Cambridge City Council meeting - April 9, 2007 - AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Prospect Street Rezoning
City Manager's Agenda Item #4 is a (positive) recommendation on the Planning Board rezoning petition to establish a Prospect Street Zoning Overlay District. The question was passed to a 2nd reading on March 19 and may be voted anytime between Apr 2 and May 14, possibly at this meeting. This is a good common sense petition for this long-neglected corridor which is now seeing several developments under construction, apparently all housing. You may find interesting some of the historical images of this corridor posted at http://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/cp/zng/prospect/prospect_photos.html.

Many appointments
City Manager's Agenda Item #5 reports the Manager's Planning Board appointments (mainly reappointments of existing members). The appointees are Amy Finlayson, Barbara Shaw, Pamela Winters (no relation!), Patricia Singer (Associate Member), and Ted Cohen (Associate Member). In spite of chronic criticism from head-in-the-sand Cambridge activists, the truth is that the Planning Board appointments have generally been excellent with a wealth of perspective and expertise.

City Manager's Agenda Item #11 reports the appointment of Claude-Alix Jacob as the new Chief Public Health Officer (made by CEO of the Cambridge Health Alliance). The previous Public Health Officer was Harold Cox who left last June to become Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at the Boston University School of Public Health.

City Manager's Agenda Item #14 reports the appointment of Nadia Chamblin-Foster to the Cambridge Retirement Board (appointment made by the Cambridge Retirement Board).

A Good Choice - with a little controversy
City Manager's Agenda Item #7 reports the appointment of Ethridge King as an Election Commissioner for a term of four years, effective Apr 1, 2007. Ethridge was a City Council candidate in 2001 and 2003 and is an all-around good guy. Ethridge was one of three nominees from the Republican City Committee for the position. [Each alternate year, the Democratic or Republican City Committee submits an ordered list of three nominees to the City Manager for the position.] This year the Manager passed over the first two nominees in order to choose Ethridge - the first time in anyone's memory that this has been done. The Manager interviewed all three nominees, a practice that has not been done with the Democrats as far as I know.

The nomination of people for the Election Commission positions is one of the few tangible roles played by the two major party city committees, and I can vouch from personal experience that it is an insider's game. I was the #2 choice for the Democrats last year, but I never had a chance - regardless of any expertise I might have contributed - since I had never been involved with the Democratic City Committee. As a side note, the Democrat who was named as a commissioner last year (Gerry McDonough) recently announced that he was leaving to take a position in Gov. Patrick's administration.

A Great Choice - from one who knows
City Manager's Agenda Item #8 reports the appointment of Paul Robillard as a member of the Cambridge Water Board for a five year term to expire on Apr 3, 2012. One look at Mr. Robillard's resume will convince anyone that this is a great appointment. I was also interviewed for the Water Board position, and it is absolutely clear that the Manager made the right call. Mr. Robillard has a Ph.D. in biological and environmental engineering with a research focus on watershed monitoring and control systems. He is currently the executive director of World Water Watch. His list of publications is impressive and he will make an excellent successor to Prof. Joseph Harrington, former President of the Cambridge Water Board, who passed away last October.

On a related matter, May 6-12 is Drinking Water Week in the City of Cambridge. The Cambridge Water Department will once again celebrate the “Wonder of Water” as follows:

Mon, May 7 -- An Open House with informational displays will be open to the public in the Lobby of the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility beginning Monday May 7th. Open House activities will be highlighted by a choice of three events: an Evening tour of the Water Purification Plant or an Interactive tour of the Plant’s Laboratory or a “Walkabout” of the two restoration projects underway in the Northeast Sector and the Little Fresh Pond, beginning at 6pm (on May 7).

Tues, May 8 and Thurs, May 10 and Fri May 11 -- Open House: Lobby displays, 8:30am-5pm.

Wed, May 9 -- The Water Department will also be offering a series of activity modules for schoolchildren on Wednesday May 9th which include: Hay rides through the reservation, a Scavenger Hunt of Fresh Pond, tours of the Purification Plant, a run through an Obstacle course through tools and equipment that maintain our water distribution system, demonstrations and participation in how to fix a water leak. Hot dogs, and refreshments will be available.

For more information please call Ralph Dunphy at 617- 349-4777 or email Ralph at "rdunphy at cambridgema dot gov".

The New Commish
City Manager's Agenda Item #6 reports the appointment of Robert C. Haas as the Cambridge Police Commissioner effective Apr 9, 2007. All indications are that this is another excellent choice. However, the words of recently departed Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson several years ago should not be forgotten. Watson stated at that time that there were enough superbly qualified  people within his command staff that when he left the job, the City wouldn't even have to consider looking outside the department for his successor. All the councillors seemed to approve of the sentiment at that time. Commissioner Haas was hired from outside the city.

North Point and the Lechmere Moat
Calendar Item #8 is the tabled March 5 Council Order #16 from Councillor Toomey in opposition to House Bill 847 (An Act to Streamline Chapter 91 License Applications and Coastal Planning), the bill filed by Gov. Patrick after the recent Mass. Supreme Judicial Court decision regarding the proposed North Point development. This is one of the more interesting matters in the current Cambridge civic landscape. At issue is the fact that for many years the Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been administratively handling the permitting of projects like this, specifically the granting of exemptions for "landlocked filled tidelands". The SJC decision makes clear that, in the absence of a law delegating this authority to a state agency, only the state legislature can grant these exemptions "for a proper public purpose." The SJC also granted a 180-day stay of the decision in order to give the state legislature time to correct the situation. The decision affects many projects in development, under construction, and already built. It is for this reason, not just North Point, that the state legislature must take action. The governor's action was absolutely necessary, and the only issue is what amendments are appropriate in the shaping of a new law. Some of us just want to see a new protocol established that is predictable and not rooted in political extortion.

A related issue is the proper role that citizen groups should play in establishing public policy regarding land use. There was an extensive public process leading up to the zoning for the North Point development and much effort and expertise offered by the Planning Board. The Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods (actually the Cambridge Citizens for Livable Neighborhoods d.b.a. the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods - henceforth denoted by CCLN/ACN) didn't agree with the plans and filed a lawsuit based on technical grounds. They prevailed in the lawsuit because the DEP had, in fact, been exceeding its authority for decades in granting permits for projects like this. Any clarification that grows from this decision will be a good thing. However, if the net result is to give an advantage to those who participate only via litigation at the expense of those who participate in a legitimate public process, then this is one giant step backwards for democracy and for the legitimate role of citizens in guiding projects such as this.

Another facet to this debate came out at an April 4 meeting of the City Council Finance Committee. City Manager Healy pointed out that if the proposed developments at North Point are stopped, this will require the City administration to have to reexamine its revenue projections and reshape the annual budget accordingly.

On the related topic of the proposed “Toomey Tunnel” that would sink the McGrath/O'Brien Highway at Lechmere, the committee report from a joint March 8 meeting on the topic contains comments from this writer and others. While some have emphasized the pedestrian way over the depressed highway as an amenity, others (including me) have characterized it as a "moat" that would permanently divide the old East Cambridge neighborhood from the new neighborhood at North Point. 

You Can Lead a Dog to Water - maybe
Committee Report #2 is a report from the Ordinance Committee on a Feb 13 meeting on proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code to provide rules for off-leash areas for dogs. This report, together with recent changes in the rules and enforcement of dog regulations at Fresh Pond is sure to bring out a crowd at this meeting. There are five communications about this on the agenda (from Gaylen Morgan and Paul Guglietti, Anita McClellan, Carol Collura, Monica Strauss, and Mark Vangel). The "dog lobby" can be a very powerful voice, especially when their arguments are rooted in common sense and in celebration of their marvelous canine friends.

Congratulations
Resolution #7 offers congratulations to the Central Square Theater on its Ground Breaking Ceremonies on May 1, 2007. It's about time! This will be a very good thing for Central Square.

Resolution #15 congratulates the Garment District on the occasion of its 21st birthday. I highlight this one only because the families involved in the Garment District have been in the business for a century. As one of the owners once told me, “We used to be the rag men.”

Resolution #25 congratulates CitySprouts and its volunteers for their work with the children of Cambridge. I just want to second this. I've delivered compost bins to their gardens and participated in a number of their events over the years. I have boundless respect for those who participate in civic and environmental affairs for all the right reasons.

Resolution #31 offer congratulations from all of her Council colleagues to Marjorie Decker and Bahij Bandar on their recent engagement. While I may disagree with Ms. Decker on many things, I hope everyone will join in with their congratulations. Political and philosophical disagreements are one thing, but wishing people well in their personal lives is something entirely different. I seem to recall a similar congratulatory resolution for Anthony Galluccio on Jan 9, 2006, but I don't know what became of that.

Resolution #104 offers congratulations from Councillor Davis to City staff for their development of the Cambridge Energy Alliance. I only make note of this one because Councillor Davis has been the one blowing her trumpet about energy conservation and other energy and conservation matters for years now. The big press conference with the governor and subsequent press releases have not adequately noted the role Ms. Davis has played in this. I recall that it was the current mayor who questioned Davis' insistence on "green building" standards several years ago, yet the press releases seem to suggest a complete revision of this reality.

The Urban Ring - Environmental Benefit? Some Think Otherwise<
Order #19. Opposition to the Urban Ring Phase II bus system unless the whole route is grade separated to ensure that the buses would not have to compete with general traffic   Councillor Kelley

There are also a couple of communications on this one. The word on the street is that a group of Cambridgeport neighbors will be at the meeting to speak against this incarnation of the Urban Ring concept. I believe most of the city councillors and all of the City staff involved in Urban Ring planning are solidly behind the basic concept, but it could be interesting to see how councillors and staff actually feel about this "interim" proposal.

Getting Loud
There are a number of Council orders on the agenda dealing with the Urban Ring and noise. I offer a few comments:

Order #18. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how the Police Department plans to enforce the motorcycle noise ordinance so that Cambridge residents, businesses and visitors can have as quiet a summer as possible.   Councillor Kelley

Order #26. That the City Manager is requested to provide the City Council with an update on the actions of and the status of the leaf blower task force by Apr 23, 2007.   Councillor Kelley

Noise as an issue of concern doesn't appear to be going away any time soon. My only regret is that this City Council has shown absolutely no initiative in addressing the problem of noise generated by sound systems in vehicles. This plague is especially bad on busy streets (like mine) which are used as a cruise strip by the Neanderthals whose prime mission in life is to annoy everyone within earshot. The problem exists at all hours and is far more pervasive than leaf blowers. It is for this reason that I am completely turned off by the "leaf blower lobby." It's not that I disagree with their concern, but rather that I resent the City Council's selectivity in focusing on noise issues that affect the more upper crust sections of the city while ignoring far greater plagues elsewhere.

Yet another commission
Order #29. That the proposed ordinance regarding the structure and function of the Cambridge Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Commission be referred to the Ordinance Committee.   Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Murphy

At the risk of infuriating the liberal establishment in Cambridge, I have to confess that I have never seen any rationale for the creation of a commission (with paid staff) for every politically connected interest group in the city. I would prefer to start dismantling or consolidating some of these commissions. I'm not particularly libertarian in my perspective, but Cambridge has far too many nannies in paid City positions as it is. This new commission seems like yet another solution in search of a problem. Enough said.

Friend of the Mayor
Order #34. Dedication an appropriate site on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Linnaean Street in honor of William J. and Catherine A. Walsh.   Mayor Reeves

I guess this refers to the parents of former city councillor (and convicted felon) William H. Walsh, one of the prime political advisors and supporters of the current mayor, not to mention a facilitator in housing delivery and mayoral selection for the last several election cycles.

Going into Labor
Order #35. That the City Manager is requested to cease all discussions and accommodations with Clear Channel with regard to the advertising boards that Clear Channel owns, including cutting or pruning trees and urge Clear Channel to resume negotiations with Painter’s Union #35 and cancel the contract with out-of-state workers.   Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Toomey and Councillor Murphy

This item patches in well with the topic of this Wednesday's hearing:
Wed, Apr 11, 10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss a broad policy regarding the state of workers in Cambridge and an update on organized labor.  (Sullivan Chamber)

One rule of thumb I've used over the years is that those councillors with designs on higher office are the ones who file repeated orders ingratiating themselves to the various labor unions. We know that Councillor Toomey is already a State Rep (and recently came close to running for State Senate), but what's the future hold for Councillors Toomey and Murphy? How long will Alice Wolf stay on the job? Is there no place for a councillor to go from here?

The City's Liquor Cap Policy
Committee Report #1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee, for a meeting held on Jan 30, 2007 for the purpose of continuing discussion of the License Commission’s "cap policy" relative to licenses to serve alcoholic beverages.

Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to ensure that the working group on liquor licenses consist of at least two members of the public who have no financial or bureaucratic interest in the current policy or any changes to it   Councillor Kelley

Communication #12. A communication was received from Doug Myers, transmitting support for Councillor Kelley’s order to add public representatives to the CAP Policy Working Group.

Communication #21. A communication was received from Doane Perry, President, Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Association, regarding CAP Policy Working Group.

There's been a movement afoot for the last few years to make it much easier to get pouring licenses for Cambridge restaurants. There has been a lot of massaging of the facts on all sides of the debate. Personally, I think the names on the campaign contribution checks tell a much clearer story than anything that's been said at these committee hearings.

Communications and Reports from City Officers #1. A communication was received from Marilyn Y. Bradshaw, Executive Secretary to the School Department transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee that the FY2007-08 General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum or $127,690,960.

As always, that's some serious cash. The budget hearing this year for the School Department should be relatively simple since the positives have been gaining on the negatives. Nonetheless, school issues have been gaining ground in the political posturing of City Council candidates over the last few elections and this year should be no exception. - Robert Winters, April 9, 2007