2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #22-81, related to improving marketing and communication efforts and outreach for the Cambridge Community Electricity (CCE) program. (CM23#22)
pulled by Nolan, Order Adopted 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

To: Yi-An Huang, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Feb 2, 2023
Re: Awaiting Report #22-81, dated Nov 14, 2022, related to improving marketing and communication efforts and outreach for the Cambridge Community Electricity (CCE) program

In response to the above referenced Policy Order, we submit the following:

CDD and the Public Information Office will coordinate a communication campaign to inform people about the more cost-effective electricity supply options with higher amounts of renewable energy that are available through the CCE program and actions that support Cambridge’s sustainability goals:

1. Remind all residents to check that they are enrolled in the Cambridge Community Electricity Program, the City’s aggregation, and encourage enrollment in the 100% Green Plus Renewable Energy option.

2. Ask residents to also take one additional sustainability action, including:

a. Get a Mass Save Energy Assessment to identify energy efficiency upgrades in their home.

b. Enroll in Community Solar to reduce their electricity bills with solar credits from shared solar installations.

The 100% Green Plus option will be promoted in the February 2023 Cambridge Life Magazine, which will be focused on climate and sustainability education and actions. Cambridge Life Magazine is mailed to all Cambridge households. In addition, 100% Green Plus will be directly marketed to all residential electricity accounts through a mailer. The direct mailing will be re-enforced with recurring social media and in the City’s Daily Update emails.

It is our goal to achieve a 5% increase in 100% Green Plus enrollments in FY23 and a total of 10% enrollment increase by the end of the calendar year. More resource intensive outreach methods such as targeted canvassing and additional mailings can be implemented in the latter half of 2023 if necessary to achieve the stated goals.

We will also seek to increase the amount of low-income electricity customers in the Cambridge Community Electricity program, by focusing outreach to these community members through the City’s non-profit affordable housing providers, partnering with the Fuel Assistance program and creating specific messaging that alerts customers that they may be overpaying for electricity. To help customers understand their bills and their current supplier we will promote the Utility Bill Helpline as a way for residents to get assistance getting out of costly third-party electricity contracts.

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Calendar Item No. 10 of 3/21/22 requesting that the City Manager amend all existing Host Community Agreements (“HCA”) previously issued by the City by reducing the Impact Fee to 0.05% of Gross Revenue and to refrain from placing this burden upon any future HCAs that may yet be issued, unless supporting evidence is provided by the City showing a finding that it incurred additional expenses and impacts upon its road system, law enforcement, inspectional services, permitting services, administrative services, educational services and public health services greater than the .05% of Gross Revenue collected from all the Economic Empowerment applicant and Social Equity applicant dispensaries annually. (CM23#23)
pulled by Toner, Placed on File 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Feb 6, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing in response to Calendar Item No. 10 of 3/21/22 requesting that the City Manager amend all existing Host Community Agreements (“HCA”) previously issued by the City by reducing the Impact Fee to 0.05% of Gross Revenue and to refrain from placing this burden upon any future HCAs that may yet be issued, unless supporting evidence is provided by the City showing a finding that it incurred additional expenses and impacts upon its road system, law enforcement, inspectional services, permitting services, administrative services, educational services and public health services greater than the .05% of Gross Revenue collected from all the Economic Empowerment applicant and Social Equity applicant dispensaries annually. I have worked in collaboration with City Solicitor Nancy Glowa and Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq in preparing this response.

As you know, the medical and adult-use cannabis industries are still relatively new and evolving industries. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2012, followed by the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2016. Since then, the adult-use cannabis law was amended in 2017, and the first retail cannabis establishments in the state opened in late 2018. Since that time, the state Cannabis Control Commission (the “CCC”) has amended the medical and adult-use cannabis regulations several times. Finally, on August 11, 2022, the Governor signed into law significant amendments to the adult-use cannabis law, known as an Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry (the “Act”), which went into effect on November 9, 2022.

Many of the recent amendments are aimed at supporting social equity businesses. This includes a requirement that municipalities adopt policies to promote equity in the cannabis industry. The City Solicitor has opened that the City’s Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance may satisfy that requirement, but we are awaiting new regulations from the CCC that will establish the minimum standards for such a policy.

I have also been informed by the City Solicitor that another significant amendment affects Community Impact Fees and HCAs. Prior to the 2022 amendments, the adult-use cannabis law authorized municipalities to include a Community Impact Fee in HCAs. The statute required that the Community Impact Fee be reasonably related to the costs imposed upon the municipality by the operation of the cannabis establishment, and that it be capped at 3% of the gross sales. The statute also required that municipalities document their costs and that the documentation was a public record. However, there was no requirement that the documentation be provided at a certain time or that the fee be strictly limited to the documented costs.

Now, pursuant to the Act, the Community Impact Fee can no longer be set as a fixed percentage of gross sales nor be based on a prediction of what the costs will be. Instead, the fee shall be based on actual costs from the preceding year (not to exceed 3% of gross sales), the fee shall be due annually, the municipality shall transmit documentation of the fee to the cannabis establishment annually, and the fee can only be assessed for the first eight years of operation of a cannabis establishment. Additionally, any other financial obligations due to the municipality from the cannabis establishment that are a condition of the HCA or were factors in considering entering into the HCA, are no longer enforceable. The Act also provides that if a cannabis establishment believes that the municipality’s documented costs are not reasonably related to the actual costs, the cannabis establishment may bring a breach of contract action against the municipality and recover damages and attorneys’ fees.

Just as the state’s adult-use cannabis law has evolved since its enactment, the City’s regulations and policies concerning cannabis establishments also continue to evolve. Therefore, consistent with the Council’s request that the City reduce or eliminate Community Impact Fees and the Act’s further restrictions on Community Impact Fees, the City will no longer require the payment of Community Impact Fees as a condition in its HCAs. Furthermore, the City will amend all current HCAs to remove that requirement. So far, the City has not collected any Community Impact Fee payments from operational cannabis establishment while we evaluated changes to the law, so there are no payments to refund, and the City will continue to not collect payments while we seek to amend existing HCAs.

City staff and I will be available to discuss this with the Council.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Council Order No. O-8 of 1/23/2023, regarding (1) whether there is a two year bar on considering repetitive zoning petitions that have been unfavorably acted upon by the Council, (2) if so, whether that bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab use zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender, et al. Petition, and (3) if so, what types of changes to zoning petition would be necessary for it to no longer be considered a repetitive petition. (CM23#24)
pulled by Toner, Referred to the Petition to be discussed at Feb 7 committee meeting; Toner moves Reconsideration “hoping the same will not prevail”; Reconsideration Fails 0-7-2

Feb 6, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Council Order No. O-8 of 1/23/2023, regarding (1) whether there is a two year bar on considering repetitive zoning petitions that have been unfavorably acted upon by the Council, (2) if so, whether that bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab use zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender, et al. Petition, and (3) if so, what types of changes to zoning petition would be necessary for it, please find the attached response from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

---

Feb 6, 2023
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Re: Response to Council Order No. O-8 of 1/23/2023 Re: (1) whether there is a two-year bar on considering repetitive zoning petitions that have been unfavorably acted upon by the Council, (2) if so, whether that bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab use zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender, et al. Petition, and (3) if so, what types of changes to zoning petition would be necessary for it to no longer be considered a repetitive petition.

Dear Mr. Huang:

I am writing in response to Council Order No. O-8 of 1/23/2023 which requests that the City Solicitor provide a legal opinion in response to the above-referenced questions. These questions arose out of the January 4, 2023 Ordinance Committee meeting concerning the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition which seeks to amend provisions in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance concerning labs. These questions concern the fact that the City Council has been discussing possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to address labs, and the provisions in the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition are similar to provisions that the City Council is discussing. Therefore, the City Council is seeking an opinion about how possible action by the Council on the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition could impact possible future efforts to enact similar zoning amendments concerning labs. I will address the specific questions below.

1. Whether there is a two-year bar on considering repetitive zoning petitions that have been unfavorably acted upon by the Council?

This first question was addressed by the Deputy City Solicitor at the January 4, 2023 meeting. As explained at that meeting, G.L. c. 40A, §5, and Zoning Ordinance Article I, Section 1.52 provide that a zoning petition that has been unfavorably acted upon by the City Council shall not be considered by the City Council within two years unless the Planning Board recommended adoption. Section 1.52 of the Zoning Ordinance further provides that:

The granting of “leave to withdraw” after a proposed amendment has been advertised for a hearing before the City Council shall be considered as constituting unfavorable action. Failure of the City Council to take action on a petition for a zoning amendment within ninety (90) days after the City Council’s hearing on said petition shall render the petition inactive. Such failure to act shall not be considered unfavorable action … .

“The purpose of the two-year bar is to give some measure of finality to unfavorable action taken by a municipal legislative body so that members of the public shall be able to ascertain the legislative status of a proposed change at all times, and to rely on unfavorable action ... as a complete defeat of the proposal.” Penn vs. Town of Barnstable, 96 Mass. App. Ct. 205, 210 (2019).

2. If so, whether that bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab use zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender, et al. Petition?

And

3. If so, what types of changes to zoning petition would be necessary for it to no longer be considered a repetitive petition.

In determining whether the bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender et al. Zoning Petition, it is necessary to examine the degree of similarity between those petitions. The Court has held that “proposed ordinances or bylaws are the same for purposes of G. L. c. 40A, § 5, sixth par., if they share the same fundamental or essential character, with little substantive difference.” Penn vs. Town of Barnstable, 96 Mass. App. Ct. 205, 21 (2019).

In the Penn v. Town of Barnstable case, the Town Council sought to enact a parking overlay district. “The overarching purpose of the amendment was to authorize “as of right” operation of commercial parking lots … The amendment then set out site-development standards governing operation of the lots within the [overlay district]; those standards addressed, among other things, the number of parking spaces allowed on the lots, dimensional requirements, and demarcation of emergency-access aisles and property boundaries.” Id. at 206. That zoning petition was voted down. A few weeks later, the Town Council initiated a new zoning petition creating a parking overlay district. “The only differences between the two [petitions] were that [the second petition] clarified that the [overlay district] does not include fully or partially enclosed parking structures, clarified that lot owners could not create more parking spaces by discontinuing other uses on their parcels, and required that lot owners file parking plans with the town.” Id. at 211-212. The second petition passed and was ordained. A lawsuit was brought challenging the zoning amendment and the court held that the two year bar on repetitive petitions precluded the Town Council from considering the second petition, and the Appeals Court upheld the trial court’s decision annulling the zoning amendment. The Court held that the changes from the first petition to the second petition “were amendments that merely facilitated enforcement of [the first petition]. They did not change the fundamental and essential character of the [first petition] -- to allow for as-of-right operation of commercial parking lots through creation of the [overlay district].” Id. The Court also held that whether two zoning petitions share the same fundamental or essential character so as to prohibit action on the second petition is a question of law and there is no deference to the legislative body’s determination that the two petitions do, or do not, share the same fundamental or essential character. Id. at 212.

It is difficult to opine whether the bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender et al. Zoning Petition without knowing precisely how the Council will propose regulating labs. However, if the Council wants to move forward with the proposed zoning amendment set forth in Calendar Item #3 of 10/3/22 which was referred to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee for review and discussion, it is clear that proposed zoning amendment would be prohibited if there is unfavorable action on the Callender et al. Zoning Petition because the regulation of labs in both is nearly identical.

It is also likely that any subsequent zoning petition that seeks to prohibit new lab uses in business and office districts, even if there are some exceptions built in, will be of the same fundamental or essential character as the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition so as to prohibit action on the second petition if there is unfavorable action on the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition. However, a petition that takes a more holistic look at lab use across the city, or adds a special requirement for certain lab uses, may be different enough in character to not be subject to the bar on repetitive petitions. We will need to analyze any further proposed zoning petitions concerning lab use on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the Council can act on them if there is unfavorable action on the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition.

In summary, if there is unfavorable action on the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition, the City Council can only move forward with another zoning petition regulating labs if it is not of the same fundamental and essential character. The differences between the petitions would have to be more significant than clarifying changes or slight variations, as explained above. Otherwise, the Council would have to wait two years from any unfavorable action on the Callender, et al. Zoning Petition before adopting a subsequent lab petition.

Very truly yours,
Nancy E. Glowa
City Solicitor

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the Danehy Park Gateway Pavilion project. (CM23#25) [Attachment A] [Attachment B]
Order Adopted 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

This project involves the construction of a new sports pavilion and other improvements to Danehy Park in Cambridge, MA. The site for the new pavilion is 166 New Street, adjacent to an existing City parking lot which serves the park.

The pavilion will include new restrooms, changing & locker rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a trainer’s room, and a coach’s office. The building will serve sports teams from both the community and Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. It will also provide publicly accessible restrooms for park visitors and an unconditioned storage structure to contain athletic gear, mechanical equipment, and parking for a golf cart. The project scope also includes renovation of the existing parking lot and additional park improvements such as lighting for an existing dog park, provision of fiber optic for public internet access in the park, and localized landscape improvements in and around the pavilion.

A preliminary feasibility study was completed in May 2022, which studied building arrangement and siting alternatives and looked at the specific challenges of the project and site. While the building itself is small in size, there is a great deal of complexity involved in this site location, a park built on top of a former landfill. The site conditions will require complex coordination of site electric utilities, structural foundations, and drainage.

The project will be net-zero emissions (All electric) and will target LEED Gold new construction. The project will include a solar photovoltaic array and electric vehicle charging stations. The park will remain open and in-use during construction, and coordination and/or relocation of public parking, winter snow farm, and other functions will be required.

Designer contract amount $1,378,047
Estimated construction cost $8,576,386

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of members of the Recycling Advisory Committee. (CM23#26)
Appointments Confirmed 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Feb 6, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I have appointed the following new members to the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) for a term of three years: Dailey Brannin, David Demme, Tracie Gordon, Elka Kuhlman, Emily Lee, Dawn Quirk, Carlie Peters, Helen Snively, Alexandra Toupal, Julia Tsang, Rob Vandenabeele, Siddharth Vedullapalli, Stephanie Wasiuk

Additionally, I have reappointed the following individuals to the RAC for a term of three years: Lee Elliott, Debby Galef, Martha Henry, Sakiko Isomich, Debby Knight, Scott MacGrath, Audrey Ng, Laura Nichols, Richard Nurse, Diane Roseman, Meera Singh, Quinten Steenhuis

Since 1991, the RAC has provided advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. The RAC does this through research, feedback, public outreach, and event planning.

The recent vacancies on the RAC were posted for applicants between November 8 and December 19, 2022. Recruitment was done through the City’s daily digest emails, the Recycle Division monthly e-newsletter, and the City website. 45 individuals applied for 25 openings.

I am pleased to have a broad range of expertise and experience represented on this committee:

• Dailey Brannin is the Recycling Services Coordinator for Harvard University.

• David Demme has more than 30 years’ experience as an engineer for waste facilities and would like to contribute to helping the public better understand how to reduce trash.

• Lee Elliott was one of the first compost pilot participants in Cambridge and volunteered for several years to educate others on the importance of composting.

• Debby Galef has been an RAC member since 2010 and is also a member of the Pedestrian Committee.

• Tracie Gordon has extensive experience finding innovative systems for waste management and would like to engage more seniors and other under-represented groups in waste reduction.

• Martha Henry has been a Cambridge resident for over 25 years, has a background in communications, and is interested in how to encourage a cultural shift to consume less.

• Sakiko Isomichi has extensively experience in community engagement in waste diversion and reduction, and knowledge about various waste systems in Massachusetts.

• Debby Knight is a retired science teacher at the Cambridge Friends School, Recycling Center user, and has developed school gardens & beehives, making community events zero waste.

• Elka Kuhlman is an educator and a long-time active resident and community-builder in Cambridge who participated in the initial compost pilot.

• Emily Lee has lived in Cambridge for 7-8 years and has a deep passion for recycling, including starting a recycling program in high school.

• Scott MacGrath has been deeply engaged with waste reduction efforts, including service on a workplace Green Team and trying to find ways to reduce pet waste.

• Audrey Ng has volunteered in waste reduction for many years and currently works in sustainability at Boston Public Schools

• Laura Nichols is a lifelong Cambridge resident and has been a member of the Recycling Committee since 2010. Ms. Nichols serves as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Consumers Council, is a member of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, and organizes Cambridge Shred Day.

• Richard Nurse’s career spans 50 years in the polymer/plastics industry. As a resident, he is concerned about responsible use of all raw materials, metal, paper, glass, fibers, paints, wood, electronics, construction products.

• Carlie Peters has experience in food systems and helped start recycle/compost programs in college.

• Dawn Quirk is the Waste Program Manager at MIT. Her career began in the Recycle Division of Cambridge DPW in 2001, and has included work in waste management at Tufts University and MassDEP.

• Diane Roseman is a small business owner in Inman Square and participant in the City’s Small Business Recycling Program.

• Meera Singh has been a member of the Recycling Committee since 2014. She works with youth internationally on the Eco-Audit Program promoting sustainable practices in offices.

• Helen Snively has volunteered with Cambridge DPW for at least 10 years, attending most RAC meetings since 2015 and engaging other residents throughout the City in composting and gardening.

• Quinten Steenhuis is an avid backyard gardener and composter who volunteered during the roll-out of composting as a Pilot program in 2015.

• Alexandra Toupal is very interested in becoming more involved in the Cambridge community and engaging the community in waste diversion.

• Julia Tsang works for a start-up addressing food waste and has been active in gleaning.

• Rob Vandenabeele is an educator with a passion for sustainability, particularly in the beer market. He helped establish an innovative statewide can carrier recycling program.

• Siddharth Vedullapalli recently moved to a large building in Cambridge and wants to work to engage large buildings in proper waste management.

• Stephanie Wasiuk recently moved to Cambridge and has been active in volunteering to improve recycling and composting at their workplace, at Kennedy-Longfellow School, and among the general public.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions to the Recycling Advisory Committee.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review and Advisory Board quarterly reports. (CM23#27)
pulled by Zondervan, QZ noved suspension to take with #8 and #9; Zondervan moves to refer to Public Safety Committee; Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Feb 6, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a communication regarding quarterly reports from Brian Corr, Executive Director, Police Review and Advisory Board.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#28) [Cover Letter] [Materials, Tools, and Property as of 6/30/21] [Photographs of Inventory as of 6/30/21]
pulled by Zondervan, Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Please find attached memorandum and the Cambridge Police Department’s itemized statement of all “materials, tools, and property” it owns in accordance with Chapter 2.52 § 090 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, as of June 30, 2021, received from Police Commissioner Christine Elow.

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#29) [Cover Letter] [Materials, Tools, and Property as of 6/30/22] [Photographs of Inventory as of 6/30/22]
pulled by Zondervan, Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Please find attached memorandum and the Cambridge Police Department’s itemized statement of all “materials, tools, and property” it owns in accordance with Chapter 2.52 § 090 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, as of June 30, 2022, received from Police Commissioner Christine Elow.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager continue our current policy of towing cars on street cleaning days and come back to the Council with a plan to create an annual fund to reimburse economically disadvantaged residents who are unable to pay the towing fee before the beginning of towing season. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Jan 23, 2023] (PO23#12)
Zondervan notes many communications on this topic, claims that he speaks for low-income residents; Toner calls this a “solution without a problem” - wants to create a fund to reimburse fees and expresses concern for tow companies; McGovern bristles at Zondervan’s characterizations, says City should do more outreach about towing days (as if the announcements somehow aren’t heard); Nolan likes pilots - even though they are often actually not just pilots; Siddiqui aligns with Nolan; Order Fails of Adoption (MM,DS,PT - Yes; AM,PN,QZ,SS - No; BA,DC - Absent)

O-5     Jan 23, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The City Manager and staff have provided the City Council with a report on the possibility of piloting a “no towing” policy on street cleaning days partly due to the Council’s desire to reduce any financial hardship on economically disadvantaged residents; and
WHEREAS: The report suggests that if, the City pursues a “no towing” policy:
  • the cost of the program will increase by 10% to 20%
  • the city will be required to use leaf blowers to get around parked cars.
  • the fine can only be increased to $50 creating little financial incentive for residents to move their cars.
  • the streets will be less clean as a result of “no towing”
Therefore, be it so
ORDERED: That the City Manager continue our current policy of towing cars on street cleaning days and come back to the Council with a plan to create an annual fund to reimburse economically disadvantaged residents who are unable to pay the towing fee before the beginning of towing season.

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have the appropriate City staff establish the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination of the bicycle parking fees imposed upon Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis dispensary operators in the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Jan 23, 2023] (PO23#13)
Zondervan amendment to reimburse any such fees that have already been paid - Adopted 7-0-2; Order Adopted as Amended 7-2-0 (BA,DC Absent); Reconsideration moved by Simmons - Reconsideration Fails 0-7-2

O-6     Jan 23, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have the appropriate City staff establish the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination [and reimbursement] of the bicycle parking fees imposed upon Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis operators in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

13. Resolution on the death of Alice Wolf.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
pulled by McGovern; remarks by McGovern, Simmons, Nolan, Siddiqui, Zondervan, Toner, Mallon; Resolution Adopted 7-0-2

R-13     Feb 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Cambridge School Committee Member, City Councillor, Mayor, and State Representative Alice K. Wolf, at the age of 89 on January 26th, 2023; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf’s belief in creating a world that is accepting of all was instilled in her at an early age, when her family escaped Austria in 1938 from Nazi rule, leading them to seek asylum in the United States; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf’s family settled in Brighton, MA, and she attended Boston Girls’ Latin School, earning a bachelor’s degree from Simmons College, and a master’s in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf was first elected as Cambridge School Committee Member in 1973, launching a nearly 35-year career as an elected official that would take her to the City Council for five terms beginning in 1984, serving as Mayor from 1990-1991, and the MA House of Representatives in 1996, where she served for 16 years; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf was an effective ally of LGBTQ+ communities, for example hosting the City’s first Gay Pride breakfast, and championing a 1992 policy that allowed LGBTQ+ couples to receive healthcare benefits, if one person was a city employee; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf made meaningful changes in Cambridge and the broader Commonwealth regarding education, environmental matters, reproductive health, affordable housing, elder services, and many more progressive causes; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf consistently championed, mentored, and supported countless young people, women, and members of marginalized communities throughout her long career to find their voice and engage in civic activity and the political process; and

WHEREAS: Alice Wolf was known for kindness, tolerance, openness and compassion and was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother who delighted in spending time with friends and family; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in expressing its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the community of Alice K. Wolf for their loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Alice Wolf’s husband Bob and their two sons, Eric and Adam, on behalf of the entire City Council.

15. Resolution on the death of Jane Richards who died on Jan 31, 2023 at the age of 86.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

R-15     Feb 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: The City Council was saddened to learn of the death of Jane Richards who passed away on January 31, 2023, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS: Jane was a longtime Cambridge resident, who moved here as a young child in the late 1930s, and grew up in both Newtowne Court and later on Antrim Street; and

WHEREAS: She attended Mt. Auburn Hospital Nursing School and worked tirelessly to provide healthcare in all areas of the community, becoming a staff nurse at Mt. Auburn Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, a camp nurse at the Cambridge YMCA summer camp, Camp Massapoag, a private duty nurse for Cambridge residents, a staff nurse in the women’s center of Pine Street Inn and near the end of her career as a Visiting Nurse in the Cambridge community, all while raising her family.

WHEREAS: Jane served as the Vice President of the National Student Nurses Association, the first President of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, a founding member of Cambridge’s first Community Garden, and as a member of many community groups serving the people of Cambridge.

WHEREAS: Jane, with her late husband Bob, were the often the center of the Antrim Street neighborhood. They were co-founders of the Antrim Street block party, which has raged since the 70’s. Bob and Jane’s home was the landing spot for many of their children’s friends, who were always welcomed with open arms. They even ran a bed and breakfast, sharing Cambridge stores with new friends from around the world.

WHEREAS: Jane was an activist striving for social justice for all people and a comfort and support to many; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in expressing its deepest condolences to the family of Jane Richards for their tremendous loss; and be it further

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 26, 2019 to discuss the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District and to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by adding the new PUD-8 District, which District would include the property located at 100 Cambridgeside Place (currently zoned in the Business A and PUD-4 Districts). [text of report] [Note: This meeting was already reported Nov 25, 2019]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent)
Present: Carlone, Devereux, Kelley, Mallon, McGovern, Simmons (late), Toomey (late), Zondervan
Absent: Siddiqui

2. The Ordinance Committee met on Nov 14, 2019 to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of CambridgeSide Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District. [text of report not yet available] [Note: This meeting was already reported Nov 25, 2019]
Referred to Unfinished Business due to lack of report
Present: Carlone, Devereux, Mallon, McGovern, Simmons, Siddiqui, Toomey, Zondervan
Absent: Kelley

3. The Ordinance Committee met on Mar 30, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on, Ordinance #2022-3, the Wage Theft Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent)
Present: Azeem
Remote Present: Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, McGovern, Zondervan
Absent: Carlone, Siddiqui, Toner

4. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 13, 2022, to hold a public hearing on proposed ordinance number 2022-2, Charter Change Municipal Code Amendments. The Committee voted favorable to send the following language to the Full Council with a recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File; Ordinance Amendments Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent)
Present: Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Siddiqui, Toner, Zondervan, McGovern, Simmons (late)
Absent: Azeem

Be it ordained by the City Council that the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.02 entitled “City Council” shall be amended by the addition of the following two sections.

Section 2.02.090 Annual Review of City Manager’s Performance

A. As provided in G.L. c. 43, § 116(a) the City Council shall prepare and deliver to the City Manager an annual written performance review of the City Manager’s performance.

B. The annual written performance review shall address the City Manager’s performance during the prior year and the work that the City Council would like to be performed by the City Manager in the following year.

C. The annual written performance review shall be completed and delivered to the City Manager by no later than March 30 of each year and shall encompass the City Manager’s performance during the preceding calendar year.

Section 2.02.100 Special Committee to Review the City Charter Every Ten Years

A. As provided in G.L. c. 43, §116(b), no later than July 1 in each year ending in 2, beginning in 2022 and every 10 years thereafter, the City Council shall establish a special committee tasked with reviewing the City Charter and recommending any proposed changes the special committee deems necessary or desirable.

B. The special committee shall:

(i) be made up of 12-18 registered voters of the City, not currently holding any elective office;

(ii) be made up of members selected by an ad hoc committee of four councillors appointed by the Mayor;

(iii) hold all of its meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law and keep written minutes of all meetings which shall be submitted to and approved by the special committee at its next meeting;

(iv) hold duly posted and advertised public meetings to seek input from members of the community on whether any changes to the City Charter should be made and the reasons why any proposed changes would be desirable, the beneficial effects that any such changes would have upon the electorate and the community in general, and the beneficial effects that any such changes would have upon the reasonable operation and effectiveness of City government;

(v) submit a written report to the City Council within one (1) year of its appointment, unless the special committee seeks an extension of the one-year period for enumerated reasons stated by the special committee and the City Council approves the requested extension of the one-year period by majority vote. The written report shall include any charter changes the special committee recommends as necessary or desirable by a two-thirds vote of the special committee, and shall include the reasons for the recommended changes to be made and the anticipated effects of the changes as set forth in subsection iv above; and

(vi) dissolve once it files its written report with the City Council.

C. Action on any proposed Charter changes shall be as authorized by law.

A. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to ORD22#2.

5. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 20, 2022, to continue the public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). The Committee voted favorably to ask the City Manager to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document. This appears on this agenda as a Policy Order. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File; Minutes Amended to correct attendance 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent); Mallon attempts to exercise Charter Right; Clerk suggests this is proper - but THIS IS NOT NEW BUSINESS; Mallon says “the Order that we charterwrote” - which is not an actual word, nor is the make-believe word "charterwrote". Siddiqui also rules that committee reports are subject to the Charter Right; Zondervan suggests referring report to the Order contained therein. Clerk suggests taking no action on the report which will move it to Unfinished Business.
Present: Zondervan, Azeem, Carlone, Nolan, Siddiqui
Absent: Mallon, McGovern, Simmons, Toner

Excerpt from the Transcript

CITY CLERK ANTHONY WILSON: Mr. Chair, I just want to again read this to make sure that this is recorded correctly. So Councillor Nolan’s motion is to instruct CDD -- oops, to ask the City Manager to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document. Is that correct?

COUNCILLOR QUINTON Y. ZONDERVAN: Perfect.

COUNCILLOR PATRICIA M. NOLAN: Yes. Thank you.

CITY CLERK ANTHONY WILSON: On that motion.

City Clerk Anthony Wilson called the roll:
Councillor Burhan Azeem – Yes
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone – Yes
Vice Mayor Alanna M. Mallon – Absent
Councillor Marc C. McGovern – Absent
Councillor Patricia M. Nolan – Yes
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui – Yes
Councillor E. Denis Simmons – Absent
Councillor Paul F. Toner – Absent
Councillor Quinton Y. Zondervan – Yes
Yes-5, No-0, Absent-4. Motion Passed

6. The Government, Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public meeting on Jan 11, 2023 for the purpose of reviewing recent report of Boards and Commissions from the City Manager which are subject to City Council approval, and to discuss the City Clerks request for a dedicated email address for City Council communications. [text of report] [EXTRA - Full Info Sheets from Oct 24, 2022 City Manager Communication]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent)
Present: Mallon, Carlone, Nolan
Remote Present: Simmons, Toner
Also Present: Siddiqui, Zondervan
Absent: None

7. The Ordinance Committee met on Jan 26, 2023, to continue the discussion on proposed Ordinance #2022-9, Climate Resilience Zoning. The Committee Voted favorably to send the Petition to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading; Report Acceepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC - Absent)
Present: Azeem, Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan
Remote Present: Simmons
Absent: Toner, Siddiqui

A. An Ordinance 2022 #9 has been received from Diane LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to create a new Section 22.80 Flood Resilience Standards. (ORD22#9)

3. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, regarding the Douglas Brown Petition. (COF23#27)
pulled by Nolan (early) - asks why defective; City Solicitor Glowa says petition affects entire city and not just the property of the petitioner; Nolan and Mallon seem peeved at City Solicitor for apparently contradicting what she said at the previous meeting; Mallon moves to Rescind Previous Vote, but Zondervan exercises Charter Right first; Charter Right - Zondervan
Zondervan makes additional (new) motion asking for legal clarification; Motion Adopted 7-0-2; Communication Placed on File 7-0-2

Feb 1, 2023
Dear Honorable Mayor Siddiqui and Councillors,

On January 9, 2023, the City Council voted to refer the Douglas Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.

The City Solicitor has reviewed this petition further and advised that it is defective.

• The corrective action needed is for the City Council to rescind the vote to refer the Douglas Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report because the Petition is defective as a matter of law.

This vote should take place at the City Council meeting on February 6, 2023.

Best,
Diane LeBlanc
City Clerk

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Feb 6, 2023  Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee met on April 20, 2022, and voted favorably to ask the City Manager to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document. (From Ordinance Committee meeting on April 20, 2022)

O-2     Feb 6, 2023  Amended
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In June of 2020, the City Council passed a policy order requesting that a Public Safety Committee be scheduled to discuss the implementation of body worn cameras for the Cambridge Police Department stating that; “The City of Cambridge has a vested interest in ensuring the safety of both residents and police officers, and embedding opportunities for transparency to facilitate this work”; and
WHEREAS: The policy order further stated; “Having police officers wear body cameras is one way of increasing transparency in local policing. While the research results are mixed about whether the technology decreases police use of force, it is at least a means of oversight and accountability of individual behavior and overall policing”; and
WHEREAS: In response, a Public Safety Committee hearing was held on August 12, 2020, and at that time Former Police Commissioner Branville Bard, former City Manager Louie DePasquale, and the police union all indicated support for police body worn cameras; and
WHEREAS: Even with the support of the Police Department leadership and the previous administration, to this date, Police body worn cameras have not been implemented in the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take immediate steps to begin the process of obtaining police body worn cameras for the Cambridge Police Department, and to work with all appropriate Departments to produce policy recommendations that would allow body worn camera usage while also not violating civil liberties in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department, Purchasing Department and other relevant City departments to investigate state grant opportunities to help with the cost of implementation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a timeline for implementation no later than the last meeting in March 2023.

O-3     Feb 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has recently passed into state law “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” to improve roadway safety for all users, including bicyclists; and
WHEREAS: The new law highlights the importance of red rear lights, in addition to front white lights, which enhance the visibility and safety of bicyclists on the road; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to promoting the use of biking, ensuring the safety of all roadway users within its jurisdiction, and complying with state laws, and has an established and successful bike light distribution program, including schools and at intersections; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City, specifically considering the following actions:

1. Develop an awareness campaign that emphasizes the safety benefits of both front and rear bike lights, and encourages all bicyclists to use them while riding in Cambridge, in compliance with state laws,

2. Develop a plan to distribute rechargeable, high quality bike light sets, with a particular focus on students of all ages, in underserved communities, and along heavily trafficked bike routes,

3. Partner with local organizations, schools, and community centers, to host bike light distribution events and to provide education on the benefits of biking, the importance of bike lights and state laws related to bike safety,

4. Work with local bike shops and bike rental companies to ensure that all bikes being rented or sold include properly functioning lights and that customers are informed about state laws related to bike safety; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council within 90 days on the recommended steps to promote the distribution of bike lights consistent with “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” in Cambridge.

O-4     Feb 6, 2023
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge needs to ensure that trust is established or enhanced with members of our community when it comes to policing; and
WHEREAS: An effective way to affirm that trust would be to invest in more transparency within our departments through the form of open data and more community engagement; and
WHEREAS: Previous councils have been asking for a fully operational police dashboard since the establishment of the Office of Procedural Justice Division within the Cambridge Police Department in 2019, however it has been met with delays due to staffing shortages and technical restraints; and
WHEREAS: During a Public Safety Committee hearing on October 14, 2020, former Cambridge Police Commissioner Bard explained that the City purchased records management software to help gather racial data related to traffic stops; and
WHEREAS: The President’s 21st Century Task Force on Policing, which was established by an executive order in 2014 during the Obama administration, called for more data on police shootings and on public perception of the police, among other things; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct Police Commissioner Elow to work on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest and citation police data on a new Procedural Justice Dashboard as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-5     Feb 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The Finance Co-chairs met with the city administration last fall and discussed plans for a Finance Committee meeting focused on the police budget and the Police Commissioner has worked on budget comparisons and goals and is interested in ensuring the City Council and the community understand the context for the budget; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge municipal code 2.74.040 outlining the duties of the Police Review and Advisory Board states that City Council shall review the police department budget before it is submitted to the City Manager; and the police department should present their budget proposal to the Finance Committee of the City Council before sending their final budget to the City Manager; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has discussed the feasibility of incorporating body cameras into Cambridge Police procedures, including a Special Meeting on August 12, 2020 called to discuss the topic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That when the Co-Chairs of the Finance Committee schedule a committee meeting to discuss the police budget, that the question of how body cameras would affect the budget be included in discussion.

O-6     Feb 6, 2023  Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: In the United States, traffic enforcement has come to be the domain of the police, and police departments play a large role in a majority of Vision Zero programs around the country; and
WHEREAS: The presence of a firearm during a routine traffic stop can potentially escalate tensions and lead to injury or death; and
WHEREAS: Traffic enforcement is a key element of meeting our Vision Zero goals and the implementation of automatic enforcement and unarmed units for traffic enforcement has been shown to reduce the possibility of violence during such encounters; and
WHEREAS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that traffic cameras are in place for enforcement in 23 states, however, Massachusetts currently does not permit automatic traffic enforcement for speeding or red light violations under state law; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge can work with our state legislators on a Home Rule petition to implement automated enforcement; and
WHEREAS: The police would still have jurisdiction to apprehend known criminals, dangerous or erratic drivers, and other extraordinary situations that go beyond routine traffic enforcement; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion in a joint hearing of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Public Safety Committee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-7     Feb 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Policing sometimes requires police officers to use force to make a lawful arrest, place a person into protective custody, effectively bring an incident under control, or to protect the lives and safety of others or the officers themselves; and
WHEREAS: A commitment to using the least force necessary to achieve lawful objectives is a fundamental use of force restraint principle which police departments should embrace as best practice to preserve the sanctity of life; and
WHEREAS: Tasers, pepper spray, control devices and sponge rounds are not always effective when deployed and can still be lethal, but they pose a significantly lower risk of fatality than a gunshot wound; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to explore additional less-than-lethal alternatives that pose the smallest risk of injury when deployed for standard issue in the Cambridge Police Department; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with specific recommendations for possible purchase and implementation of less-than-lethal alternatives.

O-8     Feb 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The 2023 Congressional City Conference hosted by the National League of Cities will take place from Sunday, March 26th through Tuesday, March 28th in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS: A majority of City Councillors will be attending the Conference, making quorum impossible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Regular Meeting scheduled for Mon, Mar 27, 2023, be and hereby is canceled.

O-9     Feb 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Council and the School Committee will hold a joint roundtable on Tues, Feb 14, 2023, at 5:00pm to receive an update from the City Manager, Superintendent, and the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood on the next steps towards the implementation of universal Pre-K in Cambridge.

O-10     Feb 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has held two special meetings in the wake of the fatal shooting of Sayed Arif Faisal by the Cambridge Police Department; and
WHEREAS: While we are not yet aware of the full facts of this case, there is a strong desire by the community to ensure that no member of our community who is in crisis is fatally shot by members of our Police Department; and
WHEREAS: The Middlesex District Attorney’s office is undergoing an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sayed Arif Faisal; and
WHEREAS: In order to prevent future instances, we need to understand where the Cambridge Police Department policies and practices need to be adjusted for the safety of our community members; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to engage a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices regarding de-escalation methods, mental health calls for service, training, and more; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a response no later than the last meeting in March, 2023.

O-11     Feb 6, 2023  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation (CCA) program is currently a two-tiered electricity purchasing initiative with the Standard Product, which residents and businesses are automatically enrolled in on an opt-out basis, and the Green+ product which is an option for those who want to purchase 100% renewable electricity; and
WHEREAS: The program offers as the default standard offering the minimum required renewable energy percent currently 22% plus a .002 cents/kWh additional charge, with a 100% renewable opt-in program; and
WHEREAS: The city’s standard plan renewable energy percent is below most nearby municipalities, including Boston, Watertown, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Salem & Lexington, all at approximately the same price/kWh; and
WHEREAS: According to Peregrine Energy Group, who oversees implementation of the program and maintains account-level database of customer data, indicate that there is a three- to six-month window between account changes and implementation, so the ability to make program changes takes time even for consumers who want to opt-into the Green Plus plan; and
WHEREAS: The 2021 Climate Crisis Working Group recommended making the default standard option for CCA a 100% renewable electricity offering; and
WHEREAS: The City’s 2021 Net Zero Action Plan Update indicates that the Community Choice Aggregation program is supportive of the Energy Supply action item and the report specifically calls for the City to utilize and improve upon the electric aggregation program; and
WHEREAS: The CCA program’s 36-month electricity supply contract runs through January 2024 which means the city will be negotiating a new program this year; and
WHEREAS: Before the next iteration of the CCA, the City should work with The Climate Community and include input from groups such as the Net Zero Action Taskforce, the Climate Crisis Working Group, and Green Cambridge, to inform the development of an RFP and contract specifications; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and all other relevant departments to engage with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program to consider setting a default, opt-out option of 100% renewable electricity and maintain an opt-in option at a lower rate at the minimum renewable percent [and include all commercial and municipal accounts that could benefit from the plan]; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the outreach to community groups and the program development within 6 months.

O-12     Feb 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Mental health resources are necessary to support people in times of need; and
WHEREAS: In July 2022, the national 988 hotline was implemented as a resource to meet our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs; and
WHEREAS: This system has resulted in an increase in people reaching out for help, indicating a previously unmet need for support but many people still do not know about the 988 hotline; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is a public hospital supported by the City that serves many of our residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with staff in the Cambridge Public Health Department to review the current state of mental health resources, particularly for underserved communities, within the CHA; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with recommendations for improving the Cambridge Health Alliance system including, but not limited to, information pertaining to the mental health support programs offered, spreading awareness about the 988 hotline, how easy it is to access emergency psychiatric care, and how we can support the CHA with more funding if necessary.

O-13     Feb 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: There is an abundance of metered parking along Rogers Street in East Cambridge, and residents of the recently built Axiom and Prism buildings have asked the City for more overnight street parking options for residents in this area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as soon as possible on the request to increase overnight resident street parking options in the vicinity of Rogers Street in East Cambridge.