CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $21,600 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used to provide mini-grants to artists, arts organizations and community groups in Cambridge.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $175,000 from the Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training (Judgments & Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-112, regarding a report on increased on-street parking pressure from residents of the apartment complex at 205 and 225 Walden Street.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-127, regarding a report on the issuance and effects of special variances under the provisions of the Noise Ordinance.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constable without power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2008: Brenden Fraser, Steve Ortiz

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program grant for $2,249,710.00 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($282,479.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,961,231.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Travel and Training account ($6,000.00) and will provide funds for the operation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-95, regarding a report on statistics of all formal enforcement actions involving excessive noise from January 2007 and June 2008.  Referred to Health & Environment Committee and Transportation, Traffic & Parking Committee - Davis

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-138, regarding the status of street work at Columbus Avenue.

ON THE TABLE
1. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

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

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item Number Sixteen of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Tory Row, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 3 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.

2. An application was received from Original Mike's Gym, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign next to premises numbered 691 Concord Avenue.

3. An application was received from Harvard Coop, requesting permission for two sandwich board signs in front and rear 1400 Massachusetts Avenue.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding the BU Bridge reconstruction project.

2. A communication was received from Daniel Andrew Schofield-Bodt, President, Unofficial Tours, 124 Mt. Auburn Street, regarding future use of space at the Out of Town News site in Harvard Square.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Ann L. Sartanowicz.   Councillor Maher

2. Thanks to the Cambridge Fire Department for its good work and effort in battling the Prince Street fire.   Councillor Decker

3. Thanks to the Tavern in the Square for holding its 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov 27, 2008.   Councillor Decker, Mayor Simmons

4. Thanks to Ilana Goldman for her work with the Women's Campaign Forum and best of luck in future endeavors.   Councillor Decker

5. Resolution on the death of Penny (Mullen) Piro.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Specialist Armando A. De La Paz.   Councillor Decker
7. Resolution on the death of Specialist Corey M. Shea.   Councillor Decker
8. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Theron V. Hobbs.   Councillor Decker
9. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jose Regalado.   Councillor Decker
10. Resolution on the death of Corporal Aaron M. Allen.   Councillor Decker
11. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Bradley S. Coleman.   Councillor Decker
12. Resolution on the death of Specialist James M. Clay.   Councillor Decker
13. Resolution on the death of Specialist Adam M. Wenger.   Councillor Decker
14. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Christian P. Humphreys.   Councillor Decker
15. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Scott J. Metcalf.   Councillor Decker
16. Resolution on the death of Chief Warrant Officer Donald V. Clark.   Councillor Decker
17. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Timothy H. Walker.   Councillor Decker

18. Happy birthday wishes to Sharon Pritchett.   Mayor Simmons

19. Get well wishes to Fred Fantini.   Councillor Toomey

20. Get well wishes to Spike Lawless.   Councillor Toomey

21. Thanking Mass Ave Baptist Church for their efforts in feeding the community on Thanksgiving Day.   Mayor Simmons

22. Resolution on the death of Richard Dangora.   Councillor Toomey

23. Resolution on the death of Dr. Marjorie Rekant.   Councillor Toomey

24. Congratulating Patricia Montes on being the new Executive Director of Centro Presente.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker

25. Resolution on the death of Private Charles Yi Barnett.   Councillor Decker
26. Resolution on the death of Captain Warren A. Frank.   Councillor Decker
27. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant William K. Jernigan.   Councillor Decker
28. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Miguel A. Wilson.   Councillor Decker
29. Resolution on the death of Gunnery Sergeant Marcelo R. Velasco.   Councillor Decker
30. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Anthony Davis.   Councillor Decker

31. Resolution on the death of Rev. Edward M. McMahon.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves

32. Congratulating the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership on its 25th Anniversary.   Councillor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Corine Moore.   Councillor Reeves

34. Declare December 9, 2008 as Central Square Theater Day in Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

35. Happy 90th Birthday to Valentina Perry.   Councillor Toomey

36. Congratulating Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy on the enormous success they and Harmonix are enjoying.   Councillor Toomey

37. Congratulating the Haitian Community Forum on its new program.   Mayor Simmons

38. Appreciation to all those who have given their time, spirit and resources to assist the victims of the Prince Street Fire.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis

39. Extending its condolences to the families of those who perished in the violent Mumbai attacks.   Councillor Davis

40. Welcoming Sofra to Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

41. Get Well wishes to Honorable Reginald Lindsay.   Councillor Reeves

42. Congratulations to the Department of Public Health on launching their new programs, "Mens Health League", "Fit for Life" and "Fitness Buddies."   Councillor Reeves

43. Resolution on the death of Tina DiDomenico.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

44. Resolution on the death of Charlotte W. Hill.   Councillor Davis, Mayor Simmons

45. Resolution on the death of Mary Anna (Feroleto) Camelio.   Councillor Maher

46. Thanks to the members of the Public Construction team for their hard work in making street dedications possible.   Councillor Toomey

47. Resolution on the death of Manuel C. Bairos.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to designate relevant staff to meet with the Health and Environment Committee to report how new code measures will affect the city and how building inspectors will be trained to assure compliant and quality installation of all measures related to energy efficiency.   Councillor Davis

2. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners.   Councillor Decker

3. That the Mayor schedule a roundtable with the School Committee, to which relevant Department staff would be invited to discuss the use of CPS facilities by both CPS and non-CPS entities.   Councillor Kelley

4. That the City Manager ensure that all reasonable methods of informing the public of the new sticker placement requirements are utilized to make sure people understand where to place the new parking stickers.   Councillor Kelley

5. That the City Council meeting scheduled for Dec 29, 2008 be and hereby is cancelled.   Councillor Toomey

6. Support of the national single payer health care system.   Councillor Kelley

7. That the City Manager update the City Council on any progress of stopping delivery to Porter Chevrolet via Lexington Avenue.   Councillor Maher

8. That the City Manager to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and any other relevant personnel, to review the Article XXIV Special District Parking Regulation and report back on proposed remedies to the residents’ concerns.   Mayor Simmons

9. That the City Manager to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development staff to report on how many businesses similar to Biogen have relocated some or all of their personnel from Cambridge-based offices, whether there is any indication that other businesses are contemplating or preparing to leave Cambridge, and what are our strategies to keep businesses in Cambridge and to encourage and attract new businesses to Cambridge in both the short- and long-term.   Mayor Simmons

10. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the Council on the status of pedestrian access in and around Russell Field with a hope that convenient pedestrian access from Clifton Street to the T Station will be uninterrupted.   Councillor Kelley

11. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on staffing for the Human Rights Commission.   Mayor Simmons

12. That the City Manager is requested to bring forward regulations and appropriate fines for the Council to consider to address recurring problems with trash collection and storage at large multi-unit buildings.   Councillor Davis

13. That the City Manager is requested to rename the building the Cambridge War Memorial Recreation Center.   Councillor Davis

14. That the Cambridge City Council go on record as urging the Governor and Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health to retain funding for the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club, even if the general budget line item for social clubs across the state continues to be eliminated.   Councillor Davis  Amended

15. That the City Manager is requested to explore the possibility of a dog park at NorthPoint.   Councillor Davis

16. That the City Manager arrange for relevant staff to meet, in consultation with the Ordinance Committee, to propose remedies [for issues raised re: 280-290 River St.], including examining how these matters are addressed in other communities.   Councillor Davis

17. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the status of the report on land use, housing or the programs and incentives other cities have utilized to stabilize or increase the family population in their cities, as requested in City Council Order Number Thirteen of July 28, 2008.   Councillor Seidel

18. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the draft amendment to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to enable the city the option of requiring the calculation of the affordable housing donation in square footage; said draft was most recently requested in City Council Order Number Eleven of July 28, 2008.   Councillor Seidel

19. That the City Manager confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the Housing Committee with the report requested in Order Number Twelve of July 28, 2008 for a detailed description of how the Zoning Ordinance could be amended to utilize special permits to encourage the construction of larger families sized market rate units.   Councillor Seidel

20. That the City Manager, a representative from the Historical Commission, Office of Tourism, Community Development Department (Economic Development), Harvard Square Business Association, Harvard University, and the interested citizens to meet with the City Council Committee on Economic Development, Training and Employment to discuss future potential plans and uses for the Kiosk. The meeting should be scheduled prior to the end of 2008.   Councillor Reeves

21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the City Council on the number of spaces in city-owned lots and garages that are designated for car sharing programs.   Councillor Toomey

22. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine if a super crosswalk similar to the one in Harvard Square would be a safety improvement to the intersection of First and Cambridge Street.   Councillor Toomey

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Human Services Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 28, 2008 to receive a report on the recent workshop with the Harlem Children's Zone and next steps for supporting early childhood services.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, for a meeting held on Oct 30, 2008 to discuss winter heating and weatherization.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee, for a meeting held Nov 5, 2008 to discuss NorthPoint.

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

Tues, Dec 9
1:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion of the Human Services Committee trip to the Harlem Children's Zone and next steps to support children and their families during early childhood.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider the proposal to rename Plympton Street in honor of David J. Halberstam.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Dec 10
1:30pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the process that the City Council will use to evaluate the City Manager.  (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Dec 11
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition submitted by Lesley University to create a new Lesley Porter Overlay District in the area of Porter Square with a base Business C zoning district. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 16
3:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss planning along Massachusetts Avenue, between Harvard and Porter Squares and the impacts of possible development along this corridor.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 22
5:15pm   Special Presentation to thank all involved in the disaster relief effort for victims of the Prince Street fire.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Wed, Jan 7
5:30pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to hear from the public regarding the evaluation of the City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Jan 13
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss opportunities to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Jan 14
6:00pm   Human Services Committee  (Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center)

Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting on emergency preparedness. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Feb 3
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm   Roundtable Meeting with NSTAR. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 24
5:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss outdoor lighting.  (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   Roundtable Meeting with School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Mon, June 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, June 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Eighty percent of Cambridge's carbon footprint comes from buildings; and
WHEREAS: Energy efficiency measures to reach the City's goal of reducing its carbon emissions involve retrofitting existing buildings and building new energy efficient buildings; and
WHEREAS: New energy efficient building code measures will require more careful inspection of such things as insulation and other building attributes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to designate relevant staff to meet with the Health and Environment Committee to report how new code measures will affect the city and how building inspectors will be trained to assure compliant and quality installation of all measures related to energy efficiency.

O-2     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate City department to send letters to all public housing and Section 8 tenants advertising this existing vacancy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of this appointment.

O-3     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Conflicts over the use of Cambridge Public School (CPS) buildings during out-of-school time has led to friction between various parties who had hoped or planned to use CPS facilities for various activities but could not because other activities, either CPS-based or non-CPS activities, had pre-empted them; and
WHEREAS: Many people do not understand the policies underlying use of CPS-facilities, to include how CPS decides the priorities between competing non-CPS activities that would like to use the same facilities at the same time; now be it further
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a roundtable with the School Committee, to which relevant Department staff would be invited to discuss the use of CPS facilities by both CPS and non-CPS entities.

O-4     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge Residential Parking Permits will be placed in the windshield in the coming year; and
WHEREAS: This placement is new and will not be expected, or understood, by some residents; and
WHEREAS: Residents may continue to place their parking stickers where they have always placed them in violation of the new rules; and
WHEREAS: Such improper placement may be frustrating for both residents and parking control officers and may also lead to additional parking tickets for residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that all reasonable methods of informing the public of the new sticker placement requirements are utilized to make sure people understand where to place the new parking stickers. Suggested methods include notices on City Cable, prominent directions in the packet along with the new sticker and verbal instructions at the desk when stickers are handed out in person; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the rational for developing and implementing these new regulations.

O-5     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council meeting scheduled for Dec 29, 2008 be and hereby is cancelled.

O-6     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Affordable health care remains one of our nation's biggest obstacles in ensuring Americans are as healthy, happy and prosperous as possible; and
WHEREAS: Recent changes in health care laws have indicated that significant reform to the entire health care system is needed to make affordable health care adequately available to the general public; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of the national single payer health care system; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution along with a copy of the attached letter to Cambridge's Congressional Representatives on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on any progress in stopping delivery to Porter Chevrolet via Lexington Avenue.

O-8     Dec 8, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Special Districts 12, 13, and 14 under the Article XXIV Special District Parking Regulation prevents those who live in the Harvard University dormitories and housing developments constructed after Oct 27, 2003 from being eligible to receive a Resident Parking Permit or Visitor Pass from the City of Cambridge for on-street parking; and
WHEREAS: This arrangement was adopted by the City Council in Oct 2003, as the result of a compromise that sought to balance the City’s concerns about the lack of parking with the University’s desire to construct new buildings and residences; and
WHEREAS: Residents who live in the areas covered under this agreement have been voicing their displeasure to the Mayor’s Office. These residents – who are neither Harvard University students nor employees – state that it is unfair to have them pay taxes to the City, and to be considered full residents, while at the same time blocking them from obtaining on-street parking permits. Residents are also unhappy that they cannot obtain guest permits that would allow friends and family to visit their homes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and any other relevant personnel, to review the Article XXIV Special District Parking Regulation and report back on proposed remedies to the residents’ concerns.

O-9     Dec 8, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development staff to report on how many businesses similar to Biogen have relocated some or all of their personnel from Cambridge-based offices, whether there is any indication that other businesses are contemplating or preparing to leave Cambridge, and what are our strategies to keep businesses in Cambridge and to encourage and attract new businesses to Cambridge in both the short- and long-term.

O-10     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on the status of pedestrian access in and around Russell Field with a hope that convenient pedestrian access from Clifton Street to the T Station will be uninterrupted.

O-11     Dec 8, 2008
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on staffing for the Human Rights Commission.

O-12     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There are continuing problems with large multifamily buildings and the storage and collection of trash; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to bring forward regulations and appropriate fines for the Council to consider to address recurring problems with trash collection and storage at large multi-unit buildings.

O-13     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The restored War Memorial is due to open in January; and
WHEREAS: With the mobility of the Cambridge population, many may not have an idea of the resources available in the War Memorial building since the name gives no indication of its function; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to rename the building the Cambridge War Memorial Recreation Center.

O-14     Dec 8, 2008  Amended
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Governor Patrick’s budget cuts have eliminated many services designed to meet the needs of the state’s most severely mentally ill residents, the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club among them; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge-Somerville Social Club serves approximately 160 patients and will now have no local alternative programming available to them; and
WHEREAS: Their only viable options will be clubhouses in Brookline and Boston which would exceed the financial, much less the emotional resources of the Social Club clients and without sufficient structured daily and early evening programming, the clients will likely spend their time on the streets or isolated in their residences, at grave risk for decompensation and loss of function; and
WHEREAS: Clients will also require much increased attention at psychiatric emergency services and psychiatric inpatient units, at significantly increased cost to the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge and Somerville have been targeted with over 10% of all DMH cuts across the State, not including whatever cuts may accrue to the Cambridge Health Alliance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to meet with the Mayors of Cambridge and Somerville, the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and stakeholders of the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club to discuss and advocate for a structure that resembles the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club and replicate some of the services and functions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record as urging the Governor and Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health to retain funding for the Cambridge-Somerville Social Club, even if the general budget line item for social clubs across the state continues to be eliminated; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a copy of this resolution to the Cambridge delegation at the State House.

O-15     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Many residents of the Regatta Riverview Residences on Museum Way are enjoying the new park at NorthPoint; and
WHEREAS: Many of the residents in the NorthPoint area own dogs and wish to keep their dogs safe and give them a location to socialize and play; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the possibility of a dog park at NorthPoint.

O-16     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The development at 280-290 River Street has raised concerns about the definitions of side and rear lot lines and types of multifamily structures; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: This matter has been before the Council for a period of time; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby arrange for relevant staff to meet, in consultation with the Ordinance Committee, to propose remedies, including examining how these matters are addressed in other communities.

O-17     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the status of the report on land use, housing or other programs and incentives that other cities have utilized to stabilize or increase the family population in their cities, as requested in City Council Order Number Thirteen of July 28, 2008.

O-18     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the draft amendment to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to enable the City the option of requiring the calculation of the affordable housing donation in square footage to support the city goal of providing housing for larger families; said draft was most recently requested in City Council Order Number Eleven of July 28, 2008.

O-19     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to provide the Housing Committee with the report requested in Order Number Twelve of June 28, 2008 for a detailed description of how the Zoning Ordinance could be amended to utilize special permits to encourage the construction of larger families sized market rate units. If the program would provide for density or other zoning bonuses as incentives, the report should include suggestions for additional provisions and limitations, such as limitations to sites close to public transportation and other locations where increased density is supported by good urban planning principles.

O-20     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Harvard Square, Cambridge, is the most notable American square after Times Square; and
WHEREAS: A recent Boston Phoenix article observed "By now it is a time-honored tradition to bemoan that this red-brick Cantabrigian triangle has lost its character - its soul - as the rapacious chain stores have wedged their big boxes into its tiny, tweedy confines"; and
WHEREAS: The city-owned kiosk, which current tenant Hudson News is leaving, is currently subject to an RFP, issued by the City Manager for a new news stand use; and
WHEREAS: The city-owned Harvard Square Kiosk is a valuable city-owned asset and an integral part of the square's past and future; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager, a representative from the Historical Commission, Office of Tourism, Community Development Department (Economic Development), Harvard Square Business Association, Harvard University, and the interested citizens meet with the City Council Committee on Economic Development Training and Employment to discuss future potential plans and uses for the Kiosk. The meeting should be scheduled prior to the end of 2008.

O-21     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back to the City Council on the number of spaces in city-owned lots and garages that are designated for car sharing programs.

O-22     Dec 8, 2008
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The intersection of First Street and Cambridge Street is a problem spot for motorists and pedestrians; 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 if a super crosswalk similar to the one in Harvard Square would be a safety improvement to this location.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Human Services Committee conducted a public meeting on Oct 28, 2008 at one o’clock and twelve minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving a report on the recent workshop with the Harlem Children’s Zone and next steps for supporting early childhood services.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair of the Committee; Mayor E. Denise Simmons; and Vice Mayor Brian Murphy; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Sam Seidel; Councillor Craig Kelley; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Robert Haas, Police Commissioner; Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer; Daryl Mark, Cambridge Public Library; Mary Wong, Director of the Kids' Council; Lynn Hall, Cambridge Public Partnership; Steven Swanger, Director of Workforce Development, Cambridge Housing Authority; Greta Hardina, Cambridge Health Alliance; Michelle Godfrey, Center for Families; Barbara Kibler, Director of the Margaret Fuller House; Ardeene Goodrich, Area Four Task Force Coordinator; Stephanie Lyda, Cambridge Child Care Resource Center (CCR); Meg Gray, CCR; Jen Baity, Ellen Wolpert, The Guidance Center; Michael Delia, Director of the East End House; Khari Milner, Director of the Cambridge Public School and Afterschool Partnership; Betty Bardige, President of the Cambridge Community Foundation; Risa Mednick, Transition House Board of Directors; and John Clifford.

Councillor Reeves opened the meeting and explained the purpose. He began with a brief overview of the visit to the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) sponsored by the Human Services Committee. Thirteen representatives (Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Councillor Kenneth Reeves, Councillor Sam Seidel, Richard Rossi, Carolyn Turk, then Deputy Superintendent of Schools and currently Acting Superintendent, Ellen Semonoff, Robert Haas, Claude Jacob, Lie-Ann Ellis, Lauren Leiken, Susan Richards, Mary Wong and John Clifford) went to Harlem for a workshop/training conference at the HCZ headquarters. They also met with Dr. Ronald Mincy, a Sociologist and Columbia University professor, who has written seminal material on African American males. The Cambridge group attended a "practitioner’s workshop" at HCZ to share their experiences and views.

Mayor Simmons talked about how impressed she was with the HCZ mantra "Whatever It Takes," which all the HCZ obviously believed and practiced. She was very impressed with the Baby College.

Mr. Rossi said that he observed several characteristics that contribute to the overall excellence of the HCZ operation. They are as follows:
- Refusal to allow any child to fail
- Impeccable facilities
- Spirit and attitude of the staff, children and parents.

Mr. Rossi added that the HCZ Baby College opened his eyes to what can be done without a Herculean effort and he noted the emphasis on following the HCZ kids to college – they realized that the kids needed guidance to succeed in college and so they expanded the program to include post-high school support.

Ms. Semonoff said that the intensity of the services was very impressive. Once a family is connected; it is hard for the family to fall out. There are case managers at every level. They get parents there by intense outreach, and once the family comes one time, there is an outreach worker whose job it is to get them there again.

Mr. Jacob said that he was impressed by the infusion of capital, $62 million. He was also impressed by their ability to work across city departments. By virtue of their role in the Zone families get better services from city agencies. They are focusing on asthma and obesity.

In response to a question about how many children are served, Councillor Reeves said that there are 10,000 children in the HCZ. Ms. Semonoff added that the HCZ runs one K-3 school, one school for grades four through six or seven and one high school, which currently serves grades nine and ten. She said that there are also six or eight public schools in the Zone. The HCZ has outreach workers assigned to HCZ kids at these schools.

Ms. Richards said that the HCZ model is concentric circles of service levels. The highest "dosage" of services goes to the 1,000 children of families fully participating in the HCZ program. Then there is another circle of families with children participating in the HCZ afterschool programs but not attending the HCZ schools. Then there is another circle of services that encompasses work to benefit the entire community. Councillor Reeves said that the HCZ is a sandwich of many layers. Some programs are linked all the way from babies to college.

Barbara Kibler asked how the HCZ staff decides what kids can go to their schools. Ms. Richards said that the program starts with the Baby College, and the children who participated in that program are automatically enrolled in the next program. Mr. Rossi said that the HCZ is an incredible organization. They are faced with vicious street crime and overwhelming bureaucracy in the NYC service agencies. The HCZ has excellent and highly motivated employees.

Ms. Leiken said that what she found most compelling is how much everyone buys into the system. They are building a whole system; when they find hole, they patch that hole right away. The guiding principal is that unless everything works, nothing works.

Ms. Leiken said that she was also impressed with how good and how successful the HCZ incentives for participation are, as well as with their intensive case management. Someone is responsible for every family and every kid.

Councillor Reeves said that the HCZ experience has reinforced for all who attended the knowledge that we need to have all the pieces, the Cambridge Housing Authority, the schools and the Department of Human Services and their community partners.

Ms. Goodrich asked about professional development provided for the staff at the HCZ. Ms Semonoff said that at least once a year the entire team has a retreat with Geoffrey Canada, who is incredibly inspirational. There is a significant orientation for new employees. At the Baby College there are weekly in-service sessions with the teachers. The HCZ also utilizes a huge number of AmeriCorps volunteers, and they have hired many of those former volunteers. Ms. Semonoff said that when an employee begins working at the HCZ they make an agreement about what they are going to achieve. The employees have a choice to come back for help or more resources, but if they do not ask for help and they do not perform as expected, their employment is terminated. Ms. Richards said that the child is the center in a very profound way.

Councillor Seidel said that the HCZ essentially believes that whatever a middle class child would reasonably expect, these children should have as well. This year their operating budget was $50 million. This year’s budget of $50 million serves 6,000 children in the Harlem Children’s Zone and 4,000 in other locations in Harlem, 10,000 children in all. The promise Geoffrey Canada makes to a family is that if you stick with us, not only will we get your kid to college, but through college.

Councillor Reeves asked where we go from here. He said that the HCZ trip resulted in some valuable team building. The group met after they came back and they made a presentation to the Kid’s Council. He wanted to do a presentation at the Broad Center but that cannot happen until January because of scheduling issues. He said that one of his questions is: If Cambridge elected to do something like the Baby College, who should be doing it? He added that it is impossible to do with a Cambridge brain what they did in New York – in getting everyone to do what one person says.

Councillor Davis pointed out that the budget is $1.2 million, $3500 per child for the Baby College which takes place on Saturdays and also utilizes caseworkers during other hours. Vice Mayor Murphy said that Cambridge has a little piece of this, The Center for Families.

Betty Bardige said that Cambridge has more than just the Center for Families; some parent education is going on at a lot of places, such as CCRC and The Guidance Center. She said that the HCZ Baby College was inspired by Brazelton’s Touchpoint Theory. Cambridge has a lot of pieces of that approach, but what we do not have is the wrap-around of every child matters and we will not drop doing any of the pieces. We do not have a way of knitting all of the pieces together. Steve Swanger agreed that in Cambridge what a child gets is often hit or miss. The funding comes from a lot of different streams. Miss Godfrey added that in Cambridge we find the holes and do not routinely address them. Councillor Reeves said that there are about 450 CRLS graduates each year. About one half have enough middle class supports to enable them to succeed.

Ms. Semonoff said in addition to what has been said, another difference between Cambridge services and what the HCZ does is that Cambridge does not do as heavy an emphasis on "doing parent education," We have not articulated that we have a consistent view to promote about just what good parenting looks like.

Ms. Richards said that we as workers in the system respond to one set of rewards and expectations. We need to be more intentional in considering the deliverables for which workers will be rewarded.

Councillor Seidel said that Harlem seems to be a fairly homogenous population. The HCZ does not seem to have the many linguistic differences that we find in Cambridge. Lynn Hall said that in Cambridge the transience of residents and the multiplicity of cultural and linguistic groups are big factors. There are many different cultural norms which makes it very challenging to have a consistent recipe for success for families. Councillor Reeves said that the recipe for American success is not different for each different linguistic or cultural group. Ms. Reddy said that the Cambridge Learning Center (CLC) has a couple of classes that are focused on parenting. She believes it would be possible to be culturally sensitive and provide some consistent messages on good parenting and helping children succeed.

Councillor Davis suggested as a good goal for Cambridge is "whatever it takes to have all Cambridge children be ready for kindergarten." She asked whether any other places have adopted the HCZ vision to their locality. Councillor Reeves said that Orlando Florida has tried to replicate the HCZ. He added that he suggests taking the HCZ Baby College curriculum.

Risa Mednick, Transition House, said that Transition House currently offers parenting workshops. She said that there is a disconnect between HCZ and what is being discussed. HCZ is a community-based program in which the workers are community, so there is seamlessness. All of the non-profit partners should be at the table for this discussion.

Khari Milner said that with regard to the issue of consistent messages from HCZ, at the World Café event a lot of people talked about not knowing their neighbors. We need to reinforce that these children are all of our children. Cambridge is small enough to begin this and we need to translate this message for youth because it is going to be the next generation that takes this on.

Ms. Wong said that the group at this meeting comes mostly from government agencies. The communities need to know each other. Information is control. There are always catalysts for community buildings. The question is how we identify the catalysts within the community.

Councillor Reeves noted that there is a question about whether the impetus and organizing work should be done not by the government but by the community.

Mr. Jacob said that there is a level of healing in the Harlem Children’s Zone that is expressed in the sentence "Harlem kids should get the best." For Cambridge a unifying message could be that this is the village of Cambridge, and village membership has its privileges. Cambridge has resources to make this work.

Ms. Goodrich said that in Cambridge it is not about holding up another tier of services; it is holding up the community of Cambridge. We need to strengthen each community as it exists.

Ms. Richards said that as a person who comes from the community and came to government, she sees herself as a bridge. She emphasized the need for more bridges. There is a role for government to play in supporting and strengthening community. Ms. Wolpert said that her sense is that we cannot depend on government funding for this endeavor. Mr. Delia said that he would love to see a sense of urgency around these issues. He believes that a public/private version of HCZ is possible in Cambridge. Mr. Delia also urged further thought about the nature of community.

Councillor Reeves said that this has been a very important conversation about the nature of community.

Ms. Semonoff announced that on Nov 15, 2008 there is a program at the Harvard Medical School about the Touchpoints theory and practice. She will send the City Clerk the information to distribute to this committee. She also informed the Committee that the Governor’s 9C Budget cuts will impact both the Center for Families and the Child Care Resources Center.

Councillor Reeves thanked all those for their participation. The meeting adjourned at two o’clock and fifty- four minutes PM.

For the Committee,
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on-Thurs, Oct 30, 2008 at five o’clock and two minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss winter heating and weatherization.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Sam Seidel; Mayor Simmons; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environment and Transportation Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); John Bolduc, Environmental Project Planner, CDD; Chris Cotter, Housing Division, CDD; Kathy Mitchell, Fuel Assistance, CDD; Pardis Saffari, Associate, Economic Development CDD; Paul Ryder, Department of Human Services; Susan Pacheco, Director, Client Services, Council on Aging; Jack Gelinas, Deputy Fire Chief; Paul Walsh, Teacher, RSTA; Penny Peters; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Annie Fowler, SCEC; Peter Daly, HRI; Gordon Gottsche, Just-A-Start; Decia Goodwin, Mass. Housing; Angelica Benzan, Director, Leased Housing, CHA; Yventing Tang, Deputy Director, Leased Housing, CHA; Jed M. Nosal, Chief of Energy and Telecommunications Division of the Attorney General’s Office; Jack Jones, Executive Director, Menotomy; Steve Morgan, President, Clean Energy Solutions; Bruce Ledgerwood, Co-manager of the Alternative Energy and Repair Program for the Low Income Energy Affordability Network of Massachusetts (LEAN); Tom Lawler, Retroform/Zerodraft of MA; Audrey Schulman, HEET; Paul Lyons, Zapotec Energy, Inc.; Steve Wineman, GreenPort; Ellie Kobek, Co-coordinator, DIO Skillshare; and Minka VanBeuzekom, Area 4 Neighborhood Coalition.

Councillor Davis opened the meeting and explained the purpose. The goal of the Cambridge Energy Alliance is to get one-half of the buildings in the city weatherized and energy efficient.

Steve Morgan, CEA, stated that he tried to create a platform for one-stop shopping for residents with no distinction between low and moderate income. CEA leverages NSTAR and Menotomy services. He wants greater participation but resources are scarce. Ninety percent (90%) of low income residents are renters. There are 8,000 low income households in Cambridge. Long-term debt is needed for the program. Access is needed to get the word out to all residents to allow them to take advantage of CEA’s initial home inspection visit.

Councillor Davis asked how many households in the city received fuel assistance last winter. Ms. Mitchell responded that 858 household received fuel assistance last year. How does this compare with the need for assistance asked Councillor Davis? Ms. Mitchell stated that the elderly who live in subsidized public housing are not eligible for fuel assistance. Undocumented individuals are afraid to apply for fuel assistance, but the fuel assistance division has started a campaign to reach this population. How many of the 858 applicants for fuel assistance know that they are eligible for weatherization? Ms. Mitchell stated that there is a question in the fuel assistance application that asks about interest in weatherization programs. Brochures on weatherization are available and there is a campaign to get residents to sign up. Thirty-eight households received weatherization services.

Mr. Jones outlined the procedure. A person must apply for fuel assistance prior to weatherization. Menotomy receives a list from fuel assistance for weatherization systems. Utility funding is leveraged through NSTAR gas and electric. There is no waiting list. Services received last year from the Menotomy weatherization program were:
5 heating systems replaced;
1 water tank replaced;
42 heating systems maintained;
18 heating systems repaired;
1 unit had asbestos removal;
13 units received weatherization assistance through DOE program;
25 units received weatherization assistance through NSTAR with gas funds; and
349 units received appliance audits or weatherization assistance with NSTAR electric funds.

Councillor Davis asked why the number of household that received weatherization services is so low. Mr. Jones stated that federal funding will be doubled next year. Only buildings with four units or less can be served. There are more Cambridge residents served than other communities.

What is the difference between CEA weatherization measures versus Menotomy, asked Councillor Davis. Mr. Jones stated that Menotomy has weatherization services such as insulation, window replacement, repair and replace heating systems and asbestos removal. Mr. Morgan stated that CEA’s goal is to serve low income residents. Only grant money can be used. Most renters do not benefit from the program. To get to the renter the homeowners needs to be involved. Landlords have no incentive to participate in program.

Councillor Davis stated that 25%-30% of fuel assistance money is being wasted because there is no weatherization. This problem needs to be solved. The focus should be on weatherization of low income households.

Councillor Seidel spoke about the income of 200% below poverty level for the DOE weatherization program. Owners are required to sign an agreement not to increase the rent for one year.

Mr. Ledgerwood stated that NSTAR is looking for tenant applicants with homeowner’s approval for new heating systems. The program is administered by Menotomy. There is unlimited funding for now. There are four pockets of money: Department of Energy funds for shell work will be doubled next year, Health and Human Service funding increase, electric utility increase for low income sustainability and NSTAR funding increase, especially to low income households.

Councillor Davis asked if seniors are eligible for fuel assistance and the weatherization program. Ms. Mitchell stated that there are case workers for home bound clients. The case workers get information from the client over the phone, then the case worker visits the home. Fuel assistance and weatherization require the same application. The fuel assistance list is then sent to Menotomy. Ms. Pacheco stated that the senior center does outreach and works with Ms. Mitchell. The Council on Aging prepares a winter tips newsletter for seniors. She discussed combining efforts from COA and DHSP. What is seen by COA is that a senior misses the eligibility by a small amount with no assets. The senior receives a one-time assistance from the Salvation Army. Councillor Davis asked Ms. Pacheco if weatherization is discussed. Ms. Pacheco responded that the seniors bring in the weatherization letter to the COA, but do not seek the weatherization program for fear of the landlord. Ms. Rasmussen stated that it would be helpful if the CEA approached landlords with aggressive marketing.

Mr. Daly stated that outreach is the challenge. People are eligible but are not getting services. He suggested increasing outreach on the guidelines and getting the eligibility message out.

Councillor Davis inquired about the Section 8 housing program and the weatherization program. Ms. Benzan stated that the newsletter contains information on weatherization. The CHA is identifying voucher recipients. Fuel assistance voucher holders are also informed. Ms. Fowler asked if Section 8 households receive a rent increase if they are receiving fuel assistance. Ms. Mitchell stated that this is illegal. Ms. Kobek stated that income eligibility for fuel assistance is lower than Section 8 housing. Ms. Benzan informed the committee that utility bills must be current. The income level may go up next year stated Councillor Davis. Mr. Jones stated that there is a $7,000 increase for each household member for fuel and weatherization programs. Ms. Mitchell stated that 60% of median income is a huge increase. Mr. Jones stated that the 200% of federal poverty level guideline may increase in 2009. The utility program eligibility is 60% of median income and NSTAR income eligibility is higher.

Mr. Lawler stated that multifamily units with multi gas meters are eligible for multiple rebates. This could be a net zero to landlords. This needs to be worked out.

Ms. VanBeuzekom asked if information is sent to Section 8 landlords about the weatherization program. Ms. Benzan responded in the negative because of the concerning for disclosing the income of tenant to landlords. Updates will be sent to the landlords. Could the Energy Alliance help with outreach to landlords, asked Councillor Davis? Ms. Rasmussen responded that help could be provided with information on fuel assistance and weatherization. The outreach on rebates is broader. Mr. Lawler stated that outreach is done by the utility contractors on rebates. Mr. Ledgerwood stated that NSTAR has a publicized program with information on the website. Vendors used by NSTAR are the same vendors used by the Energy Alliance. Ms. Goodwin stated that NSTAR has a refrigerator rebate program for low income tenants. Councillor Davis commented that an energy audit is required before the refrigerator rebate program can be utilized. There is no eligible discount rate for the audit appliance management program provided by NSTAR stated Mr. Jones. Councillor Seidel asked the providers about people who use these multiple programs. Ms. Goodwin stated that an effort is needed to automatically register tenants for low discount rates unless they chose to opt out. Automatic outreach needs to be done in the city. She stated that Mass. Housing has a list of buildings in the NSTAR district. Institutions need to look into this issue. Councillor Seidel asked if CEA is doing outreach. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the Veterans’ Department and SSI could provide a list of eligible person. CEA could outline the eligibility for each program.

Councillor Davis commented that this is a community outreach issue. She asked Deputy Fire Chief Gelinas what happens if low income people are not helped. Deputy Chief Gelinas stated his concern about carbon monoxide; that an energy audit reviews the internal environment. There are carbon monoxide and combustion issues. He spoke of the problem of those people who are unable to pay heating bills so they use illegal kerosene heaters or pellet stoves. Kerosene heaters are illegal in Massachusetts. Pellet stoves require a permit from Inspectional Services. The use of gas stoves to heat homes could cause carbon monoxide. Mr. Jones stated that audits check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks.

The committee then discussed other weatherization issues. Councillor Davis stated that there is a new organization, HEET, doing weatherization.

Mr. Daly stated that there is home improvement program run by HRI and Just-A-Start. It is a loan program. The property is inspected and weatherization is offered. The loan payment is deferred. Mr. Gottsche stated that the program deals with energy cost and is equivalent to LEED standards. The home improvement program includes condos and owner-occupied 1-4 units of housing. It includes heating systems and a high level of weatherization. Councillor Davis asked how many units are done in a year. Mr. Gottsche replied 80-90 units per year. There is no fee with this HUD program and no fee on the loan funds. The loan is for 10-25 years. The program cannot just do weatherization. The YouthBuild Program can do weatherization, but labor and materials need to be funded and standards need to be set. Funding for YouthBuild is for training and a quick weatherization fix. There is no more surcharge money available. Councillor Davis added that the surcharge money goes to Menotomy. Mr. Jones added that in the 1998 deregulation the low income utility money went to weatherization.

There is an interest in weatherization stated Councillor Davis. She spoke of the jobs for Cambridge in the green area. Weatherization jobs need to be done. There is an interest at RSTA to do training of students for jobs in the weatherization area.

Ms. Schulman spoke about the HEET program. Neighbors get together to do weatherization at an individual home. People learn how to weatherize. The program is looking to work with low income families. Homeowners have to provide the materials which cost about $100-$300 per house.

Ms. Kobek spoke about the "do it oneself skill share program". On Nov 13, 2008 there will be an energy conservation skill share workshop, free of charge. What happens when people reach out for services and have no access to services? Only one life-time energy audit per home is allowed. She was unable to get information about a hot water heater. Businesses failed to return her phone call. It is not just getting the word out. A change in attitude is needed. There exists a class and attitude issue to be resolved. CEA shuts out low income people. The audit should not be once in a life-time. Councillor Davis commented that people do not have a once in a life-time home. Mr. Ledgerwood explained the once in a life-time audit was to discourage people from getting a yearly audit. Councillor Davis stated that the guidelines on the energy audit need to be reviewed and changed if necessary. There is great demand and little staff. No one is paid to give out information; people are paid for services. Ms. Goodwin informed the committee that hot water heaters are not covered by Menotomy. There is a need for a general place for the public to get information; finding the right place and income level is the issue.

Councillor Seidel stated that there is an emerging market niche between consumers and contractors.

Councillor Davis asked if the Attorney General is doing training to give information on energy issues. Mr. Nosal stated that the Attorney General’s Office is working on dealing with issues for low income families with the utility companies. A best practice group was established. There is a $30 million increase for gas companies. The state appropriated $7 million for weatherization for this winter. Changes due to the Green Community Act will change how money is spent. A 30% increase is projected for 2009 of which 20% will go to low income families. There is $150 million for gas and electric programs. Councillor Davis asked what is Cambridge’s share of the $150 million. Mr. Ledgerwood stated that 60% is for commercial and 40% for residential. Of the $150 million 10% is for low income families.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that CEA serves anyone interested. Low income people ares directed to Menotomy; if not served the person returns to CEA. CEA cannot provide general advice.

Councillor Davis asked Mr. Nosal to provide information on energy audits. Mr. Nosal stated that the energy audit is the gateway to the programs. A year should be placed on the energy audit because of the change in technology. The life-time audit should be cleared up. Councillor Davis also added that rebates, audits and eligibility for new programs should also be clarified. Ms. Goodwin suggested a clear, transparent and uniform spread sheet of information on all the programs. Each utility company web site should list the programs available. Mr. Nosal stated that if the zip code is entered in the MASS SAVE website the information is available. The utility companies are utilized to provide energy efficient programs. He suggested that the City Council request funding for an energy council.

Councillor Davis thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at six o’clock and fifty-eight minutes P. M.

For the Committee,
Councillor Henrietta Davis, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at two o’clock and two minutes P.M. in the fourth floor conference room at 344 Broadway, Cambridge.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive background information and to discuss NorthPoint. At the conclusion of the meeting a tour of the site will be conducted.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Susan Glazer, Deputy Director, CDD; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Roger Boothe, Director of Urban Design, CDD; Jason Alves; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Councillor Seidel opened the meeting and stated the purpose.

Ms. Rubenstein gave information on the sale of the property. There are rumors that there is a purchase/sale agreement signed for the sale of the property. The sellers and buyers are not about to reveal who they are. There is a forty-five day due diligence period. The sale should be completed by the end of the year. The previous buyer had an agreement with the MBTA. The developer was to move the Green Line Station and get a parcel of land. The new buyer is reviewing this agreement as part of their deal and discussing this with the State Department of Transportation. Councillor Seidel stated that a meeting would be held by the State in Cambridge regarding an update on the green line station. He asked if all previous agreements about the special permit (PB #179) and the green line station move apply to the new purchase. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the special permit goes with the land and includes improvement to Monsignor O’Brien Highway. The agreement on the station is between the MBTA and the developer. The permit has five million square feet of development rights. The phased project cannot start until the station is moved and other commitments are met. The commitments are firm. If the new buyer wants to change the commitments it must apply for an amendment to the special permit. Mr. Boothe commented that the Planning Board needs to approve each phase of the development. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the MBTA is under obligation to move the green line station by 2014. A private land agreement to relocate the green line station would require an amendment to the special permit granted by the Planning Board.

At this time Mr. Boothe gave a slide presentation on the NorthPoint area (ATTACHMENT A). The City Council rezoned this area in 1979. The City applied for UDAG funding. A second round of UDAG funding happened. The land was taken by eminent domain where the site of the Monitor Building is now consisting of 10 acres. Four sites were put out on a Request for Proposal by private developers. In 1988 the rezoning of NorthPoint allowed housing with no height limit and no vision on the previous zoning. The housing towers were originally rental units and are now condominiums. Scheme Z erupted. Cambridge sued the state over Scheme Z. The state agreed to a Design Review Committee for the Bridge. There was a commitment for 88 acres for new parkland. In 2001 NorthPoint was rezoned for a second time as part of the ECAP petition. The NorthPoint piece created structure for the area. Thought was given as to how the new neighborhood would link with the rest of the neighborhood. The developers were responsible for laying out the streets. Standards for the widths of the streets were reviewed by the Planning Board and Public Works because the city would take over the streets. He outlined the principals of ECAPS. The developer of twenty-tow Water Street got a special permit, but has not gone forward. Of the NorthPoint area 85% is in Cambridge and 15% is in Somerville and Boston. Archstone Smith received a PUD in 2002. Phase I was completed. The next phase is proposed for 2009. In 2003 the NorthPoint PUD Master Plan required that the green line be straightened out. The NorthPoint PUD has mixed use, 2400-2700 units of housing, 2.2 million square feet of commercial development, 10 acres of parkland and 150,000 square feet of ground floor retail and a new green line station. Lechmere station needs to be build before Phase II can start. This is important to the orange line and getting across Monsignor O’Brien Highway. Buildings S & T are residential condos and the other side is the Archstone Smith development. In 2008 buildings S & T will be completed, the park with multi-use, the Phase lA roadway and the central park will be mostly completed.

Councillor Seidel asked how a special permit is written. Ms. Rubenstein stated that the Community Development Department staff prepares the special permit which is reviewed by the developer and the Planning Board. She outlined the differences between conditions now allowed in zoning (variances) versus changes allowed within zoning (special permits). Special Permits are based on criteria in zoning.

Ms. Glazer stated that the special permit decision references that the developer has to fulfill the traffic requirements. There are a lot of roadway improvements needed on Monsignor O’Brien Highway (ATTACHMENT B). There are intersection improvements needed at O’Brien/Third and O’Brien/Water. O’Brien/First/Cambridge Streets has to be redesigned and approved. Parcels R & Q need improvement. Councillor Seidel questioned the public input in O’Brien Highway. Ms. Glazer stated that public meeting were held because of the MBTA. This was also discussed in ECAPS. The developer will most likely hold community meetings. Could changes to O’Brien Highway be made by the developer with input from the community, asked Councillor Seidel? The developer has responsibilities and rights with the special permit from the city stated Ms. Rubenstein.

Mr. Dash stated that during the planning process sample designs were requested. Final design drawings are done later in the project. There is a plan for O’Brien that includes phasing and must be to the city’s standards commented Ms. Glazer. Councillor Seidel asked if the neighborhood is up to speed on the most recent infrastructure proposals. This is in the next phase of the Planning Board process stated Mr. Dash.

Councillor Seidel asked if a special permit could be revoked. This issue would be forwarded to the Law Department for an opinion stated Ms. Rubenstein.

Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at three o’clock and twenty-six minutes PM. At the conclusion of the meeting a tour of NorthPoint was conducted.

For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-95. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on statistics of all formal enforcement actions involving excessive noise from January 2007 to June 2008.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 06/23/08 (O-13)

08-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible changes to regulations and operating procedures for traffic and motor vehicle use that could increase efficiency and fuel conservation.
Councillor Maher and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-21)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the responsibility of the developers for a safe crossing will be upheld by the MBTA and that plans will coincide with the vision of future development.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-5)

08-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the position the City can take on altering the NorthPoint special permit now that the land swap is no longer necessary.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-7)

08-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of addressing rodent complaints and whether the number of complaints has increased or decreased.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-8)

08-112. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on increased on-street parking pressure from residents of the apartment complex at 205 and 225 Walden Street.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/08/08 (O-13)

08-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining options to make the parking lot and abutting sidewalk located along Linnaean Street at the corner of Mass. Avenue a safer place for non-vehicular traffic.
Councillor Seidel 09/08/08 (O-22)

08-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible impacts of the new police detail regulations and on the City's reliance on detail work.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 09/22/08 (O-6)

08-121. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the new Berkeley, California program to give city-backed loans to property owners who install rooftop solar-power systems is applicable to Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel, Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/22/08 (O-16)

08-127. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on issuance and effects of special variances under the provisions of the Noise Ordinance.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 10/20/08 (O-4)

08-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there has been an increase of arrests of homeless persons or people in need of services in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/20/08 (O-14)

08-138. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #8
RE: report on the status of street work and barricades left on Columbus Avenue.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/03/08 (O-8)

08-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the fiscal lessons from the budgets in the wake of the last recessions and implications for the next few budgets in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/03/08 (O-11)

08-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the ownership of Fifth Street between Bent & Binney Streets and the ownership of Rogers Street from Fulkerson to Third Streets and ensure maintenance of these roadways.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-1)

08-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of awarding points to affordable housing applicants based on the number of times they've applied.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Mayor Simmons 11/17/08 (O-5)

08-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing a bus shelter at the bus stop on Mass Avenue where bus #77 stops en route to Porter & Harvard Squares.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 11/17/08 (O-12)

08-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on landscaping plans for the CRLS project and on the impact to trees in the area of the project.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Toomey 11/17/08 (O-10)

08-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that all playgrounds adjacent to schools are in good, safe, working order on Monday mornings when children return to school.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/24/08 (O-1)

08-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on restoration of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Davis 11/24/08 (O-9)