2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO24#4, regarding the possibility of acquiring the property located at 727 Massachusetts Avenue. (CM24#9)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, City Manager Huang, Deputy City Manager O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

Jan 29, 2024
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In regard to Policy Order 2024 #4 relative to the possibility of acquiring the property located at 727 Massachusetts Avenue, City staff has reached out to the brokerage firm managing the sale of the Gas-Light Company Building at 727 Massachusetts Avenue and expect to further evaluate the property to assess its value to the City, and whether we can acquire it at a reasonable price.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program, eliminate the $200 annual permit fee and determine if the process can be simplified. [Charter Right – Simmons, Jan 22, 2024] (PO24#7)
comments by Nolan, Azeem, Simmons, O’Riordan, Maura Pensak, Nolan; Referred as Amended to Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0

O-5     Jan 22, 2024  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes the importance of Electric Vehicle infrastructure and acknowledge that electric vehicles (EVs) create less greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution than traditional gasoline-fueled vehicles and that EV drivers benefit from better fuel economy and financial incentives and contribute to cleaner air and better health for the community; and
WHEREAS: There are over 5,000 EVs registered in Cambridge and the City should continue to work to expand access to charging citywide and EVs can be cheaper to operate than fossil fuel cars despite costing more initially; and
WHEREAS: In response to the work of the Climate Committee, the City Council and the Climate Crisis Working Group, which recommended taking steps to expand EV charging options, on July 12, 2023, the City announced a new EV charging pilot program that will allow residents to apply for a permit to charge EVs across City sidewalks with proper protections to ensure safety and accessibility; and
WHEREAS: This charging pilot program supports the City’s continued commitment to increasing public EV charging access and could act as a transitional piece for meeting the overall publicly accessible EV charging goals; and
WHEREAS: To receive a permit, residents have to follow strict guidelines, buy an approved cover, and have appropriate outdoor electric outlet which can be expensive to install and pay an annual fee of $200, and live more than half a mile from a public charging station, all of which make the program less accessible and more costly restricting equitable access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure for all residents; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has worked to advance city goals of equity and support for residents and small businesses, and remove financial and other barriers when possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program, eliminate consider whether the $200 annual permit fee is appropriate, and determine if any other changes are needed, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution Congratulating Lisa Peterson.   Mayor Simmons

R-1     Jan 29, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: On January 31, 2024, the 2024 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award will be presented to former Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson and to the Water Department’s Stephen S. Corda at a ceremony that recognizes and honors their long-standing dedication to and preservation of the Fresh Pond Reservation; and

WHEREAS: Lisa Peterson was first hired to serve as the Assistant to the City Manager in 1990, in 2001 she was named Public Works Commissioner, and she was eventually promoted to Deputy City Manager in 2013 – she also served as acting City Manager from October 1, 2016 to November 14, 2016 – and in all her various roles, she always prioritized the needs and concerns of the City’s residents; and

WHEREAS: During her time as Deputy City Manager, Lisa oversaw many of the City’s major public construction projects, including the $160 million King Open and Cambridge Street Upper Schools renovations and the Community Complex, and her strong leadership and keen insight were critical to the success of each of these projects; and

WHEREAS: Lisa has always devoted her time to the betterment of the community and of its residents, serving as a Chair of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee and as a Chair of the Community Preservation Act Committee, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that the City’s most vulnerable populations were being supported and included in the City’s decision making process; and

WHEREAS: In 2019, Lisa was awarded the Brian Murphy Award for her hard work, unwavering dedication, and resolute commitment to serving the City of Cambridge, and she has won great admiration across the community for always approaching her work with an inclusiveness and compassion; and

WHEREAS: Lisa was crucial to the successful creation, acceptance, and distribution of the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan, she worked with the Stewardship sub-committee of the Master Plan Committee to write the requirements for a complete Natural Resources Inventory for Fresh Pond Reservation, and to select scientists to conduct a detailed inventory; and

WHEREAS: Under her leadership, the City continuously developed and nurtured the improvement of Fresh Pond Reservation for increased water quality, contributing to the quality of life experience for all Reservation users, and due to her decades of exemplary service, it is only fitting that her work should be recognized; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in congratulating Lisa Peterson for being named the 2024 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award recipient, and in thanking her for her dedication to the protection of our valuable water resources and the natural ecology of Fresh Pond; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Lisa Peterson on behalf of the entire City Council.

2. Resolution Congratulating Sam Corda.   Mayor Simmons

R-2     Jan 29, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: On January 31, 2024, the 2024 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award will be presented to former Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson and to the Water Department’s Stephen S. Corda at a ceremony that recognizes and honors their long-standing dedication to and preservation of the Fresh Pond Reservation; and

WHEREAS: Stephen S. Corda – known to all simply as “Sam” – began working for the City of Cambridge in 1991 as part of the Engineering Department, and after leaving for a period to work in the private sector, he returned to the City for good in 2000 as the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department; and

WHEREAS: Sam was the second-longest tenured Managing Director in the Water Department’s history, wearing many hats during his years of service, and overseeing a significant portion of the construction of the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility; and

WHEREAS: While serving as City Engineer, Sam monitored pumps and mechanical equipment, the structural integrity of dams, and dealing with building HVAC, electrical and plumbing issues; and

WHEREAS: Sam maintained a Grade 4 Treatment Plant Operator license, which allowed him to run the treatment plant as lead operator, making adjustments to the City’s water treatment process in such a way that would always ensure the highest quality of water was being provided to the City’s residents; and

WHEREAS: Sam managed a staff of over 60 people at the Water Department, and he strived to treat all staff members in a fair and equitable manner, even as he navigated the challenges and complexities of overseeing a large staff that consisted of both union and non-union members; and

WHEREAS: Over the decades, Sam also found time to serve on many City boards, including the Water Board, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board, and the MWRA Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS: While serving as Managing Director, Sam oversaw several important Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Implementation projects, including the Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration, the Northeast Sector, the Glacken Slope, Black’s Nook Pond Restoration, the Kingsley Park Bowl, the Huron Forest Restoration, and the Kingsley Park Woodlands, Pathways, Overlooks and Lawn project; and

WHEREAS: Under Sam’s leadership, the City has continuously developed and nurtured the improvement of Fresh Pond Reservation for increased water quality, contributing to the quality of life experience for all Reservation users, and due to his many years of exemplary service it is only fitting that his work should be recognized; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in congratulating Stephen S. Corda for being named the 2024 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award recipient, and in thanking him for his dedication to the protection of our valuable water resources and the natural ecology of Fresh Pond; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Stephen S. Corda on behalf of the entire City Council.

3. Condolences to the family of Maureen C. Morris.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett

R-3     Jan 29, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR PICKETT

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Maureen C. “Mo” Morris on January 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS: A graduate of the Cambridge Matignon School, Maureen C. Morris worked for the City of Cambridge and served with dedication for over 40 years, demonstrating exceptional commitment to her role and her community, and she was a beloved figure by her colleagues; and

WHEREAS: Maureen C. Morris also played a significant role in Teamsters Local 25 as a Shop Steward, advocating for workers’ rights and fair practices; and

WHEREAS: Maureen was the beloved wife of 33 years to Richard P. Morris, she was predeceased by her siblings John “Jocko” Walsh, Robert “Red” Walsh, Helen “Ginger” LeGros, T.J. Walsh, Barry Walsh, Dennis Walsh, and Sheila Walsh, she leaves behind her brother Brian “Duke” Walsh and his wife Claire of Milton, Patrick Walsh and his wife Pattie of Revere, Philip “Porkey” Walsh and his wife Marguerite of Clinton, and her memory shall be forever cherished by all who knew her; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maureen C. Morris for their tremendous loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Maureen C. Morris on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Jan 29, 2024
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance states that “four or more persons who are not within the second degree of kinship shall not be deemed to constitute a family”, making such groups of people ineligible for most Cambridge housing; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission has expressed concern with this policy’s impact on LGBTQ+ individuals’ and households’ ability to secure stable, safe housing in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Given that Cambridge has not enforced this policy in recent memory and has no plans to enforce it going forward, this policy is due for review on its necessity; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Community Development Department report back with any necessary edits to the attached zoning language that would allow unrelated people to live together in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council refer the attached zoning petition to the Housing Committee.

Strikeout the following text from Article 2.000 of the Zoning Code.

Family. One or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit; provided that a group of four or more persons who are not within the second degree of kinship shall not be deemed to constitute a family.

Notwithstanding the definition in the preceding paragraph, a family shall be deemed to include four or more persons not within the second degree of kinship occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit, if said occupants are handicapped persons as defined in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the “Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.” Such unrelated individuals shall have the right to occupy a dwelling unit in the same manner and to the same extent as any family in the first paragraph of this definition.

O-2     Jan 29, 2024 - see below for Adopted Version
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality; and
WHEREAS: The horrific Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage; and
WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with military force, leading to the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, thousands who have been injured, and millions displaced; and
WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and
WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst Cambridge community members, including both Palestinian and Jewish residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

Proposed Amended Version (Sobrinho-Wheeler)
O-2     Jan 29, 2024
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality; and
WHEREAS: The horrific Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage; and
WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with military force, leading to the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, thousands who have been injured, and millions displaced; and
WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and
(5) WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst Cambridge community members, including both Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Jewish residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

Another Proposed Amended Version (Nolan, Toner)
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality;
WHEREAS: The horrific attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage, including women, children and elders; and
WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with military force to this attack, leading to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including children, and thousands more who have been wounded, injured, and millions displaced; and
WHEREAS: While city councils have no direct influence upon American foreign policy nor any authority to direct the federal government’s actions, there has nonetheless been a steady call for municipal bodies, nationwide, to symbolically join the calls for the freeing of the October 7 hostages and a cessation of violence, and such has been the case in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and
WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst members of the Cambridge community, including both Palestinian and Jewish residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
ORDERED: That a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against bigotry of all forms including antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

Proposed Substitute Order - capitulating to the protesters at City Hall who wanted all of the “Whereas” clauses removed [withdrawn by Siddiqui]
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its belief that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion or nationality and therefore supports an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and the Netanyahu Administration, urges the release of all hostages, and calls for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
ORDERED: That a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

Working Version
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality;
(1) WHEREAS: The horrific attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage, including women, children and elders; and [passed 6-3 (BA,MM,PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; SS,JSW,AW-No)]
(2) WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with military force to this attack, leading to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including children, and thousands more who have been wounded, injured, and millions displaced; and [failed 3-6 (PN,PT,DS-Yes; BA,MM,JP,SS,JSW,AW-No) - Siddiqui, JSW, Wilson objected to deleting specific numbers, saying this was “erasing Palestinian lives” - even though numbers are from Hamas-affiliated Gaza Health Ministry and are likely very inaccurate]
WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with [(8) disproportionate - Siddiqui - passes 5-4 (BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-Yes; PN,JP,PT,DS-No)] military force, leading to the [(7) disproportionate - Nolan - fails 4-5 (PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-No)] deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, thousands who have been injured, and millions displaced; and
(4) WHEREAS: While city councils have no direct influence upon American foreign policy nor any authority to direct the federal government’s actions, there has nonetheless been a steady call for municipal bodies, nationwide, to symbolically join the calls for the freeing of the October 7 hostages and a cessation of violence ceasefire [(3) McGovern - change “cessation of violence” to “ceasefire” - passes 9-0], and such has been the case in Cambridge; and [(4) passes 5-4 as amended (MM,PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; BA,SS,JSW,AW-No)]
WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and
(6 - JSW) WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst Cambridge community members, including both Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Jewish residents; now therefore be it [amendment passes 9-0]
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
ORDERED: That a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
(5) ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against bigotry of all forms including antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding. [passes 5-4 as amended (MM,PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; BA,SS,JSW,AW-No)]
(9) Order as Amended passes 9-0 after conflicting speeches by Siddiqui (who mistakenly believes that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded that Israel is engaged in genocide - “we’ll look back and ‘call it what it is’”), Nolan (who corrected Siddiqui’s misreading of the ICJ ruling), and Simmons (who disputed claims during Public Comment that City Council has been inactive and highlighted the bullying tactics of the radical activists)

Adopted Version
O-2     Jan 29, 2024
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality; and
WHEREAS: The horrific attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage; and
WHEREAS: The Netanyahu Administration responded with disproportionate military force to this attack, leading to the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, and thousands who have been wounded, injured, and millions displaced; and
WHEREAS: While city councils have no direct influence upon American foreign policy nor any authority to direct the federal government’s actions, there has nonetheless been a steady call for municipal bodies, nationwide, to symbolically join the calls for the freeing of the October 7 hostages and a ceasefire, and such has been the case in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and
WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst members of the Cambridge community, including Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and Jewish residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further
ORDERED: That a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against bigotry of all forms including antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

O-3     Jan 29, 2024
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR PICKETT
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Legislature is considering legislation via S.452 and H.869 which would establish the municipal reforestation program, which would set up a structure to provide funding and technical assistance for municipalities to create a robust urban tree canopy cover, especially in treeless neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: For many years, the City of Cambridge has been committed to confronting the problem of climate change and environmental justice by dedicating expertise and resources to supporting a dense urban forest and focusing on reducing heat island impacts throughout the city, but especially in environmental justice neighborhoods; and the Massachusetts bill would provide numerous benefits related to public health, climate change, environmental justice, and biodiversity; and would support the ongoing work of the Urban Forest Master Plan; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Pollinator Network has worked to support local and state efforts to improve biodiversity and native planting practices and develop programs and incentives to grow the urban forest; they have developed a letter in support of S.452 and H.869 with additional recommendations which would support native plantings and local environmental jobs; and
WHEREAS: The bill provides support for the urgent socio-economic and environmental needs of municipalities throughout the Commonwealth by: including training youth and young adults in urban arboriculture, providing career paths for youth from underserved communities; prioritizing the use of native trees, which are an essential part of reversing the rapid decline in insect, bird and other species; and helping communities invest in the environment in a way that improves natural infrastructure and supports the health of essential ecosystems; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Urban Forest Master Plan calls on the city to maintain and expand the urban forest canopy while being more resilient to climate change, reducing the urban heat island effect, mitigating stormwater runoff, reducing nutrient runoff, and contributing to community well-being; all goals which can be supported by the introduction of a state-led municipal reforestation program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting bill S.452 and H.869, which would establish the municipal reforestation program and further support our own goals of maintaining and expanding the urban forest canopy and support our goals of environmental justice; and sign on in support of the attached letter by the MA Pollinators Network supporting the bill; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to House and Senate leadership and the Cambridge delegation.

O-4     Jan 29, 2024
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there has once again been a traumatic crash at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney Street, and Bristol Street on January 12; and
WHEREAS: This intersection has long been dangerous, with near misses almost every day, particularly because Bristol Street is often used as a cut-through by drivers, visibility for drivers to anticipate cross traffic is extremely poor, and this section of Cardinal Medeiros is straight and induces speeding by drivers who are often lacking intimate knowledge of the particular hazards; and
WHEREAS: Most of the recent crashes at the intersection have involved cars turning from Bristol Street or Binney Street onto Cardinal Medeiros Avenue or attempting to cross Cardinal Medeiros Avenue to go straight on Binney Street; and
WHEREAS: Limiting cut-through traffic on Bristol Street would improve traffic safety at the intersection while creating additional opportunities for recreation, pedestrian and bicycle access, and safe outdoor dining at Vincent’s; and
WHEREAS: The City Council already passed two policy orders about this intersection on June 14, 2021 and August 1, 2022; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic & Parking Department to take immediate action and make safety improvements to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney Street, and Bristol Street as soon as possible.

O-5     Jan 29, 2024  Charter Right - Siddiqui
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There has been ongoing discussion regarding the appropriateness and methodology of addressing foreign policy resolutions within the scope of the City Council’s responsibilities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the topic of discussing foreign policy resolutions by the City Council be referred to the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee.