Reeves presented the family with an etched glass plate as a symbol of the town's sorrow at the incident. The designer of the plate had met earlier with friends of Raustein to discuss the MIT student's interests, which were etched into the plate. Reeves said the space shuttle Challenger disaster, which appeared on the plate, greatly influenced Raustein's decision to pursue science.
Residents Claim Sticker Shock
Council members also bitterly debated a city proposal last Monday to increase prices on Cambridge parking stickers.
The proposal will increase the price of Cambridge parking stickers to $8 for the first sticker of the household. A ticker for a second car will cost $12, and any additional stickers would cost $25.
The council originally passed the proposal, but several councillors asked to revise it, saying Cambridge residents did not support it.
"Do you consider it unfair that we are not listening to our constituents?" asked Councillor timothy J. Toomey.
Toomey asked to reduce the proposed prices, removing the progressive increases on stickers. Instead he favored a flat $5 fee for every sticker purchased by a household.
Despite the objects of Toomey the council voted 5-4 to keep the new sticker prices.
Meet You at the Cemetery Gate
Earlier in the month the council turned its attention to the city's cemeteries
After receiving complaints from several constituents, City Councillor Walter J. Sullivan sponsored two resolutions calling for strict enforcement of "all applicable Animal Control Regulations at the Cambridge Cemetery" and an end to rollerblading and roller skating in the cemetery.
"The dogs have been wandering around, and people have been roller skating all over the cemetery. It was upsetting people a lot," he said. "People want to go there in peace and comfort to pay their respects."
Signs will be posted in the cemetery to notify citizens of the new resolutions.
Although violators of either resolution will be issued warnings only, Sullivan said he expects even verbal reprimands to be effective.