Cambridge City Council meeting - February 6, 2017 - AGENDA

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-104, regarding making Appleton Street one-way from Highland Street to Huron Avenue.
Placed on File

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-24, regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Cameron Avenue.
Placed on File

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the GBLT Commissioner effective Feb 6, 2017:
Reappointments: Anna Weick, Mal Malme, Robert Parlin and Aren Stone
New Appointments - 3 year term: Catherine Grams, Noelani Kamelamela and Gregory MacDonough
 - 2 year term: Abena Duker, Devontae Anthony Berry Freeland and Silas Weiner
Placed on File

Feb 6, 2017
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following persons as members of the GBLT Commission effective Feb 6, 2017:

Re-Appointments (3-year terms)
Anna Weick is currently the Program Assistant for the Criminal Justice Policy Program at Harvard Law School. She has extensive experience in community organizing, health activism, and advocacy with LGBTQ+ individuals. She has been an active member of the GLBT Commission since 2014. Anna was a co-organizer for the recent Rainbow Room arts and music event, a member of the commission name change sub-committee, and assists in the recruiting and interviewing of applicants, among other duties.

Mal Malme is a theater artist, and professional medical clown with The Foundation for Laughter as well as volunteer for various organizations. Mal has been an active member of the GLBT Commission for several terms and among other things has been one of the key organizers of Commission events.

Robert Parlin is a History Teacher at Newton South High School. Among other things he launched the Gay-Straight Alliance in Newton South High School in 1991 and has been active in getting more such organizations in other schools. He is the co-founder of GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). He has been a member of the GLBT Commission since it was first formed in 2005.

Aren Stone is a Child Development Specialist and Intake Coordinator in the Early Years Project at the Guidance Center/Riverside Community Care. She has been a member of the GLBT Commission for several terms and has been serving as a co-chair doing lots of work outside of Commission meetings.

New Appointments (3-year terms)
Catherine Grams
Catherine (Kate) is a nurse practitioner, mother, and active resident within Cambridge. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Loyola University.

Noelani Kamelamela
Noe is a political activist and Assistant Deacon at the First Parish in Cambridge. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Pirate Party and volunteer at Medical Reserve Corps.

Gregory MacDonough
Gregory currently works at MIT’s Institutional Resource Office. He has interned for Carl Sciortino and volunteered for Ed Markey’s Senate Campaign. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

(2-year terms)

Abena Duker
Abena (Abby) is currently a student at Harvard University studying Urban Studies and Planning. She previously interned at WBUR’s Radio Open Source and currently volunteers at Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.

Devontae Anthony Berry Freeland
Devontae is a sophomore at Harvard University studying social studies and Latin American studies. A diversity educator and consultant, he has lectured and facilitated workshops on institutional diversity and social justice and interned with the Democratic Party of New Jersey.

Silas Weiner
Silas is a lifelong Cantabrigian and graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. He is currently a sophomore at Boston University.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Amendment to Chapter 8.12.010 of the Municipal Code. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Carlone on Jan 30, 2017.]
Referred to Ordinance Committee - Cheung

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the MBTA to install a shelter on Aberdeen Avenue without advertising or lighting comparable to what was originally there and to consult with City staff to develop a policy that prohibits advertising and illumination on bus shelters in residential areas citywide and as well as in the Parkway Overlay District. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Jan 30, 2017.]
Adopted as Amended

Calendar Item #2     Feb 6, 2017
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: The MBTA bus shelter on Aberdeen Avenue will be replaced with one that includes illuminated advertising as part of the MBTA’s contract with JCDecaux; and
WHEREAS: Residents were not consulted in the decision to install a new type of shelter and were notified only a week prior to when the existing sheltered was removed on December 20, 2016; and
WHEREAS: Aberdeen Avenue is a low-density residential street (zoned Res-B) and the bus shelter is located at the northeast end near Huron Avenue, directly in front of homes on Aberdeen and just a few hundred yards from Fresh Pond Reservation; and
WHEREAS: Residents have complained that the addition of commercial advertising and lighting compromises the residential character of their area and represents a substantial change of conditions over which they had no say; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the MBTA and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install a shelter without advertising or lighting comparable to what was there originally; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with City staff to develop a policy that prohibits advertising and illumination on bus shelters citywide and report back to the Council.

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and any other relevant City department to survey of city residents, work, and visitors to determine who is interested in parking in the City. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Jan 30, 2017.]
Tabled - Cheung

Proposed Revised Order (Cheung)

O-9     Jan 30, 2017
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City Council has an obligation to effectively regulate parking in the City; and
WHEREAS: Parking in the City is an issue that the City Council works on every session; and
WHEREAS: Small businesses periodically ask about owners and employees parking in unoccupied residential spots; and
WHEREAS: The City Administration and City Council would benefit greatly from having accurate data on who is interested in parking in the City while drafting City policy; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: Previously, the [Department of] Traffic, Parking and Transportation has tried to work with small businesses to come up with other arrangements but the needs of small businesses still persists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and any other relevant City department to survey of city residents, work, and visitors to determine who is interested in parking in the City and to report back the findings to the City Council.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and any other relevant City department to reconsider the City's parking strategy for local businesse and to report back to the City Council with a proposal.

ON THE TABLE
4. An application was received from Mundo/Lux, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 2 Bow Street. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Cheung on Dec 19, 2016. Placed On Table on a voice vote of 8 on motion of Councillor Cheung on Jan 9, 2017.]

5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Mazen on June 20, 2016. Tabled on a motion by Councillor Mazen on June 27, 2016.]

6. The City Manager coordinate with the Finance Department, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and community stakeholders to outline a proposed system of governance, management, and stakeholder engagement for the Foundry, to be discussed in a public forum with the Council and community. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Oct 31, 2016.]

7. City Council support of asking the Cambridge Historical Commission to initiate a landmark designation study process on the Abbott Building in Harvard Square. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Dec 19, 2016. Placed On Table on a voice vote of 8 on motion of Councillor Cheung on Jan 9, 2017.]

8. That the City Manager is requested to hire an independent consultant who shall assess the efficiency and effectiveness of how all City Departments conduct their work, who will begin implementing whatever necessary adjustments are deemed to be necessary, and who will report back to the City Manager and the City Council on his or her progress in regular monthly intervals. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons on Jan 23, 2017. Placed On Table on motion of Mayor Simmons on Jan 30, 2017.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A proposed amendment to the Ordinance entitled "Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge" Chapter 2.125 entitled “Cambridge Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Commission” be amended to “Cambridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission.” The question comes of passing to be ordained on or after Feb 13, 2017.

10. A proposed amendment to the Ordinance entitled "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge" to insert in Article 11.00 a new Section 11.800 Medical Marijuana. [The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 6, 2017. Planning Board hearings were held Nov 1, 2016 and Jan 3, 2017. Petition expires Feb 7, 2017.]
Ordained as Amended - 6-3 (Kelley, Maher, Toomey - NO)

ORDINANCE #1387
City of Cambridge In the Year Two Thousand and Seventeen

AN ORDINANCE
In amendment to the Ordinance entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge” to insert in Article 11.00 a new Section 11.800 as follows:

11.800 MEDICAL MARIJUANA

11.801 Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the limited establishment of Registered Marijuana Dispensaries as they are authorized pursuant to state regulations set forth at 105 CMR 725.000, Implementation of an Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana. That it is the intent of this ordinance, subject to state regulations, that any approved medicinal marijuana facility shall not physically incorporate a future recreational marijuana facility within the same location to the extent permitted by law.

11.802 Requirements

11.802.1 Use. Notwithstanding the use limitations of the base zoning district or any overlay zoning district, a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be allowed upon the granting of a special permit by the Planning Board, subject to the requirements set forth in this Section.

11.802.2 Registration. All permitted Registered Marijuana Dispensaries shall be properly registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health pursuant to 105 CMR 725.100 and shall comply with all applicable state and local public health regulations and all other applicable state and local laws, rules and regulations at all times. No Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary that is not properly registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

11.802.3 Limitation of Approval. A special permit authorizing the establishment of a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be valid only for the registered entity to which the special permit was issued, and only for the site on which the Registered Marijuana Dispensary has been authorized by special permit. If the registration for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary has not been renewed or has been revoked, transferred to another controlling entity, or relocated to a different site, a new special permit shall be required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. This ordinance will be reconsidered by the Ordinance Committee if upcoming recreational marijuana regulations created by the Commonwealth impacts the locations & desirability of medicinal marijuane facilities, in particular the possibility of having a joint location for both now allowed medicinal with future recreational services. [Carlone amendment]

11.802.4 Building. A Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be located only in a permanent building and not within any mobile facility. All sales shall be conducted either within the building or by home deliveries to qualified clients pursuant to applicable state and local regulations.

11.802.5 Dimensional Requirements. Except where it is explicitly stated otherwise in this Section 11.800, a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall conform to the dimensional requirements applicable to non-residential uses within the base and overlay zoning districts.

11.802.6 Parking and Loading. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 6.000 of this Ordinance, the required number of parking and bicycle parking (both long-term and short term) spaces and the required number of loading bays for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be determined by the Planning Board based on the transportation analysis and other information related to operational and security plans provided by the applicant. Except as set forth above, all parking, bicycle parking and loading facilities shall conform to the requirements set forth in Article 6.000.

11.802.7 Signage. All signage shall conform to the requirements of Article 7.000 of this Ordinance. The Planning Board may impose additional restrictions on signage as appropriate to mitigate any aesthetic impacts.

11.802.8 Location: Registered Marijuana Dispensaries shall be allowed only by Planning Board Special Permit within the Business A, Business B, Business B-1, Business B-2, Business C, Industry A-1, Industry B-1 and Industry B-2 districts. No Registered Marijuana Dispensaries shall be allowed within 1,500 1,800 feet of another Registered Marijuana Dispensary. [Devereux amendment]

11.803 Application Requirements. An application to the Planning Board shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(a) Description of Activities: A narrative providing information about the type and scale of all activities that will take place on the proposed site, including but not limited to cultivating and processing of marijuana or marijuana infused products (MIPs), on-site sales, off-site deliveries, distribution of educational materials, and other programs or activities.

(b) Service Area: A map and narrative describing the area proposed to be served by the Registered Marijuana Dispensary and the anticipated number of clients that will be served within that area. This description shall indicate where any other Registered Marijuana Dispensaries exist or have been proposed within the expected service area.

(c) Transportation Analysis: A quantitative analysis, prepared by a qualified transportation specialist acceptable to the Planning Board, modeling the expected origin and frequency of client and employee trips to the site, the expected modes of transportation used by clients and employees, and the frequency and scale of deliveries to and from the site.

(d) Context Map: A map depicting all properties and land uses within a one thousand foot (1,000’) radius (minimum) of the project site, whether such uses are located in Cambridge or within surrounding communities, including but not limited to all educational uses, daycare, preschool and afterschool programs.

(e) Site Plan: A plan or plans depicting all proposed development on the property, including the dimensions of the building, the layout of automobile and bicycle parking, the location of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular points of access and egress, the location and design of all loading, refuse and service facilities, the location, type and direction of all outdoor lighting on the site, and any landscape design.

(f) Building Elevations and Signage: Architectural drawings of all exterior building facades and all proposed signage, specifying materials and colors to be used. Perspective drawings and illustrations of the site from public ways and abutting properties are recommended but not required.

(g) Registration Materials: Copies of registration materials issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and any materials submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the purpose of seeking registration, to confirm that all information provided to the Planning Board is consistent with the information provided to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

11.804 Special Permit Criteria. In granting a special permit for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary, in addition to the general criteria for issuance of a special permit as set forth in Section 10.43 of this Ordinance, the Planning Board shall find that the following criteria are met:

(a) The Registered Marijuana Dispensary is located to serve an area that currently does not have reasonable access to medical marijuana, or if it is proposed to serve an area that is already served by other Registered Marijuana Dispensaries, it has been established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that supplemental service is needed.

(b) The site is located at least five hundred feet distant from a school, daycare center, preschool or afterschool facility or any facility in which children commonly congregate or if not located at such a distance, it is determined by the Planning Board to be sufficiently buffered from such facilities such that its users will not be adversely impacted by the operation of the Registered Marijuana Dispensary.

(c) The site is designed such that it provides convenient, safe and secure access and egress for clients and employees arriving to and leaving from the site using all modes of transportation, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users.

(d) Traffic generated by client trips, employee trips, and deliveries to and from the Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall not create a substantial adverse impact on nearby residential uses.

(e) Loading, refuse and service areas are designed to be secure and shielded from abutting uses.

(f) The building and site have been designed to be compatible with other buildings in the area and to mitigate any negative aesthetic impacts that might result from required security measures and restrictions on visibility into the building’s interior.

Passed to a second reading as amended by a roll call vote 7-2-0 at the City Council meeting held on January 23, 2017 and on or after February 6, 2017 the question comes on passing to be ordained.
ATTEST:- Donna P. Lopez City Clerk

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, regarding municipal broadband.

2. A communication was received from Martha Velie-Gass, 101 Aberdeen Avenue, regarding the bus shelter at the corner of Aberdeen and Huron Avenues.

3. A communication was received from Edward Murray, regarding bus top advertising.

4. A communication was received from Laura Mattal, regarding the bus shelter on Aberdeen Avenue.

5. A communication was received from Dr. James Jennings and Ms. Lenora M. Jennings, 122 Aberdeen Avenue, regarding the Aberdeen Avenue bus stop.

6. A communication was received from David Bowen, Lancaster Street, regarding new bus shelter on Aberdeen Avenue.

7. A communication was received from Karlene Salguero, regarding lit sign on Aberdeen Avenue.

8. A communication was received from Ira Nichols-Barrer, 188 Upland Road, transmitting support for the Central Square Restoration Petition.

9. A communication was received from Doug Brown, 35 Standish Street, regarding bike safety update.

10. A communication was received from Ned Carson, transmitting support for Central Square Restoration Petition/Sater Petition.

11. A communication was received from Kris Wilton, regarding bus shelter advertising in residential areas.

12. A communication was received from Scott Weathers, urging to protect Cambridge's status as a sanctuary city.

13. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, regarding childbirth.

14. A communication was received from Susan Stewart, 115 Aberdeen Avenue, opposed to the proposed installation of a bus shelter on Aberdeen Avenue with advertisement.

15. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, urging the City Council to act quickly on the proposed surveillance ordinance.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Lilly Senna for her Acceptance to Berklee School of Music.   Vice Mayor McGovern

2. Congratulations to Jason Reynolds for being named a finalist for the 2017 Charlotte Huck Award.   Councillor Cheung

3. Congratulations to Susan Goodman for being recognized with a 2017 Orbis Pictus Honor Book designation by the National Council for Teachers of English.   Councillor Cheung

4. Condolences to Emily Dexter on the death of her father.   Mayor Simmons

5. Get Well Wishes to Bob Marshall.   Mayor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots on winning Super Bowl LI.   Councillor Cheung

7. Thanks to Reverend Christian Brocato for his many years of service in presiding over St. Peter's Episcopal Church.   Mayor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relative City departments to investigate the possibility of creating an exemption from the fee increase for senior citizen dog owners.   Vice Mayor McGovern
Charter Right - Kelley

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to install proper signage at major points of entry to the city stating Cambridge’s commitment to the 25 mph speed limit and to bike safety and to confer with City departments to discuss increasing the usage of electronic signage.   Councillor Toomey
Adopted

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff about the possibilities of using salt in a more judicious manner, finding non-salt options or removing excess salt when the ice threat has stopped while the salt still remains.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted as Amended

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works to set and meet a firm 2017 deadline for fully completing all remaining parts of the Huron A, Huron B, and Concord Avenue contracts, provide a full accounting of all costs (to-date and future) compared to the original contracts and budgets and schedule a community meeting as soon as possible to update the public on the schedule and budget for completing the project, as well as a complete list of all remaining punch list items for each of the contract areas.   Councillor Devereux
Adopted

5. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of the Parking, Traffic, and Transportation Department to explore whether designating the portion of Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and Webster Avenue as “one way” would decrease the opportunities for future accidents in this area, and to report back to the City Council.   Mayor Simmons
Adopted as Amended

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor's Office and provide an update on potential Surveillance Ordinance language.   Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons
Adopted as Amended

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City staff to make available the City’s GIS system data regarding the total number of parking spaces designated as resident-permit only by street address, the total number of residential off-street parking spaces by street address, and the total number of cars registered in Cambridge by street address.   Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen
Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley, transmitting an update on the Mayor's Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood-Based Resiliency.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 15
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct an additional public hearing to a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in chapter 8.28 entitled “Restrictions on Youth Access to Tobacco Products” and on “Definitions for Prohibition of Smoking in Workplaces” to expand the definition of “Workplace” to include construction sites.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss next steps on bike and transit safety in Cambridge. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 22
7:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will hold a public working group meeting to gather feedback on a short term rental policy for Cambridge. These findings will be communicated to the Public Safety Committee during a meeting scheduled on Mar 1, 2017 at 4:00 PM.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 1
4:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to draft language for short-term rental regulations to be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 2
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct an additional hearing to discuss a petition by the City Council to amend provisions of the Zoning Ordinance related to Inclusionary Housing, including the insertion of new definitions in Article 2.000 and the substitution of revised zoning text for the current text to Sections 11.200 through 11.206. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 22
3:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from City Staff on recent changes regrading leaf blowers made since a hearing held in June2016, including enforcement, the purchase and pilot of green landscaping equipment, plans for a pilot program in spring 2017 to use green equipment in two parks, and any other updates on efforts the City is taking in regards to leaf blowers.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 3
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 24
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 26
3:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the City’s urban forestry programs, tree inventory and maintenance, planting programs, the role of the Committee on Public Planting, the impacts of the drought on the urban forest, and any other matters related to trees.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 2
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2018 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 8
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 9
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2018 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 10
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2018 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 11
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2018 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 15
4:00pm   2017 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 7
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Feb 6, 2017
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Many seniors in our community are on fixed incomes; and
WHEREAS: Many costs, from housing to medication continue to rise; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is raising fees for dog licenses which may prove to be a burden on seniors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relative City departments to investigate the possibility of creating an exemption from the fee increase for senior citizen dog owners.

O-2     Feb 6, 2017
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to install proper signage at major points of entry to the city stating Cambridge’s commitment to the 25 mph speed limit and to bike safety; and be it further
ORDERED That the City Manager confer with appropriate City departments to discuss increasing the usage of electronic signage to increase driver awareness of bike safety practices and to report back to the City Council.

O-3     Feb 6, 2017  Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City uses salt in its efforts to keep City streets, sidewalks, and pathways clear from ice and snow and to make the City as safe as possible for pedestrians and cyclists; and
WHEREAS: Icy surface conditions pose a real danger to everyone travelling by any mode in the City; and
WHEREAS: Salt is bad for dogs’ paws and has negative impacts on vegetation and other things, to include the streets themselves; and
WHEREAS: It can be difficult to find the balance between using enough salt to keep surfaces appropriately ice-free but not so much that surfaces are sheathed in salt, with its attendant negative impacts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff about the possibilities of using salt in a more judicious manner, finding non-salt options or removing excess salt when the ice threat has stopped while the salt still remains; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City on this issue.

O-5     Feb 6, 2017  Amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that in recent months, several car accidents have taken place on Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and Webster Avenue South Street; and
WHEREAS: This area is a narrow, heavily congested triangle in which multiple vehicles are routinely parked and commercial traffic often congests the streets, and residents have raised concerns that many of the accidents that have occurred might well have been avoided if this narrow road only allowed for traffic to flow in one direction; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to explore whether designating the portion of Windsor Street between Cambridge Street and Webster Avenue South Street as “one way” would decrease the opportunities for future accidents in this area, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-6     Feb 6, 2017  Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Nov 21, 2016, the City Council passed a Policy Order forwarding language for a potential Surveillance Ordinance to the City Solicitor’s office to be vetted and transcribed in a way that would allow it to be ultimately referred to the Ordinance Committee for consideration at a future hearing; and
WHEREAS: Considerable time has passed and the City Council has not seen the vetted language of the potential ordinance; now therefor be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor’s office and update the City Council on the vetting process within two months.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
17-7. Report on a full update on the City's Community Choice Electricity Aggregation Plan.
Councillor Cheung (O-1) from 1/30/2017

17-8. Report on a full report from the Urban Agriculture Task Force.
Councillor Cheung (O-3) from 1/30/2017

17-9. Report on ways the City can help small businesses offset other costs, included but not limited to the possibility of DPW picking up trash from these small businesses during their regular routes.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons (O-6) from 1/30/2017

17-10. Report on drafting a Home Rule petition that would allow Cambridge residents to easily round up their sewer/water bill to help support local non-profit organizations.
Councillor Cheung (O-7) from 1/30/2017

16-24. Report on what additional measures can be taken to ensure that pedestrians are able to safely cross at the intersection of Cameron Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue.
Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 4/4/2016.  See Mgr #3
Referred back to the City Manager on June 6, 2016 by Mayor Simmons.

16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-47. Report on ways to improve the public noticing of proposed building demolitions consistent with the outreach used for variances and special permits and to consider extending the amount of time to consider whether a property is historically significant.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-6) from 5/23/2016

16-50. Report on the use of City office and meeting space for non-City appointed functions by non-City officials.
Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 6/6/2016

16-51. Report on the City's policies and best practices in the use and supervision of City Council interns.
Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 6/6/2016

16-52. Report on the City’s use of push-button caution lights at crosswalks and to determine any decrease in pedestrian legal rights should they be hit.
Councillor Kelley (Calendar Item #3) from 6/13/2016

16-53. Report on the feasibility of either using City funds to subsidize the cost of installing and removing air conditioning units from Cambridge Housing Authority-owned apartments at a reduced cost.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 6/13/2016

16-56. Report on creating Sobering Centers and a Cold Weather Plan prior to the winter of 2016.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-7) from 6/20/2016

16-64. Report on reinstating trash and recycling pick up for small businesses.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher (O-8) from 8/1/2016

16-66. Report on how traffic laws pertaining to crosswalks are currently enforced throughout the City and whether there can be stricter laws to ultimately increase pedestrian safety.
Mayor Simmons (O-12) from 8/1/2016

16-68. Report on implementing a nomination based "Artist of the Month" program along with a $2,000 grant and to remove the long-form application in favor of a nomination-based system.
Councillor Mazen (O-15) from 8/1/2016

16-71. Report on the feasibility of creating a temporary jobs program geared toward Cambridge’s homeless population and/or determine the feasibility of awarding homeless with priority in the City’s 9-week temporary jobs program.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Mazen (O-8) from 9/12/2016
Referred back to City Manager on motion of Vice Mayor McGovern

16-72. Report on resolving the audio and visual issues in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Devereux, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen (O-10) from 9/12/2016

16-74. Report on producing a new status report that reviews the Harvard Square Conservation District’s effectiveness since 2005, and that considers whether new zoning regulations may be necessary to fulfill the community’s goals.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-18) from 9/12/2016

16-75. Report on a suitable replacement for the crumb-rubber turf used on City playgrounds.
Councillor Cheung (O-3) from 9/19/2016

16-76. Report on implementing an electronic public comment display in the Sullivan Chamber, listing the speaker’s name and affiliation as well as a timer.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Mazen (Calendar Item #1) from 9/26/2016

16-82. Report on testing for any presence of chromonium-6 in the City's drinking water and plans to deal with this issue.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 10/31/2016

16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016

16-84. Report on determining which pedestrian crosswalks are in need of additional on street signage.
Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons (O-6) from 10/31/2016

16-86. Report on which public campaign finance options are legal for municipal elections in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen (O-14) from 10/31/2016

16-89. Report on conducting a traffic safety review of the Brattle Street, Sparks Street, and Craigie Street intersection.
Councillor Devereux (O-1) from 11/7/2016

16-90. Report on requesting permission from the DCR to continue Sunday closings on Memorial Drive year-round, starting in early 2017.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 11/7/2016

16-94. Report to consider higher frequency enforcement in key transit junctions and corridors.
Councillor Mazen (O-8) from 11/7/2016

16-95. Report to make street markings and street signage more ubiquitous in an effort to market the rules of the road to the users of all transportation modes.
Councillor Mazen (O-9) from 11/7/2016

16-100. Report on suggested changes to Cambridge’s policy regarding advertising revenue that could help support the continuation and expansion of Hubway in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 12/12/2016

16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 12/12/2016

16-102. Report on the intention of ensuring that zoning and building code restrictions will not prohibit the rebuilding of the damaged structures and ensure a straightforward process for families and current property owners to rebuild.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 12/12/2016

16-103. Report that all money raised during this campaign is distributed to the Wellington Harrington residents impacted by this incident and when all funds are distributed.
Councillor Toomey (O-6) from 12/12/2016

16-104. Report on making Appleton Street one-way from Highland Street to Huron Avenue, preferably before the start of winter storms.  See Mgr #2
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Maher (O-7) from 12/12/2016

16-105. Report on what measures can be taken to fast-track the rebuilding of homes impacted by the fire that may be non-conforming with the current zoning code in a timely manner and what actions can be considered.
Councillor Devereux (O-9) from 12/12/2016

16-106. Report on an outreach and communications plan for renters in Cambridge about the importance and availability of renters insurance and assist low- and moderate-income tenants in acquiring affordable renters insurance policies.
Councillor Devereux (O-10) 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.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/19/2016

16-110. Report on the Central Square Restoration Zoning petition.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen (O-6) from 12/19/2016

17-1. Report on the feasibility of starting a pilot program to install cigarette butt receptacles in areas in Cambridge.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 1/9/2017

17-2. Report on improving the audio visual set-up at the Citywide Senior Center.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 1/23/2017

17-3. Report on parking meter usage in Porter Square to ensure that appropriate time limits are being considered for local businesses and other areas where parking meter operating hours have been adjusted.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/23/2017

17-4. Report on potential future public-private partnerships that could deliver an operational Foundry that consists of significant community space for the community.
Councillor Toomey (O-6) from 1/23/2017

17-6. Report on how the success of "pop-up" lanes will be measured and what lessons we expect to learn from them to help implement safer bicycling facilities throughout the City.
Councillor Kelley (O-9) from 1/23/2017