CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-163, regarding a report on decreasing trans fats in food served in Cambridge restaurants.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-173, regarding a report on the play equipment at Alden Park.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 06-169, regarding a report on the playground equipment being replaced in the tot lot adjacent to 4 Canal Park.

4. 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 $38,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($31,712.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,288.00) to be used to fund a part-time Coordinator to help create and maintain programs of public safety in North Cambridge and includes providing educational programs for children and adults and the annual National Night Out event.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Project Bread Food Pantry Grant received from the Project Bread organization for ($7,225.00) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account provided to the Cambridge Senior Center Food Pantry by Project Bread to provide meals for more than 600 low income Cambridge Seniors, as well as to provide food for senior activities and events at the Senior Center.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to recommendation from the Cambridge Historical Commission on the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study.

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

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the License Commission to deny the Jitney License application of Star Shuttle, Inc. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Davis on Nov 6, 2006.]

3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on monies expended to needy veterans and their families. [Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Nov 6, 2006.]

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

5. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy and Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 4, 2006 for the purpose of considering a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to rezone the remaining Business C-1 property on north Mass. Ave. to Business A-2. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 13, 2006. Petition expires Jan 2, 2007.
ORDAINED 7-0-0-2 -- ORDINANCE #1302. Toomey and Reeves voted PRESENT.

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

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Jessie English, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 27 Corporal Burns Road; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works with the condition that applicant is responsible for the cost of tree removal and replacement per City Arborist. Approval has been received from neighborhood association.

2. An application was received from Alegria Dental Group, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 1058 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael Turk, regarding the increased cost of rental housing.

2. A communication was received from the Gabrieli family, transmitting thanks for the expression of sympathy.

3. A communication was received from the family of Lance Corporal Kurt E. Dechen, transmitting thanks for the resolution.

4. A communication was received from Daniel E. Geer, Jr., urging the City Council to require the City Manager to provide numbers in digital form and offering his services as the City Council’s statistician in residence.

5. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding racism in Cambridge.

6. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding the Peace Commission, war deaths and other council issues.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Willie Mae Allen on her election as State Representative.   Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Deval Patrick on being elected Governor of Massachusetts.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

3. Congratulations to Tim Murray on his election as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

4. Congratulations to Michael A. Sullivan on his election as Clerk of Courts for Middlesex County.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves and Vice Mayor Toomey.

5. Congratulations to Martha Coakley on her election as Attorney General.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

6. Congratulations to William Francis Galvin on his election as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Sullivan

7. Congratulations to Timothy P. Cahill on his election as Treasurer.   Councillor Sullivan

8. Congratulations to A. Joseph DeNucci on his election as Auditor for the State of Massachusetts.   Councillor Sullivan

9. Congratulations to Senator Edward M. Kennedy on his re-election as United States Senator from Massachusetts.   Councillor Sullivan

10. Congratulations to Michael E. Capuano on his re-election as Representative to the United States Congress from Massachusetts.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

11. Congratulations to Senator Robert Travaglini on his re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Sullivan

12. Congratulations to Senator Warren Tolman on his re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Sullivan
This has since been corrected to read:
12. Congratulations to Senator Stephen Tolman on his re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Sullivan
However, I believe he spells his name Steven Tolman.

13. Resolution on the death of Senator Jarrett Barrios on his re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Sullivan
This has since been corrected to read:
13. Congratulations to Senator Jarrett Barrios on his re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Sullivan

14. Congratulations to State Representative Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. on his re-election as State Representative.   Councillor Sullivan
Note: The resolution is sponsored by "Councillor Sullivan and entire membership."  Self-congratulations, Tim!

15. Congratulations to State Representative Byron Rushing on his re-election as State Representative.   Councillor Sullivan

16. Congratulations to Dennis and Tanya Marie Benzan on the birth of their twins, Matteo Abel Benzan and India Marie Benzan.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Reeves

17. Congratulations to State Representative Alice K. Wolf on her re-election as State Representative.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

18. Congratulations to State Representative Rachel Kaprielian on her re-election as State Representative.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons

19. Congratulations to Gerry Leone on his election as District Attorney for Middlesex County.   Councillor Sullivan

20. Congratulations to Eugene Brune on his re-election as Middlesex Register of Deeds.   Councillor Sullivan

21. Congratulations to Pat Jehlen on her election as State Senator.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

22. Congratulations to William N. Brownsberger on his election as State Representative.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan

23. Congratulations to Diane Patrick as she becomes First Lady of Massachusetts.   Councillor Simmons

24. Support of Matignon High School and its Board of Trustees as it continues to invest in the future of this educational institution in Cambridge.   Councillor Galluccio, Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

25. Resolution on the death of Richard M. Silva Jr.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

26. Resolution on the death of Belden G. Bly Jr.   Councillor Sullivan

27. Resolution on the death of Dominic J. Cavallaro.   Councillor Sullivan

28. Resolution on the death of Robert Hall.   Councillor Galluccio

29. Resolution on the death of Harold M. Weiner.   Councillor Sullivan

30. Resolution on the death of Leona G. (Cossette) Bard.   Councillor Galluccio

31. Resolution on the death of Margaret W. (Williams) Clausen.   Councillor Galluccio

32. Resolution on the death of Jane P. (Hanron) Warner.   Councillor Sullivan

33. Resolution on the death of Mary T. Ring.   Councillor Sullivan

34. Resolution on the death of Ed Bradley.   Councillor Sullivan

35. Congratulations to Marilyn Petitto Devaney on her re-election to the Governor’s Council.   Councillor Sullivan

36. Congratulations to Michael J. Callahan on his re-election to the Governor’s Council.   Councillor Sullivan

37. Congratulations to Chris Helms as he leaves the Chronicle to become editor of the Watertown Tab.   Councillor Sullivan

38. Well wishes to Alan J. Stone as he pursues other career opportunities.   Councillor Sullivan

39. Congratulations to David Harris as he becomes the new editor of the Cambridge Chronicle.   Councillor Sullivan

40. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Jason Franco.   Councillor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Ryan McCaughn.   Councillor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal James Brown.   Councillor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Private Kevin Ellenburg.   Councillor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Minhee Kim.   Councillor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kenneth Bostic.   Councillor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Luke Holler.   Councillor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Corporal Gary Koehler.   Councillor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Corporal Kyle Powell.   Councillor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Specialist James Bridges.   Councillor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jose Galvan.   Councillor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Corporal Michael Lasky.   Councillor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Private Michael Bridges.   Councillor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Weidemann.   Councillor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Specialist Douglas Desjardins.   Councillor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Miles Henderson.   Councillor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Troy Nealey.   Councillor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Luke Zimmerman.   Councillor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kraig Foyteck.   Councillor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Jason Whitehouse.   Councillor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Gage.   Councillor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Lucas White.   Councillor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of 2nd Lieutenant Mark Gelina.   Councillor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Finken.   Councillor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Eric Kruger.   Councillor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer John Priestner.   Councillor Galluccio [presumably Decker]

66. Congratulations to U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano for being named head of the transition team for Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi.   Councillor Davis

67. Resolution on the death of Cecelia (Merlonghi) Connearney.   Vice Mayor Toomey

68. Resolution on the death of Patricia G. (Enos) Pierce.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

69. Congratulations to Jane Leu on being the recipient of the 2006 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award.   Councillor Decker

70. Congratulations to Eric Garcetti on being the recipient of the 2006 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award.   Councillor Decker

71. Thanks to Kayta Fels for her leadership as Executive Director of On The Rise.   Councillor Decker

72. Congratulations to the Asgard Restaurant on its five year anniversary.   Councillor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Mary C. (Travaglia) Hanlon.   Councillor Galluccio

74. Congratulations to the Private David E. Ellison Charity and the Pugliese Family of Guido’s Florida Cafe as it celebrates its 17th Annual Toys for Tots celebration.   Councillor Sullivan

75. Resolution on the death of Mary "Mae" (Rodrigues) Rogers.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

76. Congratulations to OM Restaurant & Lounge for being named to Esquire Magazine’s "Top 25 Best New Restaurants" in America.   Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Toomey

77. Congratulations to Senator Dianne Wilkerson on her re-election to the Massachusetts Senate.   Councillor Simmons

78. Best wishes to Gail Willet on her future endeavors.   Mayor Reeves

79. Congratulations to The Inman Square Business Association on its third anniversary.   Vice Mayor Toomey

80. Congratulations to Alfred Baldasaro on being elected State Representative.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan, Mayor Reeves

81. Resolution on the death of Thelissmond Pierre.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Reeves

82. Congratulations to the CRLS Girls Soccer Team for qualifying for the MIAA State Tournament.   Councillor Galluccio

83. Congratulations to the CRLS Boys Soccer Team on competing in the MIAA Division I State Tournament.   Councillor Galluccio

84. Congratulations to the CRLS Girls Fall Varsity Volleyball Team for competing in the MIAA State Tournament.   Councillor Galluccio

85. Happy 40th Birthday to a special person.   Councillor Galluccio

86. Congratulations to State Representative-Elect Rosemary Sandlin.   Councillor Simmons

87. Resolution on the death of Henrique F. Castelo.   Vice Mayor Toomey

88. Resolution on the death of Mario J. Garcia.   Vice Mayor Toomey

89. Congratulations to Con Squires on the occasion of being honored by the Community Legal Services and Counseling Center.   Councillor Decker

90. Congratulations to Marguerita Reczycki on being named the recipient of the 2006 Dr. Joseph H. Brenner Award.   Councillor Decker

91. Welcome to Bud and Patricia Kenny and their mule Della on their visit to Cambridge.   Councillor Sullivan

92. Urge citizens to be cognizant of the event on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 entitled Continue the Legacy: America - A Nation of Immigrants at the Fletcher Maynard Academy.   Vice Mayor Toomey

93. Thanks to students and teachers of the Morse School on the occasion of their 10th year of the Tom Turkey Read-A-Thon.   Mayor Reeves

94. Resolution on the death of Elisa de Melo.   Vice Mayor Toomey

95. Resolution on the death of James Ondzes.   Vice Mayor Toomey

96. Resolution on the death of Rhona M. (MacNeil) Buividas.   Vice Mayor Toomey

97. Resolution on the death of Herbert E. Lee IV.   Councillor Simmons

98. Thanks to members of the Cambridge Health Alliance and City departments who developed the City’s current emergency preparedness brochure.   Councillor Kelley

99. Resolution on the death of Michael W. Aquaro.   Councillor Sullivan

100. Resolution on the death of Maureen D. (McFadries) Burnet.   Councillor Sullivan

101. Retirement of Kathleen Taylor from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

102. Retirement of Diana Phillips from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

103. Retirement of Marie Laurent from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

104. Retirement of Kathleen Delaney from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

105. Resolution on the death of Albert F. Kenney Jr.   Councillor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Toomey

106. Resolution on the death of Albert Victor Durante.   Councillor Sullivan

107. Resolution on the death of Richard A. "Scotty" Scott.   Councillor Sullivan

108. Resolution on the death of Timothy F. Ford.   Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Sullivan

109. Congratulations to Meghan Marie Fowler-Finn for her game-winning goal to help her team win its fourth University Athletic Association Championship and on being named UAA Player of the Year.   Mayor Reeves

110. Resolution on the death of Mary Leddy.   Vice Mayor Toomey

111. Congratulations to John DiGiovanni and his wife on the birth of their new baby.   Mayor Reeves

112. Congratulations to MIT Seed Academy on its final presentation.   Councillor Sullivan

113. Congratulations to Michael Shuman on the occasion of his book "The Small-Mart Revolution How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition."   Councillor Sullivan

114. Congratulations to Joshua Billings on his selection as a 2007 Rhodes Scholar.   Councillor Sullivan

115. Congratulations to Nancy Pelosi on her election as Speaker of the House of Representatives.   Councillor Sullivan

116. Congratulations to Steny Hoyer on his election as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.   Councillor Sullivan

117. Retirement of Teresa Oliveira from the Cambridge Hospital.   Mayor Reeves

118. Declare November 20, 2006 as "Michael A. Sullivan, Jr." in Cambridge and wish him a Happy 8th Birthday.   Mayor Reeves [presumably Councillor Sullivan]

119. Declare December 3, 2006 as "David Lynch Day" in Cambridge and thank Mr. Lynch for premiering his new film "Inland Empire" at the Brattle Theatre.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Sullivan

120. Congratulations to Zoe Guastella for writing "The Freshman Guide" for CRLS students.   Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan

121. Congratulations to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University for being named joint grant recipients of the largest three grants given by the national Human Genome Research Institute.   Councillor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works and the City Arborist to inform Cambridge stores about the damage to plants, trees and water from using sodium chloride to melt ice and encourage them to stock ice melters of calcium or potassium chloride.   Councillor Davis

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with representatives from NSTAR and the Fire Chief regarding the repair of a verified gas leak on Van Norden Street.   Councillor Sullivan

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Cambridge City TV-8 about the feasibility of making all of its programming available for viewing via the web.   Councillor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Simmons

4. That the City Manager is requested to take the necessary steps to run on cable TV that November is Cambridge Recycles Month and urge that Cambridge residents recycle 40% of their trash and garbage.   Councillor Davis

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with representatives from the Governor’s Office as well as Cambridge’s delegation to the State House to lobby to have the funding for winter beds for the homeless added back to the budget.   Councillor Sullivan

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with his staff to assist the Coolidge Hill Citizens Group in its attempts to meet with the administration of the Shady Hill School.   Councillor Simmons

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on measures being taken to prevent future theft and vandalism of parking meters in East Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Toomey

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works, The Department of Conservation and Recreation, the MBTA and Northpoint Developers on conducting a study to incorporate and construct an underpass from the current Lechmere Station to the proposed new location of Lechmere Station.   Vice Mayor Toomey
AMENDED

9. That the City Manager is requested to notify the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative that Cambridge wishes to sign up for the Bonus Program and to work in conjunction with Green Decade Cambridge and the Environmental Club at CRLS with the goal of signing up 150 families to qualify for the funds for a solar photovoltaic installation, possibly to be sited at CRLS.   Councillor Davis

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to research the policies implemented by the City of Vancouver and other communities that have incorporated family housing into their development and zoning policies.   Councillor Galluccio

11. That the City Solicitor is requested to review the current laws and ordinances to recommend to the City Council the appropriate legal process to achieve a ban on the possession of air guns (so-called BB guns) and/or a provision making possession of a BB gun by any person subject to existing firearm licensing.   Councillor Galluccio

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Election Commission to ascertain the number of ballots distributed to each precinct in relation to the number of registered voters in that precinct.   Vice Mayor Toomey  AMENDED

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the state Insurance Commissioner, the Attorney General and the State Rating Bureau about the feasibility of Cambridge participating in the auto insurance rate cut program.   Councillor Murphy  AMENDED

14. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the findings of the special task force on neighborhood safety, specifically its analysis of the impact of CORI law and regulations.   Councillor Murphy

15. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the cost of the police presence in Clement C. Morgan Park and any relevant statistics about that police presence such as how many foot patrols were conducted around the park, how many face-to-face interactions police officers had with area residents in and around the park, how many enforcement actions this police presence resulted in and any other pertinent data.   Councillor Kelley

16. That the City Manager is requested to work with State Representative Alice Wolf and the Massachusetts Highway Department to help small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the closing of the Walden Street Bridge.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Sullivan

17. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the General Manager of the MBTA or his designee as well as Cambridge's delegation to the State House to lobby to have the video game "Grand Theft Auto" advertisements removed from its means of transportation.   Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

18. Support of Public Housing Authorities File Lawsuit To Protect Tenants From Illegal Under-Funding.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Sullivan

19. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department to research an ordinance banning fundraising in which solicitation takes place under the "guise" of law enforcement and look at any and all lawful mechanisms via local ordinance to ban direct fundraising by Public Safety officials.   Councillor Galluccio

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on October 25, 2006 for the purpose of discussing the Alcohol CAP Policy.
REFERRED TO THE NOVEMBER 27 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON THE CAP POLICY

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on October 25, 2006 to discuss the proposal for wireless Internet access for Harvard Square.

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

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

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

Thurs, Nov 30
5:30pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the city.  (Anastos Room)

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

Wed, Dec 6
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the following: city plans to address pedestrian issues related to the new Lechmere Station and Awaiting Report 06-77 regarding weekly inspections by bicyclists of potholes and other defects on main bicycle routes.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Dec 12
11:30am   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Electro Muscular Disruption Technology, and guns and gun traffic.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss Awaiting Report 06-44 regarding a report on process to form a citizens group focusing on public street trees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Dec 13
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed order for the City Manager to require utilization of a more protective noise affidavit in building/construction permit applications.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to require public review for smaller scaled residential and commercial development in B, BA-1 and B-2 districts and reduced heights and increased side yard requirements in these districts under certain circumstances. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:45pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the proposed consolidation of the Half Crown and Marsh Neighborhood Conservation Districts.  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:15pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the question of whether all neighborhood conservation districts should have the same review standards.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Jan 9, 2007
5:30pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the following: Awaiting Report 06-119 regarding the contributions required of contractors who receive permits to disrupt street and sidewalk pavement and Awaiting Report 06-116 regarding a report to charge rent for parking spaces.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Department of Public Works publishes a guide for property owners about clearing ice and snow called "Snow: Our Winter Challenge"; and
WHEREAS: The publication states, "Use ice melter with calcium chloride. It’s better for the environment and only a small amount is required to melt ice. Potassium chloride (KCI) is okay, too. Avoid rock salt (NaC1 or sodium chloride) - it kills plants and trees."; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of Public Works and the City Arborist to inform Cambridge stores about the damage to plants, trees and water from using sodium chloride to melt ice and encourage them to stock ice melters of calcium or potassium chloride.

O-2     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Van Norden Street residents are concerned because of a verified gas leak on their street; and
WHEREAS: The concerns of the residents will be ongoing until NSTAR deems it a priority to repair and/or continue to investigate the situation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with representatives from NSTAR and the Fire Chief to have the leak repaired; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-3     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Cambridge City TV-8 about the feasibility of making all of its programming available for viewing via the web.

O-4     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: November is America Recycles month; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take the necessary steps to run on cable TV that November is Cambridge Recycles Month and urge that Cambridge residents recycle 40% of their trash and garbage.

O-5     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MAHSA) is at a loss with the cuts in funding for winter beds for the homeless; and
WHEREAS: The current administration has cut the Massachusetts budget by $450,000,000. Included in that amount is the funding for 11 overflow winter shelter beds. The cut of $14,800 from the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MAHSA) budget means it will not be able to provide the winter beds; and
WHEREAS: The elimination of the winter bed program is a disaster for those seeking shelter during the winter months; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby requested to confer with representatives from the Governor’s Office as well as Cambridge’s delegation to the State House to lobby to have the funding added back to the budget; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council.

O-6     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with his staff to assist the Coolidge Hill Citizens Group in its attempts to have a meeting with the administration of the Shady Hill School; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager direct said city staff to assist these residents in having a satisfactory meeting in which the Shady Hill School administration hears the residents’ concerns and the school and the residents come to an agreement on their issues that both can accept.

O-7     November 20, 2006
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: A number of parking meters have been reported stolen in the East Cambridge area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on measures being taken to prevent future theft and vandalism.

O-8     November 20, 2006  AMENDED
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works, The Department of Conservation and Recreation, the MBTA and Northpoint Developers on conducting a study to incorporate and construct an underpass from the current Lechmere Station to the proposed new location of Lechmere Station; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the MBTA also examine the option of constructing a tunnel for cars under the McGrath /O'Brien Highway, adjacent to the Lechmere Station to enable use of the area above as open space; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

Note: This seems wrong. Should this not read "examine the option of constructing a tunnel to carry the McGrath /O'Brien Highway, adjacent to the Lechmere Station to enable use of the area above as open space"? This would be consistent with Councillor Toomey's comparison to the tunnel at Harvard that carries Cambridge St./Broadway and creates open space above adjacent to the Harvard Science Center and Harvard Yard.

O-9     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) is sponsoring a Clean Energy Choice Bonus Program that will provide funds for a 2kW photovoltaic installation if 150 Cambridge households sign on to Clean Energy Choice by March 31, 2007; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative that Cambridge wishes to sign up for the Bonus Program and to work in conjunction with Green Decade Cambridge and the Environmental Club at CRLS with the goal of signing up 150 families to qualify for the funds for a solar photovoltaic installation, possibly to be sited at CRLS.

O-10     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to research the policies implemented by the City of Vancouver and other communities that have incorporated family housing into their development and zoning policies; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-11     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Solicitor be and hereby is requested to review the current laws and ordinances to recommend to the City Council the appropriate legal process to achieve a ban on the possession of air guns (so-called BB guns) in Cambridge and/or a provision making possession of a BB gun by any person subject to existing firearm licensing.

O-12     November 20, 2006  AMENDED
VICE MAYOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Boston was ill-prepared for the voter turnout this past Election Day; and
WHEREAS: It is important that the precincts do not run out of ballots; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Election Commission to ascertain the number of ballots distributed to each precinct in relation to the number of registered voters in that precinct to ensure that the incident that occurred in Boston cannot happen in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Election Commission be and hereby is requested to look into the program in Durham, North Carolina where all voters who vote receive a sticker at the polls to celebrate their civic participation.

O-13     November 20, 2006  AMENDED
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
WHEREAS: State regulators recently approved a special auto insurance rate cut for drivers in communities that have launched efforts to crack down on fraud; and
WHEREAS: Reductions in the rates for average drivers in these communities may be worth several hundred dollars; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the state Insurance Commissioner, the Attorney General and the State Rating Bureau about the feasibility of Cambridge participating in the auto insurance rate cut program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with local law enforcement, the District Attorney of Middlesex County and the Insurance Fraud Bureau about participating in a project to successfully stop insurance fraud; participation in this program will allow residents of Cambridge to realize a 20% decrease in their auto insurance premium.

O-14     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the findings of the special task force on neighborhood safety, specifically its analysis of the impact of CORI law and regulations.

O-15     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Crime in and around Clement C. Morgan Park has raised safety concerns in that part of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City’s response to these concerns has been to station a police cruiser in Clement C. Morgan Park for much of the afternoon and evening on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear how effective this police presence has been at creating a perception of increased safety among area residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the cost of the police presence in Clement C. Morgan Park and any relevant statistics about that police presence such as how many foot patrols were conducted around the park, how many face-to-face interactions police officers had with area residents in and around the park, how many enforcement actions this police presence resulted in and any other pertinent data.

O-16     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with State Representative Alice Wolf and the Massachusetts Highway Department to help small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the closing of the Walden Street Bridge.

O-17     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The Boston City Council as well as nearly two dozen healthcare experts, youth advocates, street workers, ministers, child psychiatrists and even teens have come out against the aggressive and brutal images associated with the video game Grand Theft Auto and its advertising with the MBTA on its subways; and
WHEREAS: In addition to their opposition they have urged the MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas to pull the advertisements; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the General Manager of the MBTA or his designee as well as Cambridge's delegation to the State House to lobby to have the advertisements removed from its means of transportation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council.

O-18     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of Public Housing Authorities File Lawsuit To Protect Tenants From Illegal Under-Funding.

O-19     November 20, 2006
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Law Department to research an ordinance banning fundraising in which solicitation takes place under the "guise" of law enforcement and look at any and all lawful mechanisms via local ordinance to ban direct fundraising by Public Safety officials; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, October 25 2006, beginning at two o’clock and seventeen minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall. The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the Alcohol CAP policy.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Brian Murphy, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Richard Scali, Chair of the License Commission, Elizabeth Lint, Executive Officer for the License Commission, Estella Johnson, Director of Economic Development (CDD) and Christopher Basler, CDD. Councillor Decker opened the meeting and thanked all those present for their attendance.

Councillor Decker then invited Councillor Murphy to begin the discussion because he had informed the Chair that he had to leave quite soon. Councillor Murphy said that Cambridge has a very strong License Commission, which does an excellent job of enforcing alcohol licensing laws and ensuring that the establishments that serve alcohol are well run. Cambridge and Harvard Square have changed a great deal in the past 20 years. He lives at the edge of Harvard Square and his family does not experience problems with noise and rowdiness. He would like to see Harvard Square become more vibrant than it currently is.

Councillor Murphy also said that because of the operation of the CAP, long-time Harvard Square restaurateurs with liquor licenses have an extremely valuable commodity, just because of the passage of time. New restaurants in Harvard Square face big obstacles because the market is so challenging. He does not like to see City policies make the struggle harder.

Mayor Reeves said that he would like a clearer idea of why Cambridge has the current liquor licensing polices. He stated that he believes that these policies are causing small restaurants and start-up restaurants to move to other places like Arlington. He added that he does not understand why there is a limit on beer and wine licenses for restaurants.

Councillor Decker invited Mr. Scali to provide the history of the CAP policy. Mr. Scali said that in the early 1980’s Cambridge was subject to state regulation of liquor licenses under M.G. L. Chapter 138, which establishes a quota system for liquor licenses based on the population. Mr. Scali said that if the number of Cambridge licenses were still calculated under that quota system, Cambridge would have fewer than half of the licenses now in existence. In the early 1980’s there was enough popular support for an increase in the number of licenses that a home rule petition was filed with the State Legislature to remove Cambridge from the state quota regulatory system. The State Legislature approved the home rule petition, and for a few years thereafter, there was no regulation of the quantity of liquor licenses available in Cambridge. As the Licenses were freely issued, bars abounded and public concern rose.

In 1986, reacting to these concerns, the License Commission enacted its cap policy, which established three zones in the city where no new licenses would be granted, unless the new license would fit the criteria for an exception to the cap policy (by way of an application to "break the cap"). The criteria that must be met to break the cap are basically extraordinary need for the kind of establishment applying, the public good and neighborhood consensus. Attachment A. The three areas were Harvard Square, the Harvard-Central area and Central Square. Over the years new cap areas have been added, and there are now 15 cap areas. Since new liquor licenses were not issued, and the transfer of licenses within the cap area was allowed, the cap policy has had the effect of making liquor licenses very expensive. Mr. Scali said that a full liquor license in Harvard Square is now worth $400,000. Liquor licenses have become important and vested property interests, despite the fact that the courts have acknowledge that a license is not a right.

Mr. Scali then went on to describe the amendments to the cap policy that the License Commission adopted on September 26, 2006. Attachment B. The new policy allows applications to transfer an available license in one cap area to the owner of an establishment in another cap area where there is no license for sale without having to meet the requirements for breaking the cap. It also allows increases in the capacity of an establishment in a cap area without having to apply for an exception to the cap. The new amendments also allow an applicant as a last resort to apply to break the cap after every effort to purchase an existing license is exhausted. Other changes include a new requirement for a restaurant seeking a new wine and malt or all alcoholic license to have been in business for six months before applying for the license and a provision for a review of the changes to the cap policy in one year.

Councillor Decker expressed concern that the cap-to-cap transfer could be detrimental to the neighborhood from which the license is being transferred. What happens when a new restaurant owner in the cap area that lost the license wants to open a restaurant that serves alcohol in the original neighborhood? Mr. Scali said that the new owner could apply to break the cap on the basis of extraordinary need because a license had been removed from that cap area. He also said that there is no sense in issuing new licenses where there are still licenses available in the city.

Councillor Decker also questioned the logic of evaluating the application from new restaurant owner A in Harvard Square to transfer a license from East Cambridge with a different standard than would be used to evaluate the application of new restaurant owner B in Harvard Square who is applying for a new license (i.e., applying to break the cap). She is also concerned about a policy that provides a free license to a well-known and well-established restaurateur while a young couple trying to make a go of a new restaurant business has to mortgage their home to purchase a license. She asked why the Rendezvous Restaurant got a liquor license for free. Mr. Scali said that the Rendezvous presented a successful application to break the cap. There was a petition signed by many people, there were several letters of support, and neighbors came to the hearing to testify in support of the application. Councillor Toomey asked what would happen if the Rendezvous closed. Could the owner sell the license? Mr. Scali answered in the negative; the license has no transferability and no re-sale value.

Councillor Murphy said that in the long run, he would expect that this new policy would bring down the price of licenses in Harvard Square because a new Harvard Square restaurant owner could buy a license from any place in the city where there is a license for sale. In the short-to-medium term, the policy will mitigate against using an East Cambridge license in East Cambridge, since it would be more profitable to buy the less expensive license in East Cambridge and put it in Harvard Square.

Mayor Reeves said that if he wants to open a restaurant in Harvard Square and buy a less expensive license in North Cambridge to use in Harvard Square, his neighboring restaurant owner in Harvard Square who bought the expensive Harvard Square license would complain.

Councillor Decker said that if you own a restaurant with a liquor license in Harvard Square, you are never going to sell for less that the top price, so only the rich, established businesses would be able to afford the purchase.

Mayor Reeves said that he would like to see young, beginning restaurateurs open restaurants in Harvard Square and Central Square. Instead, they start their restaurants in other cities and towns. The former chef for the Green Street Grill opened his new restaurant in Arlington because of cost. He questioned who is being protected by these regulations and stated that he does not believe the present scheme really serves the public interest as well as might be.

Councillor Decker said that if she wants to go to a Malaysian restaurant for dinner and wants to have a glass of wine with her dinner, it does her no good that there is a nearby restaurant that serves wine, so she really does not understand why the ability to have a glass of wine in the nearby restaurant should weigh at all as a factor in the decision of the License Commission as to whether to give the Malaysian restaurant a license, and yet Mr. Scali has said that the availability of alcohol in nearby establishments is a factor.

Mr. Scali said that the License Commission looks at several factors, of which the reputation of the owner and the availability of wine in nearby establishments are only two. Any one of the factors can disqualify an applicant.

Councillor Decker said that to her the License Commission’s policies seem somewhat paternalistic and the criteria are not well defined. She said that she does understand that current owners of licenses are divided on the issue of changes that would make licenses easier to get and less expensive. Some are afraid of losing value. The issue of fairness is very important.

Vice Mayor Toomey said that he knows that other communities are struggling with these issues as well. He said that he remembers when there were bars on every corner. This is not the same situation. It is not bars that want to come into Cambridge; it is restaurants, many of them ethnic restaurants that could add to Cambridge. Most do not even have a bar to sit at.

Vice Mayor Toomey said that he had dealt with the License Commission for many years. He has always found the staff and Commission to be professional and fair. But the question now is not how to help neighbors deal with rowdy bars. The question is how can we help these small restaurants succeed. It upsets him when abutters to an applicant for a license who moved in earlier and got a liquor license then oppose granting a license to the new establishment, and the new restaurant does not get a license.

Councillor Decker invited Estella Johnson, Director of Economic Development, CDD, to comment. Ms. Johnson described the three public meetings her division held on the topic of Harvard Square, its viability and future. Approximately 60 people attended each meeting. People wanted more dining options, more late night dining and out-of-door dining, more activities, more entertainment, smaller stores, more family friendly businesses, more ambience and a broader cross-section of people as regular users. The high cost of rent was noted as a limiting factor.

Councillor Decker then invited public comment.

Pebble Gifford, Hilliard Street, Harvard Square Defense Fund, stated that she intends to submit a memo with a comprehensive history of the cap policy. The value of liquor licenses is determined in part by a decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), because although a license is not a right, the SJC has ruled that once you have that license it is a vested property right, and it is valued based on the revenue it produces. Licenses are traded in all cities and towns in Massachusetts. The License Commission cannot take back licenses because of this decision.

Councillor Toomey interjected that he believes that the value is determined based on the cost of the food.

Ms. Gifford said that after Cambridge was no longer subject to the state law quota system, there were attempts to return to that system because of the problems caused by the issuance of too many liquor licenses. She said that with regard to restaurants, there will be problems eventually when there are too many. Already there are problems when restaurants close at night in Harvard Square.

Denise Jillson, Executive Director of the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA), said that while history is important, it is more important to address the present. Right now we have a problem. Harvard Square is very expensive, and the only restaurants that can afford to locate there are the larger chains. However, we know that what people like and what we want to attract are the small mom and pop enterprises. Ms. Jillson said that Cambridge should be able to provide more liquor licenses based on need. Eight million people visit Cambridge annually. The HSBA did a comparison of Harvard Square and the North End with regard to restaurants and liquor licenses. Harvard Square receives 8 million visitors per year, and the North End receives 5 million visitors. Harvard Square is home to 89 restaurants, while the North End has 108 restaurants. Out of Harvard Square’s 89 restaurants, 35 of those restaurants have liquor licenses, while 97 of the North End’s 108 restaurants have liquor licenses.

Regarding the public safety issue, Ms. Jillson said that the experience with outdoor dining this summer was very successful and there were very few, if any, problems. Outdoor dining was popular and well-utilized. She believes that the License Commission is able to deal with any problems that arise from allowing more liquor licenses for restaurants.

Eleanor Williams, Harvard Square resident, said that the Hong Kong Restaurant, the Border Café and two restaurants on JFK Street are already problems. She stated her concern with binge drinking. She said that she is also concerned that Cambridge have the same problems it had in the early ‘80s with bars. Friday and Saturday nights are already very loud. She feels very reassured to learn that Cambridge in not at all interested in encouraging large drinking establishments.

Councillor Decker said that if a license costs a quarter million dollars, we are much more likely to get a chain or a large establishment. The more the owner has to pay for a license, the more that owner has to rely on alcohol to pay for it.

John DiGiovanni, President, Harvard Square Business Association, said that the License Commission has been very helpful in dealing with misbehavior related to the misuse of alcohol, and he believes that they are very capable of exercising the proper authority in these matters. He suggested a different renewal fee for licenses, perhaps higher, to enable the License Commission to staff, administer and monitor with respect to new licenses. The City has invested an extraordinary amount of time in improvements to Harvard Square. He believes that all of the concerned parties are moving in the right direction on these issues, but it will take some time.

John Pitkin, Fayette Street, stated that he is a member of the board of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association and a 30-year tenant as a business owner in Harvard Square. He said that universities and good restaurants do not usually coexist. In addition, high rents are at least as much of a problem as the high cost of a liquor license for a small restaurant business. The Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association discussed this issue at its meeting last night. There was a great deal of concern. There were a lot of problems before the cap policy and the reason that we don’t have those problems today is the cap policy. We should not get rid of it before we know what will replace it. He submitted a copy of the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood vote.

Terrance Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Cambridge resident, stated that the cap policy was passed at a time when people were much less mobile. There are eight million visitors to Harvard Square and 12 million visitors to Cambridge each year. Whatever the City Council does should include looking at the expected population growth as well.

Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at four o’clock and eight minute PM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair

QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING REPORT AND REFERRING IT TO THE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION NOVEMBER 27 ON THE CAP POLICY.

Committee Report #2
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at five o’clock and five minutes p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposal for wireless internet access for Harvard Square.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor Michael A. Sullivan, Vice Mayor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Mary Hart, Chief Information Officer, Tom Freiss, Network Engineer, IT Department, Bob Coe, IT Project Manager, IT Department, Linda Turner, IT Project Manager, IT Department, Fetahe Mekonnen, Support Specialist, IT Department, Estella Johnson, Economic Director, Community Development Department (CDD), Katherine Watkins, Project Manager, CDD, George Fernandes, City Electrician and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Denise Jillson, Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA), John DiGiovanni, HSBA, Tom Lucey, Harvard University, Ash Dyer, MIT, Alex Aminoff, sole proprietor, Base Space.net., Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, Ed Frankenberg, resident, Bill Hees, resident, Michael Coughlin and Daniel Feenberg.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. This matter was high on the list for Harvard Square to thrive. She asked Ms. Hart what is the vision in wiring up the City and Harvard Square.

Ms. Hart responded that the vision is to provide wireless access. The goal is to start with a BETA Project. The first project was to work to have Newtowne Court to have wireless access. The equipment is being tested and is deployable. The city is attempting to have a low cost solution. Open source mesh software is used. Access is on the street level and is not in the buildings at Newtowne Court. The technology used is mesh deployment technology. This technology needs a line of sight to the internet. The concentration is on city-owned buildings.

Councillor Davis asked Ms. Hart about the technology, in particular making Palmer Street live.

Ms. Hart informed the committee that the city does not have any buildings close enough to Harvard Square to connect to the fiber. Harvard University and local business have many fiber sites in Harvard Square. There is fiber on Palmer Street, but not city fiber. MIT and the Museum of Science are letting the city use their fiber. The general public will need a device to get connected to the internet.

Ms. Jillson stated that the HSBA is willing to cooperate in this venture and asked what does HSBA need to do. Ms. Hart responded, show the city where there is fiber. Beta technology will be utilized. There would be distortion going into the buildings. The IT Department would test the device. Ms. Jillson informed the committee that there are five property owners who will cooperate with this venture. Ms. Hart stated that property owners would incur the installation cost of the equipment. Contractual details need to be worked out, commented Councillor Davis. Ms. Hart stated that windowsill nodes would need a line of sight to the internet. A mini BETA project or a roof top project could be undertaken in Harvard Square. Access points will be reviewed. Mr. Freiss stated that a Com-Cast connection is possible. Ms. Hart explained that a Com-Cast connection could connect to an access point. Encryption may need to be done. Mr. Dyer spoke about tunneling away from public access. Councillor Davis asked where is the end of the tunnel. Mr. Dyer responded that it is straight to the internet.

Mr. DiGiovanni stated he was confident that property owners, businesses and Harvard University would cooperate to have the Harvard Square connection.

Councillor Davis inquired of Ms. Hart about the timeline. Ms. Hart stated that the issue in Harvard Square is different from Newtowne Court. A gateway is needed out to the internet from Harvard Square. Central Square, she said, is a hot spot. Councillor Davis asked what are the financial implications. This needs to be discussed with the City Manager and the Law Department, stated Ms. Hart. Testing may need to be done with commercial products that "talk" to mesh nodes. There are ten open source entities that are producing these devices, but will they talk to each other is the issue. Palmer Street should be the test because there is limited fiber in Harvard Square. Mr. DiGiovanni wants this technology in all of Harvard Square. The initial experiment is to install the equipment and then to allow access to the internet. Most property owners and businesses would be fine with the initial cost of the equipment installation. Ms. Hart stated that demand in Harvard Square would have to be analyzed. Roof top antennas are more expensive than the windowsill device. Councillor Davis stated that the installation and maintenance costs need to be established. This is a great economic development opportunity for Harvard Square.

At five o’clock and thirty minutes p.m. Councilor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.

Michael Coughlin stated that with an open connection there is no security. Routers will talk to each other and to anybody. Mr. Dyer spoke about the issue of security. The city network will be more secure than an open network. Tunneling will close off open networks. Mr. Coe stated that an open network does not mean it is not secure. Vendors provide encryption. Data over the network can be encrypted so that it is not seen.

Saul Tannenbaum asked where would wireless be in six months? He inquired how are decisions made and where is the accountability other than ad hoc meetings? Councillor Davis stated that there are two committees meeting on this issue monthly under Ms. Hart’s direction. The goal is to deploy wireless access throughout the city and to bridge the digital divide. The BETA project at Newtowne Court is for school-aged children who do not have internet access. School Committee Member Luc Schuster submitted a motion to have the School Committee and the City Council appoint a joint committee to get access to wireless.

Mr. Lucey stated that Harvard University has been working with property owners on Palmer Street. It is a great pilot project.

In response to a question from the Harvard Crimson representative who asked when will Palmer Street occur. Ms. Hart displayed a fiber infrastructure map. The libraries and public meeting places are now wireless. Antennas are being installed at Massachusetts Avenue/Blake Street; Sherman/Garden Street and Third/Gore Streets. The city identified buildings where antennas could be deployed. This deployment is not giving citywide range. Ms. Hart stated that WIFI will not be WIFI in five years. The city is looking for the right technology mixture.

Mr. Dyer spoke about the problem about individual companies owning licenses for frequency of internet use. The city is trying to stay in the free realm with an open source. Pioneers are looking at what happens when the fire and police departments cross city lines.

Councillor Davis asked what are the plans for mapping the Cambridge Public Internet. Ms. Hart stated that access cannot be received yet with the eight antennas. Individual node placements are needed. Mr. Fernandes stated that he takes a lap top to test if there is transmission. There will be antennas installed on forty city roof tops. The weakest point is Mt. Auburn Street. Businesses will help with Harvard Square. Light poles will also be used. The question is demand, stated Ms. Hart. Deployment should be based on need. Councillor Davis disagreed with Ms. Hart. She wanted to see access move more rapidly. The city wants to be on the cutting edge. The City Council will push for technology being implemented in public areas.

Ms. Hart stated that MIT has greater than 3000 nodes and Harvard has about the same. The city has 1500 antennas; fifty are deployed and the remainder will be working in six months if proper range is received. (After this meeting Ms. Hart corrected her statement as follows: The city has purchased 150 boxes and has potentially 1500 antenna locations.)

Councillor Sullivan asked about the locations. Mr. Dyer stated that there are 3000 nodes in buildings. Councillor Sullivan asked if installation was being done in housing. Ms. Hart responded in the affirmative. Windowsill devices go up quickly but the performance needs to be tweaked. The technology does not go through brick walls. Roof top antennas have deployment issues and the city is working on this issue.

Mr. DiGiovanni informed the committee that the Palmer Street renovation timeline goal is next summer. Ms. Hart stated she did not think the city had to wait until next summer. At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Harvard Square Business Association to make Palmer Street and the wider area of Harvard Square wireless; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit to the City Council the timeline for Palmer Street by December 15, 2006.

The motion carried.
(Note: This order was adopted October 30, 2006. See Order Number Twenty-Seven)

Ms. Hart stated that the windowsill devices do work. The issue is density. The city is not getting the results expected. Councillor Sullivan stated that when the technology is working he wanted it deployed rapidly.

Ms. Hart stated that the average cost is $150,000 to unwire per square mile. The city is going through MIT’s network. Harvard University has not given permission for the city to go through their network. Councillor Sullivan asked what is the user fee cost. Ms. Hart responded $30.00; you can get DSL for $14.00 This is not cost effective, stated Councillor Sullivan.

A discussion ensued about necessary resources. At this time Councillor Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend to the City Council the resources necessary to get through the testing phase for wireless access for the City as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

The motion carried.
(Note: This order was adopted October 30, 2006. See Order Number Twenty-Six.)

Ms. Hart stated the cost of $3,000 - $4,000 for street light devices. No city has unwired their whole city. Councillor Davis named two cities in California that are ahead of Cambridge. Cambridge needs to get moving. Ms. Hart stated that if Cambridge decided to go to a different technology, it still could.

Councillor Sullivan asked if developers of new construction are being asked to install appropriate devices. Councillor Davis stated that this is a Building Code issue. At this time Councillors Sullivan and Davis submitted the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on whether there is any Zoning Ordinance or Pole and Conduit Regulation to require a permit be issued on new construction that would help the City achieve its wireless objective.

The motion carried.
(Order adopted October 30, 2006 – See Order Number Twenty-Five.)

Councillor Davis thanked all attendees.

The meeting was adjourned at six o’clock and nineteen minutes p.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

QUESTION COMES ON ACCEPTING REPORT AND PLACING ON FILE.

AWAITING REPORT
03-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on progress of open space acquisition in East Cambridge.
Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/02/03 (O-14)

03-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing a proposed ordinance creating a Department of Public Safety. Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Mayor Sullivan and Full Membership 08/04/03 (O-4)

03-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to coordinate with Harvard for the development of a shuttle service from the new Harvard/Pleasant Street housing area to Harvard Square. Remains on per Councillor Sullivan
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 10/20/03 (O-16)

05-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on NSTARS’s investment and infrastructure and its relation to the blackouts and power outages in Cambridge. Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan
Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/20/05 (O-5)

05-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact that energy conservation measures could have in preventing blackouts and power outages. Remains on per Councillor Kelley
Councillor Davis, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/20/05 (O-6)

05-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an update on negotiations to implement a nighttime truck ban. Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan
Councillor Murphy and Full Membership 08/01/05 (O-58)

05-207. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for sidewalks that are more practical than brick and more attractive than plain concrete.
Remains on per Councillors Kelley & Sullivan
Vice Mayor Decker and Full Membership 11/14/05 (O-6)

06-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a database that details how many residential parking stickers are associated with residential units broken down by number of bedrooms, affordability class, location and proximity to a Mass Transit nexus.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 01/30/06 (O-3)

06-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: draft changes to ordinance to allow residents using designated car-share automobiles to take advantage of all parking privileges available to residents who own their own cars.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 05/08/06 (O-17)

06-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on financial support to Homeowners Rehab, Inc to subsidize the creation and fitting out of retail and community space at Trolley Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 05/15/06 (O-5)

06-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the appropriate limits of the CPD’s involvement in CHA buildings.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 05/22/06 (O-6)

06-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on putting the City’s self-evaluation under the ADA on the website.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 06/05/06 (O-10)

06-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a one-year long visioning plan for the City’s youth centers.
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 06/12/06 (O-7)

06-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the formation of a committee to study the impact to Cambridge of the proposal to develop Allston by Harvard.
Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-1)

06-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the policy on public toilets at parks and sporting events.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-21)

06-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving safety conditions for pedestrians and vehicles particularly those coming from under the bridge toward New Street.
Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-24)

06-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic calming and enforcement of truck ordinance at the Fresh Pond Mall.
Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-25)

06-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on monitoring the impact of the new Harvard Shaler Lane parking policy.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-37)

06-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the extend of the City’s liability for injuries and damage caused by various hazards before it has been warned of them.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-40)

06-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a pilot program which utilizes a public/private partnership to employ residents.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 08/07/06 (O-54)

06-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revisiting the issue of public restrooms in Central Square.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 09/11/06 (O-24)

06-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that all sidewalk ramps for disability access throughout the City are kept clear of debris.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/25/06 (O-9)

06-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a policy that will result in road and sidewalk hazards being promptly and consistently marked by either City employees or private citizens.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/25/06 (O-19)

06-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on using "rubber sidewalks" especially near tree wells.
Councillor Davis 09/25/06 (O-23)

06-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on standards angles for curb cuts, appropriate installation of curb cuts and oversight review of specifications for curb cuts.
Councillor Kelley 09/25/06 (O-37)

06-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plan for promoting Cambridge at Biotech 2007.
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/16/06 (O-1)

06-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a process that would solicit the general qualities, values and vision that the City Council would like to see in a new Police Commissioner.
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/16/06 (O-8)

06-159. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on utilizing Community Policing grant and other available funds to undertake training of police personnel on understanding the legal issues involved with private and housing authority properties.
Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/16/06 (O-9)

06-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a program to decrease trans fats in food served at Cambridge restaurants.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/16/06 (O-17)

06-167. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether Cambridge is likely to be one of the communities to be earmarked in the November State supplemental budget to fund feasibility studies to evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of local municipal electric utilities to replace the current distribution company.
Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/16/06 (O-23)

06-169. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why the playground equipment was replaced in the tot lot adjacent to 4 Canal Park.
Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Sullivan 10/16/06 (O-28)

06-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on constructing a sidewalk on Fulkerson Street between Charles and Binney Streets.
Vice Mayor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Sullivan 10/16/06 (O-30)

06-172. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of all steps that have been taken to make the intersection of Route 16 and Rindge Avenue safer for pedestrians.
Councillor Galluccio and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-7)

06-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the play equipment at the Alden Park playground.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/30/06 (O-10)

06-174. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the construction details and timeline for the BU Bridge repairs.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-12)

06-175. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of tree removal in Linear Park.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-15)

06-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on excessive speeding during school hours, poor signage and poorly timed lights at the intersection of Mt. Auburn Street and Fresh Pond Parkway.
Councillor Sullivan and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-18)

06-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the library construction will help meet the City’s CO2 reduction goals, and what green standards will be used for it construction.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-24)

06-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there is any Zoning Ordinance or Pole & Conduit regulation to require a permit be issued on new construction that would help achieve the City’s wireless objective.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/30/06 (O-25)

06-179. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the resources necessary to get through the testing phase for wireless access for the City.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-26)

06-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on achieving compliance with the City Ordinance requiring a minimum of thirty foot patrol officers.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Sullivan & Vice Mayor Toomey 10/30/06 (O-29)

06-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current penalties and if necessary amending the Municipal Ordinance as it relates to Noise so that second time offenders will be ordered to stop work for the day as well as to define "large scale" projects.
Vice Mayor Toomey and Full Membership 10/30/06 (O-30)

06-182. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current structure of the staffing level in the Police Department including special units.
Councillor Sullivan 10/30/06 (O-36)

06-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a Citizen’s Advisory Board to assist in choosing a new Police Commissioner.
Councillor Decker 10/30/06 (O-16)

06-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on allowing neighborhood residents to park in the East Cambridge Garage for all week for the current Monday-Friday rate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/06/06 (O-5)

06-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on costs of police traffic details associated with the Walden Street bridge closure and what traffic management plans are implemented in the Porter Square area until traffic is allowed over the Walden Street bridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Sullivan 11/06/06 (O-6)