Cambridge City Council meeting - Apr 1, 2013 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-36, regarding a report on expanding the Cambridge Science Festival Banner advertising program up Main Street to Kendall Square.

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-29, regarding a report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers.
Tabled - Kelley

On Apr 5, 2002, this office provided an opinion, through you, to the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation on the question of whether resident parking stickers could be withheld from Harvard students residing in Harvard dormitories, in which we advised that a resident of Cambridge whose motor vehicle is registered in Massachusetts and principally garaged in Cambridge is entitled to receive a resident parking sticker. Because that opinion is responsive to the above referenced Council Order, I am attaching a copy of it for submission to the City Council.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 13-25, regarding a report on the details of the lawsuit with Idenix and on revising the noise ordinance.
Referred to Environment Committee - Kelley

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-135, regarding a report on preparing an ordinance regulating procedures that organizations would have to follow in the event of a concussion.
Referred to Ordinance Committee

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a transfer of the ARRA Race to the Top (RTT) Funds from the U.S. Department of Education through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the amount of $6,058 to the School Grant Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account from the School Grant Fund Travel & Training account. The costs of stipends for training were less than anticipated while the costs for curriculum materials were greater than originally budgeted.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the CET Outreach Workers grant received from Cambridge Public Health Department in the amount of $1,800.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used by the Community Learning Center (CLC), working with the Agenda for Children, for supply costs for 36 parenting workshops provided by the Community Engagement Team outreach workers.

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to an increase in the appropriation of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the amount of $76,040.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($52,280.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($23,760.00) and will provide for volunteer coordination, technology coordination, distance learning for ESOL students, student leadership activities, childcare through the Center for Families for a family literacy class, and out-stationing at Career Source to identify and refer potential adult education students.

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant funded by the Clipper Ship Foundation in the amount of $2,500.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($2,190.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($310.00) which will support two intermediate ESOL classes with a focus on career awareness.

9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Morse Preschool donation received from the community in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be used by the Morse Preschool to support events for the program's participants and families.

10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Temporary Emergency Shelter grant received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $136,566.94 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to subcontracted to the Cambridge YWCA.

11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Council Order Numbers 13 and 14 of Mar 18, 2013, regarding revised zoning language to the Section 11.700 entitled Interim Regulations for Medical Marijuana Uses.
Passed to 2nd Reading

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Peter Sheinfeld as an Election Commissioner for a term of 4-years effective Apr 1, 2013.

13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $70,170 from the General Fund Employee Benefits (Salary Adjustment) account to the General Fund Elections Other Ordinary Maintenance account to assist in funding the Special State Primary election on Apr 30, 2013, and the Special State election on June 25, 2013 to fill the vacancy for State Senator and will also go towards the Special State Primary election on May 28, 2013 to fill the vacancy of Representative Martha Marty Waltz.

14. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Bicycle Parking Zoning Petition with consideration of some minor changes.
Referred to Petition

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Alberto Cavallo requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 16 Channing Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor vanBeuzekom on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Mar 18, 2013.]
Tabled - Cheung

2. An application was received from Phil Terzis, Abodez Development requesting permission to close the existing five curb cuts and replace them with two curb cuts at the premises numbered 563/603 Concord Avenue and 19 Wheeler Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Approval has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor vanBeuzekom on Applications and Petitions Number Five of Mar 18, 2013.]
Tabled - Cheung

ON THE TABLE
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-09, regarding a report on the use of coal and on Cambridge becoming coal-free. [City Manager Agenda Number One of Mar 5, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Mar 5, 2012.]

4. Urge greater cooperation from the Cambridge Housing Authority to better serve the people of Cambridge. [Order Number Two of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Simmons on Apr 9, 2012.]

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments in order to present to the City Council a map of Cambridge that shows, by location and by date, all of the areas where construction is and will be taking place over the coming decade. [Order Number Four of Apr 9, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Apr 9, 2012.]

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item No. 12-28, regarding temporary ramps and obstructions in construction zones. [City Manager Agenda Number Eight of Apr 23, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Apr 23, 2012.]

7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-35, which requests a report on whether there were any public safety officers that falsified their emergency medical training re-certification while employed by the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on City Manager Agenda Number Two of May 21, 2012. Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on June 4, 2012.]

8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-63 regarding a report on safety issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Vassar Street. [City Manager Number Twenty-three of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on July 30, 2012.]

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council on whether a tagging program could be implemented to notify owners of bicycles that have been removed from sign posts by the Department of Public Works and contact information for retrieval of said bicycle. [Order Number Fourteen of July 30, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on July 30, 2012. Councillor Toomey recorded in the negative on Tabling.]

10. That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging the members of the Massachusetts Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling to pass MA House Bill 4165, "An Act Relative to Speed Limits." [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012. Order Number Eleven of Nov 19, 2012 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Dec 3, 2012.]

11. That the City Manager is requested to work together with the appropriate city officials including the City Solicitor and report back to the City Council regarding modification of the ordinance (10.12.030) that links the awarding of a one yearlong Visitor Parking Permit per household to the purchase of a $25 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Decker on Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013. Order Number Eight of Jan 28, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor vanBeuzekom on Feb 11, 2013.]

12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 12-90, regarding a report on Executive Session to discuss lawsuits. [City Manager Agenda Number Seven of Feb 25, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Feb 25, 2013.]

13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine the feasibility of implementing a pay-by-phone parking meter program in Cambridge, and report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible. [Order Number Two of Mar 18, 2013 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 18, 2013.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
14. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Mar 7, 2013 to continue discussions on the petition by MIT to create a new Section 13.80 Planned Unit Development 5 (PUD-5) District; specifically to discuss Uses, Incentive Zoning, Community Fund, Housing and Sustainability. A presentation will be made by the Executive Director of Historical Commission on historic building. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Apr 1, 2013. Planning Board hearing held Jan 15, 2013. Petition expires Apr 15, 2013.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Century 21 Avon requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 1675 Massachusetts Avenue.

2. A zoning petition has been received from Michael Phillips, et al., requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance to the Special District 2 (SD-2) zoning district in North Cambridge.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue, #31 transmitting a copy of a letter to the Governor and MassDOT objecting to their joining the Cambridge City Council in its environment destruction and heartless animal abuse.

2. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman regarding the MIT petition and East Cambridge Planning Team.

3. A communication was received from Dara Safizadeh, 18 Channing Street transmitting opposition to the application for a curb cut by Alberto Cavallo at 16 Channing Street.

4. A communication was received from Phil Terzis, VP Project Planning, Abodez Development regarding 603 Concord Avenue and 19 Wheeler Street curb cut application.

5. A communication was received from Fereydoun Safizadeh, 18 Channing Street regarding curb cut petition at 16 Channing Street by Mr. Cavallo .

6. A communication was received from Marc Kastner, Dean, School of Science, Donner Professor of Science, MIT School of Science transmitting strong support for the Institute's proposed rezoning of Kendall Square.

7. A communication was received from Adele Naude Santos, Dean, Professor of Architecture and Planning, School of Architecture + Planning transmitting enthusiasm and support for the Institute's Kendall Square proposal.

8. A communication was received from Paul Kafasis, Jason Bowser, Valerie Caprigno and Michael Ledoux, Trustee, Lofts Condo Board and Reservoir Lofts Community regarding the proposed curb cuts for 19 Wheeler Street.

9. A communication was received from David Schmittlein, John C Head III Dean, MIT Sloan School of Management, Professor of Marketing transmitting support for the Institute's proposed rezoning of Kendall Square.


10. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare regarding noise pollution and the need to update the Noise Ordinance.

11. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street transmitting copy of court suit filed by Idenix Pharmaceuticals, testimony regarding Idenix Pharmaceuticals and Letter from License Commission granting a variance to Idenix.

12. A communication was received from James Recht, MD, 386 Walden Street in support of Order #14 requesting tht Retirement Board divest investments in fossil fuel companies.

13. A communication was received from Arlene Dallalfar, 18 Channing Street in opposition to a curb cut application for 16 Channing Street.

14. A communication was received from Tom Stohlman regarding the curb cut application for 16 Channing Street.

15. A communication was received from Barbara Broussard regarding no formal position adopted by East Cambridge Planning Team on the MIT petition, but the East Cambridge Planning Team had a favorable opinion on the CBT plan.

16. A communication was received from Jaghin Desai in support of divestiture of Retirement Board investing in fossil fuels.

17. A communication was received from Alberto Cavallo, 16 Channing Street transmitting clarifying documents regarding his curb cut application for 16 Channing Street.

18. A communication was received from Susan Redlich, 19 Sacramento Street transmitting a list of top fossil fuel companies.


RESOLUTIONS
1. Proclaim April as Parliamentarian Month and Apr 10, 2013 as George Demeter Day in the City of Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Simmons

2. Resolution on the death of Vasilia "Bessie" (Georgoulopoulos) Photopoulos.   Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey

3. Welcoming the expansion of the Canadian Technology Accelerator to Kendall Square.   Councillor Toomey

4. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Schools girls and boys track teams on winning the MIAA Division 1 State Championships and advancing to nationals.   Councillor Cheung

5. Congratulations to Mark Terenzoni on his new role as CEO of sqrrl.   Councillor Cheung

6. Congratulations to GreenStreamline on their recent launch.   Councillor Cheung

7. Congratulations to Chelsea Voake on being named the Prospect Fellows Director at the Prospect Hill Academy.   Councillor Cheung

8. Congratulations to 82 Apps for winning grand prize honors for PWN in the MassDigi Game Challenge.   Councillor Cheung

9. Congratulations to Adrienne Cochrane in her role as Executive Director of hack/reduce.   Councillor Cheung

10. Congratulations to BookBub for its impressive growth in achieving over one million email subscribers.   Councillor Cheung

11. Happy Birthday wishes to Kate Thomas.   Vice Mayor Simmons

12. Resolution on the death of Daphne Abeel.   Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey

13. Resolution on the death of Jean F. (Crowley) Healy.   Councillor Maher

14. Resolution on the death of Anthony Lewis.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Reeves

15. Congratulations to the Cambridge GLBT Commission for their successful screening of "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin."   Vice Mayor Simmons

16. Resolution on the death of Mary M. (Narekiewicz) Rutkauskas.   Councillor Toomey

17. Resolution on the death of Mary G. (Flynn) Dell'Olio.   Councillor Toomey

18. Speedy recovery wishes to Diane Squires.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher

19. Congratulations to James and Kristen Meagher on the birth of their son Conor James Meagher.   Councillor Decker

20. Congratulations to Kerry Healey on being named President of Babson College.   Councillor Decker

21. Thanks to Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone for his service to Middlesex County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Councillor Decker

22. Resolution on the death of Darlene A. (Fernandes) Smith.   Councillor Maher

23. Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association.   Councillor vanBeuzekom

24. Congratulations and thanks to the restaurants, attendees and supporters of Cooking For A Cause event which will take place on Apr 12, 2013 in the MIT Media Lab.   Councillor Toomey

25. Congratulations to Chef'd Up for their success in the culinary community.   Councillor Cheung

26. Congratulations to ShoutBot on being recognized as a Mass High Tech Company to Follow in the Boston Business Journal.   Councillor Cheung

27. Thanks to the Stanford University Mendicants for performing at the Cambridge Winter Farmers Market and wish them much success in the future.   Councillor Cheung

28. Congratulations to the Harvard Men's Basketball Team on their first NCAA tournament win over New Mexico.   Mayor Davis

29. Thanks to the Kendall Square Association and the Cambridge Marriott for organizing and hosting the 5th Annual Kendall Square Clean Up on May 16, 2013.   Councillor Toomey

30. Proclaim Apr 1-7, 2013 as Cambridge Public Health Week.   Mayor Davis

31. Congratulations to Assistant Suffolk District Attorney Jonathan Tynes on his appointment and confirmation to the Boston Municipal Court bench.   Mayor Davis, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Decker

32. Condolences to the family of Sylvia Bridgeman.   Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves

33. Honoring of San Jose Las Flores in solidarity for its 27 years of successes and its continued generosity and exchanges with the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Decker

34. Recognizing the delegation traveling to San Jose Las Flores, El Salvador, in April of 2013.   Councillor Decker

35. Congratulations to the production team of Stuck as the documentary goes on a nationwide tour raising awareness of international adoption.   Councillor Maher

36. Thanks to Roscoe Thomas for serving as the Area Four/Port Action Coordinator since 2008.   Councillor vanBeuzekom

37. Congratulations to David Lefcourt on his election to the Society of Municipal Arborist Board.   Councillor Maher

38. Congratulations to Doug Hanna for being named the 2013 Remodeler of the Year by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston.   Councillor Maher

39. Speedy recovery wishes to Dr. Carolyn Turk.   Vice Mayor Simmons

40. Congratulations to LabCentral on their groundbreaking ceremony on Apr 4, 2013.   Councillor Toomey


41. Resolution on the death of Franco Mastromauro.   Councillor Reeves

42. Thanks to Mayor Menino for his twenty years of service and best wishes in his retirement.   Mayor Davis, Vice Mayor Simmons

43. Congratulations to the Middle East on being named one of the top twenty "most rocking small rooms in America."   Mayor Davis, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung

44. Resolution on the death of Charles W. Marquardt.   Councillor Maher

MARQUARDT, Charles W. Of Woburn, formerly of Winchester, March 31, 2013. Beloved husband of Margaret (Cotter). Loving father of Charles J. of Cambridge, Daniel W. and his wife Danielle of Winchester, Michael T. and his wife Kazumi of Hong Kong, Timothy J. and his wife Susan of Reading, Andrea M. of Cambridge and Stephen M. of Charlestown. Grandfather of Erin, Charlie, Kyle, Will, Sean and Lily. Brother of Jane Smith of Stoneham, Helen Fitzgerald of Nashua, NH, Geraldine Martin of Maine, and the late Thecla Daly, Rev. Henry Marquardt and Mary Kelly. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., WINCHESTER Thursday at 10am. Funeral mass in St. Eulalia Church, 50 Ridge St. Winchester at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 pm. Donations may be made in Charles' memory to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, W. Falmouth, MA 02574 or to the Rev. Henry Marquardt Memorial Fund, c/o Jane Smith, 68 Main Street, Apt 33C, Stoneham, MA 02180. Owner of Coady Florist in Cambridge for over 40 years. www.costellofuneralhome.com

45. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Daphine Luscap.   Councillor Reeves

46. Happy Birthday wishes to Dita Obler.   Vice Mayor Simmons

47. Welcome Home wishes to William E. Thomas as he shares his inspired vision with An Afternoon of Music to benefit the First African Foundation of Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the African Meeting House.   Councillor Reeves

48. Happy 7th Birthday wishes to Samadhi Deserante Baale Simmons Mugarz.   Mayor Davis


ORDERS
1. That all public meetings and hearings be conducted within the city limits and have a Cambridge address, and in the event that a public meeting or hearing is held outside of the city limits, that a vote be required of the City Council to approve said meeting or hearing being held outside the city limits.   Councillor Decker
Motion to refer to Government Operations & Rules Committee FAILED 4-3-1-1 (Cheung, Decker, Kelley, Maher - YES; Toomey, vanBeuzekom - NO; Reeves - ABSTAIN; Simmons - ABSENT. Order FAILED on a voice vote.

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Longy School of Music at Bard, EF and the Episcopal Divinity School to produce a Town and Gown report to be presented to the Cambridge Planning Board.   Councillor Reeves
Amended

3. That the Government Operation and Rules Committee is requested to provide an update to the City Council on any progress that has been made in drafting a Community Benefits & Mitigation Plan, and that an expected timeframe in which a formal recommendation on policy might be made to the City Council is also provided.   Vice Mayor Simmons

4. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and other relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of implementing a "Don't Block The Box" policy in Cambridge which will discourage motorists from blocking intersections.   Vice Mayor Simmons

5. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council after consultation with the appropriate City personnel and with State Representative Martin J. Walsh, President of the Boston Building Trades Council, about ways in which the Cambridge Works program might affiliate itself with Building Pathways, an intensive program sponsored by the Boston Building Trades Council that recruits and trains individuals for the skilled building trades.   Vice Mayor Simmons and Councillor Cheung

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the License Commission to explore limiting the sale of mini-alcohol bottles within the city with the goal of reducing litter.   Councillor vanBeuzekom
FAILED 4-3-1-1 (Cheung, Maher, vanBeuzekom, Davis - YES; Kelley, Reeves, Toomey - NO; Decker - ABSENT; Simmons - PRESENT)

7. That Committee Report #6 of Mar 18, 2013 be amended on page two in the second paragraph by striking out the sentence that reads: "The MIT proposal has received support from the East Cambridge Planning Team."   Councillor Maher

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with SuperTours as to the feasibility of altering their bus tour route to one that provides more interesting sightseeing opportunities to tour participants while improving the quality of life of residents of Cambridge Street.   Councillor Cheung

9. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with Paula Mullane to determine a suitable location for a street dedication for Frank and Rita Parilla.   Councillor Cheung
Withdrawn - Cheung

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to assess the feasibility of shortening the traffic light cycle times at the intersection of Broadway and Ames Street during early morning and late night hours and/or installing a traffic sensing device.   Councillor Cheung

11. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to add the City of Cambridge as a signatory to a letter urging President Obama, the House of Representatives and the Senate to support principles of dignity, fairness and inclusion throughout the immigration reform process.   Councillor Cheung

12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Finance Department as to how the City of Cambridge can include a participatory budgeting portion in the 2014 budget.   Councillor Cheung

13. That the City Council go on record commemorating the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and call upon the United States Congress to support and maintain federal funding for family planning services that are critical to the health of women and families, and to reinstate coverage for abortion services for women enrolled in public insurance programs.   Councillor Decker

14. That the City Manager is requested to urge the Cambridge Retirement Board of Trustees to cease investments in fossil fuel companies, review Cambridge's investment portfolio, contact fund managers for any fossil fuel company investments, prepare a report which explains options for investing in the pension fund in a way that maximizes positive impact of the fund, establish investment policies which support local projects and jobs, create a timeline for implementation of findings and release annual updates.   Councillor vanBeuzekom
Referred to Finance Committee - Kelley

15. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the Community Development Department to identify sites throughout the city which provide free or low cost air pumps dispensers to the public.   Councillor vanBeuzekom
Amended and Referred to Transportation, Traffic, & Parking Committee - Decker


16. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to contact the Salvation Army and the Hope Fellowship Church and obtain information about their meal programs for the homeless, specifically the average number of individuals who access the meals program per week, number of meals served, how often, where the resources come from and the number of volunteers that service the meals program.   Councillor Decker


COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Community Health and Housing Committees for a joint public meeting held on Mar 1, 2013 to discuss searching for a location to provide free meals to the homeless on Sundays.

2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office, transmitting a report from Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom, Chair of the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a public meeting held on Nov 27, 2012 to discuss completion of an on-street parking census; its rationale, hurdles, costs and benefits and a discussion of a comprehensive public metered spaces plan for the City of Cambridge.

3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations and Rules Committee, for a public meeting held on Nov 16, 2012 to continue discussions as it relative to the City Council's desire for a visioning/search process for the City Manager.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom regarding Massachusetts DOT Task Force on the Safety of Ethanol Transport.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 2
2:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the ability of the City's existing utility infrastructure to meet long-term increases in demand.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on the petition by MIT to create a new Section 13.80 Planned Unit Development 5 (PUD-5) District. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 3
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new Section 6.100 Bicycle Parking, and create a new definition for Bicycle Parking in Article 2.000, modify the Yard Standards in Article 5.000 as they relate to bicycle parking and modifying various sections of Article 6.000 to remove references to bicycle parking. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Fri, Apr 5
10:00am   The University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting for the purpose of touring MIT. The meeting will convene in the Sullivan Chamber and proceed to the tour.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 9
5:30pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to assess how other cities support neighborhood groups and examine how Cambridge could make use of these practices.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 17
6:30pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a joint public meeting with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to review the powers and potential of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority as it pertains to future development plans throughout the City of Cambridge.  (Police Department, 1st floor, Community Room, 125 Sixth Street)

Thurs, Apr 18
5:30pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the need and potential for providing computer and internet access to Cambridge's youth population.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting & Budget Overview  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Apr 30
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss any and all issues related to gun safety, including the possibility of a gun buy-back program in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, May 9
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, May 14
2:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how technology can be used to connect arts and culture to broader community goals.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 16
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2014 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, May 29
6:00pm   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting for the purpose of developing measures through which immigrants in Cambridge can have improved access to computers and the internet.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, June 17
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: Public meetings and public hearings provide residents and the general public access to add their input; and
WHEREAS: These public meeting and hearings are held in locations within the city to provide public access; and
WHEREAS: The locations of these public meeting and hearings always have a legal address within the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That all public meetings and hearings be conducted within the city limits and have a Cambridge address, and in the event that a public meeting or hearing is held outside of the city limits, that a vote be required of the City Council to approve said meeting or hearing being held outside the city limits.

O-2     Apr 1, 2013  Amended
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The Longy School of Music at Bard is a four-year accredited college located on Garden Street in Cambridge. The Longy School is a famous musical institution that has a long history in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate with the Longy School of Music at Bard, EF and the Episcopal Divinity School to produce a Town and Gown report to be presented to the Cambridge Planning Board.

O-3     Apr 1, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Nov 19, 2012, the Government Operations and Rules Committee met to discuss the need for the City to draft and adopt a formal Community Benefits & Mitigation Plan. At the meeting's conclusion, it was agreed that the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Community Development would review steps to expand linkage and would come back to this committee with a draft framework for community benefits and linkage; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Government Operation and Rules Committee be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council on any progress that has been made in drafting a Community Benefits & Mitigation Plan, and that an expected timeframe in which a formal recommendation on policy might be made to the City Council is also provided.

O-4     Apr 1, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Over the past few years, places such as New York City and Boston have begun implementing a program called "Don't Block The Box," which seeks to discourage those motorists whose careless driving in heavy traffic results in blocked intersections, further ensnarling traffic and contributing to needless gridlock; and
WHEREAS: The "Don't Block The Box" program calls for strict traffic enforcement at intersections that have been identified as particularly susceptible to intense traffic jams. Drivers who attempt to enter an intersection even when it is clear that they most likely will not be able to clear the intersection before the light turns red risk being issued a $150 fine; and
WHEREAS: With long traffic snarls being reported along Western Avenue due to ongoing construction projects, and with several other areas across the city likely to see long-term construction projects beginning later this year, the time is right for Cambridge to implement its own "Don't Block The Box" program to help mitigate our traffic congestion; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and other relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of implementing a "Don't Block The Box" policy for Cambridge, and to report back to the City Council with recommendations as soon as possible.

O-5     Apr 1, 2013
VICE MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a multitude of programs and services devoted to aiding those residents who seek assistance in procuring job training and pathways toward stable, long-term employment. Via the Office of Workforce Development and programs such as the Nine Week Program and the Green Jobs Program, the City has a rich tapestry of services that are geared toward job training, building job history, and job placement, and the City continues to look for ways to strengthen these programs and increase their effectiveness; and
WHEREAS: These programs are an especially important resource for people during economically challenging times, the likes of which the entire country has been facing over the course of the past decade; and
WHEREAS: One of the City's most popular programs is Cambridge Works, a transitional jobs program that takes individuals who are 18-35 and have had difficulty in finding steady employment, and places them in a 13-week course that provides on-the-job training in a number of different fields via a number of private sector partners. The program features intensive case management for each individual, who are provided with real-world experience and are given the tools they need to procure and keep long-term private sector jobs. The City is continually seeking to strengthen and expand this program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council after consultation with the appropriate City personnel and with State Representative Martin J. Walsh, President of the Boston Building Trades Council, about ways in which the Cambridge Works program might affiliate itself with Building Pathways, an intensive program sponsored by the Boston Building Trades Council that recruits and trains individuals for the skilled building trades.

O-6     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: The abundance of discarded mini-alcohol bottles (2-oz size) which are found on city streets, sidewalks and parks are a significant litter nuisance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the License Commission to explore limiting the sale of mini-alcohol bottles within the city with the goal of reducing litter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council regarding this matter.

O-7     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: At the Mar 18, 2013 City Council meeting the City Council accepted and placed on file Committee Report #6, the same being a report from City Councillor David P. Maher, Chair, Ordinance Committee, transmitting an Ordinance Committee report for a meeting held on Mar 7, 2013 to continue discussions on the petition by MIT to create a new Section 13.80 Planned Unit Development 5 (PUD-5) District; specifically to discuss Uses, Incentive Zoning, Community Fund, Housing and Sustainability; and
WHEREAS: On page two of the report in the second paragraph, the second sentence from the end states that the MIT proposal has received support from the East Cambridge Planning Team; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that although many members of the East Cambridge Planning Team individually supported the petition, there were also members in opposition; and
WHEREAS: A formal vote of the East Cambridge Planning Team was not taken in support of the MIT petition; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Committee Report #6 of Mar 18, 2013 be amended on page two in the second paragraph by striking out the sentence that reads: "The MIT proposal has received support from the East Cambridge Planning Team;" and be it further
ORDERED: That the Submission of the Record reflects this amendment.

O-8     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that many residents of Cambridge Street have expressed concern over SuperTours tour busses that travel down the residential portion of Cambridge Street while en route to Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Cambridge Street have noted that the noises of the tour busses are disruptive and that driving and cycling around them is difficult; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with SuperTours as to the feasibility of altering their bus tour route to one that provides more interesting sightseeing opportunities to tour participants while improving the quality of life of residents of Cambridge Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-9     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with Paula Mullane to determine a suitable location for a street dedication for Frank and Rita Parilla; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review.

O-10     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that many drivers have expressed concern about the traffic light cycle times at the intersection of Broadway and Ames Street during off-peak hours; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to assess the feasibility of shortening the traffic light cycle times at the intersection of Broadway and Ames Street during early morning and late night hours and/or installing a traffic sensing device; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-11     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice, and equality; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) is requesting that the City of Cambridge sign on to a letter urging President Obama, the House of Representatives, and the Senate to support principles of dignity, fairness, and inclusion throughout the immigration reform process; and
WHEREAS: The letter asks for any reform legislation to show compassion by including a viable path to citizenship for the approximately 11 million people in the United States who are undocumented. Many undocumented immigrants are LGBTs who have persecuted in their home countries and seek freedom from discrimination; and
WHEREAS: The letter asks that any reform legislation prioritizes the reunification of families by addressing extensive backlogs in visa processing for family members living abroad and recognizing bi-national same-sex couples to allow US citizens to sponsor their same-sex immigrant partners for residency and citizenship. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 35,000 same sex bi-national couples where one partner is a United States citizen and the other is a foreign national; and
WHEREAS: The letter asks for any reform legislation to protect workers through the development of labor protections so that migrant and other undocumented workers are treated with dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS: The letter asks for any reform legislation to expand visa programs in the technology, science, and medical sectors that are ultimately tied to access to greencards and permanent United States residency; and
WHEREAS: The letter asks that any reform legislation addresses the detention and deportation of immigrants by ending improper racial profiling that targets gay and transgender immigrants; and
WHEREAS: A coalition of leading business and employers is forming to advise the Supreme Court on the ways in which DOMA harms businesses and employers; and
WHEREAS: Signing on to this letter will send a strong message that the City of Cambridge will not support inequality, discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQ or immigrant communities from the federal and state government and private parties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to add the City of Cambridge as a signatory on the aforementioned letter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of the order to the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is known as a hub of innovation, ideas and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is always looking for new ways to showcase and build on its reputation as a national leader in innovation; and
WHEREAS: Cities including Chicago, New York City, Vallejo, and most recently, Boston, have developed participatory budget models that provide community members with the opportunity to decide how they wish to allocate a portion of the municipal budget; and
WHEREAS: Such an endeavor provides community members with an opportunity to engage with one another to determine their spending priorities, work collaboratively to develop specific spending proposals, and cast their vote as to which proposals should be publically funded; and
WHEREAS: Instituting such a program in the City of Cambridge would allow civic-minded residents to make decisions about how a portion of the City's budget is spent, and has the propensity to immensely improve the quality of life of the members of the Cambridge community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Finance Department as to how the City of Cambridge can include a participatory budgeting portion in the 2014 budget and report back to the City Council.

O-13     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: On Jan 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a historic and landmark decision, ruled in Roe v. Wade that the US Constitution safeguards a woman's right to make her own personal medical decisions on when or whether to have children; and
WHEREAS: In the last 40 years, the right to an abortion has saved the lives of many women and has strengthened families; and
WHEREAS: Roe v. Wade ensured that abortion became a safe and legal choice for women to consider; and
WHEREAS: The majority of Americans continue to support safe access to legal abortion and oppose efforts by individuals, organizations, and governmental entities that attempt to restrict this right; and
WHEREAS: State laws which put obstacles and restrictions on abortions have threatened access to that constitutional right and threatened the health of families; and
WHEREAS: When a woman cannot afford to end a pregnancy when she needs to, due to lack of coverage for abortion, the impact on her and her family can be far reaching, including endangering her health due to serious medical conditions related to pregnancy; and
WHEREAS: All women should have insurance coverage for comprehensive reproductive health services including abortion care to ensure that their social-economic status does not affect any important healthcare decision or access; and
WHEREAS: It is imperative that governmental funding is maintained to ensure that services are maintained and accessible for women who are enrolled in public insurance programs; and
WHEREAS: This right is being eroded and eliminated deliberately and strategically state by state by those working to undermine Roe v. Wade; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record commemorating the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and call upon the United States Congress to support and maintain federal funding for family planning services that are critical to the health of women and families, and to reinstate coverage for abortion services for women enrolled in public insurance programs.

O-14     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Climate Change and Global Warming are real and serious threats to the environment; and
WHEREAS: Seemingly small increases in the "average temperature" of the planet translate into large and dangerous shifts in climate which have a costly disruption to human and natural systems (i.e. melting of the Arctic Ice; Hurricane Sandy); and
WHEREAS: Burning carbon-based "fossil fuels" (coal, petroleum, and natural gas) releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the atmosphere and increases global temperatures and changes the ocean's pH; and
WHEREAS: In 2009, government officials from the 167 countries that are responsible for more than 87 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions signed the Copenhagen Accord; and
WHEREAS: This accord acknowledges the scientific view that -- increases in global temperature should be kept below 2 degrees Celsius; and
WHEREAS: In order to meet this 2-degree limit and keep global temperatures from rising - fossil fuel companies may burn (at maximum) a carbon burning budget of 565 gtons of CO2; and
WHEREAS: Financial analysts and environmentalists have calculated that fossil fuel companies in fact possess control over fossil fuel reserves that equal 5 times the budgeted amount ( = 2,795 gtons of CO2); and
WHEREAS: For the purposes of this policy order a "fossil fuel company" is defined as any of the 200 publicly-traded companies that control the world's largest coal, oil, and gas reserves; and
WHEREAS: Students at more than 200 United States colleges and universities have launched campaigns to have their institutions divest from fossil fuel companies; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge the Cambridge Retirement Board of Trustees to take the following actions:

ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this policy order to the Cambridge Retirement Board of Trustees on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-15     Apr 1, 2013  Amended
COUNCILLOR VANBEUZEKOM
WHEREAS: Free air pumps dispensers for automobile tires has historically been provided by local gas and service stations; and
WHEREAS: In the past 10 years, more than half the dozen gas and service stations located within Cambridge have transitioned to another use and therefore air pumps dispensers have become less available; and
WHEREAS: According to the Environmental Protection Agency - maintaining "optimal vehicle tire pressure" helps insure "optimal vehicle gas mileage;" and
WHEREAS: Reducing gasoline consumption by optimizing gas mileage is a worthy way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Community Development Department to identify sites throughout the city which provide free or low cost air pumps dispensers to the public; and be it further
ORDERED: That these locations be included on the city's inventory of useful maps and where appropriate be communicated to the public on the city's web pages; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council regarding this request.


O-16     Apr 1, 2013
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to contact the Salvation Army and the Hope Fellowship Church and obtain information about their meal programs for the homeless, specifically the average number of individuals who access the meals program per week, number of meals served, how often, where the resources come from and the number of volunteers that service the meals program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Department of Human Services Programs take the necessary steps to laminate the Food Pantry Network Food Resource Guide; and be it further
ORDERED: That said information be forwarded to the Community Health Committee as quickly as possible.


TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Community Health and Housing Committees held a joint public meeting on Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 11:08am in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss searching for a location to provide free meals to the homeless on Sundays.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committees; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services (DHSP); Stephanie Ackert, Division Head, Planning and Development, DHSP; Susan Pacheco, Director of Client Services, Council on Aging; Janice Alger, Administration, DHSP; Marianne Colangelo, Information and Referral Coordinator, Planning and Development, DHSP; Liz Mengers, DHSP; John Andreo; and Donna P. Lopez, Interim City Clerk.

Also present were Brian Green, Pastor, Pentecostal Tabernacle Church; Christopher Hope, Minister, Pentecostal Tabernacle Church; Ross Cannon, 24 Wachusetts Street, Jamaica Plain; Mark Jaquith, Zero Garden Street Meals Program; Craig and Rebecca Waterman, 261 Forest Street; and Ada Navarro, Food for Free, 10 Laurel Street.

Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. This meeting is inspired by Christopher Hope. On Sunday there is no place for the homeless to receive a hot meal. She spoke about homeless youth and services needed. Youth on Fire did not have strong relationships with other churches and organizations.

Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, gave an overview. On Sunday a hot meal is served at the Salvation Army. Dinner is served as lunch time meal. There is no Sunday evening meal. Cambridge is fortunate for the services provided to the homeless. There is a unique set of services provided to the homeless by state, local and voluntary agencies. The business community has been supportive. The Central Square Business Association has been involved in the services for homeless; as well as the Harvard Square Business Association. Meals programs are provided by volunteers; the City does not provide funding for meals. Councillor Decker asked how many participate in Sunday lunch. Ms. Semonoff stated that this is not known. Councillor Decker stated that Christopher Hope was persistent for the City Council to pay attention to the plight of homeless. Marianne Colangelo, Information and Referral Coordinator, DHSP, informed the committee that there are 17 meals there are served at the Hope Fellowship Church. Churches do not receive federal funding.

Mr. Hope spoke about clarity of what he is requesting. Homeless people do not have a place to eat a hot meal on Sunday. There is no location for a Sunday night hot meal for the homeless. They vocalize their frustration for being homeless as well as hungry. Mr. Hope thought that the Hope Fellowship Church was located in Somerville, but was informed that it is technically located in Cambridge. Ms. Colangelo stated that she looked more closely at the guide for the homeless. Mr. Hope stated that Jed Mannis of the Outdoor Church passes out food for the Outdoor Church. He stated that it is hard for homeless to go to Porter Square. Mr. Mannis moves to Central Square. He stated that it is important to find one location for the homeless and to provide information on available services.

Councillor Decker asked how many people are homeless and can they be identified. She stated that there need to be a follow-up for this meeting. There is no reason why a place cannot be identified for a meal for the homeless. Can the City leverage a partnership with the business community to have a fold-up card that would list where meals are available? This would be worth pursuing. Ms. Semonoff stated that CEOC produces a flyer that contains information on food pantries and meals - it is a food resources guide. Councillor Decker stated that the food resource guide should be laminated. Ms. Semonoff stated that DHSP could contact the meal providers on the number of meals provided. Councillor Decker inquired if there is a church or a community space that is willing to take this on. Harvard, Central and Inman Square Business Associations donate money on a card for the homeless or food for the homeless. She stated that she will follow-up with the business associations. Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke about the success of the card donations. The cards are swiped to donate money for the homeless.

Mark Jaquith informed the committee that on Thursdays 110 meals are served at Christ Church on Garden Street with the help of 15 volunteers. Councillor Decker requested Ms. Semonoff to capture this information and the number of meals.

Mr. Hope stated that if a specific location could be found what support would be provided. Councillor Decker stated that the business community could be approached if we knew how many we are talking about on Sunday. If the location and the numbers were known then we could leverage the partnership.

Pastor Brian Green wanted to know the threshold. Pentecostal will purchase a new church at 56 Magazine Street; this decision will be made this month. On the financing to purchase the Church the bank stated that there is concern that this type of a program has on the liability insurance and this could be costly. The kitchen is not up to code. The issue may be more than coming up with the food. The challenge is renovation cost to the Church and the cost for a program that is only for 2 hours per week. Councillor Kelley commented about the concern of the infrastructure and the kitchen. He spoke about the bathroom facility need for the homeless. Councillor Decker stated that the issue of public bathrooms is under the jurisdiction of the mayor.

Councillor Decker stated that she wanted to find out the facts. She wanted the information from the Christ Church pastor about their meal program. She stated that the City Manager and the City Solicitor can be approached about this. The City cannot put money into non-profits and the City cannot fund the food pantry. The City can leverage relationships and resources. She submitted the following motion:

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Human Services to contact the Salvation Army and the Hope Fellowship Church and obtain information about their meal programs for the homeless, specifically the average number of individuals who access the meals program per week, number of meals served, how often, where the resources come from and the number of volunteers that service the meals program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Department of Human Services Programs take the necessary steps to laminate the Food Pantry Network Food Resource Guide; and be it further
ORDERED: That said information be forwarded to the Community Health Committee as quickly as possible.

The motion - Carried on a voice vote.

Councillor Decker asked Pastor Green to contact Christ Church to obtain the information on their meals program.

Mr. Craig Waterman praised Cambridge for the services that are provided to the homeless community. He is amazed by the help that Cambridge provides. He thanked Cambridge for the services offered.

Councillor Decker commented on Mr. Hope's steady resolve on this issue. He praised Pastor Brian Green for his availability when there is need. She thanked Ada Navarro who manages the food pantry. Mr. Hope thanked Councillor Decker her comments and for the City Council taking this seriously.

Councillor Decker thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50am.

For the Committee,
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair


Committee Report #2
The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee held a public meeting on Nov 27, 2012 at 5:38pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss completion of an on-street parking census; its rationale, hurdles, costs and benefits and a discussion of a comprehensive public metered spaces plan for the City of Cambridge.

Present at the meeting were Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Craig Kelley; Sue Clippinger, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Dept.; Brad Garratt, Deputy Director, Traffic, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Dept.; Savitri Khalsa; and Paula Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office.

Also present were Cambridge residents Gary Mello and Chuck Honnet.

Councillor vanBeuzekom convened the meeting and explained the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the completion of an on-street parking census; its rationale, hurdles, costs and benefits. This topic originated from Policy Order #4 of Oct 22, 2012, an order requesting consideration for an on-street parking census (Attachment A, Agenda, pages 1 & 2).

Councillor vanBeuzekom spoke of the parking census that was conducted by San Francisco. The census allowed the city to better see and understand parking patterns within its many city streets and neighborhoods. One main thing that resulted from the census was that the data from the census plus the adjustment of electronic metering rates helped the city of San Francisco proactively manage parking and reduced cars circling busier city blocks in search of available parking. One goal of the San Francisco census in conjunction with parking policy was to appropriately price parking near restaurants and business areas, allowing a higher turnover and availability of spaces for these locations. Cars that needed longer term parking would move out of the spaces adjacent to business centers allowing these businesses to thrive due to greater customer accessibility. The census also allowed the city to make planning decisions around street design, for example, where appropriate, shifting a street with parking on both sides of the street to one that has parking on only one side in order to better accommodate multiple modes of traffic, i.e. greater room for bicyclists/pedestrians.

Councillor vanBeuzekom questioned the feasibility of conducting the same type of citywide parking census in Cambridge. She stated that she wanted to explore whether having the data collected in a citywide on-street parking census would be a valuable tool for the city. She noted that she is aware that this type of census has been done in discreet areas within the city and questioned the benefit of having the entire city as a whole assessed.

Ms. Clippinger agreed that area-specific parking inventories/census have been completed within the city. For example, an on-street parking census was completed as part of the renovation of most of Brookline Street. In this project, design improvements included traffic calming, safer pedestrian crossings, addition of bicycle lanes and the addition of many more street trees. In order to improve this street, the quantity of on-street parking was maintained to meet the current demand, but all parking spaces were moved to the west side of the street.

Ms. Clippinger stated that a citywide on-street parking census can be completed but the challenge with this type of census it that the information collected does not stay accurate from year to year. Therefore, it quickly becomes obsolete. She noted that there are many parking regulations throughout the city, which change on a weekly basis due to any number of circumstances - for example, land use or construction that may be happening in a particular area. She stated that state legislation allows the city to regulate parking and that various city department's work to be as proactive as is possible. She noted that the reasons for a necessary change to the parking regulations are varied - some common adjustments are made for the addition of metered space(s), modifying loading zones, the addition of handicapped parking space(s), relocating or changing the length of a bus stop, etc.

She stated that every inch of change to the streetscape begins and ends with the regulations that govern it. She stated that keeping the use and regulation of these areas fluid is one of the things that the City of Cambridge is doing fairly well.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that parking in San Francisco has a similar fluidity to Cambridge. Ms. Clippinger stated that she has not conducted a lot of recent research relating to parking in San Francisco and she was not sure of the impetus which led to the San Francisco parking census. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that because Cambridge is a smaller city and more compact, a citywide on-street parking census may be simpler to accomplish than the census completed in San Francisco.

Ms. Clippinger noted that the largest category of on-street parking in Cambridge is resident parking. She noted that that one difficulty in conducting a census of parking spaces, is that people park closer or further apart depending on the density of the neighborhood. For example, in one neighborhood it is customary to park 2 cars along a given length, yet in another neighborhood, 3 cars will squeeze into the same length. For the purposes of a census, one can use the measure of linear feet - but in reality this unit is a little messier -- because of the configuration of driveways, loading zones, bus stops, etc. She felt a generally more reliable way to complete a census would be to count parked vehicles along a street at peak usage.

Ms. Clippinger noted that the next largest category of parking is metered spaces. Since metered spaces have a defined space -- a beginning and an end, it is easier to count these spaces. The next category of street space is the "smaller use" category which includes space allocated to handicapped parking spaces, bus stops, taxi stands, drop off areas and Zip car parking. Councillor vanBeuzekom asked how many Zip car parking spots are on city streets and Ms. Clippinger answered that there is only one on-street Zip car parking space in the city of Cambridge. Additionally, Ms. Clippinger stated that her department has been working with the Disability Commission to map handicapped parking spaces throughout the city.

Ms. Clippinger inquired of Councillor vanBeuzekom the intended goal of conducting a citywide parking census. Councillor vanBeuzekom responded that she understands that this census would take a snapshot of on-street parking. She acknowledged that this snapshot would change each year but noted that having benchmark figures that over time show changes/trends is important.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that it is important to her to make the city more pedestrian and bike friendly. She stated that by making it easier for people to walk and bike there will be an increase in walking and biking rates which will in turn show a gradual decrease in the need for parking along the main streets of the city.

As it relates to planning projects, Ms. Clippinger stated that parking inventory is often completed on a project to project basis. The inventory for the specific area includes on-street parking for the street being renovated and on-street parking on adjacent streets. She noted that when the city is planning to make any revisions to on-street parking within neighborhoods, it must work closely with the neighborhood itself.

She noted that this kind of analysis is done by city planners at a neighborhood level and at the time of the planning process. She also noted that revised street usage does not mean there will be less on-street parking spaces -- for some revised streets projects additional on-street parking was added. The needs of each neighborhood are unique. She pointed out that what makes sense in Kendall Square may not make sense in North Cambridge. She noted information from the Central Square-Kendall Square study showed that many young people are choosing -- not to own a car or are getting their driver's license later. There is great desire now for individuals to live in urban areas where services are a walking distance away.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that when city residents see the city streets as a public way, and not just a place for cars - then they have an awareness of how the streets may be used differently than they have been historically. This type of awareness and knowledge will help guide the desire to change historical usage. Ms. Clippinger agreed and noted that there have been some amazing changes over time and that the city is continually making changes to improve the use of its streets. She reminded the committee that once a new street configuration is in place, the older layout is quickly forgotten about. In the '94-'96 Central Square/Mass Avenue renovation an entire travel lane was removed. She noted that was controversial at the time, and that many were not on board with removing a travel lane, but now it is completely accepted. People are now years later asking what more can be done. "Imagine what more can be done between the years 2014 to 2024?"

Councillor vanBeuzekom noted again she likes having a way to benchmark and document change over time and for that reason she sees a benefit to having a citywide census.

Councilor Kelley stated that a citywide census made little sense to him. He noted that he is not a supporter of bike lanes. He suggested the City identify and focus on what it wants to accomplish neighborhood by neighborhood. In relation to the use of city streets and sidewalks, he is more concerned about the lack of permanent facilities for bicyclists to lock up their bikes. He'd like the city to replace the temporary bike-park corrals throughout the city with permanent bike-park corrals.

Presently, the city has not provided enough permanent locations for individuals to lock up their bicycles - as a result bikes are locked up to all sorts of structures on city sidewalks. This practice ends up clogging the pedestrian sidewalk space.

Ms. Clippinger noted that is important to articulate goals so that the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can continue to be responsive.

Councillor vanBeuzekom then moved to discuss the second topic for this meeting, a discussion about a comprehensive public metered spaces plan for the City of Cambridge. This topic originated from three Policy Orders requesting information/action relating to parking meters throughout the city and the submitted Response Letter to these policy orders from Ms. Clippinger, through the City Manager, submitted to the City Council on Nov 5, 2012. (Attachment A, Agenda, pages 1 & 3-8).

Ms. Clippinger provided information on the newly installed electronic meters presently being used throughout the city. Initially, in 2010, the city conducted a trial run for electronic single-space meters on Garden Street near the Cambridge Commons. She stated that the city learned many things from the pilot program for single-space meters that accept credit cards.

After the pilot program, the city explored the use of the LUKE brand electronic multi-space pay stations, especially at city parking lots. She noted that one of the advantages to the LUKE multi-space pay stations is that one machine can serve many spaces effectively. There is a cost-benefit when one machine is used to service 10 or more parking spaces.

Ms. Clippinger stated that the city has upgraded to the LUKE brand electronic multi-space pay station and it is now in place at the following locations.

1) Eight municipal lots.

2) Plympton St., Linden St., and Church St. (These are older narrow streets. The pay stations for these streets sit out of way of the sidewalk. This installation was completed when it was realized that meters next to each space would obstruct the flow of wheelchairs etc. The sidewalks are now ADA compliant.)

Some of these meters are "Pay-and-Display" and some are "Pay-by-Space." The pros and cons of programming the electronic meters for either of the two protocols were discussed.

Pay-and-Display machines can handle multiple spaces. The parker follows the instructions on the machine, gets a ticket with a time stamped on it, and puts it on his or her dash. The enforcement officer simply looks at the ticket and if the current time is later than the time on the ticket, writes the citation. Enforcement can be a tad more difficult than with meters as the officer has to look in each car.

Pay-by-Space machines require that you have a number posted for each parking space. When the parker leaves their car, they go to the machine, input the space number, and put in the amount of money for the time they want. These units can have all the features of the pay-and-display (accept coin, notes, cards, etc.), but they don't require parkers to return to the vehicle and drop off the ticket on the dash.

"Pay-and-Display" is used in the small Harvard Square location. In larger lots, such as the Bishop Allen lots, the "Pay-by-Space" is used. It is more efficient to the enforcement officer assessing the system.

Councillor vanBeuzekom noted that there is often a misunderstanding regarding what payment options exist with the electronic meters. Ms. Clippinger stated that the machines take quarters and credit cards but do not take bills. The bills feature was not found reliable. She noted that she likes the utilization of the credit card feature because it makes collection activities simpler for the Traffic and Parking department.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that she has looked at the Traffic and Parking regulations and some updating to the language may be needed - language appropriate for payments at the new pay stations. Ms. Clippinger stated that the information on the website should be accurate and that she would research and confirm that the information on the web is accurate.

Regarding the pilot program on Garden Street, Councillor van Beuzekom stated that Ms. Clippinger's Awaiting Report response dated Oct 23, 2012 suggests that it does not make sense for each individual meter within the city to be converted to the newer electronic meters that accept credit card payments. Councillor vanBeuzekom questioned if the city might consider converting to the new meters gradually over time.

Ms. Clippinger stated that the deployment of single-space electronic meters would be more costly than the older mechanical parking meters. Ms. Clippinger noted that in order to support the increased cost of the electronic meters that accept credit cards, a rate increase would be necessary. She noted that to date, the city has implemented the "convenience fee model" for various city departments which accept credit card payments. This system allows residents to pay with a credit card but keeps the city from incurring the extra credit card fee. The single space electronic meters used in the pilot program did not have programming that would accommodate the city's "convenience fee model" policy for credit card payments.

Councillor vanBeuzekom asked Ms. Clippinger about the North Point area and how the choices for on-street parking spaces and metered parking spaces have been decided.

Ms. Clippinger stated that many of the decisions as it relates to parking were made a long time ago. The roads in that area were under the domain of the state and only recently became Cambridge streets. Although City of Cambridge parking signs were in place, the city could not carry out enforcement on the streets until the streets were turned over to the city and accepted by the City Council to become part of the public infrastructure.

She noted that there were parking spaces signed for short-term parking in which time limit signs were put in place -- but meters were not in place. She noted that some individuals were parking in the spaces all day - therefore blocking access to short term parking at the park. Approximately one month ago, two-hour mechanical meters were installed in these parking spots. She noted that the meters are now an effective deterrent to those long-term parkers. These individuals are either choosing to pay for parking or choosing to park elsewhere. Councillor vanBeuzekom inquired if there was discussion for a pay station at that site. Ms. Clippinger stated that pay stations do not make sense for this location at this time, as the turnover in the area does not make it cost-effective. Also the area is still in transition, with several of the streets are still under construction due to the Education First construction project.

Councillor vanBeuzekom questioned if there is thought of the placement of a bike rack/corral at this site. Ms. Clippinger stated that Education First has an obligation to provide short- and long-term bike parking a part of its new construction and the city's PTDM ordinance. She noted that the city has increased its bike parking program in terms of funding commitment and staffing. Bike utilization is growing quickly and the city is attempting to keep up with this increasingly used mode of transportation.

In response to comments relating to increasing the rate of parking fees at city metered parking spaces. Those metered parking spaces specifically located in Central Square. Mr. Honnet stated that city leaders/managers might think hard about their policies around parking prices. He pointed out that it costs $2.00 for an individual choosing to use public transportation to get to Central Square and then another $2.00 to leave the square (a $4.00 total). He noted that parking in Central Square metered spaces should cost at least this much money. Otherwise it is less expensive to drive into the square and park, and the message the city delivers to residents - is to drive to the square instead of using public transportation.

Ms. Clippinger responded that her department is looking at "usage of parking spaces" and the "price for the usage of parking spaces." Ultimately, these factors can be used to encourage individuals to make different decisions regarding parking. She noted that the parking lots in Cambridge are highly used, especially at night.

Councillor vanBeuzekom inquired about the First Street Garage located near the courthouse in East Cambridge. Ms. Clippinger responded that this garage does still make money but the demand has dropped dramatically, now that Cambridge court cases are conducted in Somerville. It is very underutilized.

Councillor Kelly noted that in regards to comprehensive public metered spaces plan, a major goal around businesses is to have a system in place that encourages individuals to park, go to a business, then depart. Basically, have short-term parking near businesses that is effectively enforced. A parking system is not very effective, if an individual parks long-term in a short-term space. He asked how well our present system works if individuals are choosing to stay put in a spot by feeding the meter all day long.

Ms. Clippinger noted that vehicles which over stay their time in a parking space are tagged. With the new electronic meters, the city can better control parking spaces by preventing individuals staying put in the same space repeatedly.

Councillor Kelley sought clarity regarding some of the data provided in the Response Letter about parking that Ms. Clippinger, submitted to the City Council. He felt that the comparison of costs for newer electronic meters versus older mechanical meters was not clear and that multiple variables were not appropriately calculated. He suggested a better comparison can be made, and that the comparison provided in the report needed revision in order for anyone to be able to compare costs of one system over another.

Councillor Kelley noted that the report says the cost of single-space electronic meters is $365/meter/year. He inquired if this cost includes the variables "staff time for collection" and "maintenance of the machines." Ms. Clippinger said no, it did not. She noted that the $365 figure includes credit card fees, communication fees, server cost and back end processing fees that are associated with the server providing information such as about frequency of use, average transaction, how many people have used the meter, etc. Councillor Kelley stated that for these reasons alone, it is difficult to decide if single-space electronic meters should be rolled out city-wide. Factors that are unknown to this process such as "staff time" involved need to be calculated for both systems.

Councillor Kelley stated that, in his opinion, the personnel costs to manage and collect fees from the older mechanical meters must be higher than intimated in the report.

Ms. Clippinger stated that - ultimately it is difficult to provide a quick easy comparison of costs.

Personnel costs and operational needs are different from one type of meter to the other. The newer electronic meters require personnel that understand the electronic software data collection end of the system as opposed to an individual who simply changes batteries/springs. Additionally, collection costs are shifting. The city is changing how often it has to make collections. Ms. Clippinger stated that the other issues notwithstanding, the credit card fees for single-space or multi-spaces are significant. To justify that significant increase in cost there would have to be an increase in revenue.

She noted that the city is looking at the option of a pay-by-phone system. Ms. Clippinger stated that it is inexpensive to provide this option and the end user pays the credit card fee rather than the city.

Councillor Kelley asked Ms. Clippinger if her department had the ability to pay for the new meters with her current budget. Ms. Clippinger stated that the pay-by-phone system could be absorbed within her current budget and noted that she is in the process of meeting with various vendors to find out more information regarding this option, in order to make a recommendation to the City Manager. Ms. Clippinger stated that the electronic meter technology used in the city to date, has not been set up to pass the credit card fees onto the user. Most cities solution to this challenge is to simply choose to raise parking rates to cover this increased cost.

Councillor Kelley stated his wish that the numbers in this report were more comprehensive. He would like to have a better cost comparison. Councillor vanBeuzekom suggested that in the future it would be helpful to have the numbers contained in a table format to aid in comparison analysis as well.

In relation to increased parking rates, Mr. Honnet stated that he recently used a credit card pay station and noted that he is accustomed to paying for the convenience of paying by credit card. He noted that the credit card payment option and the pay-by-phone systems are very convenient. He noted that the slightly higher cost is a tradeoff he would gladly make for convenience sake.

Councillor Kelley inquired as to what happened to the electronic meters that were used in the pilot program. Ms. Clippinger stated that the pilot program lasted a full year and much was learned but at that time, the city was not prepared to purchase the electronic meters, so they were returned.

Councillor vanBeuzekom then asked about businesses that do not have their own parking spaces and must use city lots or metered spaces for their employees. She questioned how this situation is taken into account when the city plans around metered parking spaces. She noted for example, with the new H Mart coming to Central Square. She asked what the thinking is as it relates to parking for customers of this business.

Ms. Clippinger noted that there is a private parking lot on the other side of that building that can serve the employees who need parking. Ms. Clippinger stated that H Mart has been asked what they believe their customer peak times will be. They have some smaller stores, similar to that of Central Square, that are comparable. They are adjacent to a large public parking lot (Lot 5) which patrons will be using. She hopes that there will not be a huge regional draw. They are looking at gathering information so they can have a better understanding of demand.

Councillor Kelley stated that in the past, the stretch of North Massachusetts Avenue particularly in front of St. John's Church, was to be reviewed as it relates to on-street metered parking, He noted that businesses on the other side of the street have often expressed concern. He questioned the status of this review. Ms. Clippinger stated that she has looked at the St. John's parking and she is awaiting answers. She stated that a formal response will be forthcoming.

Mr. Mello has a systems question. He asked how many residential parking permits were issued in 2012. Ms. Clippinger stated approximately 30,000. Ms. Clippinger stated that one goal in the budget book notes both yearly numbers and renewal numbers. Mr. Mello stated that the yearly number is useful. He inquired what criteria is used by the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department - such that he became eligible to receive notification that he be allowed to renew his resident permit online.

Ms. Clippinger answered that there is are certain criteria that must be met to be allowed to apply for resident permits on-line such as living at the same address for three years, owning the same car for three or more years, and not having any outstanding parking tickets. She noted that the challenge is having a way to confirm residency. Mr. Mello suggested that rather than mailing the notification, parking permits should be issued and mailed at no charge to residents.

Councillor vanBeuzekom thanked all attendees for their participation.

The meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Minka vanBeuzekom, Chair


Committee Report #3
The Government Operations and Rules Committee, comprised of the entire membership for the selection process for a City Manager, held a public meeting on Fri, Nov 16, 2012 beginning at 9:18am in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to continue discussions as it relative to the City Council's desire for a visioning/search process for the City Manager.

Present at the meeting were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the committee; Vice Mayor E. Denise Simmons; Mayor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Decker; Councillor vanBeuzekom; Councillor Cheung; Councillor Reeves; Councillor Toomey; Robert W. Healy, City Manager; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; Paula M. Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office; and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street; Terry Smith, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; and Robert Winters, 366 Broadway.

Councillor Maher stated that the meeting is being recorded by audio and visual devices.

Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. The suggestion has been made and agreed upon that all future meetings will be televised in the future and that two additional meetings have been scheduled for Dec 5th and Dec 19th. These meetings will be televised and video streamed. He stated that an attempt was made to schedule the meeting in the evening but the evenings for the next two weeks are booked because of the holiday. Rather than delay the meeting it was scheduled for this date in the daytime.

Councillor Maher asked Mr. Healy to provide an update of the information that will be placed on the website, including the effort to create easy links. A draft web page has been distributed to the City Council (ATTACHMENT A). This site is not live. Mr. Healy stated that he held a meeting to work on the website concept. The gray carousel rotates important events. The carousel highlights items of short duration. Below the gray is the site for the City Manager's retirement and community visioning process which will link all the information to the City Council page because this is a City Council process. It has an introductory paragraph and will contain the Committee Reports when the site goes live. There is still graphics that need to be done on significant milestones and update. When City Council determines the process there will be much more additional info and proposed time lines and proposed information. This web page will be constantly updated. The first page will be main page. The second page will be the City Council page with a link to the third page is the City Council page where the information on the visioning process will appear. All the Committee Reports on this topic will be in one central location for the public to view. This is the concept thus far.

Councillor Maher asked that if the committee approves the concept when this could be site be live. Mr. Healy responded that it could be live next week.

Councillor vanBeuzekom asked who would update the information. Mr. Healy stated that this will be a joint venture between the City Clerk, the City Manager's Office and the City Council. All the above entities will be involved in the content management of the site. Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that this is a good first step. She stated that it is difficult to know where to put the orange bar on the website because the page is so full. Mr. Healy stated that this is purely a graphic issue, but it is to let the public know that this is an important issue and for the public to be able to access the information.

Vice Mayor Simmons stated that this should be done as soon as possible as well as the possibility of meeting dates on this matter are listed going into next year. She stated that evening meetings are important and as soon as dates can be obtained, people can mark their calendars to attend.

Mayor Davis favored a designated day for all future meetings. She felt the orange bar needed to be more visible. She would be happy to add this as a link to the Mayor's page. She is concerned with the terminology "significant milestones and updates". She felt updates is enough. Mr. Healy stated the graphic on the front page will be made more distinctive. He further stated that that he will do whatever the City Council wants on the web site. Mayor Davis suggested that this information be on the City Calendar events page.

Councillor Decker stated that maybe a subcommittee should be appointed to develop the web site. She would rather go to work on the process of the selection of the city manager.

Councillor Maher stated that the City Manager and he have spoken to potential consultants. It has been stated by the consultants that there would be a significant portion of their work spent educating the public and adding information on web sites and message boards.

Councillor Maher requested additional comments be given to him or to Mr. Healy.

Councillor Reeves stated that a once a month meeting is not aggressive enough. The committee should consider weekly meetings. Councillor Maher again announced the dates of the two meetings that have been scheduled. Councillor Reeves expressed his concern and importance about the pace of the process. The schedule should be more aggressive going forward. Frequent meetings allow all to maintain the pace with the process. He commented on the communication sent by Councillor Kelley who felt that in seven months there has been no progress. (ATTACHMENT B).

No other comments were made about the web site.

Councillor Maher spoke about developing an outline of scope of services of what the City Council will be looking for. He asked Mr. Healy to walk through how this would be explained. Mr. Healy stated that there needs to be direction or decisions made on the project description. He and Councillor Maher have worked on a document entitled Project Description as if viewed by a consultant (ATTACHMENT C). The scope of services or the work plan came from discussions heard in committee meetings. The objective of the project is to solicit opinions from various and diverse constituencies in Cambridge in assisting the City Council in a consensus based creation of a community vision for the future. The report will also be utilized to assist the City Council as a starting point in the selection of a new City Manager. He read the initial steps from the document. Implementation would be one on one interview with the City Council. Next town hall meeting will be held. Focus group meetings will be held to accomplish a variety of input from around the community. This is the scope as he sees it. The basic decision is GSA strategic planning is only avail for IT. The state has contracts with vendors that do strategic planning can do visioning. If City Council moves forward a firm could be under contract by January. The first phase would be interviewing the City Council to lay out a schedule for the community meetings, with whom and where. The city is broken up in 13 neighborhoods and this is one set of constituency. Then a comprehensive work plan would be developed and begin in March and work through summer and have a draft report for the City Council in August. The process is driven by the time the City Council takes reviewing what is evolving out of the report. Consultant will produce report, but City Council has to decide if there is a consensus on the report. It would be a good plan to have a firm in place from the State contract in January and by the end of this Council term there would be adoption of the plan. The work plan would be developed in October. The City Council would have two months to deliberate on the report or gather more input. From a draft document a final draft document could be developed. His role is to execute a contract and to oversee the vendors work. The time that the City Council wants to spend on discussion and deliberation at the end of the process the City Council needs to adopt the report/work plan. The beginning piece would be the City Council meeting individually with the consultant in January to develop the scope of services.

Councillor Maher stated that for him it is important to develop today which path to take. For a public bid there are two ways to do this process. Either an Invitation to Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP). A guideline would be sent out to vendors. The City Council needs to develop the guidelines. As part of the public process the City Council is not allowed to engage with the potential consultants. If a vendor is taken off the State Vendor List immediately the chosen consultant would start to work with the City Council prior to the development of the scope of services. The City Council input would help shape the process. It is his recommendation that the City Council go the route of the State Contract. This route would expedite the process by 2-3 months because of the bid process and it would help the City Council to shape the process.

Vice Mayor Simmons asked about the RFP process. Councillor Maher stated that the City Council could work with Purchasing Agent and an RFP would be developed and an Invitation to Bid would be sent to consultants. It is a closed bid process and the low bidder would be selected unless there was a significant reason not to select the low bidder. The City Council would have no selection authority in the process. The City Council would not be involved in this process as it is a closed bid process. Mr. Healy stated that the scope of services and quality requirements must be specific. There is a need to lay out specific requirements. A level of details must be developed by City Council in advance of the process. The invitation to bid already has pre-qualified consultants, both through the GSA and the State contract. It is important to move forward. If the IFB is selected the Chair of the Committee, the Purchasing Agent and the City Manager have to work together to develop the scope of services and lay out the quality requirements. The City Council cannot change these specifics. This could be done internally in 2-3 weeks. If IFB is selected it would take 2-3 months as opposed to selecting from the State Vendor List.

Councillor vanBeuzekom asked if the list of state vendors for strategic planners is available to the City Council. Mr. Healy stated that the vendor list can be provided. He has requested the list and reduced it 6 to 3 vendors. Councillor vanBeuzekom wanted to move quickly. She does not like waiting 3 months.

Councillor Reeves asked what triggers RFP process. There have been consultants hired previously to work with the City Council. Mr. Healy responded that the goal setting exercises was classified as training and training and is exempt from the 30B bid law. This is not training. Councillor Maher asked about process used in hiring Goody Clancy. Mr. Healy stated that this is a different statute; this is a design review selection process, which would result in a company to submit proposals to be selected as a designer. This is a totally different process. The difference between an RFP and IFB is none. IFB when done correctly the scope of services will be defined and the quality requirements are well defined. This is the same for an RFP. In the IFB price does matter. The bids go out and are sealed. Councillor Reeves asked why was this set of requirements not used in the Superintendent of Schools selection process. Mr. Healy stated that the Superintendent of Schools position was bid. Councillor Reeves asked about the range of costs on this matter. Mr. Healy stated that work plan of consultation will be extensive for 6-9 months and will be extensive. He stated that he hopes it will be less than $100,000 but warned that it could range from $100,000-$175,000. Any executive search firm can say they can do visioning process however; this is not the community engagement process. There are no executive search firms that are on the strategic planning component of the state contract. If the City Council is going to keep two distinct processes he feels there is a need for two different consultants. Councillor Reeves asked if the NLC has any information on city manager searches. Councillor Maher stated that the Mayor Davis had information, but it is on the visioning rather than the search process. Councillor Maher stated that visioning and search are two different paths. We have talking about an in depth visioning; that the City is at a crossroads. There has been financial stability in the City. How is public engaged and where does the City Council want to go are the big questions. This is where the visioning idea comes in. He spoke about two consultant firms that he has interviewed; one firm was on GSA list, the other was a new firm, is a nationwide known firm that is located in Cambridge. The firms major focus is environmental and economic impacts. This is about creating the right model for our City, but this would happen after a one on one interview with the City Council. Councillor Reeves this is an elaborate process and he does not understand this. There has not been community engagement with 350 people since he has been here. He does not think we will ever have this large community engagement. Huge pay back from outreach how will this be worth it.

Mayor Davis spoke about her disappointment in the prior community engagement processes on the democratic governors committee at NLC. She likes the idea of focus group and outreach and there are groups that are intentionally chosen. This will be different from the usually suspects. People need to feel welcome. This process should bring the community together and that there is a common vision coming forward. We could use help bringing different views together. She likes the idea of getting going on the process. Community wants to see movement on this.

Councillor Maher asked the City Council to give indication to go forward with the state list. The Dec 5th meeting will have top firms come to meet the City Council.

Mayor Davis favored the state vendor, which is both GSA and State approved.

Vice Mayor Simmons asked if the state vendor would go through process. Councillor Maher stated that the state vendor would do the visioning process and then a draft report would be presented to the City Council. The City Council will deliberate over the draft report, make refinements and then adopt recommendations. Then a separate search process will be done. Mr. Healy stated that IFP for a search firm is simpler to craft and can be bid in a shorter amount of time than a visioning firm. Search process is less time consuming than visioning. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she favored a process that gets us through the entire process. She felt the state process on the visioning process will not be faster. Councillor Maher stated that the visioning and search are two different expertises. There are two separate functions. Search firms cannot do visioning. Vice Mayor Simmons stated that she wants to go to the search process and will get vision.

Councillor Cheung stated that he wants to do more faster. He is supportive of getting started in the process, GSA and state vendor. He felt it is a lot of money for an unsure outcome. He would like to know who firm is. He spoke about the issue of the process being compromised if there may be relationships with the firm and the City Council. Councillor Maher stated that he asked the firm if any of its principals had a relationship with the City Council and he was informed there was no relationship. Prior to moving forward this question will be asked of all the principals in the firm. Councillor Cheung asked why money should be spent if five votes are required to hire. What is goal - to come up with skill sets or criteria for the City Manager? He spoke about the potential candidates. He wants to use the process to have a positive outcome on the decision process.

Councillor Decker stated that she wanted Councillor Maher to have a clear understanding to move forward. She feels both the community visioning process and a search firm process are needed. She thinks it is important to bring community together. She spoke about the process to get more people engaged and the methods used to get the public involved. Most people in the city have an opinion. The timeline is important. The election coming up may even delay this process. We have a process that lays out a blueprint to move forward. A strong foundation is needed. We need to have an intensive the process and plan deadlines. The deadline will drive the process.

Councillor Maher thanked Mr. Healy and Cynthia Griffin, Purchasing agent for gathering information on the firms. Community engagement has been a big part of the discussion. Both firms focused on engagement and doing everything possible to do outreach. There is a random selection process for community engagement. Food is an enticement to get community engagement. Focus groups are 6-8 people to need to make people feel comfortable.

Councillor Decker stated that the budgetary aspect in this process must be about community engagement and must include food, child care and translation services and technology. She stated that the non-profits need to be involved. She would like an interactive website. What are ways people feel connected and empowered to city government needs to be part of the blueprint? People want to know that their input is valued.

Councillor Cheung stated that there are two separate firms and two separate processes. Can the two processes be done parallel? Councillor Maher stated that the City Council determined that the visioning process would be used as a tool in the ultimate selection of a new City Manager. Councillor Cheung asked can the work still be done parallel with the search firm. Visioning firm can go out and do the search. Councillor Maher stated that this is overly ambitious. To take on both processes is a mistake.

Vice Mayor Simmons stated that the process is slow. She asked why the visioning could not be done first and then the search. This can take too long. All are committed to community engagement - she wanted Councillor Maher to speed up the process.

Councillor Maher stated that the City Council needs to provide direction. We need to go with the state list and go forward. He will lay out a timeline.

Vice Mayor Simmons stated that if it is the will of the City Council to do the visioning she will support the state list. It is important to have a timeline. She wants to speed up the hiring process. The City Council needs to move this process in a correct but swift fashion. She wants to see timelines on the calendar - she wanted to move forward faster and wanted to move forward to hire a search firm.

Councillor Reeves stated that he is hopeful to reach community. There may be new City Councillors who did not have any input into the process. Experience does count in here. This is not a process he would choose. He would do training and civic engagement and engage a search firm. He is perplexed with process.

Councillor vanBeuzekom stated that the selection of search firm cannot be drafted at the same time as visioning, but it could be started before visioning is done. She sees no reason to wait until August to start the RFP process.

Councillor Maher opened the meeting to public comment.

Robert Winters, 366 Broadway. He is not sold on visioning process. He would be happy with Councillor Maher and Mayor Davis with a facilitator and invite all leaders of the city and invite any person who has served on board, parent group and use electronic input. He suggested that such a process will take place in January-March. Then bring in an executive search firm. Make a decision in May or June.

Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, stated that the City Council should get best project manager to help manage this process. The scope of work, timeline and resources are being determined. A project manager will be forced to make the hard decisions. He urged the City Council to get assistance for project management; it is not a strength the City Council possesses. He spoke about civic engagement. He spoke about the negative processes. The community is not represented. He spoke about restructuring the neighborhood groups. The City Council needs to commit to the report. He asked can the City Council step up to the challenges raised in the visioning process. The "new Cambridge" needs to be consulted. Councillor Maher agreed and stated that a project manager would be an essential part of the process.

Terry Smith, Director of Government Affairs, Chamber of Commerce, stated that his members have asked about the process. There is view that the City is well run; the population is happy based on citizen survey and election of City Council. His members hope that the next City Manager will be fiscally capable. He hopes that the City Council would move forward.

A communication was received from John G. Wofford, 13 Cottage Street, requesting the City Council to rethink having a comprehensive visioning process before the search for the City Manager begins (ATTACHMENT D).

Councillor Maher summed up the web site is fine to go forward and get additional comments to City Manager by Monday. The City Manager asked that he be given until the Monday after the holiday for the site to go live. The State list is the way to proceed rather than the bid process. The Number One firm will be present at the Dec 5th Government Operations and Rules Committee meeting. The firm will present an overview because the process will be developed after the interview with the City Council. A timeline will be developed for the visioning and search process with the search process going through an IFB segment.

Councillor Maher thanked all present for their attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:51am.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair


AWAITING REPORT LIST
12-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps the City will take to help the general public keep track of awaiting maintenance issues on things like park equipment, graffiti, sidewalks, etc.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/13/12 (O-4)

12-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the no left turn on the Cambridge Common and to remove the bicycle prohibition on certain streets, such as Whittemore Avenue. Referred back for additional information on 3/5/2012.
Councillor Kelley 02/13/12 (O-17)

12-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improper leases and rental of owned affordable housing units. Reconsideration filed by Councillor Toomey on 6/11/2012. Report referred back to City Manager for more information on motion of Councillor Toomey on 6/18/12.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/19/12 (O-3)

12-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of finding additional office space for the City Council.
Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 04/23/12 (O-5)

12-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on current status of the Inlet Bridge and what steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/21/12 (O-1)

12-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of converting the vacant lots at the corner of Watson and Brookline Streets and at 35 Cherry Street to community gardens or open space.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 06/04/12 (O-10)

12-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on expanding the number of Cambridge parks/playing fields with public toilets. Referred back to the City Manager on 6/18/12 on motion of Councillor Kelley.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-5)

12-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with No. Mass Avenue neighbors, businesses and neighborhood groups about whether additional alterations to the median strip would be appropriate.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/11/12 (O-9)

12-87. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential uses of the Foundry Building.
Councillor Toomey 06/04/12 (O-19)

12-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the installation of lower and decorative lighting along Cardinal Medeiros Avenue.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-6)

12-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on data requested on the Andrews Petition during an Ordinance Committee hearing last term that has not yet been received.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 07/30/12 (O-34)

12-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on answering questions regarding the Foundry Building in order to move the community process forward.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Toomey 07/30/12 (O-35)

12-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on facilitating affordable housing opportunities for middle class families.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-13)

12-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the number of Cambridge residents that are working as part of organized labor on development projects along with the percentage of minority and women members and what sort of communication takes place with the Rindge School of Technical Arts and local Unions.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-14)

12-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying and participating in the Cities of Services program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-19)

12-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what strategies other cities have used to dissuade land-banking.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/10/12 (O-21)

12-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making accommodations for voters when elevators are not working or there are other barriers at polling locations on election days. Referred back for additional information by Councillor Decker on 10/22/2012. Further report provided and referred back by Councillor Decker on 11/5/2012.
Councillor Decker, Mayor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 09/24/12 (O-6)

12-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of creating a municipal exterminator and/or contracting exterminators to help eradicate rodent problems in the City.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 10/01/12 (O-3)

12-123. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on suggestions to control the rodent population.
Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/22/12 (O-3)

12-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of finding additional secure locations for the disposal of prescription drugs.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-4)

12-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on feasibility of installing recycling bins adjacent to trash bins.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-5)

12-126. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of ensuring all city sponsored committee hearings (such as the E-gov committee) are available online.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 11/05/12 (O-6)

12-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a pilot program for installing mini exercise stations on major walking routes throughout the City.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-1)

12-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installation of additional public drinking fountains working in conjunction with the Arts Council on interesting designs.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 11/19/12 (O-2)

12-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing a process to promote universal design and visitability in all Cambridge Public buildings.
Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-3)

12-132. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating permanent bathroom facilities at the Cambridge Common; conduct a study for permanent bathroom facilities in all public squares; and provide a list of all locations where portable bathroom facilities are currently used.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Simmons 11/19/12 (O-8)

12-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to amendment the Municipal code banning polystyrene-based disposable food containers.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-10)

12-135. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on preparing an ordinance regulating procedures that organizations would have to follow in the event of a concussion.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-13)

12-136. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan of action to reinforce and secure restaurant bins in a way that separates food waste for composting.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-14)

12-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on an analysis of the entire past election of wait times and strategies for what would be necessary to reduce wait times to less than 10 minutes and on making information available on wait times at polling locations throughout the day. Referred back for more information by Councillor Decker on 12/17/2012.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 11/19/12 (O-16)

12-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on special permit process pursuant to MGL 40A as it relates to the impact of re-filing a zoning petition on pending special permits for special permits that have been granted.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 11/19/12 (O-9)

12-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on convening a task force to look into the creation of providing permanent public restrooms at high volume locations such as public parks and squares.
Mayor Davis 12/10/12 (O-16)

12-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a reduced small business parking rate for local business owners at city garages.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-1)

12-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to ban tandem tractor-trailers from entering the city with a view in mind of requiring large freight vehicles of a certain size to transfer freight to a smaller vehile before entering the city.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 12/17/12 (O-4)

12-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the sale of the Sullivan Courthouse including what zoning changes will be needed and reasons for Leggat McCall being chosen as the developer.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-9)

12-156. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on preparing language to create a Pathway Overlay District.
Councillor Toomey 12/17/12 (O-12)

12-157. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the cost, user price, and payback period if Cambridge were to build its own broadband network
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/04/12 (O-8)

13-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of a gun buy-back program.
Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/14/13 (O-5)

13-04. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's plans for the property located at 205 Western Avenue.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-6)

13-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on improving logistical challenges of deliveries and trash removal to and from businesses as they related to adjacent residents.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 01/14/13 (O-11)

13-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of participating in the Code for America Peer Network.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 01/28/13 (O-6)

13-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meeting with NSTAR officials to establish a firm timeline for maintenance and replacement plans for the transformers and electrical systems that serve the city to ensure that local businesses and residential communities are fully serviced.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 02/11/13 (O-5)

13-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing mobile applications related to snow removal and operations information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-2)

13-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of voluntary participation of landlords and management companies of multifamily units to provide current and new tenants with a Voter Registration Form.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 02/25/13 (O-3)

13-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on refining procedures to uphold existing ordinances that prohibit the reservation of cleared on-street parking spaces by placing objects in the spots.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-4)

13-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of providing a service in which residents are able to look up their voter registration status online.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-5)

13-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of including voter registration forms in the annual census mailing.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-6)

13-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why the Green Room Experience was denied its request to host a dance for CRLS teens at a youth center.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-10)

13-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on assessing the feasibility of necessity of utilizing the services provided by the Springfield Data Center and MassGIS's Oliver mapping tool.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-11)

13-25. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on the details of the lawsuit with Idenix Pharmaceutical and on revising the noise ordinance.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 02/25/13 (O-14)

13-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on applying for the Code for America Fellowship Program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-1)

13-29. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #2
RE: report on the feasibility of not allowing residents of new buildings to obtain on-street resident parking stickers.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/04/13 (O-4)

13-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a system for informing the public of the status of maintenance and repair issues for things such as park equipment, graffiti, sidewalk hazards, and so forth, potentially including iReport.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-5)

13-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the city could manage its street snow clearance issues without dumping snow back on crosswalks and driveways.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/04/13 (O-6)

13-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what flooding, drainage, sightline, maintenance and traffic flow issues exist at Linear Park and who is responsible for addressing them.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-7)

13-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of adding a RSS feed options to all of the City's websites.
Councillor vanBeuzekom and Full Membership 03/04/13 (O-8)

13-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current investigate of the murder of Charlene Holmes.
Vice Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/18/13 (O-1)

13-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans to publicize the upcoming special election.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-5)

13-36. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #1
RE: report on expanding the Cambridge Science Festival banner advertising program up Main Street to Kendall Square.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Toomey & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-6)

13-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing fiber-optic conduits when doing sewer reconstruction.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor vanBeuzekom, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor Toomey 03/18/13 (O-7)

13-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on measures Cambridge can take to prevent the transport of ethanol.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves & Councillor vanBeuzekom 03/18/13 (O-8)