Salary and Wages account which will provide increased enforcement of high-crash intersections and the collection of relevant data.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from the Boston Ballet, 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, requesting permission to hang twenty-three temporary banners on electrical poles on in Harvard Square. These banners will promote the Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker. The temporary banners will be hung from Nov 23 to Jan 4, 2016. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Benzan on Applications and Petitions Number Four of Nov 2, 2015.]
Tabled - Benzan
ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-60, regarding a report on restaurant employee parking. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Twenty-five of Sept 21, 2015. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Sept 28, 2015.]
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-107 and Council Order Number 54, dated 9/21/15, regarding the minimum wage. [City Manager Agenda Number Six of Sept 28, 2015 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Mazen.]
4. That the Council go on the record to state that the second Monday of October henceforth be commemorated as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Cambridge, in recognition of the indigenous people of America's position as native to these lands, and the suffering they faced following European conquest of their land. [Order Number Fifteen of Oct 19, 2015 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan.]
5. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair of the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 20, 2015 to discuss coordinating local resources to provide housing and services for incoming refugees from the Syrian Civil War. [Committee Report Number Three of Nov 2, 2015 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Mazen.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to proposed amendment to the Living Wage Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 16, 2015.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A zoning petition has been received from Milford Medicinals, Inc., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Map to include 1001 Massachusetts Avenue in the MMD-1 Zoning Overlay.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
2. An application was received from Shanghai Fresh, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 735 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development Department. Awning is pre-existing.
3. An application was received from The Rising, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 1172 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Elizabeth Stern, 20 Cambridge Terrace and 7 Richard Avenue, transmitting support of refiling the Stern Petition.
2. A communication was received from Eva Martin Blythe, YWCA, regarding Agenda Item #11 and the collaboration of the City with the YWCA and its Family Shelter.
3. A communication was received from Leila Haery, 872 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding Agenda Item #14, an appropriation to do bike and pedestrian enforcement to collect data, and the usage to enforce by issuing citations.
4. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, 234 Broadway, in opposition to the petition to expand the medical marijuana overlay district filed by Milford Medicinals, Inc.
5. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding streamlining the City's process and technology for applying to Massachusetts Public Records law request.
6. A communication was received from Lauren Curry, 3 Concord Avenue, Cambridge YWCA Board Member, regarding the importance of providing family shelter units at 3 Bigelow Street.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Joshua Allen of Milton, MA on joining the technology research and advisory firm of Gartner, Inc. Councillor Carlone
2. Congratulations to Bennett and Amanda Rathbun of Bedford Hills, NY on their newborn baby daughter, Willow Marie Rathbun. Councillor Carlone
3. Congratulations to Evan Ryan and Jenna Savage of Beverly Farms, MA on their recent marriage. Councillor Carlone
4. Congratulations to Mr. Luke Bronin, who on Nov 3, 2015, was elected as the 67th Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut. Councillor Carlone
5. Congratulating Richard Harding on his re-election to the School Committee for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
6. Congratulations to Ms. Lee Erica Byron Palmer on her election to the Somerville School Committee. Councillor Carlone
7. Congratulations to Mr. Matthew McLaughlin on his reelection to the Somerville Board of Aldermen. Councillor Carlone
8. Congratulations to Mayor Joseph Curtatone of Somerville. Councillor Carlone
9. Congratulations to Mr. Salvatore LaMatina on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
10. Congratulations to Mr. Bill Linehan on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
11. Congratulations to Mr. Frank Baker on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
12. Congratulations to Mr. Timothy McCarthy on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
13. Congratulations to Mr. Mathew O'Malley on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
14. Congratulations to Mr. Tito Jackson on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
15. Congratulations to Mr. Josh Zakim on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
16. Congratulations to Mr. Mark Ciommo on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
17. Congratulations to Mr. Michael F. Flaherty on his reelection to the Boston City Council. Councillor Carlone
18. Congratulating Joanne Hilferty on her work for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries. Councillor Cheung
19. Congratulating Andrea Campbell on her election to the Boston City Council for a two-year term. Councillor Simmons
20. Congratulating Ayanna Pressley on her re-election to the Boston City Council for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
21. Congratulating Annissa Essaibi George on her election to the Boston City Council for a two-year term. Councillor Simmons
22. Congratulating Michelle Wu on her re-election to the Boston City Council for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
23. Congratulating Jan Devereux on her election to the City Council for a two-year term. Councillor Simmons
24. Congratulating Emily Dexter on her election to the School Committee for a two-year term. Councillor Simmons
25. Thanking Fran Cronin for her dedicated public service as a member of the Cambridge School Committee during the 2014-2015 term. Councillor Simmons
26. Congratulating Fred Fantini on his re-election to the School Committee for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
27. Congratulating Kathleen Kelly on her re-election to the School Committee for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
28. Congratulating Mannika Bowman on her election to the School Committee for a two-year term. Councillor Simmons
29. Congratulating Patricia Nolan on her re-election to the School Committee for another two-year term. Councillor Simmons
30. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth Dianne Khan. Mayor Maher
31. Resolution on the death of Donald E. Carney. Mayor Maher
32. Retirement of Kathryn Bonfiglio, R.N., from the Cambridge Public Health Department. Mayor Maher
33. Congratulations to Maggie Allen on receiving the Steve Christo Sportsmanship Award from the Cambridge Girls Softball League. Councillor McGovern
34. Congratulations to Y2Y Harvard Square on its opening. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
35. Resolution on the death of Dorothy A. O'Brien. Mayor Maher
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to update condo conversion numbers from 2010. Councillor Cheung
2. That the amendment to the zoning ordinances filed by Elizabeth M. Stern, et al be refiled as of Nov 19, 2015 and that the refiled petition be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report. Mayor Maher
3. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled "AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE TAX STATUS OF CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY A HOUSING AUTHORITY WITHIN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE." Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to perfect the subpoena service to Lyft. Councillor Mazen
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting modifications to the proposed MXD Zoning Petition and Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.
Referred to Petition and Nov 19 Ordinance Committee Hearing
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a response to the Subpoena Duces Tecum issued by the City Council on Oct 30, 2015 pursuant to Policy Order #27 adopted on Oct 19, 2015.
Referred to Economic Development & University Relations Committee - Simmons
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a response to the Subpoena Duces Tecum issued by the City Council on October 30, 2015 pursuant to Policy Order #27 adopted on October 19, 2015.
Referred to Economic Development & University Relations Committee and Order #4 Adopted - Simmons
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a response to the Subpoena Duces Tecum issued by the City Council on October 30, 2015 pursuant to Policy Order #27 adopted on October 19, 2015.
Referred to Economic Development & University Relations Committee - Simmons
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition by the Planning Board to amend Section 13.10 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance so as to change the development controls applicable in the Planned Unit Development at Kendall Square (PUD-KS) Overlay Zoning District. The majority of the PUD-KS District is occupied by the Volpe Transportation Systems Research Center operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Click here to view the petition. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 16
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting between the School Committee and the City Council. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 17
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the rodent problem. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 18
10:00am Economic Development and University Relations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Article 6.000 to create a new Section 6.24 Carsharing Provisions that will create a definition and general provisions for Carsharing and will allow the limited use of parking spaces. Click here to view the petition. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Nov 19
2:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition filed by Patrick W. Barrett III, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by amending Article 2.000 ("Definitions") and Article 4.000, Section 4.22 ("Accessory Apartments"). Click here to view the petition. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
7:00pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss a request from Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties to make available for disposition approximately 1,042 square feet of City owned land know as Coolidge Place, which is an eight foot wide public way that connects Massachusetts Avenue to the city-owned Municipal Parking Lot #6 on Bishop Allen Drive. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
MEETING CANCELLED.
Mon, Dec 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 14
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss Transportation Issues. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
MEETING CANCELLED.
Mon, Jan 4
10:00am CITY COUNCIL INAUGURAL MEETING (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 9, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update condo conversion numbers from 2010.
O-2 Nov 9, 2015
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The zoning petition filed by Elizabeth M. Stern, et al will expire on Nov 18, 2015; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached amendment to the zoning ordinances filed by Elizabeth M. Stern, et al be refiled as of Nov 19, 2015; and be it further
ORDERED: That the refiled petition be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.
O-3 Nov 9, 2015 Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled "AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE TAX STATUS OF CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY A HOUSING AUTHORITY WITHIN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE."
O-4 Nov 9, 2015
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to perfect the subpoena service to Lyft.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)
14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)
14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)
14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)
14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)
14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)
14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or group of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)
14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)
14-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on review of drone use in Cambridge for developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-5)
14-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts Area Hospitals.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-15)
14-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the legal limitation of the City to regulate all manner of vehicular traffic within Cambridge borders, including loading and unloading zones, truck and bus timing regulations.
Councillor Kelley 11/10/14 (O-6)
14-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of posting speed limit signs of 20-25 miles per hour on city streets.
Councillor Carlone 11/24/14 (O-2)
14-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to streamline both the City's process and the City's technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and to examine how major cities' open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk's office, the City Solicitor's office, and IT.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-13)
15-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of taking Vail Court lot by eminent domain.
Vice Mayor Benzan 01/05/15 (O-3)
15-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with applicable boards and commissions to assist them in clarifying yearly goals and initiatives, to provide increased administrative oversight and accountability where necessary, and where possible, discuss ways to increase resident involvement.
Councillor Mazen 02/20/15 (O-15)
15-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on with language that could create a Grand Junction Overlay District that would help to create incentives and ensure the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path.
Councillor Toomey 02/23/15 (O-24)
15-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the feasibility of executing the recommendations of the STEAM Working Group.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone & Councillor McGovern 02/23/15 (O-25)
15-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the results from the PSI pilot and coordinate with the legal department to report back to the City Council on whether aspects of the ordinance could be safely adopted with specific attention to disposal of unwanted phone books.
Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-34)
15-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on studying emerging business types and how they are affected by the Zoning Ordinance; evaluate ways to facilitate home-based businesses; and report on the status of the Table of Use work.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Vice Mayor Benzan 09/22/14 (O-5)
15-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the analysis that has been done on financial conditions that apply to new development in Central Square, including the report by economic consultant Sarah Woodworth.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley & Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-9)
15-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on parking needs and availability in Central Square including the possibility of adding additional levels to the Green Street garage.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Carlone 03/30/15 (O-12)
15-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on inventorying a small set of innovative urban planning researcher at local universities and bring these resources into Cambridge's planning discussions.
Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-14)
15-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how best to develop partnerships with local universities developing software and other resources related to city planning.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-15)
15-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining what types of traffic, parking, and other citations the city has legal jurisdiction over and to confer with the appropriate city departments to institute a day-fine policy in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen 04/13/15 (O-2)
15-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing "smart" parking solutions in the City of Cambridge, including: multi-spot meters, demand based price structuring, solar powered meters, RFID payment, floating car share vehicle spots as Boston is pursuing, pay by phone, meters that accept credit/debit or rechargeable parking card, and smart phone application integration.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-4)
15-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on responding to the International Town-Gown Association's Town-Gown Relations Survey.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-6)
15-42. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers.
Councillor Cheung 04/27/15 (O-2)
15-43. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on working with the Retirement Board on the potential of excess fees charged by UBS Realty to investors.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 04/27/15 (O-3)
15-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on existing capacity to address excessive noise complaints; analyze noise complaint trends; create a noise map of existing industrial noise that impact residential areas; and provide noise measurement and enforcement capabilities and responsibilities including 24/7 noise response capacity.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 04/27/15 (O-7)
15-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on progress being made at the former Tokyo Restaurant site.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Councillor Cheung 04/27/15 (O-13)
15-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic impacts and school enrollment impacts due to new development in the Alewife area.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor McGovern 06/01/15 (O-1)
15-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggested changes to Cambridge's policy regarding advertising revenue that could help support the continuation and expansion of Hubway.
Councillor Toomey 06/15/15 (O-5)
15-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of permitting cyclists to advance simultaneously with the pedestrian "walk" signal and on piloting bicycle-specific signal faces at the Cambridge-Hampshire Streets intersection.
Councillor Mazen 06/15/15 (O-7)
15-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on signing the White House and Small Business Administration's "Startup in a Day" pledge and on the next steps the Council needs to take to successfully see the City adhere to the pledge.
Councillor Cheung 06/22/15 (O-3)
15-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of the City getting involved with the President's TechHire initiative.
Councillor Cheung 06/22/15 (O-4)
15-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibilities to install ADA compliant sidewalks, create protected bike lanes, and consider additional features to improve the safety of young students and all other users in the area from the north side of Huron Avenue between Fresh Pond Parkway and Aberdeen Avenue, between Aberdeen Avenue and Glacken Field, or between Glacken Field and the Russell Youth & Community Center.
Councillor Mazen 06/22/15 (O-6)
15-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reaching out to Easton Coach, Peter Pan, and Brush Hill Tours to relay the concerns raised regarding tour buses operating on restricted streets and to determine what actions should be taken against these companies and to determine how to enhance efforts to prevent tour buses from parking in multiple metered spaces in Harvard Square.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 08/10/15 (O-3)
15-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on compiling a report of the housing and financial assistance options the City and its community partners offer to seniors living on fixed incomes in order to help them remain housed in their current units and to estimate how many seniors on fixed incomes are in danger of being priced out of their units in the coming half-decade.
Councillor Simmons 08/10/15 (O-4)
15-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what kinds of incentives could be provided to landlords who choose to refrain from increasing the rents on their tenants.
Councillor Simmons 08/10/15 (O-7)
15-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the diversity of direct reports to the City Manager and steps taken to reflect Cambridge's diversity in his hiring practices, specifically in management positions, during his term.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Simmons 08/10/15 (O-8)
15-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing an affordable municipal identification card program for the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung & Vice Mayor Benzan 08/10/15 (O-9)
15-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a design, fund and implement an ongoing airplane noise management program in the current budget year.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Cheung 08/10/15 (O-12)
15-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing and implementing a plan that would address the issues with tour bus parking.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Cheung 08/10/15 (O-14)
15-80. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of expanding Ahern Field.
Councillor Toomey 08/10/15 (O-17)
15-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an update for plans for the creation of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) coordinating office, including any financial pledges from the City to implement the STEAM working groups recommendations.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 08/10/15 (O-22)
15-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any legal protections the City can enact, either through Ordinance, Home Rule Petition or additional avenues, to protect tenants from dramatic rent increases and/or unfair evictions.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 08/10/15 (O-26)
15-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of having the City purchase the buildings on Harvard Street and Harding Street that have recently become the focus of concern.
Councillor Simmons 08/10/15 (O-29)
15-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing and implementing both short and long term solutions to the paths from Rindge Avenue and behind the Russell Field that converge at the western end of the Russell Field House and proceed toward the back entrance/exit to the Alewife T Station.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-3)
15-88. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety, trash issues and infrastructure concerns in Central Square.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 09/21/15 (O-6)
15-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on zoning and building potential along Cambridge Street and Gore Street between Second and Third Streets.
Councillor Toomey 09/21/15 (O-8)
15-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Fifth & Otis Streets.
Councillor Toomey 09/21/15 (O-10)
15-92. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on the possibility of outfitting fire emergency response vehicles with GPS.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Councillor Toomey 09/21/15 (O-16)
15-93. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of creating a new part-time dog park steward for each Cambridge dog park.
Councillor Kelley 09/21/15 (O-19)
15-94. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating an electronic list containing the number of parking stickers issued to each development in the past ten (10) years should be made publicly available, to include, if possible, any demographic information that would help inform car ownership discussions such as age of the car owners.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Mazen & Councillor McGovern 09/21/15 (O-21)
15-95. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a program so that Cambridge's various public notifications for events such as BZA or Planning Board meetings are legibly printed and convey useful information in a similar manner as those used in Somerville.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Carlone 09/21/15 (O-25)
15-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on emulating the public art program begun in Japan that transforms sewer covers into original artwork.
Councillor Toomey 09/21/15 (O-28)
15-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining whether after-hours staff is needed in the Animal Commission.
Councillor Simmons 09/21/15 (O-29)
15-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possible applicability of the Washington decision to Cambridge charter school enrollment and tuition reimbursement issues.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern & Vice Mayor Benzan 09/21/15 (O-30)
15-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of piloting and testing technology to allow MBTA buses to communicate with City of Cambridge traffic signals to reduce bus delays.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-34)
15-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the bus delay mitigation project and present an implementation action plan to reduce delays on MBTA bus routes within Cambridge municipal boundaries.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-35)
15-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ascertaining how many refugee families Cambridge could reasonably offer asylum to, including the provision of basic necessities of life.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-36)
15-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on initiating communications with the City of Boston and Waze to determine Cambridge's eligibility as a part of the pilot program to monitor traffic patterns in real time and respond to deviations in expected patterns - and whether Cambridge can join the Boston pilot if a new Cambridge only pilot is infeasible.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-38)
15-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a plan that incorporates local artists and designers in the process of beautification of civic infrastructure, on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
Councillor Mazen 09/21/15 (O-40)
15-105. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
RE: determine whether the Cambridge Historical Commission has the authority to initiate a Study for a possible designation of a Neighborhood Conservation District without exercising its jurisdiction during the study period to administer the area as though it had already been designated.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/21/15 (O-41)
15-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the next steps necessary to working with league presidents to strengthen the regulation on concussions within their jurisdiction and expanding education on concussion to a broader group.
Councillor Cheung 09/21/15 (O-42)
15-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to make the crosswalk from Charles Park to the entrance of the Galleria safer to pedestrians, and to improve the line of sight for drivers and cyclists and to evaluate whether the location of the Super Tour bus kiosk and station is appropriate considering the high volume of traffic on the road and hazard to pedestrians.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Toomey 09/28/15 (O-1)
15-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on finding a collaborative solution to the specific problem of increased air traffic from 33L RNAV, including sharing the cost of an independent noise impact report in the current budget year.
Councillor Kelley 09/28/15 (O-4)
15-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on investigating the feasibility of installing meters that accept modern payment solutions: including credit and debit cards, rechargeable parking cards, and smart phone application payment.
Councillor Cheung 09/28/15 (O-6)
15-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on to drafting an ordinance extending Cambridge's big bank retail storefront limitations to the rest of Porter, Harvard, Central, and Kendall Square.
Councillor Cheung 09/28/15 (O-7)
15-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a "Project Notification Board" posted in a conspicuous public area near the Common to notify residents of any major project events and to provide a contact number questions regarding the project, ensure that all environmental standards are being closely followed and that up to date soil testing results are posted on the project notification board and to take appropriate action to mitigate the impact of the project on abutters.
Councillor Cheung 09/28/15 (O-8)
15-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an Ordinance to ensure the discontinuation of the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen 09/28/15 (O-11)
15-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ability to increase funding for affordable housing in a manner which would not adversely impact real estate taxes on existing housing units or cause a shift in taxes from commercial, industrial and personal property taxes to the residential class and given the limitation upon the tax classification, any recommendation must not jeopardize the current tax distribution by shifting a greater burden on the residential taxpayers which would result in making existing housing less affordable for current residents.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Kelley 09/28/15 (O-13)
15-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing signs ordering motorists to slow down when approaching the intersection of Fayerweather Street and Concord Avenue and to determine whether other additional measures to increase vehicular safety in this area should be implemented.
Councillor Simmons 09/28/15 (O-16)
15-117. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of allowing employees to opt in to a program that would see a percentage of their mandatory retirement deduction instead be directed towards payment of student loans.
Councillor Cheung 10/19/15 (O-1)
15-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the hose distribution program indefinitely for all new trees planted in sidewalk wells or behind sidewalks and explore establishing a credit to be applied to the water bills of participants, not to exceed $50 per year.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor McGovern 10/19/15 (O-3)
15-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of a redesign contest of Carl Barron Plaza.
Vice Mayor Benzan 10/19/15 (O-4)
15-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the planning work done thus far on the Alewife bridge/platform project and to review the next steps the City can take to see the bridge constructed.
Councillor Cheung 10/19/15 (O-9)
15-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of extending the 15% discount to condominium accounts where a meter serves one or more units and where all owners are seniors who pay their own water bills into the water and sewer discount program.
Councillor Cheung 10/19/15 (O-10)
15-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of contract negotiations with the Police and Fire Unions.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 10/19/15 (O-12)
15-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of the pedestrian and bicycle path plans for the Cambridge Common.
Councillor Kelley 10/19/15 (O-13)
15-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a walk signal at the intersection of Putnam Avenue and Western Avenue.
Councillor Simmons 10/19/15 (O-14)
15-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a speed bump on River Street in order to slow down cars racing over the bridge as they enter Cambridge.
Councillor McGovern 10/19/15 (O-16)
15-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with appropriate shuttle operators about operating smaller shuttle service vehicles during off-peak hours.
Councillor Toomey 10/19/15 (O-17)
15-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assessing all the catch basins along Cambridge Street to be certain vents and traps are functioning correctly and determine if any need to be replaced or repaired and consider long-term fixes to the foul odor issues.
Councillor Toomey 10/19/15 (O-19)
15-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether pedestrian safety can be improved at problematic intersection by incorporating illuminated pedestrian crossing signs similar to recently installed signage in the Union Square area of Somerville.
Councillor Toomey 10/19/15 (O-22)
15-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current enforcement of Section 5.20.020 of the Public Transportation Ordinance and what potential obstacles there are to enforcement.
Councillor McGovern 10/19/15 (O-30)
15-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether more resources are needed to maintain the tree canopy, such as the need for an additional water truck and whether mulch and watering cans can be made available to residents for use in tree wells to keep down the weeds and addressing other issues and ideas raised at the Health & Environment hearing held on Sept 16, 2015.
Councillor Cheung 10/19/15 (O-31)
15-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on addressing the concerns related to motorists ignoring traffic signs and signals at the intersection of Sherman Street and Rindge Avenue and Raymond and Walden Streets.
Councillor Simmons 11/02/15 (O-2)
15-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on address the safety concerns in Harvard Square to determine what measures should be taken to increase pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
Councillor Simmons 11/02/15 (O-3)
15-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on investigating the feasibility of installing solar panels on suitable City-owned rooftops.
Councillor Cheung 11/02/15 (O-4)
15-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of establishing an online database of "problematic landlords."
Councillor Simmons 11/02/15 (O-5)
15-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report to evaluate traffic calming methods to prevent motorists from making long turns in the Speedway lot.
Councillor Kelley 11/02/15 (O-6)
15-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to improve the safety of pedestrians at the intersection of Fresh Pond Parkway and Brattle Street.
Mayor Maher 11/02/15 (O-7)
15-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what specific efforts are made to purchase goods and services from locally-owned, Cambridge-based businesses.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Cheung 11/02/15 (O-10)