Cambridge City Council meeting - Dec 12, 2011 - AGENDA
[Councillor Seidel was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program for $46,922 to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used to support the department's mobile computing infrastructure through the of purchase laptop computers for police vehicles, modems and network related services.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer within the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) Grant for $26,138.41 from the Grant Fund Police Department Salaries and Wages account to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to allow for additional services to be provided by Riverside Community Care, Inc. for the Cambridge Arlington Belmont High Risk Domestic Violence Team (CABHART) Coordinator position.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Agenda for Children's Talk and Read grant in the amount of $3,284.00 received from the Cambridge Public Health Department to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($782.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,502.00) which will support the Community Learning Center in recruiting students to participate in training, assist with logistics, and help to plan the training.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Bunker Hill Community College Grant in the amount of $3,250.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account which will be used to support professional development of Community Learning Center teachers on curriculum and instruction to assist upper level students in transitioning to higher education.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Community Health Network Area (CHNA) 17 Marijuana grant in the amount of $24,499.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($6,224.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($18,275.00) which will be used to support the Cambridge Prevention Coalition's work to reduce 30-day marijuana use amongst teens in grades 9 through 12 in Cambridge.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MetroNorth Regional Employment Board for $109,202.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($91,202.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($18,000.00) which will be used to reimburse the City for salary costs associated with enrolling additional income-eligible youth in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program and to support program costs for work sites taking large numbers of youth and developing worksites for youth participants.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective Jan 1, 2012: Frederick W. MacDonald
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 to the Community Development Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to pay for design consultant services for a proposed bicycle & pedestrian path along the former NECCO railroad spur in Cambridgeport.
December 12, 2011
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $100,000 to the Community Development Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account. This appropriation will be used to pay for design consultant services for a proposed bicycle & pedestrian path along the former NECCO railroad spur in Cambridgeport. The proposed path would run from Erie Street and join the section of multi-use path already constructed by MIT as part a dormitory project. Improved connections for path users around Fort Washington to the Grand Junction pedestrian/bicycle crossing will also be reviewed. A consultant will be hired to complete the design for the path. The $100,000 was received as a result of a condition of the special permit for the redevelopment of the former NECCO property.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to four appropriations totaling $1,204,701 to the Community Development Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account. These appropriations will be used to pay for the purchase of and a three year maintenance contract for Hubway bike share stations, holding 220 bikes at 22 stations located in the densest areas of the City.
[The total of this appropriation is derived from the following sources: Metropolitan Area Planning Council through funds received by a Federal Transit Administration Grant ($630,640); Massachusetts Department of Transportation through funds received by a Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Grant ($274,061); Harvard University ($200,000) and; Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($100,000). The Hubway Bike Share system is expected to be launched in the spring of 2012 and will operate approximately nine months per year and be removed during winter months.]
ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
3. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
5. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a complete and comprehensive list of all concessions made to the City and broader Cambridge community by developers and the universities in exchange for zoning relief, special permits, or Council approval. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Eleven of Apr 25, 2011. Tabled on Motion of Councillor Cheung on May 2, 2011.]
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-94, regarding a report on fireworks at Corcoran Park on July 4th. [City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Sept 12, 2011 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley.]
8. An application was received from Eric Griffith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Oct 24, 2011. Placed on Table Oct 31, 2011 by Councillor Cheung on roll call vote 6-3-0.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Julia Bishop et al., to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2, located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. [Order #26 adopted on Oct 17, 2011 to discharge from committee. Report placed on Unfinished Business on Oct 17, 2011.] The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 28, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Sept 13, 2011. Petition expires Dec 6, 2011. Petition re-filed as of Dec 7, 2011. See Order #10 of Nov 21, 2011.]
Expired and re-filed (on Dec 7, 2011)
10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Sept 14, 2011 and a follow-up public meeting on Oct 25, 2011 to consider a re-filed petition to amend the zoning ordinance filed by Chestnut Hill Realty. The petition would allow creation by special permit of rental apartment units in basement units of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts which meet the special permit criteria. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Nov 28, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Sept 6, 2011. Petition expires Dec 13, 2011.
Ordained as Amended by Substitition 6-2-1 (Davis, Kelley - NO; Seidel ABSENT) ; Reconsideration Filed by Councillor Kelley
[Note: Councillor Kelley had moved to amend to include language from Comm. #3 on Affordability - motion failed 2-6-1 (Kelley, Simmons YES; Seidel ABSENT)]
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Renata von Tscharner, Charles River Conservancy, regarding the mitigation and distribution of funds received from EF.
2. A communication was received from Deborah Jackson, President, Cambridge College, thanking the City Council for the resolution regarding its policy on the reporting of suspected child abuse.
3. A communication was received from Heather Maguire Hoffman, Co-President, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, regarding the Chestnut Hill Realty petition.
December 8, 2011
From: Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, c/o 213 Hurley Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141
To: The Honorable City Council
Re: Chestnut Hill Realty petitionLadies and Gentlemen:
I am writing on behalf of the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods with respect to the Chestnut Hill Realty petition, also referred to as the basement apartment petition. Although we do not support the idea of bringing back basement apartments to our housing stock, in the event that the Council decides to support the substitute petition offered by Mayor Maher and Councillor Seidel, we would like to suggest a change in the proposed language.The language in the preamble, proposed new Section 20.610, establishes a citywide problem of insufficient "reasonably priced, affordable studio and one bedroom units" as the reason for permitting greater density in certain existing large apartment buildings than zoning would otherwise allow by converting basement space to new dwelling units. In order to promote this goal and lessen the likelihood that adopting this petition would result generally in a windfall for large landlords without a corresponding gain in housing that would be affordable to "local workers, students and the elderly", we offer the following substitute for proposed Section 20.650:
20.650 Affordability. The addition of dwelling units under Section 20.600 shall not result in an increase in the number of market-rate units in the building. A number of units equal to the number of new dwelling units shall become affordable units and comply with all of the affordability, distribution and unit type requirements of Section 11.200. However, only the unit types of the new dwelling units need be considered for this purpose.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours, Heather Maguire Hoffman, co-president
LATE COMMUNICATIONS
4. A communication was received from Brad Bellows, 87 Howard Street, transmitting his comments to the MIT responses to questions contained in Committee Report #1 relating to the MIT Nuclear Reactor.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Retirement of Richard C. Cully, Jr. from the Cambridge Fire Department. Mayor Maher
2. Resolution on the death of Dr. Jalal Alamgir. Councillor Simmons
3. Retirement of George Hinds from the School Department. Mayor Maher
4. Welcome and congratulations to Rosangela Santiago and William Chen on the opening of Cafe Kafofo. Councillor Toomey
5. Thanks to Carl Fantasia for his work as president of the East Cambridge Business Association. Councillor Toomey
6. Resolution on the death of David Peterson. Vice Mayor Davis
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to make it possible to provide evening hours at the Central Square Branch Library to accommodate working parents and their children. Vice Mayor Davis
2. That all items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of the 2010-2011 Legislative Session be placed in the files of the City Clerk, without prejudice provided that those proposed ordinances which have been passed to a second reading, advertised and listed on the Calendar under "Unfinished Business" during the 2010-2011 City Council term, along with any other pending matters on the Calendar listed as "Unfinished Business," shall be forwarded to the next City Council and further provided that any items pending in committee may, at the discretion of the committee, be forwarded to the next City Council. Mayor Maher
3. That the City Manager is requested to install the needed signage in the elevators and elsewhere in the City Hall Annex so Cambridge residents can easily find out where specific departments are located. Vice Mayor Davis
4. That the City Clerk forward the additional comments received by Mr. Bellows on December 12, 2011 to MIT for a further response, and when the additional responses are received from MIT said responses shall be forwarded to the City Council and attached to Committee Report Number One of December 12, 2011. Vice Mayor Davis
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, for a meeting held on Tues, Sept 13, 2011 to discuss a report on the safety issued related to the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
LATE COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, transmitting a copy of the report of the Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission on Central Square.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 12
4:00pm The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to finalize a policy for the dedications of memorial and honorary street corner signs. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm Special Presentation to acknowledge the LIFT Distinguished Service Award to the Multi Service Center and the Department of Human Services. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
7:00pm Special Presentation - Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission on Central Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 13
12:00pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss finalizing goals for Economic Development and to discuss the city and community involvement in BIO 2012. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 19
4:00pm Special Meeting to conduct a roundtable discussion with the City Council and the School Committee to discuss various aspects of the Innovation Agenda, including capital needs. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 20
5:30pm The Claims Committee will conduct a public meeting to consider claims filed against the city. (Ackermann Room)
Wed, Dec 28
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on the petition filed by Julia Bishop et al and re-filed by the City Council to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2 located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 2
10:00am City Council Inaugural Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Dec 12, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: Working families are unable to take advantage of the Children's Room at the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library due to the library hours; and
WHEREAS: The Children's Room at the Central Square Branch Library is not open on the evenings that the library is open until 9:00pm and the Branch library is not open on Saturdays; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to make it possible to provide evening hours at the Central Square Branch Library to accommodate working parents and their children.
O-2 Dec 12, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That all items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of the 2010-2011 Legislative Session be placed in the files of the City Clerk, without prejudice provided that those proposed ordinances which have been passed to a second reading, advertised and listed on the Calendar under "Unfinished Business" during the 2010-2011 City Council term, along with any other pending matters on the Calendar listed as "Unfinished Business," shall be forwarded to the next City Council and further provided that any items pending in committee may, at the discretion of the committee, be forwarded to the next City Council.
O-3 Dec 12, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: It is not easy to locate the offices for the departments in the City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to install the needed signage in the elevators and elsewhere in the building so Cambridge residents can easily find out where they need to go.
O-4 Dec 12, 2011
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: A Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities meeting was held on September 13, 2011 to discuss the MIT Nuclear Reactor; and
WHEREAS: A resident, Brad Bellows, forwarded a list of questions to the Chair of the Committee relating to the MIT Reactor; and
WHEREAS: MIT responded to the lists of questions and the questions and responses were included in the Committee Report which was transmitted to the City Council at its meeting of December 12, 2011 and appeared as Committee Report Number One; and
WHEREAS: At the December 12, 2011 City Council meeting Mr. Bellows submitted additional comments to the MIT responses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward the additional comments received by Mr. Bellows on December 12, 2011 to MIT for a further response; and when the additional responses are received from MIT said responses shall be forwarded to the City Council and attached to Committee Report Number One of December 12, 2011.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee conducted a public meeting on Tues, Sept 13, 2011 at 5:32pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a report on the safety issues related to the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
Present at the meeting were Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager; Gerald R. Reardon, Cambridge Fire Chief; Gerard Mahoney, Cambridge Deputy Fire Chief/Emergency Management; Deputy Superintendent Joe Wilson, Cambridge Police Department; Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health, and Lynn Schoeff, Director of Community Health, Cambridge Public Health Department; Penny Peters; and Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Sarah E. Gallop, Co-Director, MIT, Office of Government and Community Relations; Dr. David Moncton, Director, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (NRL); John A. Bernard, Jr., Principal Research Engineer, NRL; William Van Schalkwyk, Managing Director, Environmental Health and Safety Programs; Bill McCarthy, NRL Radiation Protection Officer, Office of Environmental Health and Safety; Mike Fahey, Senior Real Estate Officer, MIT Investment Management Company; Paul Tammaro, 4 Marion Street; Sandra Foster, 20 Ware Street #12; Brad Bellows, 87 Howard Street; and James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place.
Vice Mayor Davis opened the meeting and stated the purpose. She outlined the format of the meeting. A presentation would be made by MIT, then the city staff and then the meeting would be opened to the public for comment. She asked Ms. Gallop to begin the presentation.
Ms. Gallop stated that MIT has come before the City Council on many occasions. MIT is here to discuss the nuclear reactor. She distributed a summary sheet about the nuclear reactor (ATTACHMENT A). She informed the committee that Dr. Moncton, of the MIT nuclear reactor lab (NRL) would walk us through the summary sheet.
Dr. Moncton stated that the facility has operated for 53 years as an interdepartmental center operating a high performance research reactor in support of MIT’s mission of education and research. There have been no accidents or radioactive releases and a priority is the safe operation of the NRL. The primary objective of the lab is to support research and education training in seven different scientific areas, including advanced fuel studies in a radiation environment.
Education of the general public about the reactor is part of the mission. Tours are provided to the public. There have been 1,000 – 2,000 people who have toured the reactor; two-thirds are school children. Many graduate and undergraduate students have benefited from the learning experience at the NRL. There have been 300 students who have participated in the NRL’s Reactor Training Program. The national community is served by MIT’s partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor. Dr. Moncton next addressed the safety aspect.
The reactor is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NRL has received a renewed license for twenty years. Safety is determined by the inventory; with a small amount of inventory the reactor is safer. The reactor runs 24/7 for a total of 4,000 – 6,000 hours per year or 60-70% of days per year. If the electricity was disrupted the reactor would automatically shut down. The heat released from the core can be collected by the cooling water. This is an important passive feature. The back-up systems and generators are tested regularly. Access to the reactor is carefully controlled. Background checks of personnel are conducted. The reactor core is located within a containment building. A truck bomb could not breach the containment shelter. In relation to earthquakes, structures in Boston are built to withstand a 0.225 g force. The NRL core is designed to withstand a g force of 5. Dr. Moncton further stated that MIT has an active working relationship with the Cambridge Fire and Police Departments and also works with Emergency Management Officer and trains city personnel.
Deputy City Manager Rossi affirmed that there is a partnership between the City and MIT. Work has been done on the safety response and adaptation planning. At this time he asked the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief for their comments.
Fire Chief Reardon informed the committee that there is an ongoing reassessment of the NRL that Cambridge takes very seriously. Regulations are stringent. Physical enhancements, such as the installation of cameras and fencing, have been done. There is now a signal within the vessel and radios to connect with public safety officials. Specialized training and constant monitoring is done. The last training was done in 2010. Chief Reardon stated that the incident in Japan is used and applied to Cambridge to benefit from lessons learned. He feels comfortable with the safety today as stated in his report (ATTACHMENT B).
Deputy Superintendent of Police Wilson stated that the MIT police special response team has a relationship with the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Rossi added that the Public Works Department would act as a back-up for sewers and setting up barriers.
At 6:00pm Vice Mayor Davis opened the meeting to public comment.
Brad Bellows, 87 Howard Street, stated that he values the research focus in Cambridge. He loves that MIT is here and does not want to interfere, but was concerned with the accidents that happened in Japan and France (ATTACHMENT C). His emphasis was on what could be missed. He stated that low risk with high consequence is costly. He had a list of questions (ATTACHMENT D).*** He also submitted various articles from various sources which are listed at the end of the report.
Vice Mayor Davis asked MIT how they would like to handle answering these questions.
Dr. Moncton responded that the questions are important and relevant to the operation of the reactor. He further added that the safety system is reviewed and upgraded regularly. A hydrogen monitor was installed to keep the reactor below a safe limit. This is not an atom bomb. The worst case scenario is the dispersal of radioactive material.
Mr. Bellows spoke about the catastrophic impact on the city, property values, medical issues and economic consequences.
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that he was concerned about this because he has family in Japan where the nuclear accident occurred. He stated his skepticism. He participated in the protests against Seabrook. He spoke about misinformation and inaccurate assessments in Japan. Health and death impacts do not occur immediately, he stated. His concerns were security personnel and reactor locations. Nuclear energy is being called the answer to fuel consumption. There is a big push for nuclear power. He cautioned against the push for nuclear power.
Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health, Cambridge Public Health Department, spoke about the training and preparedness work done by the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments. Resources were opened up to support training for the Cambridge Public Health Department personnel. He participated in five-day training on radiological response run by Homeland Security and has also attended CDC training. He felt privileged to work with the Fire Department.
Councillor Kelley stated that the question was asked what happens if the worst happens. This question was not answered. He asked what the down side of the reactor is in the event that all systems do not work. He spoke about reasonable and unreasonable expectations of response.
Dr. Moncton responded that in a worst case scenario is that the material is dispersed and this dispersal is the concern. He stated that everyone encounters radioactive material in their everyday life. Councillor Kelley asked what the impact of the dispersal of the radioactive material would be. Dr. Moncton responded that in order to do an assessment of the impact you need to know the materials that is dispersed.
Vice Mayor Davis requested Dr. Moncton to identify reactors in other areas. Dr. Moncton stated that there are 20 reactors located in universities.
Mr. Rossi commented that a dirty bomb would be more harmful to the community. There may be things that are far greater risks to the community if attacked than the risk of the reactor. Vice Mayor Davis stated her fear of tanker trucks traveling through the city.
Sandra Foster asked if the City and MIT have radioactive monitors. She asked if MIT could relocate the NRL facility in a less populated area. Mr. McCarthy, NRL Radiation Protection Officer, stated that there are thirty radioactive monitors outside the reactor and five inside. Manual surveys are also done. Dr. Moncton informed the committee that the NRC receives this data.
Vice Mayor Davis thanked all attendees for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45pm.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Chair
Articles attached: NRC even notification report dated 6/30/2003
Public Citizen dated Sept 2004
The Tech dated Oct 14, 2005
Bellona Web dated 2007
The Boston Globe dated Dec 29, 2009
The New York Times dated Apr 12, 2010
The Wall Street Journal dated Sept 2, 2011
***The response to the questions in Attachment A were received subsequent to the report being finalized and are appended to this report as ATTACHMENT E.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel and on the City's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/28/11 (O-20)
11-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Referred back by Councillor Cheung on 5/23/2011 for further information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-3)
11-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a projector presentation screen in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-12)
11-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the percentage of tree canopy coverage.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-22)
11-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing benches in front of the Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-3)
11-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing information for residents and taxpayers regarding readily available financial information online for citizens to view and easily understand.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-6)
11-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what information campaign will go along with the bike-share program.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-13)
11-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating information regarding safe bicycling in the City with the dissemination of information related to and implementation of the Hubway bike share program.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-25)
11-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining the relationship between job creation in the City and available housing stock.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-27)
11-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of Cambridge Office of College Success Initiative Working Group Draft.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-31)
11-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the delay of the Green Line Extension project could impact the development at Northpoint.
Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-34)
11-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what changes need to be made to playgrounds and playing fields associated with the public schools in order to best support the Innovation Agenda.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-23)
11-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the public process that will take place to help determine the design of the new park in East Cambridge as it relates to the Biogen Idec build out mitigation agreement and whether a committee should be assembled as part of the process.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-48)
11-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on locating a dog park in East Cambridge similar to the one on Washington Street in Somerville.
Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-11)
11-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of beautifying Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-4)
11-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on disposable plastic bags from retailers.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-3)
11-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing cement posts on the median in the area of 61 Aberdeen Avenue.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-2)
11-149. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of traffic calming at Mt. Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-19)
11-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA's proposed bus changes.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-24)
11-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhood.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-27)
11-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact of changing Section 14.2(b) of the Traffic Regulations relating to the issue of signage.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-29)
11-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of installing recycling receptacles along Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/24/11 (O-1)
11-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report back on Council Order No. 6, dated 10/24/2011.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 10/24/11 (O-6)
11-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on comprehensive assessment and review of traffic and parking needs in the No. Mass Ave neighborhood.
Mayor Maher 10/24/11 (O-8)
11-159. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the recent string of street robberies.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/31/11 (O-2)
11-161. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of amending Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance to require linkage from institutions, how inclusionary zoning could be extended to include institutions and the impact of MIT students on the Cambridge housing costs.
Councillor Cheung 10/31/11 (O-13)
11-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possible uses and associated language for building conversions of the Sullivan Courthouse.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/21/11 (O-2)
11-164. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety concerns at the pedestrian crossing along the stretch of roadway from Mt. Auburn Street at Coolidge Hill to Fresh Pond Parkway at Huron Avenue.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/21/11 (O-7)
11-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that bus traffic created by the closure of the Red Line does not pose a risk to the safety of the community or personal property of residents along the Alewife Brook Parkway.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/21/11 (O-8)
11-166. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing traffic mitigation solutions including but not limited to installing a sign alerting motorists of frequent senior crossings in the vicinity of Cadbury Commons, and installing a speed bump and/or raised sidewalks on Sherman Street in the vicinity of Cadbury Commons
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 11/21/11 (O-9)
11-167. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on acquiring and determining possible uses of the St. Francis property and the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 11/21/11 (O-11)
11-168. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on commencing a landmark study on the St. Francis Church property.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 11/21/11 (O-12)
11-169. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any actions taken to address and rectify the failure of public trust committed by alleged offenders who falsified emergency medical training re-certification and whether proper re-certification has since been fulfilled and what measures are being taken to avoid future incidents.
Councillor Toomey 11/21/11 (O-13)
11-171. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the maintenance of the elevators at Manning Apartments.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 12/05/11 (O-2)
11-172. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of foreclosures in Cambridge, particularly the impact on elderly homeowners.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 12/05/11 (O-3)
11-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on information requested regarding the Andrews Petition.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Simmons 12/05/11 (O-6)
11-174. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on mandating a time restriction on long-term construction projects.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/05/11 (O-8)
11-175. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the disability makeup of the City's workforce by level and department.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/05/11 (O-9)