Cambridge City Council meeting – December 22, 2003 – AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137, 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.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for $7,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to allow the Fire Department to purchase additional equipment for the two mass decontamination units-$3,500 each.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a contribution from Shelter Inc. for $1,352 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used to support efforts to prevent homelessness through the City’s Multi-Service Center.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Friends of the Community Learning Center for $14,200 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account to be used to support a portion of part time computer lab aide salaries, a portion of one ESOL teacher’s salary for the Even Start Family Literacy class, and a portion of one part time ESOL teacher’s salary for the Rotary Education Class at the Community Learning Center.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $2,000 within the Metro North Regional Employment Board grant from Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account for the Community Learning Center, which will provide transition to college services and health service training for incumbent workers in the health field.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation for $45,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account ($35,099), Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($9,276), and Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($625). This grant, received from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, was administrated by the New England Literacy Resource Center to enhance the ABE to College Transition Services (Bridge Program) at the Community Leaning Center. The Bridge Program is a transitional program for high school and GED graduates who aspire to attend college. Funds will be used to partially support two full time benefited staff and four part time staff, contractual work, general supplies and travel.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) for $8,400 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salaries and Wages account ($8,000) and Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($400) to supplement the Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant appropriation and which funds CHA resident slots in the Bridge Program at the Community Learning Center.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $55,000 from Community School program fees to the General Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account. During the course of the fiscal year, individual Community Schools conduct additional classes and special events that are funded from fees paid by participants. The appropriation of these funds reflects the revenue that has been generated from the additional activities that will offset expenses related to these activities. These funds are in addition to the projected revenues included in the FY04 adopted budget.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety for $38,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($26,600) and Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,400) to support the North Cambridge Crime Task Force and will be used to fund a part time coordinator to help create and maintain programs of public safety in North Cambridge as well as support office supplies and the annual National Night Out event expenses.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Ellen Semonoff as Acting Assistant City Manager for Human Services.

ON THE TABLE
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Landmark Designation Study Report for Shady Hill Square. 1-11 Shady Hill Square, 36 Holden Street.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Landmark Designation Study Report for designating as a protected landmark the Tulip Tree at 1436 and 1446 Cambridge Street.

3. Request the City Manager to direct the Community Development Department to make maximum use of CPA funds to develop affordable housing that is permanently affordable, such as limited equity cooperatives and condos.

4. Requesting the City Manager to appoint someone to speak with Neighbors for a Better Community to explore possible collaboration.

5. Requesting the City Manager to direct the City Solicitor to draft a home rule petition to enable the City Manager to approve curb cuts.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Calendar Item No. 1, dated 11/4/02, regarding the implementation of land use and zoning recommendations of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Study.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-102, regarding a report on how the Cambridge Housing Authority's emergency switches in resident units function.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. Petition from Harvard University requesting a sub-surface easement located between 1720 and 1737 Cambridge Street for the purpose of constructing an underground pedestrian and service tunnel beneath Cambridge Street.

9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Brian Murphy, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on November 6, 2003 for the purpose of considering a petition filed by John Roback et al. to amend the zoning in an area bounded by the centerlines of Green, Pearl, Franklin and Brookline Streets from the existing Residence C-2A to Residence C-1. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after December 15, 2003. Petition expires February 4, 2004.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from John Gintell, regarding snow readiness.

2. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding procedures.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulating the Caitlin Corbett Dance Company on the occasion of its Twentieth Anniversary, which was celebrated at a performance at Tower Auditorium at the Massachusetts College of Art on December 13 and 14, 2003.   Councillor Toomey

2. Resolution on the death of Reverend Henry F. Barry.   Councillor Galluccio

3. Resolution on the death of Anna T. Doyle.   Councillor Galluccio

4. Resolution on the death of Charles Wilkin.   Councillor Galluccio

5. Resolution on the death of Gertrude R. DeMilia.   Councillor Galluccio

6. Congratulating Jarrett Barrios and Doug Hattaway on their new role as adoptive parents of two brothers, Javier and Nathaniel.   Councillor Toomey

7. Congratulating CRLS student Mousson Berrouet on being awarded a Posse Scholarship.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Congratulating CRLS student Hector Acevedo on being awarded a Posse Scholarship.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Sending speedy recovery wishes to Cadet Stephen M.Carroll, Jr.   Mayor Sullivan

10. Congratulating all those associated with Transition House World Without Borders Annual Benefit and wish them much success in this endeavor.   Mayor Sullivan

11. Congratulating all those associated with the Inaugural New Tang Dynasty Gala in New York City and wish them much success in this endeavor.   Mayor Sullivan

12. City Council go on record extending condolences to Florence West on the loss of her daughter, Tina West.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan

13. Congratulating and welcoming the Prince Hall Masons who will be in Cambridge on April 24-26, 2004 at the Marriott.   Councillor Simmons

14. City Council go on record urging all residents to be cognizant of and participate in the NAACP Annual Breakfast to be held at the Hyatt Regency on January 17, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

15. Congratulating the Billiards Medal winners in the 2003 Greater Boston Senior Games, who are active members of the Senior Center: Paul Hogan, George "Limey" Simmons and Oscar Moore.   Councillor Toomey

16. Congratulating Keith Long on being recommended for appointment as a Justice of the Land Court.   Councillor Galluccio

17. Congratulating Just-A-Start on the occasion of being awarded the Youth Build Award.   Mayor Sullivan

18. Resolution on the death of William H. O'Leary, Sr.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

19. Resolution on the death of Eleanor "Pat" Sullivan.   Councillor Galluccio

20. Resolution on the death of Mary (DeVincenzi) Staffieri.   Councillor Toomey

21. Resolution on the death of Mary M. Corrigan.   Councillor Galluccio

22. Resolution on the death of Walter Araujo.   Councillor Toomey

23. Congratulating Lawrence M. Brogan on the occasion of his promotion to Captain within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

24. Congratulating Peter A. Donovan on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

25. Congratulating Jason A. Grimm on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

26. Congratulating Sean P. White on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

27. Congratulating Ronald W. Gomes on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

28. Congratulating David B. McKinley on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

29. Congratulating Philip G. Arsenault on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

30. Congratulating Patrick E. Haggerty on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant within the Cambridge Fire Department and thank him for his continued dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

31. Congratulating Scott A. Volz on the occasion of his appointment as a Fire Fighter on Probation with the Cambridge Fire Department.   Mayor Sullivan

32. Resolution on the death of Ann M. Bersani.   Councillor Galluccio

33. Urging all Cantabrigians to be cognizant of the Lexington Health Care Center's Open House on January 7, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 178 Lowell Street in Lexington.   Mayor Sullivan

34. Congratulating Carolyn Thompson of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities on the occasion of receiving the Forrest L. Knapp Ecumenical Award which is presented by the Massachusetts Council of Churches.   Mayor Sullivan

35. Wishing Representative Alice Wolf a very Happy Birthday.   Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves

36. Wishing a Happy 50th Birthday to Louis DePasquale.   Councillor Decker

37. Expressing appreciation to Jill Herold for her many years of dedicated service to the citizens and the City of Cambridge and wish her much happiness in her retirement.   Mayor Sullivan

ORDERS
1. Place all items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of the 2003 Legislative Session 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" and further provided that any items pending in committee may, at the discretion of the committee, be forwarded to the next City Council.   Mayor Sullivan

2. Requesting the City Manager to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to establish a city-wide policy that would limit the number of signs per pole to a maximum of three signs and also to reduce the number of poles throughout the City.   Councillor Toomey

3. Requesting the City Manager to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to find a permanent solution to the signal at Binney and Third Street and report back to the City Council on this matter.   Councillor Toomey

4. Requesting the City Manager to direct the Deputy City Manager to continue the discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC) until the 2004-2005 City Council Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee is appointed by the Mayor.   Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Davis

5. Dedicate a suitable location in the vicinity of Winter and Sciarappa Streets in honor of Clarence Young.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

6. Requesting the City Manager to develop an independent department of economic development.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Reeves

7. Requesting the City Manager to confer with NSTAR with regard to the replacement of a street light on Follen Street.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with regard to the replacement of the ONE WAY sign on the corner of Bigelow and Harvard Streets.   Mayor Sullivan

9. Requesting the City Manager to consult with the Fire Chief and Police Commissioner with regard to the issuance/upgrade of retired credentials to retired Fire Fighters and Police Officers.   Mayor Sullivan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on December 3, 2003 to discuss the next steps for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and to hold a recap of the Buy Cambridge Initiative (BCI).

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 22, 2003
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 5, 2004
10:00am   INAUGURAL MEETING  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 12, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 26, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 2, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 9, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 23, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 1, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 8, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 15, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 22, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 29, 2004
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     December 22, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That all items pending before the City Council and not acted upon by the end of the 2003 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" 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 22, 2003
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a city with environmental blight; and
WHEREAS: Numerous signs litter the many poles throughout the City; and
WHEREAS: There is a need to reduce the number of poles in the City; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to establish a city-wide policy that would limit the number of signs per pole to a maximum of three signs and also to reduce the number of poles throughout the City.

O-3     December 22, 2003
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Binney and Third Street is a dangerous intersection; and
WHEREAS: This dangerous intersection has a flashing red light which is not safe for this intersection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to find a permanent solution to the signal at Binney and Third Street and report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-4     December 22, 2003
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Deputy City Manager to continue the discussions on planning an event in Cambridge for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC) until the 2004-2005 City Council Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee is appointed by the Mayor.

O-5     December 22, 2003
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: The City Council go on record dedicating a suitable location in the vicinity of Winter and Sciarappa Streets in honor of Clarence Young; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Assistant to the City Council, after consultation with the family, work with the Department of Public Works on a sign and a dedication ceremony.

O-6     December 22, 2003
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop an independent department of economic development.

O-7     December 22, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with NSTAR with regard to the replacement of a street light on Follen Street.

O-8     December 22, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation with regard to the replacement of the ONE WAY sign on the corner of Bigelow and Harvard Streets.

O-9     December 22, 2003
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Fire Chief and Police Commissioner with regard to the issuance/upgrade of retired credentials to retired Fire Fighters and Police Officers.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at nine o’clock and fifteen minutes a.m. in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the next steps for the 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and to hold a recap of the Buy Cambridge Initiative (BCI).

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis, Estella Johnson, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department (CDD), Elaine Madden, Project Planner, CDD, James Monagle, City Auditor, Dwayne Brown, Affirmative Action Officer, Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer, Joan Dillon, Assistant Purchasing Agent, Nancy McLeod, Manager, Construction Procurement, Purchasing Department, Sue Walsh, Office of Workforce Development, Human Services Department and Donna P. Lopez, Deputy City Clerk.

Councillor Simmons opened the hearing and explained the purpose. She thanked all persons on the committee for their work on the BCI. The BCI was an awesome success, she said. She wanted to discuss what worked and what could be done better as it related to the BCI.

Ms. Madden informed the committee that thirteen Evaluation Forms were received and analyzed (ATTACHMENT A). The attendees of the BCI needed to be sought out to complete the Evaluation Forms.

Councillor Simmons asked for feedback from each member of the committee. The positive feedback was as follows:

Improvements were listed as:

Councillor Simmons stated that the guest speaker provided important information. The BCI, she stated, had electricity. It was an opportunity for businesses to network. The city may want to strengthen the opportunities to network. The city should "sell itself" by providing information about who the city is and what the city does in the next BCI. The BCI should encourage the attendees to sign up for programs that are conducted by CDD including green purchasing and marketing. Councillor Simmons stated that she liked the idea of holding a pre BCI event and asked the attendees what questions they would like to have answered.

Councillor Simmons asked for comments from the business participants. Ms. Madden stated that comments that were received were:

Councillor Simmons stated that the attendees commented that the food was excellent and the room presentation was efficiently organized. The panel, however, could have had a better presentation. Ms. Johnson informed the committee that the representatives from the universities were not the major purchasers. A major purchasing conference was being conducted at the same time as the BCI.

Councillor Simmons made the suggestion that each purchasing agent provide a list of the steps to be followed to do business with their organization be provided at the 2004 BCI.

Vice Mayor Davis stated that the DNC is a great opportunity for Cambridge to make connections.

Councillor Simmons expressed her concern from a historical perspective that documentation about the BCI be preserved. Original material and photographs about the BCI are important.

Councillor Simmons informed the committee that Tom Lucey from Harvard University would like to conduct something similar to the BCI for Harvard. Ms. Dillon asked who could the city contact to see if Harvard University is committed to conducting business with small Cambridge businesses. She inquired as to what are Harvard University’s goals. Councillor Simmons stated that she was interested in Harvard’s mission statement and their goals toward doing business with Cambridge businesses.

What are the next steps for the BCI, asked Councillor Simmons. She stated that she would like to conduct another BCI in 2004. What would be useful for the success of the 2004 BCI? Ms. Johnson stated that the BCI was effective for small businesses to do business with larger businesses. She suggested contacting the small companies for their feedback. Some suggestions were made to change the format of the BCI, but these suggestions were not well received by the committee. The BCI was an event to get small businesses to interact with each other and the larger purchasers in the city, stated Councillor Simmons. This event needed to be tracked by the city. Would the 2004 BCI require separate break out rooms and venues. Ms. Johnson suggested 2004 BCI be an all day event. The committee felt that the time frame of the BCI was sufficient. Ms. Johnson suggested that the tables be staffed with more than one person. Evaluation needed to be done better. The 2004 BCI should have a mission statement.

Ms. Dillon asked if the 2004 BCI would be held before or after the DNC. Councillor Simmons responded that the 2004 BCI would be held after the DNC.

Ms. Johnson stated that the cost of the BCI needed to be analyzed. She suggested asking companies for contributions to underwrite the BCI. It was decided that the 2004 BCI would be identified with a logo. This discussion would occur at the next meeting of the committee along with securing underwriters for the 2004 BCI.

Councillor Simmons now proceeded to discuss the 2004 DNC. Boston has control of the 2004 DNC. The 2004 DNC would be held in July 2004. Cambridge should not let this event slip through our fingers. All Cambridge hotels are reserved for the DNC. Cambridge should market the DNC as a way to get people/tourists to deliberately come to Cambridge. Mr. Monagle suggested that the City’s web site should have a link to the BCI. Money could be received from businesses to have MIS create the link. Ms. Johnson suggested restaurant coupon books be prepared by CDD. Mr. Brown added that the entertainment aspect is important. Harvard University and MIT are also important attraction sites that draw tourists, stated Ms. Johnson. Mr. Brown stated that the Office of Tourism needed to be included in the DNC conversation and planning. Harvard University and MIT decision makers needed to be included in the DNC plans. A link is needed by the city through the Chamber to the DNC. Councillor Simmons stated that there should be a link to the EZ Ride, which travels through Cambridge.

More conversation would occur on the DNC and the 2004 BCI when the 2004-2005 committees of the City Council were appointed, stated Councillor Simmons.

Councillor Simmons thanked all present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at eleven o’clock a.m.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair