Committee Report CR-1
The Government Operations and Rules Committee held a public meeting on December 4, 2006, beginning at three o’clock and twenty minutes p.m. in the Ackermann Room for the purpose of finalizing the language of the priorities delineated at the November 13, 2006 roundtable for submission to the City Council to set its goals for FY 08-09.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Michael A. Sullivan and Councillor Timothy J. Toomey Jr., Co-Chairs of the Committee, Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio, Councillor Brian Murphy, Councillor Henrietta Davis, Councillor Craig Kelley, City Clerk D. Margaret Drury, Deputy City Clerk Donna P. Lopez and Assistant to the City Council Sandra Albano. Present from the city administrative staff were Robert W. Healy, City Manager, Richard Rossi, Deputy City Manager and Nancy Schlacter, Assistant to the City Manager.
Councillor Sullivan convened the meeting and explained the purpose. He requested the City Clerk to describe the material that had been prepared for the meeting. Ms. Drury said that the handouts at the meeting consisted of two items. One was the material received from the facilitator, Elizabeth Vizza, recording the notes and priorities from the November 13, 2006 roundtable
he other was the draft edit prepared by the City Clerk to make the combinations of priorities agreed upon at the roundtable, to limit the list to the top priorities and to sharpen the language
In the ensuing discussion, the Committee members agreed to recommend the following goals and priorities to the full City Council for adoption as the City Council goals for FY 08:
Evaluate current police staff levels and alignment with a focus on enhancing programs to build community and positive interactions between officers and the public
Take specific steps to improve relationships with city youth and improve recruitment of city residents into public safety positions
Support public safety officials working with other city programs to provide training and employment skills for young adults; work for CORI reform and support programs for recidivists
” and work to strengthen our mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and universities. Highlight the unique benefits of Cambridge as a community in which to live and work; focus on transmitting the values and identity of Cambridge.
Partner with universities and other institutions to promote and take advantage of opportunities in areas such as the energy sector, nanotechnology, life sciences and other emerging fields.
Foster development of neighborhood organizations, block grants and other community structures; continue police mini-grants for neighborhoods and support other neighborhood events, both large and small
Encourage after-hour and evening use of public facilities (schools and youth centers) and parks, including movies and other family activities in the parks in the evening hours, and evaluate programs for success
Continue to support the city’s Climate Protection Plan, emphasizing non-auto transportation, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources; promote these values to residents and businesses
Support indoor and outdoor physical activity for all ages, including the addition of active playing fields and youth sports, especially in east Cambridge
, including excellent customer service, effectively and efficiently and continually strive to update the public on city issues and services
Use collaborative problem solving to address violations of the laws that affect the community’s quality of life, and support increased enforcement of these laws
Utilize all available new technology to improve service delivery (credit card payment, bill paying on line, reverse 911, etc.)
Support more dialogue between city staff and residents and more meaningful involvement of city boards and commissions with city council—town meeting model (combined priority)
Receive yearly forecasting on city economies and economic climate, including diversification of economic base and competitiveness
Work with the City fiscal staff to develop a mechanism to enable more ongoing understanding by the City Council of the effect of new projects on the property tax level; look closely at the feasibility of other sources of funds to reduce dependence on property taxes (combined priority)
Encourage university and corporate partnerships to support School Department and City DHS programs (after school, early education, etc.) and consider utilizing staff or intern support
Prepare Cambridge students and adults for high quality jobs through adult educational and skill development opportunities
Enrich and enhance early childhood, after-school and summer programs, especially innovative programs such as those that include parents and are targeted at school readiness and increasing overall performance.
Councillors Sullivan and Toomey thanked all those present for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m. on motion of Councillor Murphy.