Cambridge City Council meeting - Nov 24, 2014 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Women's Commission effective Dec 1, 2014 for 3-year terms: Kailah Carden; Pamela L. Enders, Ph.D
Kailah Carden
Ms. Carden grew up in Cambridge, attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin, and now lives here once again. Currently, Kailah works at the Tufts Women's Center, addressing many of the same issues that the Women's Commission works on. In college, and in her current Masters program, Kailah's focus is on gender and sexuality studies. She has organized campus-wide forums, facilitated group discussions, and developed new and innovative programming in the community. Kailah - a native Cantabridgian from Riverside, a student of feminist theory, and an active professional in the field - would be a strong addition to the Commission.Pamela L. Enders, Ph.D
Dr. Enders is a Clinical Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School as well as the founder of Winner's Circle Coaching. A licensed psychologist and performance and executive coach, Dr. Enders has more than a quarter of a century of experience working with corporate executives, attorneys, financial service professionals, insurance professionals, high-level sales professionals, entrepreneurs, bio-tech professionals, physicians, academics, and performing artists. In addition to her coaching practice, Dr. Enders is an accomplished singer and jazz cabaret performer. Her wide breadth of skill and experience will be a strong addition to the Commission.
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-132, regarding a report on monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks.
November 24, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-132, regarding a report on monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks, Managing Director of the Water Department Sam Corda reports the following:
The Water Department monitors the water mains in the city and has a program to replace water mains based on specific criteria. The Water Department utilizes the Distribution System Study ranking and the DPW Sewer Separation and Street Rehabilitation Programs to plan future water main rehabilitation improvements.
We also work with developers and contactors so that when their project is complete the local water distribution system has been upgraded to provide sufficient water to meet fire protection and all water demand requirements. This may include increasing the size, replacing or rehabilitating the water mains.
The Department utilizes the City GIS system to document the size, age and material of all water mains. We have an on-going GIS Mapping Program to keep all of the information relating to water mains and appurtenances, such as hydrants and valves, up to date.
It should be noted that the "significant" criteria used to prioritize the distribution system improvements are: water pipe flow, age and number of leaks.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $21,735 from Safety Insurance to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the estimated cost of repairing the Out of Town News Kiosk in Harvard Square.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Ambulance Mobilization Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $4,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Salary and Wages account ($2,000) and to the Grant Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000) which will allow the department to operate in the Massachusetts Ambulance Task Force Mobilization Plan.
Adopted 9-0
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for $69,163 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be spent on hazardous material detection devices, lap top computers, thermal imaging camera for the Rescue Company, security cameras for the interior of firehouses, card access controls, system credentialing and GPS for the two mechanic vehicles.
Adopted 9-0
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $550,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will fund the replacement of Engine 3 at the East Cambridge Fire Station.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $38,622.86 to the Grant Fund Fire Salary and Wages account which will be used for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
Adopted 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT)
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $33,066.15 from an insurance payment to the General Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account to cover the estimated cost of replacing a police vehicle that was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which the other motorist was at fault.
Adopted 9-0
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Calendar Item Number 2, dated June 16, 2014, regarding the legality and feasibility of instituting a fifteen dollar an hour minimum wage ordinance.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-117, regarding a report on the feasibility of creating and maintaining one or more street pianos in one or more parks and/or plazas.
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-112, regarding a report on the feasibility of creating an adult playground.
12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Conversations final report, Strategic Recommendations for a Citywide Plan.
13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-120, regarding a report on the status of the dog park review committee.
ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center. (Order Amended by Substitution.) [Order Number Ten of Jan 27, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Mayor Maher on Jan 27, 2014.]
2. An application was received from Ting-hsu Chen requesting permission to widen the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 14 Soden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Six of Feb 24, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Feb 24, 2014.]
3. That the City Council go on the record in opposition to any type of casino project in the Greater Boston area whether constructed and managed by Mohegan Sun or Wynn Resorts. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Simmons on Order Number Five of June 16, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Cheung on June 30, 2014.]
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on June 18, 2014 to discuss revisions to the Cambridge Municipal Code Section 9.04.050 (A) Defacing public property of Chapter 9.04 entitled "Offenses Against Property". [Committee Report Number Five of June 30, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan on June 30, 2014.]
5. That as we undertake the Cambridge Conversations and the Master Planning Process, the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to study emerging business types in Cambridge and how they are affected by the use regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, and to recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance that will help classify such businesses in a clear, rational way that supports the long-term interests of the community and instruct the Community Development Department to evaluate appropriate ways to facilitate home-based businesses above and beyond what is currently allowed. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Five of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input and to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Six of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
7. An application was received from Tango Properties, LLC requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 60-62 Magoun Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association with a time extension request. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number One of Oct 20, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on Oct 27, 2014.]
8. Congratulations to Marvin Gilmore on the release of his biography Crusader for Freedom. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Maher on Resolution Number Twenty-seven of Oct 20, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Mayor Maher on Oct 27, 2014.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.
10. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Bisq Restaurant requesting permission for a blade sign at the premises numbered 1071 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
2. An application was received from Pires Market requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 873 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutter.
3. A zoning petition has been received from Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties to amend Article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by adding a new Section 20.800 entitled Mass and Main Residential Mixed Income Subdistrict within the Central Square Overlay District.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0-0-1 (Mazen voted PRESENT)
4. An application was received from Mix-It requesting permission for a sign and an awning at the premises numbered 1678 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Margaret Desjardins regarding property damage during street construction on Lakeview Avenue.
2. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid regarding adding an item to Agenda Resolution List.
3. A communication was received from Paul Tammaro, 4 Marion Street, regarding air quality and noise on Cambridge Street.
4. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, concerning the nuclear waste death of the United States of America.
5. A communication was received from Mark Roopenian, Normandy Real Estate Partners, 99 Summer Street, Boston regarding the zoning petition to amend Article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map by adding a new Section 20.800 entitled Mass and Main Residential Mixed Income Subdistrict within the Central Square Overlay District.
6. A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, 67 Pleasant Street, regarding the zoning petition filed by the Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining.
7. A communication was received from J. Patrick Brown, 5 Kenwood Street, Somerville in support of Policy Order #13 regarding the state of public records in Massachusetts.
8. A communication was received from Diwakar Paptabiraman, 33 Cogswell Avenue, in support of Policy Order #12 relating to the chemical disaster in Bhopal, India on December 3, 1984.
9. A communication was received from Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street, in support of the zoning petition filed by the Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties.
10. A communication was received from Jo Solet, 15 Berkeley Street, relating to noise and leaf blowers.
11. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, in support of the Foundry being used as a homeless shelter.
12. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare and Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street, regarding Policy Order #2 and reducing the speed limit to 25 MPH.
13. A communication was received from Carolyn A. Fuller, 12 Douglass Street, requesting the City Council to support the height provision of the Normandy and Twining zoning petition.
14. A communication was received from Bill McAvinney, 12 Douglass Street, in support of the broad outline of the Normandy and Twining zoning petition and requesting the City Council support for housing at transit hubs to be a priority.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Christiane Wollaston-Joury from the Community Learning Center. Mayor Maher
2. Congratulations to Susana Ubaldo-Russell and Rudy Russell on the birth of their daughter, Naiomi Aaliyah Russell. Vice Mayor Benzan
3. Happy 99th Birthday wishes to Freema Shapiro. Mayor Maher
4. Resolution on the death of Mary T. (Clifford) Glynn. Councillor Toomey
5. Retirement of Phillip Sego from the Sierra Club. Councillor Toomey
6. Resolution on the death of Michael D. Ralph. Mayor Maher
7. Retirement of Elena Arrendol from the School Department. Mayor Maher
8. Retirement of Rayanne Santosuosso from the School Department. Mayor Maher
9. Resolution on the death of Lawrence Michael Sullivan. Mayor Maher
10. Resolution on the death of Maria (Acacia) Fabrizio. Councillor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Frank P. Grynkiewicz. Mayor Maher and Councillor Toomey
12. Resolution on the death of Margaret T. Considine. Mayor Maher and Councillor Toomey
13. Resolution on the death of Mary Splaine. Mayor Maher and Councillor Toomey
14. Resolution on the death of Ruth O. (McNutt) Fitzgerald. Mayor Maher
15. Resolution on the death of Patricia A. Spera. Councillor Toomey
16. Happy 39th Birthday wishes to Tevis Colon. Vice Mayor Benzan
17. Happy Birthday wishes to Lourdes Bermudez. Vice Mayor Benzan
18. Resolution on the death of Ficesse "Fifi" Luberisse Geffard. Vice Mayor Benzan
19. Happy Birthday wishes to Samuel M. Gebru. Vice Mayor Benzan
20. Happy Birthday wishes to Yuisa Gonzalez. Vice Mayor Benzan
21. Happy 39th Birthday wishes to David Ortiz. Vice Mayor Benzan
22. Get well wishes to Juanita Aponte. Vice Mayor Benzan
23. Happy Birthday wishes to Steve Gutherz. Vice Mayor Benzan
24. Happy Birthday wishes to Keith Mascoll. Vice Mayor Benzan
25. Happy Birthday wishes to Tony Avalo. Vice Mayor Benzan
26. Happy Birthday wishes to Bernice Taylor. Mayor Maher
27. Thanks to Tavern on the Square for the work they undertake to provide a Thanksgiving meal to those in need in the Cambridge community. Councillor Toomey
28. Resolution on the death of Richard Thomas. Mayor Maher
29. Resolution on the death of Monica (Wulff) Steinert. Mayor Maher
30. That this City Council does hereby go on record congratulating Harvard on a superb season and a well-fought title. Councillor McGovern
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the new property owners of the Kendall Square Movie Theatre and part of the One Kendall Square complex to ensure previous arrangements for the community to park during a snow emergency will be honored. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with all relevant City Staff and Departments to examine the feasibility of posting advisory signage to broadly encourage a motor vehicle speed limit of 20 to 25 miles per hour on City streets. Councillor Carlone
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Kelley
4. That the City Manager is requested to assess the possibility of adding dedicated cycling infrastructure to Pearl Street as a part of the reconstruction process. Councillor Cheung
5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission and the appropriate City departments to determine a feasibility study and subsequent action plan, instituting suffrage for immigrants in Cambridge. Councillor Mazen
6. Declaring Nov 20 through Dec 20, 2014 as Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the importance of providing survivors with the support and resources they need to transform their pain and anger into power and action. Vice Mayor Benzan
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of establishing a Garden of Peace to commemorate the loss of homicide victims and serve as a symbol of hope in the City of Cambridge. Vice Mayor Benzan
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to assess the sidewalks along the streets abutting Newtowne Court and Washington Elms and provide a timetable for when the sidewalks will be repaired. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Simmons
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments and other appropriate City Departments to determine the feasibility of installing a temporary lane marker, or implementing a wiser strategy, that makes it clear that there are two lanes on Western Avenue. Vice Mayor Benzan
Withdrawn
10. That the City Council go on record expressing support for President Obama's executive order to grant undocumented residents the opportunity to stay with their families, work hard and continue their pursuit of a better life. Vice Mayor Benzan
11. That the City Council designate the month of November 2014 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mayor Maher
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Board of the Cambridge Retirement System to determine if they hold Dow stocks and bonds and what steps can be taken to divest from all manner of engagement with Dow. Councillor Mazen
13. That the City Manager is requested to examine ways to streamline both the City's process and the City's technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and to examine how major cities' open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk's office, the City Solicitor's office, and IT. Councillor Mazen
Charter Right - Toomey
14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to hold a public meeting seeking input from the public about the best design for the city's calendar. Councillor Mazen
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Nov 25
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Timothy R. Flaherty, et al. II zoning petition requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge to expand the Medical Marijuana Overlay District, MMD-1 to encompass 61 Mooney Street. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Dec 1
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Dec 2
4:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss poverty and issues related to the experience of organizations working with those living in poverty. (831 Mass. Ave., Bsmt. Conference Room)
Wed, Dec 3
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss fire safety, including a review of Cambridge Fire Department operations, what happens to people after a fire, trends in fire safety and how possible fire safety hazards such as abandoned buildings are reviewed. (831 Mass. Ave., Bsmt. Conference Room)
Mon, Dec 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Dec 9
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss what can be done about double utility poles and underground wires. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Dec 10
5:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee and the Economic Development and University Relations Committee will be hosting a STEAM Summit to present research conducted by the STEAM Working Group. The summit invites the greater Cambridge community to hear the working group's recommendations around STEAM-related workforce development, issues of access and equity in the innovation economy, and best practices. Final recommendations will be sent to the full City Council and then forwarded to the City Manager for his consideration and actions. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 16
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the City's Emergency Response/Preparations when dignitaries visit the city or when there is a major event occurring in Cambridge. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Dec 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 7
4:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss discretionary budgeting and the feasibility of introducing Home Rule Petitions regarding an increase to the residential exemption, a tax credit for benevolent landlords and a property transfer tax for those coming to Cambridge to speculate on land. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 14
4:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City's Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The parking garage adjacent to the Kendall Square Movie Theatre and part of the One Kendall Square complex has change ownership recently; and
WHEREAS: Previous owners allowed parking in the garage during declared snow emergencies for nearby residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the new property owners to ensure previous arrangements for the community to park during a snow emergency will be honored and report back to the City Council with details of allowed usage.
O-2 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is considered a "thickly settled" community, and as such, the general speed limit is defined as 30 miles per hour on the many Cambridge streets where no speed limit is posted; and
WHEREAS: Last month, the City Council of New York City approved a bill to reduce the maximum speed for cars, trucks and taxis on residential streets from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS: Although the City of Cambridge is not authorized to post an actual speed limit sign without permission from the state highway department, it may be possible to post "advisory speed limit" signage without having to obtain state-level approval; and
WHEREAS: The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has compiled a "Driving Speed Fatality Risk Chart" that shows a 45% risk of fatality to pedestrians and cyclists in accidents involving an automobile that is traveling in the 30 to 35 miles per hour range, as compared to a 5% risk of fatality when automobiles are travelling in the 20 to 25 miles per hour range; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all relevant City Staff and Departments to examine the feasibility of posting advisory signage to broadly encourage a motor vehicle speed limit of 20 to 25 miles per hour on City streets; 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 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cities across the country, including Washington DC and Boston, MA, are in various stages of experimenting with the concept of pay-by-phone parking meters, in an effort to streamline the parking process, to better collect revenue, and to improve the overall experience of those who wish to frequent a city's stores and restaurants; and
WHEREAS: Somerville, MA has recently become the first city in the Greater Boston area to implement a citywide pay-by-phone parking meter program by partnering with the Parkmobile company, and the early, enthusiastic buzz generated by this new program should make other communities take notice; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge, long established and renowned for being a leader of developing and adopting cutting-edge technology and citywide innovations, is a natural city in which to harness this new technology, and the resulting quality-of-life improvement could positively impact thousands of Cambridge residents and visitors; 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 determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and to report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible.
O-4 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City is planning to reconstruct Pearl Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Granite Street over the course of two years and in two phases; and
WHEREAS: Pearl Street, in its current layout, is not a welcoming and accessible cycling environment, particularly for elderly, very young, and novice cyclists; and
WHEREAS: Easily accessible dedicated cycling infrastructure has been shown to increase ridership in other communities; and
WHEREAS: Cyclists have been shown to spend more per month at local businesses than auto drivers in other communities; and
WHEREAS: Cycling miles have increased 237% from 2004 to 2012 in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Cycling, instead of auto driving, as a means of transport produces significant reductions in the carbon gas emissions currently causing climate change; and
WHEREAS: The City has invested significant capital, time, and energy in building yet-to-be connected infrastructure components of a physically connected bicycle network in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City has invested significant capital, time, and energy in building a comprehensive Cambridge Bicycle Network Plan as a part of master cycling plan 'Towards A Bikeable Future'; and
WHEREAS: Dedicated cycling infrastructure on Pearl Street would help build out this physical network and master cycling plan; and
WHEREAS: Dedicated cycling infrastructure on Pearl Street would allow for easier emergency vehicle access to homes and vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Dedicated cycling infrastructure on Pearl Street would allow for additional tree plantings; and
WHEREAS: Dedicated cycling infrastructure on Pearl Street would allow for wider sidewalks, making safer travel for the elderly and handicapped pedestrians, as well as cyclists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to assess the possibility of adding dedicated cycling infrastructure to Pearl Street as a part of the reconstruction process.
O-5 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a community that is enriched by its sizable immigrant community; and
WHEREAS: As integral members of the population, immigrants with Green Card status or at least 3 years of residency in Cambridge should be able to have a voice in municipal politics; and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities such as Brookline and Newton have been working towards similar goals in recent years, providing a platform for collaboration and solidarity for a common civic participation cause; and
WHEREAS: In Takoma Park, Maryland, one of the most recent municipalities to instate noncitizen voting, it was found that the demographic breakdown of all residents is starkly different to the demographic breakdown of eligible voters in the city, disenfranchising productive members of their community; and
WHEREAS: Extending municipal suffrage in Cambridge would foster a sense of belonging to both the city, as well as the country, for noncitizen immigrant residents, paving the way for naturalization; and
WHEREAS: All residents of Cambridge are affected by local issues, and should have the right to engage in their community while paying taxes and having children in the public school system; and
WHEREAS: Chicago's project enabling non-citizens to participate in school board elections has demonstrated increased engagement in the public school system by immigrant families; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission and the appropriate City departments to determine a feasibility study and subsequent action plan, instituting suffrage for immigrants in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-6 Nov 24, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Enacted in 2000 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) is an annual observance for survivors of homicide victims held from Nov 20 through Dec 20, 2014; and
WHEREAS: This yearly observance provides a platform where people can learn about and teach others how to better assist families who have lost loved ones to homicide; and
WHEREAS: During the awareness month, survivors and supporters across the state are provided with many opportunities to honor the memories of their loved ones, reflect on their journey as survivors of homicide victims, connect with other survivors and needed services, and learn more about the Massachusetts Victim's Rights Movement; and
WHEREAS: Survivors and supporters can also support the efforts of other survivors and inform the public about violence prevention, peacemaking, trauma, crisis response protocols and the restorative and social justice movement; and
WHEREAS: This City Council is proud to learn that Massachusetts was the first state in the country to dedicate an entire month to survivors of homicide victims; and
WHEREAS: SHVAM draws together thousands of men, women and children who make up the surviving families of homicide victims living in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as an extensive community of supporters; and
WHEREAS: In 2013, over 2,500 people participated in SHVAM including leaders from the business community, city and state elected officials, criminal justice professionals, health care professionals, law enforcement and interfaith representatives and clergy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record declaring Nov 20 through Dec 20, 2014 as Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the importance of providing survivors with the support and resources they need to transform their pain and anger into power and action; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Denise Cosby and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-7 Nov 24, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: The Boston Garden of Peace is a memorial commemorating victims of homicide and a living reminder of the impact of violence; and
WHEREAS: Once only a dream of family members and friends of homicide victims, Boston's Garden of Peace came about thanks to the vision, dedication and generosity of a broad coalition of individuals, violence prevention and victim service groups as well as the support of both the City of Boston and state government; and
WHEREAS: The first Massachusetts memorial of its kind to commemorate homicide victims, the Garden is a living testament to the need to eliminate violence for as of September 2014, close to 1,000 names of victims have been inscribed; and
WHEREAS: The mission of the Garden of Peace is to create and maintain a memorial to victims of homicide that, through its location in Boston's Government Center raises the awareness of their citizens, public officials, and business leaders of the human cost of violence; stands as a symbol of connection for the many and diverse communities and constituencies in Massachusetts touched by violence who share a common grief and a common hope; and provides a site for visits by anti-violence education and advocacy groups, survivor groups and individual survivors that is both evocative and inspirational; and
WHEREAS: Boston residents see the Garden as a true symbol of hope for peace and renewal in their lives, their community, and the world; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of establishing a Garden of Peace to commemorate the loss of homicide victims and serve as a symbol of hope in the City of Cambridge and report back to the Council in a timely manner.
O-8 Nov 24, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the sidewalks along the streets abutting Newtowne Court and Washington Elms are in serious disrepair; and
WHEREAS: With 470 households, Newtowne Court and Washington Elms make up the largest family public housing developments in the city; and
WHEREAS: Besides hundreds of children, residents include well over a hundred senior and disabled individuals; and
WHEREAS: With the onset of winter, the poor condition of the sidewalks makes them subject to further damage from frost heaves and plowing operations, thus becoming an even greater safety hazard for children, seniors and the disabled community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to assess the sidewalks and provide a timetable for when the sidewalks will be repaired and report back to the City Council.
O-9 Nov 24, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Residents have reported that the narrowing of Western Avenue has directly led to a sharp increase in congestion and bottlenecks due to the false appearance that there is only one lane; and
WHEREAS: The artery is currently not divided into two lanes which confuses drivers and leads to the assumption that traffic flows in one single file; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Departments and other appropriate City Departments to determine the feasibility of installing a temporary lane marker, or implementing a wiser strategy, that makes it clear that there are two lanes on Western Avenue and report back to the Council in a timely manner.
O-10 Nov 24, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: On Thurs, Nov 20, 2014 President Barack Obama unveiled a major executive action on immigration policy, offering temporary legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants, along with an indefinite reprieve from deportation; and
WHEREAS: The executive order offers temporary legal status to the undocumented parents of children who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; it allows millions of undocumented immigrants to be eligible to apply for work permits; and it takes steps to expand visas for high-tech workers, modify federal immigrant detention procedures and add resources to strengthen security at the border; and
WHEREAS: An additional one million people will get protection from deportation through other parts of the President's plan to overhaul the nation's immigration enforcement system, including the expansion of an existing program for "Dreamers," young immigrants who came to the United States as children; and
WHEREAS: There will no longer be a limit on the age of the people who qualify; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing support for President Obama's executive order to grant undocumented residents the opportunity to stay with their families, work hard and continue their pursuit of a better life.
O-11 Nov 24, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The City Council is asked to declare the month of November "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Each year, an estimated 46,420 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 39,590 will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS: Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is projected to become the second by 2020; and
WHEREAS: Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent; and
WHEREAS: When symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally late stage, and 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis while 94 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and
WHEREAS: The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act was signed into law in 2013, which calls on the National Cancer Institute to develop a scientific framework, or strategic plans, for pancreatic cancer and other deadly cancers, which will help provide the strategic direction and guidance needed to make true progress against these diseases; and
WHEREAS: It will be very difficult to leverage the opportunities that come out of the scientific framework developed as a result of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act unless sustained and adequate funding is provided to the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute; and
WHEREAS: Federal funding for medical research is critical to job protection and creation in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization serving the pancreatic cancer community in Cambridge and nationwide through a comprehensive approach that includes public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Cambridge support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as to those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a cure; and
WHEREAS: The good health and well-being of the residents of Cambridge are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council designate the month of November 2014 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitable engrossed copy to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-12 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Dec 3, 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the chemical disaster in Bhopal, India, when a Union Carbide chemical plant unleashed a cloud of deadly chemicals that killed more than 8,000 people in a single night, and has been responsible for over 16,000 deaths since; and
WHEREAS: In Bhopal, up to three kilometers from the factory, at depths greater than 30 meters, the groundwater is contaminated with cancer-causing and birth-defect-causing chemicals, as well as heavy metals, because of Dow's refusal to clean up the factory site; and
WHEREAS: Over 100,000 people are permanently disabled and many more are unable to earn a living because of injuries suffered from the 1984 disaster; and
WHEREAS: There is ongoing congenital malformations and developmental disabilities among the children of survivors; and
WHEREAS: Despite this, Dow refuses to face the criminal charges brought against it in India for the disaster or to aid in clean up, medical care, and economic rehabilitation of the survivors - and given that Dow was required to appear an Indian court on Nov 12, 2014 but did not; and
WHEREAS: Numerous social justice and environmental justice groups worldwide, including Amnesty International, Pesticide Action Network, and Greenpeace have highlighted the Bhopal case as one of the most horrifying instances of human rights abuse that have gone unresolved; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Council stands in unity recognizing that the Anniversary of the Bhopal Disaster - Dec 3rd - be a Day of Remembrance for Victims of Industrial Disasters and Pollution; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Council go on the record in support of Dow Chemical Corporation assuming responsibility for the disaster and take steps to ensure that crucial issues such as economic rehabilitation and the clean-up of the site are taken up forthwith; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine simultaneously announcing the City's boycott and divestment from all manner of engagement with Dow; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Board of the Cambridge Retirement System to determine if they hold Dow stocks and bonds and what steps can be taken to divest from Dow; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to find safe substitutes for Dow products being purchased by the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Dow Chemical company; 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 24, 2014 Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Public Records Law (MPRL) is intended to encourage transparency in government affairs; and
WHEREAS: The current IT infrastructure makes the process of retrieving and redacting records costly, inefficient, and potentially onerous for City staff attempting to fulfill requests; and
WHEREAS: The City has recently asked requesters to pay thousands of dollars in costs, both to retrieve records from the City's storage systems, and for the City to review those records prior to release; and
WHEREAS: The law encourages requests specifically noted for public benefit to have associated fees waived [950 CMR 32.06(5)]; and
WHEREAS: The law requires compliance with public records request both "as soon as practicable" and also within ten calendar days; and
WHEREAS: A streamlined, internal, electronic method of processing data about correspondence and policy in response to Massachusetts Public Records Law would ensure efficiency, feasibility, and transparency; and
WHEREAS: Such a system would also allow for completed requests to be shared through an open data portal, similar to a solution in place in Oakland, California; and
WHEREAS: Research into the most common requests under the Massachusetts Public Records Law would streamline both redaction, as well as the gathering of records if implemented into a database; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine ways to streamline both the City's process and the City's technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Information Technology Department on ways to ensure that records retrieval is efficiently handled and automated whenever possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to research both the most commonly found and most arduous Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and establish a protocol to redact them upon data entry when possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to examine how major cities' open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk's office, the City Solicitor's office, and IT, working side by side; 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-14 Nov 24, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The community calendar on the City of Cambridge website could increase engagement and participation in city events through a user-centered redesign process; and
WHEREAS: Adding additional filters such as searching by location, day of the week, and/or cost would expedite access to community events; and
WHEREAS: A visual calendar would facilitate a more intuitive and user friendly experience for less tech-savvy members of the community; and
WHEREAS: Subscribable email and/or RSS updates would allow interested residents to be reminded about relevant city meetings and events; and
WHEREAS: Neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and other organizations seeking to put on events to benefit city residents should have access to a preapproved posting process encouraging greater participation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to hold a public meeting seeking input from the public about the best design for the city's calendar; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to use the design guidelines from this meeting to redesign the city's online calendar; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a master list of all residential building managers citywide.
Councillor Simmons 04/28/14 (O-4)
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)
14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)
14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)
14-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on rodent control operations and the possibility of providing rodent-proof trash barrels to residents.
Councillor Toomey 06/30/14 (O-1)
14-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on designing and implementing a system of public bulletin boards on major streets and intersections throughout the City.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-11)
14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)
14-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report that the License Commission will not take further action on the proposed rideshare regulations and that the City Solicitor report on the City Council's legal authority over livery and taxi regulations.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-17)
14-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resuming negotiations to purchase and preserve the Whittemore Avenue Community garden site.
Councillor Carlone 07/28/14 (O-2)
14-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on publicizing and convening a community meeting within 72 hours of any catastrophic event that could impact public safety.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-3)
14-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on police patrols in Area IV and post information on website of what measures are being taken with regard to safety in the neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-5)
14-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)
14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)
14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)
14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are chosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)
14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)
14-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of previous recommendations for the Volpe Center site included planning studies such as but not limited to, ECAPS, Neighborhood Planning Studies, K2, and efforts by the East Cambridge Planning Team and that the report summarize zoning and zoning overlays, and outline the development potential and limitation of this area.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/14 (O-4)
14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the ML King School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)
14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)
14-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on faster and more dependable ways of notifying bill payers of water leaks and if the City can legally reimburse bill payers for extra sewerage costs due to water leaks.
Councillor Kelley 09/22/14 (O-2)
14-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making the Foundry building available for a major installation of the 2015 Fab Lab Conference.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Cheung 09/22/14 (O-13)
14-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the best way to implement a plan to solicit and receive payment in addition to real estate taxes from willing participants and used to support city services.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-2)
14-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on next steps to advance the creation of the Grand Junction Multi Use Path.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-8)
14-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revisiting the possibility of providing a reduced-rate Hubway membership for low-income Cambridge residents.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-10)
14-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many parking spots are being lost in the Riverside and West Cambridge Neighborhoods, accommodations being made for residents during snow emergencies, and plans for negotiating these conflicts with residents.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-12)
14-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the housing development on the site of the Tokyo Restaurant.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Mayor Maher 10/20/14 (O-13)
14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or grop of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)
14-112. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #11
RE: report on the feasibility of creating an adult playground.
Councillor Mazen & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-17)
14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)
14-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with an opinion on whether the City Council can raise linkage fees for inclusionary zoning prior to the conclusion of the Nexus Study.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-21)
14-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a timeline of the inclusionary zoning Nexus Study outlining what work has been done, what work is currently being conducted and a date when the policy recommendations can be made.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-22)
14-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on commissioning a study of Cambridge Youth Centers with a focus on use rates and underutilized space.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-1)
14-117. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on the feasibility of creating and maintaining one or more street pianos in one or more parks and/or plazas.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-2)
14-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on negative impacts of street-narrowing initiatives.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-4)
14-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on review of drone use in Cambridge for developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-5)
14-120. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #13
RE: report on status of the Dog Park review committee.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-7)
14-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on traffic flow issues, number of collisions, traffic enforcement efforts and possible safety improvements in the area of Rindge Avenue from Cedar to Clifton Streets.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-8)
14-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on organizing a series of meetings with residents to discuss the future of North Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-9)
14-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the future of Hubway in and around Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-10)
14-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting an open air STEAM festival in coordination with the Cambridge Science Festival.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-12)
14-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changing the name of "North Point Boulevard Extension" to "Education Circle."
Councillor Toomey 10/27/14 (O-13)
14-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a program similar to the Exchanging Places program in London.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-14)
14-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts Area Hospitals.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-15)
14-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety issues of crosswalk at and outside area of Cadbury Commons on Sherman Street.
Councillor Cheung 10/27/14 (O-16)
14-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Masse Hardware sites at 243 and 253 Walden Street for affordable housing.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-17)
14-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether preference points can legally be allotted to all city employees for affordable housing units.
Councillor Cheung & Vice Mayor Benzan 11/03/14 (O-1)
14-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of repairs to the Galaxy: Earth Sphere sculpture and fountain.
Councillor Mazen 11/03/14 (O-2)
14-132. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks.
Councillor Toomey 11/03/14 (O-3)
14-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how private citizens can best protect their property and claim redress for alleged damages from private contractors during City-funded construction projects.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 11/10/14 (O-1)
14-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: possibility of deploying truck side guards on all city-owned and city-leased trucks.
Councillor Carlone 11/10/14 (O-5)
14-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the legal limitation of the City to regulate all manner of vehicular traffic within Cambridge borders, including loading and unloading zones, truck and bus timing regulations.
Councillor Kelley 11/10/14 (O-6)