Cambridge City Council meeting - November 22, 2010 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the Cambridge Council on Aging for a two-year term being November, 2010:
Maureen Harty
Yaw O. Adjei-Koranteng
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-63, regarding a report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business and residential building improvements.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-145, regarding a report providing additional bicycle parking at CRLS and the Main Library.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-143, regarding a report on the potential uses at the former North Cambridge Catholic High School.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-152, regarding a report on language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios.
Referred to Transportation, Traffic & Parking Committee
Nov 22, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-152, regarding a report on language in the Noise Ordinance as it relates to enforcement of loud car radios, Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas reports the following:
The Noise Control Ordinance in Article 8, Section 8.16 of the City of Cambridge Ordinance provides for enforcement of both measured and non-measured sound from vehicles and radios. The Ordinance authorizes the police to enforce the Section and violators may be assessed a $300.00 fine. The License Commission has a Sound Meter and they will respond to calls to assist the police with enforcement issues, if necessary. The Cambridge Police Department, if made aware by citizens, will respond and evaluate the noise complaint and enforce any violations.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-120, regarding a report on the feasibility and enforceability of implementing the provisions of House Bill 3371 which increases certain motor vehicle fines to improve driving.
Nov 22, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-120, regarding a report on the feasibility and enforceability of implementing the provisions of House Bill 3371 which increases certain motor vehicle fines to improve driving, Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas reports the following:
The law, pursuant to M.G.L. c.85, § 11E and M.G.L. c.89, §12, authorizes cities and towns that have either a Plan D or Plan E Charter to impose additional fines for certain motor vehicle violations. The City of Cambridge has a Plan E Charter. The motor vehicle laws affected by the new legislation, which goes into effect on Jan 1, 2011 are as follows:
* M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B - the new law would allow a fine of $75 for a violation of the bicycle laws. The law now provides for a minimal fine of $20.00;
* M.G.L. c. 89, § 9 - the new law would authorize the City to require a fine of up to $250 for drivers who violate traffic signs, signals or devices. The fine currently is $150 or less.
* M.G.L. c. 89, § 11 - the new law authorizes the City to impose a fine of up to $250 for drivers who fail to yield to a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk. The fine currently is $200 or less.
* M.G.L. c. 90, § 18A - the new law authorizes the City to impose a fine of up to $75 for pedestrians who provide a false name or refuse to provide their name and address to a police officer upon a violation of the rules/regulations of local roadways.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-147, regarding a report on playground safety issues at the Cambridgeport School playground.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-148, regarding a report on the use of Sennott Park.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-159, regarding a report on repairing the broken play structures at Hurley Street tot lot.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-161, regarding a report on whether grass is being overwatered in front of the library and at Sennott Pocket Park and at the Sennott Pocket Park.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-162, regarding a report on the condition of the large trees in front of the old Main Library.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2010:
Douglas P. Moran (With Power)
Amanda Picard (Without Power)
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for St. James's Episcopal Church at 1991 Massachusetts Avenue.
Referred to Ordinance Committee
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-118, regarding a report on issues related to scooters and any changes to ordinances or regulations on scooter use and parking.
Nov 22, 2010
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-118, regarding a report on issues related to scooters and any changes to ordinances or regulations on scooter use and parking, Traffic, Parking & Transportation Director Susan Clippinger reports the following:
Scooters
There are two kinds of scooters as regulated by the Commonwealth.
Motorized Bicycles, Mopeds:
MGL Chapter 90 Section 1B
* Must have a moped decal from the RMV which is affixed to the rear of the scooter.
* Cannot exceed 25 MPH
* Subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth except:
* o May pass on the right of a vehicle in the travel lane
* o May use bike lanes (but not off-street recreational bicycle paths)
Limited Use Vehicle:
MGL Chapter 90 Section 1H (This is a new law which went into effect July 31 2009)
* Must have a Limited Use plate from the RMV which is affixed to the rear of the scooter.
* Cannot exceed 40 MPH
* Cannot use roads with a speed limit over 30 MPH.
* Subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth with no exceptions.
The Commonwealth establishes the traffic rules and regulations for scooters as well as other vehicles using public roadways to maintain roadway safety for all the various roadway uses. The RMV implements the requirements scooters must meet to receive a moped decal or limited use plate. As different vehicles enter the marketplace, changes in State law are made to address new issues as was done with the amendments to Chapter 90 that were implemented in 2009.
Parking regulations for scooter are the responsibility of each municipality. In Cambridge scooters with moped decals can park on the sidewalk provided they do not prevent accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The licensing and operation of scooters on streets is the responsibility of the State. The parking of scooters in Cambridge is regulated by the City's Traffic Regulations. No changes to the Cambridge Traffic Regulation are recommended.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-119, regarding a report on the long-term plans for the building and associated open space located at 116 Norfolk Street.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to set up a process to reach out to experts and the public in order to create a balanced panel to participate in the Sign Ordinance Task Force. [Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Davis on Order Number Four of Nov 8, 2010.]
Placed on file under Rule 19 - no action taken
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Human Services Department about the feasibility of hosting a weekly contra dance at the West Cambridge Youth and Community Center and report back to the City Council on this matter. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Nov 8, 2010.]
ON THE TABLE
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. May 10, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 2-7-0 remains on Table. Sept 13, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 4-4-1 remains on Table. Sept 27, 2010 Councillor Kelley made a motion to take from the table motion failed 3-5-1 remains on Table.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
6. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten Of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Sept 14, 2010 to consider a petition filed by Richard McKinnon, et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map in the North Point PUD-6 District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 1, 2010. Planning Board hearing held Sept 21, 2010. Petition expires Dec 13, 2010.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a recommendation for the approval of a loan order in the amount of $14,535,000 as well as a vote relative to Chapter 2.110 ("City-Owned Land and Buildings".) The question comes on adoption on or after Nov 29, 2010.
9A Loan order passed to a second reading 9-0-0
9B order adopted 8-1-0 (Councillor Kelley recorded in the negative)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from CVS Pharmacy, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 624 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
2. A zoning petition has been received from Marc Levin, Director of Development, Chestnut Hill Realty Company, on behalf of Chauncy Court LLC, Wendell Terrace LLC and John Harvard LLC, requesting the City Council to enact new sections of the Zoning Ordinance to permit the creation of workforce housing.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Allen Boyer, Business Manager Local 151, transmitting support of the McKinnon Petition.
2. A communication was received from Gerald L. Neuman, J. Sinclair Armstrong Professor of International Foreign, and Comparative Law, Harvard Law School, transmitting thanks for the resolution regarding his election to the Human Rights Committee.
3. A communication was received from Heidi Feinstein and The Life Alive Team, transmitting thanks for the resolution welcoming Life Alive Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe to Cambridge.
4. A communication was received from Ruth H. Silman, Nixon Peabody LLP, representing Cottage Park Realty, Inc., transmitting written protest to the William A. Fox, et al. Zoning Petition.
5. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the printed phrase on his fence.
6. A communication was received from Barbara Broussard, President, East Cambridge Planning Team, requesting that zoning petition filed by Rich McKinnon to rezone land in the North Point area east of the Gilmore Bridge contain a binding Memo of Agreement to ensure that the adjacent park be maintained in perpetuity and that whoever the developer is to complete the envisioned tennis courts for this area.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Robert A. McWatters. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Mary Ann "Roddy" (Reilly) Machanic. Councillor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of Anna T. (Hepp) Purvis. Mayor Maher
4. Condolences to Ethel Ampey on the loss of her nephew, Harold "Bubba" Lomax. Councillor Simmons
5. Congratulations to the Dance Complex on its 19th Anniversary Concert. Councillor Simmons
6. Resolution on the death of Edmund Farino Sr. Councillor Toomey
7. Resolution on the death of Francisco De Sousa Leal. Councillor Toomey
8. Resolution on the death of Vincent "Vinny" Greco. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Henry Lewis III. Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons
10. Resolution on the death of Marion A. (McCabe) Arthur. Mayor Maher
11. Thanks to Ed Ver Planck, Sheldon Cohen, Mrs. Janet Cahaly, Tod Beaty and John P. DiGiovanni for their dedication to the Harvard Square Business Association. Councillor Cheung
12. Thanks to the Stone Heart Pizza Company for their donation to The Guidance Center of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
13. Congratulations to Wanna Charlot on being accepted into the Peace Corps. Councillor Cheung
14. Resolution on the death of Teresa M. "Peg" (Paradise) Quattrochi. Mayor Maher
15. Welcome Sodu Shoes to Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
16. Thanks to Cathie Zusy and the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association for their successful clean-up of Magazine Beach. Councillor Cheung
17. Declare Dec 18, 2010 as "Paul Revere's Ride Day" in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Maher
18. Resolution on the death of Alfred F. Lange. Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey
19. Resolution on the death of Kathleen T. (O'Shea) O'Sullivan. Mayor Maher
20. Welcome the Boston Initiative to Advance Human Rights (BITAHR) Film forum to Cambridge. Councillor Reeves, Councillor Decker
21. Congratulations to Tim McCarthy on being honored with a Ford Foundation grant for his work of LGBT issues. Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves
22. Congratulations to Transition House on the dedication of their new Nature Explore Classrooms and thanks to Mary Kay, Inc. for their donation. Councillor Toomey
23. Congratulations to Mr. Yo-Yo Ma on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mayor Maher
24. Congratulations to Noam Weinstein on the release of his latest album entitled "Found Alive." Councillor Decker
25. Condolences to the Sarah Boyer on the loss of her father, Eugene D. Boyer. Vice Mayor Davis
26. Resolution on the death of Joseph J. Mallahan. Mayor Maher
27. Resolution on the death of James E. Doyle. Mayor Maher
28. Resolution on the death of Luis A. Pinheiro. Councillor Toomey
29. Resolution on the death of Angelina Costa. Councillor Toomey
30. Resolution on the death of Jose Figueiredo. Councillor Toomey
31. Thanks to Marie Dottin for her contributions to the Cambridge community. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
32. Welcome Sagentia to Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
33. Congratulations to Kristen and James Meagher on the birth of their daughter, Celia Mary Meagher. Councillor Decker
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the University Relations Committee on all recent changes to parking meters that affect the City's universities. Councillor Cheung
Amended
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation regarding the feasibility of converting the Inman Square parking meters to two hours along Hampshire Street. Councillor Cheung
Amended
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department to review the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement. Mayor Maher
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Community Development Department and report back to the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee on the feasibility of instituting a moratorium on particular industries, such as banks, that are already well represented in the city's squares. Councillor Simmons and Councillor Cheung
5. That this City Council go on record encouraging Congress to pass legislation to establish the Veterans Trust Fund. Councillor Decker
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to inform the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee on its options with regards to the means and the manner by which it may hold a meeting with the Boston City Council at the Museum of Science. Councillor Cheung
Toomey voted NO
7. That the City Manager and the Mayor of Cambridge meet directly with the presidents of MIT, Harvard, Leslie and Cambridge College and work out a guarantee proposal that these colleges will pay the tuition and fees of students graduating from Cambridge public high schools. Councillor Reeves
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Arts Council to search and to report back to the City Council the progress of said search for experimental music venues and spaces in Central Square. Councillor Reeves
Amended
9. That the City Manager request that the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department review Section 5.28.2 of the City Ordinances to determine whether any changes should be made to the current square footage calculations for the purpose of decreasing the potential for negative impact that these dense conversions may place on already dense neighborhoods. Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Davis
10. That the City Manager requested to communicate with the Cambridge Housing Authority the desire to develop community gardens at 116 Norfolk Street. Vice Mayor Davis and Councillor Simmons
11. That the City Manager is requested to communicate with NSTAR the need for a new pilot of on-bill-financing at a level comparable to the MassSave program limit of $15,000, adequate to finance a reasonable retrofit project. Vice Mayor Davis
12. That the City Manager is requested, in conjunction with the City Solicitor and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to look at the possibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes. Mayor Maher and Councillor Simmons
13. That the City Manager is requested, in conjunction with the Community Development Department, review the current linkage formula and recommend changes, if any, that should be considered. Mayor Maher and Councillor Simmons
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Community Health Committee, for a public meeting held on Sept 15, 2010 to receive an update from the Cambridge Health Alliance on current issues and future plans, particularly with respect to the Cambridge Hospital and Health Clinics.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 7
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 8
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting as a follow up to the meeting held to discuss trees on Sept 30, 2010. The meeting will specifically discuss the Somerville Tree Ordinance, tree replacement policy, public involvement in tree maintenance, and the Resistograph Test. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 14
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 21
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 4
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 11
6:00pm School Committee Roundtable Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 18
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 25
4:00pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss current city ordinances that are hurting business growth. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Hearing (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 22, 2010 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there has been a change in parking meters and the number of available parking spaces on Massachusetts Avenue right in front of MIT's campus; and
WHEREAS: Meters that previously allowed campus visitors easy access to MIT have been removed and the space is now allocated to tour buses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the University Relations Committee with a report on all recent changes to parking meters that affect the City's universities; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on whether tour buses pay for use of curbside space and, if so, how much.
O-2 Nov 22, 2010 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the current parking meter system in place in Inman Square is detrimental to business growth; and
WHEREAS: Currently, all but two of the meters in Inman Square are one hour meters; and
WHEREAS: The current one hour limit is prohibitive and does not foster visits to multiple Inman Square establishments; and
WHEREAS: Extended meters would allow visitors to have dinner and stop in a store without needing to rush out to feed their meter; and
WHEREAS: Setting the first fifteen minutes of a meter to be free may help facilitate creating available on-street parking for short stops; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to look into the feasibility of converting the Inman Square parking meters to two hours along Hampshire Street (beginning at the Somerville/Hampshire line - ending at Norfolk) and along Cambridge Street (beginning near Inman Pharmacy and ending by Norfolk) and report back to the City Council.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the possibility of installing time-weighted parking meters in Inman Square with the first fifteen minutes being free and the expense increased over the allowed two hour limit.
O-3 Nov 22, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: There are numerous examples of developers failing to fully comply with all aspects of community mitigation agreements; and
WHEREAS: The City may not always have standing to ensure full adherence to such agreements; now, therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department to review the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement ; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-4 Nov 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a vested interest in the continued business development of its squares, regions that should reflect the vitality and diverse needs of its populace; and
WHEREAS: Residents have expressed concern that with the increasing number of banks in Cambridge's Squares, and that continuing in that same direction could make the Squares less responsive to our citizen's needs with less room for local and small business entrepreneurs to move in and flourish; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Community Development Department and report back to the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee on the feasibility of instituting a moratorium on particular industries, such as banks, that are already well represented in the city's squares.
O-5 Nov 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of this City Council that there are efforts to make a Veterans Trust Fund a reality; and
WHEREAS: A Veterans Trust Fund would ensure that the cost of caring for our veterans after they return home from combat would be calculated as a part of the original cost of war not waiting until the veterans were home to figure out how to pay their medical and psychological health expenses; and
WHEREAS: At this moment the mental health needs of veterans are not being met with the Veterans Administration reporting an understaffing of counselors, therapists, and specialists of over 1,000 while trying to meet the needs of the more than 1,800 veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq who attempted suicide last year alone; and
WHEREAS: Over 550,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have filed disability claims for conditions resulting from their time in combat and the Veterans Administration has a backlog of claims over 700,000; and
WHEREAS: With a Veterans Trust Fund in place the men and women who have been deployed will have a better experience returning home; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record encouraging Congress to pass legislation to establish the Veterans Trust Fund; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Delegation to the United States House of Representatives and Senate on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-6 Nov 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Metro-Boston/Cambridge area has a rich history of leading the nation in innovation. As a cradle of technological innovation in the 1990's Cambridge nurtured such legendary firms as Analog Devices, Akamai, Lotus Development Corporation and Polaroid. In the 21st century, Cambridge has broadened its base to include numerous health care and biotechnology firms such as Genzyme, Biogen Idec, and Novartis. Google maintains an office in Cambridge -as does Microsoft Research. Video game developer Harmonix Music System, the makers of the popular Rock Band, is based in Central Square, the heart of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: We must continue to lead Cambridge and Boston forward because every day, cities around the country and world are trying hard to unseat us. In order to continue our success Boston and Cambridge should work together, not against each other; and
WHEREAS: The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee is working with Boston City Council President Mike Ross to host the first ever meeting between the two councils on economic clusters' and the future economic development of the Boston/Cambridge metro area; and
WHEREAS: This meeting will help bridge the gap between Boston and Cambridge's municipal administrations, policy makers, and business communities and will contribute to a shared vision for economic growth that will benefit the region as a whole; and
WHEREAS: In a gesture of good spirit and camaraderie this meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thurs, Dec 16th at 3pm at the Museum of Science, a building that has rooms zoned in both in Cambridge and in Boston; and
WHEREAS: Although Rule 26 of the Cambridge City Council Rules does not prohibit said meeting if held in a room physically zoned in Cambridge, the museum being registered under a Boston address calls for additional degree of procedural thoroughness; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to inform the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee on its options with regards to the means and the manner by which it may hold a meeting with the Boston City Council at the Museum of Science; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council as it deems necessary, vote to suspend any provision in Rule 26 which could be read to interfere with the proceedings of said meeting; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council vote to authorize the chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee to move forward in the scheduling and planning of this meeting.
O-7 Nov 22, 2010
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has great universities, such as MIT, Harvard, Leslie and Cambridge College, and
WHEREAS: Other cities and universities, such as Yale University in New Haven, CT, have guaranteed students from their public high schools, who have maintained a 3.0 average, tuition free admission for a four your college program; and
WHEREAS: The students who graduate from Cambridge public high schools should be afforded these same benefits; and
WHEREAS: These students would be required to maintain a 2.5 average while they are attending one of these colleges; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager and the Mayor of Cambridge meet directly with the presidents of these colleges and work out a guarantee proposal that these colleges will pay the tuition and fees of students graduating from Cambridge public high schools; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager and Mayor report back to the Cambridge City Council and advise them of the progress and the initiatives being put forth.
O-8 Nov 22, 2010 Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The members of the Red Ribbon Commission on the Concerns and Delights of Central Square have been meeting to explore many developments and venues in Central Square; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Arts Council deals with the arts community in Cambridge. Therefore, the City Manager shall request the Arts Council to draft a Request for Proprosal for experimental music performances in Central Square; and
WHEREAS: There is an abundance of available space in Central Square that the City Manager and the Arts Council could identify as available space that would be good for experimental music and arts; and
WHEREAS: City Councilor Reeves has met with Roger Brown, President of Berkley School of Music. President Brown believes that such a notion could come to reality in Central Square; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council the progress of said request for proposals and search for experimental music venues and spaces in Central Square.
O-9 Nov 22, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Over the past few years, there have been an increasing number of existing commercial or institutional use buildings in densely populated residential areas that have been converted or are slated to be converted to residential use; and
WHEREAS: The conversion of such buildings to residential use can significantly increase the overall density of already congested neighborhoods; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager request that the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department review Section 5.28.2 of the City Ordinances to determine whether any changes should be made to the current square footage calculations for the purpose of decreasing the potential for negative impact that these dense conversions may place on already dense neighborhoods; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to include in the report information on how parking requirements have been applied.
O-10 Nov 22, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Cambridge Housing Authority the desire to develop community gardens at 116 Norfolk Street.
O-11 Nov 22, 2010
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with NSTAR the need for a new pilot of on-bill-financing at a level comparable to the MassSave program limit of $15,000, adequate to finance a reasonable retrofit project.
O-12 Nov 22, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested, in conjunction with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department, look at the possibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested, in conjunction with the Community Development Department, examine the feasibility of dedicating a percentage of such revenues generated by the formula for distribution to community based non-profits in Cambridge by a possible grant system; 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-13 Nov 22, 2010
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has been some time since the City has examined the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested, in conjunction with the Community Development Department, review the current linkage formula and recommend changes, if any, that should be considered; 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 Community Health Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Sept 15, 2010 at three o'clock and thirty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update from the Cambridge Health Alliance on current issues and future plans, particularly with respect to the Cambridge Hospital and Health Clinics.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Dennis Keefe, CEO, Cambridge Health Alliance; Alison Bayer, Chief Operations Officer; Joan Hill, Mass Senior Action Committee (MSAC), 6 Mt. Auburn Street #7; Madeline McDowell, 237 Franklin Street; Arvilla Sarazen, 25 8th Street # 47, Cambridge voter/MSAC; Pam Edwards, MSAC; and Elaine DeRosa, Director, CEOC.
Councillor Decker convened the meeting, explained the purpose and invited public comment.
Joan Hill, 6 Mt. Auburn Street, said that the Cambridge Health Alliance is her health care provider. There are now long waits at the clinics. We have lost excellent doctors and staff. Services at the Whidden and Assembly Mall are virtually unavailable unless you drive. At the budget hearing, A basically world class community health care system is being demolished. Ms Hill said that community input is not valued by the Alliance. Board meetings are held at seven a.m. She requested that board minutes be posted online, especially since they are held at a time that is very inconvenient for the public. She asked that the CHA also post the Finance Reports submitted to the City Clerk. She expressed concerned about spending tax payer funds on consultants such as Ernst and Young. Ms. Hill also expressed concern about the ratio of health care salaries. She stated that she supports Councillor Decker's concern for transparency and community input.
Madeline McDowell, 237 Franklin Street, stated that she really came to listen. She agrees with comments of first speaker. Getting to clinics is very rough for elderly people without cars.
Arvilla Sarazen, 25 8th Street, stated that she is very upset that the senior clinic closed. She is also concerned that the eye doctors have been moved to Somerville. Seniors have to pay for parking at Somerville Hospital. At the Windsor Street Clinic, they want you to pay and park underground.
Pam Edwards, Mass Senior Action Council, thanked Councillor Decker for having this public meeting. The changes at CHA have negatively affected Cambridge seniors. She questioned whether CHA is worth spending Cambridge tax dollars on. Most seniors they know do not drive or have cars. The CHA does not have transparency. She asked who is choosing the Wall Street firms like Ernst and Young. Why is money going there instead of into health care? Since Mr. Keefe has become CEO, the quality of care has decreased. She suggested thinking about having another entity run the Cambridge Health Clinic.
Elaine DeRosa, Director of CEOC, said the newspaper stories about CHA partnering with Caritas, etc., are very frightening, particularly with respect to of reproductive healthcare issues. She asked what criteria the CHA is using to evaluate merger requests and possibilities. Does CHA foresee a merger that will compromise the CHA mission? She stated that members of the community are also concerned about adolescents and the Teen Health Center. Seven hundred adolescents signed a petition to keep it open during the summer and yet it was closed for the summer. She asked what services the CHA is willing to take a loss on to preserve its mission.
Councillor Decker moved to discussion of the first item: hospital structure and decision makers. Mr. Healy submitted written material prepared by the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) for this meeting (Attachment A). He then provided a brief history the creation of the CHA. Mr. Healy said that the Cambridge Public Health Authority was created in 1996 by Special Act. Filed by the City Council and adopted by the Legislature. The legislation establishes a 19 member board of trustees, which has fiduciary responsibility for the public authority. By statute the board includes the Alliance CEO, a member of the medical staff, two City of Cambridge officials, five Somerville residents, and ten Cambridge residents. Appointments are made by the City Manager based on nominations submitted to him by the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Healy said that the current board is comprised of a broad-based group of professional members. The fiduciary duty is a huge responsibility. All of the board members are very committed to the mission of the hospital, but in order to pursue its mission the Cambridge Health Alliance must be able to survive. Before the creation of the CHA, Cambridge Hospital was a city department. Like the other few remaining public hospitals, the Cambridge Hospital was facing overwhelming financial problems. In 1995 the CHA had to be established to enable Cambridge Hospital to survive. However, healthcare today is an even more complicated turbulent situation.
Councillor Decker stated that there is a community concern that there needs to be more accessibility of the board to the community. Seven a.m. meetings are not accessible to the public. When Councillor Simmons and Councillor Decker were having public meetings and otherwise expressing their concern about the elimination of midwife services from the Windsor Neighborhood Clinic, it took over a year to get a meeting with board members.
Councillor Decker asked how many board members are consumers at the Cambridge Health Alliance. Mr. Healy said that he is a consumer, but legally he cannot ask that question, because of the privacy protections in the HIPA law. In an and in an and in place you will him and him Mr. Keefe said that he also gets his health care there and that a significant number of board members do get their health care through CHA.
Councillor Decker said that the community understands the gravity and precariousness of the situation that the CHA faces. Their real need is for the transparency and outreach - that keeps them informed and gives them confidence that their needs are being taken into account. She asked whether CHA is tracking the effects of the changes on their consumers.
Mr. Keefe said that he is committed to preserving the mission. Decline in the deliverance of services is not reflected in any of the metrics of quality of service that they are required to report to Medicare and Medicaid in public documents. Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Hospital have been hurt by health care reform. In October 2008, the State cut $40 million that had already been awarded and already budgeted and told the CHA there would be no funds for next year. Through very intense negotiations involving five mayors and several state representatives they restored the funds that had been cut and came to an agreement with the state. In that agreement the state requirement was downsizing and "reconfiguring" the foot print to "essential services." The state committed $85 million in 2010 and 2011 funding to come from the Medicaid waiver amendment that the federal government was expected to adopt. Since then they have been lobbying to get that amendment. The CHA still has not been paid and the waiver still has not been approved. This is the same reality that Boston Medical Center is facing -BMC is looking at $175 million loss by Sept 30. The CHA has laid off or reduced hours for 450 employees.
Mr. Keefe said that right now the reimbursement is all fee for services. The state wants to go to a fixed payment per year for each patient. Hospitals would be responsible for all the services including those that they do not provide. There has been a lot of discussion about how to form alliances that will work with the new payment protocols. They did use Ernst and Young as consultants during their reconfiguration. At this point they have worked through the reconfiguration.
Councillor Decker said that no one doubts the financial crisis or the efforts to solve that. The issue is how changes are made, how you determine which services will be reduced, how patients are affected. No effort has gone into working with community leaders and there are real consequences of these changes. There is a feeling that the Community Action Committee is not always listened to. There is no one from the Massachusetts Senior Action Committee on the Committee.
Councillor Decker asked whether the CHA has seen a drop off in the number of patients since the clinic closures and relocations of patients to new healthcare sites. If not, are there new patients. Councillor Decker said that she knows of people who have stopped taking care of their health since their neighborhood clinic closed. Ms. Bayer said that they have tracked what has happened to the former patients at the clinics that are now closed. She introduced Deborah Kline Walton, Chair of Community Services Committee, to report on this issue. Ms. Kline Walton said that she has put together a process to track the effects on patients at clinics that closed. Some physicians left and some patients followed them. As of the end of August (approximately a year) at least sixty percent of the patients were continuing to use CHA services. In comparison at primary care sites with no changes, 65-70 percent were still there. They have also collected statistics with a break down by language, by payers, by residence. In addition they have tried to reach out to those who did not come back. The CHA has now closed the dental clinic program at the Everett and Somerville. All dental services are now being provided at the Windsor Street site, and the CHA is now tracking information about the effect on former patients at those dental clinics. Ms. Kline Walton said that with regard to transportation, the CHA still contracts with SCM for seniors and disabled patients. At Windsor Street they have relocated all staff parking and use valet services for patient parking.
Ms. Kline Walton said that the Windsor Street site is very active. Its services include family medicine physicians who provide obstetrical services. Councillor Decker said that she is still really concerned that midwives are longer practicing at Windsor because family medical doctors cannot supervise midwives Ms. Kline Walton said that this year they expect the total patients at the Windsor Clinic to be 39,000 patients. Cambridge Hospital also gotten busier and has been recognized as outstanding provider of emergency services. Ms. Kline Walton said that it is clear to the CHA that they do need to solicit the voice of more patients. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health now requires that every hospital have a patient and family advisory council.
Ms. Kline Walton said that they have seen a small decline in patients using impatient services. For the last six months the CHA has instituted patient visits to solicit feedback on the comfort patients in the hospitals. They have seen a dramatic increase in public satisfaction and will try to determine how to get better.
Councillor Decker asked about transport services for non-seniors. Ms. Bayer said that is a problem. Councillor Decker recounted the experience of a woman with a broken foot who was offered an appointment at the Whidden immediately or at the Cambridge Hospital five days later and was not offered money to take a cab to Whidden. Ms Bayer said that that was inappropriate; the Whidden should not have been offered as an alternative.
Councillor Decker asked whether a busier ER is the result of patients not getting preventative care and primary care physician attention elsewhere on regular basis. She added that she knows some people who are not going elsewhere, not getting regular care.
Mr. Keefe introduced Dr. John Brusch, a geriatric specialist, the Director of Medicine at Somerville Hospital and a Cambridge Hospital and then CHA doctor for thirty-four years to talk about some of the changes in health care. Dr. Brusch said that one of the challenges of health care reform is to find new ways to deliver health care. Another challenge in his field is that our aging population has changed health care. The CHA has started to work with the Department of Public Health to see aging as a community responsibility. They have developed a consortium of community organizations, with an agenda of issues in healthy aging. Their first initiative has been falls. Falls are the fourth biggest source of mortality in Massachusetts. They are focusing on educating the community and screening for the risk of falls. At the Mayor's senior picnic, they conducted a screening and found that 32 percent of those screened were at serious risk of falling. They are working with community agencies and working where the seniors are. Dr. Brusch added that at the Somerville the Patient Family Advisory Committee has been very effective.
Councillor Decker requested an update on the Teen Health Clinic. She said that this year she asked at budget hearings about whether the clinic would be open over the summer and asked to be told if there was a problem. She was not told that there was any problem, but nevertheless, the teen health clinic was closed, to the consternation of many members of the community. Councillor Decker said that Cambridge is a great city because the community has higher standards. If community people have been at the table, they are more likely to accept what cannot happen. Mr. Keefe said that he believes that the Teen Health Center is an issue that they may be able to come together on to find a balance. The CHA never entertained the idea of permanently closing the teen center. The extensive CRLS renovations made occupancy impossible. Ms. Bayer said that the CHA will do better next year in planning around how to keep the clinic open in the summer.
Councillor Decker replied that she very much appreciates this, but this is just one example of the problems that come from a way of operating that does not sincerely engage with the community and does not act with understanding of the importance of community process.
Mr. Keefe said that he will try to find some ways to improve communications.
Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at two o'clock and thirty-eight minutes P.M.
For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the adoption of a regulation to prohibit licensed hotels from subcontracting housekeeping services.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 04/05/10 (O-16)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-63. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on instituting a program similar to the on-bill financing of business and residential building improvements.
Councillor Cheung 04/26/10 (O-8)
10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the courts ruling in favor of the plaintiffs at 303 Third Street and the impact on affordable housing units in the building.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-10)
10-118. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #14
RE: report on issues related to scooters and any changes to ordinances or regulations on scooter use and parking.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-23)
10-119. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #15
RE: report on long-term plans for the building and associated open space located at 116 Norfolk Street.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-24)
10-120. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on feasibility and enforceability of implementing the provisions of House Bill 3371 which increases certain motor vehicle fines to improve driving.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-25)
10-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on discussions about the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-27)
10-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the closing of the Teen Health Center and report quarterly on service changes and other matters related to the future of the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-28)
10-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction. Councillor Toomey referred back to City Manager for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/13/10 (O-5)
10-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA bus #47 not stopping for people waiting at the bus stops.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-7)
10-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reducing energy consumption by way of deleting and/or limiting email storage.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-15)
10-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of working with the NSTAR/OPower project.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-1)
10-138. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/27/10 (O-6)
10-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the City.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-10)
10-143. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on the allowable uses for the No. Cambridge Catholic High School site and on the number of residential dwelling units that could be developed in this property.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 09/27/10 (O-14)
10-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a crosswalk and stop signs on Kinnaird Street between Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Seidel 09/27/10 (O-15)
10-145. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on providing additional bicycle parking at CRLS and the Main Library.
Councillor Kelley 09/27/10 (O-18)
10-147. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on playground safety issues at the Cambridgeport School playground.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-3)
10-148. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on the status of Sennott Park, including how the space is scheduled by organized groups and the landscaping costs and upkeep.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-4)
10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)
10-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the transition of the Grand Junction Railroad to Commuter Rail traffic could impede the implementation of the Grand Junction Rail Trail. Councillor Toomey referred back for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-7)
10-152. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on whether there is language in the noise ordinance that allows enforcement of loud car radios.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-8)
10-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of banning smoking in public parks and other public places.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-9)
10-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the new food allergy guidelines and what impact it will have on the food industry in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-10)
10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)
10-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the brick sidewalk in front of 149 Hancock Street.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-6)
10-159. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
RE: report on repairing the broken play structures at Hurley Street Tot Lot.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-11)
10-161. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on whether the grass in front of the library and at Sennott Pocket Park is being overwatered.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/25/10 (O-5)
10-162. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #11
RE: report on the condition of the large trees in front of the old Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/25/10 (O-6)
10-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on multiple questions concerning trees that come out of the Environment Committee meeting of 9/30/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis 10/25/10 (O-11)
10-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways the City can work with the MAPC on opportunities related to the $4 million grant award to the MAPC on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-3)
10-166. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing public use at the War Memorial Recreation Center.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-6)
10-167. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assisting neighbors as the No. Cambridge Catholic school site project proceeds and report on how the Table of Uses impact the development by special permit or variance in a Residence B District.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 11/01/10 (O-7)
10-168. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a communication from PERAC regarding the appropriation for FY2012. See Communication #6 of 11/8/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership
10-169. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Cambridge residents being labeled "inactive" during the most recent election and listed with wrong or misspelled addresses.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-1)
10-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the gutters are up to code at the Blessed Sacrament building.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-3)
10-171. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on false pricing at Radio Shack.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-7)
10-172. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the agreements between the developer and area residents are being upheld at the Blessed Sacrament Development.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-10)
10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)