CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Ferguson as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of Jan. 2006.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a response to questions asked at the December 5, 2005 Council meeting on the proposed amendments to the Refuse and Litter Ordinance.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-206, regarding a report numerous tire slashings in East Cambridge.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-213, regarding a report on clear visual information on how Lafayette Square will look when completed.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Concord Alewife Rezoning Petition.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Five-Year Status Report for the Harvard Square Conservation District recommending that the district designation order of the City Council dated December 18, 2000 remain in effect without amendment.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-201, regarding a report on police lateral transfers.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 05-214, regarding a report on hiring a pool of substitute Traffic Safety Officers.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,221,885.60 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund from the early repayment of a Housing Development Action Grant loan by the City to Winn Development.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $16,190 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to provide mini-grants to artists, arts organizations and community groups in Cambridge.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U.S Department Health and Human Services and administrated in Massachusetts by the Department of Housing and Community Development Federal Government for $950,680 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($169,385), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($781,245) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($50) to be used by the Department of Human Service Programs to operate the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative the appropriation of a supplemental Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant funded by the New England Literacy Resource Center for $46,125 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account of ($37,277) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($8,823) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Department Travel & Training account ($25) to cover the costs for the Bridge Transition to College Program at the Community Learning Center.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation received from the Friends of the Community Learning Center for $11,500 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account in support of the Cambridge Lab Assistant Project at the Community Learning Center (CLC).

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the supplemental appropriation of $140 from the sale of the "Cooking in Cambridge with Mayor Michael Sullivan" Cookbook to the Human Service Grant Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support literacy initiatives sponsored by the Agenda for Children.

15. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Early Learning Opportunities (ELOA) grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $138,967 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($125,677) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($13,290) to support activities by the Center for Families.

16. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Early Learning Opportunities (ELOA) grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $169,710 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($132,884) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($36,826) to support activities at the Community Learning Center (CLC).

17. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an Ambulance Mobilization Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $4,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,000) and Travel and Training account ($3,000) which will allow the department to participate and operationalize in the Massachusetts Ambulance Task Force Mobilization Plan.

18. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $750 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Salary and Wages account which will fund the cost of the Fire Department to conduct a public safety simulated exercise.

19. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $3,500 from the General Fund Public Library Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Library Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.

20. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a private donation in the amount of $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account, to support the activities of the Cambridge Prevention Coalition.

21. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety-Community Policing Program for $38,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($30,500) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($7,500) to be used to fund a part-time Coordinator to help create and maintain programs of public safety in North Cambridge.

22. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $227,880 from Free Cash to Public Investment Fund Fire Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to serve as the matching component to an FY2005 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant for $279,040 received by the City to allow for the purchase of replacement fire bunker gear (approximately 249) and five mobile vehicle cross band repeaters.

23. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY 2005 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant for $279,040 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to allow the City to purchase replacement fire bunker gear and mobile vehicle cross band repeaters.

24. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $106,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost to outfit 15 new recruits with personal protective equipment and uniforms as well as to perform related medical evaluations.

25. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Christina Corwin as a member of the Cambridge Conservation Commission for a term of three years, effective January 9, 2006.

26. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 05-163 and 05-203, regarding the VFW on Huron Avenue.
REFERRED TO NEW COUNCIL

27. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a proposed Order of Taking to acquire the land known as 688 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA., along with a surface easement of a sliver parcel at 700 Huron Avenue (together, the "Property").

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Decker on Order Number Seventeen of December 5, 2005 requesting the City Manager to provide the City Council with a proposed timeline on the negotiation and planning for the re-use of the Western Avenue police station with a view of possibly finding a new home for the Community Learning Center.

ON THE TABLE
2. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers. – PLACED ON FILE

3. Placed on Table on the motion of Mayor Sullivan relative to Committee Report #1 of March 7, 2005 from the University Relations Committee, for a meeting held on February 8, 2005 to discuss the M.I.T. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). – PLACED ON FILE

4. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Simmons on April 11, 2005 on an order adopted relative to a communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, transmitting a recommendation from the License Commission to deny a jitney license application from Nautical Tours, Inc. – PLACED ON FILE

5. Placed on Table on the motion of Councillor Toomey on May 9, 2005 on an order requesting the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to amend the City Charter to provide for popular election of the Mayor in the next municipal election. – PLACED ON FILE

6. Placed on Table as amended on the motion of Councillor Toomey Calendar Item Number Twenty-five of December 5, 2005 on an order requesting the City Manager to direct the City Solicitor to examine any and all prohibitions that may preclude the City Council at the direction of a subcommittee or otherwise from directing the City Manager to allocate necessary funds for the performance or financial position or other desired analysis of the Cambridge School system, and respond before the final meeting of the 2005 City Council term.  – PLACED ON FILE

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

8. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 22, 2005 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 8.24 of the Municipal Code on Refuse and Litter. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after December 19, 2005. – ORDAINED AS AMENDED 8-0-1 ORDINANCE #1293

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Supercuts, requesting permission to replace the face of a pre-existing sign at the premises numbered 605 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Community Development Department and Department of Public Works.

2. An application was received from President and Fellows of Harvard, requesting curb cut modifications at the premises numbered 217-229 Putnam Avenue (#C1); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

3. An application was received from President and Fellows of Harvard, requesting curb cut modifications at the premises numbered 217-229 Putnam Avenue (#C2); said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works with the condition that any conflicts regarding the fire hydrant be addressed by Harvard. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Stephanie Hodal, 32 Garfield Street, Watertown, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

2. A communication was received from Judith Inman, 34 Beechingstoke, Marlow Bucks, U.K., supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

3. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Alewife section of the city.

4. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding Harvard University.

5. A communication was received from Kathy Podgers, regarding snow.

6. A communication was received from Pat Irons, United States Postal Service, transmitting thanks for the City Council resolution supporting the issuance of a commemorative stamp honoring American composer and conductor, Leroy Anderson.

7. A communication was received from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, regarding a petition from Boston Edison Company, Cambridge Electric Light Company, Commonwealth Electric Company and NSTAR Gas Company on approval of a rate settlement effective January 1, 2006.

8. A communication was received from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, regarding a notice of filing and public hearing to take place on Thursday, December 29, 2005 at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, on a petition from Boston Edison Company, Cambridge Electric Light Company, Commonwealth Electric Company and NSTAR Gas Company for approval of a rate settlement effective January 1, 2006.

9. A communication was received from Susan Worland, 183 Fairlawn Drive, Berkeley, CA, supporting the dance groups at the VFW.

10. A communication was received from the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee, regarding proposed changes to the Cambridge Refuse and Litter Ordinance Chapter 8.24 of the Municipal Code.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Thanks and best wishes in his future endeavors to Ulysses Gore, World War II veteran and member of the Cambridge Veterans' Organization for over fifty years.   Councillor Galluccio

2. Resolution on the death of Colin J. Morrissey.   Mayor Sullivan

3. Resolution on the death of Dr. Felix Cohen.   Mayor Sullivan

4. Resolution on the death of Eugene McCarthy.   Mayor Sullivan

5. Resolution on the death of Chester G. Bruno.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Toomey

6. Resolution on the death of Lois C. Casassa.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio

7. Resolution on the death of Carolyn M. Greenidge.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Galluccio

8. Resolution on the death of John L. Cirolo.   Councillor Toomey

9. Support for the 31st Annual Birthday Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Central Square Library on January 8, 2006 at 3:00pm.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Resolution on the death of George L. Murphy.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Resolution on the death of Leo P. Cyr.   Mayor Sullivan

12. Resolution on the death of Joseph N. Cardin.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

13. Congratulations to Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers and Harvard Professor of English, American Literature and Language, Elisa New on their wedding.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

14. Resolution on the death of Mary Isabel Halls.    Councillor Toomey

15. Resolution on the death of Adelina Gomes.   Councillor Toomey

16. Resolution on the death of Fred O. Loveless.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the death of Robert L. Healey.   Councillor Toomey

18. Resolution on the death of Joseph S. Francisco.   Councillor Toomey

19. Congratulations to the CRLS Greater Boston League All Stars 2004-2005.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Galluccio

20. Resolution on the death of Louis S. Nicoloro   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

21. Support for the work of the Kendall Community Group.   Mayor Sullivan

22. Resolution on the death of John Langstaff.   Councillor Davis

23. Congratulations to Novartis Services, Inc., owner of the NECCO Building for being listed in the National Register of Historic Places.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses Gore on their 51st Wedding Anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

25. Resolution on the retirement of Kevin Healy   Mayor Sullivan

26. Resolution on the retirement of Maureen Sauer.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Thanks to all those employees of the City and surrounding hospitals for their rapid response on December 14, 2005 when the boilers malfunctioned at the Mount Auburn Hospital.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Congratulations to the CRLS Girls Swim Team who competed all season without a coach.   Councillor Galluccio

29. Resolution on the death of Eleanor T. Dynan.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Resolution on the death of Reverend David I. Donovan.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Resolution on the death of Sister Lawrence Louise C.S.J.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Adam Kaiser.   Vice Mayor Decker

33. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Andrew Patten.   Vice Mayor Decker

34. Resolution on the death of Specialist Brian Wright.   Vice Mayor Decker

35. Resolution on the death of Specialist Marcus Futrell.   Vice Mayor Decker

36. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal John Holmason.   Vice Mayor Decker

37. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Robert Martinez.   Vice Mayor Decker

38. Resolution on the death of Corporal Anthony McElveen.   Vice Mayor Decker

39. Resolution on the death of Private Thomas Siekert.   Vice Mayor Decker

40. Resolution on the death of Corporal Joshua Snyder.   Vice Mayor Decker

41. Resolution on the death of Specialist Gregory Tull.   Vice Mayor Decker

42. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Marc Delgado.   Vice Mayor Decker

43. Resolution on the death of Specialist Lex Nelson.   Vice Mayor Decker

44. Resolution on the death of Corporal Jimmy Shelton.   Vice Mayor Decker

45. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Craig Watson.   Vice Mayor Decker

46. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Julia Atkins.   Vice Mayor Decker

47. Resolution on the death of Corporal Joseph Bier.   Vice Mayor Decker

48. Resolution on the death of Private First Class Ryan Christensen.   Vice Mayor Decker

49. Resolution on the death of Specialist Thomas Foley, III.   Vice Mayor Decker

50. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Jerry Mills, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

51. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Michael Taylor.   Vice Mayor Decker

52. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal David Huhn.   Vice Mayor Decker

53. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant William Meeuwsen.   Vice Mayor Decker

54. Resolution on the death of Lance Corporal Scott Modeem.   Vice Mayor Decker

55. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Aram Bass.   Vice Mayor Decker

56. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Grzegorz Jakoniuk.   Vice Mayor Decker

57. Resolution on the death of Specialist Jared Kubasak.   Vice Mayor Decker

58. Resolution on the death of Specialist Javier Villanueva.   Vice Mayor Decker

59. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Adrian Orosco.   Vice Mayor Decker

60. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Daniel Clay.   Vice Mayor Decker

61. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Daniel Cuka.   Vice Mayor Decker

62. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Donald Hasse.   Vice Mayor Decker

63. Resolution on the death of First Lieutenant Kevin Smith.   Vice Mayor Decker

64. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Andy Stevens.   Vice Mayor Decker

65. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant William Richardson.   Vice Mayor Decker

66. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Keith Bennett.   Vice Mayor Decker

67. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Kenith Casica.   Vice Mayor Decker

68. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Steven Reynolds.   Vice Mayor Decker

69. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Spencer Akers.   Vice Mayor Decker

70. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class James Moudy.   Vice Mayor Decker

71. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Brent Adams.   Vice Mayor Decker

72. Resolution on the death of Master Sergeant Brett Angus.   Vice Mayor Decker

73. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Eric Pearrow.   Vice Mayor Decker

74. Resolution on the death of Sergeant First Class Richard Schild.   Vice Mayor Decker

75. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Travis Nelson.   Vice Mayor Decker

76. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Philip Travis.   Vice Mayor Decker

77. Resolution on the death of Sergeant Philip Dodson, Jr.   Vice Mayor Decker

78. Get well wishes to former Superintendent of Schools Mary Lou McGrath.   Councillor Galluccio

79. Get well wishes to Dr. Richard Brown.   Councillor Galluccio

80. Get well wishes to Charlie Durrah.   Councillor Galluccio

81. Best wishes to Al Baldassaro, candidate for State Representative in the New York Special Election.   Councillor Galluccio

82. Resolution on the death of Marjorie A. Broderick.   Mayor Sullivan

83. Resolution on the death of James J. Devereaux.   Mayor Sullivan

84. Resolution on the death of Marguerite McNamara.  Mayor Sullivan

85. Resolution on the death of Joseph A. Leonard.   Mayor Sullivan

86. Support for Inca Son concert benefit on January 7, 2006 at the Sanders Theatre.   Mayor Sullivan

87. Resolution on the retirement of Cambridge Police Detective James Dwyer.   Mayor Sullivan

88. Resolution on the death of Virginia Calioro.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Galluccio

89. December 19, 2005 proclaimed as "James F. "NORA2" Dwyer, Jr. Day" in Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

90. Congratulations to Doug Moran on becoming a Cambridge homeowner.   Mayor Sullivan

91. Congratulations to James Conry and Bobbie D'Alessandro on their marriage.   Mayor Sullivan

92. Thanks to the Swiss Schools of Architecture and Massport for putting on the "Inventioneering Architecture" exhibition on January 20, 2006.   Mayor Sullivan

93. Congratulations to Keith Bukowski for graduating from Western Michigan University.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

94. Wishes for a speedy recovery to Dorothy Clingaman.   Vice Mayor Decker, Mayor Sullivan

95. Invitation to a Kwanzaa Celebration on Friday, December 30, 2005 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Windsor Street Health and Community Center at 119 Windsor Street.   Mayor Sullivan

96. Get well wishes to Paul Mahoney.   Councillor Maher

ORDERS
1. All items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of 2005 Legislative Session be placed in the files of the City Clerk, and any items pending in committee be forwarded to the next City Council.   Mayor Sullivan

2. The City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the light study at Rindge Avenue and Route 16.   Councillor Galluccio

3. The City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance banning the use of hand-held cell phones by school bus drivers.   Councillor Galluccio

4. Dedication of a site in honor of Mary Lou McGrath.   Councillor Maher

5. The City Manager is requested to apply to the Historical Commission for fencing at Fort Washington.   Councillor Davis

6. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to increase enforcement of no parking at bus stops in an effort to provide access especially during snow storms.   Councillor Davis

7. The City Manager is requested to look into applying for the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant program.   Councillor Davis

8. .Rescinding the vote of August 1, 2005 (City Manager Agenda Item Number 34) designating the property at 19, 21 and 23 Blackstone Street and 237 Putnam Avenue as a protected landmark.   Councillor Maher – CHARTER RIGHT (DAVIS), PLACED ON FILE DUE TO END OF LEGISLATIVE TERM

9. Dedication of a site in honor of Fernando Castanheira.   Councillor Toomey

10. The Mayor is requested to forward to the School Committee a request for an update on the status of the Morse School under the No Child Left Behind Act.   Councillor Galluccio

11. The Mayor is requested to forward to the School Committee a request for information as to the estimated five to ten year enrichment projects for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.   Councillor Galluccio

12. Dedication of a site in honor of Louis S. Nicoloro.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

13. The City Manager is requested to set up a meeting for all users of Fresh Pond relative to Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration and Drainage Project to address the residents and community organizations concerns with how this will affect the dynamics and dimensions of Fresh Pond.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

14. Support for the NECCO building being accepted and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.   Councillor Davis, Councillor Murphy

15. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to remove ice and snow from the pathways and sidewalks within Danehy Park.   Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 22, 2005 for the purpose of considering a re-filed petition by the Planning Board to amend the zoning in the Concord/Alewife area. – PASSED TO 2ND READING

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 2, 2006
10:00am   INAUGURAL MEETING  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 9, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 23, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 30, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 6, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 13, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 27, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 6, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 13, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 20, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 27, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 3, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 10, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 24, 2006
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     December 19, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That all items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of the 2005 Legislative Session be placed in the files of the City Clerk without prejudice, subject to recall by any members, provided that those proposed ordinances which have been passed to a second reading, advertised and listed under "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-2     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide the City Council with an update on its requested study of the safety issues presented by the lights at Rindge Avenue and Route 16 and any potential legal action that the City may take.

O-3     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance banning the use of hand-held cell phone by school bus drivers.

O-4     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Mary Lou McGrath was the first woman to serve as Superintendent of the Cambridge Public Schools; and
WHEREAS: Mary Lou McGrath was recognized throughout the state as an educational leader; and
WHEREAS: Mary Lou McGrath is a lifelong Cambridge resident whose career as a distinguished educator was dedicated to serving the children and families of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in honor of Mary Lou McGrath; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-5     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to apply to the Historical Commission for fencing at Fort Washington.

O-6     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to increase enforcement of no parking at bus stops in an effort to provide access especially during snow storms.

O-7     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into applying for the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant program.

O-8     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the owner of the property at 19, 21 and 23 Blackstone Street and 237 Putnam Avenue were not given notice that a recommendation to designate their property as a protected landmark had been placed on the agenda of the City Council for its meeting of August 1, 2005; and
WHEREAS: Due to the lack of said notice the property owners were not aware that the matter was on the City Council agenda and did not attend the meeting of August 1, 2005; and
WHEREAS: The property owners desire an opportunity to have their view expressed to the City Council concerning the impact of a landmark designation on their property; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to rescind its vote of August 1, 2005 (City Manager Agenda Item Number 34) designating the property at 19, 21 and 23 Blackstone Street and 237 Putnam Avenue as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to place the recommendation for landmark status on the agenda of an upcoming meeting of the City Council and to provide notice to the property owners and others interested in this matter of the meeting when said recommendation is again before the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council be and hereby is requested to adopt a policy that all future landmark recommendations will be referred by the City Council to a committee of the City Council for a public hearing with notice of the hearing sent to the property owners and others interested in the matter.
CHARTER RIGHT (DAVIS), PLACED ON FILE DUE TO END OF LEGISLATIVE TERM

O-9     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record dedicating an appropriate site in honor of Fernando Castanheira; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-10     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The Mayor be and hereby is requested to forward to the School Committee a request for an update on the status of the Morse School under the No Child Left Behind Act.

O-11     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
ORDERED: The Mayor be and hereby is requested to forward to the School Committee a request for information as to the estimated five to ten year enrichment projects for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

O-12     December 19, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council dedicate an appropriate site in honor of Louis S. Nicoloro; and be it further
ORDERED: That Assistant to the City Council be directed to confer with the family regarding a suitable dedication ceremony and communicate with the Department of Public Works to arrange for the sign.

O-13     December 19, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Water Department to set up a meeting for all users of Fresh Pond relative to Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration and Drainage Project to address the residents and community organizations concerns with how this will affect the dynamics and dimensions of Fresh Pond.

O-14     December 19, 2005
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the NECCO Building being accepted by the National Park Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

O-15     December 19, 2005
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to remove ice and snow from the pathways and sidewalks within Danehy Park.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, November 22, 2005, beginning at five o’clock and fifty minutes P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a re-filed petition by the Planning Board to amend the zoning in the Concord/Alewife Area.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor David Maher, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor E. Denise Simmons, and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Susan Glazer, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department (CDD), Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, CDD, Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, CDD, Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Transportation and Planning, CDD, Iram Farooq, Project Planner, CDD, Taha Jennings, Neighborhood Planner, CDD, Nancy Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, Owen O’Riordan, City Engineer, DPW, Catherine Woodbury, DPW.

Councillor Reeves convened the hearing and explained the purpose. Then he invited the Community Development Department to make a presentation. Ms. Glazer submitted copies of the Concord/Alewife Plan and briefly described the proposed amendments.

Councillor Reeves then invited public comment.

Susan White, Blanchard Road, spoke in support of keeping the quadrant area as an intact commercial area. Her husband served in the Study Committee. She owns a building at 57 Smith Place. This area is a very good area for light research and development and can add to the health of Cambridge.

Paul Solomon, 19 Lambert Road, Belmont emphasized the importance of this area to Belmont and the importance of Belmont, Cambridge and Arlington working together. Belmont is very concerned about traffic and flooding issues. They believe that the updated FEMA flood maps should be utilized. Belmont offers collaboration.

Michael Nakagowa, 51 Madison Avenue, stated that he believes this rezoning will result in traffic being diverted to residential streets. However, his major concern is the flooding. He noted that there is no flood plain map in the CDD plan. The Fresh Pond Reservation lies within the flood plain. Eighty percent of the area to be rezoned lies within the flood plain. There are gas stations across from Fresh Pond. The City has done a good job of handling flood storage for up to a 25 year storm event, but there is a 25 percent chance of a 100 year storm occurring. He is not saying do not build, but rather, get the infrastructure in place. He submitted written material (Attachment A) and a flood plain map.

Steve Kaiser, Hamilton Street, stated that he was very disappointed at the Planning Board hearing last week. He recommended working on substitute zoning, starting by taking few good features of this zoning and going forward.

Robert LaTremouille, 30 Griswold Street, stated that the chart on page 16 of the Plan does not show retail traffic, which is three times as great as commercial and residential traffic. The allowable density is twice that of Harvard Square. He urged filing a new zoning petition.

Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street, said that he is speaking as an organizer for Green Rainbow. Intelligent development does not allow for the concentration of housing in a flood plain. He suggested taking time and looking at New Orleans.

Sue Bass, Belmont Citizens Forum, stated that the organization favors development of the site, but not under this zoning proposal. One problem is the traffic. There is no serious traffic study. The transfer of development rights is all loopholes and no controls.

Elsie Fiore, Arlington, stated that plans come and go. In this plan, one page argues against the next page throughout. It appears to be a plan for a self-contained edge city. The plan book is lovely but the plan is totally unrealistic.

John Moot, 44 Coolidge Hill Road, President of the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, submitted written testimony (Attachment B) and summarized that testimony in his remarks. He urged rejection of the zoning petition.

Caroline Mieth, Brookford Street, stated that she has worked on Alewife issues since the 1960’s. Despite the year spent by bright people and consultants, this plan is seriously flawed and should not go forward as is.

Nancy Hammet, Executive Director, Mystic River Watershed Association, submitted written testimony (Attachment C) and summarized that testimony in her remarks. She strongly encouraged the council to ensure that the storm water storage requirement be consistently mandated and applied. She urged a comprehensive traffic study.

Stash Horowitz, 12 Florence Street, suggested that the City Council break down the petition into its constituent parts, and use the goals in the study plan to examine the language in the zoning petition.

Mitch Goldstein, Normandy Terrace, stated that he was a member of the Study Committee. The Study Committee did not rubberstamp a consultant’s plan. There was a great deal of discussion and debate. There was a lot of discussion about flooding issues.

Councillor Davis expressed concern about the process that this petition will follow from here. She would be interested in having a working meeting.

Councillor Davis moved that the petition be referred to the City Council. The motion passed on a voice vote without objection.

Councillor Reeves asked about the new FEMA map. Mr. O’Riordan stated that the current FEMA map was released in 1982. According to that map 50 percent of the triangle and five percent of the remaining area lie within the flood plain. They expect that the new map will encompass more of the quadrangle. They also expect release of the new FEMA map at the end of 2006.

Ms. Rasmussen then described the traffic study that was done. The study compared the traffic that could be generated by the uses in the existing and proposed zoning. It included analysis of the number of intersections and a present day analysis of existing transportation options. There was also an analysis of how a new access road would affect the neighboring areas.

Councillor Davis moved that the Ordinance Committee retain subject matter jurisdiction for discussion although the petition has been forwarded to the full City Council. The motion passed without objection on a voice vote.

Councillor Toomey and Councillor Reeves thanked all those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at seven o’clock and eight minutes p. m.

For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Co-Chair