Cambridge City Council meeting - January 31, 2022

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-77, regarding a report on ways to report pedestrian and cycling crashes using real-time reporting. (CM22#11)
Sent back to City Manager 8-0-0-1 - Mallon (Simmons - Present)

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-5, regarding pedestrian safety on Broadway at CRLS. (CM22#12)
Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-85, which requesting a report on potential modifications or adjustments to the recent improvements that were made on the segment of Massachusetts Avenue from Dudley Street to Alewife Brook Parkway. (CM22#13)
Placed on File 9-0

January 31, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report 21-85, which requesting a report on potential modifications or adjustments to the recent improvements that were made on the segment of Massachusetts Avenue from Dudley Street to Alewife Brook Parkway, Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Joseph Barr and Fire Chief Gerard Mahoney report the following:

The Policy Order requested information regarding two specific issues:

1. How people with limited mobility can access services along this segment of Massachusetts Avenue given the new parking restrictions.

2. The level of Fire Department activity on this segment of Massachusetts Avenue as it relates to the feasibility of allowing longer duration parking.

Regarding the first issue, the design of the project was modified prior to installation, to provide three accessible parking spaces directly on Massachusetts Avenue. Under the Cycling Safety Ordinance, we are allowed to install accessible parking adjacent to the curb (in a location that does not impede Fire Department operations) even if it requires interrupting the separation in the bike lane. In addition, we have been working to make other parking adjustments, including additional meters on side streets (as appropriate) and clarifying the loading zone on the southbound side of the street, and will continue to seek out additional opportunities to enhance the project.

Regarding the second issue, the Fire Department and the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department have worked together extensively to understand the space required for the proper deployment of fire apparatus and the impact this has on street design. Based on this, it is clear that in locations where a separated bicycle lane is located at the curb, long-term parking would interfere with the ability to properly deploy a ladder in locations where there is only one travel lane between the parking lane and the median, or where there is an overhead contact system for the trackless trolleys (as is the case on other segments of Massachusetts Avenue).

The deployment of an aerial ladder for a building fire or other emergency is a tactic used by the Cambridge Fire Department and all urban fire departments, particularly in a dense and built-up neighborhood with a significant amount of wood frame construction. Firefighters and Fire Officers make the decision to use or not use an aerial ladder based on a multitude of factors that evolve rapidly during a fire or other emergency. Placing long-term parking in a way that hinders our ability to strategically place apparatus and equipment to serve and save residents and visitors in Cambridge is not an acceptable outcome from a public safety perspective.

Looking at data on the number of fires in the last ten years that required a ladder truck is not meaningful, since the occurrence or nonoccurrence of fires requiring deployment of an aerial ladder is not indicative of the probability of such a need arising in the future. The City places primary importance on protecting citizens from mortal dangers such as fires, and would not want to end up in a situation where we have constrained our future ability to provide protection from those dangers, even if their occurrence is relatively rare.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-1, regarding the feasibility of creating a Cycling Safety Ordinance Advisory group. (CM22#14)
Placed on File 9-0

Jan 31, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report 22-1, which requested a report on the feasibility of creating a Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) advisory group, along with information about developing a minimum standard for outreach and evaluation processes for quick-build separated bike lane projects being implemented under the CSO, please be advised of the following:

Based on discussions with staff from multiple City departments, we believe that it is feasible to create the suggested advisory group, to provide a venue for ongoing discussions about projects being implemented under the CSO. The group could discuss and provide input on topics such as community notification and public outreach, project evaluation and community feedback, and strategies to enhance and mitigate the impacts of these projects. Because of the need to establish this group relatively quickly and have substantive discussions begin in a timely manner, I intend to establish this group as an advisory group to the City Manager, similar to other advisory groups we have created in the past. Once established, we expect that the City Manager’s Office will comanage the group with the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department, with staff from other departments participating on an ongoing basis.

As noted in the original Policy Order, we expect to select most of the members of this group from existing appointed boards, commissions, and committees, while also working to include other residents and stakeholders who may not already be involved in the process. Although we have not yet chosen specific members for the group, we expect to select most of the membership from amongst the following existing boards, commissions, committees, and other groups (note that groups marked with an asterisk are officially appointed City Boards and Commissions):

• Bicycle Committee*

• Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned Business Advisory Committee*

• Business associations (formal and informal)

• Citizen's Committee on Civic Unity*

• Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board*

• Council on Aging*

• Human Rights Commission*

• Interfaith community

• Peace Commission*

• Pedestrian Committee*

• Police Review and Advisory Board*

• Small Business Advisory Committee

• Transit Advisory Committee*

• Vision Zero Advisory Committee*

In addition, we will seek out additional residents and stakeholder representatives to serve on this advisory group, to help ensure that the group is diverse and representative of the full Cambridge community, and that voices that may not have traditionally been included in the discussion are provided with an opportunity for input. To create a group that can have meaningful discussions on the topics noted above and listed in the original Policy Order, we will need to keep the group to a reasonable size, so we will work to find a balance between the size of the group and making sure that a wide range of thoughts and voices are heard.

Beyond the community representatives, we expect that the discussions will also involve staff from the following City departments (note that not every department will necessarily need to be included in every discussion), along with the staff who work on behalf of the Boards and Commissions noted above:

• City Manager’s Office

• Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department

• Community Development Department

• Department of Public Works

• Fire Department

• Police Department

• Department of Human Service Programs

• Public Health Department

We will also involve other public safety and general government departments as needed to enable the group to have the most productive discussions.

This new advisory group will not take the place of current and future community outreach and communications plans related to the implementation of CSO-related quick build separated bicycle lane projects on specific streets or corridors. However, we believe that working collaboratively with the advisory group, we can find better ways to reach the entirety of the community.

The process for working with the community is constantly evolving, and the City is committed to continuing to iterate and evolve the process to find the best way to engage the community around these quick build separated bicycle lane projects. There is no one size fits all solution for community engagement, and we customize each process for the specific conditions and circumstances of each corridor. Engagement can happen in a variety of ways, some of which have obviously become more popular and necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Engagement can occur in larger group settings, such as online or in-person community meetings. Engagement also happens in smaller group settings, such as open houses or a drop-in format. Staff also attend meetings convened by others, such as business associations, neighborhood groups, or other affinity organizations. Engagement may also consist of online information sharing, with staff available for one-on-one discussions, by phone, email, or in person. We hold scheduled office hours when staff are designated to be available for one-on-one or small group discussions, as well as meeting one-on-one on site to walk a project corridor and discuss or troubleshoot specific issues. We distribute neighborhood posters and flyers to share project information and raise awareness of coming meetings and coming implementations. We also leverage existing City communications channels, such as the Daily Update email, the City Council weekly digest, and the online City calendar.

Online outreach is also an important element of this engagement and we provide project information online for those who prefer to engage this way. We also provide multiple ways for the public to provide feedback, including public comment periods during meetings, in-person and online surveys/feedback forms, emails, and phone calls. We feel it is important to give equal weight to all the feedback we receive, regardless of whether someone has chosen to take part in a larger meeting, contact us by phone, or submit an online survey. By having a wide variety of outreach tools, we are trying to level the playing field to hear about and meet the needs of our community, regardless of how they prefer and/or are able to interact with us. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on how we have done outreach during this time in both positive and negative ways, leading us to adopt new engagement elements and approaches out of necessity. As we try to plan for a future with fewer limitations due to COVID-19, we continue to explore which of these should remain and which should not.

While no two outreach/engagement efforts will be exactly the same, there are general elements that are common to most quick build projects, that can form the basis for a more standardized process, with additional elements tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of a given corridor or project. Based on our experience, community engagement for quick build separated bicycle lane projects is generally split into four engagement phases:

Engagement Phase 1-Preliminary Outreach/Information Gathering
During this phase of engagement, we make sure that the community is initially aware of the project; provide background on City goals, policies, and plans that inform the design process (including the Cycling Safety Ordinance); gather their input on needs and preferences; and share information on existing conditions and preliminary possible layouts for the streets based on the specific constraints or conditions along a particular corridor. For example, the width of a street will greatly impact the options we have for separated bicycle lane layouts, so it is important to use that constraint as a starting point for public discussion.

In this phase we educate the community on what elements of the projects are flexible and open to change and which elements are constrained. During this phase we seek to learn about the characteristics of the local community, including official or informal senior housing, key destinations in the area, existing safety and operational concerns, and any other transportation issues that may be of specific concern to local residents. This is also an important phase for initial engagement with local businesses and institutions, so that we can understand their needs and constraints early in the design process.

Engagement Phase 2-Design Review
After using the feedback received during the initial outreach process to inform the design process, we share preliminary design plans and engage the community to obtain feedback on the plans and identify potential improvements to the plans. This period includes more in-depth information gathering about the needs of business and institutional stakeholders, and continued conversations with the community.

Working off these preliminary plans, we ask for specific feedback on design elements, identify the ways we can change the design to better accommodate community needs, and more directly respond to community feedback. This period can include very targeted outreach to stakeholders who may be most interested in the project, including business representatives, seniors, people with disabilities and mobility impairments, and other groups identified during first phase of engagement.

Engagement Phase 3-Final Fine Tuning
In the third phase of engagement, we focus on ensuring the community knows what to expect from the upcoming project installation and make final changes to certain elements of the plan based on continued feedback. For example, upon review of final plans, community members may request adjustments to curb regulations or side street meter locations once they see the rest of the final plans. This would be the final phase of engagement prior to project implementation.

Engagement Phase 4-Ongoing Engagement and Evaluation
Once installation begins, we seek to continue an open dialogue with the community. We will communicate additional information out to the community as needed and are always available to receive additional feedback and troubleshoot issues that arise. Once sufficient time has passed for all street users to have adjusted to the new design, we conduct an evaluation of each project and share our findings with the community.

In addition to the project specific elements laid out here, we also plan to roll out supplemental outreach about the Cycling Safety Ordinance as a whole, including making sure that all of the local business associations are familiar with this legislation. This will both allow for a greater understanding of the Cycling Safety Ordinance and how we plan for implementation and allow for earlier engagement with members of the community who are interested in the ordinance but may not see the design process in their local community start for several years.

Using this toolbox as a starting point, we look forward to working with the advisory group to further improve and refine the process, develop and test new outreach tools to meet community needs, and create an inclusive process that meets the requirements of the ordinance and supports City transportation and sustainability goals. We also look forward to continuing to work with the City Council and the entire Cambridge community to implement these critical projects and improve safety for all users, while working to make sure that all voices continue to be heard and considered.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to not adopt the Cushing, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM22#15)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: Jan 24, 2022
Subject: Cushing, et al., Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On December 21, 2021, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Karen Cushing, et al., to amend Section 11.207.6.1 of the Zoning Ordinance, Required Off-Street Accessory Parking for Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) Projects. The Board heard a presentation from representatives of the Petitioners, and received written materials from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD).

The Petition would amend the current regulations in Section 11.207.6.1 to require off-street parking consistent with the base zoning district. The AHO, adopted in 2020, establishes an alternative set of as-of-right zoning standards that can be applied to developments in which all housing units are made permanently affordable. The current AHO standards do not require a minimum number of off-street parking spaces for an AHO Project. In most cases, the base zoning would require a minimum of one off-street parking space per dwelling unit.

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 noted that there are strong differences of opinion regarding the City’s requirements for residential parking, and that there are many tradeoffs to be considered including housing costs, environmental goals, and equitable opportunities for residents. Board members commented that AHO Projects, like any residential development, will likely contain some households that own cars, thus creating demand for residential parking. Board members recalled that reduced minimum parking requirements were considered as part of the draft AHO zoning, but the City Council ultimately adopted a version of the AHO that did not include a minimum off-street parking requirement. Although the Board does not support changing the requirement at this time, Board members agreed that this issue should continue to be considered as the AHO is evaluated in the future. Board members are open to considering a minimum parking requirement if there is a demonstrated need, acknowledging that it may require more discussion to come to consensus around what the requirement should be.

The Planning Board voted 8-0 to transmit the above recommendation.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Catherine Preston Connolly, Chair.

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Yamin, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM22#16)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: Jan 24, 2022
Subject: Yamin, et al., Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On December 21, 2021, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Michael Jeremy Yamin, et al., to amend Section 11.207.5.3 of the Zoning Ordinance, yard setback standards for Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) Projects. The Board heard a presentation from representatives of the Petitioners, and received written materials from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD).

The Petition would amend the current regulations in Section 11.207.5.3 to require setbacks for AHO Projects “no less than 50% of the Base District formula calculations in all cases.” The AHO, adopted in 2020, establishes an alternative set of as-of-right zoning standards that can be applied to developments in which all housing units are made permanently affordable. The current AHO standards require setbacks based on fixed distances from property lines, but do not require setbacks based on a formula calculation.

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 commented that the Petitioners raise understandable and legitimate concerns, but noted that this Petition appears to be motivated by one specific proposal that has yet to be reviewed by the Board. Board members generally agreed with the Petitioners that quality design of affordable housing is important. They noted that the design review process will offer opportunities to discuss the specific proposal and for the public to comment. Board members also commented that that the City Council spent extensive time weighing the relevant policy tradeoffs before adopting the Affordable Housing Overlay about a year ago; given how new the zoning is, it would be premature to make substantial changes to the ordinance. Thus far, the Board has only reviewed two proposals, and Board members were not convinced whether this Petition would improve or detract from those proposals or other future proposals.

The Planning Board voted 7-0 to transmit the above recommendation, with one member abstaining.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Catherine Preston Connolly, Chair.

8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Francis Donovan, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM22#17)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: Jan 24, 2022
Subject: Francis Donovan, et al., Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On November 16, 2021, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Francis Donovan, et al., to amend Articles 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. The Board heard a presentation from representatives of the petitioners, and received written materials from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD).

The Petition was presented as having three parts. “Part 1” pertains to zoning for single-family detached dwellings and appears to propose that existing single-family dwellings could be converted to up to three-family dwellings, and existing two-family dwellings could be converted to up to four-family dwellings, with limited exterior alterations. It also proposes to apply requirements for affordable units to dwellings with three units or more. “Part 2” would require that surface parking for residential uses be paved with permeable surfacing materials. “Part 3” would create a “Citywide Commercial, Institutional, and Public Property Overlay District” that would apply new requirements to “properties within the City of Cambridge owned or leased by employers of more than 100 full-time persons, students or affiliates.”

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. The Board is broadly supportive of goals of the Petition to eliminate some barriers to reusing the existing housing stock, to allow for multifamily dwellings citywide, and to reduce stormwater runoff from residential parking. However, Board members expressed that those issues should be part of a more holistic discussion that considers more comprehensive solutions.

Board members were informed that the City Council has asked CDD staff to work with the Planning Board to engage in such a discussion. Board members also noted that some aspects of the current Petition are difficult to address because the text is unclear, and that “Part 3” of the Petition is beyond the scope of zoning and potentially requires action at a more regional scale, though it does raise important issues about employment and demand for housing.

The Board looks forward to receiving more detail about the City Council’s request to discuss these matters further, and is eager to engage in this discussion in the near future with the support of CDD staff.

The Planning Board voted 8-1 to transmit the above recommendation.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Catherine Preston Connolly, Chair.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Kevin O'Donnel, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 59 Fresh Pond Lane; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right - Zondervan, Jan 24, 2022] (AP22#1)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and committees to present a report to the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee which includes information on the history, membership data of golf course users, environmental conditions, and a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted or what would be involved in changing use for other city needs. [Charter Right - Toner, Jan 24, 2022] (PO22#9)
Substitute Order Adopted 9-0

O-3 Jan 24, 2022 Not Adopted in this form
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The Fresh Pond Golf Course in West Cambridge is the largest open space in Cambridge and has been enjoyed as welcome green space for decades; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has operated the golf course to ensure the sport is accessible to community residents, including keeping course fees low to ensure more diverse users, and supporting the CRLS golf team when most urban high schools charge fees or do not have a golf team due to barriers; and
WHEREAS: Golf is an important and safe outdoor activity, with many residents participating, yet golfer needs should be balanced with the need for open public space for residents, most of whom do not play golf; and
WHEREAS: Golf participation nationwide has declined, although recent trends show more millennials, women, and girls participating; and
WHEREAS: Golf trends suggest that 6-hole and par-3 courses are increasingly popular in urban settings and may provide an opportunity to increase usage and still provide a golfing experience; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge continues to seek space to meet many different community needs including open space, tree canopy, DPW operations, affordable housing, and other uses; and
WHEREAS: The City seeks to encourage outdoor activity and physical activity among residents and the recent growth in sports like orienteering, which involves more CPS students than golf, suggests an opportunity for creative thinking about public spaces; and
WHEREAS: When the golf course was opened to the public free of charge during the early months of the pandemic, the space was widely utilized by people – individuals, groups, and families – of a wide age range, walking, jogging, reading, and playing; and
WHEREAS: In light of these trends, it makes sense to review whether the current use of this large swath of public land restricted to golf players for much of the year is best use, if other uses are possible and should be considered, or if other uses could be incorporated into golf operations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department, Historical Commission, Community Development Department, the Golf Course Staff, the Department of Human Services Recreation Division, the Public Planting Committee, Fresh Pond Advisory Committee, Department of Public Works and other relevant departments to present a report to the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, which includes but is not limited to information on the history of the golf course, membership data of golf course users including by zip code, environmental conditions, and a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted or what would be involved in changing use for other city needs; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council request that the Chair of the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts, and Celebration Committee schedule a public hearing to discuss this City-owned land parcel; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by Mar 30, 2022 to enable a committee hearing this spring.

Substitution for Policy Order submitted by Councillors Toner, McGovern and Simmons Not Adopted in this form
WHEREAS: The Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Golf Course, also known as the Fresh Pond Golf Course, in West Cambridge is the largest open space in Cambridge and has been enjoyed as welcome green space for since 1933; and
WHEREAS: Golf is an important and safe outdoor activity, with many residents participating, and has operated in a manner to ensure the sport is accessible to an increasingly diverse community of residents, including keeping course fees low to ensure affordable to all users, and supporting the CRLS golf team when most urban high schools charge fees or do not have a golf team due to barriers; and
WHEREAS: The golf course is self-sufficient and operates on member fees and receives no additional funding from the city,
WHEREAS: The City seeks to encourage outdoor activity and physical activity among residents,
WHEREAS: Considering these trends, it makes sense review if other outdoor uses could be incorporated into golf operations without interfering with its current and primary purpose as the only low cost municipal golf course in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all appropriate departments, as well as the Cambridge Water Board and Fresh Pond Advisory Committee, and present a report to the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, which includes but is not limited to a legal analysts of what uses are currently permitted, information on the history of the golf course, membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council request that the Chair of the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts, and Celebration Committee schedule a public hearing to discuss what other complementary uses, if any, might be made of the space that do not interfere with the regular operations of the golf course, and encourage greater usage by all Cambridge residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by March 30, 2022 to enable a committee hearing this spring.

Further substitution for Policy Order submitted by Zondervan Not Adopted in this form
WHEREAS: The Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Golf Course, also known as the Fresh Pond Golf Course, in West Cambridge is the largest open space in Cambridge and has been enjoyed as welcome green space for since 1933; and
WHEREAS: Golf is an important and safe outdoor activity, with many residents participating, and has operated in a manner to ensure the sport is accessible to an increasingly diverse community of residents, including keeping course fees low to ensure affordable to all users, and supporting the CRLS golf team when most urban high schools charge fees or do not have a golf team due to barriers; and
WHEREAS: The golf course is self-sufficient and operates on member fees and receives no additional funding from the city,
WHEREAS: The City seeks to encourage outdoor activity and physical activity among residents,
WHEREAS: Considering these trends, it makes sense to review if other outdoor uses could be incorporated into golf operations without interfering with its current and primary purpose as the only low cost, municipal golf course in Cambridge; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: Considering these trends, it makes sense review if other outdoor uses could be incorporated into golf operations without interfering with its current and primary purpose as the only low cost municipal golf course in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all appropriate departments, as well as the Cambridge Water Board and Fresh Pond Advisory Committee, and present a report to the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, which includes but is not limited to a legal analysts of what uses are currently permitted, information on the history of the golf course, residency and other demographic information about membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council request that the Chair of the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts, and Celebration Committee schedule a public hearing on this matter to discuss what other complimentary uses, if any, might be made of the space that do not interfere with the regular operations of the golf course, and encourage greater usage by all Cambridge residents to discuss what other complementary uses, if any, might be made of the space that do not interfere with the regular operations of the golf course, and encourage greater usage by all Cambridge residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by March 30, 2022 to enable a committee hearing this spring.

Substitution for Policy Order submitted by Councillors Toner, McGovern and Simmons as amended
O-3 ~~Jan 24, 2022~~ Jan 31, 2022 Adopted 9-0
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr Golf Course, also known as the Fresh Pond Golf Course, in West Cambridge is the largest open space in Cambridge and has been enjoyed as welcome green space for since 1933; and
WHEREAS: Golf is an important and safe outdoor activity, with many residents participating, and has operated in a manner to ensure the sport is accessible to an increasingly diverse community of residents, including keeping course fees low to ensure affordable to all users, and supporting the CRLS golf team when most urban high schools charge fees or do not have a golf team due to barriers; and
WHEREAS: The golf course is self-sufficient and operates on member fees and receives no additional funding from the City, and
WHEREAS: The City seeks to encourage outdoor activity and physical activity among residents, and
WHEREAS: Considering these trends, it makes sense to review if other outdoor uses could be incorporated into golf operations without interfering with its current and primary purpose as the only low cost, municipal golf course in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all appropriate departments, as well as, the Cambridge Water Board and Fresh Pond Advisory Committee and present a report to the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, which includes but is not limited to a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted, information on the history of the golf course, residency and other demographic information about membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council request that the Chair of the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts, and Celebration Committee schedule a public hearing to discuss what other complementary uses, if any, might be made of the space that do not interfere with the regular operations of the golf course, and encourage greater usage by all Cambridge residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by March 30, 2022 to enable a committee hearing this spring.

Note 1: Zondervan stated that he does want to change/limit golf operations.

Note 2: Carlone scolded his colleagues for having scolded the original authors of the policy order.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Heather Dudko representing Citizens Bank, requesting permission for a projecting sign externally illuminated by spot at the premises numbered 698 Massachusetts Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter. (AP22#2)
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Shehime Arshad, regarding Extremely Upset Bike Lanes.

2. A communication was received from Robin Adele Greeley, regarding don't remove plane trees on Memorial Drive.

3. A communication was received from Rick Hawkins, regarding comments re PO # 9 Fresh Pond Golf.

4. A communication was received from Paul E Fallon, regarding request Support State Police Action Against Free Speech.

5. A communication was received from Michael Massagli, regarding request for revision of implementation of Bike Safety Ordinance North of Harvard Square.

6. A communication was received from Margery Davies, regarding Net Zero Action Plan 2021 Update -- comments from Margery Davies.

7. A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding asking a question at the 125 TPP Meeting -- Porter SQ. Cyclist Safety Infrastructure.

8. A communication was received from Joan Pickett Street, regarding Porter Square Mass Ave Safety Improvement Project.

9. A communication was received from Janet Plotkin, regarding DCR Proposal for Memorial Drive.

10. A communication was received from Beth Gamse, regarding comments on Porter Square Redesign.

11. A communication was received from Annette Osgood and Jeanne Oster, regarding Annette Osgood and Jeanne Oster Meeting Jan 31 Policy Orders needed to be followed for Beech St to Roseland St Project.

12. A communication was received from Angela Hofmann, regarding Porter Square Bike Lanes.

13. A communication was received from Amy Brakeman, regarding saving mature trees on Memorial Drive Cambridge.

14. A communication was received from Rachel Morpeth, regarding Voicing Support for the Cycling Safety Ordinance.

15. A communication was received from Debra Wood, regarding please submit as a communication to City Council.

16. A communication was received from Edward Loveall, regarding upgrade Cambridge.

17. A communication was received from Eileen Harrington, regarding Porter Square and Upland Road changes.

18. A communication was received from Karin Freed, regarding Comments for Tonight's Meeting.

19. A communication was received from Nicoleta Theodosiou, regarding Letter in Protest of Bike lanes.

20. A communication was received from Noa Weinstein, regarding URGENT Snow banks at Central Square bus stop.

21. A communication was received from Rachel Morpeth, regarding Voicing Support for the Cycling Safety Ordinance.

22. A communication was received from Sebastian Stuart, regarding Porter Square bike lane.

23. A communication was received from Sharon Cerny, regarding Removal of Parking on Mass Avenue.

24. A communication was received from Stephen McCauley, regarding Vehement Opposition to Porter Square Changes.

25. A communication was received from Stu Rosner, regarding Traffic Planning Bike Lane Implementation Imperious and Appalling.

26. A communication was received from Trina Lorch and Steven Kusiak, regarding Please consider our feedback on the Mass Ave-Porter Square Quick Build project - thank you!

27. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding City Manager's Agenda #4 - long-term parking on dedicated bus lane.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the City Manager’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awardees. Councillor Simmons

3. Congratulations to Deval Patrick on the occasion of his new role at the Kennedy School of Government’s Center for Public Leadership. Councillor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Peter Ciurczak and Elizabeth McIntyre on the birth of their daughter, June Ciurczak-McIntyre. Councillor McGovern

7. Late Resolution for David Albert. Councillor Toner
Late Resolution Adopted 8-1 with Councillor Zondervan (unbelievably) voting NO

ORDERS
1. That the City Council go on record recognizing February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (PO22#13)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

2. Wage Theft Ordinance. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (PO22#14)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

3. That the City Council and School Committee hold a joint virtual roundtable on Tues, Feb 8, 2022 to discuss priorities for the FY23 Budget. Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#15)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Anthony Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF22#10)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from City Clerk Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a response to Charter Right item #1. (COF22#11)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication was received from Councillor Marc McGovern, transmitting the January 2022 report on homelessness in Cambridge. (COF22#12)
Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF22#13)
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 9
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (2021-26). (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 16
6:00pm The Government Operations Rules and Claims Committee will meet for the purpose of gathering resident and stakeholder feedback on the hiring of the next City Manager. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, Mar 9
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend Article 20.90- Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3- Temporarily prohibited uses. (ORDINANCE #2022-1). (Zoom)

O-2 Jan 31, 2022 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Wage Theft Ordinance was previously introduced on September 20, 2021; and
WHEREAS: Wage theft is a pervasive issue across many industries in Cambridge and traditional law enforcement agencies lack the resources to address it effectively; and
WHEREAS: Wage theft takes on many forms including the illegal misclassification of employees as independent contractors, and is often accompanied by employer tax and insurance fraud, with employers failing to pay their payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums; and
WHEREAS: Wage theft disproportionately impacts people of color and undocumented immigrants who already face significant economic disparities in Cambridge and regionally; and
WHEREAS: Wage theft is so prevalent in Cambridge’s construction industry that significant financial incentives are necessary to motivate property owners and their general contractors to take steps sufficient to ensure that wage theft does not occur on their projects; and
WHEREAS: The City Council is resolved to ensure that wage theft is prevented by ensuring that all employers including subcontractors comply with state laws governing the payment of prevailing wages and other wage and hour laws, the provision of workers compensation coverage, the proper classification of individuals as employees versus independent contractors, as well as state law concerning health insurance coverage; and
WHEREAS: Establishing a Wage Theft Complaint Process, a representative Wage Theft Enforcement Committee, and a required annual report will improve enforcement of wage theft across a wide range of industries, enhance communication with the Attorney General’s Office, and ensure transparency and accountability; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council schedule a hearing of the Ordinance Committee for the purposes of amending the Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to insert the language below:

2.66.100 WAGE THEFT

2.66.110 – Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to reinforce existing laws against wage theft in the City of Cambridge and expand on them to provide the city’s workers with stronger and more easily enforceable wage and benefits protections.

2.66.120 – Powers Regarding Wage Theft

(a) The city, by and through its officials, boards and commissions, may deny an application for any license or permit issued by it, if, during the three-year period prior to the date of the application, the applicant admitted guilt or liability or has been found guilty, liable or responsible, in any judicial or administrative proceeding, of committing or attempting to commit a violation of:

1) Commonwealth of Massachusetts Payment of Wages Law, General Laws Chapter 149, Section 148, and any and all other state or federal laws regulating the payment of wages, including, but not limited to, Chapter 149, Sections 27, 27G, 27H, 52D, 148A, 148B, 150C, 152, 152A, 159C; and Chapter 151, sections 1, 1A, 1B, 15, 19 and 20 of the General Laws; and

2) The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §1692, or any other federal or state law regulating the collection of debt, as to the employees of the applicant or others who had performed work for said applicant.

(b) Any license or permit issued by the City of Cambridge, its boards or commissions, may be revoked or suspended if, during the three years prior to the issuance of the license or permit, the licensee or permittee admitted guilt or liability or has been found guilty or liable in any judicial or administrative proceeding of committing a violation of any of the laws set forth in subsection (a) above.

(c) Any license or permit issued by the City of Cambridge, its boards or commissions, may be revoked or suspended if the applicant, licensee or permittee is a person who was subject to a final judgment or other decision for violation of any of the laws set forth in subsection (a) above within three years prior to the effective date of this section, and the judgment was not satisfied within the lawful period for doing same, or the expiration of the period for filing an appeal; or if an appeal is made, the date of the final resolution of that appeal and any subsequent appeal resulting in a final administrative or judicial affirmation of violation of any of the laws set forth in subsection (a) above.

(d) The period of non-issuance, revocation or non-renewal shall be one year, and the licensee or permittee or the person who is the principal of a license or permit shall not again be licensed or permitted in any other manner during such period.

(e) Within 14 calendar days from the date that the notice of refusal to issue, revocation or refusal to renew notice is mailed to the applicant or licensee or permittee, the applicant, licensee or permittee may appeal such decision by filing a written notice of appeal setting forth the grounds therefor. Said notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. The hearing shall be conducted by the board, commission or individual who made the decision not to issue, not to renew, or to revoke within 30 days of receipt of such notice of appeal.

(f) This law shall apply to any person or entity whose final administrative decision or adjudication or judicial judgment or conviction was entered on or after 3 years before implementation], with the exception of judgments that remain unsatisfied as set forth in subsection (c) above.

(g) Application of this section is subject to applicable state or federal laws.

2.66.130 – Wage Theft Enforcement Committee

(a) Structure

1) There shall be established a Wage Theft Enforcement Committee (WTEC), comprised of no less than 11 total designees, appointed by the City Manager and approved by the City Council, with designees from relevant organizations including the building trades, service workers, other labor unions, trade organizations, nonprofits and other organizations representing labor. No less than half the committee members shall be Cambridge residents, and no less than half shall be union/labor representatives.

2) Designees of the wage theft advisory committee shall be appointed for a term of three years, notwithstanding initial appointments, and must be appointed no later than the second City Council meeting of the new year. In order to stagger the terms of the designees, the initial appointments shall be randomly divided into 3 equal cohorts with 1 year, 2 year and 3-year terms respectively. No appointee shall serve more than 2 consecutive terms in a row, regardless of term length.

(b) Duties

1) The WTEC will meet at least once every two months to review wage theft complaints and provide advice to the City Manager and City Council on the implementation and effectiveness of the wage theft ordinance.

2) In addition, each year the committee shall elect from among its members a volunteer secretary who shall receive wage theft complaints from the attorney general's office; or received by the city solicitor's office; or received by any member of the WTEC. Said secretary and/or designees of the committee shall coordinate any response to such complaint that is required by the ordinance. In addition, members of the WTEC may offer education, guidance, and referrals to employees affected by wage theft in Cambridge.

(c) Annual report. The city shall publish an annual report, through the WTEC detailing all wage theft complaints received and action taken in response to such complaints, including specifically the status or final disposition of each complaint, where available. The report shall also include civil and criminal judgments issued by the state and federal courts, administrative citations, and final administrative orders, including but not limited to debarments, against employers pursuant to M.G.L. c. 149 and M.G.L. c. 151, if known. The report shall be presented to the City Council via the City Manager’s agenda at a regular City Council meeting soon after its publication.

(d) Conflict of interest. For purposes of this division no member of the WTEC shall participate in any proceeding concerning a beneficiary, a covered vendor, or a covered employee, if the member or any member of his or her immediate family has a direct or indirect financial interest in said individual or in the award of a service contract, subcontract or assistance or the granting of relief to said individual.

2.66.140 – Wage Theft Complaint Process

(a) Filing of complaints. Anyone may file a complaint by notifying the City Manager of a violation. The City Manager, upon notification of a wage theft complaint, shall immediately notify the WTEC, the city purchasing agent, the Licensing Commission, the City Council, and the Attorney General's office of the complaint.

(b) Required communication with attorney general. On a biannual basis, a representative from the WTEC will request to meet with the office of the Attorney General to discuss complaints involving employers in the city and to better coordinate on issues of wage theft in the city.

2.66.150 – Successors in Interest

The requirements of this division, including any sanctions imposed herein, that are applicable to any employer shall also be applicable to, and effective against, any successor employer that (i) has at least one of the same principals or officers as the prior employer; and (ii) is engaged in the same or equivalent trade or activity as the prior employer.

2.66.160 – Severability

If any provision of this division, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances, shall be enjoined or held to be invalid, the remaining provisions of this division, or the application of such provisions to persons or circumstances, other than that which is enjoined or held invalid shall be not affected thereby.

2.66.170 – Effective Date

This ordinance shall become effective upon ordination.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-111. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018

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

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

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

20-61. Report on an update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/16/2020

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

21-8. Report on removing hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community and determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 2/8/2021

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

21-35. Report on providing options to update the HomeBridge and Affordable Home Ownership Programs to better align with the City’s values, and promote racial equity and socioeconomic justice.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) 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

21-42. Report on reviewing Cambridge’s corporate contracts and purchases to identify any vendors or manufacturers whose products are used to perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws and Cambridge’s policy on discrimination.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 5/25/2021

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

21-45. Report on taking all necessary steps to waive the dog license fee for all senior citizens and examine options for reducing the fees for low-income residents.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #1) from 6/14/2021

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

21-49. Report on making immediate improvements at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney and Bristol Streets and to all intersections in the city that are similarly malfunctioning, and to implement longer term changes.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-8) 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

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

21-63. Report on using only locally sourced produce, farmers, and resident gardeners to study the feasibility of spending Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address food insecurity by installing raised garden beds throughout Cambridge and providing free, fresh, locally-grown food for residents in need.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-9) 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

21-69. Report on determining the feasibility of creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-3) from 10/18/2021

21-70. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/18/2021

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

21-77. Report on ways to report pedestrian and cyclist accidents in real time to residents. See Mgr #2
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/25/2021

21-85. Report on how people with limited mobility can access services on Massachusetts Avenue with the current proposed bike lane plan include in the report the number of fires in the last ten years on that section of Mass. Avenue requiring a ladder truck, in order to determine the feasibility of allowing two-hour parking including some handicapped spots in bus lanes during off-rush hours to ease the burden on those who rely on cars for transportation out of necessity. See Mgr #4
Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 11/15/2021

21-90. Report on working with partners including the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and the Central Square Business Improvement District on identifying spaces in Central Square that would support the creation and protection of cultural and human service spaces that align with the City’s goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 11/22/2021

21-93. Report on instructing the City Solicitor to draft the appropriate ordinance amendments for the City Council to review following the recent charter amendments. See Mgr #1
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-7) from 12/6/2021

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

21-96. Report on reconvening the COVID19 Expert Advisory Panel with a specific focus on combating variants.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-3) from 12/13/2021

21-97. Report on creating a publicly accessible, comprehensive list of violence prevention programs that exist in the city and to place this list on the City’s website.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) 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

21-99. Report on spending plan and possible reallocation for the anticipated GLX refunds, and to report to the City Council on the use of GLX Project Participation Agreement funding in a timely manner.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey (O-6) from 12/13/2021

22-1. Report on appointing a 20-25 person Cycling Safety Ordinance Implementation Advisory Committee to advise and improve upon the implementation of the citywide bicycle safety infrastructure and to establish recommendations on mitigating any concerns raised in regard to this infrastructure. See Mgr #5
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #1) from 1/10/2022

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

22-3. Report on creating a “priority line” and/or establish “senior hours” at the City’s Covid-19 testing locations.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 1/10/2022

22-4. Report on developing a robust plan to increase access to testing, with the goal of reducing wait times for residents, including, but not limited to, expanding testing sites, hiring staff to operate additional sites, offering "testing tents" set up in City squares, developing a "grab n go" model as used at local universities Harvard and MIT.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 1/10/2022

22-5. Report on determining what safety improvements could be made to the area in front of CRLS and the crosswalk on Broadway. See Mgr #3
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/24/2022

22-6. Report on the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 1/24/2022