On the agenda for the Oct 16, 2006 City Council meeting:
Honestly - not much. To me, the only significant item is that the multi-year fiasco between CMAC and the Dance Complex appears to finally be resolved. Left over from the previous two meetings, there's this bit of idiocy from Councillor Decker:
ON THE TABLE #4. That the City Manager is requested confer with the appropriate City Departments to immediately release CMAC’s funds. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Murphy on Order Number Thirty-five of September 11, 2006. Tabled on motion of Councillor Simmons on September 25, 2006.
What this basically indicates is that Ms. Decker hasn't got a clue. During the last two budget cycles, her colleagues were clear about withholding the budget allocation to CMAC in order to leverage a resolution with the Dance Complex. Simply forking over the cash to CMAC would do nothing to get to a resolution. In fact, as a result we have the following communication this week from the city manager:
City Manager's Agenda #26. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the acceptance of an agreement with CMAC.
October 16, 2006
To the Honorable, the City Council:After further discussions with representatives of the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center (CMAC) and The Dance Complex, I am pleased to be able to report to the City Council that my earlier offer to CMAC to resolve the dispute related to 536 Massachusetts Avenue has been accepted by CMAC, with some minor modifications.
I am attaching a letter from the City Solicitor to CMAC dated October 5, 2006. That letter contains the modified offer which has been accepted by CMAC. The City Solicitor has communicated with both CMAC and The Dance Complex and arrangements have been made to finalize the transfer of 536 Massachusetts Avenue from CMAC to The Dance Complex either before tonight’s City Council meeting or as soon thereafter as possible.
I am therefore also transmitting to the City Council by separate item on tonight’s Agenda a request for approval of a transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for CMAC. The City Solicitor has prepared a contract with CMAC which will provide for the first-half payment of $100,000 for FY07 to be made to CMAC upon certification to me that the transfer of 536 Massachusetts Avenue has been completed as agreed.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
In short, mission accomplished. We are fortunate that the rest of the City Council had the good sense to ignore Decker. Thus, we have the release of the funds after the successful leveraging of the resolution with the Dance Complex:
City Manager's Agenda #27. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center (CMAC).
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance account which represents the budget allocation for the Cambridge Multi-Cultural Arts Center (CMAC). This transfer will allow the City to execute a partial payment to CMAC.
Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager
Cause and effect. Pretty simple, really. Amazing that the truant councillor Decker couldn't figure this out. Take note that she has this Council order this week:
Order #32. That when the City Manager’s final recommended appropriation for the City Budget reflects any change from his original submission in amounts or in distribution of the same amount in response to votes taken at Finance Committee Budget Hearings, said changes shall be separately voted by roll call vote by the City Council prior to adoption of the budget including said changes. Councillor Decker
The other option, Ms. Decker, is to not only show up at the meetings but to actually pay attention to what's going on. Yes, I know that's a lot to ask. Perhaps if you focused on something other than Iraq or El Salvador.
Then there's this continuing annoyance:
ON THE TABLE #3. An application was received from Muireann Glenmullen, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 8 Hilliard Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, and Public Works that the owner will be responsible for the construction associated with the installation of curb cut. Disapproval has been received from neighborhood association. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Application and Petitions Number Five of September 11, 2006. Tabled on motion of Councillor Simmons on September 25, 2006.
This item has been lingering like an illness. The only reason it's at all interesting is that it pits the upper crust vs. the upper crust on Hilliard Street - that and the fact that one party accused the mayor of playing favorites with (fair weather) political friends.
Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council his recommendations on an appropriate process that would solicit the general qualities, values and vision that members of the City Council would like to see in a new Police Commissioner. Councillor Galluccio
This item is potentially noteworthy because it runs right along the limits of what is legal under the Plan E Charter. I have no doubt that Councillor Galluccio would like to have a lot of say in who gets this job. Let's also not forget that once upon a time about 15 years ago, Anthony Galluccio wanted to be a Cambridge police officer and was disqualified by then Commissioner Perry Anderson in what many people (including me) believe was a political favor to one or two city councillors and other inside players at the time as payback for Anthony's rather aggressive tactics with the "Young Independents" in 1991. Anthony responded by running for City Council in 1993. Though narrowly defeated, Anthony gained a seat when Councillor Bill Walsh's seat was vacated upon his sentencing to prison in 1994. Anthony subsequently became the top vote-getter in all of his elections since 1997 and served a term as mayor. Bill Walsh is now an ardent supporter of Ken Reeves. Amazing how things have turned around since then.
Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Fire Chief to examine the possibility of opening fire stations in the Kendall Square and Alewife areas. Vice Mayor Toomey
This one only stands out to me because of the fact that ten years ago the City sold off the Kendall Square fire station (at Dock Street) so that it could be turned into a Bed & Breakfast. The building was preserved. By the way, if anyone wants to know where Dock Street got its name, I would be happy to tell you. Hint: it has to do with canals...
Order #18. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to investigate possible upgrades of service including additional "Charlie Card" machines on the inbound side of the Central Square T Station. Councillor Davis
Here's an idea -- Convince the MBTA folks to put Charlie Card machines in banks, supermarkets, and elsewhere. I would prefer to put money on my card at my convenience rather than while the train is pulling into the station. I believe this would be especially useful for those who take the bus.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS #1. A communication was received from Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, submitting an amendment to Chapter 2.123, Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship.
Councillor Galluccio here offers an amendment that says there is no need for a paid executive director for this rather optional commission. While we're at it, perhaps it's time to axe a few other executive directors of optional (read unnecessary) commissions. You can start with the Peace Commission.