Cambridge City Council meeting - December 20, 2010 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2011:
Jean Rogers (With Power), Daniel F. Long (With Power), Steve Ortiz (Without Power)
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Charlotte M. Avant as a member of the Kids' Council for a term of three years to expire on Dec 15, 2013. [Charlotte Avant is a long-time resident of Cambridge and has two grandchildren who participate in a variety of programs and activities provided by the City. Ms. Avant is currently employed by the Cambridge Health Alliance at the Institute for Community Health. Ms. Avant will be filling a Community Representative seat and was recommended by the Kids' Council.]
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a $180,000 Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division Grant to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account and will be used to complete the final design of the Cambridge Common renovation project.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-115, regarding a report on the court's ruling in favor of the plaintiffs at 303 Third Street and the impact on affordable housing units in the building.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Public Library & War Memorial Recreation Center being Awarded Prestigious LEED® Silver Certification.
ON THE TABLE
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a copy of the referral of Order Number 15 of Dec 21, 2009, regarding increasing the amount of public information about elections while the election is in progress, to the 2010-2011 City Council. [Communications and Reports from City Officers #1 of Jan 11, 2010 Placed on Table.]
2. 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.]
3. 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.]
4. 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.]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Bosphorus Mediterranean Cuisine, requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1164 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the Leal Family, transmitting thanks for your expression of sympathy.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of John Lewis Sr. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Antonio A. Jacome. Councillor Toomey
3. Happy 60th Birthday wishes to Dr. Marty Blatt. Councillor Simmons
4. Happy Birthday wishes to Rosemary Quinton. Councillor Simmons
5. Declare Jan 12-Feb 11, 2011 to be a "Month of Remembrance and Rededication to Haiti" and urge all City institutions with bells to ring the bells for 30 seconds at noon on Jan 12th and all residents to observe 30 seconds of silence on Jan 12th for the lost and suffering in Haiti. Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Simmons
6. Congratulations to Gerald McDonough on his appointment as Deputy Auditor for Policy and Legal Issues by Auditor-elect Suzanne Bump. Councillor Seidel
7. Resolution on the death of Private First Class David Dustin Finch. Councillor Decker
8. Congratulations to John Vocci on his appointment as Acting Sergeant of the Cambridge Auxiliary Police. Councillor Simmons
9. Congratulations to Charles McNeil on his appointment as Acting Sergeant of the Cambridge Auxiliary Police. Councillor Simmons
10. Congratulations to Sean Norton on his appointment as Acting Sergeant of the Cambridge Auxiliary Police. Councillor Simmons
11. Thanks to Kelly Douglass for her volunteerism and service at a tragic automobile accident. Councillor Simmons
12. Thanks to Kelly Douglass, Deputy Superintendent Boudreau and Robert Marshall for their volunteerism and service at a tragic automobile accident. Councillor Simmons
13. Resolution on the 150th Anniversary of MIT. Mayor Maher
14. Happy Birthday wishes to a special person. Councillor Toomey
15. Resolution on the death of William R. Arthur Sr. Mayor Maher
16. Resolution on the death of Armand J. Cyr. Mayor Maher
17. Resolution on the death of June Harvey. Councillor Decker
18. Retirement of Jean Bartholomew from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
19. Retirement of Mary Kellerman from the Cambridge Hospital. Mayor Maher
20. Commend City Manager Robert Healy and appropriate City Staff for the outstanding job in refurbishing of the area entering and exiting the Longfellow Bridge. Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager confer with the City Assessor and report back with an opinion on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. Councillor Toomey
Kelley voted NO
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads and report back to the City Council with a report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge. Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to draft a City ordinance which will give a priority to union Cambridge residents on union projects within the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
Kelley voted NO
4. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Secure Communities program and its potential use in Cambridge. Councillor Decker
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Nov 18, 2010 to consider a petition filed by William A. Fox, et al. to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the area of Cottage Park Avenue from its current designation of Business A-2 to Residence B.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from City Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., transmitting his formal resignation as Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Dec 21
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 3
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting with Mass DOT officials regarding a proposed bridge closing on Route 93 this summer that will impact the City and to discuss the West Cambridge/Alewife Sewer Separation Project. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 4
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 5
6:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting with the Civic Unity Advisory Committee. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Jan 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 11
6:00pm School Committee Roundtable Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 12
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new section that would allow for the creation of rental apartment units in the basement levels of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts within 1200 feet of Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge Street or the Red Line. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 18
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 19
4:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 5.28.2-Conversion of Nonresidential Structures to Residential Use and Section 4.30 Table of Uses relative to the allowance of multifamily residential uses. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm The Ordinance committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by Michael R. Hegarty et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance by adding after the title of Section 5.28 the sentence: "No use shall be permitted by any provisions of this Section 5.28 except as set forth in Section 4.30 Table of Use Regulations or the sections that define districts not included in Section 4.30." This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Jan 25
4:00pm The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss current city ordinances that are hurting business growth. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 26
6:30pm A budget forum for citizens input. 680 Huron Ave., 2nd floor (Russell Youth & Community Ctr.)
Thurs, Jan 27
6:30pm A budget forum for citizen input. 48 Sixth Street (O’Connell Branch Library)
Mon, Jan 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 2
6:30pm A budget forum for citizen input. Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway (Main Library)
Mon, Feb 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Retreat (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 1
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 2
10:00am The Community Health Committee will conduct a public meeting to learn more about Cambridge Health Alliance's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) initiatives. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 8
6:00pm School Committee Budget Hearing (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Mar 15
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Dec 20, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Education First (EF) has stated that their new building will be used for education purposes, and, in their opinion, will be tax exempt; and
WHEREAS: As part of a mitigation agreement, EF has agreed to pay property taxes for a period of fifty (50) years; and
WHEREAS: It is unclear whether this building would have actually been tax exempt; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Assessor and report back with an opinion on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim.
O-2 Dec 20, 2010
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Non-emergency constituent phone service (also known as "311") is a growing nationwide trend among municipalities looking to provide more efficient services and improve communications with their citizens; and
WHEREAS: According to a recent UMass Boston survey, 43% of local governments reported a significant decrease in non-emergency 911 calls following implementation of a centralized customer service system; and
WHEREAS: In Massachusetts, 311 is gaining popularity. Somerville, Springfield, Boston, Worcester and Dukes County are just a few of the regions who have already implemented a 311 system and numerous other cities and towns are considering it; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge currently has in place a state of the art 911 system that we can use to develop the 311 program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads and report back to the City Council with a report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
O-3 Dec 20, 2010
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: While many developers within the City of Cambridge have committed to the use of union labor on their developments; and
WHEREAS: The number of Cambridge residents that are union members actually employed on these projects is unclear; and
WHEREAS: Union work in Cambridge should benefit union Cambridge residents seeking work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to draft a City ordinance which will give a priority to union Cambridge residents on union projects within the City of Cambridge.
O-4 Dec 20, 2010
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the City of Boston has participated unknowingly to the public in the "Secure Communities" program; and
WHEREAS: Police departments participating the Secure Communities program now send the fingerprints of the individuals they arrest to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when historically those fingerprints would only be sent to the FBI; and
WHEREAS: Immigrant advocates are concerned that the undocumented population will be far less likely to report a crime with the Secure Communities program in place as the police will be seen as an extension of the federal government; and
WHEREAS: With the immigration system being dramatically flawed already, adding more systems that create fear in our communities is counterproductive; and
WHEREAS: The Secure Communities program in Boston has been called a pilot program meaning other communities could soon be launching their own; now therefore be
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Secure Communities program and its potential use in Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Legislative delegation and to Governor Deval Patrick on behalf of the entire City Council.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Nov 18, 2010 beginning at 4:10pm in the Sullivan Chamber. The purpose of the hearing was to consider a petition filed by William A. Fox, et al. to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the area of Cottage Park Avenue from its current designation of Business A-2 to Residence B.
The change in the zoning designation would restrict the allowed used to single and two family residences and prohibit new commercial uses. The floor area ratio (FAR) would be decreased from 1.0 for commercial and 1.75 for residential uses to 0.5/0.35 depending on lot size; the lot area per unit would be increased from 600 square feet to 2,500/4,000 depending on lot size, and the maximum height limit would decrease from 45 feet to 35 feet.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel and Councillor Toomey, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use, Community Development Department (CDD); and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury.
Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioners to present their petition.
Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, began the presentation on behalf of the petitioners. He noted that there is also an open case at the Historical Commission with regard to a petition to landmark 22 Cottage Park. He said that this discussion is really about the fact that the J.H. Emerson properties are currently for sale. The previous owner, Jack Emerson started the company, a light industry producing medical equipment. During his ownership, he and his company were wonderful neighbors. After his death, his sons took over the company and they were also good neighbors. However the property is now for sale.
Mr. Teague said that there is a claim that the property at 22 Cottage Park Avenue would allow 36 units with underground parking if the brick building were torn down. A big issue is that a developer cannot put parking for one zone in another zone without a variance. One third of the brick building at 22 Cottage Street is located in the Residence B zoning district. The real estate broker for the property has included sample plans for 18 units in the sales prospective, but a variance would be required. He has also heard talk of constructing 22 units there. Since there are currently 11 buildings on the street, adding 22 more would triple the number of buildings on the street. The street is only 24 feet wide, with parking on both sides, with a sharp "dog leg" turn in the middle of the length of the street.
Mr. Teague said that Cottage Park Avenue was the historic access for Fawcett Oil Company. There were numerous complaints about the truck traffic on the street. In 1972 as a result of concerns about heavy truck traffic to and from Fawcett, on Cottage Park Avenue, the City extended Tyler Court to the Fawcett property line. Thereafter the City Council ordered that the end of Cottage Park Avenue that led into Fawcett Oil from Massachusetts Avenue be closed to all traffic. Fawcett Oil Company filed a law suit to reopen the end of Cottage Park Avenue to allow automobile access to Fawcett. Ultimately, the controversy was resolved in 1982, with all truck traffic banned from Cottage Park Avenue and the fence at the end of Cottage Park Avenue replaced by a barrier that could permit pedestrian and automobile access. The Court issued an order denying Fawcett access to Brookford Street from its property.
Councillor Toomey then invited questions from members of the City Council. Councillor Seidel asked Mr. Barber for more information about the different zoning districts in the land that is the subject of this petition. Mr. Barber said that the zoning along Massachusetts Avenue is Business A-2. That business district extends 100 feet back from the street line. The Special District 2 area, on both sides of the railroad track, was rezoned by the City 10 years ago. Mr. Barber added that CDD is currently doing a neighborhood planning process in this area. The Planning Board is discussing whether this type of extension of the Massachusetts Avenue business district into the neighborhood is still the best alternative. The business district has a broad range of uses and a moderately dense residential use. The proposed zoning would only allow one or two family structures. Mr. Barber submitted a chart comparing the existing and proposed zoning districts (Attachment A).
Councillor Toomey then invited public comment.
Ruth Silman, Attorney for the Emerson family, owners of 22 Cottage Park Avenue, stated her clients' opposition to this petition. Cottage Park Realty is the ownership entity of the 22 Cottage Park Avenue property, which consists of 13.959 square feet. The property contains one existing three-story brick building, with a total gross floor area of approximately 13, 959 square feet, comprised of four connected structures that were constructed between 1901 and 1930. The area that would be impacted by the petition includes the Cottage Park Realty property and five other parcels to the north and east.
Attorney Silman stated that her clients' property is already in a split district. The northern portion is located in the Business A-2 district and the southern sliver portion of the property was rezoned to Special District 2 ten years ago. If the City believed that the rest of the property should be rezoned, then it should have been rezoned at that time. Adoption of this petition would constitute illegal reverse spot zoning. The petition would severely restrict the reuse of the building. In addition, Ms. Silman stated that the Fawcett Company is causing all of the traffic problems. The City should either do a whole planning process or wrap the Fawcett Company into the discussion and planning for this neighborhood issue. There should be a process and consideration of several options instead of just one option. She noted the disconnect between wanting the building to remain and down-zoning in such a way that keeping the building there is not an option. A copy of her letter of written legal protest is attached to this report (Attachment B).
George Emerson, 143 Warren Street, Arlington, stated that he and his brother are the owners of the property. His father developed the business on the property, a light manufacturing industry producing medical instruments. After his death in 1997, the brothers kept on with the business. In 2006 a larger medical instrument business offered to buy the business. They sold the products and retained the building. A zoning change to Residence B would have a drastic effect on the property and would mean a substantial drop in the value.
Jonathan Milken, 9 Cottage Park, stated that he is an economics professor at UMass Boston. This case presents a classic example of externality. If that building is not down-zoned it will create increase traffic, pollution and other negative externalities. He has witnessed two near collisions on Cottage Park Avenue and he has, himself, been involved in accidents on the street. More traffic will bring more accidents. The road is not built for a larger traffic burden.
William Fox, 17 Cottage Park Avenue, stated that the petitioners are asking for the opportunity for peace and quiet on their street. He asked whether someone has to be killed before something will be done about the dangerousness of the street. Mr. Fox recounted the time when his daughter was walking her dog on the sidewalk and a truck hit the dog and killed it.
Robert Cyr, 13 Cottage Park Avenue, said that Fawcett has caused most of the problems. The Emersons were good neighbors. But Cottage Park Avenue cannot take the kind of development that the present zoning allows.
Mayor Maher said that he has visited the site and met with the neighbors. They have valid concerns. Their anxiety is about what is next. The petition will hopefully mean that there will be a full discussion about the future of this area and the problems with the traffic on the street. This needs to be addressed and the Fawcett Company needs to be involved. He hopes for further study and action that will protect the neighbors. He noted that there is also a dance studio for children at the end of the street.
Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue, said that it is time for the City to take action. The present zoning creates a dangerous situation. This is a rational, long overdue, narrowly focused and limited re-zoning. The general thrust of what the City has been trying to do is to re-zone the old industrial area around the track and provide incentives for residential use. The uses allowed as of right in the business district are completely inappropriate. The current zoning creates an incentive for tearing down the house next to the brick building for parking. The reverse spot zoning claim is specious.
It was agreed without objection that the petition would be held in committee for additional discussion. The co-chairs urged submission of written testimony for inclusion in the record.
Councillors Seidel and Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 5:12pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair
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)
10-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Harvard using the Jesuit properties for affordable housing and whether Harvard will offer other properties in the same neighborhoods for the purpose of developing affordable housing.
Councillor Decker & Councillor Cheung 04/05/10 (O-20)
10-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a standard set of resources, facility privileges, tools, and barebones operating budget the unfunded commissions may use in their work of enacting Council policy.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/10/10 (O-7)
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)
10-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the courts ruling in favor of the plaintiffs at 303 Third Street and the impact on affordable housing units in the building.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/02/10 (O-10)
10-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction. Councillor Toomey referred back to City Manager for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/13/10 (O-5)
10-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of installing community gardens at Riverside Press Park.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/13/10 (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)
10-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reducing energy consumption by way of deleting and/or limiting email storage.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/13/10 (O-15)
10-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of working with the NSTAR/OPower project.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-1)
10-138. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of adding historical sub-signs to street signs and the possibility of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with street sub-signs.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/27/10 (O-6)
10-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on safety policies and procedures in place to monitor the maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the City.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 09/27/10 (O-10)
10-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of Cambridge participating in the Bixi bike-sharing program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-6)
10-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the transition of the Grand Junction Railroad to Commuter Rail traffic could impede the implementation of the Grand Junction Rail Trail. Councillor Toomey referred back for additional information on 10/25/10.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-7)
10-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of banning smoking in public parks and other public places.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/04/10 (O-9)
10-155. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the process for discussing the report "Missed Opportunities Shared Responsibility" throughout the community and ensuring community groups have ample opportunity to discuss the report.
Councillor Decker 10/04/10 (O-12)
10-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the brick sidewalk in front of 149 Hancock Street.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/18/10 (O-6)
10-163. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on multiple questions concerning trees that come out of the Environment Committee meeting of 9/30/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis 10/25/10 (O-11)
10-165. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways the City can work with the MAPC on opportunities related to the $4 million grant award to the MAPC on behalf of the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 11/01/10 (O-3)
10-167. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assisting neighbors as the No. Cambridge Catholic school site project proceeds and report on how the Table of Uses impact the development by special permit or variance in a Residence B District.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher & Councillor Decker 11/01/10 (O-7)
10-168. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a communication from PERAC regarding the appropriation for FY2012. See Communication #6 of 11/8/2010.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership
10-170. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the gutters are up to code at the Blessed Sacrament building.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-3)
10-172. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that the agreements between the developer and area residents are being upheld at the Blessed Sacrament Development.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 11/08/10 (O-10)
10-173. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the particular facts and general principles to support affordable housing as part of the mitigation in zoning mitigation negotiations.
Councillor Decker 11/08/10 (O-12)
10-175. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of converting certain Inman Square parking meters to 2-hours and along Cambridge Street and on the possibility of installing time-weighted parking meter in Inman Square.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-2)
10-176. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a "Bonding Program" for the purpose of ensuring that a process exists to enable the completion of work on projects where a developer fails to comply with an agreed upon community mitigation agreement.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-3)
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)
10-180. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of developing a formula/mechanism for receiving revenues negotiated during zoning changes and the possibility such revenues generated by a formula for distribution to community based non-profits.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-12)
10-181. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current formula that the City uses to calculate linkage payments for large scale projects.
Mayor Maher & Councillor Simmons 11/22/10 (O-13)
10-182. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on when and where garbage trucks are allowed to back up on their routes and whether the City is liable for contracted garbage or recycling trucks that hit cars, trees or other things while performing their duties.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 12/06/10 (O-3)
10-183. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the state of the law relating to community benefits as mitigation in zoning amendment petitions.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-1)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
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)
10-187. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the appropriateness of private meetings between City Council members and the Superintendent of School without informing the School Committee of such meetings.
Councillor Toomey 12/13/10 (O-8)
10-188. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on NSTAR outages in East Cambridge, Porter Square & Kendall Square.
Vice Mayor Davis 12/13/10 (O-10)