Cambridge City Council meeting - January 9, 2023

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the fatal officer-involved shooting in Cambridgeport. (CM23#1)
Excellent, balanced statements by City Manager and Police Commissioner Elow; community meeting and Special City Council meeting scheduled; comments by SS, AM, BA, MM (body cameras, procedures, independent investigation), QZ moves to bring forward Committee Report #4 on “HEART”: 8-0-1 (DS Absent); Zondervan calls for funding of HEART program suggesting that they would have prevented this incident, calls for demilitarizing police, investment in more mental health services, objects to defense of our “supposedly progressive police force”, calls for Cambridge Police Department “to disarm or disband”, will schedule a Public Safety Committee meeting; remarks by PN, PT, DC, DS (resist the urge to think we have all the facts); Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update. (CM23#2)
Derrick Neal notes that hospitalizations are now at a high level - stressed but managing; indoor masks recommended; wastewater peaked but declining; Placed on File 7-0-2 (DS,QZ - Absent)

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Rae Simpson as a new member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term ending on 6/30/2023, and would be eligible for reappointment for an additional three (3) three-year term. (CM23#3)
Placed on File 9-0

Jan 9, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Rae Simpson as a new member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term ending on 6/30/2023, and would be eligible for reappointment for an additional three (3) three-year term. This appointment requires notification to the City Council only.

Rae Simpson is a mental health advocate and writer, Rae specializes in public understanding of serious mental health conditions. Her recent, grant-funded advocacy initiatives have focused on improving messaging about mental health conditions, working with organizations such as the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, the Boston Museum of Science, and the FrameWorks Institute. She currently serves on the board of the Cambridge affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Holding a PhD in communication research from Stanford University, Rae served on the faculty at MIT for 11 years and senior staff for 25 years. She created and directed MIT’s first undergraduate and graduate science journalism programs, then MIT’s first family resource center.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as Constables With Power for a term effective January, 2023: James Desrosiers and Philip Sciandra. (CM23#4)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services, in the amount of $49,970 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account, which will be used to purchase equipment which will help to maintain the readiness of response capabilities as well as to update and replace aging equipment and personal protective clothing which will enhance fireground and EMS capabilities. (CM23#5)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to purchase 25 AED’s/Automated External Defibrillators. (CM23#6)
Order Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services, in the amount of $1,360,077 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account, which will be used to repair and replace equipment. (CM23#7)
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $321,900 received in donations to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used for costs associated with the BlueBikes bikeshare system. (CM23#8)
pulled by Mallon; Order Adopted 9.0

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account. These mitigation funds will be used for the purchase and expenses of Bluebikes bikeshare equipment. (CM23#9)
pulled by Mallon; Order Adopted 9-0

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Patrick Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM23#10)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: Dec 21, 2022
Subject: Patrick Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On December 20, 2022, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Patrick Barrett, et al., to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 4.000 (Use Regulations), 5.000 (Development Standards), and 6.000 (Parking and Loading Requirements) of the Zoning Ordinance (the “Petition”). The Petition would rezone the area bounded by Massachusetts Avenue, Cedar Street, and Alberta Terrace, which is currently zoned Business A2 (BA-2) and Residence B, to a new base zoning district “Business A-5” (BA-5). It would also expand the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District, which currently covers part of that area, to cover the entire area. The resulting zoning would allow increased density for residential uses and building heights up to 80 feet.

Following public comment and discussion among Board members, the Planning Board voted to transmit an unfavorable recommendation on this Petition to the City Council, with the following comments.

Board members expressed differing opinions on the substance of the proposal. However, Board members agreed that a development proposal for this site should follow a more thorough planning process addressing the entire area and incorporating more input from the larger community. The City Council has requested that a planning study of northern Massachusetts Avenue be commenced in 2023, and Board Members supported waiting for that process to be completed.

The Planning Board voted 7-0 in favor of transmitting the above recommendation. One member was absent.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Vice Chair

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Duane Callender, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM23#11)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: Dec 21, 2022
Subject: Callender, et al., Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On December 20, 2022, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Duane Callender, et al., to amend Article 2 and Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance (the “Petition”). The Petition would create a new definition for “Technical office for research and development, laboratory & research facility” (4.34(f) in the Table of Use Regulations) and prohibit said use in all office and business zoning districts, with exceptions for certain special districts and overlay districts and subject to additional considerations. The Board heard a presentation from Duane Callender, Lee Farris, and Kavish Gandhi, representing the petitioners, and received written materials from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD).

Following the presentation, public comment, and discussion among Board members, the Planning Board voted to transmit an unfavorable recommendation on this Petition to the City Council.

Board members generally agreed with the petitioners’ goal to promote new housing development. Board members also recognized the issue that commercial lab development may outcompete other land uses in the City, such as housing. However, Board members agreed that this Petition takes too blunt an approach to addressing this issue, and that a more nuanced approach that incorporates more study and more input from stakeholders would be preferable.

Board members acknowledged that there are many different types of lab facilities throughout Cambridge, and that commercial research and development generates distinct benefits for the City, such as jobs, tax revenue, and contributions to affordable housing development through requirements such as incentive zoning. Some Board members emphasized that labs have been an important part of the City’s identity and ethos, and that research done in Cambridge labs addresses many global problems. New restrictions on lab uses could potentially have the deleterious effect of stifling innovation and harming smaller property owners. Board members also remarked that lab development and housing development are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and there may be other ways to regulate the specific differences between labs and other types of commercial development.

While some Board members noted that certain areas of the City may benefit from protections from large-scale lab development, Board members agreed that the Petition was not structured properly to achieve the outcomes desired. The majority of Board members agreed that the best way to proceed would be to engage in a collaborative planning process involving the Petitioners, property owners, businesses, City staff, City Council, and other stakeholders before advancing this initiative. One Board member agreed that more work should be done but suggested that it could be done by amending this Petition within the current timeframe for consideration.

The Planning Board voted with 6 members in favor of transmitting the above recommendation, and one member voting against. One member was absent.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Vice Chair

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan 5-Year Review and Update. (CM23#12) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan and Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

Jan 9, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan 5-Year Review and Update for your consideration and adoption. Much work has been done to reach this point. The original Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) was adopted by City Council in 2015. The Plan included a commitment to review and update it every five years to ensure that it remains effective and responsive to current science, technology, policy, and social conditions.

The NZAP 5-year review process began in 2019 with staff and consultant-led technical analysis, followed by the selection of a Task Force in early 2020. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the Task Force’s work to late 2020. The Task Force concluded its work in December 2021, producing a consensus based NZAP Update that forms the basis for this report.

Early in 2022, the Task Force’s NZAP Update was submitted to the City Council and referred to the Council’s Health and Environment Committee. We are grateful to the Committee Chair, Councillor Nolan, and Health and Environment Committee members, for their leadership and thorough review during three hearings over the course of the year to consider the Task Force’s work, incorporate input from the Climate Protection Action Committee (now the Cambridge Climate Committee), and provide additional feedback to strengthen the NZAP. Community Development Department staff have worked with the Committee to update the document to reflect their feedback, building upon the NZAP Taskforce recommendations.

Key changes from the Task Force recommendations include the following:

Establish SMART goals for each action to increase accountability
A priority of the NZAP update is to ensure accountability to ambitious and achievable goals for each action which can be tracked over time. To that end, this revision adds SMART goals for each action. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Real, and Time-bound. Along with other indicators, progress towards the goals will be tracked as part of future NZAP annual progress reports.

Adjust activity timelines to accelerate the pace of priority actions
The urgency to act quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change continues to increase as climate impacts become ever more present and time to avoid tipping points decreases. Therefore, all actions and activities were reviewed to seek opportunities to accelerate activity based on priority of action and impact. It is important to remember that the NZAP framework is designed to act together as a system, so while action will be taken as quickly as possible, there is a logical sequence to the actions that must also be followed for them to hold together.

Implementation of the updated NZAP is already underway, and the first annual progress report reflecting activity since the update will be released in early 2023. To stay in line with the original 5-year review timeline, the next comprehensive review and update will begin in 2025. While not far away, this pace of adjustment will help the NZAP keep up with quickly evolving science, technology, and societal conditions related to climate action.

We are grateful to all the stakeholders who contributed to this Plan, especially the members of the Net Zero Task Force, the Chair and members of the City Council’s Health and Environment Committee, and the Cambridge Climate Committee. We believe that this updated version of the NZAP reflects the input and guidance of all stakeholders, and it will serve as a valuable resource as we continue to work towards our sustainability goals. We look forward to our continued collaboration in the implementation of this Plan.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Energy Code. (CM23#13) [text of report]
pulled by Toner w/Order #4; series of forums and other outreach proposed for Feb-March (Farooq); comments by Zondervan (wants to adopt w/o outreach), Nolan (says City has been waiting for this - including the ban of natural gas supply to new buildings and more); Carlone tells of sustainable buildings he's designed and says Stretch Code doesn’t go far enough - calls it “old guard”; Siddiqui notes that it only applies to new buildings and substatial renovation; Simmons asks about what outreach has been done - Farooq acknowledges that no special outreach has taken place; Placed on File 9-0

Jan 9, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you about recent State activity relevant to the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan. The Plan aims to phase out greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in Cambridge in support of the City’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Action Item 2.1 of the Plan lays out a pathway to reach net zero emissions from new buildings. The state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has released an updated Stretch Energy Code and created a new Specialized energy Code to decrease energy use in new buildings and major renovations. Additionally, on August 11, 2022, Governor Baker signed an Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, which includes a Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Project to restrict the use of fossil fuels in new buildings in ten Massachusetts communities. Adoption of these new policies will require City Council action, and together will enable significant progress toward the Net Zero Action Plan goals. I have been working with Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq and City Solicitor Nancy Glowa, and below we set out next steps.

Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Energy Code

New buildings and major renovations are currently regulated by both Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance and the state Building Code and Stretch Energy Code. The Cambridge City Council adopted the Stretch Energy Code on December 21, 2009 and it went to effect on July 1, 2010. Since its adoption, the Stretch Energy Code has been updated a number of times by the state and those updates have automatically taken effect in Cambridge.

The latest update to the Stretch Energy Code begins to take effect for residential buildings in January 2023 and commercial buildings in July of 2023 and represents a significant improvement over the previous version. In particular, the 2023 Stretch Energy Code requires large increases in building energy efficiency that will lead to significant reductions in energy demand for heating and cooling. For an overview of the changes, see the presentation given at the November 16, 2022 meeting of the Health and Environment Committee, and for the full language see the state’s website.

In addition to the Stretch Energy Code, per An Act Creating a Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050 the state has created a new “Municipal Opt-In Specialized Stretch Energy Code” (Specialized Energy Code).

The Specialized Energy Code adds to the updated Stretch Energy Code by requiring new buildings that use fossil fuels to be pre-wired for full electrification and to install solar panels where possible (see full language here).

Similar to the original Stretch Energy Code, the City Council must vote to adopt the Specialized Energy Code, from which point on future updates are automatically applied. DOER has provided guidance and model language for the adoption process. A community must adopt the Specialized Code “as-is,” without applying any amendments or conditions, and in full. The state has recommended an effective date of January 1 or July 1, beginning 6-12 months after adoption. The state also advises cities to adopt the Specialized Energy Code by general ordinance, and City staff can prepare a proposed ordinance if the Council wants to move forward with this option.

Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Project

Building off of the Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Energy Code, per An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, the state has also begun the regulation and model rule development process for the “Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Project” (Demonstration Project). The Demonstration Project allows accepted communities to modify the Specialized Energy Code to prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new building construction or major renovation projects (with the exception of research laboratories and health care facilities). Having submitted a home rule petition with the general court on April 6, 2022, Cambridge is number six on the list of ten “Prioritized Communities” to apply to participate in the Demonstration Project.

Staff are in the process of reviewing draft regulations and a model rule released by the state on December 23, 2022. Written comments to DOER are due on February 5, 2023 and a virtual public hearing for verbal comments is scheduled for February 8. The draft regulations lay out the proposed process for applying to participate in the Demonstration Project: a Letter of Intent would be due from Prioritized Communities by September 1, 2023, and the full application would be due by November 10, 2023. The model rule would include the opportunity for municipalities to set the effective date of the requirement and make other adjustments. More detailed guidelines for the Demonstration Project are expected once the regulation and model rule are finalized by June 30, 2023 as required by the statute.

Public Engagement

Together, these state energy code options and local fossil fuel free authorization represent important progress towards the Net Zero Action Plan goal of achieving net zero emission new construction. They could also impact a wide range of building owners and developers who are planning for new construction or major renovations. The recent process to update the Net Zero Action Plan included targeted and general engagement, including the recommendation to pursue adoption of the Specialized Energy Code and fossil fuel restrictions. Now that the codes have been officially published and more information about the Demonstration Project has been released, we plan further outreach and public education about the Stretch Energy Code, Specialized Energy Code, and Demonstration Project. These will include:

• A public informational forum in late February/early March

• Information in the CityView Magazine to be mailed to every household in mid-February

• A press release with targeted media outreach

• Digital outreach strategies:

o A website with links to the State’s information

o News items

o Include in City Daily Update Emails

o Social media posts o Include in scheduled department newsletters o Targeted outreach to impacted stakeholders

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Vivek Sikri, Kimberly Kaufman, and Kathryn Carlson to the Cambridge Traffic Board pursuant to Chapter 455 of the Acts of 1961 (the “Special Act”). (CM23#14)
Placed on File 9-0

Jan 9, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you of my appointment of Vivek Sikri, Kimberly Kaufman, and Kathryn Carlson to the Cambridge Traffic Board pursuant to Chapter 455 of the Acts of 1961 (the “Special Act”). The Traffic Board hears petitions brought before it regarding the adoption, alteration, or repeal of rules and regulations relating to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the City’s streets and the movement, stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on, and their exclusion from, streets, ways, highways, roads, and parkways under the control of the City. The Traffic Board also provides advice and consultation to the City’s Traffic Director. Mr. Sikri will be appointed to a one-year term, Ms. Kaufman will be appointed to a two-year term, and Ms. Carlson will be appointed as Chair to a three-year term.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Traffic Board on the city website and it was also publicized on the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department website. A press release about this posting was sent to local media and to local business and neighborhood associations. An email regarding this posting was sent to approximately 16,000 subscribers on the City’s daily email list. It was also publicized on the city’s social media platforms.

The City Manager’s office received seventy-five applications for the Traffic Board between October 24 - November 21, 2022. Throughout the screening and interview process, City staff prioritized identifying potential board members who were 1) willing participate in a collaborative process with other Board members, 2) consider diverse ideas and perspectives with empathy and respect, and 3) understood stated City Council priorities around creating a safe, sustainable transportation system for all users.

The three board members bring a range of experience within the Cambridge community and professionally to their new roles. Vivek Sikri is an engineer and entrepreneur who has lived in Cambridgeport for twenty years. An immigrant from India, he has lived in the Boston/Cambridge area for thirty years and is involved as a volunteer at his daughter’s school. Kimberly Kaufman is a high school teacher who has lived in Cambridge for over thirty years, primarily in the Wellington-Harrington Neighborhood. She has served in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles in the Cambridge Public Schools. Kathryn Carlson is an East Cambridge resident who is currently the Executive Director of the Rappaport Institute, which focuses on the public policy challenges in Greater Boston.

I appreciate Mr. Sikri, Ms. Kaufman, and Ms. Carlson’s willingness to serve their community and look forward to their contributions as members of the Traffic Board.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. That the Ordinance Committee refer Categories M (Shared Vehicle) and N (Publicly-accessible, Privately-owned Electric Vehicle Charging System) of the Cambridge Transportation Decarbonization and Congestion Mitigation Bill, along with definitions, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Ordinance #2022-13 as Amended. [Expired Sept 27, 2022] (PO22#150)

2. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Banning Limited Services Pregnancy Centers - Ordinance #2022-16. [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023] (ORD2022#16)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ and PN; Ordained 9-0

3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023] (ORD2022#20)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A request was received from Mike Kimball representing Bank of America, regarding Revocation of Bond #14BSBCT0643 for Bank of America, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue. Response from the Inspectional Services Department has been received confirming said sign has been removed. (AP23#1)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

2. A request was received from Mike Kimball representing Bank of America, regarding Revocation of Bond #14BSBCT0644 for Bank of America, 28 Eliot Street and JFK. Response from the Inspectional Services Department has been received confirming said sign has been removed. (AP23#2)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

3. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Douglas Brown regarding Amending Article 4, 5 and 8 incrementally modernizing residential zoning. (AP23#3)
pulled by Mallon; question about why only one signature on petition, Clerk reads ruling of City Solicitor explaining why this is permissible; Zondervan acknowledges the legality; Toner had same questions about single signature; McGovern also surprised but then barks ABC party line about housing crisis and his desire to not do anything incremental but instead only at a grand scale; Azeem, Simmons also comment; Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

4. An application was received from Deborah Fawcett, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 17 Fresh Pond Parkway; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP23#4)
Charter Right - Zondervan

5. An application was received from Jason Parillo representing The Engine, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 750 Main Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter proof of mailing has been provided. (AP23#5)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Lahra Tillman, regarding Garden Street.

2. A communication was received from Deb Biba, regarding AR-22-79 - TPT department Garden Street Short Term Recommendation.

3. A communication was received from Nancy Wechsler, regarding budget priorities.

4. A communication was received from Susan Ringler, regarding support of PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

5. A communication was received from Melissa Ludtke, regarding support of PO#317.

6. A communication was received from Janice Ellison, regarding support of PO#317 to update tree canopy and projections.

7. A communication was received from Madeleine Aster, regarding support of PO#317.

8. A communication was received from Charles Teague, regarding support of PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

10. A communication was received from Rika Welsh, regarding mismanagement of trees.

11. A communication was received from David Denison, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

12. A communication was received from Virginia Coleman, regarding Garden Street one-way configuration.

13. A communication was received from Margaret Studier, regarding support for PO#317.

14. A communication was received from Helen Snively, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

15. A communication was received from Catherine LeBlanc, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

16. A communication was received from Paul Barringer, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

17. A communication was received from Jodi Ekelchik, regarding 15 Dec Vaccine Event.

18. A communication was received from Julie Ray, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

19. A communication was received from Eppa Rixey, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

20. A communication was received from Rebecca L. Ramsay, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

21. A communication was received from Robin Bledsoe, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

22. A communication was received from Leslie Borden, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data.

23. A communication was received from Scott Kilcoyne, regarding Garden Street support.

24. A communication was received from Jeb Mays, regarding support for PO#317 to update tree canopy data and projections.

25. A communication was received from Kelly Dolan and Greg Berndt, regarding PO#317 and Agenda Item #12.

27. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding CMA Item #12 - Garden Street Report.

29. A communication was received from Ben Pearre, regarding public comment on Garden Street bike lanes, etc.

30. A communication was received from John Pitkin, regarding public comment re: CMA #12.

31. A communication was received from Bobby Travers, regarding the Peabody School playground renovation letter to the City Council.

34. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding requesting City Manager to provide updates on Economic Impact Study and Pre/Post CSO Implementation Processes.

35. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding request to Finance Committee regarding MassAve4 Capital Budget Process.

36. A communication was received from Jonathan Slate, regarding letter from residents in opposition to opening Westley Avenue to Linear Park.

37. A communication was received from Claudia Secundy, regarding Garden-Concord rearrangement.

38. A communication was received from Paul Cronin, regarding Garden Street Debacle.

39. A communication was received from Nike Tirman, regarding Garden Street continued traffic hazard.

40. A communication was received from residents of 237 Franklin Street, regarding request for the City of Cambridge to assist and work with the Cambridge Housing Authority Security Department to provide reliable and quality safety measures for the residents of 237 Franklin Street.

41. A communication was received from Barbara Sinclair, regarding Brattle Street bike lanes.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Cheryl Carey on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

2. Congratulations to Pamela Deblois on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations to Emily Finn on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

4. Congratulations to Laurie Graham on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

5. Congratulations to Brooke Hallett on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

6. Congratulations to Joseph Nunley on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department. Councillor Toner

7. Congratulations to Lynne Seeley on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

8. Congratulations to Regina Silva on her retirement from the Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Toner

9. Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Daniel Wagner on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner

13. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan

ORDERS
1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request to dedicate a street corner in honor of Richard P. Dober. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner (PO23#1)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

2. That the City Manager direct the Law Department to research whether the Barrett et al. petition would need to be refiled should there be a Letter of Commitment attached to the rezoning. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO23#2)
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

3. City Council and School Committee Joint Budget Roundtable. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#3)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

4. That the City Council adopt the Specialized Stretch Code, as outlined in 225 CMR 22.00 and 225 CMR 23.00, with an effective date of July 1, 2023. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#4)
pulled by Toner w/Mgr’s Agenda #13; series of forums and other outreach proposed for Feb-March (Farooq); comments by Zondervan (wants to adopt w/o outreach), Nolan (says City has been waiting for this - including the ban of natural gas supply to new buildings and more); Carlone tells of sustainable buildings he's designed and says Stretch Code doesn’t go far enough - calls it “old guard”; Siddiqui notes that it only applies to new buildings and substantial renovation; Simmons asks about what outreach has been done - Farooq acknowledges that no special outreach has taken place; Charter Right - Toner

5. Expanding Municipal Employee Benefits Home Rule Petition. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (PO23#5)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

6. That the Assistant City Manager for Community Development be and hereby is requested to inform the Ordinance Committee on whether or not it is the case that the rate of rents being charged in the buildings located in the City squares is primarily driven by those who can pay the highest rent amounts. Councillor Simmons (PO23#6)
pulled by Zondervan; rules suspended to also take up Order #7 and Committee Report #5; Order Adopted 9-0
[Note: Zondervan and Nolan question why these Orders from Committee Reports are listed here, but this is the way it had always been done until relatively recently.]

7. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the CDD and the Law Department to examine the Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier, et. al on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Modification regarding Frontage of Financial Institutions and make recommendations for any amendments that are needed. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#7)
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Health and Environment Committee conducted a public hearing on Nov 21, 2022 at 10:00am to discuss how to expand the availability of electric vehicle charging across the City and to review the effectiveness and accountability built into the City’s existing Green Fleet Policy. [text of report]
Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Nolan, Carlone, (Mallon)
Remote Present: Zondervan
Absent: Azeem, McGovern

2. Joint meeting of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations
Remote Present: Nolan, Zondervan Committee on Dec 7, 2022, at 1:00pm to review and discuss the attached zoning petition regarding lab use. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)
Present: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Toner, Azeem
Absent: None

3. The Housing Committee conducted a public meeting on Dec 13, 2022 at 1:00pm to discuss the results of the Inclusionary Housing Resident Experience Study. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)
Present: Carlone, Mallon, (Siddiqui)
Remote Present: Simmons, Azeem, McGovern, (Zondervan, Nolan, Toner)
Absent: None

4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 14, 2022 at 12:30pm on Zoning Petition Recommendation – Removing Limit on BZA Compensation (Attachment F of CM22#207 in Council on Oct 24, 2022). The Ordinance Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance #2022-23 regarding removing the limit on BZA compensation to the full Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a Second Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
Present: Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Azeem (late)
Remote Present: Toner, Zondervan, Siddiqui
Absent: Carlone

A. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Ordinance #2022-23 Removing the Limit on BZA Compensation (ORD 2022 #23)

5. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 14, 2022, at 1:30pm regarding the Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier, et. al regarding the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Modification regarding Frontage of Financial Institutions. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0 (Carlone ABSENT)
Present: Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons (late), Siddiqui
Remote Present: Azeem, Carlone, Zondervan, Toner (late)
Absent: None

6. The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on Dec 14, 2022 at 3:00pm to discuss the implementation of the new Community Safety Department and integration with HEART. [text of report]
Taken up with Mgr #1, Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Zondervan, McGovern, Nolan, (Mallon)
Remote Present: Azeem, Toner (late)
Absent: None

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane P. LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#6)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#7)
Placed on File 9-0

Tues, Jan 10
1:00pm The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting on Jan 10, 2023, at 1:00pm to get an update from the Community Development Department on planning underway to develop changes in the City’s affordable homeownership programs.

Wed, Jan 11
3:00pm The Government, Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public meeting for the purpose of reviewing recent report of Boards and Commissions from the City Manager which are subject to City Council approval, and to discuss the City Clerks request for a dedicated email address for City Council communications.

Wed, Jan 18
1:00pm The Civic Unity and Economic Development and University Relations Committees will hold a joint public meeting to receive and update on the current state of the Cannabis industry in Cambridge and Massachusetts.

Wed, Jan 25
3:30pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public hearing on Wed, Jan 25 at 3:30pm to continue discussing the two Aug 1, 2022 Policy Orders exploring ways to improve the lives of Cambridge’s African American/Black residents.

Thurs, Jan 26
12:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on Thurs, Jan 26, 2023 at 12:00pm on a Zoning Petition by the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating two new Sections 22.80 “Flood Resilience Standards” and 22.90 “Green Factor Standard,” and by amending Articles 2.000, 5.000, 19.000, and 22.000 to adjust development standards and urban design objectives with the goal of promoting resilience to the projected impacts of climate change.

Tues, Jan 31
12:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the FY24 Capital Budget, and future investment priorities in Cambridge’s physical infrastructure ahead of the FY24 budget cycle.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Jan 9, 2023
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Richard P. Dober achieved national and international fame as the leading authority in his field, a planning and design advisor to more than 450 colleges and universities, cultural and scientific institutions, foundations, and government agencies around the world, with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Wellesley College being among them; and
WHEREAS: Richard received a Master’s Degree in City Planning from Harvard University where he also held an academic appointment in addition to Iowa State University as well as MIT; and
WHEREAS: Richard served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1948-1952 and in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955; and
WHEREAS: Richard’s extensive volunteer work included 10 years on the Board of Overseers of the Shady Hill School and eight years as a Board member of The Friends of the Longfellow House; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request to dedicate a street corner in honor of Richard Dober; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for review and approval.

O-3 Jan 9, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Council and School Committee hold a joint roundtable in the Sullivan Chamber on Monday, January 30, 2022, to discuss priorities for the FY24 Budget.

O-4 Jan 9, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: In 1999 Cambridge joined the Cities for Climate Protection and for more than twenty years has consistently sought to be a leader in sustainability by launching many programs and initiatives to address the need to reduce emission pollution and do all it can to address the ongoing and increasingly dire threat of climate change; and
WHEREAS: In 2009, the Cambridge City Council voted to adopt the Stretch Energy Code in order to require greater energy efficiency than the mandatory statewide base code; and
WHEREAS: In March of 2021, Governor Baker signed the Climate Act of 2021, passed by the Massachusetts State Legislature after more than a year of public debate and advocacy and discussion, which, among other parts of the law, directed the State Department of Energy Resources to develop a net zero stretch code to update the current Stretch Energy Code for adoption by municipalities in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: In 2019, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation and Standards to update the stretch code to require net zero building construction and enthusiastically supporting state legislation supporting a net zero energy stretch code; and
WHEREAS: The City’s 2015 Net Zero Action Plan, which included many public meetings of a large group of stakeholders, calls for the City to advocate for an updated stretch code in support of net-zero objectives; and
WHEREAS: The City’s 2021 Net Zero Action Plan Update specifically calls for the City to advocate for, adopt, and implement the Specialized Net-Zero Stretch Code as soon as available; and
WHEREAS: The 2021 Climate Crisis Working Group, after engaging in a robust public process, recommended adopting the net zero stretch code as a key action for the city to take as soon as possible, which was in the report adopted and approved unanimously by the Cambridge City Council on August 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS: The Net Zero Specialized Stretch Code has been under active public discussion since the passage of the 2021 Climate Act, with the City and the City Council and many residents advocating publicly for a stronger code, with hundreds of comments; and
WHEREAS: The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on November 16, 2022 to investigate how and when the City can implement the Specialized Stretch Code in anticipation of state action; and
WHEREAS: After a drafting process which included a series of public hearings throughout the year, with hundreds of comments and several well attended public hearings, on December 23, 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources published the updated Stretch Code and new Specialized Opt-in Code; now therefore be
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record adopting the Specialized Stretch Code, as outlined in 225 CMR 22.00 and 225 CMR 23.00, with an effective date of July 1, 2023; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor to ensure the adoption of the code meets state requirements, and work with all relevant departments to ensure that all residents, organizations, and relevant entities are aware of the Specialized Code as soon as possible.

O-5 Jan 9, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Municipalities are prohibited from expanding the definition of “Dependent” provided in G.L. c. 32B, §2 for the purposes of extending group insurance benefits to domestic partners of municipal employees or assisting any municipal employees with surrogacy services; and
WHEREAS: As part of recent updates to Cambridge’s Domestic Partnership Ordinance, the City Council would like to re-establish a policy of extending group insurance benefits to domestic partners of municipal employees, consistent with the intent of the city’s original ordinance that was adopted several years before Connors vs. Boston infamously prohibited the practice in 1999; and
WHEREAS: Policy Order 2022 #154 sponsored by Councillor Simmons called on the city to establish a fund designed to assist those City employees in same-sex marriages with paying for surrogacy services in instances where the City’s health insurance providers fail to provide the same coverage afforded to the City’s female employees and those in heterosexual marriages; and
WHEREAS: In CMA 2022 #213, the City responded that the City’s health insurance providers do not offer coverage for surrogacy services to anybody as of November 2022, but that Connors vs Boston would prevent municipal employees from benefiting from such coverage regardless, because “surrogacy services are health care services provided to a third party, and not to an employee or their dependent”; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s inability to offer these services under state law has been very challenging for a number of municipal employees, disproportionately impacting members of the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS: The City Council urges Cambridge’s Legislative Delegation to advance this home rule petition, which would allow the City to create a more equitable workplace and better meet the healthcare needs of all city employees; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached home rule petition expanding the definition of Dependent for the purposes of municipal employee benefits be sent to the entire state legislative delegation for immediate adoption.

An Act expanding the definition of Dependent for the purposes of municipal employee benefits as to the city of Cambridge
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in the City of Cambridge, for Group Insurance Commission coverage purposes as established by General Laws Chapter 32B, any domestic partner in a registered domestic partnership with an employee of the City of Cambridge, shall be a “dependent” and shall be entitled to participate in the election of coverages and benefits provided by the Group Insurance Commission to City of Cambridge employees.
SECTION 2. Any member of a registered domestic partnership with the City of Cambridge shall be considered a “spouse” with respect to all spousal rights established by the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SECTION 3. Any surrogate bearing a child in surrogacy for a city employee, their spouse or domestic partner in a registered domestic partnership, shall be considered a dependent for 12 months from the start of the pregnancy.
SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-52. Report on examining stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 24, 2022 City Council meeting]

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-71. Report on placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 10/18/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

22-2. Report on meeting with the impacted residents and businesses on northern Massachusetts Avenue to discuss their ideas and suggestions for addressing their concerns.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #2) from 1/10/2022

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the “Future of Telework” Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-18. Report on working with staff of the BB&N school to provide a solution to cars idling beyond the five-minute legal limit, stalled traffic, blocked driveways, and a forced one-way path up Buckingham Street toward Concord where drivers face the risk of coming head-to-head with a vehicle trying to bypass the pickup line; and, such as a tiered drop-off system, a parking area for parents, or more drop-off and pick-up locations.
Councillor Nolan (O-4) from 3/21/2022

22-21. Report on considering a guaranteed income program that expands on Cambridge RISE and targets families in poverty.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 4/11/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-25. Report on how the city can meet the goals for diversity and inclusion, while ensuring that any required professional expertise and/or specific knowledge that may be statutorily required will continue to be represented.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 4/25/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 24, 2022 City Council meeting]

22-28. Report on looking into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/2/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-34. Report on providing the progress on the Terminal Road connection and any related projects.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-37. Report on consulting with the appropriate City staff in determining the feasibility of establishing a new “Talent Officer” role for the City.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 5/23/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 3, 2022 City Council meeting]

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-44. Report on working with DCR and all relevant City departments to expand Memorial Drive closures in the summer and fall of 2022. Report Received and Accepted In Council Dec 5, 2022
Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long-term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-60. Report on revising the City block party and play streets signature requirements to a more reasonable threshold, and shorten the timeline between application and event date, and provide more guidance to residents seeking a permit.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 9/12/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on t detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-68. Report on touring the facility at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue regarding transitioning the facility into a non-congregate homeless shelter with accompanying services.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-74. Report on installing a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-76. Report on updating the posted City Council rules on the website and other locations where posted, to properly reflect the change made to Rule 24c that adds the sentence “individuals will be heard in the order that they signed up whether they are participating in person or remotely.”
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/17/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-81. Report on setting a goal for participation in Green Plus and how to improve marketing and communication efforts for the CCE program and consider door to door outreach, and mailings which have been effective for other efforts to be sent to all Cambridge CCE participants marketing the 100% renewable option.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/14/2022

22-82. Report on extending the Outdoor Dining Policy and continue to allow winter outdoor dining as has been the case in the last two years.
Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 11/14/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Nov 21, 2022 City Council meeting]

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

22-84. Report on working with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot in front of 931 Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 12/5/2022