Cambridge City Council meeting – September 20, 2004 –  AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a Constable Without Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2004: Aaron Maggio, 9 Elizabeth Road, Stoneham, MA 02180

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Summer Food Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Massachusetts Department of Education for $240,096 to the Grant Fund Human Service Salary and Wages account ($29,814) and the Grant Fund Human Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($210,282) to provide funds for nutritious meals to Cambridge children and youth at 30 sites throughout the City, during the summer months when schools are closed.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a request for a supplemental appropriation of a Supportive Housing grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $102,380 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($2,437) and to Grant Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($99,943) to provide funds for supportive services, apartment leasing opportunities, outreach and legal services to homeless persons in Cambridge.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-76, regarding a report on Inman Square Improvements, particularly those outlined in a letter from Inman Square Businesses.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Council Order Number 46, dated August 2, 2004, regarding the Living Wage Ordinance.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 04-42, regarding a report on information on parking passes and permits issued by the Traffic Department.

ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 03-137 of December 22, 2003, regarding a report on the number of investment managers for the pension fund with the list to reflect the number of women-owned and minority-owned investment managers.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, regarding additional ordinance changes required to implement fee amendments adopted by the City Council to increase certain fees in the City Clerk's Office. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after September 27, 2004.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow an additional $800,000 to supplement the $2,300,000 previously authorized and appropriated to fund the surface enhancement phase of the Porter Square Improvement Project. The question comes on adoption on or after September 27, 2004.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Unione Nails, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 99 Mount Auburn Street.

2. An application was received from Shilla Restaurant, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign at the premises numbered 57 JFK Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Roy Bercaw, regarding dangerous psychiatric drugs.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Sheriff James V. DiPaola on his recent victory in the primary election for Middlesex County Sheriff.   Vice Mayor Decker

2. Congratulations to Sheriff Andrea Cabral on her recent victory in the primary election for Suffolk County Sheriff and for being the first female for the Commonwealth.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Reeves

3. Congratulations to Marty Walz on her recent victory in the primary election for State Representative in the 8th Suffolk District.   Mayor Sullivan, Vice Mayor Decker

4. Congratulations to State Representative Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. on being reelected to the Massachusetts General Court in the primary election.   Vice Mayor Decker, Councillor Reeves

5. Congratulations to Lisë Stern on her new book, How to Keep Kosher, and urging Cantabrigians to be cognizant of the talk, demonstration and book signing event at Temple Beth Shalom, 8 Tremont Street, on Sunday, September 26, 2004, 3:00pm to 4:30pm.   Councillor Davis

6. Congratulations to Dr. Allen Counter on the occasion of his appointment as Honorary Consul General of Sweden in Boston and New England.   Mayor Sullivan

7. Welcome to Ambassador Jan Eliasson upon his visit to the Cambridge.   Mayor Sullivan

8. Resolution on the death of Pasquale T. Pilleri.   Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Toomey

9. Congratulating Mrs. Suzanne Revaleon Green on being the first recipient of the Margaret Fuller Lifetime Achievement Award at the 17th Annual YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

10. Congratulations to Lindsay Hyde on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

11. Congratulations to Dr. Carolyn Turk on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

12. Congratulations to Ulrike Welsch on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

13. Congratulations to Margaret Keady on receiving the Ruth Barron Award at the Cambridge YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

14. Congratulations to Jessica Budnitz on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

15. Congratulations to Karen Holmes on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

16. Congratulations to Patricia Powell on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

17. Congratulations to Ann Sanders on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

18. Congratulations to Marta Rosa on being recognized by the Cambridge YWCA as a 2004 Outstanding Woman at its 17th Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 30, 2004.   Councillor Simmons

19. Congratulations to Lisa Peterson and the staff of the Department of Public Works for the plantings done throughout the City of Cambridge Spring/Summer of 2004.   Councillor Reeves

20. Happy 75th Birthday wishes to Louise Harris.   Councillor Reeves

21. Congratulations to the New Cambridge Street Store Heavys, a cap and novelty store.   Councillor Reeves

22. Welcoming to the new Massachusetts Avenue store, Bo Concepts, to Cambridge.   Councillor Reeves

23. Congratulations to the Reverend Leroy Attles and the St. Paul A.M.E. congregation on the celebration of the 27th Anniversary of Reverend Attles as Pastor of the St. Paul A.M.E.   Councillor Reeves

35. Thanks to the Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur for the nearly 100 years of service to the Blessed Sacrament School and Parish.   Mayor Sullivan

36. The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) will hold its 5th Annual Networking Forum "Paradigms for Peacemaking" at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in Boston and the week of October 17-23, 2004 declared as Collaborative Practice Week in Cambridge.   Councillor Davis

37. Urging state and federal leaders to work with city leaders in the coming year to develop programs and policies that maximize access to affordable housing, strengthen public education, create opportunities to develop marketable job skills, and build inclusive communities.   Mayor Sullivan

38. Congratulations to Anthony and Tricia Tuccinardi on the birth of their new son.   Councillor Maher

39. Appreciation extended to Ron Baldassaro for his response to an injured baby squirrel picked up by the Animal Rescue League.   Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. The City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take immediate steps to address the safety issues for the intersection of Harvard and Dana Streets.   Councillor Reeves

2. City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of raising the Green Street Garage and replacing it with a multi-story building with dwelling units on top, parking and street level retail below.   Councillor Reeves

3. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to contact the owners of the Man Ray night club to determine if the City can in any way assist in finding a suitable place to relocate this club.   Councillor Reeves

4. Support for repeal and revocation of a building permit issued at 1979 Massachusetts Avenue on the corner of Beech Street and the City Manager is asked for a summary on all actions taken by City Departments, Boards and Commissions at this site.   Councillor Galluccio, Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan

5. The City Manager is requested to provide additional financial resources if necessary, to provide training to Public Works and Police personnel to ensure that there are trained personnel on weekends for assistance and/or animal removal.   Councillor Toomey, Mayor Sullivan

6. That the attached petition from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities be granted permission for a banner to be hung across Massachusetts Avenue in the area of Temple Street, honoring the Commission’s 25th Anniversary, pending approval by appropriate City Departments.   Mayor Sullivan

7. The Mayor is requested to report to the City Council regarding concerns of a shortage of guidance counselors at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.   Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

8. The City Manager is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install a sign that reads "Do Not Block Intersection" at the corner of Fayette and Cambridge Streets due to the number of medical vehicles entering from that intersection.   Councillor Maher, Mayor Sullivan

9. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to report back to the City Council within two weeks on the number of automobiles that have been vandalized near Granville Road.   Councillor Maher, Councillor Galluccio, Mayor Sullivan

10. The City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to report on the shooting on Athens Street on Saturday evening, September 18, 2004 and that a community meeting be held with member of Kerry Corner and other members of the area to discuss the report.   Councillor Murphy, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

11. The City Manager is requested to report on the circumstances relating to the shootings in the Riverside Neighborhood and what steps are being taken to prevent other violent incidents.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Sullivan, Councillor Davis

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 21
10:00am   The Economic Development, Training and Employment Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive a major debriefing on the success and areas of improvement on the events held during the month of July in the City, to determine whether the work of this committee should continue with an eye toward Mac World 2005 and to answer questions on how to institutionalize the City's future Destination Cambridge abilities.  (Sullivan Chamber)
11:00am   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on the Police Station and to discuss discouraging skateboarding at CRLS and the library and ensuring that the redesign of the library discourages skateboarding.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, Sept 22
9:00am   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussing plans for the Senior Town Meeting to be held Oct 2, 2004.  (Sullivan Chamber)
4:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on zoning amendments to accompany the Tree Protection Ordinance. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Sept 23
9:00am   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss a process and timeline for the City Council to review its goals, including the process and timeline for a survey of citizen opinion.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Sept 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 28
1:00pm   The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss benches, bus stops, snow removal plan, policies and procedures to clear snow and maintenance of public handicapped parking spaces.  (Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Ballroom)

Thurs, Sept 30
9:00am   The Cable TV, Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public meeting to receive an update on the status of the senior discount, the new Media Arts studio, the quality of customer service provided by NSTAR and any other business that may properly come before the committee.  (Ackermann Room)

Saturday, Oct 2
9:00am   Senior Town Meeting - sponsored by the Human Services Committee. NOTE: Registration is required to participate. Please contact the Council on Aging at (617) 349-6055 to register in advance.  (Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue)

Mon, Oct 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 5
10:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss adult obesity.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 6
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to continue discussion of the condition of the state owned units of the Cambridge Housing Authority, with the view of establishing a subcommittee to further explore possible solutions.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Oct 18
5:00pm   Special presentation to celebrate and welcome the Collaborative Law Professionals.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm   The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 20
2:00pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #8 of May 10 regarding establishing criteria for naming squares and Order #15 of June 14 regarding the development of a GIS format for displaying online all of the Cambridge Squares that have been named for people.  (Ackermann Room)
3:00pm   The Government Operations and Rules Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss City Council Order #14 of August 2 regarding the purview of City Council Committees and their role in policy development.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Oct 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, Dec 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: The intersection at Harvard and Dana Street continues to be the site of numerous collisions and near misses; and
WHEREAS: Despite several council orders over the years this intersection remains precisely the same without better signage, lighting or other useful preventative measures; and
WHEREAS: Recently a bad collision at the intersection occurred causing damage to a car and injury; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to take immediate steps to address the safety issues for the intersection of Harvard and Dana Streets.

O-2     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Understanding that affordable housing is a real priority in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Understanding that Cambridge has more million dollar houses than any other city in the United States; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of raising the Green Street Garage and replacing it with a multi-story building with dwelling units on top, parking and street level retail below; said new structure could incorporate the Central Square library or not. Also there need be no reduction in the number of parking spaces.

O-3     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: Much of the allure and draw of Central Square is because of the active music/club scene; and
WHEREAS: Many emerging industries locate here because of the vibe of Central Square; and
WHEREAS: Man Ray is a hip Cambridge destination that the City does not want to lose; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to contact the owners of the Man Ray night club to determine if the City can in any way assist in finding a suitable place to relocate this club.

O-4     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: The Porter Square Neighborhood Association has requested repeal and revocation of a building permit issued at 1979 Massachusetts Avenue on the corner of Beech Street (known commonly as the former Long's Funeral House); and
WHEREAS: The City Council has strong concerns about the density, height, appearance and lack of on site parking; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting this repeal and revocation and ask the City Manager for a summary on all actions taken by City Departments, Boards and Commissions at this site; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

O-5     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide additional financial resources if necessary, to provide training to Public Works and Police personnel to ensure that there are trained personnel on weekends for assistance and/or animal removal.

O-6     September 20, 2004
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the attached petition from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities be granted permission for a banner to be hung across Massachusetts Avenue in the area of Temple Street, honoring the Commission’s 25th Anniversary, pending approval by appropriate City Departments.

O-7     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
WHEREAS: There have been concerns expressed regarding a shortage of guidance counselors at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to report to the City Council regarding concerns of a shortage of guidance counselors at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

O-8     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install a sign that reads "Do Not Block Intersection" at the corner of Fayette and Cambridge Streets due to the number of medical vehicles entering from that intersection.

O-9     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR GALLUCCIO
MAYOR SULLIVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to report back to the City Council within two weeks on the number of automobiles that have been vandalized near Granville Road; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Police Department increase patrols in that area.

O-10     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR MURPHY
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to report on the shooting on Athens Street on Saturday evening, September 18, 2004; and be it further
ORDERED: That a community meeting be held with members of Kerry Corner and other members of the area to discuss said report.

O-11     September 20, 2004
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SULLIVAN
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on the circumstances relating to the shootings in the Riverside Neighborhood and what steps are being taken to prevent other violent incidents.