Cambridge City Council meeting - Dec 10, 2012 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Patty Chen, et al Zoning Petition.
[The Planning Board recommends adoption of this Petition, which would amend the requirements of the Central Square Overlay District to include the section of Prospect Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Bishop Allen Drive within the set of streets on which bars and alcohol-serving entertainment venues may locate their entrances. Entrances to such uses are currently allowed only on Massachusetts Avenue or Main Street.] [It is the Board’s view that this section of Prospect Street is well-suited to allow these types of uses, given that there are no nearby residential abutters and that bars and entertainment venues currently exist along the block. The addition of similar uses at that location would not be detrimental to the area, and may indeed help to enliven the western side of the street, which currently lacks ground-floor activity at night.]
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-138, regarding a report on updating the archived Council meetings to a standard platform capable of playback on a mobile device.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-97, regarding a report on the incident at the Cambridge Gateway Inn on July 5, 2012.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a report from the Department of Public Works that summarizes the results from a feasibility study regarding a possible pilot program for curbside food scraps collection from residents for composting.
Referred to Environment Committee. The Plastic bag portion referred to Community Health Committee. - Davis
Dec 10, 2012
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to transmit a report from the Department of Public Works that summarizes the results from a feasibility study regarding a possible pilot program for curbside food scraps collection from residents for composting. During the summer of 2012, DPW completed this feasibility study, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
MassDEP has established significant goals to reduce trash, and the City of Cambridge has adopted them: Reduce tons disposed by 30% by 2020 from 2008 levels, and by 80% by 2050. Separating food scraps for composting will contribute to a reduction of trash. New regulations issued by MassDEP in November 2012 make it easier for existing compost facilities to add food to yard waste operations, and the new regulations make it easier for new compost facilities to be developed.
The feasibility study included analysis of:
The entire report is (or will soon be) available online at: http://www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/ourservices/recyclingandtrash.aspx
Based on this analysis and after consulting with City and MassDEP staff, I recommend the following steps:
1. Implement a one year pilot program for the collection of food scraps from residents, to begin no later than April 2014.
The pilot would be one day a week for one year, in the Monday collection route neighborhood, from up to 800 households. Participation would be voluntary and eligible households would include single-family homes and residential buildings with up to 12 units that receive City trash service. Participating households would receive a kitchen scrap container, a year's supply of compostable bags for the kitchen container and a green curbside bin with a locking lid. Households would place food scraps in the kitchen scrap container lined with the compostable bag. When the bag is full, they will tie it and place in the green curbside bin for weekly collection.
The organic material collected would be taken to a facility within reasonable proximity to Cambridge. Please note that it does not currently make sense to collect yard waste and food scraps together because tip fees for separate loads of yard waste are lower, and these facilities have restrictions on brush for mixed loads. DPW will ask MassDEP to offer technical assistance to compost facilities on best practices regarding mixed loads of yard waste and food scraps, since we learned that other compost facilities in the US are doing this successfully.
If the pilot program is successful, I envision gradual implementation to a citywide voluntary program, phasing in additional collection days as we can establish a route density. This may require at least 500 residential and city building stops on each collection day.
2. If the City moves forward with a plastic bag reduction ordinance, the City could consider requiring identifiable compostable plastic checkout bags (possibly of a distinct color) at chain grocers and chain pharmacies (if plastic bags are used).
Compostable plastic bags should meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostability. If the city moves to citywide food scraps collection, compostable plastic bags available at these stores will be the best free option for residents to use to collect food scraps in the kitchen. To keep this operation as clean as possible, we recommend that food scraps be placed in compostable bags before being placed in a green curbside bin for weekly pickup. We look forward to the discussion of a possible plastic bag reduction ordinance at the Dec 19th City Council Community Health Committee meeting.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee is requested to hold a meeting to discuss the light cycle and street layout at the junction of Rindge and Massachusetts Avenue. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Three of Dec 3, 2012.]
Order adopted as amended
Amended Order Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The intersection of Rindge and Massachusetts Avenues present challenges in terms of both drivers ignoring the northbound red light and drivers who have stopped, blocking the left turn arrow; and
WHEREAS: These two issues have led to many complaints about both pedestrian safety as cars run through the pedestrian signal and about noise as drivers wishing to make a left turn during the arrow cycle blow their horns at drivers stopped in front of them; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee be and hereby is requested to hold a meeting to discuss the light cycle, street layout and pedestrian safety at the junction of Rindge and Massachusetts Avenues.
2. That the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee is requested to hold a meeting to discuss the impact of tour buses parking, loading, unloading and driving through Harvard Square on local air quality, noise and traffic and to explore possible alternatives that would mitigate those impacts. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Four of Dec 3, 2012.]
Order adopted
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 16, 2012 to discuss the expiring use agreement for University Park and to receive an update from Boston Properties on their commitment to build affordable housing in Kendall Square. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Committee Report Number One of Dec 3, 2012.]
Report accepted
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public meeting held on Oct 16, 2012 to receive an update on plans to sell 2 Mount Auburn Street. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Committee Report Number Two of Dec 3, 2012.]
Report accepted
ON THE TABLE
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]
6. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]
11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]
12. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling to pass MA House Bill 4165, "An Act Relative to Speed Limits." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012. Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Dec 3, 2012.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Oct 3, 2012 to discuss a zoning petition filed by Susan Yanow, et al to rezone from the existing Business A to Business A-1 the areas bounded by Windsor, Main Streets, Bishop Allen Drive, Columbia, Prospect and Norfolk Streets; rezone from the existing Bus. B and CRDD to a proposed new district Bus. B-3 in the area bounded by Green, Landsdowne, Magazine and Prospect Streets and Mass. Ave. define as a protected neighborhood zone the area zoned Res. C-1 and bounded by Portland, Main and Windsor Streets and a line 120 feet north of and parallel to Main Street; rezone the areas currently identified as Municipal Parking Lots along Bishop Allen Drive to a proposed new Municipal Parking District (MP).
14. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Oct 3, 2012 to discuss the zoning petition filed by Patty Chen, et al. to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.300 Central Square Overlay District in Section 20.304.5 Use Limitations and Restrictions. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 17, 2012. Planning Board hearing held Nov 20, 2012. Petition expires Feb 12, 2013.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Seventh Sense Bio Systems requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 286 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
2. A zoning petition has been received from Zevart M. Hollisian, Trustee of Garabed B. Hollisian Trust and L-Z Realty Trust and Seth D. Alexander, President, MIT Investment Management Company to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map by extending the Cambridgeport Revitalization Development District from Green Street out to Massachusetts Avenue in the area adjacent to Blanche Street; said petition includes a map and a commitment letter.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Tom Stohlman.
2. A communication was received from Tom Stohlman, 19 Channing Street transmitting allegation of a violation of the Open Meeting Law that Policy Order #6 of December 3, 2012 was outside of the properly called Government Operations and Rules Committee meeting.
3. Information submitted by James Willilamson, 1000 Jackson Place regarding Hubway membership.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Thanks to Christian Abebe of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
2. Thanks to Jonathan Medina-Rosario of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
3. Thanks to Natnale Mengesha of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
4. Thanks to Lidwine St. Rose of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
5. Thanks to Keshena Octavien of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
6. Thanks to Tristen Howell of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
7. Thanks to Tafari Augustin of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
8. Thanks to Josiane Deguenon of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
9. Thanks to Amira Nwokeji-Iwuala of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
10. Thanks to Denesia Campbell of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
11. Thanks to Roldy Toussaint of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
12. Thanks to Alex Shulman of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
13. Thanks to Taisha Daniel of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
14. Thanks to Kalieyah Lahens of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
15. Thanks to Lyvenie St. Pierre of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
16. Thanks to Julie Kahn-Schaye of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
17. Thanks to Solome Nakimuli of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
18. Thanks to Zohar Fuller of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
19. Thanks to Olivia Harris of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
20. Thanks to Jamila Derring of the Youth Action Corps for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
21. Congratulations to CCTV for their work in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
22. Resolution on the death of Paul Joseph Murphy. Councillor Toomey
23. Resolution on the death of Margaret A. "Peggy" O'Connor. Councillor Maher
24. Retirement of Lieutenant Timothy Hogan from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Davis
25. Retirement of Joao Cassama from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Davis
26. Retirement of Salvatore Bonnacci from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Davis
27. Thanks to Carol Sousa, Supervisor of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers, for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
28. Speedy recovery wishes to Bill Zamparelli. Vice Mayor Simmons
29. Thanks to Rabeya Akther of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
30. Thanks to Ionabe Klais of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
31. Thanks to Michelle Godfrey of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
32. Thanks to Magaly Ayala of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
33. Thanks to Tagesech Wabeto of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
34. Thanks to Carrine Bury of the Community Learning Center's Outreach Workers for their efforts in making the 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action campaign a success. Councillor Decker
35. Commend Tags Hardware for their community service in offering a a free parcel pick up service in the lower level of their store after a string of stolen packages reported by residents. Councillor Cheung
36. Resolution on the death of Mary R. Trifone. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher
37. Resolution on the death of Harold W. Green. Councillor Toomey
38. Appreciation to the West Roxbury Emmanuel Episcopal Church for their organization and mobilizing the community to support Cambridge-based homeless youth. Vice Mayor Simmons
39. Happy 78th Birthday wishes to Bob Moses. Vice Mayor Simmons
40. Condolences to the family of Annie Santulan. Vice Mayor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to implement a plan for online, offline, and mobile communication of public safety information that is resilient to power outages and other natural disasters. Councillor Cheung
2. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to review the condition of Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and South Street to determine if safety improvements or changes to traffic patterns are necessary. Councillor Toomey
3. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to review the condition at the intersection of Windsor Street and Lincoln Street to determine if a STOP sign should be installed to improve public safety. Councillor Toomey
4. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the cause and other details of the power outage on Nov 29, 2012. Mayor Davis
5. That the Cambridge City Council endorse the letter written by City Manager Robert W. Healy regarding MassDOT challenges. Mayor Davis
Amended
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine whether a STOP sign might be installed at the corner of Brookline and Erie Street. Vice Mayor Simmons
7. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to explore how the City of Cambridge might provide a reduced rate Hubway bike-share membership to its limited income residents and report back to the City Council. Councillor vanBeuzekom
8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other agencies to purchase the property at 186 Western Avenue and develop it as affordable two or three-bedroom housing for the residents of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
9. That the City Clerk, in consultation with the Law Department, draft a response regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint received on Dec 4, 2012 for the City Council's consideration at its Dec 17, 2012 City Council meeting in order to meet the Dec 21, 2012 deadline. Mayor Davis
10. That the City Manager is requested to conduct an inventory of school playgrounds for current safety issues and suitability of playground equipment for the ago groups being served. Mayor Davis
11. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to confer with residents regarding concerns about bump-outs which will reduce parking options, particularly on Windsor Worthington Street, as the snow season begins. Councillor Cheung
Amended
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Finance Department to communicate tax-deductible information in solicitation letters. Councillor Cheung
13. That the City Manager is requested to call upon members of the Cambridge Congressional delegation and the President to adopt Federal budget policies that prioritize the revitalization of the economy, the creation of millions of new jobs, and a return to broadly-shared prosperity; to avoid cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits or shifting of costs to the states; to resist cuts to the safety net or to vital services for the most disadvantaged members of society; to restructure our tax system to ensure sufficient revenue - at least 20 percent of GDP by the end of the decade - in order to fund crucial services and investments; and to raise income tax rates on the richest Americans to their levels during the prosperous 1990s. Councillor Cheung
14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding posting a sign for no truck traffic on Roberts Road. Councillor Cheung
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to finish the utility pole project on Walden Street. Councillor Cheung
16. That the City Manager is requested to convene a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations throughout the city such as public parks and squares. Mayor Davis
17. That that City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the intention of improving pedestrian safety at the intersections of Windsor, Sciarappa and Fifth Streets at Cambridge Street by installing pedestrian crossing traffic cones and report back to the City Council. Councillor Toomey
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting a copy of the Silver Ribbon Commission Report.
2. A communication was received from Mayor Henrietta Davis transmitting a copy of the safe routes to school order from the School Committee.
Referred to City Manager and to Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee - Davis
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 11
4:00pm The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the impacts of mobile internet technology on On-Demand Transportation Infrastructure. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 12
4:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on the long-term vision for Kendall Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 13
4:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss matters relating to dogs including waste removal, off leash access and other recently raised concerns. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 18
3:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to explore the Cambridge Police Department's practices and policies surrounding minority hires, promotions, and recruitment efforts. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 19
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss a ban on plastic bags. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussions as it relates to the City Council's desire for a visioning/search process for the City Manager. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 20
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the home improvement program and safety concerns of alleged sub-standard work. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 9
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the soda ban. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a City Council Zoning Petition, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by amending the Section 13.59.33 Building and Site Design Requirements for Active Uses and Open Spaces by deleting condition numbered (5) In order to promote pedestrian activity on adjacent public streets from tenants and employees within commercial buildings, any cafeteria serving such commercial space may be located only on the ground floor level of a building and must be opened to the public at least 20 hours per week. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Jan 10
2:00pm Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to implement a plan for online, offline, and mobile communication of public safety information that is resilient to power outages and other natural disasters.
O-2 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and South Street in Somerville is currently a two-way street; and
WHEREAS: This portion of Windsor Street is a narrow roadway and two-way traffic can, at times, pose traffic issues; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation to review the condition of Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and South Street to determine if safety improvements or changes to traffic patterns are necessary.
O-3 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Historically residents have sought traffic improvements at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Windsor Street; and
WHEREAS: New housing developed at this intersection will bring more pedestrians and vehicles traveling on Windsor Street and concerns about safety of this intersection have persisted; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to review the condition at the intersection of Windsor Street and Lincoln Street to determine if a STOP sign should be installed to improve public safety.
O-4 Dec 10, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There was a power outage on Nov 29, 2012 that affected much of the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the cause and other details of the power outage.
O-5 Dec 10, 2012 Amended
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge stands ready to work in collaboration with MassDOT in solving transportation problems; and
WHEREAS: Solving these problems is of the utmost importance to the viability of the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council endorse the letter written by City Manager Robert W. Healy regarding MassDOT challenges; and be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-6 Dec 10, 2012
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council's attention that residents of the LBJ Apartments have voiced their concern over continued speeding vehicles on Brookline Street near Erie Street, despite the raised crosswalk that had been installed to lessen the dangers associated with this issue. Residents maintain that speeding vehicles create a potentially dangerous environment for pedestrians; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine whether a STOP sign might be installed at the corner of Brookline and Erie Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility of implementing this speed control measure.
O-7 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The Hubway bike-share program has successfully provided both transportation and recreation which is often cheaper and more direct in many cases than the MBTA; and better exercise than a cab; and often faster than a car in rush hour; and
WHEREAS: The growing bike culture and expanding, local infrastructure within Cambridge and the greater region supports this mode of transportation and the Hubway bike-share membership costs are approximately $85/year; and
WHEREAS: Public access to the Hubway bike-share program may not be within the financial reach for every resident of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The city of Boston offers to its low-income residents a reduced rate Hubway bike-share membership for $5/year, that additionally expands the basic rental time from 30 minutes to 60 minutes and includes a helmet; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to explore how the City of Cambridge might provide a reduced rate Hubway bike-share membership to its limited income residents and report back to the City Council.
O-8 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The house at 186 Western Avenue has been abandoned and boarded up for years. This house is a blight in the neighborhood; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other agencies to purchase the property and develop it as affordable two or three-bedroom housing for the residents of Cambridge.
O-9 Dec 10, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Clerk, in consultation with the Law Department, draft a response regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint received on Dec 4, 2012 for the City Council's consideration at its Dec 17, 2012 City Council meeting in order to meet the Dec 21, 2012 deadline.
O-10 Dec 10, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Schools have been reorganized by age group; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to conduct an inventory of school playgrounds for current safety issues and suitability of playground equipment for the ago groups being served; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-11 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that neighborhoods being impacted by the Alewife Sewer Separation Project have expressed concerns about bump-outs reducing their parking options, particularly on Windsor Worthington as the snow season begins; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department to confer with residents regarding these concerns and report back to the Cambridge City Council.
O-12 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Donors interesting in contributing to the Scholarship Fund are interested in knowing whether donations are tax-deductible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Finance Department to communicate this information in solicitation letters and report back to the Cambridge City Council.
O-13 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Local Progress, a coalition of progressive local elected officials from more than 30 cities and towns around the country, is pushing for a fair federal budget deal that best benefits municipalities; and
WHEREAS: The United States government is currently confronting major decisions regarding our nation's budget and fiscal policies; and
WHEREAS: As the American economy continues its slow and inadequate recovery from the Great Recession, twenty million people want to work full time but cannot; unemployment stubbornly remains at 8 percent; and a weak economy undermines the nation's social fabric and deprives future generations of the opportunity to live rich and fulfilling lives; and
WHEREAS: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are central to the vitality of the middle class and keep millions of Americans out of poverty and federal investments in education and infrastructure are essential to the nation's future prosperity; and
WHEREAS: Unwise cuts to the federal spending inevitably shift costs onto states and municipalities, which, unlike the federal government, cannot adequately cope with them through deficit spending; federal borrowing costs are at an all-time low; and senseless austerity policies have pushed Europe into a double-dip recession; and
WHEREAS: The short-term federal budget deficit is primarily the result of a weakened economy; long-term budget deficits pose no immediate threat to the American economy; and long-term deficits are driven largely by rising health care costs that must be addressed carefully over the course of years, not weeks; and
WHEREAS: The Federal Reserve has a legal mandate to pursue both "stable prices" and "maximum employment" but in recent years inflation has been consistently below its stated target and the unemployment rate has soared; and
WHEREAS: Real median family income has been nearly stagnant for four decades despite continued growth in productivity; economic inequality has expanded to levels unseen since the 1930s; the wealthiest Americans receive an ever-larger share of national income and pay an ever-smaller percentage of taxes; and millions of families are unable to afford basic necessities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to call upon members of the Cambridge Congressional delegation and the President to adopt Federal budget policies that prioritize the revitalization of the economy, the creation of millions of new jobs, and a return to broadly-shared prosperity; to avoid cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits or shifting of costs to the states; to resist cuts to the safety net or to vital services for the most disadvantaged members of society; to restructure our tax system to ensure sufficient revenue - at least 20 percent of GDP by the end of the decade - in order to fund crucial services and investments; and to raise income tax rates on the richest Americans to their levels during the prosperous 1990s; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to members of the Cambridge delegation.
O-14 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that Roberts Road is being used by trucks during periods of high traffic and throughout the entire day; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors feel that posting a sign for no truck traffic and reinforcing it would alleviate the situation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and report back to the City Council.
O-15 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to finish the utility pole project on Walden Street.
O-16 Dec 10, 2012
MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: There has been much discussion about the need for permanent public restrooms in the city, particularly in areas such as the Cambridge Common and Central and Harvard Squares; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations throughout the city such as public parks and squares; and be it further
ORDERED: That the task force should include representation from the Human Services Department, the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, the Public Health Commission, the Historic Commission, the City Council, an appropriate member of the public and business associations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-17 Dec 10, 2012
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The intersection of Windsor, Sciarappa and Fifth Streets at Cambridge Street can be difficult for pedestrians to safely cross; and
WHEREAS: Pedestrian crossing signage placed on traffic cones within the crosswalks could improve the safety of pedestrians; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That that City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with the intention of improving pedestrian safety at these intersections by installing pedestrian crossing traffic cones and report back to the City Council.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the repair of all street lights that are not working in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-1)
12-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on plastic bags.
Councillor Decker, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/23/12 (O-10)
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)
12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)
12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)
12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)
12-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to establish an Community Choice Aggregation Network which will engage in electricity procurement for the entire City of Cambridge.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 04/23/12 (O-9)
12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)
12-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an explanation as the when the main library will be open on Sundays.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/21/12 (O-2)
12-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on implementing a ban on trucks transporting hazardous materials through the City.
Councillor Cheung 05/21/12 (O-5)
12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)
12-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of expanding the barbeque pilot program in parks throughout Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-13)
12-75. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a map of long term parking spots for rent on the city website.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-16)
12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)
12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)
12-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing security cameras in the Donnelly Field area.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-14)
12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)
12-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-5)
12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)
12-97. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on the incident at the Cambridge Gateway Inn on July 5, 2012.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-12)
12-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on statistical information regarding enforcement citations for loud motorcycle mufflers, car radios and the City's plan to address these issues.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-16)
12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)
12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)
12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)
12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)
12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)
12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)
12-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of 2 Mt. Auburn Street.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-23)
12-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving pedestrian safety on Western Avenue at Kinnaird and Pleasant Streets.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-24)
12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)
12-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on maintaining the present Central Square Farmer's Market permit rate despite an increase in the vehicle parking rates.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/24/12 (O-8)
12-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of creating a municipal exterminator and/or contracting exterminators to help eradicate rodent problems in the City.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/01/12 (O-3)
12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)
12-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of finding additional secure locations for the disposal of prescription drugs.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-4)
12-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of installing recycling bins adjacent to trash bins.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-5)
12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)
12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)
12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)
12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)
12-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible advantages of the "preservation easement" process.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-6)
12-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating permanent bathroom facilities at the Cambridge Common; conduct a study for permanent bathroom facilities in all public squares; and provide a list of all locations where portable bathroom facilities are currently used.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 11/19/12 (O-8)
12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)
12-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what policies exist to protect individuals awaiting the opening of the Cambridge Senior Center during extreme weather conditions.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-12)
12-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing an ordinance regulating procedures that organizations would have to follow in the event of a concussion.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-13)
12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)
12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)
12-138. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on feasibility of updating the archived Council meetings to a standard platform capable of playback on a mobile device.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-17)
12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of re-filing a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)
12-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving safety concerns at the Kennedy-Longfellow School and the MLK School.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 12/03/12 (O-1)
12-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on audio and visual upgrades/equipment in the Sullivan Chamber and other meeting spaces.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 12/03/12 (O-7)