2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-98, regarding MDC skating rinks and swimming pools.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance Account from free cash for the purpose of funding a major City event to coincide with the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Boston in July 26-29, 2004.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-133, regarding a report on the benches removed from the green space between the police station and Franklin Street.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-123, regarding a report improving lighting in and around the Manning Apartments, with special attention to the common area, city garage and street lighting in the area.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-110, regarding a report on creating a position of energy manager.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-140, regarding a report on the status of a proposed development in Belmont along the Alewife Reservation and matters of water and sewer connectivity.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-134, regarding a report on a plan to promote the recycling of "retired" cell phones.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-96, regarding the reasons for black outs in the Huron/Concord Avenues area during the month of August.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-125, regarding a report on virtual retirement communities.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Joshua Racine, 169 Monsignor O'Brien Highway, Cambridge, as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2003.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Friends of the Cambridge Kids’ Council for $2,370 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support program costs for the Center for Families of North Cambridge.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer from the General Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance ($3,500) account to General Fund Human Services Travel and Training ($3,500) account to allow the Executive Director and two youth members of the Kids’ Council the opportunity to travel to the National League of Cities Congress and Exposition Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-117, regarding the status of land at the corner of Binney Street and Binney Street Extension.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-136, regarding a report on safety in the Cambridge Common.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-131, regarding a report on the condition of Paine Park, including the play equipment, graffiti, late night use by youth, cleanliness and the transformer next to the gate.

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-129, regarding a report on creating an oversight body to oversee and implement the Memorandum of Agreement signed by Harvard and the Riverside neighborhood.

ON THE TABLE  
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Landmark Designation Study Report for Shady Hill Square. 1-11 Shady Hill Square, 36 Holden Street.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Landmark Designation Study Report for designating as a protected landmark the Tulip Tree at 1436 and 1446 Cambridge Street.

3. Request 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.

4. Requesting the City Manager to appoint someone to speak with Neighbors for a Better Community to explore possible collaboration.

5. Requesting the City Manager to direct the City Solicitor to draft a home rule petition to enable the City Manager to approve curb cuts.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Calendar Item No. 1, dated 11/4/02, regarding the implementation of land use and zoning recommendations of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Study.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-102, regarding a report on how the Cambridge Housing Authority's emergency switches in resident units function.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
8. 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.

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 6, 2003 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by John Roback et al. to amend the zoning in an area bounded by the centerlines of Green, Pearl, Franklin and Brookline Streets from the existing Residence C-2A to Residence C-1. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after December 15, 2003. Petition expires February 4, 2004.

COMMUNICATIONS  
1. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding musicians in the subway.

2. A communication was received from Alec Wysoker, regarding the Carlson petition and the city's agreement with Harvard University.

3. A communication was received from Stewart Mason and Charity Stafford, regarding issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples effective immediately.

4. A communication was received from Karen Russell, transmitting thanks to the City Council for the Birthday resolution.

5. A communication was received from Laura Forbes, regarding the safety concerns at the intersection of Concord Avenue and Spinelli Way.

6. A communication was received from the O'Neill family, transmitting thanks for your kind expression of sympathy on behalf of their mother Mildred A. O'Neill.

7. A communication was received from Mike and Ruthann Tomasik, transmitting appreciation for the resolution on behalf of Joseph J. Tomasik.

8. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding university tax exemptions and transmitting proposed House Bill #3636, 2001, entitled "An Act Relative to the Payment of Property Taxes by Charitable Institutions."

RESOLUTIONS  
1. Congratulating Erskine Adams and Lucille Adams on their 62nd Wedding Anniversary on January 11, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulating Manhattan Clothing Stores on their 2003 Gala, "The Gift" to be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at the Roxy Nightclub, a benefit for the Weber Foundation of Helping Hands, Inc. to sponsor inner-city youth to attend camp at Agassiz Village.   Councillor Reeves

3. Resolution on the death of Cornelius "Connie" O'Brien.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

4. Resolution on the death of Dorothy A. Hayes.   Councillor Galluccio

5. Resolution on the death of Catherine Conrad.   Councillor Galluccio

6. Resolution on the death of Verna R. Stasiak.   Councillor Galluccio

7. Resolution on the death of Mary M. Galvin.   Councillor Galluccio

8. Resolution on the death of Diane A. Barbosa.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

9. Resolution on the death of Maria H. Pacheco.   Councillor Toomey

10. Resolution on the death of Francis T. O'Brien.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Congratulating Carl Barron on the occasion of being named the "Outstanding Friend of Public Education" for 2003 by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and thank him for his continued support of the children in the Cambridge Public Schools.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Extending wishes for a spectacular evening filled with joyous music during this holiday season to the Cambridge Community Chorus on their fourteenth annual performance of G. F. Handel's Messiah on December 14, 2003 at 3:00 P.M. at Kresge Auditorium at M.I.T.   Mayor Sullivan

13. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Michael Albano as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

14. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Sara Hathaway as she ends her tenure as Mayor of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

15. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to John Guerin as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Haverhill, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

16. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Richard Kos as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Chicopee, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

17. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Daniel Kelley as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Gardner, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Thomas Crean as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Beverly, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

19. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Thaddeus Strojny as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Taunton, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

20. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to William Mauro as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Marlborough, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

21. Extending a fond farewell to and thanks to Alan Lavander as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Newburyport, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Judith Robbins as she ends her tenure as Mayor of Attleboro, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

23. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to David Gately as he ends his tenure as Mayor of Waltham, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Extending a fond farewell and thanks to Dorothy Kelly Gay as she ends her tenure as Mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Extending a very Happy 80th Birthday wish to Julia Devaney.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the death of Esther F. (Brennan) Phalen.   Councillor Toomey

27. Resolution on the death of Anthony Mello.   Councillor Toomey

28. Acknowledging the King Community School 30th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration to be held on December 18, 2003 and thank DeAma Battle on her tireless involvement in the Kwanzaa Celebration for the past thirty years.   Councillor Simmons

29. Resolution on the death of Frank Micale.   Councillor Toomey

30. Resolution on the death of Ann Marie Zukausks.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Wishing Charles Vest, President of M.I.T., well on the occasion of his retirement.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Congratulating Ulysses and Ruth Grant on their 49th Wedding Anniversary on December 12, 2003.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

33. Congratulating the Mount Moriah Lodge Number 9 of the Prince Hall Affiliation as they celebrate their 120th year.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

34. Extend condolences to Reverend Lorraine Thornhill on the passing of her father Clyde Thornhill.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

35. Resolution on the death of Gwendolyn L. (Parris) Ward.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

36. Urging all residents of the City to participate in donating to the Cambridge Food Pantry Network's Annual Holiday Food Drive from December 12 to 19 at public schools and other municipal buildings throughout the City.   Councillor Simmons

37. Extend a special thank you to the Senior Center Meals staff who stayed open on Saturday, December 6, 2003, providing breakfast and lunch and who sent home food for Sunday's meals.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Thanking the numerous City of Cambridge employees who have been dedicated to removing snow, responding to emergency calls, and assisting all those who live and work in Cambridge, Massachusetts throughout the weekend of December 5-7, 2003.   Mayor Sullivan

39. Resolution on the death of James Dotten.   Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons

40. Commending those residents and property owners who cleared their sidewalks of snow to help pedestrians traverse the city.   Vice Mayor Davis

41. Extending the gratitude of the City to to Engine 6 members Lieutenant Peter Donovan, Fire Fighter Henry Sisco, and Fire Fighter Daniel Harrington; Rescue 1 members Lieutenant William Wood, Fire Fighter Steven Kelly, and Fire Fighter Ameer Moustafa; and Emergency Communication Supervisor Kirk Wornum and Dispatcher Matt Bruno for their courteous and professional service to the residents of the City of Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Davis

42. Extending best regards to Kate Champion Murphy as she celebrates her two-score birthday.   Mayor Sullivan

43. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery to Katherine Lynch.   Mayor Sullivan

44. Resolution on the death of William Fowler.   Councillor Murphy

45. Noting the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Pacesetters of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church to be held at St. Paul Christian Life Center on Saturday, December 13, 2003 and recognize their forty years of philanthropy and thank them for investing so generously in the religious and social fabric of Cambridge.    Councillor Reeves

ORDERS  
1. Requesting the City Manager to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to post a sign on Brookline Street at the intersection of Allston Street indicating the location of the African Orthodox Church on Allston Street.   Councillor Reeves

2. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council on pedestrian safety concerns raised by the Fayerweather Street School Community regarding the intersection of Concord Avenue and Spinelli Way and to designate city staff to confer with the Fayerweather Street School Community regarding these concerns, as well as possible solutions to resolving safety concerns at this intersection.   Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher and Councillor Murphy

3. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council on the need for safety officers and traffic signals at Fayerweather Street School and Saint Peter’s School, particularly in light of recent incidents involving children being struck by motor vehicles.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher and Councillor Murphy

4. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the status of the Warren Street parking lot and why there are "No parking during snow emergency" signs posted there.   Councillor Toomey

5. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Police Commissioner and the officials of the Galleria Mall to increase the police/security patrols in the area and to further increase the lighting in the area of the mall.   Councillor Toomey

6. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Police Commissioner to report back to the City Council on what efforts are being made to inform the residents of North Cambridge about the housebreaks in this area and what steps they should take to protect themselves.   Councillor Maher

7. Requesting the City Manager to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take all immediate measures relative to the safety aspect of seniors in the area of Churchill, Clarendon and Massachusetts Avenue.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

8. Extend Happy 76th Birthday wishes to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and re-dedicate the intersection of Eliot Street and Bennett Street as King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square with the installation of a granite pillar.  Mayor Sullivan

9. Requesting the City Manager to investigate a variety of technological applications and/or possibilities for removing snow after it has been plowed and report back to the City Council.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Requesting the City Manager to report back to the City Council with a process for establishing short- and long-term solutions for repairing dangerous sidewalk defects.   Vice Mayor Davis

11. Requesting the City Manager to ensure that all bus stops are shoveled so that pedestrians can use public transportation.   Vice Mayor Davis

12. Requesting the Civic Unity Committee to hold a hearing on Thursday, December 18, 2003 to discuss the operations and function of the Riverside Oversight Committee.   Councillor Decker

13. Noting the agreement of the people of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Kathmandu, Nepal to collaborate with the Sister Cities International Organization to explore the potential of establishing a Sister City relationship with one another.   Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS  
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on November 6, 2003 to continue discussions of coordination of services between the Municipal Cable, School Department cable and CCTV and to develop a cable questionnaire survey.

2. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a meeting held on December 2, 2003 for the purpose of receiving a report on city revenues and projections for development revenue for the next several years.

HEARING SCHEDULE  
Mon, Dec 8  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Dec 11  
10:00am   The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to received information on and to discuss the following issues:
* The current status of the Section 8 program and its effect on the programs of the Multi Service Center.
* Recent changes in the Cambridge housing market and how the City's affordable housing programs can take advantage of these changes.
* The Planning Board's perspective on proposals to amend the zoning to provide incentive for the creation of units affordable to middle income residents.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 15  
5:00pm   Special Presentation to Just-A-Start  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 16  
3:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the following:
-an update on the points of safety campaign
-anti-idling campaign
-fundraising tactics being practiced by the Police Department.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Dec 17  
5:30pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the status of a proposed development along the Alewife Reservation and related water and sewer connectivity.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Dec 18  
2:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss green purchases and to receive an update on public toilets.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Jan 5, 2004  
10:00am   INAUGURAL MEETING  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 12, 2004  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 26, 2004  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 2, 2004  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 9, 2004  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 23, 2004  
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS  
O-1     December 8, 2003
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to post a sign on Brookline Street at the intersection of Allston Street indicating the location of the African Orthodox Church on Allston Street.

O-2     December 8, 2003
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on pedestrian safety concerns raised by the Fayerweather Street School Community regarding the intersection of Concord Avenue and Spinelli Way; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate city staff to confer with the Fayerweather Street School Community regarding these concerns, as well as possible solutions to resolving safety concerns at this intersection.

O-3     December 8, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the need for safety officers and traffic signals at Fayerweather Street School and Saint Peter’s School, particularly in light of recent incidents involving children being struck by motor vehicles.

O-4     December 8, 2003
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the status of the Warren Street parking lot and why there are "No parking during snow emergency" signs posted there.

O-5     December 8, 2003
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the officials of the Galleria Mall to increase the police/security patrols in the area and to further increase the lighting in the area of the mall.

O-6     December 8, 2003
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Apparently, there have been several housebreaks in the North Cambridge area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner to report back to the City Council on what efforts are being made to inform the residents of this activity and what steps they should take to protect themselves.

O-7     December 8, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City Council understands that there is planned reconstruction in the area of North Massachusetts Avenue that may address a number of safety issues, in particular those in the surrounding area of the Burns Apartments; and
WHEREAS: These issues have been raised for a number of years; and
WHEREAS: A senior citizen recently died as a result of injuries sustained after being hit by an automobile; and
WHEREAS: Interim measures should be placed into effect immediately; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take all immediate measures relative to the safety aspect of seniors in the area of Churchill, Clarendon and Massachusetts Avenue.

O-8     December 8, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5, 1927 at Cambridge Hospital, now the Mount Auburn Hospital; and
WHEREAS: Bhumibol Adulyadej became Thailand’s constitutional head of state in 1946; and
WHEREAS: In 1996 King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his 50th anniversary as King of Thailand; and
WHEREAS: December 5, 2003 was the King’s seventy-sixth birthday; and
WHEREAS: King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longest reigning monarch; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending Happy 76th Birthday wish to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and further go on record re-dedicating the intersection of Eliot Street and Bennett Street as King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square as a new granite pillar is installed displaying the coat-of-arms of the King, this ninth day of December, 2003; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to prepare a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution for presentation to the Ambassador to Thailand and His Royal Highness King Bhumibol Adulyadej on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     December 8, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate a variety of technological applications and/or possibilities for removing snow after it has been plowed and report back to the City Council.

O-10     December 8, 2003
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a process for establishing short- and long-term solutions for repairing dangerous sidewalk defects.

O-11     December 8, 2003
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that all bus stops are shoveled so that pedestrians can use public transportation.

O-12     December 8, 2003
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the Civic Unity Committee be and hereby is requested to hold a hearing on Thursday, December 18, 2003 to discuss the operations and function of the Riverside Oversight Committee.

O-13     December 8, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Sister City Program, administered by Sister Cities International, was initiated by the President of the United States of America in 1956 to encourage greater friendship and understanding between the United States and other nations through direct personal contact; and
WHEREAS: In order to foster such goals, the people of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Kathmandu, Nepal, in a gesture of friendship and goodwill, agree to collaborate with the Sister Cities International Organization to explore the potential of establishing a Sister City relationship with one another; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee held a public meeting on November 6, 2003 at twelve o’clock and fifty-seven minutes p. m. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions of coordination of services between the Municipal Cable, School Department cable and CCTV and to develop a cable questionnaire survey.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, Calvin Lindsay, Jr., Director, Municipal Cable, Dhonyale Jones, Municipal Cable, Joan Stern, Coordinator of Library Media Services, School Department, Susan Fleishman, Executive Director, CCTV, Ginny Berkowitz, CCTV and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Decker opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She asked for input from each entity on the survey questionnaire. Councillor Decker suggested eliminating question one which appeared as Attachment D of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Report for the meeting held on October 22, 2003. All entities concurred.

Ms. Fleishman suggested that an introductory paragraph be inserted with the survey. There should also be a content neutral statement.

Councillor Decker questioned Ms. Stern about the decision of the School Superintendent on the issue of educational access. Ms. Stern informed the committee that Superintendent Fowler-Finn voted to move forward with educational access. The original architectural proposal could not be used because of the new Charter School involvement. New proposals would be sought. A full-time position would be posted under curriculum to achieve the leadership necessary to move forward. The Rindge School of Technical Arts (RSTA) program would be able to start a mass communication program in September. Ms. Berkowitz would work out the mission statement.

Councillor Decker asked Ms. Fleishman what percentage of the CCTV budget comes from the city. CCTV receives 3/5 of the revenue the city receives from Comcast. A break down is provided in ATTACHMENT A.

Councillor Decker added a new question to the survey that became the new question one: Do you live in Cambridge? If answered is yes, what programs would you like to see on your local cable channel? If answered no, what cable program would the Cambridge Community benefit from if it appeared on our local channel?

A discussion occurred about coverage of sporting events. Ms. Berkowitz stated that school-based sporting events should be covered by the School Department and community-based sporting events covered by Municipal Cable. Mr. Lindsay asked when the results of the survey are received and the public expects Municipal Cable to cover a sporting event, what would happen? Councillor Decker stated that the city needed to make a conscious decision to see what is the demand and, with limited resources, how can the demand be covered. Ms. Berkowitz stated that the two categories of sporting events should be outlined as well as the enormity of the sporting events held in the city per week. Councillor Decker stated that she still has a vision to hold a forum to discuss what is available in the cable world.

Councillor Decker stated that she would send a letter as chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee enclosing the Cable Information Guide (ATTACHMENT B), and the Survey Questions (ATTACHMENT C). She anticipated that the response to the Survey would be received by the end of November. The Survey would be sent to the City Council, department heads, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Director of Curriculum, School Principals, all athletic leagues, Human Services Department, Recreation Director, Public Health Department and to any other appropriate persons.

Councillor Decker scheduled the next meeting of the committee for Monday, December l, 2003 at 12:30 p.m.

Councillor Decker thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at one o’clock and twenty-five minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair

Committee Report #2  
The Finance Committee held a public meeting on December 2, 2003, beginning at 9:10 A.M. in the Sullivan Chamber for the purpose of receiving a report on city revenues and projections for development revenue for the next several years.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Committee, Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager, Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, David Kale, Budget Director, James Monagle, City Auditor, David Holland, Budget Analyst, Angela Pierre, Budget Analyst and Steven Hamner, Budget Analyst.

Councillor Murphy convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited Mr. DePasquale to begin the presentation. Mr. DePasquale distributed six pages of written material, which served as the basis for the presentation and discussion. Attachment A. The discussion began with consideration of the information on major city revenue presented on page one of the attachment. He noted that the first four categories, motor vehicle excise tax, the hotel/motel tax, sewer fees and building permits all constitute general fund receipts. With the exception of the hotel/motel tax revenue, which is lagging behind because room rates have been lowered in light of increased vacancies, the staff is projecting for 6/30/04 increases of $1, 987,000 over the 04 Recap numbers (final projections used in setting the tax rate). Mr. DePasquale pointed out, that, as always, the City fiscal projections are conservative calculations.

Councillor Murphy noted that the hotel/motel lag also reflects the increased use of services such as Priceline.com for the internet purchase of hotel reservations. Internet reservations have not been subject to the full hotel/motel tax. Mayor Sullivan asked whether Boston University is renting rooms from the Hyatt for student housing this year and noted that this contributed significantly to the hotel/motel tax revenue last year.

Mr. DePasquale stated that last year building permit revenues amounted to almost $8.9 million, the highest in the City’s history. Their original recap projection for fiscal year 04 was $2,800,000. To date, the revenue has reached $2, 085, 255, and the new June 04 projection is $4,000,000.

Water and parking revenues are also strong. Total water revenues for FY 04 are now projected to come in at $16,300,855, somewhat above the $16,223,911 FY03 total. To date, parking fund revenues are over $6 million, while last year at this time they amounted to $ 5.86 million. However, there will be a supplemental appropriation for garage equipment that will offset some of the additional revenue.

Councillor Murphy asked about property taxes. Mr. DePasquale said that overall the City is doing well in that area. Tax bills were delayed this year because of the wait for the State Legislature to change the residential exemption rate, and the City has switched to a new computer system for tracking these payments, so he does not yet have detailed reports for the Councillors, but he does expect to have them soon. Councillor Murphy asked about abatements. Mr. DePasquale said that applications for residential abatements are up slightly but applications for commercial abatements, which tend to involve much larger dollar amounts, are down. Total abatement applications fell from 898 for FY 03 to 871 for FY 04.

Mayor Sullivan asked about in lieu of taxes payments from the universities. Mr. Rossi said that negotiations are still ongoing with both Harvard and MIT. The issues are somewhat different. With MIT, the City’s major concerns are protection of the stream of tax revenues from the commercial property that MIT has been purchasing in recent years, and getting that protection in a written agreement, which MIT was reluctant to sign in past years. The issues with Harvard lie in the area of specific calculations and what property should be included. Mr. Rossi said that he expects that the City will finalize agreements with both institutions during the first quarter of 2004. Mr. DePasquale said that he expects that there will be increases in the payments, but not dramatic changes.

Mr. DePasquale then called the committee’s attention to the information about the City’s activities in the area of fee and permit revenue increases set forth on page two of the attachment. In Phase I of the project the Finance Department has been working with six departments, the City Clerk’s Office, the Animal Commission, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the License Commission and Public Works, to estimate additional revenue that would be generated. Preliminary estimates show potential increases of $279,000 to $356,000. The Law Department is completing its review of the statutory authority for all of the contemplated fee increases. Phase II will include a review of all city revenues as part of the FY 05 budget process. No increased fees will be included in the FY05 financing plan.

The discussion then moved to the information contained on pages 3-6, information prepared in preparation for the meetings with the bond rating authorities scheduled for next week. Mr. DePasquale first reviewed the assumptions utilized in the expenditure projections (page 3).

Vice Mayor Davis said that she would like to see the City make and track projections of savings resulting from energy efficiency.

Councillor Murphy cautioned that there are some predictions of inflation over the next year that may impact the City’s ability to keep the increases in other ordinary maintenance as low as the goal.

Mayor Sullivan asked whether the amount of the Cambridge Public Health Commission contract for services had been finalized. Mr. Rossi stated that it was expected to be signed that afternoon, in the amount of $6.5 million. In response to a question from Mayor Sullivan, Mr. Rossi stated that the City of Cambridge owns the Cambridge Hospital building and the neighborhood health care clinic buildings.

Mr. DePasquale then moved to an explanation of the projections of the City’s debt expenditures through FY 08. The new library debt cost is projected as $63,000,000. Debt for a new police station is projected at $45 million, starting in FY 06 with $ 6 million for acquisition costs. Although the projections include funds for renovations for the War Memorial, the City does not plan to go forward unless the project is approved for School Building Assistance Bureau (SBAB) reimbursement from the State.

Vice Mayor Davis asked whether funding for sidewalk repair was included in city debt expenditure projections. Mr. Rossi said that it is not; sidewalk repair is funded as a pay-as-you-go expense. Vice Mayor Davis stated that she has just experienced a painful fall with dental damage from a sidewalk hole caused by a tree root. These holes have existed for more than a year and need quicker attention.

Mayor Sullivan inquired as to the projections for state aid in FY 05. Mr. DePasquale said that the Finance Department is projecting a 6.3% reduction from current funding level, which amounts to about $2 million, excluding School Construction funds.

Councillor Murphy noted that it appears that the State Administration is no longer trying to eliminate the "Other Additional Assistance" category, which accounts for most of the state funds that Cambridge uses for its school budget funding. In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Mr. Healy informed the committee that Cambridge allocates $14-15 million in unrestricted state funding to the schools. Mr. DePasquale said that the charter school assessment is now on the Cherry Sheet for the first time, which gives the City a little better idea of what it will have to pay. The charter school funding formula was discussed. Funding for charter schools is calculated based on the residence of the students, not the location of the school.

Councillor Murphy asked about projections for revenue from new construction, and when the City can expect to receive revenue from North Point development. Mr. Pasquale said that the new construction revenue projections are $6.7 million in FY 05, $5.2 million in FY 06 and $6.2 million in FY 07. Mr. Healy said that the North Point special permit is still on appeal. An advantage of the North Point development is that it will be phased in over a long period of time and thus will constitute a longer, steadier addition to city revenue as opposed to a big bump and sharp drop off.

Mr. DePasquale concluded with a description of the Budget Office’s work with city departments to be sure that the budget narratives reflect the connection of city work with the adopted goals of the City Council. Vice Mayor Davis said that she would like to see the values of the City Council explicitly referred to in these narratives as well. Councillor Murphy asked whether it would be possible to include this material in the budget document currently being prepared and it was agreed that City Departments would be requested to reference the values in their narrative and description of accomplishments.

Councillor Murphy thanked all those present for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40am.

For the Committee,
Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair