Agenda - November 25, 2002 Cambridge City Council meeting
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-83, regarding a report on the feasibility of renovating the Corporal Burns Playground Shelter to provide public restroom facilities.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-91, regarding a report on the planting in Carl Barron Plaza including who is responsible for the planting and maintenance in the Plaza.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager., relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-92 regarding a report on the feasibility of installing additional bicycle racks at Brattle Square and City Hall and to add a consultative process with abutters as to where bike racks are installed.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-59, regarding a report on potential development of a public/private shuttle connecting Cambridgeport and the new Harvard University housing development to Harvard Square.
5. Transmitting Communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-94, regarding a report on status of repairs and maintenance to the sidewalk and stairs as well as the installation of better lighting in the plaza area in and around the Porter Square T Station.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-93, regarding a report on notice of polling locations sent to residents by the Election Commission and safety issues at polling locations.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $90,616 in the Grant Fund of the Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($76,438) Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($13,678) and Travel and Training Account ($500) from Mass Dept. of Education to provide funds for civics education to adult ESO students in existing classes.
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $28,826 in the Grant Fund of the Department of Human Services Salary and Wages Account from the Mass Department of Education to provide funds for English Classes to employees in restaurants and hotels.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $60,000 in the Grant Fund of the Department of Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($5,504) and Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($54,496) from the Mass Dept. of Education to provide funds to create a comprehensive family education and support system through integration of local programs.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $76,922 in the Grant Fund from the Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account the Salary and Wages Account. This transfer will enable the staff of the HUD Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program to continue through December 31, 2002.
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-96, regarding a report to the Council and School Committee on the standards and/or training provided to school crossing guards.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer, reduction and authorization of $1,800,000 from the North Cambridge railroad underpass project for the following purposes: $700,000 improvements to Cambridge Street, $600,000 Miscellaneous Building Renovations and $500,000Area Four Open Space Project – Phase I
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 02-89, regarding a briefing on the Charles River Basin Master Plan.
14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $24,368 in the Grant Fund of the Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($15,000) other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($9,368) from Employment Resources Inc. Funds will be used to provide reimbursement to the City of Cambridge for wages spent through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $782,855 in the Grant Fund of the Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($145,511) and Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($637,344) from the Mass Department of Housing & Community Development for the Low Income Heat Assistance Program.
16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,989.10 in the Grant Fund of the Human Services Salary and Wages Account ($989.10) and Other Ordinary Maintenance Account from organizations and individuals who attended the Youth Worker Conference. Funds will be used to support employment services for Cambridge Teens.
17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a resolution to assist the Neville Manor project in moving forward to provide the 112 Medicare and Medicaid certified beds in a new, state of the art Level II skilled nursing facility.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Mayor Sullivan on Applications and Petitions #1 of November 18, 2002 an application from John Kennedy requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 33 Walker Street.
ON THE TABLE
2. Landmark Designation Study Report for Shady Hill Square, 1-11 Shady Hill Square and 36 Holden Street.
3. Landmark Designation Study Report for designating as a protected landmark the Tulip Tree at 1436 and 1446 Cambridge Street.
4. Order #19 of September 9, 2002 requesting the City Manager to direct the Community Development Department to make maximum use of CPA funds to develop affordable housing that is permanently affordable, such as limited equity cooperatives and condos.
5. Order #17 of October 7, 2002 requesting the City Manager to appoint someone to speak with Neighbors for a Better Community to explore possible collaboration.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. Petition from Harvard University requesting a sub-surface easement located between 1720 and 1737 Cambridge Street for the purpose of constructing an underground pedestrian and service tunnel beneath Cambridge Street.
7. Proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Section 11.200 to increase linkage fees paid by developers of commercial housing seeking special permits to increase density or intensity of use. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after November 11, 2002. This petition expires December 31, 2002.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Thomas Anninger, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 122 Hamilton Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. Four neighborhood associations received letters. One neighborhood association has disapproved and one neighborhood association responded that it is not within their purview.
CONSENT COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the family of Tim Murphy, transmitting thanks for the resolution adopted by the City Council.
2. A communication was received from Elizabeth O. Dempster, et al., regarding the curb cut application for 33 Walker Street.
3. A communication was received from Thomas B. Bracken, regarding the curb cut application for 33 Walker Street.
4. A communication was received from Eve Perkins, regarding the Riverside Zoning Petition.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of James F. Burris. Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio
2. Resolution on the death of Paul L. Doherty. Mayor Sullivan
3. Resolution congratulating Howard Manly on being named as a new columnist at the Boston Herald. Councillor Galluccio
4. Resolution on the death of Felix Miceli. Councillor Galluccio
5. Resolution on the death of Edward H. Taylor. Councillor Galluccio
6. Resolution on the death of Donald T. Nadeau. Councillor Galluccio
7. Resolutions expressing congratulations and appreciation to educators and administrators in the School Department for their twenty-five years of dedicated service to the children of Cambridge. Councillor Maher
8. Resolution congratulating Dave Noyes and Melissa Parent on their engagement. Mayor Sullivan
9. Resolution on the retirement of Kathleen Bloutin from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
10. Retirement resolution of Celeste Delpedio from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
11. Resolution on the retirement of Pauline DeMetri from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
12. Resolution on the retirement of Eileen Farrell from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
13. Retirement resolution for Helen Guenther from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
14. Resolution on the retirement of Isabel Hanlin from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
15. Retirement resolution for Jean Horigan from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
16. Resolution on the retirement of Richard Horigan from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
17. Wishing Myriam Ionescu happiness in her retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
18. Extending best wishes to Sheila Morsehead in her retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
19. Resolution on the retirement of Marilyn Nalbandian from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
20. Wishing Frederick Nigorski happiness in his retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
21. Extending best wishes to Robert Reagan on his retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
22. Retirement resolution on Jose Ribeiro from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
23. Resolution on the retirement of Jacqueline Rogers from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
24. Wishing Mary Jane Rotella best wishes in her retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
25. Resolution on the retirement of Caetano Serpa on his retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
26. Extending best wishes to Jo-Ann Walther on her retirement from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
27. Retirement resolution for Jacqueline Wright from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
28. Extending best wishes to Nancy Costa as she retires from the School Department. Mayor Sullivan
29. Resolution on the YWCA’s Sixteenth Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women Luncheon held on November 20, 2002 and extending congratulations to the honorees. Councillor Maher
ORDERS
1. Clarification of the curb cut process, specifically as it pertains to abutters. Vice Mayor Davis
2. Nominate for recognition businesses, organizations, institutions and efforts made to save energy as the winter/heating season approaches. Vice Mayor Davis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a meeting held on October 29, 2002 to discuss three bike safety issues.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Nov 25
5:00pm Special Presentation for National Adoption. Reception in Mayor’s Office. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 26
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider a petition by Robert S. Carlson et al. to amend the zoning in the Riverside area. This hearing is televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 11
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to provide for an Assistant City Manager for Public Safety. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm The Public Facilities, Art and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue the discussion on the impact of state budget cuts on city arts programs, the status of the report on developing a Cambridge Art survey and an artist space initiative, and possible tools for the city to develop artists’ living and work space. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 12
5:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of recycling in the city. (Sullivan Chamber)
Fri, Dec 13
The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the following topics:
10:00am Follow-up meeting with NSTAR to discuss the report on the exact and projected amount expended on maintenance by NSTAR for the last three years, the report on the outages in the Mount Auburn/Strawberry Hill/Cambridge Highlands area of the city and any energy saving measures NSTAR can offer Cambridge residents and businesses. (Sullivan Chamber)
11:00am Follow-up meeting on the issue of noise including leaf blowers with city staff and to discuss a work plan. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 6, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 13, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 27, 2003
5:00pm Special Presentation for Cambridge Public School Art Department showing. Reception in Mayor’s Office. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 27, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 3, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 10, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 24, 2003
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1. November 25, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council clarifying the process for obtaining a curb cut, particularly as it pertains to abutters, including:
1) What are the procedures for identifying abutters, ensuring that they are notified and that their responses are submitted and included in the application;
2) As the application is reviewed by the various departments, how are abutter concerns accounted for, reviewed and reported in the application; and
3) What additional steps would be required to notify abutters who want such notice of the date that the application would go to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager recommend to the City Council a process for investigating abutter concerns and mediating disputes, if possible, prior to submission of the application to the City Council.
O-2. November 25, 2002
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with City staff to nominate for recognition Cambridge businesses, institutions, organizations, and efforts making major contributions to saving energy as the winter/heating season approaches.