Cambridge City Council meeting - Feb 3, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that the Cambridge City Council adopt an order for the Statement of Interest Form for the replacement of windows at the Cambridgeport School Building located at 89 Elm Street.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for upgrades to the Department of Public Works (DPW) Simard building which will be used for space reconfiguration and HVAC improvements on the second floor of the building, and will address ongoing heating, cooling and ventilation issues, which have become more prevalent with the addition of staff related to expanded programs and initiatives.
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recycling Dividends Program grant in the amount of $97,500 to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for various of the City’s recycling programs including the mattress recycling program.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 in additional projected sewer revenues to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for the purchase of a Catch Basin Cleaning Truck.
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,000 from the Parking Fund balance to the Public Investment Fund Finance Extraordinary Expenses Account, to be used for a new Hybrid Vehicle Lottery Program for owners of Cambridge taxicab medallions.
Order Adopted 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a home rule petition to the state legislature that would lower the voting age to sixteen (16) in municipal elections.
Order Adopted 7-2 (Nolan, Toomey - NO) - Note: The City Clerk incorrectly has this recorded as unanimous.

Feb 3, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a response to Council Order Number 10 of May 13, 2019, which requested a draft home rule petition to the state legislature that would lower the voting age to sixteen (16) in municipal elections, received from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

Office of the City Solicitor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Feb 3, 2020

Louis A DePasquale
City Manager
City Hall
Cambridge, MA 02139

Re: Policy Order No. O-10 of May 13, 2019 which requests that the City Solicitor draft a home rule petition to the state legislature that would lower the voting age to sixteen (16) in municipal elections.

Dear Mr. DePasquale:

This is in response to Policy Order O-10 of May 13, 2019, attached hereto, which requests that the City Solicitor "prepare a home rule petition for the City Council to lower the voting age to sixteen (16) in municipal elections."

The Commonwealth has determined in state law that only individuals (18) years old and older may vote in municipal elections. G.L. c. 51, §I. Therefore, a home rule petition approved by the state legislature is necessary for the City of Cambridge to allow individuals younger than 18 to vote in municipal elections. Although the City of Cambridge has previously requested that the state legislature approve home rule petitions to allow individuals (17) years old and older to vote in municipal elections, in 2002 and in 2006, which were not approved, the City Council has expressed the hope that submission of such a petition at this time will be approved by the legislature. Therefore, in response to the above referenced Policy Order, I have drafted the attached proposed home rule petition, which if successful, would permit the City of Cambridge to allow qualified residents aged sixteen (16) years old and older the ability to vote in Cambridge municipal elections.

Very Truly Yours,
Nancy E. Glowa
City Solicitor

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO ENABLE SIXTEEN AND SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section one of chapter fifty-one of the general laws, or any other general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, citizens sixteen years of age or older and who reside in the City of Cambridge, and who are otherwise qualified under section one of chapter fifty-one of the general law and under any general or special law, rule or regulation, may, upon application, be entered on a list of voters established by the Election Commission for the City of Cambridge, and may thereafter vote in any election for city council members, school committee members and on local ballot measures.

SECTION 2. The Election Commission of the City of Cambridge is authorized to formulate regulations, guidelines and a registration form to implement the purpose of this act.

SECTION 3. Nothing in this act shall be construed to confer upon sixteen and seventeen year old residents of Cambridge the right to vote for any state or federal office or any state or federal ballot questions, or provide any other rights or responsibilities other than to vote in an election for City of Cambridge city council members, school committee members and on local ballot measures.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its acceptance by majority vote of the City Council of the City of Cambridge, but not otherwise.

Agenda Item Number 6
Feb 3, 2020
Order Adopted 7-2 (Nolan, Toomey - NO)

ORDERED: That the City Council petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to enact the attached Home Rule Petition entitled: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO ENABLE SIXTEEN AND SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, recommending the appointment of the following person as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a term of 5-years, as recommended by the Greater Boston Labor Council: Louis Bacci, III.
Referred to Housing Committee

Feb 3, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby recommending the appointment of the following person as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a term of 5-years, as recommended by the Greater Boston Labor Council: Louis Bacci, III.

Mr. Bacci is a life-long Cambridge resident and has been a Laborer and Steward for 9-years with Local 151. He is interested in advancing the mission of the Cambridge Housing Authority in preserving affordable housing for middle class families.

In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 121B, Section 5, I am submitting Mr. Bacci's name for City Council confirmation as a Commissioner of the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Housing Committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Mayor's recommended appointments of the following member of the Family Policy Council, effective Feb 3, 2020 for the 2020-2021 Council term: Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon and School Committee Member Ayesha Wilson.
Placed on File

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Report of the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee - Committee Meeting - Dec 19, 2019 5:30 PM. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan on Jan 27, 2020]
Report Accepted, Placed on File

2. That the City Manager work with the Carnival Committee to enhance the Cambridge Carnival event, allocate the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan on Jan 27, 2020]
Order Adopted 9-0

ON THE TABLE
3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [Tabled on Jan 27, 2020]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [Pending response from Legislature]

5. TPO Extension PO. [Passed to a Second Reading on Jan 27, 2020. To be ordained on or after Feb 10, 2020]

6. That the Cambridge City Council amend the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to insert a new Chapter 2.129, entitled "WELCOMING COMMUNITY ORDINANCE". [Passed to a Second Reading on Jan 27, 2020. To be ordained on or after Feb 10, 2020]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from MIT Visual Arts requesting permission for (32) thirty two temporary banners on poles on Ames Street, Main Street and Broadway announcing MIT List Visual Arts Center on Feb 5, 2020 thru Apr 28, 2020.
Order Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Harvard Square Upzoning Proposal, destruction west of JFK Street.

2. A communication was received from Mothers Out Front, regarding Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings.

3. A communication was received from BRA Consulting Engineers, regarding Proposed Municipal Ordinance on Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings.

4. A communication was received from The Combined Cambridge Business Associations, regarding the City Council's proposed ban on natural gas.

5. A communication was received from Emmanuel Lusardi, regarding leadership welcoming City Ordinance would include asking about its long delay.

6. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding changing Central Square to Starlight Square.

7. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding City Manager Agenda Item #7 and Communication and Reports from other City Officers agenda Item #2 and any other agenda item relating to homelessness.

8. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, regarding City Manager Item #6 lowering the voting age to 16.

9. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street, regarding urging residents to view the art exhibition focusing on the Aida Palestinian Refugee Camp.

4. Retirement of Mary Hart from her role as Chief Information Officer for the Information Technology Department. Mayor Siddiqui, ~~Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan~~

Resolution #4 Feb 3, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN

WHEREAS: Mary Hart began her career with the City of Cambridge as the Management Information Systems Director with the MIS Department on Dec 3, 2001; and

WHEREAS: On July 26, 2005, Mary was promoted to Chief Information Officer for the Information Technology Department and continued to serve the City of Cambridge and its residents; and

WHEREAS: Mary brought over twenty years of experience to her role as Chief Information Officer, and in this capacity managed the growth of the Information Technology Department, oversaw numerous modernization efforts, managed the creation of a citywide IT Strategic Plan and the implementation of a technology governance process, as well as a variety of other responsibilities; and

WHEREAS: In addition to her leadership skills, Mary is well-known for her devotion to her family, being an avid golfer and Patriots fan, and spending time with her beloved dog Jackson; and

WHEREAS: Mary is professional and dependable, demonstrated a positive work ethic, and consistently exceeded expectations, working above and beyond what was required; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its well wishes and appreciation to Mary Hart for her years of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and its residents; and be it further

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

5. Congratulations to Elizabeth Speakman, Coordinator of the Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative, on receiving the Innovation Award from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and the Victim Witness Assistance Board. Mayor Siddiqui

7. Retirement of Lieutenant Kenneth J. Hugh from the Cambridge Fire Department. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to review the roles, responsibilities, and compensation of City Council Aides with an eye toward designating this as a full-time position. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Community Development Department and any other relevant City departments to work in conjunction with the MBTA to provide an update on the Lechmere Station closure, the replacement bus services and the community outreach they plan on executing. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant City departments to update the Council on the plans for the Cambridge Recycling Center. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to work with the residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street to implement traffic calming measures on this street. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Improvements to STR Ordinance to Enhance Compliance. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

6. Thanking Charlotte Moore and Eileen Caves for their Art Exhibition titled “The Olive Trees are Weeping: Visions of Occupied Palestine through Fiber Art and Photographs” and City Council solidarity with the people of Palestine. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. Recognizing February 2020 as Black History Month in the City of Cambridge, and that the City Council encourages residents across the community to delve into the many contributions that African-American citizens have made in Cambridge since this city’s earliest days. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting a memorandum regarding the School district will be offering a Halal meat option to students at all Elementary and Upper School sites.
Placed on File

2. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons, transmitting a letter from City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, who is serving formal notice of his desire to enter into formal negotiations with the City Council to extend his contract with the City beyond January 2021.
Referred to Government Operations & Rules Committee

January 30, 2020
Mr. Anthony Wilson
Clerk of Cambridge
Cambridge City Hall

Re: Letter from City Manager Re Contract Extension

Dear Mr. Wilson:

I am submitting the attached letter from City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, who is serving formal notice of his desire to enter into formal negotiations with the City Council to extend his contract with the City beyond January 2021. Please include this letter as a Communication from Other City Officers on the agenda of the February 3, 2020 City Council meeting, to be forwarded to the Government Operations Committee for further consideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
City Councilor E. Denise Simmons

January 30, 2020

City Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair
Government Operations Committee
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Dear Councillor Simmons,

I am writing to you in your role as Chair of the Government Operations Committee.

After careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am respectfully requesting the City Council to consider an extension of my current contract, which is set to expire in January 2021. Working together, the City Council and I have accomplished a great deal over the past three years, and I would like to see through several key initiatives which we are currently working on.

Next month, my team and I will be meeting with the three rating agencies and I fully expect the issue of my contract to be raised during the meetings. I would like to be able to tell them that we have begun discussions.

I believe that I have worked effectively with the City Council to make significant progress on its priority areas and goals. As a life-long resident of the best city in the Commonwealth, I have had no greater honor than to serve as your City Manager. There is much work still to be done and I would like to continue to collaborate with the City Council and residents to achieve further progress in several priority areas, including:

• Significantly expanding annual funding for affordable housing initiatives from all sources

• Continuing progress on major capital infrastructure projects such as the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School, fire station rehabilitations, Inman Square redesign, City Hall renovations, Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza, Grand Junction and School Building Master Plan

• Expanding our long-term City facilities strategy to address future needs related to schools, fire stations and other City buildings

• Moving forward on the rollout of early childhood initiatives, including a universal pre-K program for four-year-olds

• Advancing transportation initiatives such as Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the expansion of bike lane infrastructure and bus lanes

• Addressing the concerns of small businesses, including the exploration of alternative taxation strategies

• Expanding climate change and sustainability initiatives

• Protecting our tree canopy by following through on the City's Urban Forestry Master Plan

• Supporting Cultural Art Districts and Arts initiatives

• Addressing forthcoming findings and recommendations contained in the Digital Equity Study

• Continuing to provide leadership on the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees to ensure that this critical safety net for our residents remains a vital resource in the community.

During the City Manager search process in 2016, one of the key areas I referred to was an expanded focus on community outreach and customer service for all of our residents. In my time as City Manager, we have initiated successful efforts to bring City Hall to the community through our events in the Port neighborhood and at the Fresh Pond Apartments. In addition, I created the first City Manager's Advisory Committee, which has provided valuable feedback on issues facing the City. We have also instituted a series of trainings for our employees to ensure residents who come to City Hall are provided the highest level of customer service.

Moreover, I have demonstrated that we can move forward on City Council priorities, including expanding City services while maintaining the City's strong financial position. At the same time, we have remained mindful of property tax bill increases to our residential and commercial property owners. Cambridge's financial position, the strongest in Massachusetts, has allowed us to achieve progress on countless initiatives over the last three years.

Together, our substantial advances in addressing key City Council priorities has received statewide recognition, and I am particularly proud of our progress in the areas of affordable housing, school capital facilities and initiatives around climate change, sustainability and transportation. As I noted, there is still more work to be done and I would very much like to continue to lead that progress with the City Council.

I hope you will look favorably on my contract extension request and I look forward to discussing this request in the coming weeks.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

3. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting information from the Jan 28, 2020 School Committee Budget Retreat.
Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
Thurs, Jan 30
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to reconvene its hearing on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Feb 4
10:00am The Government Operations/Rules and Claims Committee with meet to discuss potential amendments to the Rules of the City Council. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Feb 5
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to reconvene its hearing on the Alexandria Grand Junction Pathway Overlay District. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Feb 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet for a hearing on an order to amend section 11.202(b) of the zoning ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Feb 18
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet for a hearing on a petition to amend the definition of family in the Cambridge the zoning ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Feb 3, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The position of individual staff assistants for each City Council member was first introduced in 2006, with the role being envisioned as a part-time position that would focus primarily upon researching and drafting policy orders; and
WHEREAS: This role has, in the ensuing years, greatly expanded and evolved, with Council Aides managing the schedules of their Council members, conducting constituent intakes and triage, planning and participating in Committee hearings, representing their Council member in public and private meetings, serving as liaisons between their Council members and other elected officials, and serving as an additional conduit between the municipal elected officials and their constituents, in addition to their originally outlined duties; and
WHEREAS: As new technologies over the past two decades have created the expectation that elected officials are to be accessible and responsive virtually any time of day, the role of a City Councilor in Cambridge has expanded and evolved, and the role of the Council Aide has similarly evolved, with the work now encompassing a wider range of responsibilities and the time commitment demanding far more than the allotted 30 hours per week, and the individuals serving in these roles have demonstrated a commitment to public service and working to benefit the Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, which has long prided itself on serving as a model for treating employees in all roles, and from all walks of life, fairly and equitably, now has the obligation to review the role, function, and compensation of the Council Aide position to ensure that those serving in these roles are being fairly and adequately compensated for the work they perform; and
WHEREAS: The individuals who serve as Council Aides come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, each bringing different and valuable skill sets and perspectives to their roles, and they each ultimately contribute to the professionalism and responsiveness that the City Council as a whole prides itself in delivering to its constituents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the roles, responsibilities, and compensation of City Council Aides with an eye toward designating this as a full-time position, and to report back on this matter to the City Council prior to the start of the FY21 budget discussions.

O-2 Feb 3, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Lechmere MBTA Station in East Cambridge will be closed for a year beginning in the spring as part of the Green Line extension project; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Community Development Department and any other relevant City departments to work in conjunction with the MBTA to provide an update on the Lechmere Station closure, the replacement bus services and the community outreach they plan on executing and report back to the City Council on this matter no later than the Feb 24, 2020 City Council meeting.

O-4 Feb 3, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Many residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street have voiced concerns about the street having become a major artery for vehicles, which has led to the lower end of the street (between Arcadia Street and Harris Street) to become plagued with potholes and deteriorating to an unsatisfactory condition; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to work with the residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street to implement traffic calming measures on this street; and be it further
ORDERED That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works on repairing Eustis Street, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-6 Feb 3, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that as part of their ongoing “On the Wall Gallery” program, the Central Square Branch Library will host an exhibit called “The Olive Trees are Weeping: Visions of Occupied Palestine through Fiber Art and Photographs”; and
WHEREAS: The exhibit will feature the work of two Cambridge residents, Charlotte Moore, a fiber artist, and Eileen Caves, a photographer; and
WHEREAS: Ms. Caves’ installations will document her time volunteering in the Aida Palestinian Refugee Camp, a 0.071 square mile area just north of Bethlehem in which 5,500 Palestinian refugees have taken up residence; and
WHEREAS: Ms. Moore’s artwork explores human barriers and why people can't achieve their own cultural identities and personal preferences and what damage is caused by the barriers in their lives; and
WHEREAS: For the last few years she has concentrated on pieces that express the effect of political actions that create humanitarian crises and has focused in particular on conditions in the Palestinian West Bank and the isolation of Gaza; and
WHEREAS: The residents of Aida and 57 other UN-recognized Palestine refugee camps, whose 1.5 million residents generally face dire living conditions and human rights violations; and severe economic and political oppression, including structural poverty; dangerous overcrowding; inadequate healthcare; regular violent clashes between armed forces along the nearby West Bank Barrier; deteriorating water, electricity, and sewerage infrastructure; and restricted mobility rights, among other forms of system violence; and
WHEREAS: Children of the West Bank and Gaza are uniquely vulnerable and subject to the abuse of unlawful detentions and fatal clashes between armed groups; and
WHEREAS: On numerous prior occasions, this body has resoundingly affirmed its support for human rights across the world, including most recently for the people of Kashmir (POR #329); now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Charlotte Moore and Eileen Caves for assembling this exhibit, which will not only enrich the artistic life of our community, but will also raise awareness for the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record declaring its solidarity with the people of Palestine.

O-7 Feb 3, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Tonight’s meeting of the City Council is taking place at the start of Black History Month 2020; and
WHEREAS: Black History Month’s origins date back to September 1915, when Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), which was charged with researching and publicizing the achievements of Black Americans, and which sponsored National Negro History Week during the second week of February in 1926; and
WHEREAS: As important as this public recognition of the countless contributions made by African-American citizens to the United States was, it would frustratingly take another half-century before President Gerald Ford would formally declare February to be recognized as Black History Month; and
WHEREAS: In the ensuing decades, Black History Month has been designated as a time when communities all across the country make a point of recognizing, highlighting, and celebrating the achievements made by African-American citizens to our country, and to bring those individuals who had otherwise gone under-recognized and underappreciated out of the shadows and into the full mainstream of the American Story where they belong; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been the home of many groundbreaking African-American leaders and history makers over the past two centuries, including the likes of Maria Louise Baldwin, Clement G. Morgan, Saundra Graham, and countless others who have helped shape this amazing community; and
WHEREAS: While the people of Cambridge should be delving more deeply into all the parts of our history, including the contributions made by African-Americans, throughout the entire year, we should nevertheless make a concerted effort during Black History Month to shine a spotlight on the contributions to our shared story that was made by the African-American individuals who walked these paths before us; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record recognizing February 2020 as Black History Month in the City of Cambridge, and that the City Council encourages residents across the community to delve into the many contributions that African-American citizens have made in Cambridge since this city’s earliest days.
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Eileen Caves and Charlotte Moore on behalf of the entire City Council.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. 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

16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016

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

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-66. Report on establishing a Young Adult Civic Unity Committee to be modeled after the Citizen Civic Unity Committee and to recruit applicants from all across the community and across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/18/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019

19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019

19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

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

19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019

19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019

19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019

19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019

19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019

19-128. Report on allocating more funds in the FY21 budget to Inspectional Services and on the feasibility of providing monetary compensation to homeowners who have had to self-finance traps and what funds could be allocated in the future to help homeowners buy traps.
Councillor Toomey (O-11) from 10/7/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019

19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019

19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019

19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019

19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019

19-143. Report on the feasibility of piloting a program of assigning additional security officers to work collaboratively with and exclusively within Cambridge Housing Authority premises in and near Central Square and the Port.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 10/21/2019

19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019

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

19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019

19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019

19-157. Report on providing an update of when the public Police Dashboard will be fully operational.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern (O-1) from 11/25/2019

19-159. Report on ways to review safety and devise any safety interventions at the corner of Saville Street and Walden Street
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 11/25/2019

20-1. Report on the work that has been done to Support Small Business and the Arts through Tourism.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/13/2020

20-2. Report on updating the department’s maintenance plan with an emphasis on cleaning open-trash receptacles more frequently and report back to the council no later than Feb 10, 2020.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/27/2020

20-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing sensory bags for Police vehicles as a pilot program and report back to council for FY21 Budget.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/27/2020

20-4. Report on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 1/27/2020

20-5. Report on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 1/27/2020

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